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Cheng L, Chen L, Shi Y, Gu W, Ding W, Zheng X, Liu Y, Jiang J, Zheng Z. Efficacy and safety of bispecific antibodies vs. immune checkpoint blockade combination therapy in cancer: a real-world comparison. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:77. [PMID: 38627681 PMCID: PMC11020943 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01956-6] [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: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging tumor immunotherapy methods encompass bispecific antibodies (BSABs), immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), and adoptive cell immunotherapy. BSABs belong to the antibody family that can specifically recognize two different antigens or epitopes on the same antigen. These antibodies demonstrate superior clinical efficacy than monoclonal antibodies, indicating their role as a promising tumor immunotherapy option. Immune checkpoints are also important in tumor immunotherapy. Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) is a widely acknowledged immune checkpoint target with effective anti-tumor activity. PD-1 inhibitors have demonstrated notable therapeutic efficacy in treating hematological and solid tumors; however, more than 50% of patients undergoing this treatment exhibit a poor response. However, ICI-based combination therapies (ICI combination therapies) have been demonstrated to synergistically increase anti-tumor effects and immune response rates. In this review, we compare the clinical efficacy and side effects of BSABs and ICI combination therapies in real-world tumor immunotherapy, aiming to provide evidence-based approaches for clinical research and personalized tumor diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linyan Cheng
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lujun Chen
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yuan Shi
- Laboratory of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, China
| | - Weiying Gu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weidong Ding
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate School of Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China.
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Jingting Jiang
- Department of Tumor Biological Treatment, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Tumor Immunotherapy, Changzhou, China.
- Institute for Cell Therapy of Soochow University, Changzhou, China.
| | - Zhuojun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Ben-Ami T. Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma in Children, Current Treatment Approach. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2024; 46:117-124. [PMID: 38447121 PMCID: PMC10956687 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a rare and locally aggressive form of childhood cancer. Treatment of pediatric NPC includes chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Most studies on the treatment of pediatric NPC are single-arm studies. With current treatment protocols survival rates for patients with nonmetastatic disease exceed 80%, although most children will have long-term treatment-related late effects. Efforts to reduce early and late toxicities include reduced radiotherapy doses in children with good responses to induction chemotherapy. Further studies are needed to evaluate the role of immunotherapy in both the primary setting and in children with progressive or relapsed disease. This review summarizes current clinical approaches to the treatment of pediatric NPC.
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Li S, Dai W, Kam NW, Zhang J, Lee VHF, Ren X, Kwong DLW. The Role of Natural Killer Cells in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment of EBV-Associated Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1312. [PMID: 38610990 PMCID: PMC11011204 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Endemic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is closely associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which contributes to tumor development and influences the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in NPC. Natural killer (NK) cells, as part of the innate immune system, play a crucial role in responding to viral infections and malignant cell transformations. Notably, NK cells possess a unique ability to target tumor cells independent of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) expression. This means that MHC I-deficient tumor cells, which can escape from effective T cell attack, are susceptible to NK-cell-mediated killing. The activation of NK cells is determined by the signals generated through inhibitory and activating receptors expressed on their surface. Understanding the role of NK cells in the complex TIME of EBV+ NPC is of utmost importance. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary of the current understanding of NK cells in NPC, focusing on their subpopulations, interactions, and cytotoxicity within the TIME. Moreover, we discuss the potential translational therapeutic applications of NK cells in NPC. This review aims to enhance our knowledge of the role of NK cells in NPC and provide valuable insights for future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuzhan Li
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; (S.L.); (J.Z.)
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Wei Dai
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.D.); (N.-W.K.); (V.H.F.L.)
| | - Ngar-Woon Kam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.D.); (N.-W.K.); (V.H.F.L.)
- Laboratory for Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology Limited, Hong Kong Science Park, New Territories, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Jiali Zhang
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; (S.L.); (J.Z.)
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Victor H. F. Lee
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.D.); (N.-W.K.); (V.H.F.L.)
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Xiubao Ren
- Department of Biotherapy, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China; (S.L.); (J.Z.)
- Tianjin’s Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Dora Lai-Wan Kwong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Centre of Cancer Medicine, School of Clinical Medicine, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (W.D.); (N.-W.K.); (V.H.F.L.)
- Clinical Oncology Center, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
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4
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Gao H, Zhang X, Ren M, Jiang A, Liu N, Wang J, Zheng X, Liang X, Ruan Z, Tian T, Fu X, Yao Y. Platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy upregulates STING/IFN pathway expression and promotes TILs infiltration in NSCLC. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1346225. [PMID: 38425343 PMCID: PMC10902162 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1346225] [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: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the effects of platinum-based neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) on the STING/IFN pathway and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as well as clinicopathological factors affecting patient survival. Materials and methods A total of 68 patients aged 34-77 years with NSCLC who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical treatment from March 2012 to February 2019 were reviewed, and the clinical pathological data and paired tissue specimens before and after NACT were collected. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein levels of STING, PD-L1 and IFN-β, and the infiltration density of CD3+ TILs and CD8+TILs. The correlation between the expression of STING, PD-L1, IFN-β and the infiltration density of CD3+ TILs and CD8+ TILs as well as the clinicopathological characteristics before and after NACT was analyzed. The relationship between the related indexes, clinicopathological features and prognosis was also discussed. Results NACT increased the expression of STING, IFN-β and PD-L1 in tumor cells, and the infiltration of CD3+ and CD8+ TILs. In addition, ypTNM stage, ypN stage, changes in CD3+ TILs and in PD-L1 were associated with DFS (disease-free survival). CD3+ TILs changes and ypN stage were associated with OS (overall survival). Notably, ypN stage and CD3+ TILs changes were independent prognostic factors for DFS and OS. Conclusion NACT stimulates STING/IFN-β pathway, promotes infiltration of CD3+ and CD8+ TILs, triggers innate and adaptive immunity, and also upregulates PD-L1, which complemented the rationale for neoadjuvant chemotherapy in combination with immunotherapy. In addition, DFS was longer in patients with ypTNM I, ypN0-1, and elevated CD3+TILs after NACT. Patients with ypN0 and elevated CD3+ TILs after NACT had better OS benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Gao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoni Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medical, Xi’an International Medical Center Hospital, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Mengdi Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Aimin Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Na Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jingjing Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiaoqiang Zheng
- Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xuan Liang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhiping Ruan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Tao Tian
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Xiao Fu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yu Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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5
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Liu H, Tang L, Li Y, Xie W, Zhang L, Tang H, Xiao T, Yang H, Gu W, Wang H, Chen P. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: current views on the tumor microenvironment's impact on drug resistance and clinical outcomes. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:20. [PMID: 38254110 PMCID: PMC10802008 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01928-2] [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: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) exhibits significant variations across different ethnic groups and geographical regions, with Southeast Asia and North Africa being endemic areas. Of note, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is closely associated with almost all of the undifferentiated NPC cases. Over the past three decades, radiation therapy and chemotherapy have formed the cornerstone of NPC treatment. However, recent advancements in immunotherapy have introduced a range of promising approaches for managing NPC. In light of these developments, it has become evident that a deeper understanding of the tumor microenvironment (TME) is crucial. The TME serves a dual function, acting as a promoter of tumorigenesis while also orchestrating immunosuppression, thereby facilitating cancer progression and enabling immune evasion. Consequently, a comprehensive comprehension of the TME and its intricate involvement in the initiation, progression, and metastasis of NPC is imperative for the development of effective anticancer drugs. Moreover, given the complexity of TME and the inter-patient heterogeneity, personalized treatment should be designed to maximize therapeutic efficacy and circumvent drug resistance. This review aims to provide an in-depth exploration of the TME within the context of EBV-induced NPC, with a particular emphasis on its pivotal role in regulating intercellular communication and shaping treatment responses. Additionally, the review offers a concise summary of drug resistance mechanisms and potential strategies for their reversal, specifically in relation to chemoradiation therapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. Furthermore, recent advances in clinical trials pertaining to NPC are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huai Liu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Tang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Yanxian Li
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Wenji Xie
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Hailin Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tengfei Xiao
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Hongmin Yang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Wangning Gu
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
| | - Pan Chen
- Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China.
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6
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Siak PY, Heng WS, Teoh SSH, Lwin YY, Cheah SC. Precision medicine in nasopharyngeal carcinoma: comprehensive review of past, present, and future prospect. J Transl Med 2023; 21:786. [PMID: 37932756 PMCID: PMC10629096 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04673-8] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an aggressive malignancy with high propensity for lymphatic spread and distant metastasis. It is prominent as an endemic malignancy in Southern China and Southeast Asia regions. Studies on NPC pathogenesis mechanism in the past decades such as through Epstein Barr Virus (EBV) infection and oncogenic molecular aberrations have explored several potential targets for therapy and diagnosis. The EBV infection introduces oncoviral proteins that consequently hyperactivate many promitotic pathways and block cell-death inducers. EBV infection is so prevalent in NPC patients such that EBV serological tests were used to diagnose and screen NPC patients. On the other hand, as the downstream effectors of oncogenic mechanisms, the promitotic pathways can potentially be exploited therapeutically. With the apparent heterogeneity and distinct molecular aberrations of NPC tumor, the focus has turned into a more personalized treatment in NPC. Herein in this comprehensive review, we depict the current status of screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention in NPC. Subsequently, based on the limitations on those aspects, we look at their potential improvements in moving towards the path of precision medicine. The importance of recent advances on the key molecular aberration involved in pathogenesis of NPC for precision medicine progression has also been reported in the present review. Besides, the challenge and future outlook of NPC management will also be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yan Siak
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Win Sen Heng
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Sharon Siew Hoon Teoh
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia
| | - Yu Yu Lwin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Medicine, Mandalay, Myanmar
| | - Shiau-Chuen Cheah
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UCSI University, Bandar Springhill, 71010, Port Dickson, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia.
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Razaghi A, Durand-Dubief M, Brusselaers N, Björnstedt M. Combining PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with type I interferon in cancer therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1249330. [PMID: 37691915 PMCID: PMC10484344 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1249330] [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: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
PD-1 and PD-L1 are crucial regulators of immunity expressed on the surface of T cells and tumour cells, respectively. Cancer cells frequently use PD-1/PD-L1 to evade immune detection; hence, blocking them exposes tumours to be attacked by activated T cells. The synergy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with type I interferon (IFN) can improve cancer treatment efficacy. Type I IFN activates immune cells boosts antigen presentation and controls proliferation. In addition, type I IFN increases tumour cell sensitivity to the blockade. Combining the two therapies increases tumoral T cell infiltration and activation within tumours, and stimulate the generation of memory T cells, leading to prolonged patient survival. However, limitations include heterogeneous responses, the need for biomarkers to predict and monitor outcomes, and adverse effects and toxicity. Although treatment resistance remains an obstacle, the combined therapeutic efficacy of IFNα/β and PD-1/PD-L1 blockade demonstrated considerable benefits across a spectrum of cancer types, notably in melanoma. Overall, the phases I and II clinical trials have demonstrated safety and efficiency. In future, further investigations in clinical trials phases III and IV are essential to compare this combinatorial treatment with standard treatment and assess long-term side effects in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Razaghi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mickaël Durand-Dubief
- Discovery & Front-End Innovation, Lesaffre Institute of Science & Technology, Lesaffre International, Marcq-en-Baroeul, France
| | - Nele Brusselaers
- Global Health Institute, Antwerp University, Antwerp, Belgium
- Centre for Translational Microbiome Research (CTMR), Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Head and Skin, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Mikael Björnstedt
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Abd Talib FNA, Marzuki M, Hoe SLL. Analysis of NK-92 cytotoxicity in nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and patient-derived xenografts using impedance-based growth method. Heliyon 2023; 9:e17480. [PMID: 37415945 PMCID: PMC10320316 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e17480] [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: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that can remove viral-infected tumour cells without antigen priming. This characteristic offers NK cells an edge over other immune cells as a potential therapy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we report how cytotoxicity was evaluated in target NPC cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cells with effector NK-92, a commercially available NK cell line, by using xCELLigence RTCA system (a real-time, label-free impedance-based monitoring platform). Cell viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity were examined by RTCA. Cell morphology, growth and cytotoxicity were also monitored by microscopy. RTCA and microscopy showed that both target and effector cells were able to proliferate normally and to maintain original morphology in co-culture medium as they were in their own respective culture medium. As target and effector (T:E) cell ratios increased, cell viability as measured by arbitrary cell index (CI) values in RTCA decreased in all cell lines and PDX cells. NPC PDX cells were more sensitive to the cytotoxicity effect of NK-92 cells, than the NPC cell lines. These data were substantiated by GFP-based microscopy. We have shown how the RTCA system can be used for a high throughput screening of the effects of NK cells in cancer studies to obtain data such as cell viability, proliferation and cytotoxicity.
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9
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Xu L, Zou C, Zhang S, Chu TSM, Zhang Y, Chen W, Zhao C, Yang L, Xu Z, Dong S, Yu H, Li B, Guan X, Hou Y, Kong FM. Reshaping the systemic tumor immune environment (STIE) and tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to enhance immunotherapy efficacy in solid tumors. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:87. [PMID: 35799264 PMCID: PMC9264569 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01307-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of combination immunotherapy based on the mediation of regulatory mechanisms of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) is promising. However, a deep understanding of tumor immunology must involve the systemic tumor immune environment (STIE) which was merely illustrated previously. Here, we aim to review recent advances in single-cell transcriptomics and spatial transcriptomics for the studies of STIE, TIME, and their interactions, which may reveal heterogeneity in immunotherapy responses as well as the dynamic changes essential for the treatment effect. We review the evidence from preclinical and clinical studies related to TIME, STIE, and their significance on overall survival, through different immunomodulatory pathways, such as metabolic and neuro-immunological pathways. We also evaluate the significance of the STIE, TIME, and their interactions as well as changes after local radiotherapy and systemic immunotherapy or combined immunotherapy. We focus our review on the evidence of lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma, aiming to reshape STIE and TIME to enhance immunotherapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liangliang Xu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Chang Zou
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China.,Shenzhen Public Service Platform on Tumor Precision Medicine and Molecular Diagnosis, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China.,Key Laboratory of Medical Electrophysiology of Education Ministry, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, 646100, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Department of Chemical Biology, School of Life and Marine Sciences, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Timothy Shun Man Chu
- Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Queen Victoria Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 4LP, UK.,Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK
| | - Yan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Weiwei Chen
- Department of Clinical Oncology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caining Zhao
- Department of Clinical Oncology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Zhiyuan Xu
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China
| | - Shaowei Dong
- Shenzhen People's Hospital (The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University; The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology), Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518020, China
| | - Hao Yu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Bo Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, Scientific Research Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518107, China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China. .,Department of Clinical Oncology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China. .,Advanced Energy Science and Technology Guangdong Laboratory, Huizhou, Guangdong, 528200, China.
| | - Yuzhu Hou
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.
| | - Feng-Ming Kong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518053, China. .,Department of Clinical Oncology, LKS Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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10
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Bai R, Cui J. Burgeoning Exploration of the Role of Natural Killer Cells in Anti-PD-1/PD-L1 Therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886931. [PMID: 35634343 PMCID: PMC9133458 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies targeting programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)/programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) have been considered breakthrough therapies for a variety of solid and hematological malignancies. Although cytotoxic T cells play an important antitumor role during checkpoint blockade, they still show a potential killing effect on tumor types showing loss of/low major histocompatibility complex (MHC) expression and/or low neoantigen load; this knowledge has shifted the focus of researchers toward mechanisms of action other than T cell-driven immune responses. Evidence suggests that the blockade of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis may also improve natural killer (NK)-cell function and activity through direct or indirect mechanisms, which enhances antitumor cytotoxic effects; although important, this topic has been neglected in previous studies. Recently, some studies have reported evidence of PD-1 and PD-L1 expression in human NK cells, performed exploration of the intrinsic mechanism by which PD-1/PD-L1 blockade enhances NK-cell responses, and made some progress. This article summarizes the recent advances regarding the expression of PD-1 and PD-L1 molecules on the surface of NK cells as well as the interaction between anti-PD-1/PD-L1 drugs and NK cells and associated molecular mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiuwei Cui
- *Correspondence: Jiuwei Cui, ; orcid.org/0000-0001-6496-7550
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Immunosuppressive Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy of Epstein–Barr Virus-Associated Malignancies. Viruses 2022; 14:v14051017. [PMID: 35632758 PMCID: PMC9146158 DOI: 10.3390/v14051017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) can cause different types of cancer in human beings when the virus infects different cell types with various latent patterns. EBV shapes a distinct and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) to its benefit by influencing and interacting with different components in the TME. Different EBV-associated malignancies adopt similar but slightly specific immunosuppressive mechanisms by encoding different EBV products to escape both innate and adaptive immune responses. Strategies reversing the immunosuppressive TME of EBV-associated malignancies have been under evaluation in clinical practice. As the interactions among EBV, tumor cells, and TME are intricate, in this review, we mainly discuss the epidemiology of EBV, the life cycle of EBV, the cellular and molecular composition of TME, and a landscape of different EBV-associated malignancies and immunotherapy by targeting the TME.
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Jovanovic MZ, Geller DA, Gajovic NM, Jurisevic MM, Arsenijevic NN, Jovanovic MM, Supic GM, Vojvodic DV, Jovanovic IP. Dual blockage of PD-L/PD-1 and IL33/ST2 axes slows tumor growth and improves antitumor immunity by boosting NK cells. Life Sci 2022; 289:120214. [PMID: 34890591 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120214] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Although separate blockage of either IL33/ST2 or PD-L/PD-1 axes has been shown to be beneficial in many tumors, co-blockage of IL33/ST2 and PD-L/PD-1 hasn't been studied yet. MAIN METHODS 4T1 breast cancer and CT26 colon cancer were inducted in BALB/C wild type (WT) and BALB/C ST2 knockout mice, after which mice underwent anti PD-1 and anti IL-33 treatment. KEY FINDINGS Co-blockage of IL33/ST2 and PD-L/PD-1 delayed tumor appearance and slowed tumor growth. Enhanced NK cell cytotoxicity against 4T1 tumor cells in ST2 knockout anti-PD-1 treated mice was associated with overexpression of miRNA-150 and miRNA-155, upregulation of NFκB and STAT3, increased expression of activation markers and decreased expression of immunosuppressive markers in splenic and primary tumor derived NK cells. NK cells from ST2 knockout anti-PD-1 treated mice tend to proliferate more and are less prone to apoptosis. Accumulation of immunosuppressive myeloid derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells was significantly impaired in spleen and primary tumor of ST2 knockout anti-PD-1 treated mice. SIGNIFICANCE Co-blockage of IL3/ST2 and PD-L/PD-1 axes impedes tumor progression more efficiently than single blockage of either axes, thus offering potential new approach to immunotherapy of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Z Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - David A Geller
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, 3459 Fifth Avenue, UPMC Montefiore, 7 South Pittsburgh, PA 15213 2582, USA.
| | - Nevena M Gajovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milena M Jurisevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, SvetozaraMarkovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
| | - Nebojsa N Arsenijevic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milan M Jovanovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Gordana M Supic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Danilo V Vojvodic
- Institute for Medical Research, Military Medical Academy, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; Medical Faculty of Military Medical Academy, University of Defense, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Ivan P Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia.
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Yu H, Zhang C, Li W, Sun X, Liu Q, Wang D. Nano-Coated si-SNHG14 Regulated PD-L1 Expression and Decreased Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:1993-2002. [PMID: 34706799 DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the expression characteristics of long non-coding RNA SNHG14 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its effects on epithelial-mesenchymal transition and development of nano-coated si-SNHG14 as an anti-tumor agent. The SNHG14 expression in cancerous and adjacent non-cancerous tissues was monitored using reverse transcriptionpolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Gain- and loss-of-function experiments tested the regulation of SNHG14, miR- 5590-3p, and ZEB1 on PD-L1. The binding association between the above three factors was verified using bioinformatics analysis. EMT-related E-cadherin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin were tested using Western blot. Animal experiments in nude mice verified the function of SNHG14 in the EMT of NPC in vivo. The nano-coated si-SNHG14 was developed as an anti-tumor agent and was verified NPC cell in vitro. SNHG14 was upregulated in NPC tissues. Knocking down SNHG14 markedly inhibited the EMT of NPC. Additionally, the expression of ZEB1 was positively related to that of the SNHG14, while it was inversely correlated with that of miR-5590-3p. Moreover, ZEB1 transcription upregulated PD-L1 and promoted the EMT, while SNHG14 could accelerate the EMT of NPC in vivo by regulating the PD-1 and PD-L1. SNHG14-miR-5590- 3p-ZEB1 positively regulated PD-L1 and facilitate the EMT of NPC. Nano-coated si-SNHG14 significantly downregulated PD-L1 expression and decreased EMT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Yu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Chen Zhang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Wanpeng Li
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Xicai Sun
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Quan Liu
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Dehui Wang
- ENT Institute and Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200031, PR China
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Makowska A, Lelabi N, Nothbaum C, Shen L, Busson P, Tran TTB, Eble M, Kontny U. Radiotherapy Combined with PD-1 Inhibition Increases NK Cell Cytotoxicity towards Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells. Cells 2021; 10:2458. [PMID: 34572108 PMCID: PMC8470143 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in endemic regions and younger patients is characterized by a prominent lymphomononuclear infiltration. Radiation is the principal therapeutic modality for patients with NPC. Recent data suggest that the efficacy of radiotherapy in various cancers can be augmented when combined with immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we investigate the effect of radiotherapy on the killing of NPC cells by Natural Killer (NK) cells. METHODS NPC cell lines and a patient-derived xenograft were exposed to NK cells in the context of radiotherapy. Cytotoxicity was measured using the calcein-release assay. The contribution of the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint and signaling pathways to killing were analyzed using specific inhibitors. RESULTS Radiotherapy sensitized NPC cells to NK cell killing and upregulated expression of PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) in NPC cells and PD-1 receptor (PD-1) in NK cells. Blocking of the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint further increased the killing of NPC cells by NK cells in the context of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION Radiation boosts the killing of NPC cells by NK cells. Killing can be further augmented by blockade of the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint. The combination of radiotherapy with PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint blockade could therefore increase the efficacy of radiotherapy in NPC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Makowska
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Nora Lelabi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Christina Nothbaum
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Lian Shen
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Pierre Busson
- CNRS UMR 8126, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France; (P.B.); (T.T.B.T.)
| | - Tram Thi Bao Tran
- CNRS UMR 8126, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France; (P.B.); (T.T.B.T.)
| | - Michael Eble
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Udo Kontny
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
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Mizuhashi S, Kubo Y, Fukushima S, Kanemaru H, Nakahara S, Miyasita A, Ishibashi T, Kuriyama H, Kimura T, Masuguchi S, Zhang R, Iwama T, Nakatsura T, Uemura Y, Senju S, Ihn H. Immune cell therapy against disseminated melanoma by utilizing induced pluripotent stem cell-derived myeloid cell lines producing interferon-beta or interleukin-15/interleukin-15 receptor alpha. J Dermatol Sci 2021; 102:133-136. [PMID: 33836927 DOI: 10.1016/j.jdermsci.2021.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Satoru Mizuhashi
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kubo
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Fukushima
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
| | - Hisashi Kanemaru
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nakahara
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Azusa Miyasita
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takayuki Ishibashi
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Haruka Kuriyama
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Kimura
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Shinichi Masuguchi
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Rong Zhang
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Japan
| | - Tatsuaki Iwama
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Nakatsura
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Japan
| | - Yasushi Uemura
- Division of Cancer Immunotherapy, Exploratory Oncology Research & Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Japan
| | - Satoru Senju
- Department of Immunogenetics, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Japan
| | - Hironobu Ihn
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, Faculty of Life Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
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16
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Li X, Zhang W. Expression of PD-L1 in EBV-associated malignancies. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 95:107553. [PMID: 33765613 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus infection is closely related to the occurrence and development of a variety of malignant tumors. Tumor immunotherapy has been combined with modern biological high-tech technology, and has become the fourth cancer treatment mode after surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In 2013, immunotherapy was named the first of ten scientific breakthroughs by science. It aims to control and destroy tumor cells by stimulating and enhancing autoimmune function. In recent years, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-L1 have become a research hotspot in the field of cancer. Recent studies have shown that EBV infection can upregulate PD-L1 through complex mechanisms. Further understanding of these mechanisms and prevention of hyperprogressive disease (HPD) can make PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitors an effective way of immunotherapy for EBV related malignant tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Clinical Laboratory, The Second People's Hospital of Wuhu City, Wuhu 241001, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenling Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, People's Republic of China.
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17
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The Role of NK Cells in EBV Infection and EBV-Associated NPC. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020300. [PMID: 33671917 PMCID: PMC7918975 DOI: 10.3390/v13020300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A vast majority of the population worldwide are asymptomatic carriers of Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV). However, some infected individuals eventually develop EBV-related cancers, including Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (NPC). NPC is one of the most common EBV-associated epithelial cancers, and is highly prevalent in Southern China and Southeast Asia. While NPC is highly sensitive to radiotherapy and chemotherapy, there is a lack of effective and durable treatment among the 15%–30% of patients who subsequently develop recurrent disease. Natural Killer (NK) cells are natural immune lymphocytes that are innately primed against virus-infected cells and nascent aberrant transformed cells. As EBV is found in both virally infected and cancer cells, it is of interest to examine the NK cells’ role in both EBV infection and EBV-associated NPC. Herein, we review the current understanding of how EBV-infected cells are cleared by NK cells, and how EBV can evade NK cell-mediated elimination in the context of type II latency in NPC. Next, we summarize the current literature about NPC and NK cell biology. Finally, we discuss the translational potential of NK cells in NPC. This information will deepen our understanding of host immune interactions with EBV-associated NPC and facilitate development of more effective NK-mediated therapies for NPC treatment.
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18
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Peng X, Chen L, Chen L, Wang B, Wang Y, Zhan X. Chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells: Novel insight into immunotherapy for solid tumors (Review). Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:340. [PMID: 33732313 PMCID: PMC7903426 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9771] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) is an artificially modified fusion protein consisting of an extracellular antigen-binding domain, transmembrane domain and intracellular signalling domain. CAR-T therapy has demonstrated remarkable clinical efficacy in hematological malignancies. However, cytokine release syndrome and other side effects have hindered its application in solid tumors. CAR-natural killer (NK) cells have attracted broad attention due to their safety in clinical applications, their mechanism in recognising cancer cells and the abundance of its clinical specimens. Preclinical and clinical trials of human primary NK cells and NK-92 cell lines demonstrated that CAR-NK cells are able to fight haematological malignancies and solid tumors. However, the implication of CAR-NK cell therapy also has certain challenges, including the expansion and activation of primary NK cells in vitro, selection of CAR targets, survival time of CAR-NK cells in vivo, storage and transportation of NK cells, and efficiency of NK cell transduction. This review focuses on the latest progress of CAR-NK cells in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Peng
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200081, P.R. China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200081, P.R. China
| | - Longpei Chen
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200081, P.R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200081, P.R. China
| | - Yiran Wang
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200081, P.R. China
| | - Xianbao Zhan
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200081, P.R. China
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Targeting the PD-1/ PD-L1 interaction in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2021; 113:105127. [PMID: 33454551 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.105127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Upregulation of the programmed cell death receptor-1 and ligand (PD-1/PD-L1) pathway is one of many possible mechanisms of immune-evasion relevant to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)- associated nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). The therapeutic targeting of the PD-1/ PD-L1 axis is an area of active research in NPC and at least 8 monoclonal or bi-specific antibodies targeting this axis are currently under clinical evaluation in some of the following clinical settings: (1) palliative treatment of recurrent and/or metastatic (R/M) disease; (2) radical treatment of locoregionally advanced disease in adjunct to conventional chemoradiotherapy; (3) local/ regional recurrence. PD-1 antibodies as monotherapy has been reported to yield an overall objective response in around 20-30% of patients with R/M NPC in single-armed phase II trials, and the predictive role of PD-L1 expression in NPC remains to be defined. As with other solid tumors, combinatorial strategies with cytotoxic chemotherapy, radiotherapy or other immunotherapeutic agents (such as other immune-checkpoint inhibitors, EBV-targeting cellular therapy and other immune-modulating agents) and vascular endothelial growth factor/receptor antibodies are actively being evaluated in clinical trials with single-armed or randomized designs. This article will review the scientific rationale of targeting the PD1/PD-L1 axis in NPC, and summarizes the latest trials involving these agents and predictive biomarkers of response to PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies in NPC.
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20
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Proteomic approaches to investigate gammaherpesvirus biology and associated tumorigenesis. Adv Virus Res 2020; 109:201-254. [PMID: 33934828 DOI: 10.1016/bs.aivir.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The DNA viruses, Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), are members of the gammaherpesvirus subfamily, a group of viruses whose infection is associated with multiple malignancies, including cancer. The primary host for these viruses is humans and, like all herpesviruses, infection with these pathogens is lifelong. Due to the persistence of gammaherpesvirus infection and the potential for cancer formation in infected individuals, there is a driving need to understand not only the biology of these viruses and how they remain undetected in host cells but also the mechanism(s) by which tumorigenesis occurs. One of the methods that has provided much insight into these processes is proteomics. Proteomics is the study of all the proteins that are encoded by a genome and allows for (i) identification of existing and novel proteins derived from a given genome, (ii) interrogation of protein-protein interactions within a system, and (iii) discovery of druggable targets for the treatment of malignancies. In this chapter, we explore how proteomics has contributed to our current understanding of gammaherpesvirus biology and their oncogenic processes, as well as the clinical applications of proteomics for the detection and treatment of gammaherpesvirus-associated cancers.
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21
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Qiao XW, Jiang J, Pang X, Huang MC, Tang YJ, Liang XH, Tang YL. The Evolving Landscape of PD-1/PD-L1 Pathway in Head and Neck Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1721. [PMID: 33072064 PMCID: PMC7531035 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past 10 years, cancer immunotherapy has made significant progress in multiple cancer types and has been gradually been applied to clinical cancer care, in which the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway is one of the most attractive targets. Compared with traditional therapies, the emerging PD-1/PD-L1 blockade immunotherapy exhibited more satisfactory curative effects and lower toxicity for patients with advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This review analyzes the expression characteristics and clinical significance of PD-1/PD-L1 in HNSCC, the immunosuppressive roles of tumor cell and stromal cell expressing PD-1/PD-L1 in this disease, and presents the development landscape of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors, which may provide new curative alternatives for recurrent or metastatic HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Wei Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Jiang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Pang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei-Chang Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Jie Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Ya-Ling Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Pathology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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22
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Makowska A, Meier S, Shen L, Busson P, Baloche V, Kontny U. Anti-PD-1 antibody increases NK cell cytotoxicity towards nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in the context of chemotherapy-induced upregulation of PD-1 and PD-L1. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 70:323-336. [PMID: 32737537 PMCID: PMC7889576 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly malignant epithelial cancer linked to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Tumors are characterized by a lymphomononuclear infiltrate and the number of natural killer (NK) cells in tumors appears to be of prognostic significance. Standard treatment for NPC in adolescents and young adults consists of induction chemotherapy followed by radiochemotherapy. Though survival rates are above 80%, the majority of patients suffer from long-term side-effects, mainly related to radiotherapy. The addition of immunotherapy to induction chemotherapy could improve tumor response. Methods We have investigated the killing of NPC cells by NK cells in the context of chemotherapy, using a panel of three nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and a patient-derived xenograft. Cytotoxicity was measured using the calcein-release assay, while the contribution of different checkpoints and signaling pathways to killing was studied by siRNA-mediated gene silencing and chemical inhibitors. Results Chemotherapeutics cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine sensitized NPC cells to killing by NK cells. Chemotherapeutics led to upregulation of PD-1 in NK cells and PD-L1 in NPC cells via NF-κB. Inhibition of the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint by an anti-PD-1 antibody or siRNA increased NK-cell cytotoxicity towards NPC cells. Conclusion The addition of an anti-PD-1 antibody to chemotherapy in patients with NPC could increase the efficacy of induction chemotherapy. If confirmed in a clinical trial, more efficient induction therapy could allow the dose of radiotherapy to be reduced and thereby diminish severe late effects of such therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00262-020-02681-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Makowska
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Selina Meier
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lian Shen
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pierre Busson
- CNRS UMR 8126, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Sud/Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Valentin Baloche
- CNRS UMR 8126, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Sud/Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Udo Kontny
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Baloche V, Ferrand FR, Makowska A, Even C, Kontny U, Busson P. Emerging therapeutic targets for nasopharyngeal carcinoma: opportunities and challenges. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 24:545-558. [PMID: 32249657 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2020.1751820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a major public health problem in several countries, especially those in Southeast Asia and North Africa. In its typical poorly differentiated form, the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genome is present in the nuclei of all malignant cells with restricted expression of a few viral genes. The malignant phenotype of NPC cells results from the influence of these viral products in combination with cellular genetic, epigenetic and functional alterations. With regard to host/tumor interactions, NPC is a remarkable example of immune escape in the context of a hot tumor.Areas covered: This article has an emphasis on emerging therapeutic targets that are considered upstream or at an early stage of clinical application. It examines targets related to cellular oncogenic alterations, latent EBV infection and tumor interactions with the immune system.Expert opinion: There is a remarkable emergence of new agents that target EBV products. The clinical application of these agents would benefit from a systematic and comprehensive molecular classification of NPCs and from easy access to pre-clinical models in public repositories. There is a strong rationale for more investigations on the potential of immune modulators, especially those related to NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentin Baloche
- CNRS, UMR 9018, Gustave Roussy and Uuniversité Paris-Saclay, 39, rue Camille Desmoulins, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Anna Makowska
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Caroline Even
- Département de cancérologie cervico-faciale, Gustave Roussy and université Paris-Saclay, 39, rue Camille Desmoulins, F-94805, Villejuif, France
| | - Udo Kontny
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pierre Busson
- CNRS, UMR 9018, Gustave Roussy and Uuniversité Paris-Saclay, 39, rue Camille Desmoulins, Villejuif, France
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24
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Zhou L, Zhang Y, Wang Y, Zhang M, Sun W, Dai T, Wang A, Wu X, Zhang S, Wang S, Zhou F. A Dual Role of Type I Interferons in Antitumor Immunity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020; 4:e1900237. [PMID: 33245214 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.201900237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Type I interferons (IFN-Is) are a family of cytokines that exert direct antiviral effects and regulate innate and adaptive immune responses through direct and indirect mechanisms. It is generally believed that IFN-Is repress tumor development via restricting tumor proliferation and inducing antitumor immune responses. However, recent emerging evidence suggests that IFN-Is play a dual role in antitumor immunity. That is, in the early stage of tumorigenesis, IFN-Is promote the antitumor immune response by enhancing antigen presentation in antigen-presenting cells and activating CD8+ T cells. However, in the late stage of tumor progression, persistent expression of IFN-Is induces the expression of immunosuppressive factors (PD-L1, IDO, and IL-10) on the surface of dendritic cells and other bone marrow cells and inhibits their antitumor immunity. This review outlines these dual functions of IFN-Is in antitumor immunity and elucidates the involved mechanisms, as well as their applications in tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lili Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yuqi Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Yongqiang Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Meirong Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Wenhuan Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Tong Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Aijun Wang
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UC Davis, Davis, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Xiaojin Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215006, China
| | - Suping Zhang
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Genome Stability and Human Disease Prevention, Department of Pharmacology, Base for international Science and Technology Cooperation: Carson Cancer Stem Cell Vaccines R&D Center, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Shuai Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, The Institutes of Biology and Medical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
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25
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Ben-Shmuel A, Biber G, Barda-Saad M. Unleashing Natural Killer Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment-The Next Generation of Immunotherapy? Front Immunol 2020; 11:275. [PMID: 32153582 PMCID: PMC7046808 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy for cancer treatment bears considerable clinical promise. Nevertheless, many patients remain unresponsive, acquire resistance, or suffer dose-limiting toxicities. Immune-editing of tumors assists their escape from the immune system, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) induces immune suppression through multiple mechanisms. Immunotherapy aims to bolster the activity of immune cells against cancer by targeting these suppressive immunomodulatory processes. Natural Killer (NK) cells are a heterogeneous subset of immune cells, which express a diverse array of activating and inhibitory germline-encoded receptors, and are thus capable of directly targeting and killing cancer cells without the need for MHC specificity. Furthermore, they play a critical role in triggering the adaptive immune response. Enhancing the function of NK cells in the context of cancer is therefore a promising avenue for immunotherapy. Different NK-based therapies have been evaluated in clinical trials, and some have demonstrated clinical benefits, especially in the context of hematological malignancies. Solid tumors remain much more difficult to treat, and the time point and means of intervention of current NK-based treatments still require optimization to achieve long term effects. Here, we review recently described mechanisms of cancer evasion from NK cell immune surveillance, and the therapeutic approaches that aim to potentiate NK function. Specific focus is placed on the use of specialized monoclonal antibodies against moieties on the cancer cell, or on both the tumor and the NK cell. In addition, we highlight newly identified mechanisms that inhibit NK cell activity in the TME, and describe how biochemical modifications of the TME can synergize with current treatments and increase susceptibility to NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Guy Biber
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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