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Coënon L, Geindreau M, Ghiringhelli F, Villalba M, Bruchard M. Natural Killer cells at the frontline in the fight against cancer. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:614. [PMID: 39179536 PMCID: PMC11343846 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06976-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 07/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that play a pivotal role as first line defenders in the anti-tumor response. To prevent tumor development, NK cells are searching for abnormal cells within the body and appear to be key players in immunosurveillance. Upon recognition of abnormal cells, NK cells will become activated to destroy them. In order to fulfill their anti-tumoral function, they rely on the secretion of lytic granules, expression of death receptors and production of cytokines. Additionally, NK cells interact with other cells in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we will first focus on NK cells' activation and cytotoxicity mechanisms as well as NK cells behavior during serial killing. Lastly, we will review NK cells' crosstalk with the other immune cells present in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïs Coënon
- IRMB, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Mannon Geindreau
- Equipe TIRECs, Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche INSERM CTM-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - François Ghiringhelli
- Equipe TIRECs, Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche INSERM CTM-UMR1231, Dijon, France
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France
| | - Martin Villalba
- IRMB, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- Institut du Cancer Avignon-Provence Sainte Catherine, Avignon, France
- IRMB, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Mélanie Bruchard
- Equipe TIRECs, Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche INSERM CTM-UMR1231, Dijon, France.
- University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.
- Platform of Transfer in Biological Oncology, Georges-François Leclerc Cancer Center, Dijon, France.
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2
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Liu Y, Theil S, Ibach M, Walter J. DAP12 interacts with RER1 and is retained in the secretory pathway before assembly with TREM2. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:302. [PMID: 39008111 PMCID: PMC11335228 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05298-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa (DAP12) is a transmembrane adapter protein expressed in lymphoid and myeloid lineage cells. It interacts with several immunoreceptors forming functional complexes that trigger intracellular signaling pathways. One of the DAP12 associated receptors is the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). Mutations in both DAP12 and TREM2 have been linked to neurodegenerative diseases. However, mechanisms involved in the regulation of subcellular trafficking and turnover of these proteins are not well understood. Here, we demonstrate that proteasomal degradation of DAP12 is increased in the absence of TREM2. Interestingly, unassembled DAP12 is also retained in early secretory compartments, including the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the ER-Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC), thereby preventing its transport to the plasma membrane. We also show that unassembled DAP12 interacts with the retention in ER sorting receptor 1 (RER1). The deletion of endogenous RER1 decreases expression of functional TREM2-DAP12 complexes and membrane proximal signaling, and resulted in almost complete inhibition of phagocytic activity in THP-1 differentiated macrophage-like cells. These results indicate that RER1 acts as an important regulator of DAP12 containing immunoreceptor complexes and immune cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanxia Liu
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Sandra Theil
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Melanie Ibach
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany
| | - Jochen Walter
- Department of Neurology, University of Bonn, Bonn, 53127, Germany.
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3
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Millan AJ, Allain V, Nayak I, Aguilar OA, Arakawa-Hoyt JS, Ureno G, Rothrock AG, Shemesh A, Eyquem J, Das J, Lanier LL. Spleen Tyrosine Kinase (SYK) negatively regulates ITAM-mediated human NK cell signaling and CD19-CAR NK cell efficacy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.09.602676. [PMID: 39026749 PMCID: PMC11257556 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.09.602676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
NK cells express activating receptors that signal through ITAM-bearing adapter proteins. The phosphorylation of each ITAM creates binding sites for SYK and ZAP70 protein tyrosine kinases to propagate downstream signaling including the induction ofCa 2 + influx. While all immature and mature human NK cells co-express SYK and ZAP70, clonally driven memory or adaptive NK cells can methylate SYK genes and signaling is mediated exclusively using ZAP70. Here, we examined the role of SYK and ZAP70 in a clonal human NK cell line KHYG1 by CRISPR-based deletion using a combination of experiments and mechanistic computational modeling. Elimination of SYK resulted in more robustCa + + influx after cross-linking of the CD16 and NKp30 receptors and enhanced phosphorylation of downstream proteins, whereas ZAP70 deletion diminished these responses. By contrast, ZAP70 depletion increased proliferation of the NK cells. As immature T cells express both SYK and ZAP70 but mature T cells often express only ZAP70, we transduced the human Jurkat cell line with SYK and found that expression of SYK increased proliferation but diminished TCR-inducedCa 2 + flux and activation. We performed transcriptional analysis of the matched sets of variant Jurkat and KHYG1 cells and observed profound alterations caused by SYK expression. As depletion of SYK in NK cells increased their activation, primary human NK cells were transduced with a CD19-targeting CAR and were CRISPR edited to ablate SYK or ZAP70. Deletion of SYK resulted in more robust cytotoxic activity and cytokine production, providing a new therapeutic strategy of NK cell engineering for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J. Millan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Vincent Allain
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Université Paris Cité, INSERM UMR976, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Indrani Nayak
- Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Department of Pediatrics, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH
| | - Oscar A. Aguilar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Janice S. Arakawa-Hoyt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Gabriella Ureno
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Allison Grace Rothrock
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Avishai Shemesh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Justin Eyquem
- Department of Medicine, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Gladstone-UCSF Institute of Genomic Immunology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Jayajit Das
- Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Department of Pediatrics, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus OH
| | - Lewis L. Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology and the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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4
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Wang D, Dou L, Sui L, Xue Y, Xu S. Natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e626. [PMID: 38882209 PMCID: PMC11179524 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.626] [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: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as innate lymphocytes, possess cytotoxic capabilities and engage target cells through a repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. Particularly, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on NK cells recognizes stress-induced ligands-the MHC class I chain-related molecules A and B (MICA/B) presented on tumor cells and is key to trigger the cytolytic response of NK cells. However, tumors have developed sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell surveillance, which lead to failure of tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarized these immune escaping strategies, including the downregulation of ligands for activating receptors, upregulation of ligands for inhibitory receptors, secretion of immunosuppressive compounds, and the development of apoptosis resistance. Then, we focus on recent advancements in NK cell immune therapies, which include engaging activating NK cell receptors, upregulating NKG2D ligand MICA/B expression, blocking inhibitory NK cell receptors, adoptive NK cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK), and NKG2D CAR-T cells, especially several vaccines targeting MICA/B. This review will inspire the research in NK cell biology in tumor and provide significant hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- DanRu Wang
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LingYun Dou
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LiHao Sui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Yiquan Xue
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation Dongfang Hospital Shanghai China
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5
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MacLachlan BJ, Sullivan LC, Brooks AG, Rossjohn J, Vivian JP. Structure of the murine CD94-NKG2A receptor in complex with Qa-1 b presenting an MHC-I leader peptide. FEBS J 2024; 291:1530-1544. [PMID: 38158698 DOI: 10.1111/febs.17050] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
The heterodimeric natural killer cells antigen CD94 (CD94)-NKG2-A/NKG2-B type II integral membrane protein (NKG2A) receptor family expressed on human and mouse natural killer (NK) cells monitors global major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cell surface expression levels through binding to MHC class Ia-derived leader sequence peptides presented by HLA class I histocompatibility antigen, alpha chain E (HLA-E; in humans) or H-2 class I histocompatibility antigen, D-37 (Qa-1b; in mice). Although the molecular basis underpinning human CD94-NKG2A recognition of HLA-E is known, the equivalent interaction in the murine setting is not. By determining the high-resolution crystal structure of murine CD94-NKG2A in complex with Qa-1b presenting the Qa-1 determinant modifier peptide (QDM), we resolved the mode of binding. Compared to the human homologue, the murine CD94-NKG2A-Qa-1b-QDM displayed alterations in the distribution of interactions across CD94 and NKG2A subunits that coincide with differences in electrostatic complementarity of the ternary complex and the lack of cross-species reactivity. Nevertheless, we show that Qa-1b could be modified through W65R + N73I mutations to mimic HLA-E, facilitating binding with both human and murine CD94-NKG2A. These data underscore human and murine CD94-NKG2A cross-species heterogeneity and provide a foundation for humanising Qa-1b in immune system models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce J MacLachlan
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
| | - Lucy C Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Andrew G Brooks
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jamie Rossjohn
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
- Institute of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, UK
| | - Julian P Vivian
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Australia
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6
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Chen DG, Xie J, Choi J, Ng RH, Zhang R, Li S, Edmark R, Zheng H, Solomon B, Campbell KM, Medina E, Ribas A, Khatri P, Lanier LL, Mease PJ, Goldman JD, Su Y, Heath JR. Integrative systems biology reveals NKG2A-biased immune responses correlate with protection in infectious disease, autoimmune disease, and cancer. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113872. [PMID: 38427562 PMCID: PMC10995767 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113872] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Infection, autoimmunity, and cancer are principal human health challenges of the 21st century. Often regarded as distinct ends of the immunological spectrum, recent studies hint at potential overlap between these diseases. For example, inflammation can be pathogenic in infection and autoimmunity. T resident memory (TRM) cells can be beneficial in infection and cancer. However, these findings are limited by size and scope; exact immunological factors shared across diseases remain elusive. Here, we integrate large-scale deeply clinically and biologically phenotyped human cohorts of 526 patients with infection, 162 with lupus, and 11,180 with cancer. We identify an NKG2A+ immune bias as associative with protection against disease severity, mortality, and autoimmune/post-acute chronic disease. We reveal that NKG2A+ CD8+ T cells correlate with reduced inflammation and increased humoral immunity and that they resemble TRM cells. Our results suggest NKG2A+ biases as a cross-disease factor of protection, supporting suggestions of immunological overlap between infection, autoimmunity, and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel G Chen
- Institute of Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA; Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Clinical Research Division, Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jingyi Xie
- Institute of Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA; Molecular Engineering & Sciences Institute, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Rachel H Ng
- Institute of Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rongyu Zhang
- Institute of Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah Li
- Institute of Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Rick Edmark
- Institute of Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hong Zheng
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ben Solomon
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Stanford School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Katie M Campbell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Egmidio Medina
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Antoni Ribas
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center at the University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Purvesh Khatri
- Institute for Immunity, Transplantation and Infection, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; Center for Biomedical Informatics Research, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lewis L Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Philip J Mease
- Swedish Center for Research and Innovation, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Providence St. Joseph Health, Renton, WA, USA
| | - Jason D Goldman
- Swedish Center for Research and Innovation, Swedish Medical Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Providence St. Joseph Health, Renton, WA, USA; Division of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yapeng Su
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Clinical Research Division, Program in Immunology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James R Heath
- Institute of Systems Biology, Seattle, WA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA; Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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7
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Ustiuzhanina MO, Streltsova MA, Timofeev ND, Kryukov MA, Chudakov DM, Kovalenko EI. Autologous T-Cell-Free Antigen Presentation System Unveils hCMV-Specific NK Cell Response. Cells 2024; 13:530. [PMID: 38534374 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a decisive role in controlling hCMV infection by combining innate and adaptive-like immune reactions. The hCMV-derived VMAPRTLFL (LFL) peptide is a potent activator of NKG2C+ NK cells. Proposed here is an autologous system of LFL stimulation without T lymphocytes and exogenous cytokines that allows us to evaluate NK-cell hCMV-specific responses in more native settings. In this model, we evaluated LFL-induced IFNγ production, focusing on signaling pathways and the degranulation and proliferation of NK cells orchestrated by microenvironment cytokine production and analyzed the transcriptome of expanded NK cells. NK cells of individuals having high anti-hCMV-IgG levels, in contrast to NK cells of hCMV-seronegative and low-positive donors, displayed increased IFNγ production and degranulation and activation levels and enhanced proliferation upon LFL stimulation. Cytokine profiles of these LFL-stimulated cultures demonstrated a proinflammatory shift. LFL-induced NK-cell IFNγ production was dependent on the PI3K and Ras/Raf/Mek signaling pathways, independently of cytokines. In hCMV-seropositive individuals, this model allowed obtaining NK-cell antigen-specific populations proliferating in response to LFL. The transcriptomic profile of these expanded NK cells showed increased adaptive gene expression and metabolic activation. The results complement the existing knowledge about hCMV-specific NK-cell response. This model may be further exploited for the identification and characterization of antigen-specific NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria O Ustiuzhanina
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria A Streltsova
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikita D Timofeev
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Maxim A Kryukov
- Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Dmitriy M Chudakov
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, 60200 Brno, Czech Republic
- Abu Dhabi Stem Cells Center, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Elena I Kovalenko
- Shemyakin and Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia
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8
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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9
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Heath J, Chen D, Xie J, Choi J, Ng R, Zhang R, Li S, Edmark R, Zheng H, Solomon B, Campbell K, Medina E, Ribas A, Khatri P, Lanier L, Mease P, Goldman J, Su Y. An NKG2A biased immune response confers protection for infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3413673. [PMID: 37886475 PMCID: PMC10602172 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3413673/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Infection, autoimmunity, and cancer are the principal human health challenges of the 21st century and major contributors to human death and disease. Often regarded as distinct ends of the immunological spectrum, recent studies have hinted there may be more overlap between these diseases than appears. For example, pathogenic inflammation has been demonstrated as conserved between infection and autoimmune settings. T resident memory (TRM) cells have been highlighted as beneficial for infection and cancer. However, these findings are limited by patient number and disease scope; exact immunological factors shared across disease remain elusive. Here, we integrate large-scale deeply clinically and biologically phenotyped human cohorts of 526 patients with infection, 162 with lupus, and 11,180 with cancer. We identify an NKG2A+ immune bias as associative with protection against disease severity, mortality, and autoimmune and post-acute chronic disease. We reveal that NKG2A+ CD8+ T cells correlate with reduced inflammation, increased humoral immunity, and resemble TRM cells. Our results suggest that an NKG2A+ bias is a pan-disease immunological factor of protection and thus supports recent suggestions that there is immunological overlap between infection, autoimmunity, and cancer. Our findings underscore the promotion of an NKG2A+ biased response as a putative therapeutic strategy.
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10
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van der Ploeg K, Sottile R, Kontopoulos T, Shaffer BC, Papanicolaou GA, Maloy MA, Cho C, Robinson KS, Perales MA, Le Luduec JB, Hsu KC. Emergence of human CMV-induced NKG2C+ NK cells is associated with CD8+ T-cell recovery after allogeneic HCT. Blood Adv 2023; 7:5784-5798. [PMID: 37196646 PMCID: PMC10561005 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with the expansion of a mature NKG2C+FcεR1γ- natural killer (NK) cell population. The exact mechanism underlying the emergence of NKG2C+ NK cells, however, remains unknown. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) provides an opportunity to longitudinally study lymphocyte recovery in the setting of CMV reactivation, particularly in patients receiving T-cell-depleted (TCD) allografts. We analyzed peripheral blood lymphocytes from 119 patients at serial time points after infusion of their TCD allograft and compared immune recovery with that in samples obtained from recipients of T-cell-replete (T-replete) (n = 96) or double umbilical cord blood (DUCB) (n = 52) allografts. NKG2C+ NK cells were detected in 92% (45 of 49) of recipients of TCD HCT who experienced CMV reactivation. Although NKG2A+ cells were routinely identifiable early after HCT, NKG2C+ NK cells were identified only after T cells could be detected. T-cell reconstitution occurred at variable times after HCT among patients and predominantly comprised CD8+ T cells. In patients with CMV reactivation, recipients of TCD HCT expressed significantly higher frequencies of NKG2C+ and CD56neg NK cells compared with patients who received T-replete HCT or DUCB transplantation. NKG2C+ NK cells after TCD HCT were CD57+FcεR1γ+ and degranulated significantly more in response to target cells compared with the adaptive the NKG2C+CD57+FcεR1γ- NK cell population. We conclude that the presence of circulating T cells is associated with the expansion of a CMV-induced NKG2C+ NK cell population, a potentially novel example of developmental cooperation between lymphocyte populations in response to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kattria van der Ploeg
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Rosa Sottile
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Theodota Kontopoulos
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Brian C. Shaffer
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Genovefa A. Papanicolaou
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Molly A. Maloy
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Christina Cho
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Kevin S. Robinson
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
- Adult BMT Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Miguel-Angel Perales
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Jean-Benoît Le Luduec
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Katharine C. Hsu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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11
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Duque C, So J, Castro-Sesquen YE, DeToy K, Gutierrez Guarnizo SA, Jahanbakhsh F, Machaca EM, Miranda-Schaeubinger M, Chakravarti I, Cooper V, Schmidt ME, Adamo L, Marcus R, Talaat KR, Gilman RH, Mugnier MR. Immunologic changes are detectable in the peripheral blood transcriptome of clinically asymptomatic Chagas cardiomyopathy patients. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.03.560680. [PMID: 37873108 PMCID: PMC10592925 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.03.560680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Chagas disease, caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, is a neglected parasitic disease that affects approximately 6 million individuals worldwide. Of those infected, 20-30% will go on to develop chronic Chagas cardiomyopathy (CCC), and ultimately many of these individuals will progress to advanced heart failure. The mechanism by which this progression occurs is poorly understood, as few studies have focused on early CCC. In this study, we sought to understand the physiologic changes associated with T. cruzi infection and the development of CCC. We analyzed gene expression in the peripheral blood of asymptomatic Chagas patients with early structural heart disease, Chagas patients without any signs or symptoms of disease, and Chagas-negative patients with and without early structural heart disease. Our analysis shows that early CCC was associated with a downregulation of various peripheral immune response genes, with gene expression changes suggestive of reduced antigen presentation and T cell activation. Notably, these genes and processes were distinct from those of early cardiomyopathy in Chagas-negative patients, suggesting that the processes mediating CCC may be unique from those mediating progression to other cardiomyopathies. This work highlights the importance of the immune response in early CCC, providing insight into the early pathogenesis of this disease. The changes we have identified may serve as biomarkers of progression and could inform strategies for the treatment of CCC in its early stages, before significant cardiac damage has occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Duque
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jaime So
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yagahira E Castro-Sesquen
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kelly DeToy
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Fatemeh Jahanbakhsh
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Edith Malaga Machaca
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Monica Miranda-Schaeubinger
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Indira Chakravarti
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Virginia Cooper
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Mary E Schmidt
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Luigi Adamo
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rachel Marcus
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, D.C., USA
| | - Kawsar R Talaat
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert H Gilman
- Department of International Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Monica R Mugnier
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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12
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Sugawara S, Hueber B, Woolley G, Terry K, Kroll K, Manickam C, Ram DR, Ndhlovu LC, Goepfert P, Jost S, Reeves RK. Multiplex interrogation of the NK cell signalome reveals global downregulation of CD16 signaling during lentivirus infection through an IL-18/ADAM17-dependent mechanism. PLoS Pathog 2023; 19:e1011629. [PMID: 37669308 PMCID: PMC10503717 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite their importance, natural killer (NK) cell responses are frequently dysfunctional during human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infections, even irrespective of antiretroviral therapies, with poorly understood underlying mechanisms. NK cell surface receptor modulation in lentivirus infection has been extensively studied, but a deeper interrogation of complex cell signaling is mostly absent, largely due to the absence of any comprehensive NK cell signaling assay. To fill this knowledge gap, we developed a novel multiplex signaling analysis to broadly assess NK cell signaling. Using this assay, we elucidated that NK cells exhibit global signaling reduction from CD16 both in people living with HIV-1 (PLWH) and SIV-infected rhesus macaques. Intriguingly, antiretroviral treatment did not fully restore diminished CD16 signaling in NK cells from PLWH. As a putative mechanism, we demonstrated that NK cells increased surface ADAM17 expression via elevated plasma IL-18 levels during HIV-1 infection, which in turn reduced surface CD16 downregulation. We also illustrated that CD16 expression and signaling can be restored by ADAM17 perturbation. In summary, our multiplex NK cell signaling analysis delineated unique NK cell signaling perturbations specific to lentiviral infections, resulting in their dysfunction. Our analysis also provides mechanisms that will inform the restoration of dysregulated NK cell functions, offering potential insights for the development of new NK cell-based immunotherapeutics for HIV-1 disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Sugawara
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Brady Hueber
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Griffin Woolley
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Karen Terry
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Kyle Kroll
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Cordelia Manickam
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Daniel R. Ram
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York City, New York, United States of America
| | - Paul Goepfert
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States of America
| | - Stephanie Jost
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - R. Keith Reeves
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, United States of America
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
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13
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Zhang M, Lam KP, Xu S. Natural Killer Cell Engagers (NKCEs): a new frontier in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1207276. [PMID: 37638058 PMCID: PMC10450036 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1207276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of innate lymphoid cells that play a crucial role in immunity by killing virally infected or tumor cells and secreting cytokines and chemokines. NK cell-mediated immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment due to its safety and effectiveness. NK cell engagers (NKCEs), such as BiKE (bispecific killer cell engager) or TriKE (trispecific killer cell engager), are a novel class of antibody-based therapeutics that exhibit several advantages over other cancer immunotherapies harnessing NK cells. By bridging NK and tumor cells, NKCEs activate NK cells and lead to tumor cell lysis. A growing number of NKCEs are currently undergoing development, with some already in clinical trials. However, there is a need for more comprehensive studies to determine how the molecular design of NKCEs affects their functionality and manufacturability, which are crucial for their development as off-the-shelf drugs for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on NKCE development and discuss critical factors required for the production of effective NKCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchuan Zhang
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kong-Peng Lam
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shengli Xu
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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14
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Yan C, Ma Y, Li J, Chen X, Ma J. Identification of key immune cell-related genes involved in tumorigenesis and prognosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2023; 19:2254239. [PMID: 37799074 PMCID: PMC10561582 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2023.2254239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The infiltration of immune cells can significantly affect the prognosis and immune therapy of patients with cervical squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC). This study aimed to explore key immune cell-related genes in the tumorigenesis and prognosis of CSCC. The module significantly related to immunity was screened by weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and ESTIMATE analysis, followed by correlation analysis with clinical traits. Key candidate genes were intersected with the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network genes for immune-related genes. The relationship between immune cell infiltration and key genes was analyzed. Tumor immune dysfunction and exclusion (TIDE) and immunophenoscore (IPS) predicted the response to immunotherapy in CSCC patients. Clinically, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry were manipulated for analyzing the changes in mRNA and protein expression of key genes in cancer. Western blot was conducted to assess the correlation between key genes and immune infiltration. The brown module was notably associated with the immune microenvironment of CSCC, from which three immune-related key genes (TYROBP, CCL5, and HLA-DRA) were obtained. High expression of these genes was significantly positively associated with the infiltration abundance of T cells, B cells, and other immune cells. High expression levels of three key genes were confirmed in para-cancer tissue and correlated with the abundance of immune cells. The high-expression group of key genes was more sensitive to immunotherapy. We provide a theoretical basis for searching for potential targets for effective treatment and diagnosis of CSCC and provide new ideas for developing novel immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunxiao Yan
- School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanyan Ma
- School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Junyan Li
- School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuejun Chen
- School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jiong Ma
- School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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15
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Merino A, Maakaron J, Bachanova V. Advances in NK cell therapy for hematologic malignancies: NK source, persistence and tumor targeting. Blood Rev 2023; 60:101073. [PMID: 36959057 PMCID: PMC10979648 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells yield promise in therapy of hematologic malignancies. The clinical experience with adoptively transferred allogeneic NK cells over past two decades has revealed safety and minimal risk of CRS or ICANS. Unlike T cells which have to be genetically altered to avoid graft vs host disease (GVHD), HLA mismatched NK cells can be infused without GVHD risk. This makes them ideal for the development of off-the-shelf products. In this review we focus on NK biology relevant to the cancer therapy, the trajectory of NK therapeutics for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma; and advantages of the NK cell platform. We will also discuss novel methods to enhance NK cell targeting, persistence, and function in the tumor microenvironment. The future of NK cell therapy depends on novel strategies to realize these qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Merino
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Joseph Maakaron
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Veronika Bachanova
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America.
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16
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Basílio-Queirós D, Mischak-Weissinger E. Natural killer cells- from innate cells to the discovery of adaptability. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1172437. [PMID: 37275911 PMCID: PMC10232812 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells have come a long way since their first description in the 1970's. The most recent reports of their adaptive-like behavior changed the way the immune system dichotomy is described. Adaptive NK cells present characteristics of both the innate and adaptive immune system. This NK cell subpopulation undergoes a clonal-like expansion in response to an antigen and secondary encounters with the same antigen result in an increased cytotoxic response. These characteristics can be of extreme importance in the clinical setting, especially as adoptive immunotherapies, since NK cells present several advantages compared other cell types. This review will focus on the discovery and the path to the current knowledge of the adaptive NK cell population.
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17
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Siemaszko J, Marzec-Przyszlak A, Bogunia-Kubik K. Activating NKG2C Receptor: Functional Characteristics and Current Strategies in Clinical Applications. Arch Immunol Ther Exp (Warsz) 2023; 71:9. [PMID: 36899273 PMCID: PMC10004456 DOI: 10.1007/s00005-023-00674-z] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
The interest in NK cells and their cytotoxic activity against tumour, infected or transformed cells continuously increases as they become a new efficient and off-the-shelf agents in immunotherapies. Their actions are balanced by a wide set of activating and inhibitory receptors, recognizing their complementary ligands on target cells. One of the most studied receptors is the activating CD94/NKG2C molecule, which is a member of the C-type lectin-like family. This review is intended to summarise latest research findings on the clinical relevance of NKG2C receptor and to examine its contribution to current and potential therapeutic strategies. It outlines functional characteristics and molecular features of CD94/NKG2C, its interactions with HLA-E molecule and presented antigens, pointing out a key role of this receptor in immunosurveillance, especially in the human cytomegalovirus infection. Additionally, the authors attempt to shed some light on receptor's unique interaction with its ligand which is shared with another receptor (CD94/NKG2A) with rather opposite properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagoda Siemaszko
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Marzec-Przyszlak
- Department of Biosensors and Processing of Biomedical Signals, Faculty of Biomedical Engineering, Silesian University of Technology, Zabrze, Poland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Communication, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
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18
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Identification and Analysis of Crucial Genes in H. pylori-Associated Gastric Cancer Using an Integrated Bioinformatics Approach. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2023; 2023:8538240. [PMID: 36778919 PMCID: PMC9908346 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8538240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Background The relationship between H. pylori infection and gastric cancer (GC) has been widely studied, and H. pylori is considered as the main factor. Utilizing bioinformatics analysis, this study examined gene signatures related to progressing H. pylori-associated GC. Materials and Methods The dataset GSE13195 was chosen to search for abnormally expressed genes in H. pylori-associated GC and normal tissues. The TCGA-STAD database was chosen to verify the expression of key genes in GC and normal tissues. Results In GSE13195, a total of 332 differential expression genes (DEGs) were screened. The results of weighted gene co-expression network analysis showed that the light cyan, plum2, black, and magenta4 modules were associated with stages (T3, T2, and T4), while the orangered4, salmon2, pink, and navajowhite2 modules were correlated with lymph node metastasis (N3, N2, and N0). Based on the results of DEGs and hub genes, a total of 7 key genes (ADAM28, FCER1G, MRPL14, SOSTDC1, TYROBP, C1QC, and C3) were screened out. These gene mRNA levels were able to distinguish between normal and H. pylori-associated GC tissue using receiver operating characteristic curves. After transcriptional level verification and survival analysis, ADAM28 and C1QC were excluded. An immune infiltration study revealed that key genes were involved in regulating the infiltration levels of cells associated with innate immune response, antigen presentation process, humoral immune response, or Tcell-mediated immune response. In addition, drugs targeting FCER1G and TYROBP have been approved and are under investigation. Conclusion Our study identified five key genes involved in H. pylori-associated GC tumorigenesis. Patients with higher levels of C3 expression had a poorer prognosis than those with lower levels. In addition, these key genes may serve as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for H. pylori-associated GC diagnosis, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy in the future.
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19
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Anderko RR, Mailliard RB. Mapping the interplay between NK cells and HIV: therapeutic implications. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:109-138. [PMID: 36822173 PMCID: PMC10043732 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiac007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Although highly effective at durably suppressing plasma HIV-1 viremia, combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) treatment regimens do not eradicate the virus, which persists in long-lived CD4+ T cells. This latent viral reservoir serves as a source of plasma viral rebound following treatment interruption, thus requiring lifelong adherence to ART. Additionally, challenges remain related not only to access to therapy but also to a higher prevalence of comorbidities with an inflammatory etiology in treated HIV-1+ individuals, underscoring the need to explore therapeutic alternatives that achieve sustained virologic remission in the absence of ART. Natural killer (NK) cells are uniquely positioned to positively impact antiviral immunity, in part due to the pleiotropic nature of their effector functions, including the acquisition of memory-like features, and, therefore, hold great promise for transforming HIV-1 therapeutic modalities. In addition to defining the ability of NK cells to contribute to HIV-1 control, this review provides a basic immunologic understanding of the impact of HIV-1 infection and ART on the phenotypic and functional character of NK cells. We further delineate the qualities of "memory" NK cell populations, as well as the impact of HCMV on their induction and subsequent expansion in HIV-1 infection. We conclude by highlighting promising avenues for optimizing NK cell responses to improve HIV-1 control and effect a functional cure, including blockade of inhibitory NK receptors, TLR agonists to promote latency reversal and NK cell activation, CAR NK cells, BiKEs/TriKEs, and the role of HIV-1-specific bNAbs in NK cell-mediated ADCC activity against HIV-1-infected cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee R. Anderko
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Robbie B. Mailliard
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Microbiology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
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20
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Mace EM. Human natural killer cells: Form, function, and development. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:371-385. [PMID: 36195172 PMCID: PMC9905317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate important effector functions in the control of viral infection and malignancy. Their ability to distinguish "self" from "nonself" and lyse virally infected and tumorigenic cells through germline-encoded receptors makes them important players in maintaining human health and a powerful tool for immunotherapeutic applications and fighting disease. This review introduces our current understanding of NK cell biology, including key facets of NK cell differentiation and the acquisition and execution of NK cell effector function. Further, it addresses the clinical relevance of NK cells in both primary immunodeficiency and immunotherapy. It is intended to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this important and interesting innate immune effector cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Mace
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York.
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21
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Koh JY, Kim DU, Moon BH, Shin EC. Human CD8 + T-Cell Populations That Express Natural Killer Receptors. Immune Netw 2023; 23:e8. [PMID: 36911797 PMCID: PMC9995994 DOI: 10.4110/in.2023.23.e8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CD8+ T cells are activated by TCRs that recognize specific cognate Ags, while NK-cell activation is regulated by a balance between signals from germline-encoded activating and inhibitory NK receptors. Through these different processes of Ag recognition, CD8+ T cells and NK cells play distinct roles as adaptive and innate immune cells, respectively. However, some human CD8+ T cells have been found to express activating or inhibitory NK receptors. CD8+ T-cell populations expressing NK receptors straddle the innate-adaptive boundary with their innate-like features. Recent breakthrough technical advances in multi-omics analysis have enabled elucidation of the unique immunologic characteristics of these populations. However, studies have not yet fully clarified the heterogeneity and immunological characteristics of each CD8+ T-cell population expressing NK receptors. Here we aimed to review the current knowledge of various CD8+ T-cell populations expressing NK receptors, and to pave the way for delineating the landscape and identifying the various roles of these T-cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- June-Young Koh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea.,Genome Insight, Inc., Daejeon 34051, Korea
| | - Dong-Uk Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Bae-Hyeon Moon
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea.,The Center for Viral Immunology, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea
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22
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Morimoto T, Nakazawa T, Maeoka R, Nakagawa I, Tsujimura T, Matsuda R. Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy against Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032111. [PMID: 36768432 PMCID: PMC9916747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032111] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite multimodality treatment involving surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and tumor-treating fields, the median overall survival (OS) after diagnosis is approximately 2 years and the 5-year OS is poor. Considering the poor prognosis, novel treatment strategies are needed, such as immunotherapies, which include chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccine therapy, and oncolytic virus therapy. However, these therapies have not achieved satisfactory outcomes. One reason for this is that these therapies are mainly based on activating T cells and controlling GBM progression. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy involves the new feature of recognizing GBM via differing mechanisms from that of T cell-based immunotherapy. In this review, we focused on NK cell-based immunotherapy as a novel GBM treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara City Hospital, Nara 630-8305, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (T.N.); Tel.: +81-744-22-3051 (T.M.); +81-745-84-9335 (T.N.)
| | - Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (T.N.); Tel.: +81-744-22-3051 (T.M.); +81-745-84-9335 (T.N.)
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsujimura
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
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23
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Heng H, Li D, Su W, Liu X, Yu D, Bian Z, Li J. Exploration of comorbidity mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets of rheumatoid arthritis and pigmented villonodular synovitis using machine learning and bioinformatics analysis. Front Genet 2023; 13:1095058. [PMID: 36685864 PMCID: PMC9853060 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1095058] [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: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease. Pigmented villonodular synovitis (PVNS) is a tenosynovial giant cell tumor that can involve joints. The mechanisms of co-morbidity between the two diseases have not been thoroughly explored. Therefore, this study focused on investigating the functions, immunological differences, and potential therapeutic targets of common genes between RA and PVNS. Methods: Through the dataset GSE3698 obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened by R software, and weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to discover the modules most relevant to the clinical features. The common genes between the two diseases were identified. The molecular functions and biological processes of the common genes were analyzed. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING database, and the results were visualized in Cytoscape software. Two machine learning algorithms, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) logistic regression and random forest (RF) were utilized to identify hub genes and predict the diagnostic efficiency of hub genes as well as the correlation between immune infiltrating cells. Results: We obtained a total of 107 DEGs, a module (containing 250 genes) with the highest correlation with clinical characteristics, and 36 common genes after taking the intersection. Moreover, using two machine learning algorithms, we identified three hub genes (PLIN, PPAP2A, and TYROBP) between RA and PVNS and demonstrated good diagnostic performance using ROC curve and nomogram plots. Single sample Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (ssGSEA) was used to analyze the biological functions in which three genes were mostly engaged. Finally, three hub genes showed a substantial association with 28 immune infiltrating cells. Conclusion: PLIN, PPAP2A, and TYROBP may influence RA and PVNS by modulating immunity and contribute to the diagnosis and therapy of the two diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongquan Heng
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dazhuang Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wenxing Su
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, China
| | - Xinyue Liu
- Department of Radiology, Wangjiang Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Daojiang Yu
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College (China National Nuclear Corporation 416 Hospital), Chengdu, China,*Correspondence: Daojiang Yu, ; Zhengjun Bian, ; Jian Li,
| | - Zhengjun Bian
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Hospital of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Daojiang Yu, ; Zhengjun Bian, ; Jian Li,
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China,*Correspondence: Daojiang Yu, ; Zhengjun Bian, ; Jian Li,
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24
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Jain N, Lewis CA, Ulrich JD, Holtzman DM. Chronic TREM2 activation exacerbates Aβ-associated tau seeding and spreading. J Exp Med 2023; 220:e20220654. [PMID: 36219197 PMCID: PMC9559604 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Variants in the triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) gene are associated with increased risk for late-onset AD. Genetic loss of or decreased TREM2 function impairs the microglial response to amyloid-β (Aβ) plaques, resulting in more diffuse Aβ plaques and increased peri-plaque neuritic dystrophy and AD-tau seeding. Thus, microglia and TREM2 are at a critical intersection of Aβ and tau pathologies in AD. Since genetically decreasing TREM2 function increases Aβ-induced tau seeding, we hypothesized that chronically increasing TREM2 signaling would decrease amyloid-induced tau-seeding and spreading. Using a mouse model of amyloidosis in which AD-tau is injected into the brain to induce Aβ-dependent tau seeding/spreading, we found that chronic administration of an activating TREM2 antibody increases peri-plaque microglial activation but surprisingly increases peri-plaque NP-tau pathology and neuritic dystrophy, without altering Aβ plaque burden. Our data suggest that sustained microglial activation through TREM2 that does not result in strong amyloid removal may exacerbate Aβ-induced tau pathology, which may have important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nimansha Jain
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Caroline A. Lewis
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jason D. Ulrich
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - David M. Holtzman
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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25
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Shemesh A, Su Y, Calabrese DR, Chen D, Arakawa-Hoyt J, Roybal KT, Heath JR, Greenland JR, Lanier LL. Diminished cell proliferation promotes natural killer cell adaptive-like phenotype by limiting FcεRIγ expression. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20220551. [PMID: 36066491 PMCID: PMC9448639 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human adaptive-like natural killer (NK) cells express low levels of FcεRIγ (FcRγ-/low) and are reported to accumulate during COVID-19 infection; however, the mechanism underlying and regulating FcRγ expression in NK cells has yet to be fully defined. We observed lower FcRγ protein expression in NK cell subsets from lung transplant patients during rapamycin treatment, suggesting a link with reduced mTOR activity. Further, FcRγ-/low NK cell subsets from healthy donors displayed reduced mTOR activity. We discovered that FcRγ upregulation is dependent on cell proliferation progression mediated by IL-2, IL-15, or IL-12, is sensitive to mTOR suppression, and is inhibited by TGFβ or IFNα. Accordingly, the accumulation of adaptive-like FcRγ-/low NK cells in COVID-19 patients corresponded to increased TGFβ and IFNα levels and disease severity. Our results show that an adaptive-like NK cell phenotype is induced by diminished cell proliferation and has an early prognostic value for increased TGFβ and IFNα levels in COVID-19 infection associated with disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishai Shemesh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Yapeng Su
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
| | - Daniel R. Calabrese
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
| | - Daniel Chen
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Janice Arakawa-Hoyt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kole T. Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
- Gladstone University of California, San Francisco Institute for Genetic Immunology, San Francisco, CA
- University of California, San Francisco Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, CA
| | - James R. Heath
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - John R. Greenland
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lewis L. Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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26
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Alsulami K, Sadouni M, Tremblay-Sher D, Baril JG, Trottier B, Dupuy FP, Chartrand-Lefebvre C, Tremblay C, Durand M, Bernard NF. High frequencies of adaptive NK cells are associated with absence of coronary plaque in cytomegalovirus infected people living with HIV. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e30794. [PMID: 36197157 PMCID: PMC9509172 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000030794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate whether adaptive NKG2C+CD57+ natural killer (adapNK) cell frequencies are associated with pre-clinical coronary atherosclerosis in participants of the Canadian HIV and Aging Cohort Study. This cross-sectional study included 194 Canadian HIV and Aging Cohort Study participants aged ≥ 40 years of which 128 were cytomegalovirus (CMV)+ people living with HIV (PLWH), 8 were CMV-PLWH, 37 were CMV mono-infected individuals, and 21 were neither human immunodeficiency virus nor CMV infected. Participants were evaluated for the frequency of their adapNK cells and total plaque volume (TPV). TPV was assessed using cardiac computed tomography. Participants were classified as free of, or having, coronary atherosclerosis if their TPV was "0" and ">0," respectively. The frequency of adapNK cells was categorized as low, intermediate or high if they constituted <4.6%, between ≥4.6% and 20% and >20%, respectively, of the total frequency of CD3-CD56dim NK cells. The association between adapNK cell frequency and TPV was assessed using an adjusted Poisson regression analysis. A greater proportion of CMV+PLWH with TPV = 0 had high adapNK cell frequencies than those with TPV > 0 (61.90% vs 39.53%, P = .03) with a similar non-significant trend for CMV mono-infected participants (46.15% vs 34.78%). The frequency of adapNK cells was negatively correlated with TPV. A high frequency of adapNK cells was associated with a relative risk of 0.75 (95% confidence intervals 0.58, 0.97, P = .03) for presence of coronary atherosclerosis. This observation suggests that adapNK cells play a protective role in the development of coronary atherosclerotic plaques.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khlood Alsulami
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Manel Sadouni
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Tremblay-Sher
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean-Guy Baril
- Clinique de Médecine Urbaine du Quartier Latin, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Benoit Trottier
- Clinique de Médecine Urbaine du Quartier Latin, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Franck P. Dupuy
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Carl Chartrand-Lefebvre
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Département de Radiologie, Radio-oncologie et Médecine Nucléaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cécile Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Madeleine Durand
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology Infectiology and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nicole F. Bernard
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Clinical Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Nicole F. Bernard, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Glen site, Bloc E, 1001 Decarie Blvd., Room EM3.3238, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada (e-mail: )
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27
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Wang X, Xiong H, Ning Z. Implications of NKG2A in immunity and immune-mediated diseases. Front Immunol 2022; 13:960852. [PMID: 36032104 PMCID: PMC9399941 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.960852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent studies, NKG2A is revealed to be a key immune checkpoint for both natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. It form heterodimer receptors with CD94, and targets the peptide-presenting human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) molecules. Upon crosslinking, NKG2A/CD94 delivers inhibitory signals for NK cells and CD8+ T cells, while blocking NKG2A can effectively unleash functions of these cytotoxic lymphocytes. The interaction between NKG2A and HLA-E contributes to tumor immune escape, and NKG2A-mediated mechanisms are currently being exploited to develop potential antitumor therapeutic strategies. In addition, growing evidence shows that NKG2A also plays important roles in other immune-related diseases including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, parasite infections and transplant rejection. Therefore, the current work focuses on describing the effect of NKG2A on immune regulation and exploring its potential role in immune-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaochen Ning, ; Huabao Xiong,
| | - Zhaochen Ning
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaochen Ning, ; Huabao Xiong,
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28
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Sankar J, Arora S, Joshi G, Kumar R. Pore-forming proteins and their role in cancer and inflammation: Mechanistic insights and plausible druggable targets. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 366:110127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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29
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Battin C, Kaufmann G, Leitner J, Tobias J, Wiedermann U, Rölle A, Meyer M, Momburg F, Steinberger P. NKG2A-checkpoint inhibition and its blockade critically depends on peptides presented by its ligand HLA-E. Immunology 2022; 166:507-521. [PMID: 35596615 PMCID: PMC9426624 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
NKG2A has emerged as a new immunotherapy target and its blockade with the novel immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monalizumab can boost both NK cell and CD8+ T cell responses. NKG2A forms heterodimers with CD94 and binds to the human non-classical MHC class I molecule HLA-E. HLA-E forms complexes with a limited set of peptides mainly derived from the leader sequences of the classical MHC class I molecules (HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C) and the non-classical class I paralogue HLA-G, and it is well established that the interaction between CD94/NKG2x receptors and its ligand HLA-E is peptide-sensitive. Here, we have evaluated peptide dependence of NKG2A-mediated inhibition and the efficiency of interference by monalizumab in a transcriptional T cell reporter system. NKG2A inhibition was mediated by cell-expressed HLA-E molecules stably presenting disulfate-trapped peptide ligands. We show that different HLA-class I leader peptides mediate varying levels of inhibition. We have used NKG2A/NKG2C chimeric receptors to map the binding site of NKG2A and NKG2C blocking antibodies. Furthermore, we determined the functional EC50 values of blocking NKG2A antibodies and show that they greatly depend on the HLA-leader peptide presented by HLA-E. Monalizumab was less effective in augmenting NK cell-mediated killing of target cells displaying HLA-G peptide on HLA-E, than cells expressing HLA-E complexed with HLA-A, HLA-B and HLA-C peptides. Our results indicate that peptides displayed by HLA-E molecules on tumour cells might influence the effectivity of NKG2A-ICI therapy and potentially suggest novel approaches for patient stratification, for example, based on tumoral HLA-G levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Battin
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Gabriel Kaufmann
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Judith Leitner
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Joshua Tobias
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Ursula Wiedermann
- Institute of Specific Prophylaxis and Tropical Medicine, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Alexander Rölle
- Clinical Cooperation Unit “Applied Tumor Immunity”German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor DiseasesUniversity Hospital HeidelbergHeidelbergGermany
| | - Marten Meyer
- Clinical Cooperation Unit “Applied Tumor Immunity”German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation GroupDKFZHeidelbergGermany
| | - Frank Momburg
- Clinical Cooperation Unit “Applied Tumor Immunity”German Cancer Research CenterHeidelbergGermany
- Antigen Presentation and T/NK Cell Activation GroupDKFZHeidelbergGermany
| | - Peter Steinberger
- Division of Immune Receptors and T Cell Activation, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and ImmunologyMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
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30
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Endowing universal CAR T-cell with immune-evasive properties using TALEN-gene editing. Nat Commun 2022; 13:3453. [PMID: 35773273 PMCID: PMC9247096 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-30896-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Universal CAR T-cell therapies are poised to revolutionize cancer treatment and to improve patient outcomes. However, realizing these advantages in an allogeneic setting requires universal CAR T-cells that can kill target tumor cells, avoid depletion by the host immune system, and proliferate without attacking host tissues. Here, we describe the development of a novel immune-evasive universal CAR T-cells scaffold using precise TALEN-mediated gene editing and DNA matrices vectorized by recombinant adeno-associated virus 6. We simultaneously disrupt and repurpose the endogenous TRAC and B2M loci to generate TCRαβ- and HLA-ABC-deficient T-cells expressing the CAR construct and the NK-inhibitor named HLA-E. This highly efficient gene editing process enables the engineered T-cells to evade NK cell and alloresponsive T-cell attacks and extend their persistence and antitumor activity in the presence of cytotoxic levels of NK cell in vivo and in vitro, respectively. This scaffold could enable the broad use of universal CAR T-cells in allogeneic settings and holds great promise for clinical applications.
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31
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Marin IA, Gutman-Wei AY, Chew KS, Raissi AJ, Djurisic M, Shatz CJ. The nonclassical MHC class I Qa-1 expressed in layer 6 neurons regulates activity-dependent plasticity via microglial CD94/NKG2 in the cortex. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2203965119. [PMID: 35648829 PMCID: PMC9191652 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2203965119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
During developmental critical periods, circuits are sculpted by a process of activity-dependent competition. The molecular machinery involved in regulating the complex process of responding to different levels of activity is now beginning to be identified. Here, we show that the nonclassical major histocompatibility class I (MHCI) molecule Qa-1 is expressed in the healthy brain in layer 6 corticothalamic neurons. In the visual cortex, Qa-1 expression begins during the critical period for ocular dominance (OD) plasticity and is regulated by neuronal activity, suggesting a role in regulating activity-dependent competition. Indeed, in mice lacking Qa-1, OD plasticity is perturbed. Moreover, signaling through CD94/NKG2, a known cognate Qa-1 heterodimeric receptor in the immune system, is implicated: selectively targeting this interaction phenocopies the plasticity perturbation observed in Qa-1 knockouts. In the cortex, CD94/NKG2 is expressed by microglial cells, which undergo activity-dependent changes in their morphology in a Qa-1–dependent manner. Our study thus reveals a neuron–microglial interaction dependent upon a nonclassical MHCI molecule expressed in L6 neurons, which regulates plasticity in the visual cortex. These results also point to an unexpected function for the Qa-1/HLA-E (ligand) and CD94/NKG2 (receptor) interaction in the nervous system, in addition to that described in the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioana A. Marin
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
| | - Alan Y. Gutman-Wei
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
| | - Kylie S. Chew
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
| | - Aram J. Raissi
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
| | - Maja Djurisic
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
| | - Carla J. Shatz
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
- Department of Neurobiology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94035
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32
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Bernard NF, Alsulami K, Pavey E, Dupuy FP. NK Cells in Protection from HIV Infection. Viruses 2022; 14:v14061143. [PMID: 35746615 PMCID: PMC9231282 DOI: 10.3390/v14061143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Some people, known as HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) individuals, remain uninfected despite high levels of exposure to HIV. Understanding the mechanisms underlying their apparent resistance to HIV infection may inform strategies designed to protect against HIV infection. Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells whose activation state depends on the integration of activating and inhibitory signals arising from cell surface receptors interacting with their ligands on neighboring cells. Inhibitory NK cell receptors use a subset of major histocompatibility (MHC) class I antigens as ligands. This interaction educates NK cells, priming them to respond to cells with reduced MHC class I antigen expression levels as occurs on HIV-infected cells. NK cells can interact with both autologous HIV-infected cells and allogeneic cells bearing MHC antigens seen as non self by educated NK cells. NK cells are rapidly activated upon interacting with HIV-infected or allogenic cells to elicit anti-viral activity that blocks HIV spread to new target cells, suppresses HIV replication, and kills HIV-infected cells before HIV reservoirs can be seeded and infection can be established. In this manuscript, we will review the epidemiological and functional evidence for a role for NK cells in protection from HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole F. Bernard
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada; (K.A.); (E.P.); (F.P.D.)
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Division of Clinical Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-(514)-934-1934 (ext. 44584)
| | - Khlood Alsulami
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada; (K.A.); (E.P.); (F.P.D.)
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Erik Pavey
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada; (K.A.); (E.P.); (F.P.D.)
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Franck P. Dupuy
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, QC H4A3J1, Canada; (K.A.); (E.P.); (F.P.D.)
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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33
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Chu J, Gao F, Yan M, Zhao S, Yan Z, Shi B, Liu Y. Natural killer cells: a promising immunotherapy for cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:240. [PMID: 35606854 PMCID: PMC9125849 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a promising alternative platform for cellular immunotherapy, natural killer cells (NK) have recently gained attention as an important type of innate immune regulatory cell. NK cells can rapidly kill multiple adjacent cancer cells through non-MHC-restrictive effects. Although tumors may develop multiple resistance mechanisms to endogenous NK cell attack, in vitro activation, expansion, and genetic modification of NK cells can greatly enhance their anti-tumor activity and give them the ability to overcome drug resistance. Some of these approaches have been translated into clinical applications, and clinical trials of NK cell infusion in patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors have thus far yielded many encouraging clinical results. CAR-T cells have exhibited great success in treating hematological malignancies, but their drawbacks include high manufacturing costs and potentially fatal toxicity, such as cytokine release syndrome. To overcome these issues, CAR-NK cells were generated through genetic engineering and demonstrated significant clinical responses and lower adverse effects compared with CAR-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarize recent advances in NK cell immunotherapy, focusing on NK cell biology and function, the types of NK cell therapy, and clinical trials and future perspectives on NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Fengcai Gao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Meimei Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Bian Shi
- Department of Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
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NKG2C+ NK Cells for Immunotherapy of Glioblastoma Multiforme. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105857. [PMID: 35628668 PMCID: PMC9148069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
In glioblastoma, non-classical human leucocyte antigen E (HLA-E) and HLA-G are frequently overexpressed. HLA-E loaded with peptides derived from HLA class I and from HLA-G contributes to inhibition of natural killer (NK) cells with expression of the inhibitory receptor CD94/NKG2A. We investigated whether NK cells expressing the activating CD94/NKG2C receptor counterpart were able to exert anti-glioma effects. NKG2C+ subsets were preferentially expanded by a feeder cell line engineered to express an artificial disulfide-stabilized trimeric HLA-E ligand (HLA-E*spG). NK cells expanded by a feeder cell line, which facilitates outgrowth of conventional NKG2A+, and fresh NK cells, were included for comparison. Expansion via the HLA-E*spG feeder cells selectively increased the fraction of NKG2C+ NK cells, which displayed a higher frequency of KIR2DL2/L3/S2 and CD16 when compared to expanded NKG2A+ NK cells. NKG2C+ NK cells exhibited increased cytotoxicity against K562 and KIR:HLA-matched and -mismatched primary glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells when compared to NKG2A+ NK cells and corresponding fresh NK cells. Cytotoxic responses of NKG2C+ NK cells were even more pronounced when utilizing target cells engineered with HLA-E*spG. These findings support the notion that NKG2C+ NK cells have potential therapeutic value for treating gliomas.
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Bernard NF, Kant S, Kiani Z, Tremblay C, Dupuy FP. Natural Killer Cells in Antibody Independent and Antibody Dependent HIV Control. Front Immunol 2022; 13:879124. [PMID: 35720328 PMCID: PMC9205404 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.879124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), when left untreated, typically leads to disease progression towards acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Some people living with HIV (PLWH) control their virus to levels below the limit of detection of standard viral load assays, without treatment. As such, they represent examples of a functional HIV cure. These individuals, called Elite Controllers (ECs), are rare, making up <1% of PLWH. Genome wide association studies mapped genes in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I region as important in HIV control. ECs have potent virus specific CD8+ T cell responses often restricted by protective MHC class I antigens. Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells whose activation state depends on the integration of activating and inhibitory signals arising from cell surface receptors interacting with their ligands on neighboring cells. Inhibitory NK cell receptors also use a subset of MHC class I antigens as ligands. This interaction educates NK cells, priming them to respond to HIV infected cell with reduced MHC class I antigen expression levels. NK cells can also be activated through the crosslinking of the activating NK cell receptor, CD16, which binds the fragment crystallizable portion of immunoglobulin G. This mode of activation confers NK cells with specificity to HIV infected cells when the antigen binding portion of CD16 bound immunoglobulin G recognizes HIV Envelope on infected cells. Here, we review the role of NK cells in antibody independent and antibody dependent HIV control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole F. Bernard
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Clinical Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Nicole F. Bernard,
| | - Sanket Kant
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Zahra Kiani
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Cécile Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology Infectiology and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Franck P. Dupuy
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC, Canada
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Ramos-Mejia V, Arellano-Galindo J, Mejía-Arangure JM, Cruz-Munoz ME. A NK Cell Odyssey: From Bench to Therapeutics Against Hematological Malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:803995. [PMID: 35493522 PMCID: PMC9046543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.803995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1975 two independent groups noticed the presence of immune cells with a unique ability to recognize and eliminate transformed hematopoietic cells without any prior sensitization or expansion of specific clones. Since then, NK cells have been the axis of thousands of studies that have resulted until June 2021, in more than 70 000 publications indexed in PubMed. As result of this work, which include approaches in vitro, in vivo, and in natura, it has been possible to appreciate the role played by the NK cells, not only as effectors against specific pathogens, but also as regulators of the immune response. Recent advances have revealed previous unidentified attributes of NK cells including the ability to adapt to new conditions under the context of chronic infections, or their ability to develop some memory-like characteristics. In this review, we will discuss significant findings that have rule our understanding of the NK cell biology, the developing of these findings into new concepts in immunology, and how these conceptual platforms are being used in the design of strategies for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ramos-Mejia
- GENYO: Centro Pfizer, Universidad de Granada, Junta de Andalucía de Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Arellano-Galindo
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Infantil de México “Dr. Federico Gomez”, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Mejía-Arangure
- Genómica del Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN) & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Mario Ernesto Cruz-Muñoz, ; Juan Manuel Mejía-Arangure,
| | - Mario Ernesto Cruz-Munoz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Mario Ernesto Cruz-Muñoz, ; Juan Manuel Mejía-Arangure,
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Ruppel KE, Fricke S, Köhl U, Schmiedel D. Taking Lessons from CAR-T Cells and Going Beyond: Tailoring Design and Signaling for CAR-NK Cells in Cancer Therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822298. [PMID: 35371071 PMCID: PMC8971283 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies utilize the capabilities of the immune system to efficiently target malignant cells. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) equipped T cells showed promising results against B cell lymphomas. Autologous CAR-T cells require patient-specific manufacturing and thus extensive production facilities, resulting in high priced therapies. Along with potentially severe side effects, these are the major drawbacks of CAR-T cells therapies. Natural Killer (NK) cells pose an alternative for CAR equipped immune cells. Since NK cells can be safely transferred from healthy donors to cancer patients, they present a suitable platform for an allogeneic “off-the-shelf” immunotherapy. However, administration of activated NK cells in cancer therapy has until now shown poor anti-cancer responses, especially in solid tumors. Genetic modifications such as CARs promise to enhance recognition of tumor cells, thereby increasing anti-tumor effects and improving clinical efficacy. Although the cell biology of T and NK cells deviates in many aspects, the development of CAR-NK cells frequently follows within the footsteps of CAR-T cells, meaning that T cell technologies are simply adopted to NK cells. In this review, we underline the unique properties of NK cells and their potential in CAR therapies. First, we summarize the characteristics of NK cell biology with a focus on signaling, a fine-tuned interaction of activating and inhibitory receptors. We then discuss why tailored NK cell-specific CAR designs promise superior efficacy compared to designs developed for T cells. We summarize current findings and developments in the CAR-NK landscape: different CAR formats and modifications to optimize signaling, to target a broader pool of antigens or to increase in vivo persistence. Finally, we address challenges beyond NK cell engineering, including expansion and manufacturing, that need to be addressed to pave the way for CAR-NK therapies from the bench to the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Eva Ruppel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for GMP Process Development & ATMP Design, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for GMP Process Development & ATMP Design, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dominik Schmiedel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for GMP Process Development & ATMP Design, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Dominik Schmiedel,
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Capuano C, Pighi C, Battella S, Pulcinelli F, Santoro C, Ferretti A, Turriziani O, De Federicis D, Fionda C, Sciumè G, Galandrini R, Palmieri G. (Auto)Antibody Responses Shape Memory NK Cell Pool Size and Composition. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030625. [PMID: 35327427 PMCID: PMC8945707 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo establishment and long-term persistence of a heterogeneous memory or an adaptive NK cell pool represents a functional adaptation to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in humans. Memory NK cells are commonly identified by lack of the FcεRIγ signalling chain, variably associated to the preferential but not completely overlapping expression of the HLA-E receptor NKG2C and CD57 maturation marker. Although characterized by selective hyperresponsiveness to IgG stimulation, the impact of the CD16/antibody interaction in regulating the establishment/maintenance and size, and in determining the relative abundance of this population, is still under investigation. Memory NK cell subset ex vivo profile and in vitro responsiveness to CD16 stimulation was evaluated in HCMV+ healthy donors and in patients affected by immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. We identified the FcεRIγ− NKG2C+CD57+ memory NK cell subset, whose abundance is uniquely associated with anti-HCMV antibody levels in healthy seropositive donors, and which is significantly expanded in ITP patients. This fully mature memory subset robustly and selectively expands in vitro in response to mAb-opsonized targets or ITP-derived platelets and displays superior CD16-dependent IFNγ production. Our work identifies opsonizing antibodies as a host-dependent factor that shapes HCMV-driven memory NK cell compartment. We first demonstrate that chronic exposure to auto-antibodies contributes to the establishment/expansion of a highly specialized and unique memory NK cell subset with distinct CD16-dependent functional capabilities. We also identify the specific contribution of the lack of FcεRIγ chain in conferring to NKG2C+CD57+ memory cells a higher responsivity to CD16 engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Simone Battella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Fabio Pulcinelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Cristina Santoro
- Hematology Division, Policlinico Umberto I, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Antonietta Ferretti
- Hematology Division, Policlinico Umberto I, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Ombretta Turriziani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Davide De Federicis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Cinzia Fionda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Sciumè
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Ricciarda Galandrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.); Tel.: +39-06-4997-4084 (R.G.); +39-06-446-8448 (G.P.)
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.); Tel.: +39-06-4997-4084 (R.G.); +39-06-446-8448 (G.P.)
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Fumet JD, Lardenois E, Ray-Coquard I, Harter P, Joly F, Canzler U, Truntzer C, Tredan O, Liebrich C, Lortholary A, Pissaloux D, Leary A, Pfisterer J, Eeckhoutte A, Hilpert F, Fabbro M, Caux C, Alexandre J, Houlier A, Sehouli J, Sohier E, Kimmig R, Dubois B, Spaeth D, Treilleux I, Frenel JS, Herwig U, Le Saux O, Bendriss-Vermare N, du Bois A. Genomic Instability Is Defined by Specific Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer: A Subgroup Analysis of AGO OVAR 12 Trial. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051189. [PMID: 35267497 PMCID: PMC8909387 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Following disappointing results with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in ovarian cancer, it is essential to explore other immune targets. The aim of this study is to describe the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) according to genomic instability in high grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) patients receiving primary debulking surgery followed by carboplatin-paclitaxel chemotherapy +/− nintedanib. Methods: 103 HGSOC patients’ tumor samples from phase III AGO-OVAR-12 were analyzed. A comprehensive analysis of the TME was performed by immunohistochemistry on tissue microarray. Comparative genomic hybridization was carried out to evaluate genomic instability signatures through homologous recombination deficiency (HRD) score, genomic index, and somatic copy number alterations. The relationship between genomic instability and TME was explored. Results: Patients with high intratumoral CD3+ T lymphocytes had longer progression-free survival (32 vs. 19.6 months, p = 0.009) and overall survival (OS) (median not reached). High HLA-E expression on tumor cells was associated with a longer OS (median OS not reached vs. 52.9 months, p = 0.002). HRD profile was associated with high HLA-E expression on tumor cells and an improved OS. In the multivariate analysis, residual tumor, intratumoral CD3, and HLA-E on tumor cells were more predictive than other parameters. Conclusions: Our results suggest HLA-E/CD94-NKG2A/2C is a potential immune target particularly in the HRD positive ovarian carcinoma subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-David Fumet
- GINECO & Department of Medical Oncology, Center GF Leclerc, 1 rue du Professeur Marion, 21000 Dijon, France
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, 21079 Dijon, France;
- University of Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, 21000 Dijon, France
- Correspondence: (J.-D.F.); (N.B.-V.)
| | - Emilie Lardenois
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting” Team, 69000 Lyon, France; (E.L.); (I.R.-C.); (C.C.); (B.D.); (O.L.S.)
- Leon Berard Center, Department of Pathology, 69000 Lyon, France; (D.P.); (A.H.); (I.T.)
| | - Isabelle Ray-Coquard
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting” Team, 69000 Lyon, France; (E.L.); (I.R.-C.); (C.C.); (B.D.); (O.L.S.)
- GINECO & Medical Oncology Department, Centre Léon Bérard, 28, rue Laennec, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France;
| | - Philipp Harter
- AGO & Department of Gynecology and Gynecologic Oncology, Evang. Kliniken Essen-Mitte, 45136 Essen, Germany;
| | - Florence Joly
- GINECO & Department of Medical Oncology, Baclesse Cancer Center, 14118 Caen, France;
| | - Ulrich Canzler
- AGO & Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany & National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Caroline Truntzer
- Platform of Transfer in Cancer Biology, 21079 Dijon, France;
- Genetic and Immunology Medical Institute (GIMI), 21000 Dijon, France
- UMR INSERM 1231, 21000 Dijon, France
| | - Olivier Tredan
- GINECO & Medical Oncology Department, Centre Léon Bérard, 28, rue Laennec, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France;
| | - Clemens Liebrich
- AGO & Klinikum Wolfsburg, amO—Interdisziplinäres ambulantes Onkologiezentrum am Klieversberg, Sauerbruchstrasse 7, 38840 Wolfsburg, Germany;
| | - Alain Lortholary
- GINECO & Confluent Private Hospital, Institut de Cancérologie Catherine de Sienne, 44200 Nantes, France;
| | - Daniel Pissaloux
- Leon Berard Center, Department of Pathology, 69000 Lyon, France; (D.P.); (A.H.); (I.T.)
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Alexandra Leary
- GINECO & Medical Oncology Department, Institut Gustave Roussy, 94805 Villejuif, France;
| | - Jacobus Pfisterer
- AGO & Zentrum für Gynäkologische Onkologie, Herzog-Friedrich-Str. 21, 24103 Kiel, Germany;
| | - Alexandre Eeckhoutte
- INSERM U830, DNA Repair and Uveal Melanoma (D.R.U.m) PSL Research University, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France;
| | - Felix Hilpert
- AGO & Krankenhaus Jerusalem, Moorkamp 2-6, Onkologische Tagesklinik, 20357 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Michel Fabbro
- GINECO & ICM Val d’Aurelle, oncologie médicale, 208, Avenue des Apothicaires, 34298 Montpellier, France;
| | - Christophe Caux
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting” Team, 69000 Lyon, France; (E.L.); (I.R.-C.); (C.C.); (B.D.); (O.L.S.)
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy of Cancer of Lyon (LICL), Centre Léon Bérard, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Jérôme Alexandre
- GINECO & Medical Oncology Department, Hopital Cochin, 75014 Paris, France;
| | - Aurélie Houlier
- Leon Berard Center, Department of Pathology, 69000 Lyon, France; (D.P.); (A.H.); (I.T.)
- Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Equipe Labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Jalid Sehouli
- AGO & Charité, Medical University of Berlin, Department of Gynecology with Center of Oncological Surgery, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
| | - Emilie Sohier
- Synergie Lyon Cancer, Bio-Informatics Platform, 69000 Lyon, France;
| | - Rainer Kimmig
- AGO & West-German Cancer Center, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen Germany, 45136 Essen, Germany;
| | - Bertrand Dubois
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting” Team, 69000 Lyon, France; (E.L.); (I.R.-C.); (C.C.); (B.D.); (O.L.S.)
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy of Cancer of Lyon (LICL), Centre Léon Bérard, 69000 Lyon, France
| | - Dominique Spaeth
- GINECO & Medical Oncology Department Centre d’Oncologie de Gentilly, 54000 Nancy, France;
| | - Isabelle Treilleux
- Leon Berard Center, Department of Pathology, 69000 Lyon, France; (D.P.); (A.H.); (I.T.)
| | - Jean-Sébastien Frenel
- GINECO & Medical Oncology Department Institut de cancerologie de l’Ouest site René Gauducheau, 44800 Saint Herblain, France;
| | - Uwe Herwig
- AGO & Albertinen-Krankenhaus, Department Gynecology, Süntelstraße 11a, 22457 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Olivia Le Saux
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting” Team, 69000 Lyon, France; (E.L.); (I.R.-C.); (C.C.); (B.D.); (O.L.S.)
- GINECO & Medical Oncology Department, Centre Léon Bérard, 28, rue Laennec, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, 69008 Lyon, France;
| | - Nathalie Bendriss-Vermare
- Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Université de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, “Cancer Immune Surveillance and Therapeutic Targeting” Team, 69000 Lyon, France; (E.L.); (I.R.-C.); (C.C.); (B.D.); (O.L.S.)
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy of Cancer of Lyon (LICL), Centre Léon Bérard, 69000 Lyon, France
- Correspondence: (J.-D.F.); (N.B.-V.)
| | - Andreas du Bois
- AGO & Evangelische Kliniken Essen Mitte (KEM), 45136 Essen, Germany;
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Charreau B. Cellular and Molecular Crosstalk of Graft Endothelial Cells During AMR: Effector Functions and Mechanisms. Transplantation 2021; 105:e156-e167. [PMID: 33724240 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Graft endothelial cell (EC) injury is central to the pathogenesis of antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). The ability of donor-specific antibodies (DSA) to bind C1q and activate the classical complement pathway is an efficient predictor of graft rejection highlighting complement-dependent cytotoxicity as a key process operating during AMR. In the past 5 y, clinical studies further established the cellular and molecular signatures of AMR revealing the key contribution of other, IgG-dependent and -independent, effector mechanisms mediated by infiltrating NK cells and macrophages. Beyond binding to alloantigens, DSA IgG can activate NK cells and mediate antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity through interacting with Fcγ receptors (FcγRs) such as FcγRIIIa (CD16a). FcRn, a nonconventional FcγR that allows IgG recycling, is highly expressed on ECs and may contribute to the long-term persistence of DSA in blood. Activation of NK cells and macrophages results in the production of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF and IFNγ that induce transient and reversible changes in the EC phenotype and functions promoting coagulation, inflammation, vascular permeability, leukocyte trafficking. MHC class I mismatch between transplant donor and recipient can create a situation of "missing self" allowing NK cells to kill graft ECs. Depending on the microenvironment, cellular proximity with ECs may participate in macrophage polarization toward an M1 proinflammatory or an M2 phenotype favoring inflammation or vascular repair. Monocytes/macrophages participate in the loss of endothelial specificity in the process of endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition involved in renal and cardiac fibrosis and AMR and may differentiate into ECs enabling vessel and graft (re)-endothelialization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Béatrice Charreau
- CHU Nantes, Université de Nantes, Inserm, Centre de Recherche en Transplantation et en Immunologie, UMR 1064, ITUN, Nantes, France
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Liang T, Chen J, Xu G, Zhang Z, Xue J, Zeng H, Jiang J, Chen T, Qin Z, Li H, Ye Z, Nie Y, Liu C, Zhan X. TYROBP, TLR4 and ITGAM regulated macrophages polarization and immune checkpoints expression in osteosarcoma. Sci Rep 2021; 11:19315. [PMID: 34588497 PMCID: PMC8481262 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-98637-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We established a relationship among the immune-related genes, tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs), and immune checkpoints in patients with osteosarcoma. The gene expression data for osteosarcoma were downloaded from UCSC Xena and GEO database. Immune-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were detected to calculate the risk score. “Estimate” was used for immune infiltrating estimation and “xCell” was used to obtain 64 immune cell subtypes. Furthermore, the relationship among the risk scores, immune cell subtypes, and immune checkpoints was evaluated. The three immune-related genes (TYROBP, TLR4, and ITGAM) were selected to establish a risk scoring system based on their integrated prognostic relevance. The GSEA results for the Hallmark and KEGG pathways revealed that the low-risk score group exhibited the most gene sets that were related to immune-related pathways. The risk score significantly correlated with the xCell score of macrophages, M1 macrophages, and M2 macrophages, which significantly affected the prognosis of osteosarcoma. Thus, patients with low-risk scores showed better results with the immune checkpoints inhibitor therapy. A three immune-related, gene-based risk model can regulate macrophage activation and predict the treatment outcomes the survival rate in osteosarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuo Liang
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiarui Chen
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - GuoYong Xu
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zide Zhang
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiang Xue
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Haopeng Zeng
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Jiang
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyou Chen
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaojie Qin
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhen Ye
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunfeng Nie
- Guangxi Medical University, No.22 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinli Zhan
- Department of Spine and Osteopathy Ward, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, No. 6 Shuangyong Road, Nanning, Guangxi, 530021, People's Republic of China.
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Adoptive NK Cell Therapy: A Promising Treatment Prospect for Metastatic Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184722. [PMID: 34572949 PMCID: PMC8471577 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The incidence of metastatic melanoma has been increasing over the past years with current therapies showing limited efficacy to cure the disease. Therefore, other options are being investigated, such as adoptive cell therapy (ACT) where activated immune cells are infused into a patient to attack melanoma. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and extremely suitable for this kind of therapy since they show minimal toxicities in the clinical setting. In this review, we focus on current strategies for NK cell therapy and the development of new approaches that hold great promise for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Abstract Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) represents a promising alternative approach for patients with treatment-resistant metastatic melanoma. Lately, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy have shown improved clinical outcome, compared to conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Nevertheless, they are limited by immune escape of the tumor, cytokine release syndrome, and manufacturing challenges of autologous therapies. Conversely, the clinical use of Natural Killer (NK) cells has demonstrated a favorable clinical safety profile with minimal toxicities, providing an encouraging treatment alternative. Unlike T cells, NK cells are activated, amongst other mechanisms, by the downregulation of HLA class I molecules, thereby overcoming the hurdle of tumor immune escape. However, impairment of NK cell function has been observed in melanoma patients, resulting in deteriorated natural defense. To overcome this limitation, “activated” autologous or allogeneic NK cells have been infused into melanoma patients in early clinical trials, showing encouraging clinical benefit. Furthermore, as several NK cell-based therapeutics are being developed for different cancers, an emerging variety of approaches to increase migration and infiltration of adoptively transferred NK cells towards solid tumors is under preclinical investigation. These developments point to adoptive NK cell therapy as a highly promising treatment for metastatic melanoma in the future.
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Schaafsma E, Fugle CM, Wang X, Cheng C. Pan-cancer association of HLA gene expression with cancer prognosis and immunotherapy efficacy. Br J Cancer 2021; 125:422-432. [PMID: 33981015 PMCID: PMC8329209 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-021-01400-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The function of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules is to bind peptide fragments derived from genomic mutations or pathogens and display them on the cell surface for recognition by cognate T cells to initiate an immune response. METHODS In this study, we provide a comprehensive investigation of HLA gene expression in a pan-cancer manner involving 33 cancer types. We utilised gene expression data from several databases and immune checkpoint blockade-treated patient cohorts. RESULTS We show that MHC expression varies strongly among cancer types and is associated with several genomic and immunological features. While immune cell infiltration was generally higher in tumours with higher HLA gene expression, CD4+ T cells showed significantly different correlations among cancer types, separating them into two clusters. Furthermore, we show that increased HLA gene expression is associated with prolonged survival in the majority of cancer types. Lastly, HLA gene expression is associated with patient response to immune checkpoint blockade, which is especially prominent for HLA class II expression in tumour biopsies taken during treatment. CONCLUSION We show that HLA gene expression is an important feature of tumour biology that has significant impact on patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelien Schaafsma
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Chloe M Fugle
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Xiaofeng Wang
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | - Chao Cheng
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- The Institute for Clinical and Translational Research, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Alsulami K, Bolastig N, Dupuy FP, Mabanga T, Gilbert L, Kiani Z, Routy JP, Bruneau J, Thomas R, Tremblay C, Tsoukas CM, Szabo J, Côté P, Trottier B, LeBlanc R, Rouleau D, Bernard NF. Influence of NKG2C Genotypes on HIV Susceptibility and Viral Load Set Point. J Virol 2021; 95:e0041721. [PMID: 34076484 PMCID: PMC8312870 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00417-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
NKG2C is an activating NK cell receptor encoded by a gene having an unexpressed deletion variant. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection expands a population of NKG2C+ NK cells with adaptive-like properties. Previous reports found that carriage of the deleted NKG2C- variant was more frequent in people living with HIV (PLWH) than in HIV- controls unexposed to HIV. The frequency of NKG2C+ NK cells positively correlated with HIV viral load (VL) in some studies and negatively correlated with VL in others. Here, we investigated the link between NKG2C genotype and HIV susceptibility and VL set point in PLWH. NKG2C genotyping was performed on 434 PLWH and 157 HIV-exposed seronegative (HESN) subjects. Comparison of the distributions of the three possible NKG2C genotypes in these populations revealed that the frequencies of NKG2C+/+ and NKG2C+/- carriers did not differ significantly between PLWH and HESN subjects, while that of NKG2C-/- carriers was higher in PLWH than in HESN subjects, in which none were found (P = 0.03, χ2 test). We were unable to replicate that carriage of at least 1 NKG2C- allele was more frequent in PLWH. Information on the pretreatment VL set point was available for 160 NKG2C+/+, 83 NKG2C+/-, and 6 NKG2C-/- PLWH. HIV VL set points were similar between NKG2C genotypes. The frequency of NKG2C+ CD3- CD14- CD19- CD56dim NK cells and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of NKG2C expression on NK cells were higher on cells from CMV+ PLWH who carried 2, versus 1, NKG2C+ alleles. We observed no correlations between VL set point and either the frequency or the MFI of NKG2C expression. IMPORTANCE We compared NKG2C allele and genotype distributions in subjects who remained HIV uninfected despite multiple HIV exposures (HESN subjects) with those in the group PLWH. This allowed us to determine whether NKG2C genotype influenced susceptibility to HIV infection. The absence of the NKG2C-/- genotype among HESN subjects but not PLWH suggested that carriage of this genotype was associated with HIV susceptibility. We calculated the VL set point in a subset of 252 NKG2C-genotyped PLWH. We observed no between-group differences in the VL set point in carriers of the three possible NKG2C genotypes. No significant correlations were seen between the frequency or MFI of NKG2C expression on NK cells and VL set point in cytomegalovirus-coinfected PLWH. These findings suggested that adaptive NK cells played no role in establishing the in VL set point, a parameter that is a predictor of the rate of treatment-naive HIV disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khlood Alsulami
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Naomi Bolastig
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Franck P. Dupuy
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tsoarello Mabanga
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Louise Gilbert
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Zahra Kiani
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-Pierre Routy
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Hematology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Julie Bruneau
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Réjean Thomas
- Clinique Médicale l'Actuel, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Cécile Tremblay
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal (CRCHUM), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Christos M. Tsoukas
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Clinical Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jason Szabo
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Clinique Médicale l'Actuel, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Pierre Côté
- Clinique de Médecine Urbaine du Quartier Latin, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Benoit Trottier
- Clinique de Médecine Urbaine du Quartier Latin, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Danielle Rouleau
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Nicole F. Bernard
- Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Infectious Diseases, Immunology and Global Health Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Clinical Immunology, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Lu J, Peng Y, Huang R, Feng Z, Fan Y, Wang H, Zeng Z, Ji Y, Wang Y, Wang Z. Elevated TYROBP expression predicts poor prognosis and high tumor immune infiltration in patients with low-grade glioma. BMC Cancer 2021; 21:723. [PMID: 34162355 PMCID: PMC8220692 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-021-08456-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tyrosine protein tyrosine kinase binding protein (TYROBP) binds non-covalently to activated receptors on the surface of various immune cells, and mediates signal transduction and cellular activation. It is dysregulated in various malignancies, although little is known regarding its role in low-grade glioma. The aim of this study is to explore the clinicopathological significance, prognostic value and immune signature of TYROBP expression in low-grade glioma (LGG). Methods The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between glioma samples and normal tissues were identified from two GEO microarray datasets using the limma package. The DEGs overlapping across both datasets were functionally annotated by Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. STRING database was used to establish the protein-protein interaction (PPI) of the DEGs. The PPI network was visualized by Cytoscape and cytoHubba, and the core module and hub genes were identified. The expression profile of TYROBP and patient survival were validated in the Oncomine, GEPIA2 and CGGA databases. The correlation between TYROBP expression and the clinicopathologic characteristics were evaluated. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA) were performed by R based on the LGG data from TCGA. The TIMER2.0 database was used to determine the correlation between TYROBP expression and tumor immune infiltrating cells in the LGG patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to determine the prognostic impact of clinicopathological factors via TCGA database. Results Sixty-two overlapping DEGs were identified in the 2 datasets, and were mainly enriched in the response to wounding, focal adhesion, GTPase activity and Parkinson disease pathways. TYROBP was identified through the PPI network and cytoHubba. TYROBP expression levels were significantly higher in the LGG tissues compared to the normal tissues, and was associated with worse prognosis and poor clinicopathological parameters. In addition, GSEA showed that TYROBP was positively correlated to neutrophil chemotaxis, macrophage activation, chemokine signaling pathway, JAK-STAT signaling pathway, and negatively associated with gamma aminobutyric acid signaling pathway, neurotransmitter transport, neuroactive ligand receptor intersection etc. TIMER2.0 and ssGSEA showed that TYROBP expression was significantly associated with the infiltration of neutrophils, macrophages, myeloid dendritic cells and monocytes. The infiltration of the M2 phenotype macrophages, cancer-associated fibroblasts and myeloid dendritic cells correlated to worse prognosis in LGG patients. Finally, multivariate analysis showed that elevated TYROBP expression is an independent risk factor for LGG. Conclusion TYROBP is dysregulated in LGG and correlates with immune infiltration. It is a potential therapeutic target and prognostic marker for LGG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiajie Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuecheng Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Rihong Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Zejia Feng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongyang Fan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Haojian Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaorong Zeng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxiang Ji
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yezhong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhaotao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Institute of Neuroscience, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, People's Republic of China.
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Elucidation of the molecular interactions that enable stable assembly and structural diversity in multicomponent immune receptors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2026318118. [PMID: 34155106 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2026318118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multicomponent immune receptors are essential complexes in which distinct ligand-recognition and signaling subunits are held together by interactions between acidic and basic residues of their transmembrane helices. A 2:1 acidic-to-basic motif in the transmembrane domains of the subunits is necessary and sufficient to assemble these receptor complexes. Here, we study a prototype for these receptors, a DAP12-NKG2C 2:1 heterotrimeric complex, in which the two DAP12 subunits each contribute a single transmembrane Asp residue, and the NKG2C subunit contributes a Lys to form the complex. DAP12 can also associate with 20 other subunits using a similar motif. Here, we use molecular-dynamics simulations to understand the basis for the high affinity and diversity of interactions in this group of receptors. Simulations of the transmembrane helices with differing protonation states of the Asp-Asp-Lys triad identified a structurally stable interaction in which a singly-protonated Asp-Asp pair forms a hydrogen-bonded carboxyl-carboxylate clamp that clasps onto a charged Lys side chain. This polar motif was also supported by density functional theory and a Protein Data Bank-wide search. In contrast, the helices are dynamic at sites distal to the stable carboxyl-carboxylate clamp motif. Such a locally stable but globally dynamic structure is well suited to accommodate the sequence and structural variations in the transmembrane helices of multicomponent receptors, which mix and match subunits to create combinatorial functional diversity from a limited number of subunits. It also supports a signaling mechanism based on multisubunit clustering rather than propagation of rigid conformational changes through the membrane.
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Piersma SJ, Brizić I. Natural killer cell effector functions in antiviral defense. FEBS J 2021; 289:3982-3999. [PMID: 34125493 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells involved in the control of tumors and viral infections. They provide protection by producing cytokines and by directly lysing target cells. Both effector mechanisms have been identified to contribute to viral control, depending on the context of infection. Activation of NK cells depends on the integration of signals received by cytokine receptors and activation and inhibitory receptors recognizing ligands expressed by virus-infected cells. While the control of viral infections by NK cells is well established, the signals perceived by NK cells and how these signals integrate to mediate optimal viral control have been focus of ongoing research. Here, we discuss the current knowledge on NK cell activation and integration of signals that lead to interferon gamma production and cytotoxicity in viral infections. We review NK cell interactions with viruses, with particular focus on murine cytomegalovirus studies, which helped elucidate crucial aspects of antiviral NK cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sytse J Piersma
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Ilija Brizić
- Center for Proteomics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Rijeka, Croatia
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Marofi F, Al-Awad AS, Sulaiman Rahman H, Markov A, Abdelbasset WK, Ivanovna Enina Y, Mahmoodi M, Hassanzadeh A, Yazdanifar M, Stanley Chartrand M, Jarahian M. CAR-NK Cell: A New Paradigm in Tumor Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673276. [PMID: 34178661 PMCID: PMC8223062 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is greatly multifaceted and immune escape is an imperative attribute of tumors fostering tumor progression and metastasis. Based on reports, the restricted achievement attained by T cell immunotherapy reflects the prominence of emerging other innovative immunotherapeutics, in particular, natural killer (NK) cells-based treatments. Human NK cells act as the foremost innate immune effector cells against tumors and are vastly heterogeneous in the TME. Currently, there exists a rapidly evolving interest in the progress of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells for tumor immunotherapy. CAR-NK cells superiorities over CAR-T cells in terms of better safety (e.g., absence or minimal cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), engaging various mechanisms for stimulating cytotoxic function, and high feasibility for 'off-the-shelf' manufacturing. These effector cells could be modified to target various antigens, improve proliferation and persistence in vivo, upturn infiltration into tumors, and defeat resistant TME, which in turn, result in a desired anti-tumor response. More importantly, CAR-NK cells represent antigen receptors against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), thereby redirecting the effector NK cells and supporting tumor-related immunosurveillance. In the current review, we focus on recent progress in the therapeutic competence of CAR-NK cells in solid tumors and offer a concise summary of the present hurdles affecting therapeutic outcomes of CAR-NK cell-based tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faroogh Marofi
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Heshu Sulaiman Rahman
- College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Alexander Markov
- Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia
- Tyumen Industrial University, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Mahnaz Mahmoodi
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hassanzadeh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | | - Mostafa Jarahian
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit (G401), Heidelberg, Germany
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Identification of two immune subtypes in osteosarcoma based on immune gene sets. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107799. [PMID: 34162161 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly aggressive cancer with poor prognosis, which mainly occurs in teenagers. Recent studies have shown that tumor-infiltrating immune cells play an important role in the progression of OS. In the present study, we identified two immune subtypes of OS (referred to as high and low immune cell infiltration subtypes, respectively) based on immune-related gene sets using TARGET and GEO cohort datasets. Elevated immune scores, increased stromal scores, decreased tumor purities, and higher infiltration of CD8 + T cells and M1 macrophages were observed for the high immune cell infiltration subtype. Moreover, the high immune cell infiltration subtype was characterized by high expression of immune checkpoint molecules. Gene set enrichment analysis showed that "B cell receptor signaling pathway" and "T cell receptor signaling pathway" gene sets were enriched in the high immune cell infiltration subtype. In addition, patients in the high immune cell infiltration subtype had better prognosis than patients in the low immune cell infiltration subtype. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes were screened according to the two OS subtypes and a risk model was generated by multivariate Cox regression analysis to predict the prognosis of OS patients. These results in this study showed that OS patients could be divided into two immune subtypes and offered a novel two-gene risk signature to predict the prognosis of patients with OS.
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Liu Y, Gao S, Zhao Y, Wang H, Pan Q, Shao Q. Decidual Natural Killer Cells: A Good Nanny at the Maternal-Fetal Interface During Early Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:663660. [PMID: 34054831 PMCID: PMC8149889 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.663660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Decidual natural killer (dNK) cells are the tissue-resident and major subpopulation of NK cells at the maternal-fetal interface. It has been demonstrated that dNK cells play pivotal roles in pregnancy, including keeping maternal-fetal immune tolerance, promoting extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cell invasion, and driving uterine spiral artery remodeling. However, the molecular mechanisms haven't been elucidated until recent years. In this review, we systemically introduce the generation, subsets, and surface or soluble molecules of dNK cells, which are critical for maintaining the functions of dNK cells. Further, new functions of dNK cells including well-controlled cytotoxicity, immunosurveillance and immunotrophism supporting via the cell-cell interaction between dNK cells and EVT cells are mainly focused. The molecular mechanisms involved in these functions are also illustrated. Moreover, pregnancy-associated diseases caused by the dNK cells abnormalities are discussed. It will be important for future investigations about the mechanism of maintenance of pregnancy and parturition and potential clinical applications of dNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuefang Liu
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Huai'an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Shujun Gao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Yangjing Zhao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Qiong Pan
- Department of Clinical Genetics, the Huai'an Maternity and Child Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Qixiang Shao
- Reproductive Sciences Institute, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
- Department of Immunology, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Zhenjiang, China
- Jiangsu College of Nursing, School of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, Huai'an, China
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