1
|
Musil J, Ptacek A, Vanikova S. OMIP-106: A 30-color panel for analysis of check-point inhibitory networks in the bone marrow of acute myeloid leukemia patients. Cytometry A 2024. [PMID: 39192598 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24892] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common form of acute leukemia diagnosed in adults. Despite advances in medical care, the treatment of AML still faces many challenges, such as treatment-related toxicities, that limit the use of high-intensity chemotherapy, especially in elderly patients. Currently, various immunotherapeutic approaches, that is, CAR-T cells, BiTEs, and immune checkpoint inhibitors, are being tested in clinical trials to prolong remission and improve the overall survival of AML patients. However, early reports show only limited benefits of these interventions and only in a subset of patients, showing the need for better patient stratification based on immunological markers. We have therefore developed and optimized a 30-color panel for evaluation of effector immune cell (NK cells, γδ T cells, NKT-like T cells, and classical T cells) infiltration into the bone marrow and analysis of their phenotype with regard to their differentiation, expression of inhibitory (PD-1, TIGIT, Tim3, NKG2A) and activating receptors (DNAM-1, NKG2D). We also evaluate the immune evasive phenotype of CD33+ myeloid cells, CD34+CD38-, and CD34+CD38+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells by analyzing the expression of inhibitory ligands such as PD-L1, CD112, CD155, and CD200. Our panel can be a valuable tool for patient stratification in clinical trials and can also be used to broaden our understanding of check-point inhibitory networks in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Musil
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Antonin Ptacek
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Vanikova
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tameni A, Toffalori C, Vago L. Tricking the trickster: precision medicine approaches to counteract leukemia immune escape after transplant. Blood 2024; 143:2710-2721. [PMID: 38728431 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023019962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Over the last decades, significant improvements in reducing the toxicities of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) have widened its use as consolidation or salvage therapy for high-risk hematological malignancies. Nevertheless, relapse of the original malignant disease remains an open issue with unsatisfactory salvage options and limited rationales to select among them. In the last years, several studies have highlighted that relapse is often associated with specific genomic and nongenomic mechanisms of immune escape. In this review we summarize the current knowledge about these modalities of immune evasion, focusing on the mechanisms that leverage antigen presentation and pathologic rewiring of the bone marrow microenvironment. We present examples of how this biologic information can be translated into specific approaches to treat relapse, discuss the status of the clinical trials for patients who relapsed after a transplant, and show how dissecting the complex immunobiology of allo-HCT represents a crucial step toward developing new personalized approaches to improve clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Tameni
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Toffalori
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Vago
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Corradi G, Forte D, Cristiano G, Polimeno A, Ciciarello M, Salvestrini V, Bandini L, Robustelli V, Ottaviani E, Cavo M, Ocadlikova D, Curti A. Ex vivo characterization of acute myeloid leukemia patients undergoing hypomethylating agents and venetoclax regimen reveals a venetoclax-specific effect on non-suppressive regulatory T cells and bona fide PD-1 +TIM3 + exhausted CD8 + T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1386517. [PMID: 38812504 PMCID: PMC11133521 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1386517] [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: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive heterogeneous disease characterized by several alterations of the immune system prompting disease progression and treatment response. The therapies available for AML can affect lymphocyte function, limiting the efficacy of immunotherapy while hindering leukemia-specific immune reactions. Recently, the treatment based on Venetoclax (VEN), a specific B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) inhibitor, in combination with hypomethylating agents (HMAs) or low-dose cytarabine, has emerged as a promising clinical strategy in AML. To better understand the immunological effect of VEN treatment, we characterized the phenotype and immune checkpoint (IC) receptors' expression on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from AML patients after the first and second cycle of HMA in combination with VEN. HMA and VEN treatment significantly increased the percentage of naïve CD8+ T cells and TIM-3+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and reduced cytokine-secreting non-suppressive T regulatory cells (Tregs). Of note, a comparison between AML patients treated with HMA only and HMA in combination with VEN revealed the specific contribution of VEN in modulating the immune cell repertoire. Indeed, the reduction of cytokine-secreting non-suppressive Tregs, the increased TIM-3 expression on CD8+ T cells, and the reduced co-expression of PD-1 and TIM-3 on both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells are all VEN-specific. Collectively, our study shed light on immune modulation induced by VEN treatment, providing the rationale for a novel therapeutic combination of VEN and IC inhibitors in AML patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Corradi
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Oncology Hematology, Pescara Hospital, Pescara, Italy
| | - Dorian Forte
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gianluca Cristiano
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Andrea Polimeno
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marilena Ciciarello
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (CNR) Institute of Molecular Genetics “Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza”, Unit of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvestrini
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorenza Bandini
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valentina Robustelli
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emanuela Ottaviani
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Cavo
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Darina Ocadlikova
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Curti
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dixon KO, Lahore GF, Kuchroo VK. Beyond T cell exhaustion: TIM-3 regulation of myeloid cells. Sci Immunol 2024; 9:eadf2223. [PMID: 38457514 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.adf2223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) is an important immune checkpoint molecule initially identified as a marker of IFN-γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Since then, our understanding of its role in immune responses has significantly expanded. Here, we review emerging evidence demonstrating unexpected roles for TIM-3 as a key regulator of myeloid cell function, in addition to recent work establishing TIM-3 as a delineator of terminal T cell exhaustion, thereby positioning TIM-3 at the interface between fatigued immune responses and reinvigoration. We share our perspective on the antagonism between TIM-3 and T cell stemness, discussing both cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms underlying this relationship. Looking forward, we discuss approaches to decipher the underlying mechanisms by which TIM-3 regulates stemness, which has remarkable potential for the treatment of cancer, autoimmunity, and autoinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen O Dixon
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gonzalo Fernandez Lahore
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Vijay K Kuchroo
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Giannotti F, De Ramon Ortiz C, Simonetta F, Morin S, Bernardi C, Masouridi-Levrat S, Chalandon Y, Mamez AC. Remission of relapsed/refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma induced by brentuximab vedotin and pembrolizumab combination after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a case report. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360275. [PMID: 38510239 PMCID: PMC10950903 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360275] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative treatment option for patients with highly chemorefractory Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). The CD30-targeting antibody-drug conjugate Brentuximab-Vedotin (BV) and programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blocking agents have demonstrated clinical activity with durable responses in relapsed/refractory (r/r) HL. However, patients with a history of allo-HSCT were frequently excluded from clinical trials due to concerns about the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). We report the clinical history of a patient with refractory classical HL who underwent two allo-HSCTs (first from matched unrelated and second from haploidentical donor) after relapsing on BV and nivolumab and for whom durable remission was finally obtained using BV-pembrolizumab combination for relapse after haploidentical HSCT. Such treatment was associated with the onset of GVHD after only two cycles which led to treatment discontinuation. However, the side effects were rapidly controlled, and after 2 years of follow-up, the patient is still in remission. Our data support the feasibility and efficacy of combining PD-1 blockade with BV to enhance the graft-versus-lymphoma effect after allo-HSCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Giannotti
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center for Oncohematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Carmen De Ramon Ortiz
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center for Oncohematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Sarah Morin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Bernardi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center for Oncohematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Stavroula Masouridi-Levrat
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yves Chalandon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Translational Research Center for Oncohematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Anne-Claire Mamez
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
You E, Park CJ, Cho YU, Jang S, Lee MY, Kim H, Koh KN, Im HJ, Choi EJ, Lee JH, Lee KH. Increased PD-1 expression of bone marrow T-cells in acute myeloid leukaemia patients after stem cell transplantation, and its association with overall survival. Ann Clin Biochem 2024; 61:79-89. [PMID: 37314798 DOI: 10.1177/00045632231184716] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune checkpoints are involved in mechanisms by which tumours escape from the host immune system. Our aim was to evaluate acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) patients to determine expression levels of checkpoint molecules according to diagnosis and treatments, and to identify optimal candidates for checkpoint blockade. METHODS Bone marrow (BM) samples were obtained from 279 AML patients at different disease status and from 23 controls. Flow cytometric analyses of PD-1 and PD-L1/PD-L2 expression were performed. RESULTS Programmed death-1 (PD-1) expression levels on CD8+ T-cells at AML diagnosis were increased compared to controls. PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression levels on leukaemic cells at diagnosis were significantly higher in secondary AML than in de novo AML. PD-1 levels on CD8+ and CD4+ T-cells after allo-SCT were significantly higher than those at diagnosis and after CTx. PD-1 expression on CD8+ T-cells increased in the acute GVHD group than in the non-GVHD group. The overall survival of patients with high PD-1 expression on CD8+ T-cells was significantly shorter than that of patients with low PD-1 expression. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, patients who underwent allo-SCT exhibited high PD-1 expression, suggesting that allo-SCT increases PD-1 expression on T-cells, and the patients with high PD-1 expression on CD8+ T-cells after allo-SCT showed the poor prognosis. For these patients, PD-1 blockade could be an immunotherapeutic strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyoung You
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan Paik Hospital, Busan, Korea
| | - Chan-Jeoung Park
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Uk Cho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seongsoo Jang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Min Young Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine and Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hery Kim
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Nam Koh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Joon Im
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center Children's Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Choi
- Department of Hematology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Je-Hwan Lee
- Department of Hematology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyoo-Hyung Lee
- Department of Hematology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Huang S, Zhao Y, Lai W, Tan J, Zheng X, Zha X, Li Y, Chen S. Higher PD-1/Tim-3 expression on IFN-γ+ T cells is associated with poor prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Biol Ther 2023; 24:2278229. [PMID: 37962843 PMCID: PMC10903599 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2278229] [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: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
With the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), such as anti- programmed death-1 (PD-1) antibody for solid tumors and lymphoma immunotherapy, a number of clinical trials with ICIs have been attempted for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) immunotherapy; however, limited clinical efficacy has been reported. This may be due to the heterogeneity of immune microenvironments and various degrees of T cell exhaustion in patients and may be involved in the IFN-γ pathway. In this study, we first characterized the percentage of PD-1+ and T cell immunoglobulin mucin-domain-containing-3 (Tim-3) +IFN-γ+ T cells in peripheral blood (PB) in AML compared with healthy individuals (HIs) by flow cytometry and further discussed the possibility of the reversal of T cell exhaustion to restore the secretion capacity of cytokines in T cells in AML based on blockade of PD-1 or Tim-3 (anti-PD-1 and anti-Tim-3 antibody) in vitro using a cytokine protein chip. A significantly increased percentage of PD-1+, Tim-3+, and PD-1+Tim-3+ IFN-γ+ T cells was observed in PB from patients with AML in comparison with HIs. Moreover, higher PD-1+IFN-γ+CD3+/CD8+ T cell levels were associated with poor overall survival in AML patients. Regarding leukemia cells, the percentage of Tim-3 in CD117+CD34+ AML cells was positively correlated with PD-1 in IFN-γ+CD4+ T cells. Furthermore, blocking PD-1 and Tim-3 may involve multiple cytokines and helper T cell subsets, mainly Th1 and Treg cells. Blockade of PD-1 or Tim-3 tends to restore cytokine secretion to a certain extent, a synergistic effect shown by the co-blockade of PD-1 and Tim-3. However, we also demonstrated the heterogeneity of secretory cytokines in ICI-treated T cells in AML patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuxin Huang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenpu Lai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Zheng
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xianfeng Zha
- Department of clinical laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Herrity E, Pereira MP, Kim DDH. Acute myeloid leukaemia relapse after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Mechanistic diversity and therapeutic directions. Br J Haematol 2023; 203:722-735. [PMID: 37787151 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Emerging biological and clinical data, along with advances in new technologies, have exposed the mechanistic diversity in post-haematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) relapse. Post-HCT relapse mechanisms are relevant for guiding sophisticated selection of therapeutic interventions and identification of areas for further research. Clonal evolution and emergence of resistant leukemic strains is a common mechanism shared by relapse post-chemotherapy and post-HCT, other mechanisms such as leukemic immune escape and donor T cell exhaustion are unique entities to post-HCT relapse. Due to diversity in the mechanisms behind post-HCT relapse, the subsequent clinical approach relies on clinician discretion, rather than objective evidence. Lack of standardized selection based on post-HCT relapse mechanism(s) could be a contributing factor to observed poor outcomes. Therapeutic strategies including donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), second transplant, immunotherapies, hypomethylating agents, and targeted strategies are supported options and efficacy may be enhanced when post-HCT AML relapse mechanism is established and guides treatment selection. This review aims, through compilation of supporting studies, to describe mechanisms of post-HCT relapse and their implications for subsequent treatment selection and inspiration for future research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Herrity
- Hans Messner Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mariana Pinto Pereira
- Hans Messner Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dennis Dong Hwan Kim
- Hans Messner Allogeneic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Leukemia Program, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Taghiloo S, Ajami A, Alizadeh-Navaei R, Asgarian-Omran H. Combination therapy of acute myeloid leukemia by dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 and TLR-7/8 agonist R848 in murine model. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111211. [PMID: 37956488 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Due to the high relapse rate and toxicity of the common therapies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), modifications in the treatment strategies are required. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of combinational therapy with a dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, BEZ235, and TLR7/8 agonist, R848, on murine AML model. METHODS BEZ235 and R848 were administered to AML leukemic mice in either a single or combination treatment. Frequency of T-CD4+, T-CD8+, MDSCs, NK, exhausted T cells and the degranulation levels was measured via flow cytometry. The cytotoxicity and proliferation levels were evaluated by MTT assay. Then, the expression of iNOS, arginase-1, PD-L1, Gal-9, PVR, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-4, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-17 was investigated by Real-Time PCR. Organomegaly, body weight and survival rate were also monitored. RESULTS Following combinational therapy with BEZ235 and R848, increasing in the frequency of anti-tumor immune cells including T-CD4+ cells and M1 macroghages, and decreasing in pro-tumor immune cells including MDSCs, exhausted T-CD4+ and T-CD8+ cells and also M2 macrophages were observed. The functional defects of immune cells in term of proliferation, cytotoxicity, degranulation, and cytokines expression were improved in leukemic mice after treatment with BEZ235 and R848. Finally, organomegaly, body weight and survival analysis showed significant improvements after treatment with BEZ235 and R848. CONCLUSION Taken together, we indicated that the combinational therapy with BEZ235 and R848 could be considered as a potential and powerful therapeutic option for AML patients. Further clinical studies are required to expand our current findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Abolghasem Ajami
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Reza Alizadeh-Navaei
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran; Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, Non-Communicable Diseases Institute, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Sauerer T, Velázquez GF, Schmid C. Relapse of acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: immune escape mechanisms and current implications for therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:180. [PMID: 37951964 PMCID: PMC10640763 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the expansion of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) resulting in failure of normal hematopoiesis and life-threating cytopenia. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is an established therapy with curative potential. Nevertheless, post-transplant relapse is common and associated with poor prognosis, representing the major cause of death after allo-HCT. The occurrence of relapse after initially successful allo-HCT indicates that the donor immune system is first able to control the leukemia, which at a later stage develops evasion strategies to escape from immune surveillance. In this review we first provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding immune escape in AML after allo-HCT, including dysregulated HLA, alterations in immune checkpoints and changes leading to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In the second part, we draw the line from bench to bedside and elucidate to what extend immune escape mechanisms of relapsed AML are yet exploited in treatment strategies. Finally, we give an outlook how new emerging technologies could help to improve the therapy for these patients, and elucidate potential new treatment options.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Sauerer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Giuliano Filippini Velázquez
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmid
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jia B, Zhao C, Minagawa K, Shike H, Claxton DF, Ehmann WC, Rybka WB, Mineishi S, Wang M, Schell TD, Prabhu KS, Paulson RF, Zhang Y, Shultz LD, Zheng H. Acute Myeloid Leukemia Causes T Cell Exhaustion and Depletion in a Humanized Graft-versus-Leukemia Model. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1426-1437. [PMID: 37712758 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is, in many clinical settings, the only curative treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The clinical benefit of alloSCT greatly relies on the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. However, AML relapse remains the top cause of posttransplant death; this highlights the urgent need to enhance GVL. Studies of human GVL have been hindered by the lack of optimal clinically relevant models. In this article, we report, the successful establishment of a novel (to our knowledge) humanized GVL model system by transplanting clinically paired donor PBMCs and patient AML into MHC class I/II knockout NSG mice. We observed significantly reduced leukemia growth in humanized mice compared with mice that received AML alone, demonstrating a functional GVL effect. Using this model system, we studied human GVL responses against human AML cells in vivo and discovered that AML induced T cell depletion, likely because of increased T cell apoptosis. In addition, AML caused T cell exhaustion manifested by upregulation of inhibitory receptors, increased expression of exhaustion-related transcription factors, and decreased T cell function. Importantly, combined blockade of human T cell-inhibitory pathways effectively reduced leukemia burden and reinvigorated CD8 T cell function in this model system. These data, generated in a highly clinically relevant humanized GVL model, not only demonstrate AML-induced inhibition of alloreactive T cells but also identify promising therapeutic strategies targeting T cell depletion and exhaustion for overcoming GVL failure and treating AML relapse after alloSCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bei Jia
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Kentaro Minagawa
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Hiroko Shike
- Department of Pathology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - David F Claxton
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - W Christopher Ehmann
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Witold B Rybka
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Shin Mineishi
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - Ming Wang
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH
| | - Todd D Schell
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| | - K Sandeep Prabhu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA
| | - Robert F Paulson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian Health, Edison, NJ
| | - Leonard D Shultz
- Department of Immunology, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME
| | - Hong Zheng
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guarnera L, Bravo-Perez C, Visconte V. Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Literature Review of Emerging Strategies. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:1228. [PMID: 37892958 PMCID: PMC10604866 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10101228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last twenty years, we have witnessed a paradigm shift in the treatment and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), thanks to the introduction of new efficient drugs or approaches to refine old therapies, such as Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin, CPX 3-5-1, hypomethylating agents, and Venetoclax, the optimization of conditioning regimens in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and the improvement of supportive care. However, the long-term survival of non-M3 and non-core binding factor-AML is still dismal. For this reason, the expectations for the recently developed immunotherapies, such as antibody-based therapy, checkpoint inhibitors, and chimeric antigen receptor strategies, successfully tested in other hematologic malignancies, were very high. The inherent characteristics of AML blasts hampered the development of these treatments, and the path of immunotherapy in AML has been bumpy. Herein, we provide a detailed review of potential antigenic targets, available data from pre-clinical and clinical trials, and future directions of immunotherapies in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luca Guarnera
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (C.B.-P.); (V.V.)
- Department of Biomedicine and Prevention, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Carlos Bravo-Perez
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (C.B.-P.); (V.V.)
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Morales Meseguer, University of Murcia, IMIB-Pascual Parrilla, CIBERER—Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 30005 Murcia, Spain
| | - Valeria Visconte
- Department of Translational Hematology & Oncology Research, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA; (C.B.-P.); (V.V.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Apostolova P, Kreutmair S, Toffalori C, Punta M, Unger S, Burk AC, Wehr C, Maas-Bauer K, Melchinger W, Haring E, Hoefflin R, Shoumariyeh K, Hupfer V, Lauer EM, Duquesne S, Lowinus T, Gonzalo Núñez N, Alberti C, da Costa Pereira S, Merten CH, Power L, Weiss M, Böke C, Pfeifer D, Marks R, Bertz H, Wäsch R, Ihorst G, Gentner B, Duyster J, Boerries M, Andrieux G, Finke J, Becher B, Vago L, Zeiser R. Phase II trial of hypomethylating agent combined with nivolumab for acute myeloid leukaemia relapse after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation-Immune signature correlates with response. Br J Haematol 2023; 203:264-281. [PMID: 37539479 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19007] [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: 06/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) relapse after allogeneic haematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is often driven by immune-related mechanisms and associated with poor prognosis. Immune checkpoint inhibitors combined with hypomethylating agents (HMA) may restore or enhance the graft-versus-leukaemia effect. Still, data about using this combination regimen after allo-HCT are limited. We conducted a prospective, phase II, open-label, single-arm study in which we treated patients with haematological AML relapse after allo-HCT with HMA plus the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab. The response was correlated with DNA-, RNA- and protein-based single-cell technology assessments to identify biomarkers associated with therapeutic efficacy. Sixteen patients received a median number of 2 (range 1-7) nivolumab applications. The overall response rate (CR/PR) at day 42 was 25%, and another 25% of the patients achieved stable disease. The median overall survival was 15.6 months. High-parametric cytometry documented a higher frequency of activated (ICOS+ , HLA-DR+ ), low senescence (KLRG1- , CD57- ) CD8+ effector T cells in responders. We confirmed these findings in a preclinical model. Single-cell transcriptomics revealed a pro-inflammatory rewiring of the expression profile of T and myeloid cells in responders. In summary, the study indicates that the post-allo-HCT HMA/nivolumab combination induces anti-AML immune responses in selected patients and could be considered as a bridging approach to a second allo-HCT. Trial-registration: EudraCT-No. 2017-002194-18.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Petya Apostolova
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Kreutmair
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Toffalori
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Punta
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Center for OMICS Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Susanne Unger
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ann-Cathrin Burk
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Wehr
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kristina Maas-Bauer
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Melchinger
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eileen Haring
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rouven Hoefflin
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Khalid Shoumariyeh
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Valerie Hupfer
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Eliza Maria Lauer
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Duquesne
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Theresa Lowinus
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Chiara Alberti
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Carla Helena Merten
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Power
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Matthias Weiss
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Caroline Böke
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietmar Pfeifer
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Reinhard Marks
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hartmut Bertz
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralph Wäsch
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gabriele Ihorst
- Clinical Trials Unit, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Gentner
- Translational Stem Cell and Leukemia Unit, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research and Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne (UNIL) and Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Justus Duyster
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Melanie Boerries
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Geoffroy Andrieux
- Institute of Medical Bioinformatics and Systems Medicine, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juergen Finke
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Luca Vago
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center-University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Freiburg and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS-Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Gurska L, Gritsman K. Unveiling T cell evasion mechanisms to immune checkpoint inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:674-687. [PMID: 37842238 PMCID: PMC10571054 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous and aggressive hematologic malignancy that is associated with a high relapse rate and poor prognosis. Despite advances in immunotherapies in solid tumors and other hematologic malignancies, AML has been particularly difficult to treat with immunotherapies, as their efficacy is limited by the ability of leukemic cells to evade T cell recognition. In this review, we discuss the common mechanisms of T cell evasion in AML: (1) increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules; (2) downregulation of antigen presentation molecules; (3) induction of T cell exhaustion; and (4) creation of an immunosuppressive environment through the increased frequency of regulatory T cells. We also review the clinical investigation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in AML. We discuss the limitations of ICIs, particularly in the context of T cell evasion mechanisms in AML, and we describe emerging strategies to overcome T cell evasion, including combination therapies. Finally, we provide an outlook on the future directions of immunotherapy research in AML, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between AML cells and the immune system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Gurska
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Kira Gritsman
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Bakhtiyari M, Liaghat M, Aziziyan F, Shapourian H, Yahyazadeh S, Alipour M, Shahveh S, Maleki-Sheikhabadi F, Halimi H, Forghaniesfidvajani R, Zalpoor H, Nabi-Afjadi M, Pornour M. The role of bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression: immune checkpoints, metabolic checkpoints, and signaling pathways. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:252. [PMID: 37735675 PMCID: PMC10512514 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a multifarious and heterogeneous array of illnesses characterized by the anomalous proliferation of myeloid cells in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). The BMM plays a pivotal role in promoting AML progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The immune checkpoints (ICs) and metabolic processes are the key players in this process. In this review, we delineate the metabolic and immune checkpoint characteristics of the AML BMM, with a focus on the roles of BMM cells e.g. tumor-associated macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, metabolic profiles and related signaling pathways. We also discuss the signaling pathways stimulated in AML cells by BMM factors that lead to AML progression. We then delve into the roles of immune checkpoints in AML angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation, including co-stimulatory and inhibitory ICs. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic approaches and future directions for AML treatment, emphasizing the potential of targeting metabolic and immune checkpoints in AML BMM as prognostic and therapeutic targets. In conclusion, the modulation of these processes through the use of directed drugs opens up new promising avenues in combating AML. Thereby, a comprehensive elucidation of the significance of these AML BMM cells' metabolic and immune checkpoints and signaling pathways on leukemic cells can be undertaken in the future investigations. Additionally, these checkpoints and cells should be considered plausible multi-targeted therapies for AML in combination with other conventional treatments in AML. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooriyeh Shapourian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sheida Yahyazadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maedeh Alipour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Shahveh
- American Association of Naturopath Physician (AANP), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fahimeh Maleki-Sheikhabadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Halimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razieh Forghaniesfidvajani
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pornour
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Bolkun L, Tynecka M, Walewska A, Bernatowicz M, Piszcz J, Cichocka E, Wandtke T, Czemerska M, Wierzbowska A, Moniuszko M, Grubczak K, Eljaszewicz A. The Association between Immune Checkpoint Proteins and Therapy Outcomes in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4487. [PMID: 37760457 PMCID: PMC10526931 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of novel drugs with different mechanisms of action has dramatically changed the treatment landscape of AML patients in recent years. Considering a significant dysregulation of the immune system, inhibitors of immune checkpoint (ICI) proteins provide a substantial therapeutic option for those subjects. However, use of ICI in haematological malignancies remains very limited, in contrast to their wide use in solid tumours. Here, we analysed expression patterns of the most promising selected checkpoint-based therapeutic targets in AML patients. Peripheral blood of 72 untreated AML patients was used for flow cytometric analysis. Expression of PD-1, PD-L1, CTLA-4, and B7-H3 was assessed within CD4+ (Th) lymphocytes and CD33+ blast cells. Patients were stratified based on therapy outcome and cytogenetic molecular risk. AML non-responders (NR) showed a higher frequency of PD-1 in Th cells compared to those with complete remission (CR). Reduced blast cell level of CTLA-4 was another factor differentiating CR from NR subjects. Elevated levels of PD-1 were associated with a trend for poorer patients' survival. Additionally, prognosis for AML patients was worse in case of a higher frequency of B7-H3 in Th lymphocytes. In summary, we showed the significance of selected ICI as outcome predictors in AML management. Further, multicentre studies are required for validation of those data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lukasz Bolkun
- Department of Haematology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland (J.P.)
| | - Marlena Tynecka
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland (A.W.); (M.M.)
| | - Alicja Walewska
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland (A.W.); (M.M.)
| | - Malgorzata Bernatowicz
- Department of Haematology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland (J.P.)
| | - Jaroslaw Piszcz
- Department of Haematology, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland (J.P.)
| | - Edyta Cichocka
- Department of Haematology, Rydygiera Hospital in Torun, 87-100 Torun, Poland;
| | - Tomasz Wandtke
- Department of Lung Diseases, Neoplasms and Tuberculosis, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, 85-326 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Magdalena Czemerska
- Department of Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 93-510 Lodz, Poland (A.W.)
| | | | - Marcin Moniuszko
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland (A.W.); (M.M.)
- Department of Allergology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Kamil Grubczak
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland (A.W.); (M.M.)
| | - Andrzej Eljaszewicz
- Department of Regenerative Medicine and Immune Regulation, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland (A.W.); (M.M.)
- Tissue and Cell Bank, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-269 Bialystok, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kent A, Crump LS, Davila E. Beyond αβ T cells: NK, iNKT, and γδT cell biology in leukemic patients and potential for off-the-shelf adoptive cell therapies for AML. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202950. [PMID: 37654497 PMCID: PMC10465706 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains an elusive disease to treat, let alone cure, even after highly intensive therapies such as stem cell transplants. Adoptive cell therapeutic strategies based on conventional alpha beta (αβ)T cells are an active area of research in myeloid neoplasms given their remarkable success in other hematologic malignancies, particularly B-cell-derived acute lymphoid leukemia, myeloma, and lymphomas. Several limitations have hindered clinical application of adoptive cell therapies in AML including lack of leukemia-specific antigens, on-target-off-leukemic toxicity, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and leukemic stem cell populations elusive to immune recognition and destruction. While there are promising T cell-based therapies including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T designs under development, other cytotoxic lymphocyte cell subsets have unique phenotypes and capabilities that might be of additional benefit in AML treatment. Of particular interest are the natural killer (NK) and unconventional T cells known as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) and gamma delta (γδ) T cells. NK, iNKT, and γδT cells exhibit intrinsic anti-malignant properties, potential for alloreactivity, and human leukocyte-antigen (HLA)-independent function. Here we review the biology of each of these unconventional cytotoxic lymphocyte cell types and compare and contrast their strengths and limitations as the basis for adoptive cell therapies for AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kent
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Eduardo Davila
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhou H, Jia B, Annageldiyev C, Minagawa K, Zhao C, Mineishi S, Ehmann WC, Naik SG, Cioccio J, Wirk B, Songdej N, Rakszawski KL, Nickolich MS, Shen J, Zheng H. CD26 lowPD-1 + CD8 T cells are terminally exhausted and associated with leukemia progression in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1169144. [PMID: 37457737 PMCID: PMC10338956 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1169144] [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: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a devastating blood cancer with poor prognosis. Novel effective treatment is an urgent unmet need. Immunotherapy targeting T cell exhaustion by blocking inhibitory pathways, such as PD-1, is promising in cancer treatment. However, results from clinical studies applying PD-1 blockade to AML patients are largely disappointing. AML is highly heterogeneous. Identification of additional immune regulatory pathways and defining predictive biomarkers for treatment response are crucial to optimize the strategy. CD26 is a marker of T cell activation and involved in multiple immune processes. Here, we performed comprehensive phenotypic and functional analyses on the blood samples collected from AML patients and discovered that CD26lowPD-1+ CD8 T cells were associated with AML progression. Specifically, the percentage of this cell fraction was significantly higher in patients with newly diagnosed AML compared to that in patients achieved completed remission or healthy controls. Our subsequent studies on CD26lowPD-1+ CD8 T cells from AML patients at initial diagnosis demonstrated that this cell population highly expressed inhibitory receptors and displayed impaired cytokine production, indicating an exhaustion status. Importantly, CD26lowPD-1+ CD8 T cells carried features of terminal exhaustion, manifested by higher frequency of TEMRA differentiation, increased expression of transcription factors that are observed in terminally exhausted T cells, and high level of intracellular expression of granzyme B and perforin. Our findings suggest a prognostic and predictive value of CD26 in AML, providing pivotal information to optimize the immunotherapy for this devastating cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huarong Zhou
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
| | - Bei Jia
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Charyguly Annageldiyev
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Kentaro Minagawa
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Shin Mineishi
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - W Christopher Ehmann
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Seema G. Naik
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Joseph Cioccio
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Baldeep Wirk
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Natthapol Songdej
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Kevin L. Rakszawski
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Myles S. Nickolich
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| | - Jianzhen Shen
- Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Medical Center of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Damiani D, Tiribelli M. Checkpoint Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1724. [PMID: 37371818 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory. Among the reasons for the poor response to therapy and high incidence of relapse, there is tumor cell immune escape, as AML blasts can negatively influence various components of the immune system, mostly weakening T-cells. Since leukemic cells can dysregulate immune checkpoints (ICs), receptor-based signal transductors that lead to the negative regulation of T-cells and, eventually, to immune surveillance escape, the inhibition of ICs is a promising therapeutic strategy and has led to the development of so-called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs, in combination with conventional chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents or targeted therapies, are being increasingly tested in cases of AML, but the results reported are often conflicting. Here, we review the main issues concerning the immune system in AML, the main pathways leading to immune escape and the results obtained from clinical trials of ICIs, alone or in combination, in newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Damiani
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Mario Tiribelli
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mu X, Chen C, Dong L, Kang Z, Sun Z, Chen X, Zheng J, Zhang Y. Immunotherapy in leukaemia. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2023; 55:974-987. [PMID: 37272727 PMCID: PMC10326417 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2023101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukaemia is the common name for a group of malignant diseases of the haematopoietic system with complex classifications and characteristics. Remarkable progress has been made in basic research and preclinical studies for acute leukaemia compared to that of the many other types/subtypes of leukaemia, especially the exploration of the biological basis and application of immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (B-ALL). In this review, we summarize the basic approaches to immunotherapy for leukaemia and focus on the research progress made in immunotherapy development for AML and ALL. Importantly, despite the advances made to date, big challenges still exist in the effectiveness of leukaemia immunotherapy, especially in AML. Therefore, we use AML as an example and summarize the mechanisms of tumour cell immune evasion, describe recently reported data and known therapeutic targets, and discuss the obstacles in finding suitable treatment targets and the results obtained in recent clinical trials for several types of single and combination immunotherapies, such as bispecific antibodies, cell therapies (CAR-T-cell treatment), and checkpoint blockade. Finally, we summarize novel immunotherapy strategies for treating lymphocytic leukaemia and clinical trial results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xingmei Mu
- Hongqiao International Institute of MedicineShanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic MedicineKey Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Chumao Chen
- Hongqiao International Institute of MedicineShanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic MedicineKey Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Loujie Dong
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Zhaowei Kang
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Zhixian Sun
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Xijie Chen
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Junke Zheng
- Hongqiao International Institute of MedicineShanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic MedicineKey Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| | - Yaping Zhang
- Hongqiao International Institute of MedicineShanghai Tongren Hospital/Faculty of Basic MedicineKey Laboratory of Cell Differentiation and Apoptosis of Chinese Ministry of EducationShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghai200025China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Menezes DL, See WL, Risueño A, Tsai KT, Lee JK, Ma J, Khan R, Prebet T, Skikne B, Beach CL, Thakurta A, Gandhi A. Oral azacitidine modulates the bone marrow microenvironment in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia in remission: A subanalysis from the QUAZAR AML-001 trial. Br J Haematol 2023. [PMID: 36990798 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.18783] [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: 10/16/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Oral azacitidine (Oral-AZA) maintenance therapy improved relapse-free (RFS) and overall survival (OS) significantly versus placebo for AML patients in remission after intensive chemotherapy (IC) in the phase 3 QUAZAR AML-001 study. Immune profiling was performed on the bone marrow (BM) at remission and on-treatment in a subset of patients with the aim of identifying prognostic immune features and evaluating associations of on-treatment immune effects by Oral-AZA with clinical outcomes. Post-IC, increased levels of lymphocytes, monocytes, T cells and CD34 + CD117+ BM cells were prognostically favourable for RFS. CD3+ T-cell counts were significantly prognostic for RFS in both treatment arms. At baseline, high expression of the PD-L1 checkpoint marker was identified on a subset of CD34 + CD117+ BM cells; many of which were PD-L2+. High co-expression of T-cell exhaustion markers PD-1 and TIM-3 was associated with inferior outcomes. Oral-AZA augmented T-cell numbers during early treatment, increased CD4+:CD8+ ratios and reversed T-cell exhaustion. Unsupervised clustering analysis identified two patient subsets defined by T-cell content and expression of T-cell exhaustion markers that were enriched for MRD negativity. These results indicate that Oral-AZA modulates T-cell activity in the maintenance setting of AML, and these immune-mediated responses are associated with clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Wendy L See
- Bristol Myers Squibb, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Jae K Lee
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, USA
| | - Johnny Ma
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
| | - Rida Khan
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
| | | | - Barry Skikne
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas, USA
| | - C L Beach
- Bristol Myers Squibb, Summit, New Jersey, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Immune Checkpoints and targeted agents in relapse and graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:2909-2917. [PMID: 36572760 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08220-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative therapy for malignant hematologic disorders. Novel anti-infection agents have successfully decreased the risk of fatal infections post-HSCT in recent years, but the relapse of primary disease and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remain the major causes of death for transplant recipients, and significantly deteriorate the quality of life. Thus, it is crucial to maintain the immune homeostasis in transplant recipients and balance the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and GVHD. METHODS We reviewed the recently published literatures on immune checkpoint (IC) and targeted agents in relapse and GVHD after allogeneic HSCT RESULTS: Emerging data suggest that IC is an attractive target to modulate immune responses, and accumulating evidences of IC-targeted agents have been published for the treatment of malignancies and autoimmune disorders. The unique mechanism of IC-targeted agents, which affects the immune homeostasis of the transplant recipient by modulating alloreactivity, minimizes the risk of organ toxicity and immunosuppression associated with conventional therapy CONCLUSION: There is an increase in literature reporting the application of immune checkpoint-targeted agents in HSCT settings, and an overview will benefit further exploration in this field.
Collapse
|
23
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Therapies that target the immune system are increasingly used across oncology, including in hematologic malignancies such as myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). While allogeneic transplant has been a key therapy in these cancers, new approaches that target the immune system are being explored including immune checkpoint therapies, antibody-drug conjugates, and cellular therapies. RECENT FINDINGS This review outlines updates in the preclinical rationale for immune directed therapies in MDS and AML, as well as recent clinical trials exploring these therapies. This manuscript summarizes the development of therapies targeting T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM-3) and CD47, which are being evaluated in late phase studies in MDS and AML. It also reviews the landscape of other immune based therapies including antibody-drug conjugates, chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, bispecific antibodies, and tumor vaccines. SUMMARY The treatment landscape in MDS and AML is rapidly changing; with a goal of improving the quality and duration of responses, a number of immune based therapies are under investigation. This review outlines recent advances with these therapies as well as some of the challenges that remain to incorporate them into leukemia care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew M Brunner
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Serroukh Y, Hébert J, Busque L, Mercier F, Rudd CE, Assouline S, Lachance S, Delisle JS. Blasts in context: the impact of the immune environment on acute myeloid leukemia prognosis and treatment. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100991. [PMID: 35941029 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that originates from the bone marrow (BM). Under physiological conditions, the bone marrow supports the homeostasis of immune cells and hosts memory lymphoid cells. In this review, we summarize our present understanding of the role of the immune microenvironment on healthy bone marrow and on the development of AML, with a focus on T cells and other lymphoid cells. The types and function of different immune cells involved in the AML microenvironment as well as their putative role in the onset of disease and response to treatment are presented. We also describe how the immune context predicts the response to immunotherapy in AML and how these therapies modulate the immune status of the bone marrow. Finally, we focus on allogeneic stem cell transplantation and summarize the current understanding of the immune environment in the post-transplant bone marrow, the factors associated with immune escape and relevant strategies to prevent and treat relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Serroukh
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Erasmus Medical center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Hematology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Josée Hébert
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada; The Quebec Leukemia Cell Bank, Canada
| | - Lambert Busque
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| | - François Mercier
- Division of Hematology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rudd
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sarit Assouline
- Division of Hematology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada
| | - Silvy Lachance
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jean-Sébastien Delisle
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Maffini E, Ursi M, Barbato F, Dicataldo M, Roberto M, Campanini E, Dan E, De Felice F, De Matteis S, Storci G, Bonafè M, Arpinati M, Bonifazi F. The prevention of disease relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1066285. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1066285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease relapse represents by far the most frequent cause of hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) failure. Patients with acute leukemia suffering relapse after HCT have limited conventional treatment options with little possibility of cure and represent, de facto, suitable candidates for the evaluation of novel cellular and biological-based therapies. Donor lymphocyte infusions (DLI) has been one of the first cellular therapies adopted to treat post HCT relapse of acute leukemia patients and still now, it is widely adopted in preemptive and prophylactic settings, with renewed interest for manipulated cellular products such as NK-DLI. The acquisition of novel biological insights into pathobiology of leukemia relapse are translating into the clinic, with novel combinations of target therapies and novel agents, helping delineate new therapeutical landscapes. Hypomethylating agents alone or in combination with novel drugs demonstrated their efficacy in pre-clinical models and controlled trials. FLT3 inhibitors represent an essential therapeutical instrument incorporated in post-transplant maintenance strategies. The Holy grail of allogeneic transplantation lies in the separation of graft-vs.-host disease from graft vs. tumor effects and after more than five decades, is still the most ambitious goal to reach and many ways to accomplish are on their way.
Collapse
|
26
|
Morozova EV, Tsvetkov NY, Barabanshchikova MV, Yurovskaya KS, Moiseev IS. New perspectives in the treatment of patients with intermediate-2 and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. ONCOHEMATOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.17650/1818-8346-2022-17-4-106-117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- E. V. Morozova
- Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Research Institute for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - N. Yu. Tsvetkov
- Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Research Institute for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - M. V. Barabanshchikova
- Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Research Institute for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - K. S. Yurovskaya
- Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Research Institute for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| | - I. S. Moiseev
- Raisa Gorbacheva Memorial Research Institute for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, I.P. Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Abaza Y, Zeidan AM. Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Myelodysplastic Syndromes. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142249. [PMID: 35883692 PMCID: PMC9318025 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized the treatment of many solid tumors, with limited progress made in the area of myeloid malignancies. The low mutational burden of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one potential reason behind the lack of activity of T-cell harnessing ICIs, particularly CTLA-4 and PD-1 inhibitors. Innate immune checkpoints play a critical role in the immune escape of AML and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). The CD47 targeting agent, magrolimab, has shown promising activity when combined with azacitidine in early phase trials conducted in AML and higher-risk MDS, especially among patients harboring a TP53 mutation. Similarly, sabatolimab (an anti-TIM-3 monoclonal antibody) plus hypomethylating agents have shown durable responses in higher-risk MDS and AML in early clinical trials. Randomized trials are currently ongoing to confirm the efficacy of these agents. In this review, we will present the current progress and future directions of immune checkpoint inhibition in AML and MDS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Abaza
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Amer M. Zeidan
- Section of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Smilow Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kang S, Li Y, Qiao J, Meng X, He Z, Gao X, Yu L. Antigen-Specific TCR-T Cells for Acute Myeloid Leukemia: State of the Art and Challenges. Front Oncol 2022; 12:787108. [PMID: 35356211 PMCID: PMC8959347 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.787108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytogenetic abnormalities and molecular mutations involved in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) lead to unique treatment challenges. Although adoptive T-cell therapies (ACT) such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy have shown promising results in the treatment of leukemias, especially B-cell malignancies, the optimal target surface antigen has yet to be discovered for AML. Alternatively, T-cell receptor (TCR)-redirected T cells can target intracellular antigens presented by HLA molecules, allowing the exploration of a broader territory of new therapeutic targets. Immunotherapy using adoptive transfer of WT1 antigen-specific TCR-T cells, for example, has had positive clinical successes in patients with AML. Nevertheless, AML can escape from immune system elimination by producing immunosuppressive factors or releasing several cytokines. This review presents recent advances of antigen-specific TCR-T cells in treating AML and discusses their challenges and future directions in clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Synat Kang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yisheng Li
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jingqiao Qiao
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiangyu Meng
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ziqian He
- Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuefeng Gao
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China.,Central Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Hematological Malignancies, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Clinical Medical Academy, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen, China
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Tang Y, Zhou Z, Yan H, You Y. Case Report: Preemptive Treatment With Low-Dose PD-1 Blockade and Azacitidine for Molecular Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia With RUNX1-RUNX1T1 After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:810284. [PMID: 35185899 PMCID: PMC8847388 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.810284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients who develop hematological relapse (HR) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) generally have dismal clinical outcomes. Measurable residual disease (MRD)-directed preemptive interventions are effective approaches to prevent disease progression and improve prognosis for molecular relapsed patients with warning signs of impending HR. In this situation, boosting the graft-vs-leukemia (GVL) effect with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) might be a promising prevention strategy, despite the potential for causing severe graft-vs-host disease (GVHD). In the present study, we reported for the first time an AML patient with RUNX1-RUNX1T1 who underwent preemptive treatment with the combined application of tislelizumab (an anti-PD-1 antibody) and azacitidine to avoid HR following allo-HSCT. On day +81, molecular relapse with MRD depicted by RUNX1-RUN1T1-positivity as well as mixed donor chimerism occurred in the patient. On day +95, with no signs of GVHD and an excellent eastern cooperative oncology group performance status (ECOG PS), the patient thus was administered with 100 mg of tislelizumab on day 1 and 100 mg of azacitidine on days 1-7. After the combination therapy, complete remission was successfully achieved with significant improvement in hematologic response, and the MRD marker RUNX1-RUNX1T1 turned negative, along with a complete donor chimerism in bone marrow. Meanwhile, the patient experienced moderate GVHD and immune-related adverse events (irAEs), successively involving the lung, liver, lower digestive tract and urinary system, which were well controlled by immunosuppressive therapies. As far as we know, this case is the first one to report the use of tislelizumab in combination with azacitidine to prevent post-transplant relapse in AML. In summary, the application of ICIs in MRD positive patients might be an attractive strategy for immune modulation in the future to reduce the incidence of HR in the post-transplant setting, but safer clinical application schedules need to be explored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Tang
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhenyang Zhou
- Department of Radiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Wuhan, China
| | - Han Yan
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong You
- Institute of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Abstract
Despite FDA approval of nine new drugs for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the United States over the last 4 years, AML remains a major area of unmet medical need among hematologic malignancies. In this review, we discuss the development of promising new molecular targeted approaches for AML, including menin inhibition, novel IDH1/2 inhibitors, and preclinical means to target TET2, ASXL1, and RNA splicing factor mutations. In addition, we review progress in immune targeting of AML through anti-CD47, anti-SIRPα, and anti-TIM-3 antibodies; bispecific and trispecific antibodies; and new cellular therapies in development for AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Philipp Bewersdorf
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| | - Omar Abdel-Wahab
- Leukemia Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Epigenetic Maintenance Strategies after Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Exp Hematol 2022; 109:1-10.e1. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
32
|
Jia B, Zhao C, Bayerl M, Shike H, Claxton DF, Ehmann WC, Mineishi S, Schell TD, Zheng P, Zhang Y, Shultz LD, Prabhu KS, Paulson RF, Zheng H. A novel clinically relevant graft-versus-leukemia model in humanized mice. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 111:427-437. [PMID: 34057741 PMCID: PMC8922387 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ab0820-542rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognosis for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) relapse post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloSCT) is dismal. Novel effective treatment is urgently needed. Clinical benefit of alloSCT greatly relies on the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. The mechanisms that mediate immune escape of leukemia (thus causing GVL failure) remain poorly understood. Studies of human GVL have been hindered by the lack of optimal clinically relevant models. Here, using our large, longitudinal clinical tissue bank that include AML cells and G-CSF mobilized donor hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), we successfully established a novel GVL model in humanized mice. Donor HSCs were injected into immune-deficient NOD-Cg-Prkdcscid IL2rgtm1Wjl /SzJ (NSG) mice to build humanized mice. Immune reconstitution in these mice recapitulated some clinical scenario in the patient who received the corresponding HSCs. Allogeneic but HLA partially matched patient-derived AML cells were successfully engrafted in these humanized mice. Importantly, we observed a significantly reduced (yet incomplete elimination of) leukemia growth in humanized mice compared with that in control NSG mice, demonstrating a functional (but defective) GVL effect. Thus, for the first time, we established a novel humanized mouse model that can be used for studying human GVL responses against human AML cells in vivo. This novel clinically relevant model provides a valuable platform for investigating the mechanisms of human GVL and development of effective leukemia treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bei Jia
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Chenchen Zhao
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Michael Bayerl
- Department of Pathology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Hiroko Shike
- Department of Pathology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - David F. Claxton
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - W Christopher Ehmann
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Shin Mineishi
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Todd D. Schell
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| | - Pan Zheng
- Department of Surgery, Division of Immunotherapy, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Fels Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
| | - Leonard D. Shultz
- Department of Immunology, The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, Maine, USA
| | - K. Sandeep Prabhu
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Robert F. Paulson
- Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, Penn State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
| | - Hong Zheng
- Penn State Cancer Institute, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, PA 17033, USA
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Mann M, Brunner AM. Emerging immuno-oncology targets in Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS). Curr Probl Cancer 2022; 46:100824. [PMID: 34980485 PMCID: PMC8860886 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2021.100824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Approaches to immunologic therapies in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) have generally fallen into 2 categories: therapies that target immune effector cells and enhance or direct an antileukemic effect, and therapies which target immunological markers on MDS progenitors themselves. Examples of the former include immune checkpoint inhibitors, immunomodulatory therapies, and vaccines, among others, while examples of the latter include antibody-drug conjugate therapies and naked antibodies; while bispecific antibodies and modified T-cells (such as CAR-T therapies) bridge both therapeutic modalities. In this review, we will discuss the rationale for the above therapies, clinical results to date, and potential future directions for investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrew M. Brunner
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Azacitidine-induced reconstitution of the bone marrow T cell repertoire is associated with superior survival in AML patients. Blood Cancer J 2022; 12:19. [PMID: 35091554 PMCID: PMC8799690 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-022-00615-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/09/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypomethylating agents (HMA) like azacitidine are licensed for the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients ineligible for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Biomarker-driven identification of HMA-responsive patients may facilitate the choice of treatment, especially in the challenging subgroup above 60 years of age. Since HMA possesses immunomodulatory functions that constitute part of their anti-tumor effect, we set out to analyze the bone marrow (BM) immune environment by next-generation sequencing of T cell receptor beta (TRB) repertoires in 51 AML patients treated within the RAS-AZIC trial. Patients with elevated pretreatment T cell diversity (11 out of 41 patients) and those with a boost of TRB richness on day 15 after azacitidine treatment (12 out of 46 patients) had longer event-free and overall survival. Both pretreatment and dynamic BM T cell metrics proved to be better predictors of outcome than other established risk factors. The favorable broadening of the BM T cell space appeared to be driven by antigen since these patients showed significant skewing of TRBV gene usage. Our data suggest that one course of AZA can cause reconstitution to a more physiological T cell BM niche and that the T cell space plays an underestimated prognostic role in AML. Trial registration: DRKS identifier: DRKS00004519
Collapse
|
35
|
Goswami M, Gui G, Dillon LW, Lindblad KE, Thompson J, Valdez J, Kim DY, Ghannam JY, Oetjen KA, Destefano CB, Smith DM, Tekleab H, Li Y, Dagur P, Hughes T, Marté JL, Del Rivero J, Klubo-Gwiezdzinksa J, Gulley JL, Calvo KR, Lai C, Hourigan CS. Pembrolizumab and decitabine for refractory or relapsed acute myeloid leukemia. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2021-003392. [PMID: 35017151 PMCID: PMC8753450 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The powerful ‘graft versus leukemia’ effect thought partly responsible for the therapeutic effect of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) provides rationale for investigation of immune-based therapies in this high-risk blood cancer. There is considerable preclinical evidence for potential synergy between PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade and the hypomethylating agents already commonly used for this disease. Methods We report here the results of 17 H-0026 (PD-AML, NCT02996474), an investigator sponsored, single-institution, single-arm open-label 10-subject pilot study to test the feasibility of the first-in-human combination of pembrolizumab and decitabine in adult patients with refractory or relapsed AML (R-AML). Results In this cohort of previously treated patients, this novel combination of anti-PD-1 and hypomethylating therapy was feasible and associated with a best response of stable disease or better in 6 of 10 patients. Considerable immunological changes were identified using T cell receptor β sequencing as well as single-cell immunophenotypic and RNA expression analyses on sorted CD3+ T cells in patients who developed immune-related adverse events (irAEs) during treatment. Clonal T cell expansions occurred at irAE onset; single-cell sequencing demonstrated that these expanded clones were predominately CD8+ effector memory T cells with high cell surface PD-1 expression and transcriptional profiles indicative of activation and cytotoxicity. In contrast, no such distinctive immune changes were detectable in those experiencing a measurable antileukemic response during treatment. Conclusion Addition of pembrolizumab to 10-day decitabine therapy was clinically feasible in patients with R-AML, with immunological changes from PD-1 blockade observed in patients experiencing irAEs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghali Goswami
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.,National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Gege Gui
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Laura W Dillon
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Julie Thompson
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Janet Valdez
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dong-Yun Kim
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jack Y Ghannam
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Karolyn A Oetjen
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Dana M Smith
- Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, Maryland, USA
| | - Hanna Tekleab
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yeusheng Li
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Pradeep Dagur
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Thomas Hughes
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Katherine R Calvo
- National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Catherine Lai
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Christopher S Hourigan
- National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA .,Trans-NIH Center for Human Immunology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Leotta S, Condorelli A, Sciortino R, Milone GA, Bellofiore C, Garibaldi B, Schininà G, Spadaro A, Cupri A, Milone G. Prevention and Treatment of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Relapse after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: The State of the Art and Future Perspectives. J Clin Med 2022; 11:253. [PMID: 35011994 PMCID: PMC8745746 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11010253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents the only curative option. Progress has been made in the last two decades in the pre-transplant induction therapies, supportive care, selection of donors and conditioning regimens that allowed to extend the HSCT to a larger number of patients, including those aged over 65 years and/or lacking an HLA-identical donor. Furthermore, improvements in the prophylaxis of the graft-versus-host disease and of infection have dramatically reduced transplant-related mortality. The relapse of AML remains the major reason for transplant failure affecting almost 40-50% of the patients. From 10 to 15 years ago to date, treatment options for AML relapsing after HSCT were limited to conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy and donor leukocyte infusions (DLI). Nowadays, novel agents and targeted therapies have enriched the therapeutic landscape. Moreover, very recently, the therapeutic landscape has been enriched by manipulated cellular products (CAR-T, CAR-CIK, CAR-NK). In light of these new perspectives, careful monitoring of minimal-residual disease (MRD) and prompt application of pre-emptive strategies in the post-transplant setting have become imperative. Herein, we review the current state of the art on monitoring, prevention and treatment of relapse of AML after HSCT with particular attention on novel agents and future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Annalisa Condorelli
- Division of Hematology, AOU “Policlinico G. Rodolico-San Marco”, Via Santa Sofia 78, 95124 Catania, Italy; (S.L.); (R.S.); (G.A.M.); (C.B.); (B.G.); (G.S.); (A.S.); (A.C.); (G.M.)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Tettamanti S, Pievani A, Biondi A, Dotti G, Serafini M. Catch me if you can: how AML and its niche escape immunotherapy. Leukemia 2022; 36:13-22. [PMID: 34302116 PMCID: PMC8727297 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01350-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In spite of the remarkable progress in basic and preclinical studies of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the five-year survival rate of AML patients remains poor, highlighting the urgent need for novel and synergistic therapies. Over the past decade, increased attention has been focused on identifying suitable immunotherapeutic strategies for AML, and in particular on targeting leukemic cells and their progenitors. However, recent studies have also underlined the important contribution of the leukemic microenvironment in facilitating tumor escape mechanisms leading to disease recurrence. Here, we describe the immunological features of the AML niche, with particular attention to the crosstalk between the AML blasts and the cellular components of the altered tumor microenvironment (TME) and the mechanisms of immune escape that hamper the therapeutic effects of the most advanced treatments. Considering the AML complexity, immunotherapy approaches may benefit from a rational combination of complementary strategies aimed at preventing escape mechanisms without increasing toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Tettamanti
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Alice Pievani
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| | - Andrea Biondi
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy.
| | - Gianpietro Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Marta Serafini
- Tettamanti Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Milano-Bicocca/Fondazione MBBM, Monza, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hao F, Sholy C, Wang C, Cao M, Kang X. The Role of T Cell Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123376. [PMID: 34943884 PMCID: PMC8699747 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease associated with various alterations in T cell phenotype and function leading to an abnormal cell population, ultimately leading to immune exhaustion. However, restoration of T cell function allows for the execution of cytotoxic mechanisms against leukemic cells in AML patients. Therefore, long-term disease control, which requires multiple therapeutic approaches, includes those aimed at the re-establishment of cytotoxic T cell activity. AML treatments that harness the power of T lymphocytes against tumor cells have rapidly evolved over the last 3 to 5 years through various stages of preclinical and clinical development. These include tissue-infiltrated lymphocytes (TILs), bispecific antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy, and tumor-specific T cell receptor gene-transduced T (TCR-T) cells. In this review, these T cell-based immunotherapies and the potential of TILs as a novel antileukemic therapy will be discussed.
Collapse
|
39
|
Vanikova S, Koladiya A, Musil J. OMIP-080: 29-Color flow cytometry panel for comprehensive evaluation of NK and T cells reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. Cytometry A 2021; 101:21-26. [PMID: 34693626 PMCID: PMC9298022 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This 29-color panel was developed and optimized for the monitoring of NK cell and T cell reconstitution in peripheral blood of patients after HSCT. We considered major post-HSCT complications during the design, such as relapses, viral infections, and GvHD and identification of lymphocyte populations relevant to their resolution. The panel includes markers for all major NK cell and T cell subsets and analysis of their development and qualitative properties. In the NK cell compartment, we focus mainly on CD57 + NKG2C+ cells and the expression of activating (NKG2D, DNAM-1) and inhibitory receptors (NKG2A, TIGIT). Another priority is the characterization of T cell reconstitution; therefore, we included detection of CD4+ RTEs based on CD45RA, CD62L, CD95, and CD31 as a marker of thymus function. Besides that, we also analyze the emergence and properties of major T cell populations with a particular interest in CD8, Th1, ThCTL, and Treg subsets. Overall, the panel allows for comprehensive analysis of the reconstituting immune system and identification of potential markers of immune cell dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarka Vanikova
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Abhishek Koladiya
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Musil
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Rezaei M, Tan J, Zeng C, Li Y, Ganjalikhani-Hakemi M. TIM-3 in Leukemia; Immune Response and Beyond. Front Oncol 2021; 11:753677. [PMID: 34660319 PMCID: PMC8514831 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.753677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) expression on malignant cells has been reported in some leukemias. In myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), increased TIM-3 expression on TH1 cells, regulatory T cells, CD8+ T cells, and hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which play a role in the proliferation of blasts and induction of immune escape, has been reported. In AML, several studies have reported overexpression of TIM-3 on leukemia stem cells (LSCs) but not on healthy HSCs. Overexpression of TIM-3 on exhausted CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and leukemic cells in CML, ALL, and CLL patients could be a prognostic risk factor for poor therapeutic response and relapse in patients. Currently, several TIM-3 inhibitors are used in clinical trials for leukemias, and some have shown encouraging response rates for MDS and AML treatment. For AML immunotherapy, blockade TIM-3 may have dual effects: directly inhibiting AML cell proliferation and restoring T cell function. However, blockade of PD-1 and TIM-3 fails to restore the function of exhausted CD8+ T cells in the early clinical stages of CLL, indicating that the effects of TIM-3 blockade may be different in AML and other leukemias. Thus, further studies are required to evaluate the efficacy of TIM-3 inhibitors in different types and stages of leukemia. In this review, we summarize the biological functions of TIM-3 and its contribution as it relates to leukemias. We also discuss the effects of TIM-3 blockade in hematological malignancies and clinical trials of TIM-3 for leukemia therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Rezaei
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Department of Hematology, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengwu Zeng
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mazdak Ganjalikhani-Hakemi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.,Acquired Immunodeficiency Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wu HW, Zhao YM, Huang H. [Mechanism of relapse and its therapeutic strategies after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation]. ZHONGHUA XUE YE XUE ZA ZHI = ZHONGHUA XUEYEXUE ZAZHI 2021; 42:869-877. [PMID: 34788930 PMCID: PMC8607022 DOI: 10.3760/cma.j.issn.0253-2727.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- H W Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - Y M Zhao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| | - H Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Comont T, Nicolau-Travers ML, Bertoli S, Recher C, Vergez F, Treiner E. MAIT cells numbers and frequencies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia at diagnosis: association with cytogenetic profile and gene mutations. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:875-887. [PMID: 34477901 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing or monitoring immune cells is actually a major topic in pre-clinical and clinical studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT) constitute one of the largest subset of innate-like, cytotoxic T cell subsets in humans. Despite some papers suggesting a role for MAIT cells in cancer, their specific involvement remains unclear, especially in myeloid malignancies. This prospective monocentric study included 216 patients with a newly diagnosed AML. Circulating MAIT cells were quantified by flow cytometry at diagnosis and during intensive chemotherapy. We observed that circulating MAIT cells show a specific decline in AML patients at diagnosis compared to healthy donors. Post-induction monitored patients presented with a drastic drop in MAIT cell numbers, with recovery after one month. We also found correlation between decrease in MAIT cells number and adverse cytogenetic profile. FLT3-ITD and IDH ½ mutations were associated with higher MAIT cell numbers. Patients with high level of activated MAIT cells are under-represented within patients with a favorable cytogenetic profile, and over-represented among patients with IDH1 mutations or bi-allelic CEBPA mutations. We show for the first time that circulating MAIT cells are affected in newly diagnosed AML patients, suggesting a link between MAIT cells and AML progression. Our work fosters new studies to deepen our knowledge about the role of MAIT cells in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Comont
- Department of Internal Medicine, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Laboratory of Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Sarah Bertoli
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- Department of Clinical Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Christian Recher
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- Department of Clinical Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Francois Vergez
- Laboratory of Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Emmanuel Treiner
- Laboratory of Immunology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France.
- Infinity, Inserm UMR1291, 330 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31000, Toulouse, France.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Wang J, Yang L, Dao FT, Wang YZ, Chang Y, Xu N, Chen WM, Jiang Q, Jiang H, Liu YR, Qin YZ. Prognostic significance of TIM-3 expression pattern at diagnosis in patients with t(8;21) acute myeloid leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 63:152-161. [PMID: 34405769 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1966785] [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] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with t(8;21) is a heterogeneous disease and needs to be stratified. Both, cancer cells and immune cells participate in tumor initiation, growth and progression and might affect clinical outcomes. TIM-3 (T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3), an immune checkpoint molecule, is expressed not only on immune cells but also on leukemic stem cells (LSCs) in AML. This prompted us to investigate the prognostic significance of TIM-3 in t(8;21) AML. A total of 47 t(8;21) AML patients were tested for TIM-3 expression by multi-parameter flow cytometry at diagnosis. 35 of these, who received chemotherapy alone or along with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were followed up. The expression pattern of TIM-3 on T-cells and NK (natural killer) cells as a whole (T + NK) and LSCs were evaluated independently. High percentage of T + NK - TIM-3+ and CD34+CD38-TIM-3+ cells were significantly associated with a high 2-year cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) (p = 0.028, 0.016). Further, concurrent high frequencies of T + NK-TIM-3+ and CD34+CD38-TIM-3+ cells at diagnosis were significantly associated with a high 2-year CIR (p < 0.0001) and this together with c-KIT D816 mutation were the independent adverse prognostic factors for relapse (hazard ratio (HR)=2.5, [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.1-6.0], p = 0.04; HR = 46.5, [95% CI, 2.7-811.5], p = 0.009). In conclusion, the expression pattern of TIM-3 on both T and NK cells and LSCs at diagnosis had prognostic significance in t (8;21) AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Ting Dao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Zhe Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Chang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Xu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Min Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Rong Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Zhen Qin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Bernasconi P, Borsani O. Eradication of Measurable Residual Disease in AML: A Challenging Clinical Goal. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3170. [PMID: 34202000 PMCID: PMC8268140 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In non-promyelocytic (non-M3) AML measurable residual disease (MRD) detected by multi-parameter flow cytometry and molecular technologies, which are guided by Consensus-based guidelines and discover very low leukemic cell numbers far below the 5% threshold of morphological assessment, has emerged as the most relevant predictor of clinical outcome. Currently, it is well-established that MRD positivity after standard induction and consolidation chemotherapy, as well as during the period preceding an allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (allo-HSCT), portends to a significantly inferior relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). In addition, it has become absolutely clear that conversion from an MRD-positive to an MRD-negative state provides a favorable clinical outcome similar to that associated with early MRD negativity. Thus, the complete eradication of MRD, i.e., the clearance of the few leukemic stem cells-which, due to their chemo-radiotherapy resistance, might eventually be responsible of disease recurrence-has become an un-met clinical need in AML. Nowadays, this goal might potentially be achieved thanks to the development of novel innovative treatment strategies, including those targeting driver mutations, apoptosis, methylation patterns and leukemic proteins. The aim of this review is to analyze these strategies and to suggest any potential combination able to induce MRD negativity in the pre- and post-HSCT period.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Bernasconi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Hematology Department, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Oscar Borsani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Is It T Time? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102385. [PMID: 34069204 PMCID: PMC8156992 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease driven by impaired differentiation of hematopoietic primitive cells toward myeloid lineages (monocytes, granulocytes, red blood cells, platelets), leading to expansion and accumulation of "stem" and/or "progenitor"-like or differentiated leukemic cells in the bone marrow and blood. AML progression alters the bone marrow microenvironment and inhibits hematopoiesis' proper functioning, causing sustained cytopenia and immunodeficiency. This review describes how the AML microenvironment influences lymphoid lineages, particularly T lymphocytes that originate from the thymus and orchestrate adaptive immune response. We focus on the elderly population, which is mainly affected by this pathology. We discuss how a permissive AML microenvironment can alter and even worsen the thymic function, T cells' peripheral homeostasis, phenotype, and functions. Based on the recent findings on the mechanisms supporting that AML induces quantitative and qualitative changes in T cells, we suggest and summarize current immunotherapeutic strategies and challenges to overcome these anomalies to improve the anti-leukemic immune response and the clinical outcome of patients.
Collapse
|
46
|
Moskorz W, Cosmovici C, Jäger PS, Cadeddu RP, Timm J, Haas R. Myelodysplastic syndrome patients display alterations in their immune status reflected by increased PD-L1-expressing stem cells and highly dynamic exhausted T-cell frequencies. Br J Haematol 2021; 193:941-945. [PMID: 33954988 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.17461] [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: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Little data are available for the expression of immune checkpoint (IC) molecules within myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Here, we report increased PD-L1+ CD34+ CD38- and PD-L1+ CD34+ CD38+ stem cell frequencies within MDS patients compared to stem cell recipients in remission. Additionally, we observed exceedingly similar PD1+ and Tim-3+ T-cell frequencies between acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and MDS samples that were elevated compared to patients in remission. Furthermore, we found highly dynamic Tim-3+ and PD1+ T-cell frequencies within serial samples of relapsing MDS with excess blasts (MDS-EB II) patients, correlating with further disease markers. These findings support the idea of a potential successful implementation of IC inhibitor treatment in suitable MDS patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wiebke Moskorz
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Institute of Virology, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Christine Cosmovici
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Institute of Virology, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Paul S Jäger
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ron P Cadeddu
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jörg Timm
- Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Institute of Virology, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Rainer Haas
- Department of Haematology, Oncology and Clinical Immunology, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Swatler J, Turos-Korgul L, Kozlowska E, Piwocka K. Immunosuppressive Cell Subsets and Factors in Myeloid Leukemias. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061203. [PMID: 33801964 PMCID: PMC7998753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Effector immune system cells have the ability to kill tumor cells. However, as a cancer (such as leukemia) develops, it inhibits and evades the effector immune response. Such a state of immunosuppression can be driven by several factors – receptors, soluble cytokines, as well as by suppressive immune cells. In this review, we describe factors and cells that constitute immunosuppressive microenvironment of myeloid leukemias. We characterize factors of direct leukemic origin, such as inhibitory receptors, enzymes and extracellular vesicles. Furthermore, we describe suppressive immune cells, such as myeloid derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. Finally, we sum up changes in these drivers of immune evasion in myeloid leukemias during therapy. Abstract Both chronic myeloid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia evade the immune response during their development and disease progression. As myeloid leukemia cells modify their bone marrow microenvironment, they lead to dysfunction of cytotoxic cells, such as CD8+ T cells or NK cells, simultaneously promoting development of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and suppressive myeloid cells. This facilitates disease progression, spreading of leukemic blasts outside the bone marrow niche and therapy resistance. The following review focuses on main immunosuppressive features of myeloid leukemias. Firstly, factors derived directly from leukemic cells – inhibitory receptors, soluble factors and extracellular vesicles, are described. Further, we outline function, properties and origin of main immunosuppressive cells - regulatory T cells, myeloid derived suppressor cells and macrophages. Finally, we analyze interplay between recovery of effector immunity and therapeutic modalities, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and chemotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Swatler
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (J.S.); (L.T.-K.)
| | - Laura Turos-Korgul
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (J.S.); (L.T.-K.)
| | - Ewa Kozlowska
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, University of Warsaw, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Piwocka
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (J.S.); (L.T.-K.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kaloyannidis P, Al Shaibani E, Moinnudin A, Al Anezi K, Al Hashmi H. Repeated courses of escalating doses of Nivolumab in refractory Hodgkin lymphoma with recurrent relapses post allografting: A safe and effective treatment approach. Hematol Rep 2021; 13:8780. [PMID: 33747411 PMCID: PMC7967268 DOI: 10.4081/hr.2021.8780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
For patients with Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) who experience relapse post allogeneic stem cell transplantation, limited treatment options exist, and the ultimate outcome is poor. Recently, the programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) inhibitors have shown remarkable efficacy in patients with refractory/relapsed HL, also demonstrating an acceptable safety profile. However, due to effects on T-cell activity, the use of PD-1 inhibitors post allografting may potentially increase the risk of treatment-emergent graft versus host disease. We herein report the clinical course of a patient who experienced multiple relapses of HL post allogeneic stem cell transplantation. He failed several treatment modalities but he responded to escalating doses of the PD-1 inhibitor nivolumab, given at two different treatment time points, also demonstrating minimal and easily manageable toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Asif Moinnudin
- Departments of Medical Imaging, King Fahad Specialist Hospital, Dammam, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Al Anezi
- Departments of Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation
| | - Hani Al Hashmi
- Departments of Adult Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Köhler N, Ruess DA, Kesselring R, Zeiser R. The Role of Immune Checkpoint Molecules for Relapse After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:634435. [PMID: 33746972 PMCID: PMC7973115 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.634435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint molecules represent physiological brakes of the immune system that are essential for the maintenance of immune homeostasis and prevention of autoimmunity. By inhibiting these negative regulators of the immune response, immune checkpoint blockade can increase anti-tumor immunity, but has been primarily successful in solid cancer therapy and Hodgkin lymphoma so far. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a well-established cellular immunotherapy option with the potential to cure hematological cancers, but relapse remains a major obstacle. Relapse after allo-HCT is mainly thought to be attributable to loss of the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and hence escape of tumor cells from the allogeneic immune response. One potential mechanism of immune escape from the GVL effect is the inhibition of allogeneic T cells via engagement of inhibitory receptors on their surface including PD-1, CTLA-4, TIM3, and others. This review provides an overview of current evidence for a role of immune checkpoint molecules for relapse and its treatment after allo-HCT, as well as discussion of the immune mediated side effect graft-vs.-host disease. We discuss the expression of different immune checkpoint molecules on leukemia cells and T cells in patients undergoing allo-HCT. Furthermore, we review mechanistic insights gained from preclinical studies and summarize clinical trials assessing immune checkpoint blockade for relapse after allo-HCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Köhler
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Dietrich Alexander Ruess
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Rebecca Kesselring
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Center of Surgery, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, ALU, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- Department of Medicine I, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Ludwigs University (ALU), Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Tabata R, Chi S, Yuda J, Minami Y. Emerging Immunotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1944. [PMID: 33669431 PMCID: PMC7920435 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several immune checkpoint molecules and immune targets in leukemic cells have been investigated. Recent studies have suggested the potential clinical benefits of immuno-oncology (IO) therapy against acute myeloid leukemia (AML), especially targeting CD33, CD123, and CLL-1, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., anti-PD (programmed cell death)-1 and anti-CTLA4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4) antibodies) with or without conventional chemotherapy. Early-phase clinical trials of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T or natural killer (NK) cells for relapsed/refractory AML showed complete remission (CR) or marked reduction of marrow blasts in a few enrolled patients. Bi-/tri-specific antibodies (e.g., bispecific T-cell engager (BiTE) and dual-affinity retargeting (DART)) exhibited 11-67% CR rates with 13-78% risk of cytokine-releasing syndrome (CRS). Conventional chemotherapy in combination with anti-PD-1/anti-CTLA4 antibody for relapsed/refractory AML showed 10-36% CR rates with 7-24 month-long median survival. The current advantages of IO therapy in the field of AML are summarized herein. However, although cancer vaccination should be included in the concept of IO therapy, it is not mentioned in this review because of the paucity of relevant evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rikako Tabata
- Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan; (R.T.); (S.C.); (J.Y.)
- Department of Hematology, Kameda Medical Center, Kamogawa 296-8602, Japan
| | - SungGi Chi
- Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan; (R.T.); (S.C.); (J.Y.)
| | - Junichiro Yuda
- Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan; (R.T.); (S.C.); (J.Y.)
| | - Yosuke Minami
- Department of Hematology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa 277-8577, Japan; (R.T.); (S.C.); (J.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|