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Yigit M, Basoglu OF, Unutmaz D. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in cancer: dual roles, complex interactions and therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369236. [PMID: 38545100 PMCID: PMC10965779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play diverse roles in cancer, infectious diseases, and immunotherapy. This review explores their intricate involvement in cancer, from early detection to their dual functions in promoting inflammation and mediating anti-tumor responses. Within the solid tumor microenvironment (TME), MAIT cells can acquire an 'exhausted' state and secrete tumor-promoting cytokines. On the other hand, MAIT cells are highly cytotoxic, and there is evidence that they may have an anti-tumor immune response. The frequency of MAIT cells and their subsets has also been shown to have prognostic value in several cancer types. Recent innovative approaches, such as programming MAIT cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), provide a novel and exciting approach to utilizing these cells in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Because MAIT cells have a restricted T cell receptor (TCR) and recognize a common antigen, this also mitigates potential graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and opens the possibility of using allogeneic MAIT cells as off-the-shelf cell therapies in cancer. Additionally, we outline the interactions of MAIT cells with the microbiome and their critical role in infectious diseases and how this may impact the tumor responses of these cells. Understanding these complex roles can lead to novel therapeutic strategies harnessing the targeting capabilities of MAIT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Yigit
- Human Immunology Laboratory, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Omer Faruk Basoglu
- Human Immunology Laboratory, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Derya Unutmaz
- Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
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Kumar V, Bauer C, Stewart JH. TIME Is Ticking for Cervical Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:941. [PMID: 37508372 PMCID: PMC10376148 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is a major health problem among reproductive-age females and comprises a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major risk factor associated with CC incidence. However, lifestyle is also a critical factor in CC pathogenesis. Despite HPV vaccination introduction, the incidence of CC is increasing worldwide. Therefore, it becomes critical to understand the CC tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to develop immune cell-based vaccination and immunotherapeutic approaches. The current article discusses the immune environment in the normal cervix of adult females and its role in HPV infection. The subsequent sections discuss the alteration of different immune cells comprising CC TIME and their targeting as future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
| | - Caitlin Bauer
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
| | - John H Stewart
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
- Louisiana Children's Medical Center Cancer Center, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
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Li YR, Zhou K, Wilson M, Kramer A, Zhu Y, Dawson N, Yang L. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:631-646. [PMID: 36463401 PMCID: PMC10014234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are characterized by their expression of an invariant TCR α chain Vα7.2-Jα33/Jα20/Jα12 paired with a restricted TCR β chain. MAIT cells recognize microbial peptides presented by the highly conserved MHC class I-like molecule MR1 and bridge the innate and acquired immune systems to mediate augmented immune responses. Upon activation, MAIT cells rapidly proliferate, produce a variety of cytokines and cytotoxic molecules, and trigger efficient antitumor immunity. Administration of a representative MAIT cell ligand 5-OP-RU effectively activates MAIT cells and enhances their antitumor capacity. In this review, we introduce MAIT cell biology and their importance in antitumor immunity, summarize the current development of peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived and stem cell-derived MAIT cell products for cancer treatment, and discuss the potential of genetic engineering of MAIT cells for off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kuangyi Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Adam Kramer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Niels Dawson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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Shi L, Lu J, Zhong D, Song M, Liu J, You W, Li WH, Lin L, Shi D, Chen Y. Clinicopathological and predictive value of MAIT cells in non-small cell lung cancer for immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005902. [PMID: 36657812 PMCID: PMC9853268 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remain ineffective in a large group of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a population of unconventional innate-like T lymphocytes abundant in the human body, play important roles in human malignancies. Little is known about the immune characteristics of MAIT cells in NSCLC and correlation with prognosis and response rate of ICIs treatment. METHODS To investigate the distribution, activation status, and function of MAIT cells in NSCLC patients and their correlations with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, MAIT cells in peripheral blood, tumor and paratumor samples from NSCLC patients with or without anti-PD-1 immunotherapy were analyzed using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA-sequencing. RESULTS MAIT cells were enriched in the tumor lesions of NSCLC patients migrating from peripheral blood via the CCR6-CCL20 axis. Both peripheral and tumor-infiltrating MAIT cells displayed an exhausted phenotype with upregulated PD-1, TIM-3, and IL-17A while less IFN-γ. Anti-PD-1 therapy reversed the function of circulating MAIT cells with higher expression of IFN-γ and granzyme B. Subcluster MAIT-17s (defined as cells highly expressing exhausted and Th17-related genes) mainly infiltrated in the non-responsive tissues, while the subcluster MAIT-IFNGRs (cells expressing genes related to cytotoxic function) were mainly enriched in responsive tissues. Moreover, we found predictive value of circulating MAIT cells for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. CONCLUSIONS MAIT cells shifted to an exhausted tumor-promoting phenotype in NSCLC patients and the circulating MAIT subset could be a predictor for patients who respond to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinying Lu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Da Zhong
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meijuan Song
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhua You
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, The Third People’s Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongyan Shi
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Wu W, Liang X, Li H, Huang X, Wan C, Xie Q, Liu Z. Landscape of T Cells in NK-AML(M4/M5) Revealed by Single-Cell Sequencing. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:745-758. [PMID: 35258858 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5a0721-396rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (NK-AML) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy that resides within a complex immune microenvironment, complicating efforts to reveal the interaction between leukemia cells and immune cells. Understanding tumor-infiltrating T cells is crucial to the advancement of immune therapies and the improvement of the prognosis for NK-AML patients. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on bone marrow cells from 5 NK-AML (M4/M5) patients and 1 normal donor and paired single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on single T cells. As a result, we identified 8 T cell clusters based on the gene expression characteristics of each subset in NK-AML and described their developmental trajectories. In NK-AML patients, specific clusters, such as mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs), were preferentially enriched and potentially clonally expanded. These transcriptome and TCR data analyses provide valuable insights and rich resources for understanding the immune environment of NK-AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaolin Liang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Huiqun Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoke Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chengyao Wan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiongni Xie
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhenfang Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Comont T, Nicolau-Travers ML, Bertoli S, Recher C, Vergez F, Treiner E. MAIT cells numbers and frequencies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia at diagnosis: association with cytogenetic profile and gene mutations. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:875-887. [PMID: 34477901 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing or monitoring immune cells is actually a major topic in pre-clinical and clinical studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT) constitute one of the largest subset of innate-like, cytotoxic T cell subsets in humans. Despite some papers suggesting a role for MAIT cells in cancer, their specific involvement remains unclear, especially in myeloid malignancies. This prospective monocentric study included 216 patients with a newly diagnosed AML. Circulating MAIT cells were quantified by flow cytometry at diagnosis and during intensive chemotherapy. We observed that circulating MAIT cells show a specific decline in AML patients at diagnosis compared to healthy donors. Post-induction monitored patients presented with a drastic drop in MAIT cell numbers, with recovery after one month. We also found correlation between decrease in MAIT cells number and adverse cytogenetic profile. FLT3-ITD and IDH ½ mutations were associated with higher MAIT cell numbers. Patients with high level of activated MAIT cells are under-represented within patients with a favorable cytogenetic profile, and over-represented among patients with IDH1 mutations or bi-allelic CEBPA mutations. We show for the first time that circulating MAIT cells are affected in newly diagnosed AML patients, suggesting a link between MAIT cells and AML progression. Our work fosters new studies to deepen our knowledge about the role of MAIT cells in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Comont
- Department of Internal Medicine, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Laboratory of Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Sarah Bertoli
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- Department of Clinical Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Christian Recher
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- Department of Clinical Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Francois Vergez
- Laboratory of Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Emmanuel Treiner
- Laboratory of Immunology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France.
- Infinity, Inserm UMR1291, 330 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31000, Toulouse, France.
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MR1-restricted T cells: the new dawn of cancer immunotherapy. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:226783. [PMID: 33185693 PMCID: PMC7670570 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20202962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has recently undergone rapid development into a validated therapy for clinical use. The adoptive transfer of engineered autologous T cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, has been remarkably successful in patients with leukemia and lymphoma with cluster of differentiation (CD)19 expression. Because of the higher number of antigen choices and reduced incidence of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) than CAR-T cells, T cell receptor (TCR)-T cells are also considered a promising immunotherapy. More therapeutic targets for other cancers need to be explored due to the human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-restricted recognition of TCR-T. Major histocompatibility complex (MHC), class I-related (MR1)-restricted T cells can recognize metabolites presented by MR1 in the context of host cells infected with pathogens. MR1 is expressed by all types of human cells. Recent studies have shown that one clone of a MR1-restricted T (MR1-T) cell can recognize many types of cancer cells without HLA-restriction. These studies provide additional information on MR1-T cells for cancer immunotherapy. This review describes the complexity of MR1-T cell TCR in diseases and the future of cancer immunotherapy.
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Mucosal Associated Invariant T Cells in Cancer-Friend or Foe? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071582. [PMID: 33808058 PMCID: PMC8036566 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a population of unconventional T cells which can bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems. Well-described roles for MAIT cells include host protection against invading bacteria, fungi and viruses. Upon activation, MAIT cells become prolific effector cells, capable of producing a range of cytokines and lytic molecules. In addition to their anti-microbial role, MAIT cells have been implicated in immune responses to cancer, with opposing beneficial and pathogenic roles reported. On the one hand, MAIT cells can home to the site of the tumour in many human cancers and can produce anti-tumour molecules. On the other, MAIT cells can display defective phenotypes in certain cancers and produce pro-tumour molecules. In this review, we discuss the current literature on the diverse roles for MAIT cells in cancer, outlining their frequencies, functions and associations with N staging and prognosis. We also discuss potential mechanisms underpinning cancer-related alterations in MAIT cells and highlight therapeutic approaches to harness or target MAIT cells in cancer.
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MAIT Cells: Partners or Enemies in Cancer Immunotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071502. [PMID: 33805904 PMCID: PMC8037823 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Unconventional T cells have recently come under intense scrutiny because of their innate-like effector functions and unique antigen specificity, suggesting their potential importance in antitumor immunity. MAIT cells, one such population of unconventional T cell, have been shown to significantly influence bacterial infections, parasitic and fungal infections, viral infections, autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases, and, as discussed thoroughly in this review, various cancers. This review aims to merge accumulating evidence, tease apart the complexities of MAIT cell biology in different malignancies, and discuss how these may impact clinical outcomes. While it is clear that MAIT cells can impact the tumor microenvironment, the nature of these interactions varies depending on the type of cancer, subset of MAIT cell, patient demographic, microbiome composition, and the type of therapy administered. This review examines the impact of these variables on MAIT cells and discusses outstanding questions within the field. Abstract A recent boom in mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell research has identified relationships between MAIT cell abundance, function, and clinical outcomes in various malignancies. As they express a variety of immune checkpoint receptors and ligands, and possess strong cytotoxic functions, MAIT cells are an attractive new subject in the field of tumor immunology. MAIT cells are a class of innate-like T cells that express a semi-invariant T cell antigen receptor (TCR) that recognizes microbially derived non-peptide antigens presented by the non-polymorphic MHC class-1 like molecule, MR1. In this review, we outline the current (and often contradictory) evidence exploring MAIT cell biology and how MAIT cells impact clinical outcomes in different human cancers, as well as what role they may have in cancer immunotherapy.
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Xue H, Li H, Ju LL, Han XD, Cheng TC, Luo X, Chen L, Shao JG, She YJ, Bian ZL. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in hepatitis B virus-related liver failure. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4703-4717. [PMID: 32884227 PMCID: PMC7445862 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i31.4703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver failure has high mortality and poor prognosis, and establishing new reliable markers for predicting its prognosis is necessary. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a novel population of innate-like lymphocytes involved in inflammatory liver disease, and their potential role in liver failure remains unclear.
AIM To investigate alteration of circulating MAIT cells and assess its prognostic value in patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related liver failure.
METHODS We recruited 55 patients with HBV-related liver failure, 48 patients with chronic hepatitis B and 40 healthy controls (HCs) from Nantong Third People’s Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were isolated, and the percentage and number of circulating MAIT cells were detected by flow cytometry. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-7, IL-12p70, IL-18 and interferon-α were measured by Luminex assay.
RESULTS Circulating MAIT cells were significantly decreased in HBV-related liver failure patients (percentage: 2.00 ± 1.22 vs 5.19 ± 1.27%, P < 0.0001; number: 5.47 ± 4.93 vs 84.43 ± 19.59, P < 0.0001) compared with HCs. More importantly, there was a significant reduction of MAIT cells in patients with middle/late-stage compared with early-stage liver failure. Circulating MAIT cells partially recovered after disease improvement, both in percentage (4.01 ± 1.21 vs 2.04 ± 0.95%, P < 0.0001) and in cell count (17.24 ± 8.56 vs 7.41 ± 4.99, P < 0.0001). The proportion (2.29 ± 1.01 vs 1.58 ± 1.38%, P < 0.05) and number (7.30 ± 5.70 vs 2.94 ± 1.47, P < 0.001) of circulating MAIT cells were significantly higher in the survival group than in the dead/liver transplantation group, and the Kaplan–Meier curve showed that lower expression of circulating MAIT cells (both percentage and cell count) predicted poor overall survival (P < 0.01). Also, the levels of IL-12 (20.26 ± 5.42 pg/mL vs 17.76 ± 2.79 pg/mL, P = 0.01) and IL-18 (1470.05 ± 1525.38 pg/mL vs 362.99 ± 109.64 pg/mL, P < 0.0001) were dramatically increased in HBV-related liver failure patients compared with HCs.
CONCLUSION Circulating MAIT cells may play an important role in the process of HBV-related liver failure and can be an important prognostic marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Xue
- Department of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Han Li
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lin-Ling Ju
- Nantong Institute of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xu-Dong Han
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tiao-Chun Cheng
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Nantong Institute of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Nantong Institute of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jian-Guo Shao
- Nantong Institute of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yong-Jun She
- Department of Anesthesiology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhao-Lian Bian
- Nantong Institute of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
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Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in Tumors of Epithelial Origin. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1224:63-77. [PMID: 32036605 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35723-8_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate T lymphocytes that circulate in blood and also reside in mucosal tissues. Blood MAIT cells are typically highly Th1-polarized, while those in mucosal tissues include both Th1- and Th17-polarized subsets. MAIT cells mount cytokine and cytolytic responses as a result of T cell receptor (TCR)-mediated recognition of microbially derived metabolites of riboflavin (vitamin B2) presented by the MR1 antigen-presenting molecule. Additionally, MAIT cells can be activated by inflammatory cytokines produced by antigen-presenting cells (APCs) that have been exposed to pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs). Since the antigenic metabolites of riboflavin recognized by MAIT cells are produced by many microorganisms, including pathogens as well as non-pathogenic colonists, the inflammatory state of the tissue may be a key feature that determines the nature of MAIT cell responses. Under normal conditions where inflammatory cytokines are not produced, MAIT cell responses to microbial metabolites may simply serve to help maintain a healthy balance between epithelial cells and microbial colonists. In contrast, in situations where inflammatory cytokines are produced (e.g., pathogenic infection or damage to epithelial tissue), MAIT cell responses may be more potently pro-inflammatory. Since chronic inflammation and microbial drivers are associated with tumorigenesis and also trigger MAIT cell responses, the nexus of MAIT cells, local microbiomes, and epithelial cells may play an important role in epithelial carcinogenesis. This chapter reviews current information about MAIT cells and epithelial tumors, where the balance of evidence suggests that enrichment of Th17-polarized MAIT cells at tumor sites associates with poor patient prognosis. Studying the role of MAIT cells and their interactions with resident microbes offers a novel view of the biology of epithelial tumor progression and may ultimately lead to new approaches to target MAIT cells clinically.
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Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a newly described subset of T cells that are found in the blood and are enriched in many tissues, particularly in the liver. MAIT cells express a semi-invariant T cell receptor restricted by the MHC class I-related (MR1) molecule. MAIT cells are activated in a MR1-dependent manner in response to microbial-derived riboflavin metabolites which leads to rapid effector functions, but they can also be activated in a MR1-independent manner by cytokines and viruses. The use of mice models and MR1 tetramers, among other recent methodological advances, have provided more insight into the development, mode of activation, characterization in different diseases and tissues of MAIT cells. In this chapter, we provide an overview of MAIT cells and yet remaining questions about their potential therapeutic role.
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Godfrey DI, Koay HF, McCluskey J, Gherardin NA. The biology and functional importance of MAIT cells. Nat Immunol 2019; 20:1110-1128. [PMID: 31406380 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-019-0444-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, a population of unconventional T cells called 'mucosal-associated invariant T cells' (MAIT cells) has captured the attention of immunologists and clinicians due to their abundance in humans, their involvement in a broad range of infectious and non-infectious diseases and their unusual specificity for microbial riboflavin-derivative antigens presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I-like protein MR1. MAIT cells use a limited T cell antigen receptor (TCR) repertoire with public antigen specificities that are conserved across species. They can be activated by TCR-dependent and TCR-independent mechanisms and exhibit rapid, innate-like effector responses. Here we review evidence showing that MAIT cells are a key component of the immune system and discuss their basic biology, development, role in disease and immunotherapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dale I Godfrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Hui-Fern Koay
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - James McCluskey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas A Gherardin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Advanced Molecular Imaging, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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