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Xiao W, Yu K, Deng X, Zeng Y. Natural killer cell-associated prognosis model characterizes immune landscape and treatment efficacy of diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Cytokine 2024; 182:156726. [PMID: 39111113 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2024.156726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2024] [Revised: 07/29/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE NK cells are essential for the detection, identification and prediction of cancer. However, so far, there is no prognostic risk model based on NK cell-related genes to predict the prognosis and treatment outcome of DLBCL patients. This study aimed to explore a risk assessment model that could accurately predict the prognosis and treatment efficacy of DLBCL. METHODS Bioinformatics analysis of the expression profiles of DLBCL samples in the GEO database was performed. Cox regression and LASSO regression analysis were used to determine NK cell-related genes associated with patient's prognosis. Based on these genes, a risk assessment model was constructed to predict the prognosis of patients and the effectiveness of treatment. Finally, qRT-PCR was used to verify the expression of gene tags in clinical samples. RESULTS We identified seven prognosis-related NK cell-related genes (MAP2K1, PRKCB, TNFRSF10B, IL18, LAMP1, RASGRP1, and SP110), and DLBCL patients were divided into low- and high-risk groups based on these genes. Survival analysis showed that the prognosis of patients with low-risk group was better. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that the differentially expressed genes between the two risk groups were related to immune response pathways. Compared with the high-risk group, the low-risk group had higher infiltration of immune cells in tumor tissues. Besides, compared with high-risk group, low-risk patients by immunotherapy or other commonly used anti-tumor drugs might have better efficacy after treatment. In addition, qRT-PCR showed that the expression of risk genes including TNFRSF10B, IL18 and LAMP1 were significantly increased in most DLBCL samples compared to control samples, while the expression of protective genes including MAP2K1, PRKCB, RASGRP1 and SP110 were significantly decreased. CONCLUSION The NK cell-related gene signatures were proved to be a reliable indicator of the success of immunotherapy in patients with DLBCL, thus providing a unique evaluation method.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Xiao
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kuai Yu
- Department of Blood Transfusion, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330209, Jiangxi Province, China; Key Laboratory of Jiangxi Province for Transfusion Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 17 Yongwaizheng Street, Nanchang 330209, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xuefei Deng
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yunxin Zeng
- Department of Hematology, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Guangming District, Shenzhen 518107, Guangdong Province, China.
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Wessel RE, Ageeb N, Obeid JM, Mauldin IS, Goundry KA, Hanson GF, Hossain M, Lehman C, Gentzler RD, Wages NA, Slingluff Jr CL, Bullock TNJ, Dolatshahi S, Brown MG. Spatial colocalization and combined survival benefit of natural killer and CD8 T cells despite profound MHC class I loss in non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e009126. [PMID: 39299754 PMCID: PMC11418484 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-009126] [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: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) loss is frequent in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) rendering tumor cells resistant to T cell lysis. NK cells kill MHC-I-deficient tumor cells, and although previous work indicated their presence at NSCLC margins, they were functionally impaired. Within, we evaluated whether NK cell and CD8 T cell infiltration and activation vary with MHC-I expression. METHODS We used single-stain immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Kaplan-Meier analysis to test the effect of NK cell and CD8 T cell infiltration on overall and disease-free survival. To delineate immune covariates of MHC-I-disparate lung cancers, we used multiplexed immunofluorescence (mIF) imaging followed by multivariate statistical modeling. To identify differences in infiltration and intercellular communication between IFNγ-activated and non-activated lymphocytes, we developed a computational pipeline to enumerate single-cell neighborhoods from mIF images followed by multivariate discriminant analysis. RESULTS Spatial quantitation of tumor cell MHC-I expression revealed intratumoral and intertumoral heterogeneity, which was associated with the local lymphocyte landscape. IHC analysis revealed that high CD56+ cell numbers in patient tumors were positively associated with disease-free survival (HR=0.58, p=0.064) and overall survival (OS) (HR=0.496, p=0.041). The OS association strengthened with high counts of both CD56+ and CD8+ cells (HR=0.199, p<1×10-3). mIF imaging and multivariate discriminant analysis revealed enrichment of both CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD3-CD56+ NK cells in MHC-I-bearing tumors (p<0.05). To infer associations of functional cell states and local cell-cell communication, we analyzed spatial single-cell neighborhood profiles to delineate the cellular environments of IFNγ+/- NK cells and T cells. We discovered that both IFNγ+ NK and CD8 T cells were more frequently associated with other IFNγ+ lymphocytes in comparison to IFNγ- NK cells and CD8 T cells (p<1×10-30). Moreover, IFNγ+ lymphocytes were most often found clustered near MHC-I+ tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS Tumor-infiltrating NK cells and CD8 T cells jointly affected control of NSCLC tumor progression. Coassociation of NK and CD8 T cells was most evident in MHC-I-bearing tumors, especially in the presence of IFNγ. Frequent colocalization of IFNγ+ NK cells with other IFNγ+ lymphocytes in near-neighbor analysis suggests NSCLC lymphocyte activation is coordinately regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remziye E Wessel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Nardin Ageeb
- Department of Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Joseph M Obeid
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ileana S Mauldin
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kate A Goundry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Gabriel F Hanson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Mahdin Hossain
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Chad Lehman
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ryan D Gentzler
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Nolan A Wages
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | | | - Timothy N J Bullock
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Sepideh Dolatshahi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Michael G Brown
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology Division, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, Univesity of Virginia, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Kim MS, Jeon S, Lee HJ, Ri HS, Cho AR, Park EJ, Yeo JS, Kim JH, Lee J. NKG2D (Natural Killer Group 2, Member D) ligand expression and ameloblastoma recurrence: a retrospective immunohistological pilot study. BMC Oral Health 2024; 24:1102. [PMID: 39289711 PMCID: PMC11409757 DOI: 10.1186/s12903-024-04873-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 09/05/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE This retrospective immunohistological pilot study aimed to investigate the influence of natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligand expression on ameloblastoma recurrence after surgical resection. It also aimed to elucidate additional clinical factors that could serve as predictors of ameloblastoma recurrence. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study included 96 patients who were histologically diagnosed with ameloblastoma after surgical resection. The expression of NKG2D ligands, including UL16-binding proteins (ULBPs) 1-3 and major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related molecule (MIC) A/B, was evaluated in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor tissues via immunohistochemistry assays. Furthermore, the patients' electronic medical records were reviewed. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was conducted, and data were expressed as adjusted hazard ratios [HRs] with 95% confidence intervals [95% CIs]. RESULTS Multivariate analysis revealed that recurrent tumors (ref.: primary; adjusted HR [95% CI]: 2.780 [1.136, 6.803], p = 0.025) and positive MICA/B expression (ref.: negative; adjusted HR [95% CI]: 0.223 [0.050, 0.989], p = 0.048) independently affected recurrence-free survival in ameloblastoma. CONCLUSION This study identified recurrent cases and loss of MICA/B expression as independent predictors of early ameloblastoma recurrence following surgical resection. The findings suggest that decreased MICA/B expression might undermine NKG2D-mediated tumor immunosurveillance, thereby influencing early recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mee-Seon Kim
- Department of Pathology, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Kyungpook National University Hospital, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soeun Jeon
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Dentistry, Institute for Translational Research in Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University Chilgok Hospital, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea.
| | - Hyeon Jeong Lee
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Su Ri
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah-Reum Cho
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Park
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Pusan National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Research Institute, Pusan National University Hospital, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Song Yeo
- Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Han Kim
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, School of Dentistry, Kyungpook National University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiyoun Lee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
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Nassief G, Anaeme A, Moussa K, Mansour AN, Ansstas G. Recent Advancements in Cell-Based Therapies in Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9848. [PMID: 39337333 PMCID: PMC11432154 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25189848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2024] [Revised: 09/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma outcomes have drastically changed in recent years due to the introduction of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, many patients still experience intolerable side effects, therapy resistance, and disease progression on ICI therapy. Therefore, there remains a need for novel therapeutics that address this gap in treatment options. Cell-based therapies have gained wide attention as a therapeutic option that could address this gap in treatment options for advanced melanoma. These therapies work by extracting certain cell types produced in the human body such as T-cells, modifying them based on a specific target, and transfusing them back into the patient. In the realm of cancer therapy, cell-based therapies utilize immune cells to target tumor cells while sparing healthy cells. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the usage of lifileucel, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, in advanced melanoma. This came following recent results from the C-144-01 study (NCT02360579), which demonstrated the efficacy and safety of TILs in metastatic melanoma patients who otherwise failed on standard ICI/targeted therapy. Thus, the results of this trial as well as the recent FDA approval have proven the viability of utilizing cell-based therapies to fill the gap in treatment options for patients with advanced melanoma. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of major cell-based therapies that have been utilized in melanoma by delineating results of the most recent multi-center phase II/ III clinical trials that evaluate the efficacy and safety of major cell-based therapies in melanoma. Additionally, we provide a summary of current limitations in each cell-based therapeutic option as well as a future direction of how to further extrapolate these cell-based therapies in advanced melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Nassief
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Angela Anaeme
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
| | - Karen Moussa
- UMKC School of Medicine, University of Missouri Kansas City, Kansas City, MO 64108, USA
| | - Abdallah N Mansour
- Department of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 15772 Athens, Greece
| | - George Ansstas
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63110, USA
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Wang K, Wang L, Wang Y, Xiao L, Wei J, Hu Y, Wang D, Huang H. Reprogramming natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2835-2855. [PMID: 38273655 PMCID: PMC11403237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen rapid development in the field of cellular immunotherapy, particularly in regard to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells. However, challenges, such as severe treatment-related toxicities and inconsistent quality of autologous products, have hindered the broader use of CAR-T cell therapy, highlighting the need to explore alternative immune cells for cancer targeting. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cells have been extensively studied in cellular immunotherapy and were found to exert cytotoxic effects without being restricted by human leukocyte antigen and have a lower risk of causing graft-versus-host disease; making them favorable for the development of readily available "off-the-shelf" products. Clinical trials utilizing unedited NK cells or reprogrammed NK cells have shown early signs of their effectiveness against tumors. However, limitations, including limited in vivo persistence and expansion potential, remained. To enhance the antitumor function of NK cells, advanced gene-editing technologies and combination approaches have been explored. In this review, we summarize current clinical trials of antitumor NK cell therapy, provide an overview of innovative strategies for reprogramming NK cells, which include improvements in persistence, cytotoxicity, trafficking and the ability to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and also discuss some potential combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linqin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jieping Wei
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yongxian Hu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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6
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Mohammad Taheri M, Javan F, Poudineh M, Athari SS. Beyond CAR-T: The rise of CAR-NK cell therapy in asthma immunotherapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:736. [PMID: 39103889 PMCID: PMC11302387 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05534-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Asthma poses a major public health burden. While existing asthma drugs manage symptoms for many, some patients remain resistant. The lack of a cure, especially for severe asthma, compels exploration of novel therapies. Cancer immunotherapy successes with CAR-T cells suggest its potential for asthma treatment. Researchers are exploring various approaches for allergic diseases including membrane-bound IgE, IL-5, PD-L2, and CTLA-4 for asthma, and Dectin-1 for fungal asthma. NK cells offer several advantages over T cells for CAR-based immunotherapy. They offer key benefits: (1) HLA compatibility, meaning they can be used in a wider range of patients without the need for matching tissue types. (2) Minimal side effects (CRS and GVHD) due to their limited persistence and cytokine profile. (3) Scalability for "off-the-shelf" production from various sources. Several strategies have been introduced that highlight the superiority and challenges of CAR-NK cell therapy for asthma treatment including IL-10, IFN-γ, ADCC, perforin-granzyme, FASL, KIR, NCRs (NKP46), DAP, DNAM-1, TGF-β, TNF-α, CCL, NKG2A, TF, and EGFR. Furthermore, we advocate for incorporating AI for CAR design optimization and CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology for precise gene manipulation to generate highly effective CAR constructs. This review will delve into the evolution and production of CAR designs, explore pre-clinical and clinical studies of CAR-based therapies in asthma, analyze strategies to optimize CAR-NK cell function, conduct a comparative analysis of CAR-T and CAR-NK cell therapy with their respective challenges, and finally present established novel CAR designs with promising potential for asthma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Javan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Poudineh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyed Shamseddin Athari
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, 12th Street, Shahrake Karmandan, Zanjan, 45139-561111, Iran.
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7
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Zhou Y, Kuerman M, Zhou Q, Hou B, Li B, Li Y, Zhang L, Liu T. Lacticaseibacillus casei K11 exerts immunomodulatory effects by enhancing natural killer cell cytotoxicity via the extracellular regulated-protein kinase pathway. Eur J Nutr 2024; 63:1867-1876. [PMID: 38592520 DOI: 10.1007/s00394-024-03390-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Probiotics can serve as immunomodulators that regulate the activation of immune cells. This study aimed to screen potential probiotic strains that can enhance NK cell toxicity to improve host immunity. METHODS In this investigation, we examined three potential probiotic strains, namely Lactiplantibacillus plantarum YZX21 (YZX21), Bifidobacterium bifidum FL-276.1 (FL-276.1) and Lacticaseibacillus casei K11 (K11), to assess their capacity in modulating NK cytotoxicity both in vitro and in vivo, while elucidating the underlying mechanisms involved. RESULTS The findings demonstrated that K11 exhibited superior efficacy in enhancing NK cytotoxicity. Subsequent analysis revealed that K11 significantly augmented the secretion of perforin and granzyme B by NK cells through activation of receptors NKp30 and NKp46 via the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway. Furthermore, heat-inactivated K11 also enhanced NK cell activity to an extent comparable to live bacteria, with lipoteichoic acid from K11 identified as a crucial factor mediating the activation of NK cell cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION Our study suggests that K11 may have potential applications as probiotics or postbiotics for regulating NK cell cytotoxicity to enhance immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, N-O-1299 Sansha Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Malina Kuerman
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, N-O-1299 Sansha Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Qi Zhou
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, N-O-1299 Sansha Road, Qingdao, 266003, China
| | - Baochao Hou
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy, Hohhot, 010000, China
| | - Baolei Li
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Dairy, Hohhot, 010000, China
| | - Yang Li
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Qingdao Agricultural University, Qingdao, 266109, China
| | - Lanwei Zhang
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, N-O-1299 Sansha Road, Qingdao, 266003, China.
| | - Tongjie Liu
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Ocean University of China, N-O-1299 Sansha Road, Qingdao, 266003, China.
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Farhat M, Croft W, Parry HM, Verma K, Kinsella FAM, Xu J, Bone D, McSkeane T, Paneesha S, Pratt G, Moss P, Zuo J. PD-1 expression contributes to functional impairment of NK cells in patients with B-CLL. Leukemia 2024; 38:1813-1817. [PMID: 38724674 PMCID: PMC11286510 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02271-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/31/2024]
MESH Headings
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Farhat
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Wayne Croft
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Helen M Parry
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Kriti Verma
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Francesca A M Kinsella
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Jinsong Xu
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - David Bone
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
| | - Tina McSkeane
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Shankara Paneesha
- Birmingham Heartlands Hospital, University Hospitals Birmingham, Birmingham, B9 5SS, UK
| | - Guy Pratt
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Paul Moss
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK
- University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, Mindelsohn Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2GW, UK
| | - Jianmin Zuo
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, B15 2TT, UK.
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9
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Kaito Y, Imai Y. Evolution of natural killer cell-targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Int J Hematol 2024; 120:34-43. [PMID: 38693419 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-024-03778-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
In hematologic oncology, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents a significant challenge due to its complex genetic landscape and resistance to conventional therapies. Despite advances in treatment, including intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the prognosis for many patients with AML remains poor. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to improve outcomes by augmenting existing treatments. Natural killer (NK) cells, a subset of innate lymphoid cells, have garnered attention for their potent cytotoxic capabilities against AML cells. In this review, we discuss the role of NK cells in AML immunosurveillance, their dysregulation in patients with AML, and various therapeutic strategies leveraging NK cells in AML treatment. We explore the challenges and prospects associated with NK cell therapy, including approaches to enhance NK cell function, overcome immune evasion mechanisms, and optimize treatment efficacy. Finally, we emphasize the importance of further research to validate and refine patient-first NK cell-based immunotherapies for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kaito
- Department of Hematology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
| | - Yoichi Imai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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10
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Wessel RE, Ageeb N, Obeid JM, Mauldin I, Goundry KA, Hanson GF, Hossain M, Lehman C, Gentzler RD, Wages NA, Slingluff CL, Bullock TNJ, Dolatshahi S, Brown MG. Spatial colocalization and combined survival benefit of natural killer and CD8 T cells despite profound MHC class I loss in non-small cell lung cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.20.581048. [PMID: 38979183 PMCID: PMC11230195 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.20.581048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Background MHC class I (MHC-I) loss is frequent in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) rendering tumor cells resistant to T cell lysis. NK cells kill MHC-I-deficient tumor cells, and although previous work indicated their presence at NSCLC margins, they were functionally impaired. Within, we evaluated whether NK cell and CD8 T cell infiltration and activation vary with MHC-I expression. Methods We used single-stain immunohistochemistry (IHC) and Kaplan-Meier analysis to test the effect of NK cell and CD8 T cell infiltration on overall and disease-free survival. To delineate immune covariates of MHC-I-disparate lung cancers, we used multiplexed immunofluorescence (mIF) imaging followed by multivariate statistical modeling. To identify differences in infiltration and intercellular communication between IFNγ-activated and non-activated lymphocytes, we developed a computational pipeline to enumerate single cell neighborhoods from mIF images followed by multivariate discriminant analysis. Results Spatial quantitation of tumor cell MHC-I expression revealed intra- and inter-tumoral heterogeneity, which was associated with the local lymphocyte landscape. IHC analysis revealed that high CD56+ cell numbers in patient tumors were positively associated with disease-free survival (DFS) (HR=0.58, p=0.064) and overall survival (OS) (HR=0.496, p=0.041). The OS association strengthened with high counts of both CD56+ and CD8+ cells (HR=0.199, p<1×10-3). mIF imaging and multivariate discriminant analysis revealed enrichment of both CD3+CD8+ T cells and CD3-CD56+ NK cells in MHC-I-bearing tumors (p<0.05). To infer associations of functional cell states and local cell-cell communication, we analyzed spatial single cell neighborhood profiles to delineate the cellular environments of IFNγ+/- NK cells and T cells. We discovered that both IFNγ+ NK and CD8 T cells were more frequently associated with other IFNγ+ lymphocytes in comparison to IFNγ- NK cells and CD8 T cells (p<1×10-30). Moreover, IFNγ+ lymphocytes were most often found clustered near MHC-I+ tumor cells. Conclusions Tumor-infiltrating NK cells and CD8 T cells jointly affected control of NSCLC tumor progression. Co-association of NK and CD8 T cells was most evident in MHC-I-bearing tumors, especially in the presence of IFNγ. Frequent co-localization of IFNγ+ NK cells with other IFNγ+ lymphocytes in near-neighbor analysis suggests NSCLC lymphocyte activation is coordinately regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Remziye E Wessel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Nardin Ageeb
- Department of Biology, UVA, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Joseph M Obeid
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Temple University Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19140
| | - Ileana Mauldin
- Department of Surgery, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Kate A Goundry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Gabriel F Hanson
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Mahdin Hossain
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Chad Lehman
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Ryan D Gentzler
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Nolan A Wages
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia 23298-0032
| | - Craig L Slingluff
- Department of Surgery, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Timothy N J Bullock
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Department of Pathology, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Sepideh Dolatshahi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia (UVA) School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
| | - Michael G Brown
- Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Department of Medicine, Nephrology, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Cancer Biology, UVA School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia 22908
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11
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Haanen J, Los C, Phan GQ, Betof Warner A. Adoptive Cell Therapy for Solid Tumors: Current Status in Melanoma and Next-Generation Therapies. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2024; 44:e431608. [PMID: 38776509 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_431608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Lifileucel or TIL has recently been FDA approved for metastatic melanoma patients as first cell therapy for a solid tumor. We discuss roll-out of TIL as new SOC and other upcoming new cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Haanen
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
- Division of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Christy Los
- Division of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Giao Q Phan
- Division of Surgical Oncology, UConn Health, Neag Cancer Center, Farmington, CT
| | - Allison Betof Warner
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA
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12
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Liu W, Li H, Gao Y, Zhang X, Wei Z, Yang D, Jin M, Qiu Z, Shen Z, Chen Z, Qiao Y, Pu L, Yan C, Zhang S, Wang X, Li J. Mitochondrial dysfunction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells is associated with lung carcinogenesis. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:111958. [PMID: 38608441 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
The composition, quantity, and function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are closely correlated with tumorigenesis. However, the mechanisms of PBMCs in lung cancer are not clear. Mitochondria are energy factories of cells, and almost all cellular functions rely on their energy metabolism level. The present study aimed to test whether the mitochondrial function of PBMCs directly determines their tumor immune monitoring function. We recruited 211 subjects, including 105 healthy controls and 106 patients with recently diagnosed with lung cancer. The model of lung carcinogenesis induced by BaP was used in animal experiment, and the Bap carcinogenic metabolite, Benzo(a)pyren-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE), was used in cell experiment. We found that mitochondrial function of PBMCs decreased significantly in patients with new lung cancer, regardless of age. In vivo, BaP caused PBMC mitochondrial dysfunction in mice before the appearance of visible malignant tissue. Moreover, mitochondrial function decreased significantly in mice with lung cancers induced by BaP compared to those without lung cancer after BaP intervention. In vitro, BPDE also induced mitochondrial dysfunction and reduced the aggressiveness of PBMCs toward cancer cells. Furthermore, the changes in mitochondrial energy metabolism gene expression caused by BPDE are involved in this process. Thus, the mitochondrial function of PBMCs is a potential prognostic biomarker or therapeutic target to improve clinical outcomes in patients with lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Endoscopy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China; Maternity&Child Care Center of Dezhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zilin Wei
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Min Jin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhigang Qiu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhiqiang Shen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Zhaoli Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Yamei Qiao
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Lingling Pu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Changqing Yan
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China
| | - Shuang Zhang
- Tianjin Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tianjin 300011, China
| | - Xinxing Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
| | - Junwen Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin 300050, China.
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13
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Liao Y, Xie X, Zhang C, Zhong H, Shan L, Yu P, Xu L. Quercetin exerts anti-tumor immune mechanism by regulating IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to deplete Treg cells. Toxicon 2024; 243:107747. [PMID: 38714236 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer is still the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Due to the lack of effective drug targets, triple-negative breast cancer has a worse prognosis and higher mortality compared with other types of breast cancer, and chemotherapy is still the main treatment for triple-negative breast cancer at present. Quercetin (QUE) is a flavonoid compound found in a variety of fruits and vegetables. The mechanism of QUE has been extensively studied, such as prostate cancer, colon cancer, ovarian cancer, etc. However, the anti-tumor immune mechanism of QUE in triple-negative breast cancer remains unclear. Therefore, we assessed the anti-tumor immune effects of QUE on triple-negative breast cancer using both 4T1 cells and a xenograft mouse model of 4T1 cells. In vitro, we examined the inhibitory effects of QUE on 4T1 cells and its molecular mechanisms through MTT, Transwell, ELISA, and Western blotting. In vivo, by establishing a xenograft mouse model, we utilized flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry, ELISA, and Western blotting to evaluate the anti-tumor immune effects of QUE on triple-negative breast cancer. The results indicate that QUE inhibits the proliferation, migration, and invasion of 4T1 cells, concurrently significantly suppressing the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, it depletes Treg cell content in 4T1 xenograft mice, thereby improving the tumor immune microenvironment and promoting the cytotoxicity of relevant tumor immune cells. These findings suggest that QUE may serve as a potential adjuvant for immune therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yupei Liao
- Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy/Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese. Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) /State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Xiaoqing Xie
- Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy/Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese. Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) /State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Chu Zhang
- Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy/Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese. Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) /State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Haijing Zhong
- Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy/Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese. Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) /State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Luchen Shan
- Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy/Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese. Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) /State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Pei Yu
- Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy/Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese. Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) /State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Lipeng Xu
- Institute of New Drug Research, College of Pharmacy/Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Innovative Chemical Drug Research in Cardio-cerebrovascular Diseases/International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese. Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Ministry of Education (MOE) /State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Molecules and Druggability Assessment of China, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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14
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You J, Wang S, Zhu Y, Zhang Z, Wang J, Lou Y, Yao Y, Hao Y, Liu P. Natural Killer Cells Reprogram Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells to Induce TNF-α Release via NKG2D-Ligand Interaction after Cryo-Thermal Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5151. [PMID: 38791188 PMCID: PMC11121051 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
In our previous studies, a novel cryothermal therapy (CTT) was developed to induce systemic long-term anti-tumor immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells were found to play an important role in CTT-induced long-term immune-mediated tumor control at the late stage after CTT, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are immature myeloid cells that have potent immunosuppressive effects on T cells and weaken the long-term benefits of immunotherapy. Consequently, overcoming MDSC immunosuppression is essential for maintaining the long-term efficacy of immunotherapy. In this study, we revealed that NK cells considerably diminish MDSC accumulation at the late stage after CTT, boost T cell production, increase T cell activation, and promote MDSC maturation, culminating in Th1-dominant CD4+ T cell differentiation and enhancing NK and CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity. Additionally, NK cells activate ERK signaling in MDSCs through NKG2D-ligand interaction to increase the activity of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α converting enzyme (TACE)-cleaved membrane TNF-α. Furthermore, Increased TACE activity releases more soluble TNF-α from MDSCs to promote MDSC maturation. In our studies, we propose a novel mechanism by which NK cells can overcome MDSC-induced immunosuppression and maintain CTT-induced persistent anti-tumor immunity, providing a prospective therapeutic option to improve the performance of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Ping Liu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Med-X Research Institute, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China; (J.Y.); (S.W.); (Y.Z.); (Z.Z.); (J.W.); (Y.L.); (Y.Y.); (Y.H.)
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15
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Jiao D, Hao M, Sun R, Ren X, Wei Y, Ding M, Yue X, Wu Z, Li C, Gao L, Ma C, Sang Y, Liang X, Liu H. Dynamic Hybrid Module-Driven NK Cell Stimulation and Release for Tumor Immunotherapy. NANO LETTERS 2024; 24:5481-5489. [PMID: 38639407 DOI: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.4c00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have become a powerful candidate for adoptive tumor immunotherapy, while their therapeutic efficacy in solid tumors remains unsatisfactory. Here, we developed a hybrid module with an injectable hydrogel and hydroxyapatite (HAp) nanobelts for the controlled delivery of NK cells to enhance the therapy of solid tumors. Surface-functionalized HAp nanobelts modified with agonistic antibodies against NKG2D and 4-1BB and cytokines IL-2 and IL-21 support survival and dynamic activation. Thus, the HAp-modified chitosan (CS) thermos-sensitive hydrogel not only improved the retention of NK cells for more than 20 days in vivo but also increased NK cell function by more than one-fold. The unique architecture of this biomaterial complex protects NK cells from the hostile tumor environment and improves antitumor efficacy. The generation of a transient inflammatory niche for NK cells through a biocompatible hydrogel reservoir may be a conversion pathway to prevent cancer recurrence of resectable tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deyan Jiao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Min Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Renhui Sun
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Xiaolei Ren
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Yanfei Wei
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Miaomiao Ding
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Cheeloo College of Medical, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Lifen Gao
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Yuanhua Sang
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education and Department of Immunology, Cheeloo Medical College, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
| | - Hong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Crystal Materials, Shandong University, Jinan 250000, China
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16
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Wang P, Chen J, Zhong R, Xia Y, Wu Z, Zhang C, Yao H. Recent advances of ultrasound-responsive nanosystems in tumor immunotherapy. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2024; 198:114246. [PMID: 38479562 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2024.114246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by boosting the immune system and preventing disease escape mechanisms. Despite its potential, challenges like limited response rates and adverse immune effects impede its widespread clinical adoption. Ultrasound (US), known for its safety and effectiveness in tumor diagnosis and therapy, has been shown to significantly enhance immunotherapy when used with nanosystems. High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) can obliterate tumor cells and elicit immune reactions through the creation of immunogenic debris. Low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU) bolsters tumor immunosuppression and mitigates metastasis risk by concentrating dendritic cells. Ultrasonic cavitation (UC) produces microbubbles that can transport immune enhancers directly, thus strengthening the immune response and therapeutic impact. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) merges nanotechnology with immunotherapy, using specialized sonosensitizers to kill cancer cells and stimulate immune responses, increasing treatment success. This review discusses the integration of ultrasound-responsive nanosystems in tumor immunotherapy, exploring future opportunities and current hurdles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Penghui Wang
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Rui'an people's Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University), Rui'an 325200, China
| | - Ji Chen
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Rui'an people's Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University), Rui'an 325200, China
| | - Runming Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Rui'an people's Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University), Rui'an 325200, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xia
- Center For Peak of Excellence on Biological Science and Food Engineering, National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Zhina Wu
- Department of Ultrasound Medicine, Rui'an people's Hospital (The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University), Rui'an 325200, China
| | - Chunye Zhang
- Center For Peak of Excellence on Biological Science and Food Engineering, National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou 215004, China
| | - Hai Yao
- Center For Peak of Excellence on Biological Science and Food Engineering, National University of Singapore (Suzhou) Research Institute, Suzhou 215004, China.
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Tao S, Norman PJ, You X, Kichula KM, Dong L, Chen N, He Y, Chen C, Zhang W, Zhu F. High-resolution KIR and HLA genotyping in three Chinese ethnic minorities reveals distinct origins. HLA 2024; 103:e15482. [PMID: 38625090 PMCID: PMC11027949 DOI: 10.1111/tan.15482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
Polymorphism of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their HLA class I ligands impacts the effector activity of cytotoxic NK cell and T cell subsets. Therefore, understanding the extent and implications of KIR and HLA class I genetic polymorphism across various populations is important for immunological and medical research. In this study, we conducted a high-resolution investigation of KIR and HLA class I diversity in three distinct Chinese ethnic minority populations. We studied the She, Yugur, and Tajik, and compared them with the Zhejiang Han population (Zhe), which represents the majority Southern Han ethnicity. Our findings revealed that the Tajik population exhibited the most diverse KIR copy number, allele, and haplotype diversity among the four populations. This diversity aligns with their proposed ancestral origin, closely resembling that of Iranian populations, with a relatively higher presence of KIR-B genes, alleles, and haplotypes compared with the other Chinese populations. The Yugur population displayed KIR distributions similar to those of the Tibetans and Southeast Asians, whereas the She population resembled the Zhe and other East Asians, as confirmed by genetic distance analysis of KIR. Additionally, we identified 12.9% of individuals across the three minority populations as having KIR haplotypes characterized by specific gene block insertions or deletions. Genetic analysis based on HLA alleles yielded consistent results, even though there were extensive variations in HLA alleles. The observed variations in KIR interactions, such as higher numbers of 2DL1-C2 interactions in Tajik and Yugur populations and of 2DL3-C1 interactions in the She population, are likely shaped by demographic and evolutionary mechanisms specific to their local environments. Overall, our findings offer valuable insights into the distribution of KIR and HLA diversity among three distinct Chinese ethnic minority populations, which can inform future clinical and population studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudan Tao
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Xuan You
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Katherine M. Kichula
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, and Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado, United States
| | - Lina Dong
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Nanying Chen
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yizhen He
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chen Chen
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Faming Zhu
- Blood Center of Zhejiang Province, Key Laboratory of Blood Safety Research of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, People’s Republic of China
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18
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Chen Y, Liu C, Fang Y, Chen W, Qiu J, Zhu M, Wei W, Tu J. Developing CAR-immune cell therapy against SARS-CoV-2: Current status, challenges and prospects. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116066. [PMID: 38373592 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-immune cell therapy has revolutionized the anti-tumor field, achieving efficient and precise tumor clearance by directly guiding immune cell activity to target tumors. In addition, the use of CAR-immune cells to influence the composition and function of the immune system and ultimately achieve virus clearance and immune system homeostasis has attracted the interest of researchers. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) triggered a global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). To date, the rapidly mutating SARS-CoV-2 continues to challenge existing therapies and has raised public concerns regarding reinfection. In patients with COVID-19, the interaction of SARS-CoV-2 with the immune system influences the course of the disease, and the coexistence of over-activated immune system components, such as macrophages, and severely compromised immune system components, such as natural killer cells, reveals a dysregulated immune system. Dysregulated immune-induced inflammation may impair viral clearance and T-cell responses, causing cytokine storms and ultimately leading to patient death. Here, we summarize the research progress on the use of CAR-immune cells against SARS-CoV-2 infection. Furthermore, we discuss the feasibility, challenges and prospect of CAR-immune cells as a new immune candidate therapy against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhao Chen
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yilong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Weile Chen
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Jiaqi Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Mengjuan Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wei Wei
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| | - Jiajie Tu
- Key Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Ministry of Education, Anhui Collaborative Innovation Center of Anti-Inflammatory and Immune Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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Shang Q, Liu W, Leslie F, Yang J, Guo M, Sun M, Zhang G, Zhang Q, Wang F. Nano-formulated delivery of active ingredients from traditional Chinese herbal medicines for cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:1525-1541. [PMID: 38572106 PMCID: PMC10985040 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has garnered promise in tumor progression, invasion, and metastasis through establishing durable and memorable immunological activity. However, low response rates, adverse side effects, and high costs compromise the additional benefits for patients treated with current chemical and biological agents. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) are a potential treasure trove of natural medicines and are gaining momentum in cancer immunomodulation with multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway characteristics. The active ingredient extracted from CHMs benefit generalized patients through modulating immune response mechanisms. Additionally, the introduction of nanotechnology has greatly improved the pharmacological qualities of active ingredients through increasing the hydrophilicity, stability, permeability, and targeting characteristics, further enhancing anti-cancer immunity. In this review, we summarize the mechanism of active ingredients for cancer immunomodulation, highlight nano-formulated deliveries of active ingredients for cancer immunotherapy, and provide insights into the future applications in the emerging field of nano-formulated active ingredients of CHMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Shang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wandong Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Faith Leslie
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jiapei Yang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mingmei Guo
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mingjiao Sun
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Whiting School of Engineering, the Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Guangji Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Key Laboratory of Blood-stasis-toxin Syndrome of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou 310053, China
- Traditional Chinese Medicine “Preventing Disease” Wisdom Health Project Research Center of Zhejiang, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmaceutics and New Drug Delivery Systems, State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Feihu Wang
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
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20
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Murphy DA, Osteicochea D, Atkins A, Sannes C, McClarnon Z, Adjei IM. Optimizing Oxygen-Production Kinetics of Manganese Dioxide Nanoparticles Improves Hypoxia Reversal and Survival in Mice with Bone Metastases. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:1125-1136. [PMID: 38365202 PMCID: PMC10979454 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Persistent hypoxia in bone metastases induces an immunosuppressive environment, limiting the effectiveness of immunotherapies. To address chronic hypoxia, we have developed manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoparticles with tunable oxygen production kinetics for sustained oxygenation in bone metastases lesions. Using polyethylene glycol (PEG)-stabilized MnO2 or poly(lactic[50]-co-glycolic[50] acid) (50:50 PLGA), poly(lactic[75]-co-glycolic[25] acid) (75:25 PLGA), and polylactic acid (PLA)-encapsulated MnO2 NPs, we demonstrate that polymer hydrophobicity attenuates burst oxygen production and enables tunable oxygen production kinetics. The PEG-MnO2 NPs resulted in rapid hypoxia reduction in spheroids, which was rapidly attenuated, while the PLA-MnO2 NPs exhibited delayed hypoxia control in cancer spheroids. The 50:50 PLGA-MnO2 NPs exhibited the best short- and long-term control of hypoxia in cancer spheroids, resulting in sustained regulation of the expression of HIF-1α and immunosuppressive genes. The sustained control of hypoxia by the 50:50 PLGA-MnO2 NPs enhanced the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against cancer spheroids. In vivo, 50:50 PLGA-MnO2 showed greater accumulation in the long bones and pelvis, common sites for bone metastases. The NPs decreased hypoxia in bone metastases and decreased regulatory T cell levels, resulting in enhanced survival of mice with established bone metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Murphy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Daniela Osteicochea
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Aidan Atkins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Caitlin Sannes
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Zachary McClarnon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
| | - Isaac M Adjei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas 77843, United States
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21
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Boulanger H, Bounan S, Mahdhi A, Drouin D, Ahriz-Saksi S, Guimiot F, Rouas-Freiss N. Immunologic aspects of preeclampsia. AJOG GLOBAL REPORTS 2024; 4:100321. [PMID: 38586611 PMCID: PMC10994979 DOI: 10.1016/j.xagr.2024.100321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a syndrome with multiple etiologies. The diagnosis can be made without proteinuria in the presence of dysfunction of at least 1 organ associated with hypertension. The common pathophysiological pathway includes endothelial cell activation, intravascular inflammation, and syncytiotrophoblast stress. There is evidence to support, among others, immunologic causes of preeclampsia. Unlike defense immunology, reproductive immunology is not based on immunologic recognition systems of self/non-self and missing-self but on immunotolerance and maternal-fetal cellular interactions. The main mechanisms of immune escape from fetal to maternal immunity at the maternal-fetal interface are a reduction in the expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules by trophoblast cells, the presence of complement regulators, increased production of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase, activation of regulatory T cells, and an increase in immune checkpoints. These immune protections are more similar to the immune responses observed in tumor biology than in allograft biology. The role of immune and nonimmune decidual cells is critical for the regulation of trophoblast invasion and vascular remodeling of the uterine spiral arteries. Regulatory T cells have been found to play an important role in suppressing the effectiveness of other T cells and contributing to local immunotolerance. Decidual natural killer cells have a cytokine profile that is favored by the presence of HLA-G and HLA-E and contributes to vascular remodeling. Studies on the evolution of mammals show that HLA-E, HLA-G, and HLA-C1/C2, which are expressed by trophoblasts and their cognate receptors on decidual natural killer cells, are necessary for the development of a hemochorial placenta with vascular remodeling. The activation or inhibition of decidual natural killer cells depends on the different possible combinations between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors, expressed by uterine natural killer cells, and the HLA-C1/C2 antigens, expressed by trophoblasts. Polarization of decidual macrophages in phenotype 2 and decidualization of stromal cells are also essential for high-quality vascular remodeling. Knowledge of the various immunologic mechanisms required for adequate vascular remodeling and their dysfunction in case of preeclampsia opens new avenues of research to identify novel biological markers or therapeutic targets to predict or prevent the onset of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henri Boulanger
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Clinique de l'Estrée, Stains, France (Drs Boulanger and Ahriz-Saksi)
| | - Stéphane Bounan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint-Denis Hospital Center, Saint-Denis, France (Drs Bounan and Mahdhi)
| | - Amel Mahdhi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Saint-Denis Hospital Center, Saint-Denis, France (Drs Bounan and Mahdhi)
| | - Dominique Drouin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinique de l'Estrée, Stains, France (Dr Drouin)
| | - Salima Ahriz-Saksi
- Department of Nephrology and Dialysis, Clinique de l'Estrée, Stains, France (Drs Boulanger and Ahriz-Saksi)
| | - Fabien Guimiot
- Fetoplacental Unit, Robert-Debré Hospital, Assistance Publique – Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France (Dr Guimiot)
| | - Nathalie Rouas-Freiss
- Fundamental Research Division, CEA, Institut de biologie François Jacob, Hemato-Immunology Research Unit, Inserm UMR-S 976, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, Paris University, Saint-Louis Hospital, Paris, France (Dr Rouas-Freiss)
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22
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Zhang B, Yang M, Zhang W, Liu N, Wang D, Jing L, Xu N, Yang N, Ren T. Chimeric antigen receptor-based natural killer cell immunotherapy in cancer: from bench to bedside. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:50. [PMID: 38221520 PMCID: PMC10788349 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has rapidly evolved in the past decades in the battle against cancer. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have demonstrated significant success in certain hematologic malignancies, although they still face certain limitations, including high costs and toxic effects. Natural killer cells (NK cells), as a vital component of the immune system, serve as the "first responders" in the context of cancer development. In this literature review, we provide an updated understanding of NK cell development, functions, and their applications in disease therapy. Furthermore, we explore the rationale for utilizing engineered NK cell therapies, such as CAR-NK cells, and discuss the differences between CAR-T and CAR-NK cells. We also provide insights into the key elements and strategies involved in CAR design for engineered NK cells. In addition, we highlight the challenges currently encountered and discuss the future directions in NK cell research and utilization, including pre-clinical investigations and ongoing clinical trials. Based on the outstanding antitumor potential of NK cells, it is highly likely that they will lead to groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Mengzhe Yang
- Graduate School of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Weiming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530199, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Hematology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518052, China
| | - Daogang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Liangfang Jing
- Department of Neonatology, Women and Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, 650101, China.
| | - Tao Ren
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China.
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23
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Zhang H, Yang L, Wang T, Li Z. NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:63-86. [PMID: 37601277 PMCID: PMC10432724 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells display a unique inherent ability to identify and eliminate virus-infected cells and tumor cells. They are particularly powerful for elimination of hematological cancers, and have attracted considerable interests for therapy of solid tumors. However, the treatment of solid tumors with NK cells are less effective, which can be attributed to the very complicated immunosuppressive microenvironment that may lead to the inactivation, insufficient expansion, short life, and the poor tumor infiltration of NK cells. Fortunately, the development of advanced nanotechnology has provided potential solutions to these issues, and could improve the immunotherapy efficacy of NK cells. In this review, we summarize the activation and inhibition mechanisms of NK cells in solid tumors, and the recent advances in NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy boosted by diverse nanomaterials. We also propose the challenges and opportunities for the clinical application of NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China
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24
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French AR, Cron RQ, Cooper MA. Immunology of Cytokine Storm Syndromes: Natural Killer Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2024; 1448:145-159. [PMID: 39117813 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-59815-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes that rapidly produce cytokines upon activation and kill target cells. NK cells have been of particular interest in primary hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (pHLH) since all of the genetic defects associated with this disorder cause diminished cytotoxic capacity of NK cells and T lymphocytes, and assays of NK cell killing are used clinically for the diagnosis of HLH. Herein, we review human NK cell biology and the significance of alterations in NK cell function in the diagnosis and pathogenesis of HLH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony R French
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Randy Q Cron
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Megan A Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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25
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Ahmadvand M, Barough MS, Barkhordar M, Faridfar A, Ghaderi A, Jalaeikhoo H, Rajaienejad M, Majidzadeh K, Ghavamzadeh A, Sarrami-Forooshani R. Phase I non-randomized clinical trial of allogeneic natural killer cells infusion in acute myeloid leukemia patients. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:1090. [PMID: 37950209 PMCID: PMC10636850 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11610-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A new type of immune cell transplantation called allogeneic NK cell infusion is proposed as a potential universal off-the-shelf cell product for adoptive immune cell therapy in hematologic malignancies. DESIGN A multicentral phase I non-randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the safety, feasibility, and potential efficacy of adoptively infused NK cells in patients with refractory/relapsed AML. We evaluated the feasibility of the trial by considering cell production, patient selection, and treatment protocol. METHOD Allogeneic NK cells were produced from random healthy unrelated donors; 10 patients were selected according to the inclusion criteria and were included in two groups in case of NK cell dose escalation. Two cell infusions were given, spaced 7 days apart, following a lymphodepletion conditioning regimen of fludarabin-endoxan administered 7 days before the first infusion. The intervention safety was scored using Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) based on variations in vital signs due to cell infusion. NK cell chimerism, tumor burden, and duration of relapse were considered to be components of efficacy. The pilot feasibility evaluation was checked using the CONSORT platform. RESULTS The NK cell infusion procedure was well tolerated, and no grade 2-5 toxicities related (possible or probable) to PB-NK cell infusion were observed. Four patients developed grade 1 transient chills, headaches, vomiting, and bone pain following each PB-NK cell infusion that were not required hospitalization. One of these patients (p01) died because of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Of 9 evaluable patients, 6 (66.6%) showed stable disease (SD) and 3 (33.3%) presented progressive disease (PD). Of 6 SD patients, 2 (p08 and p09) remained alive in SD and 3 patients (p04, p05 and p07) converted to PD at 9 months after infusion of NK cells, and 1 (p03) was not evaluable due to follow-up loss. No patient achieved complete remission. CONCLUSION The study demonstrated the feasibility and safety of adoptive transfer of random healthy unrelated donor PB-NK cells in refractory/relapsed AML patients and supports continued study in phase II clinical trials in relapsed/refractory AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmadvand
- Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology and Cell Therapy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahdieh Shokrollahi Barough
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, P.O. BOX: 15179/64311, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Barkhordar
- Cell Therapy and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Research Institute for Oncology, Hematology and Cell Therapy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Faridfar
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, P.O. BOX: 15179/64311, Tehran, Iran
| | - Afshin Ghaderi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Medical Oncology Ward, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Hasan Jalaeikhoo
- Research Center for Cancer Epidemiology and Screening, Aja University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rajaienejad
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, P.O. BOX: 15179/64311, Tehran, Iran
| | - Keivan Majidzadeh
- Genetics Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ardeshir Ghavamzadeh
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, P.O. BOX: 15179/64311, Tehran, Iran.
- Cancer and cell therapy research center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ramin Sarrami-Forooshani
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, P.O. BOX: 15179/64311, Tehran, Iran.
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Zhang H, Wang J, Li F. Modulation of natural killer cell exhaustion in the lungs: the key components from lung microenvironment and lung tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1286986. [PMID: 38022613 PMCID: PMC10657845 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1286986] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of tumor-induced death worldwide and remains a primary global health concern. In homeostasis, due to its unique structure and physiological function, the lung microenvironment is in a state of immune tolerance and suppression, which is beneficial to tumor development and metastasis. The lung tumor microenvironment is a more complex system that further enhances the immunosuppressive features in the lungs. NK cells are abundantly located in the lungs and play crucial roles in lung tumor surveillance and antitumor immunity. However, the immunosuppressive microenvironment promotes significant challenges to NK cell features, leading to their hypofunction, exhaustion, and compromised antitumor activity. Thus, understanding the complex interactions among the lung microenvironment, lung tumor microenvironment, and NK cell exhaustion is critical for the development of effective cancer immunotherapeutic strategies. The present review will discuss NK cell hypofunction and exhaustion within the lung microenvironment and lung tumor microenvironment, focusing on lung tissue-specific factors, including key cytokines and unique environmental components, that modulate NK cell activation and function. Understanding the functional mechanisms of key factors would help to design strategies to reverse NK cell exhaustion and restore their antitumor function within the lung tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Zhang
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Fengqi Li
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, Anhui, China
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27
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Jiang H, Jiang J. Balancing act: the complex role of NK cells in immune regulation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275028. [PMID: 38022497 PMCID: PMC10652757 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275028] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as fundamental components of innate immunity, can quickly react to abnormalities within the body. In-depth research has revealed that NK cells possess regulatory functions not only in innate immunity but also in adaptive immunity under various conditions. Multiple aspects of the adaptive immune process are regulated through NK cells. In our review, we have integrated multiple studies to illuminate the regulatory function of NK cells in regulating B cell and T cell responses during adaptive immune processes, focusing on aspects including viral infections and the tumor microenvironment (TME). These insights provide us with many new understandings on how NK cells regulate different phases of the adaptive immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy, Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu, China
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28
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Shi H, Tsang Y, Yang Y, Chin HL. Identification of ONECUT3 as a stemness-related transcription factor regulating NK cell-mediated immune evasion in pancreatic cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:18133. [PMID: 37875589 PMCID: PMC10598193 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-45560-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal response to the current T cell-based immunotherapies, which is attributed to intratumoral heterogeneity caused by PDAC stem cells and lack of major histocompatibility complex class I required for neoantigen presentation. Although this scenario makes natural killer (NK) cells attractive candidates for immunotherapeutic agents targeting MHC-I-deficient cancer stem cells in heterogeneous PDACs, little is known about PDAC stem cell immunology. In our study, PDAC-specific datasets from public databases were collected for in-depth bioinformatic analysis. We found that the abundance of PDAC stemness negatively influenced the infiltration of NK cells and identified the transcription factor ONECUT3 enriched in PDACs with high stemness index scores and Pan-cancer Stemness Signature levels. A series of NK cell-targeted inhibitory immune checkpoints were highly expressed in ONECUT3high PDACs. The patient group with high levels of ONECUT3 expression had a high risk of poor overall survival, even if accompanied by high infiltration of NK cells. Furthermore, the prostanoid metabolic process was enriched in ONECUT3high PDACs with high levels of NK cell-targeted inhibitory immune checkpoints. ONECUT3 enriched in high-stemness PDACs possessed the potential to transcriptionally regulate the prostanoid metabolism-related genes. Our study reveals ONECUT3 as a candidate stemness-related transcription factor regulating NK cell-targeted inhibitory immune checkpoints in PDAC. ONECUT3-mediated prostanoid metabolism may regulate cancer stemness and immune evasion in PDAC. Synergistic inhibition of prostanoid metabolism may improve the efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapies targeting intratumoral heterogeneity caused by PDAC stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haojun Shi
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Institute for Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yiusing Tsang
- Department of General Surgery, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yisi Yang
- Graduate School of Asia-Pacific Studies, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hok Leong Chin
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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29
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Ockfen E, Filali L, Pereira Fernandes D, Hoffmann C, Thomas C. Actin cytoskeleton remodeling at the cancer cell side of the immunological synapse: good, bad, or both? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1276602. [PMID: 37869010 PMCID: PMC10585106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1276602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CLs), specifically cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, are indispensable guardians of the immune system and orchestrate the recognition and elimination of cancer cells. Upon encountering a cancer cell, CLs establish a specialized cellular junction, known as the immunological synapse that stands as a pivotal determinant for effective cell killing. Extensive research has focused on the presynaptic side of the immunological synapse and elucidated the multiple functions of the CL actin cytoskeleton in synapse formation, organization, regulatory signaling, and lytic activity. In contrast, the postsynaptic (cancer cell) counterpart has remained relatively unexplored. Nevertheless, both indirect and direct evidence has begun to illuminate the significant and profound consequences of cytoskeletal changes within cancer cells on the outcome of the lytic immunological synapse. Here, we explore the understudied role of the cancer cell actin cytoskeleton in modulating the immune response within the immunological synapse. We shed light on the intricate interplay between actin dynamics and the evasion mechanisms employed by cancer cells, thus providing potential routes for future research and envisioning therapeutic interventions targeting the postsynaptic side of the immunological synapse in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. This review article highlights the importance of actin dynamics within the immunological synapse between cytotoxic lymphocytes and cancer cells focusing on the less-explored postsynaptic side of the synapse. It presents emerging evidence that actin dynamics in cancer cells can critically influence the outcome of cytotoxic lymphocyte interactions with cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ockfen
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Liza Filali
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Diogo Pereira Fernandes
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Céline Hoffmann
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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Benavente MCR, Hughes HB, Kremer PG, Subedi GP, Barb AW. Inhibiting N-glycan processing increases the antibody binding affinity and effector function of human natural killer cells. Immunology 2023; 170:202-213. [PMID: 37218360 PMCID: PMC10524233 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel approaches are required to improve the efficacy of immunotherapies and increase the proportion of patients who experience a benefit. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) contributes to the efficacy of many monoclonal antibodies therapies. Natural killer (NK) cells mediate ADCC, though responses are highly variable and depend on prior treatment as well as other factors. Thus, strategies to increase NK cell activity are expected to improve multiple therapies. Both cytokine treatment and NK cell receptor engineering are being explored to increase ADCC. Post-translational modifications, including glycosylation, are widely recognized as mediators of cellular processes but minimally explored as an alternative strategy to increase ADCC. We evaluated the impact of treatment with kifunensine, an inhibitor of asparagine-linked (N-)glycan processing, on ADCC using primary and cultured human NK cells. We also probed affinity using binding assays and CD16a structure with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Treating primary human NK cells and cultured YTS-CD16a cells with kifunensine doubled ADCC in a CD16a-dependent manner. Kifunensine treatment also increased the antibody-binding affinity of CD16a on the NK cell surface. Structural interrogation identified a single CD16a region, proximal to the N162 glycan and the antibody-binding interface, perturbed by the N-glycan composition. The observed increase in NK cell activity following kifunensine treatment synergized with afucosylated antibodies, further increasing ADCC by an additional 33%. These results demonstrate native N-glycan processing is an important factor that limits NK cell ADCC. Furthermore, optimal antibody and CD16a glycoforms are defined that provide the greatest ADCC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harrison B. Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Paul G. Kremer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Ganesh P. Subedi
- Roy J Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Adam W. Barb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Roy J Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
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Lachota M, Zielniok K, Palacios D, Kanaya M, Penna L, Hoel HJ, Wiiger MT, Kveberg L, Hautz W, Zagożdżon R, Malmberg KJ. Mapping the chemotactic landscape in NK cells reveals subset-specific synergistic migratory responses to dual chemokine receptor ligation. EBioMedicine 2023; 96:104811. [PMID: 37741009 PMCID: PMC10520535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have a unique capability of spontaneous cytotoxicity against malignant cells and hold promise for off-the-shelf cell therapy against cancer. One of the key challenges in the field is to improve NK cell homing to solid tumors. METHODS To gain a deeper understanding of the cellular mechanisms regulating trafficking of NK cells into the tumor, we used high-dimensional flow cytometry, mass cytometry, and single-cell RNA-sequencing combined with functional assays, creating a comprehensive map of human NK cell migration phenotypes. FINDINGS We found that the chemokine receptor repertoire of peripheral blood NK cells changes in a coordinated manner becoming progressively more diversified during NK cell differentiation and correlating tightly with the migratory response of the distinct NK cell subsets. Simultaneous ligation of CXCR1/2 and CX3CR1, synergistically potentiated the migratory response of NK cells. Analysis of 9471 solid cancers from publicly available TCGA/TARGET repositories revealed dominant chemokine patterns that varied across tumor types but with no tumor group expressing ligands for more than one chemokine receptor present on mature NK cells. INTERPRETATION The finding that chemokine stimulation can elicit a synergistic migratory response in NK cells combined with the identified lack of naturally occurring pairs of chemokines-chemokine receptors in human cancers may explain the systematic exclusion of NK cells from the tumor microenvironment and provides a basis for engineering next-generation NK cell therapies against malignancies. FUNDING The Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the National Science Centre, Poland, The Norwegian Cancer Society, the Norwegian Research Council, the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, The Swedish Cancer Society, the Swedish Children's Cancer Foundation, The Swedish Research Council, The Center of Excellence: Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and National Cancer Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieszko Lachota
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Zielniok
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniel Palacios
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Minoru Kanaya
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Leena Penna
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Julie Hoel
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Thune Wiiger
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Kveberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Wojciech Hautz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway; Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Razizadeh MH, Zafarani A, Taghavi-Farahabadi M, Khorramdelazad H, Minaeian S, Mahmoudi M. Natural killer cells and their exosomes in viral infections and related therapeutic approaches: where are we? Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:261. [PMID: 37749597 PMCID: PMC10519079 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is the first line of the host immune system to fight against infections. Natural killer cells are the innate immunity lymphocytes responsible for fighting against virus-infected and cancerous cells. They have various mechanisms to suppress viral infections. On the other hand, viruses have evolved to utilize different ways to evade NK cell-mediated responses. Viruses can balance the response by regulating the cytokine release pattern and changing the proportion of activating and inhibitory receptors on the surface of NK cells. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that are involved in intercellular communication. Most cell populations can release these nano-sized vesicles, and it was shown that these vesicles produce identical outcomes to the originating cell from which they are released. In recent years, the role of NK cell-derived exosomes in various diseases including viral infections has been highlighted, drawing attention to utilizing the therapeutic potential of these nanoparticles. In this article, the role of NK cells in various viral infections and the mechanisms used by viruses to evade these important immune system cells are initially examined. Subsequently, the role of NK cell exosomes in controlling various viral infections is discussed. Finally, the current position of these cells in the treatment of viral infections and the therapeutic potential of their exosomes are reviewed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Razizadeh
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zafarani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Taghavi-Farahabadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Sara Minaeian
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Mahmoudi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Kiaei SZF, Nouralishahi A, Ghasemirad M, Barkhordar M, Ghaffari S, Kheradjoo H, Saleh M, Mohammadzadehsaliani S, Molaeipour Z. Advances in natural killer cell therapies for breast cancer. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:705-726. [PMID: 37282729 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer death in women. According to the American Cancer Society's yearly cancer statistics, BC constituted almost 15% of all the newly diagnosed cancer cases in 2022 for both sexes. Metastatic disease occurs in 30% of patients with BC. The currently available treatments fail to cure metastatic BC, and the average survival time for patients with metastatic BC is approximately 2 years. Developing a treatment method that terminates cancer stem cells without harming healthy cells is the primary objective of novel therapeutics. Adoptive cell therapy is a branch of cancer immunotherapy that utilizes the immune cells to attack cancer cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of innate immunity and are critical in destroying tumor cells without prior stimulation with antigens. With the advent of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), the autologous or allogeneic use of NK/CAR-NK cell therapy has raised new hopes for treating patients with cancer. Here, we describe recent developments in NK and CAR-NK cell immunotherapy, including the biology and function of NK cells, clinical trials, different sources of NK cells and their future perspectives on BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zahra Fotook Kiaei
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ghasemirad
- Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Maryam Barkhordar
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center (HORCSCT), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sasan Ghaffari
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Mahshid Saleh
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin Graduate School, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Zahra Molaeipour
- Hematology Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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Zhang Y, Zhou W, Yang J, Yang J, Wang W. Chimeric antigen receptor engineered natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:70. [PMID: 37563648 PMCID: PMC10413722 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00431-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a unique component of the innate immune system, are inherent killers of stressed and transformed cells. Based on their potent capacity to kill cancer cells and good tolerance of healthy cells, NK cells have been successfully employed in adoptive cell therapy to treat cancer patients. In recent years, the clinical success of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells has proven the vast potential of gene-manipulated immune cells as the main force to fight cancer. Following the lessons learned from mature gene-transfer technologies and advanced strategies in CAR-T therapy, NK cells have been rapidly explored as a promising candidate for CAR-based therapy. An exponentially growing number of studies have employed multiple sources of CAR-NK cells to target a wide range of cancer-related antigens, showing remarkable outcomes and encouraging safety profiles. Clinical trials of CAR-NK cells have also shown their impressive therapeutic efficacy in the treatment of hematological tumors, but CAR-NK cell therapy for solid tumors is still in the initial stages. In this review, we present the favorable profile of NK cells as a potential platform for CAR-based engineering and then summarize the outcomes and strategies of CAR-NK therapies in up-to-date preclinical and clinical investigations. Finally, we evaluate the challenges remaining in CAR-NK therapy and describe existing strategies that can assist us in devising future prospective solutions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Weilin Zhou
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiangping Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology and Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinrong Yang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China
- Hematology Research Laboratory, Department of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Biotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, People's Republic of China.
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Yang Y, She S, Ren L, Zhao B, Chen D, Chen H. Prognosis and therapeutic benefits prediction based on NK cell marker genes through single-cell RNA-seq with integrated bulk RNA-seq analysis for hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1208165. [PMID: 37554171 PMCID: PMC10406383 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1208165] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells greatly participate in regulating tumorigenesis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Natural killer cell, as an important role of innate immunity, plays an indispensable role in antitumor immunity and regulate tumor development. In this study, we firstly identified 251 NK cell marker genes of HCC based on single-cell RNA sequencing data. Subsequently, an NK cell marker genes-related prognostic signature (NKPS) was developed in the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) cohort for risk stratification and prognosis prediction. The predictive value of the NKPS in prognosis was well validated in different clinical subgroups and three external datasets (ICGC-LIHC cohort, GSE14520 cohort and Guilin cohort). Moreover, multivariate analysis revealed the independent prognostic value of NKPS for OS in HCC. Further functional analysis indicated the NKPS was associated with basic cellular processes, that may contribute to the development and progression of HCC. Thereafter, immune characteristics as well as the therapeutic benefits in NKPS risk score-defined subgroups were analyzed. Patients with low-risk score exhibited immune-active status, manifested as higher immune scores, more infiltration of CD8+ T cells and macrophage M1, and higher T-cell receptor (TCR) richness and diversity. Remarkably, the NKPS was negatively correlated with immunotherapy response-related signatures. In addition, the low-risk group exhibited significantly improved therapeutic benefits, either from immunotherapy or traditional chemotherapy and target therapy. Overall, the NKPS showed an excellent predictive value for prognosis and therapeutic responses for HCC, which might also provide novel insights into better HCC management strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Yang
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shaopin She
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liying Ren
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Bigeng Zhao
- Laboratory of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, Guangxi, China
| | - Dongbo Chen
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hongsong Chen
- Peking University Hepatology Institute, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hepatitis C and Immunotherapy for Liver Diseases, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Liu Z, Ding M, Qiu P, Pan K, Guo Q. Natural killer cell-related prognostic risk model predicts prognosis and treatment outcomes in triple-negative breast cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1200282. [PMID: 37520534 PMCID: PMC10373504 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1200282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial to the emergence, identification, and prognosis of cancers. The roles of NK cell-related genes in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and immunotherapy treatment are unclear. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive malignant tumor. Hence, this study was conducted to develop a reliable risk model related to NK cells and provide a novel system for predicting the prognosis of TNBC. Methods NK cell-related genes were collected from previous studies. Based on TCGA and GEO database, univariate and LASSO cox regression analysis were used to establish the NK cell-related gene signature. The patients with TNBC were separated to high-risk and low-risk groups. After that, survival analysis was conducted and the responses to immunotherapies were evaluated on the basis of the signature. Moreover, the drug sensitivity of some traditional chemotherapeutic drugs was assessed by using the "oncoPredict" R package. In addition, the expression levels of the genes involved in the signature were validated by using qRT-PCR in TNBC cell lines. Results The patients with TNBC were divided into high- and low-risk groups according to the median risk score of the 5-NK cell-related gene signature. The low-risk group was associated with a better clinical outcome. Besides, the differentially expressed genes between the different risk groups were enriched in the biological activities associated with immunity. The tumor immune cells were found to be highly infiltrated in the low-risk groups. In accordance with the TIDE score and immune checkpoint-related gene expression analysis, TNBC patients in the low-risk groups were suggested to have better responses to immunotherapies. Eventually, some classical anti-tumor drugs were shown to be less effective in high-risk groups than in low-risk groups. Conclusion The 5-NK cell-related gene signature exhibit outstanding predictive performance and provide fresh viewpoints for evaluating the success of immunotherapy. It will provide new insights to achieve precision and integrated treatment for TNBC in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zundong Liu
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Mingji Ding
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Pengjun Qiu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Kelun Pan
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Qiaonan Guo
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
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Deol S, Donahue PS, Mitrut RE, Hammitt-Kess IJ, Ahn J, Zhang B, Leonard JN. Comparative Evaluation of Synthetic Cytokines for Enhancing Production and Performance of NK92 Cell-Based Therapies. GEN BIOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 2:228-246. [PMID: 37363412 PMCID: PMC10286265 DOI: 10.1089/genbio.2023.0024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Off-the shelf immune cell therapies are potentially curative and may offer cost and manufacturing advantages over autologous products, but further development is needed. The NK92 cell line has a natural killer-like phenotype, has efficacy in cancer clinical trials, and is safe after irradiation. However, NK92 cells lose activity post-injection, limiting efficacy. This may be addressed by engineering NK92 cells to express stimulatory factors, and comparative analysis is needed. Thus, we systematically explored the expression of synthetic cytokines for enhancing NK92 cell production and performance. All synthetic cytokines evaluated (membrane-bound IL2 and IL15, and engineered versions of Neoleukin-2/15, IL15, IL12, and decoy resistant IL18) enhanced NK92 cell cytotoxicity. Engineered cells were preferentially expanded by expressing membrane-bound but not soluble synthetic cytokines, without compromising the radiosensitivity required for safety. Some membrane-bound cytokines conferred cell-contact independent paracrine activity, partly attributable to extracellular vesicles. Finally, we characterized interactions within consortia of differently engineered NK92 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simrita Deol
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Patrick S. Donahue
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Roxana E. Mitrut
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Iva J. Hammitt-Kess
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Jihae Ahn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joshua N. Leonard
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Program, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Chemistry of Life Processes Institute, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
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Koh EK, Lee HR, Son WC, Park GY, Bae J, Park YS. Antitumor effects of NK cells expanded by activation pre‑processing of autologous feeder cells before irradiation in colorectal cancer. Oncol Lett 2023; 25:232. [PMID: 37153058 PMCID: PMC10157612 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in early immune defenses against transformed cells and are used in the therapeutic management of cancer. However, it is difficult to sufficiently obtain high purity activated NK cells for clinical application. The function of NK cells is dependent on the balance of activating and inhibitory signals. Strong and diverse stimuli are required to increase the function of NK cells. Radiotherapy modulates the expression of various immunomodulatory molecules that recruit and activate NK cells. NK cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity is one of the most potent cytotoxic effects of NK cells against target cancer cells. To generate activated and irradiated autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), cytokine and monoclonal antibody stimulation followed by ionizing radiation was performed in the present study. The expanded NK cells were cultured for 21 days using activated/irradiated autologous PBMCs. Colorectal cancer cells (SW480 and HT-29) were used to analyze the expression of NK group 2D ligands and EGFR by radiation. The cytotoxicity of radiation plus NK cell-based targeted therapy against colorectal cancer cell lines was analyzed using flow cytometry. Activated and irradiated PBMCs exhibited significantly increased expression of various activating ligands that stimulated NK cells. In total, >10,000-fold high-purity activated NK cells were obtained, with negligible T-cell contamination. To confirm the antitumor activity of the NK cells expanded by this method, the expanded NK cells were treated with cetuximab, radiotherapy, or a combination of cetuximab and radiotherapy in the presence of human colorectal cancer cells. Expanded NK cells were effective at targeting human colorectal cancer cells, particularly when combined with cetuximab and radiotherapy. Thus, in the present study, a novel method for high-purity activated NK cell expansion was developed using activated and irradiated PBMCs. In addition, combined radiotherapy and antibody-based immunotherapy with expanded NK cells may be an effective strategy to enhance the efficiency of treatment against colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Kyoung Koh
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Gijang-gun, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong-Rae Lee
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Gijang-gun, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo-Chang Son
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Gijang-gun, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea
| | - Ga-Young Park
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Gijang-gun, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeho Bae
- Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Republic of Korea
- Professor Jaeho Bae, Department of Biochemistry, Pusan National University School of Medicine, 49 Busandaehak-ro, Mulgeum-eup, Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do 50612, Republic of Korea, E-mail:
| | - You-Soo Park
- Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Gijang-gun, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence to: Dr You-Soo Park, Department of Research Center, Dongnam Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, 40 Jwadong-gil, Jangan-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan 46033, Republic of Korea, E-mail:
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D’Silva SZ, Singh M, Pinto AS. NK cell defects: implication in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112059. [PMID: 37228595 PMCID: PMC10203541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a complex disease with rapid progression and poor/unsatisfactory outcomes. In the past few years, the focus has been on developing newer therapies for AML; however, relapse remains a significant problem. Natural Killer cells have strong anti-tumor potential against AML. This NK-mediated cytotoxicity is often restricted by cellular defects caused by disease-associated mechanisms, which can lead to disease progression. A stark feature of AML is the low/no expression of the cognate HLA ligands for the activating KIR receptors, due to which these tumor cells evade NK-mediated lysis. Recently, different Natural Killer cell therapies have been implicated in treating AML, such as the adoptive NK cell transfer, Chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy, antibodies, cytokine, and drug treatment. However, the data available is scarce, and the outcomes vary between different transplant settings and different types of leukemia. Moreover, remission achieved by some of these therapies is only for a short time. In this mini-review, we will discuss the role of NK cell defects in AML progression, particularly the expression of different cell surface markers, the available NK cell therapies, and the results from various preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Z. D’Silva
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Meenakshi Singh
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Andrea S. Pinto
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
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40
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Greening DW, Xu R, Ale A, Hagemeyer CE, Chen W. Extracellular vesicles as next generation immunotherapeutics. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:73-100. [PMID: 36773820 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) function as a mode of intercellular communication and molecular transfer to elicit diverse biological/functional response. Accumulating evidence has highlighted that EVs from immune, tumour, stromal cells and even bacteria and parasites mediate the communication of various immune cell types to dynamically regulate host immune response. EVs have an innate capacity to evade recognition, transport and transfer functional components to target cells, with subsequent removal by the immune system, where the immunological activities of EVs impact immunoregulation including modulation of antigen presentation and cross-dressing, immune activation, immune suppression, and immune surveillance, impacting the tumour immune microenvironment. In this review, we outline the recent progress of EVs in immunorecognition and therapeutic intervention in cancer, including vaccine and targeted drug delivery and summarise their utility towards clinical translation. We highlight the strategies where EVs (natural and engineered) are being employed as a therapeutic approach for immunogenicity, tumoricidal function, and vaccine development, termed immuno-EVs. With seminal studies providing significant progress in the sequential development of engineered EVs as therapeutic anti-tumour platforms, we now require direct assessment to tune and improve the efficacy of resulting immune responses - essential in their translation into the clinic. We believe such a review could strengthen our understanding of the progress in EV immunobiology and facilitate advances in engineering EVs for the development of novel EV-based immunotherapeutics as a platform for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- David W Greening
- Molecular Proteomics, Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Baker Department of Cardiovascular Research, Translation and Implementation, Australia; Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia; Central Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Baker Department of Cardiometabolic Health, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Rong Xu
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Anukreity Ale
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Christoph E Hagemeyer
- Central Clinical School, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Weisan Chen
- Department of Biochemistry and Chemistry, School of Agriculture, Biomedicine and Environment, La Trobe University, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract
The long-term benefits demonstrated by immunotherapy in select tumors have failed to generalize to most nonhematologic solid tumors. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT)-a treatment on the basis of the isolation and engineering of living T cells and other immune cells-has shown early clinical advances. ACT, through tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte therapy, has shown activity in traditionally immunogenic tumors such as melanoma and cervical cancers, and has the potential to improve immune reactivity in these tumor types where traditional therapies have failed. Engineered T-cell receptor and chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapies have also shown activity in select nonhematologic solid tumors. Through receptor engineering, and improved understanding of tumor antigens, these therapies have the potential to target poorly immunogenic tumors to deliver long-lasting responses. Additionally, non-T-cell therapies such as natural killer-cell therapy may allow for allogeneic forms of ACT. Each form of ACT has trade-offs that will likely limit their application to specific clinical settings. Key challenges with ACT include the logistical challenges of manufacturing, accurate antigen identification, and the risk of on-target, off-tumor toxicity. The successes of ACT are built on decades of advances in cancer immunology, antigen identification, and cell engineering. With continued refinements in these processes, ACT may extend the benefits of immunotherapy to more patients with advanced nonhematologic solid tumors. Herein, we review the major forms of ACT, their successes, and strategies to overcome the trade-offs of current ACTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Olson
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
- University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
| | - Kunle Odunsi
- University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
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42
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Tsumura R, Haruta M, Kuwano M, Yasunaga M. Expansion of mixed immune cells using CD3/CD161 co-stimulation for the treatment of cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6803. [PMID: 37100864 PMCID: PMC10133288 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33987-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell transfer (ACT) is a type of personalized immunotherapy in which expanded immune cells are administered to patients with cancer. However, single-cell populations, such as killer T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and NKT (NKT) cells, have been generally used, and their effectiveness remains limited. Here, we established a novel culture method via CD3/CD161 co-stimulation and successfully expanded CD3+/CD4+ helper T cells, CD3+/CD8+ cytotoxic T cells (CTLs), CD3-/CD56+ NK cells, CD3+/CD1d+ NKT cells, CD3+/CD56+ NKT cells, CD3+/TCRγδ+ T cells, and CD3-/CD11c+/HLA-DR+ dendritic cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors; their respective numbers were 155.5, 1132.5, 5.7, 117.0, 659.2, 325.6, and 6.8 times higher than those before expansion. These mixed immune cells showed strong cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines Capan-1 and SW480. Moreover, both CD3+/CD8+ CTLs and CD3+/CD56+ NKT cells killed tumor cells in cell contact-dependent and -independent manners via granzyme B and interferon-γ/TNF-α, respectively. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of the mixed cells was significantly superior to that of CTLs or NKTs alone. A bet-hedging CTL-NKT circuitry is one potential mechanism underlying this cooperative cytotoxicity. Collectively, CD3/CD161 co-stimulation may be a promising culture method to expand multiple, distinct immune cell populations for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryo Tsumura
- Division of Developmental Therapeutics, EPOC, National Cancer Center, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan
| | - Miwa Haruta
- Dojin institute of cancer immunology, Co., Ltd. Kumamoto, Kumamoto, 862-0967, Japan
| | - Masataka Kuwano
- Dojin institute of cancer immunology, Co., Ltd. Kumamoto, Kumamoto, 862-0967, Japan
| | - Masahiro Yasunaga
- Division of Developmental Therapeutics, EPOC, National Cancer Center, 6-5-1, Kashiwanoha, Kashiwa, Chiba, 277-8577, Japan.
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43
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Ruf B, Greten TF, Korangy F. Innate lymphoid cells and innate-like T cells in cancer - at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:351-371. [PMID: 37081117 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00562-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies targeting conventional T cells have revolutionized systemic treatment for many cancers, yet only a subset of patients benefit from these approaches. A better understanding of the complex immune microenvironment of tumours is needed to design the next generation of immunotherapeutics. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and innate-like T cells (ILTCs) are abundant, tissue-resident lymphocytes that have recently been shown to have critical roles in many types of cancers. ILCs and ILTCs rapidly respond to changes in their surrounding environment and act as the first responders to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. This places ILCs and ILTCs as pivotal orchestrators of the final antitumour immune response. In this Review, we outline hallmarks of ILCs and ILTCs and discuss their emerging role in antitumour immunity, as well as the pathophysiological adaptations leading to their pro-tumorigenic function. We explore the pleiotropic, in parts redundant and sometimes opposing, mechanisms that underlie the delicate interplay between the different subsets of ILCs and ILTCs. Finally, we highlight their role in amplifying and complementing conventional T cell functions and summarize immunotherapeutic strategies for targeting ILCs and ILTCs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Firouzeh Korangy
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Wang C, Liu J, Li W. 'Off the shelf' immunotherapies: Generation and application of pluripotent stem cell-derived immune cells. Cell Prolif 2023; 56:e13425. [PMID: 36855955 PMCID: PMC10068955 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, great strides have been made toward the development of immune cell-based therapies in the treatment of refractory malignancies. Primary T cells and NK cells armed with chimeric antigen receptors have achieved tremendous clinical success especially in patients with leukaemia and lymphoma. However, the autologous origin of these effector cells means that a single batch of laboriously engineered cells treats only a certain patient, leading to high cost, ununiform product quality, and risk of delay in treatment, and therefore results in restricted accessibility of these therapies to the overwhelming majority of the patients. Addressing these tricky obstacles calls for the development of universal immune cell products that can be provided 'off the shelf' in a large amount. Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs), owing to their unique capacity of self-renewal and the potential of multi-lineage differentiation, offer an unlimited cell source to generate uniform and scalable engineered immune cells. This review discusses the major advances in the development of PSC-derived immune cell differentiation approaches and their therapeutic potential in treating both hematologic malignancies and solid tumours. We also consider the potency of PSC-derived immune cells as an alternative therapeutic strategy for other diseases, such as autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, infections, et al.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Bejing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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45
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Piccinelli S, Romee R, Shapiro RM. The natural killer cell immunotherapy platform: an overview of the landscape of clinical trials in liquid and solid tumors. Semin Hematol 2023; 60:42-51. [PMID: 37080710 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
The translation of natural killer (NK) cells to the treatment of malignant disease has made significant progress in the last few decades. With a variety of available sources and improvements in both in vitro and in vivo NK cell expansion, the NK cell immunotherapy platform has come into its own. The enormous effort continues to further optimize this platform, including ways to enhance NK cell persistence, trafficking to the tumor microenvironment, and cytotoxicity. As this effort bears fruit, it is translated into a plethora of clinical trials in patients with advanced malignancies. The adoptive transfer of NK cells, either as a standalone therapy or in combination with other immunotherapies, has been applied for the treatment of both liquid and solid tumors, with numerous early-phase trials showing promising results. This review aims to summarize the key advantages of NK cell immunotherapy, highlight several of the current approaches being taken for its optimization, and give an overview of the landscape of clinical trials translating this platform into clinic.
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46
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Lopes N, Vivier E, Narni-Mancinelli E. Natural killer cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells in cancer. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101709. [PMID: 36621291 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a group of innate lymphocytes that do not express RAG-dependent rearranged antigen-specific cell surface receptors. ILCs are classified into five groups according to their developmental trajectory and cytokine production profile. They encompass NK cells, which are cytotoxic, helper-like ILCs 1-3, which functionally mirror CD4+ T helper (Th) type 1, Th2 and Th17 cells respectively, and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells. NK cell development depends on Eomes (eomesodermin), whereas the ILC1 program is regulated principally by the transcription factor T-bet (T-box transcription factor Tbx21), that of ILC2 is regulated by GATA3 (GATA-binding protein 3) and that of ILC3 is regulated by RORγt (RAR-related orphan receptor γ). NK cells were discovered close to fifty years ago, but ILC1s were first described only about fifteen years ago. Within the ILC family, NK and ILC1s share many similarities, as witnessed by their cell surface phenotype which largely overlap. NK cells and ILC1s have been reported to respond to tissue inflammation and intracellular pathogens. Several studies have reported an antitumorigenic role for NK cells in both humans and mice, but data for ILC1s are both scarce and contradictory. In this review, we will first describe the different NK cell and ILC1 subsets, their effector functions and development. We will then discuss their role in cancer and the effects of the tumor microenvironment on their metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noella Lopes
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France; Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
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47
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Berrien-Elliott MM, Jacobs MT, Fehniger TA. Allogeneic natural killer cell therapy. Blood 2023; 141:856-868. [PMID: 36416736 PMCID: PMC10023727 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in adoptive cell therapy for treating cancer is exploding owing to early clinical successes of autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocyte therapy. However, limitations using T cells and autologous cell products are apparent as they (1) take weeks to generate, (2) utilize a 1:1 donor-to-patient model, (3) are expensive, and (4) are prone to heterogeneity and manufacturing failures. CAR T cells are also associated with significant toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and prolonged cytopenias. To overcome these issues, natural killer (NK) cells are being explored as an alternative cell source for allogeneic cell therapies. NK cells have an inherent ability to recognize cancers, mediate immune functions of killing and communication, and do not induce graft-versus-host disease, cytokine release syndrome, or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. NK cells can be obtained from blood or cord blood or be derived from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, and can be expanded and cryopreserved for off-the-shelf availability. The first wave of point-of-care NK cell therapies led to the current allogeneic NK cell products being investigated in clinical trials with promising preliminary results. Basic advances in NK cell biology and cellular engineering have led to new translational strategies to block inhibition, enhance and broaden target cell recognition, optimize functional persistence, and provide stealth from patients' immunity. This review details NK cell biology, as well as NK cell product manufacturing, engineering, and combination therapies explored in the clinic leading to the next generation of potent, off-the-shelf cellular therapies for blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam T. Jacobs
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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48
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Liu W, Gao Y, Li H, Wang X, Jin M, Shen Z, Yang D, Zhang X, Wei Z, Chen Z, Li J. Association between oxidative stress, mitochondrial function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells and gastrointestinal cancers. J Transl Med 2023; 21:107. [PMID: 36765353 PMCID: PMC9921196 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03952-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The incidence and mortality rate of gastrointestinal cancers are high worldwide. Increasing studies have illustrated that the occurrence, progression, metastasis and prognosis of cancers are intimately linked to the immune system. Mitochondria, as the main source of cellular energy, play an important role in maintaining the physiological function of immune cells. However, the relationship between mitochondrial function of immune cells and tumorigenesis has not yet been systematically investigated. METHODS A total of 150 cases, including 60 healthy donors and 90 primary gastrointestinal cancer patients without anti-tumor treatments (30 with gastric cancer, 30 with liver cancer and 30 with colorectal cancer) were involved in our study. The oxidant/antioxidant and cytokine levels in plasma, the ROS level, mitochondrial function and apoptosis ratio of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were evaluated. RESULTS The imbalance between oxidant and antioxidant in plasma was discovered in the primary gastrointestinal cancer patients. The levels of cell reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial ROS in PBMCs of primary gastrointestinal cancers were significantly increased compared with that in healthy donors. Meanwhile, the ATP content, the mtDNA copy number and the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in PBMCs of patients with primary gastrointestinal cancers were lower than those in control group. The decreased MMP also occurred in immune cells of gastrointestinal cancers, including T cell, B cell, NK cell and monocyte. Furthermore, the PBMCs apoptosis ratio of primary gastrointestinal cancer patients was significantly higher than that of control group. Importantly, an increase of IL-2 and IL-6 and a decrease of IgG in plasma were found in the patients with primary gastrointestinal cancers. These changes of mitochondrial function in immune cells were consistent among primary gastrointestinal cancers without anti-tumor treatments, such as liver cancer, gastric cancer and colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated that the imbalance of oxidation/antioxidation in primary gastrointestinal cancer patients without anti-tumor treatments results in excessive ROS. The oxidative stress was associated to the mitochondrial dysfunction, the apoptosis of immune cells and eventually the abnormal immune function in primary gastrointestinal cancers. The application of immune cell mitochondrial dysfunction into clinical evaluation is anticipated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Liu
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Yuan Gao
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
- Maternity & Child Care Center of Dezhou, Dezhou, Shandong, China
| | - Hua Li
- Department of Endoscopy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinxing Wang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Min Jin
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhiqiang Shen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xuelian Zhang
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zilin Wei
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhaoli Chen
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China.
| | - Junwen Li
- Tianjin Institute of Environmental and Operational Medicine, Tianjin, China.
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Moran J, Mylod E, Kane LE, Marion C, Keenan E, Mekhaeil M, Lysaght J, Dev KK, O’Sullivan J, Conroy MJ. Investigating the Effects of Olaparib on the Susceptibility of Glioblastoma Multiforme Tumour Cells to Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Responses. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:360. [PMID: 36839682 PMCID: PMC9959685 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common adult primary brain malignancy, with dismal survival rates of ~14.6 months. The current standard-of-care consists of surgical resection and chemoradiotherapy, however the treatment response is limited by factors such as tumour heterogeneity, treatment resistance, the blood-brain barrier, and immunosuppression. Several immunotherapies have undergone clinical development for GBM but demonstrated inadequate efficacy, yet future combinatorial approaches are likely to hold more promise. Olaparib is FDA-approved for BRCA-mutated advanced ovarian and breast cancer, and clinical studies have revealed its utility as a safe and efficacious radio- and chemo-sensitiser in GBM. The ability of Olaparib to enhance natural killer (NK) cell-mediated responses has been reported in prostate, breast, and lung cancer. This study examined its potential combination with NK cell therapies in GBM by firstly investigating the susceptibility of the GBM cell line T98G to NK cells and, secondly, examining whether Olaparib can sensitise T98G cells to NK cell-mediated responses. Here, we characterise the NK receptor ligand profile of T98G cells and demonstrate that Olaparib does not dampen T98G susceptibility to NK cells or elicit immunomodulatory effects on the function of NK cells. This study provides novel insights into the potential combination of Olaparib with NK cell therapies for GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Moran
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
| | - Laura E. Kane
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline Marion
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emily Keenan
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marianna Mekhaeil
- Drug Development Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kumlesh K. Dev
- Drug Development Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jacintha O’Sullivan
- Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, D08 W9RT Dublin, Ireland
| | - Melissa J. Conroy
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, Trinity College Dublin, D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
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50
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Anang V, Singh A, Kottarath SK, Verma C. Receptors of immune cells mediates recognition for tumors. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 194:219-267. [PMID: 36631194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the immune system has been steered toward eradication of cancer cells with the help of cancer immunotherapy. T cells, B cells, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, T-reg cells, and natural killer (NK) cells are some of the numerous immune cell types that play a significant part in cancer cell detection and reduction of inflammation, and the antitumor response. Briefly stated, chimeric antigen receptors, adoptive transfer and immune checkpoint modulators are currently the subjects of research focus for successful immunotherapy-based treatments for a variety of cancers. This chapter discusses ongoing investigations on the mechanisms and recent developments by which receptors of immune cells especially that of lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages regulate the detection of immune system leading to malignancies. We will also be looking into the treatment strategies based on these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Anang
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sarat Kumar Kottarath
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Huston, TX, United States.
| | - Chaitenya Verma
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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