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Delfanti G, Dellabona P, Casorati G, Fedeli M. Adoptive Immunotherapy With Engineered iNKT Cells to Target Cancer Cells and the Suppressive Microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:897750. [PMID: 35615083 PMCID: PMC9125179 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.897750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are T lymphocytes expressing a conserved semi-invariant TCR specific for lipid antigens (Ags) restricted for the monomorphic MHC class I-related molecule CD1d. iNKT cells infiltrate mouse and human tumors and play an important role in the immune surveillance against solid and hematological malignancies. Because of unique functional features, they are attractive platforms for adoptive cells immunotherapy of cancer compared to conventional T cells. iNKT cells can directly kill CD1d-expressing cancer cells, but also restrict immunosuppressive myelomonocytic populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) via CD1d-cognate recognition, promoting anti-tumor responses irrespective of the CD1d expression by cancer cells. Moreover, iNKT cells can be adoptively transferred across MHC barriers without risk of alloreaction because CD1d molecules are identical in all individuals, in addition to their ability to suppress graft vs. host disease (GvHD) without impairing the anti-tumor responses. Within this functional framework, iNKT cells are successfully engineered to acquire a second antigen-specificity by expressing recombinant TCRs or Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) specific for tumor-associated antigens, enabling the direct targeting of antigen-expressing cancer cells, while maintaining their CD1d-dependent functions. These new evidences support the exploitation of iNKT cells for donor unrestricted, and possibly off the shelf, adoptive cell therapies enabling the concurrent targeting of cancer cells and suppressive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Delfanti
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gloria Delfanti
| | - Paolo Dellabona
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Giulia Casorati
| | - Maya Fedeli
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Maya Fedeli
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Zhang X, Hu X, Tian T, Pang W. The role of ICOS in allergic disease: Positive or Negative? Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 103:108394. [PMID: 34922247 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
With the rapid increase in the incidence of allergic diseases, the mechanisms underlying the development of these diseases have received a great deal of attention, and this is particularly true in regard to the role of ICOS in allergic diseases. Current studies have revealed that ICOS affects the functional activity of multiple immune cells that modulate the adaptive immune system. Additionally, ICOS also plays a crucial role in mediating cellular immunity and coordinating the response of the entire immune system, and thus, it plays a role in allergic reactions. However, the ICOS/ICOS-ligand (ICOS-L) axis functions in a dual role during the development of multiple allergic diseases. In this review, we explore the role of ICOS/ICOSL in the context of different immune cells that function in allergic diseases, and we summarize recent advances in their contribution to these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyan Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xianyang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology (MOE/NHC/CAMS), Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tengfei Tian
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eye Ear Nose and Throat Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenhui Pang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Li YR, Dunn ZS, Zhou Y, Lee D, Yang L. Development of Stem Cell-Derived Immune Cells for Off-the-Shelf Cancer Immunotherapies. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123497. [PMID: 34944002 PMCID: PMC8700013 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies. Specifically, autologous chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T (CAR-T) cell therapies have received approvals for treating leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma following unprecedented clinical response rates. A critical barrier to the widespread usage of current CAR-T cell products is their autologous nature, which renders these cellular products patient-selective, costly, and challenging to manufacture. Allogeneic cell products can be scalable and readily administrable but face critical concerns of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a life-threatening adverse event in which therapeutic cells attack host tissues, and allorejection, in which host immune cells eliminate therapeutic cells, thereby limiting their antitumor efficacy. In this review, we discuss recent advances in developing stem cell-engineered allogeneic cell therapies that aim to overcome the limitations of current autologous and allogeneic cell therapies, with a special focus on stem cell-engineered conventional αβ T cells, unconventional T (iNKT, MAIT, and γδ T) cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (Y.-R.L.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Zachary Spencer Dunn
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (Y.-R.L.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Derek Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (Y.-R.L.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (Y.-R.L.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.)
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence:
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Guan P, Schaub R, Nichols KE, Das R. Combination of NKT14m and Low Dose IL-12 Promotes Invariant Natural Killer T Cell IFN-γ Production and Tumor Control. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145085. [PMID: 32708464 PMCID: PMC7404385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like T lymphocytes characterized by the expression of an invariant T cell receptor (iTCR) that recognizes glycolipid antigens presented by the MHC I-like CD1d molecule. Following antigenic stimulation, iNKT cells rapidly produce large amounts of cytokines that can trans-activate dendritic cells (DC) and promote the anti-tumor functions of cytotoxic lymphocytes, such as natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cells. Additionally, iNKT cells can mediate robust and direct cytotoxicity against CD1d+ tumor targets. However, many tumors down-regulate CD1d and evade iNKT cell attack. To circumvent this critical barrier to iNKT cell anti-tumor activity, a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), NKT14 has been recently developed. This agonistic antibody binds directly and specifically to the iTCR of murine iNKT cells. In the current study, we demonstrate that NKT14m mediates robust activation, cytokine production and degranulation of murine iNKT cells, in vitro. Consistently, NKT14m also promoted iNKT cell activation and immunomodulatory functions, in vivo. Finally, administration of NKT14m with low dose interleukin (IL)-12 further augmented iNKT cell IFN-γ production in vivo, and this combination conferred superior suppression of tumor cell growth compared to NKT14m or IL-12 alone. Together, these data demonstrate that a combination treatment consisting of low dose IL-12 and iTCR-specific mAb may be an attractive alternative to activate iNKT cell anti-tumor functions.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antigens, CD1d/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Drug Synergism
- Drug Therapy, Combination/methods
- Immunomodulation/drug effects
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Interleukin-12/pharmacology
- Lymphoma/drug therapy
- Lymphoma/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Natural Killer T-Cells/drug effects
- Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology
- Natural Killer T-Cells/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Guan
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Robert Schaub
- RGS Consulting, 118 Jeremy Hill Road Pelham, Pelham, NH 03076, USA;
| | - Kim E. Nichols
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Rupali Das
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-517-884-5049; Fax: +1-517-355-5125
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Zhao XS, Huang XJ. Seeking biomarkers for acute graft-versus-host disease: where we are and where we are heading? Biomark Res 2019; 7:17. [PMID: 31406575 PMCID: PMC6685226 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-019-0167-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) is one of the most important complications after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), which would seriously affect the clinical outcomes of patients. Early diagnosis and early intervention are keys for improving its curative efficacy. Thus, seeking the biomarkers of aGVHD that can accurately identify and diagnose aGVHD is very important to guiding the intervention and treatment of aGVHD. For the past decades, many studies have focused on searching for aGVHD-related biological markers to assist in diagnosis, early warning, and risk stratification. Unfortunately, until now, no reliable aGVHD biomarker is available that is recognized and widely used in clinical practice. With the continuous development of biological technology, as well as our in-depth understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanism of aGVHD, the selection, examination and application of biological markers have changed much. In this review, we summarized the progress of aGVHD biological marker screening, identification, preliminary clinical application, and look forward to a promising development direction in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Su Zhao
- 1Peking University Peopl's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044 China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China.,3Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- 1Peking University Peopl's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, No.11 Xizhimen South Street, Beijing, 100044 China.,National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China.,3Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,4Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
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6
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Fereidouni M, Derakhshani A, Exley MA. iNKT cells and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Two-phase activation of iNKT cells may improve outcome. Clin Immunol 2019; 207:43-48. [PMID: 31128279 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2019.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Revised: 05/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT) produce large amounts of different cytokines which can influence differentiation, polarization and activation of immune cells, particularly NK and T cells. iNKT have been shown to suppress GvHD and promote anti-tumor and anti-pathogen immunity. There are highly specific and safe synthetic ligands such as alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and C20:2 which activate iNKT cells toward relatively Th1 and Th2 pathways, respectively. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or 'hematopoietic stem cell transplantation' (HSCT) is effective for leukemia and lymphoma through 'graft-versus-leukemia' (GVL) immunity. However, frequent serious complications include graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD), opportunistic infections and relapse. Both GVHD and GVL are mediated by T cells. Manipulating iNKT by different lipid analogues in early and late phases after transplantation may suppress GVHD and graft rejection and enhance GVL effect, as well as resistance to opportunistic infections and so, could be a novel and effective strategy for improving HSCT outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Fereidouni
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
| | - Afshin Derakhshani
- Student Research Committee, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran; Asthma, Allergy & Immunology Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Mark A Exley
- Division of Gastroenterology, Endoscopy, and Hepatology, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Manchester Collaborative Centre for Inflammation Research, University of Manchester, UK.
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Natural Killer Immunotherapy for Minimal Residual Disease Eradication Following Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20092057. [PMID: 31027331 PMCID: PMC6539946 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20092057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Revised: 04/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The most common cause of death in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who receive allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is AML relapse. Therefore, additive therapies post allo-HSCT have significant potential to prevent relapse. Natural killer (NK)-cell-based immunotherapies can be incorporated into the therapeutic armamentarium for the eradication of AML cells post allo-HSCT. In recent studies, NK cell-based immunotherapies, the use of adoptive NK cells, NK cells in combination with cytokines, immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific and trispecific killer cell engagers, and chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK cells have all shown antitumor activity in AML patients. In this review, we will discuss the current strategies with these NK cell-based immunotherapies as possible therapies to cure AML patients post allo-HSCT. Additionally, we will discuss various means of immune escape in order to further understand the mechanism of NK cell-based immunotherapies against AML.
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Abstract
Type I or invariant natural killer T cells belong to a unique lineage of innate T cells, which express markers of both T lymphocytes and NK cells, namely T cell receptor (TCR) and NK1.1 (CD161C), respectively. Thus, apart from direct killing of target cells like NK cells, and they also produce a myriad of cytokines which modulate the adaptive immune responses. Unlike traditional T cells which carry a conventional αβ TCR, NKT cells express semi-invariant TCR - Vα14-Jα18, coupled with Vβ8, Vβ7 and Vβ2 in mice. In humans, the invariant TCR is composed of Vα24-Jα18, coupled with Vβ11.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kalyani Pyaram
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA
| | - Viveka Nand Yadav
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, USA
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Kawaguchi K, Umeda K, Hiejima E, Iwai A, Mikami M, Nodomi S, Saida S, Kato I, Hiramatsu H, Yasumi T, Nishikomori R, Kondo T, Takaori-Kondo A, Heike T, Adachi S. Influence of post-transplant mucosal-associated invariant T cell recovery on the development of acute graft-versus-host disease in allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Int J Hematol 2018; 108:66-75. [PMID: 29582333 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-018-2442-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Revised: 03/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) and invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are T cell subpopulations that possess innate-like properties. We examined the impact of post-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) MAIT and iNKT cell recovery on the clinical outcomes of 69 patients who underwent allogeneic HSCT at Kyoto University Hospital. Multivariate analyses identified the absolute number of MAIT cells (< 0.48/μL on day 60 post-HSCT) as the sole independent risk factor for grade I-IV and grade II-IV acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) among patients who underwent bone marrow transplantation; no correlation was observed between post-HSCT iNKT cell recovery and the development of aGVHD. Six of the 15 patients in the MAIThigh (≥ 0.48/μL) group developed aGVHD, five within the first 30 days post HSCT. In contrast, 13 of the 15 patients in the MAITlow (< 0.48/μL) group developed aGVHD, seven after day 30 post HSCT. The overall survival of the MAITlow group was slightly shorter than that of the MAIThigh group. Thus, the post-HSCT recovery of MAIT cells is closely related to the development of delayed onset aGVHD and the outcome of post-HSCT, suggesting its utility for identifying a subset of patients that requires more prolonged and/or intense GVHD prophylaxis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Kawaguchi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Katsutsugu Umeda
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Eitaro Hiejima
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Atsushi Iwai
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Mikami
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Seishiro Nodomi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Satoshi Saida
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Itaru Kato
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Hiramatsu
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Takahiro Yasumi
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Ryuta Nishikomori
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Tadakazu Kondo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Akifumi Takaori-Kondo
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Toshio Heike
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Souichi Adachi
- Human Health Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 53 Kawahara-cho, Shogoin, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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Wolf BJ, Choi JE, Exley MA. Novel Approaches to Exploiting Invariant NKT Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2018; 9:384. [PMID: 29559971 PMCID: PMC5845557 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
iNKT cells are a subset of innate-like T cells that utilize an invariant TCR alpha chain complexed with a limited repertoire of TCR beta chains to recognize specific lipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules. Because iNKT cells have an invariant TCR, they can be easily identified and targeted in both humans and mice via standard reagents, making this a population of T cells that has been well characterized. iNKT cells are some of the first cells to respond during an infection. By making different types of cytokines in response to different infection stimuli, iNKT cells help determine what kind of immune response then develops. It has been shown that iNKT cells are some of the first cells to respond during infection with a pathogen and the type of cytokines that iNKT cells make help determine the type of immune response that develops in various situations. Indeed, along with immunity to pathogens, pre-clinical mouse studies have clearly demonstrated that iNKT cells play a critical role in tumor immunosurveillance. They can mediate anti-tumor immunity by direct recognition of tumor cells that express CD1d, and/or via targeting CD1d found on cells within the tumor microenvironment. Multiple groups are now working on manipulating iNKT cells for clinical benefit within the context of cancer and have demonstrated that targeting iNKT cells can have a therapeutic benefit in patients. In this review, we briefly introduce iNKT cells, then discuss preclinical data on roles of iNKT cells and clinical trials that have targeted iNKT cells in cancer patients. We finally discuss how future trials could be modified to further increase the efficacy of iNKT cell therapies, in particular CAR-iNKT and rTCR-iNKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jiyoung Elizabeth Choi
- Agenus Inc., Lexington, MA, United States.,Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mark A Exley
- Agenus Inc., Lexington, MA, United States.,Brigham & Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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11
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The impact of donor characteristics on the invariant natural killer T cells of granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor-mobilized marrow grafts and peripheral blood grafts. Transpl Immunol 2018; 48:55-59. [PMID: 29475092 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) are a rare but vital subset of immunomodulatory T cells and play an important role in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell trans-plantation (HSCT). The association of donor characteristics with the number and frequency of the iNKTs subsets in allografts remains poorly understood. In this paper, we prospectively investigate the association of donor characteristics with iNKTs dose and frequency in granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilized marrow and peripheral blood harvests. MATERIALS AND METHODS 100 bone marrow (BM) units and 100 peripheral blood (PB) units from 100 healthy donors were examined. Parameters including donor age, sex, weight, height, BMI and blood count [including white blood cells (WBCs), lymphocytes and monocytes] at three time points [donor's steady state before G-CSF administration, the day of G-BM harvesting and the day of G-PB apheresis] were analyzed to explore the impact of donor characteristics on iNKTs composition in BM and PB grafts. RESULTS Multivariate analysis showed monocyte counts before G-BM harvest could predict higher frequency of iNKTs in WBC (OR = 2.593, 95%CI: 1.128-5.961, p = 0.025), higher total CD4+ iNKTs dose (OR = 2.250, 95%CI: 1.011-5.008, p = 0.047) and higher total iNKTs dose (OR = 2.662, 95%CI: 1.187-5.970, p = 0.017) in mixture allografts. DISCUSSION The results suggested that monocyte counts pre G-BM harvest could predict the yield of total CD4+ iNKTs and total iNKTs in mixture allografts. The male and older donors were associated with a higher dose of total CD4- iNKTs in mixture allografts.
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12
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Correlation of graft immune composition with outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: Moving towards a perfect transplant. Cell Immunol 2018; 323:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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13
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Lam PY, Nissen MD, Mattarollo SR. Invariant Natural Killer T Cells in Immune Regulation of Blood Cancers: Harnessing Their Potential in Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1355. [PMID: 29109728 PMCID: PMC5660073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique innate T lymphocyte population that possess cytolytic properties and profound immunoregulatory activities. iNKT cells play an important role in the immune surveillance of blood cancers. They predominantly recognize glycolipid antigens presented on CD1d, but their activation and cytolytic activities are not confined to CD1d expressing cells. iNKT cell stimulation and subsequent production of immunomodulatory cytokines serve to enhance the overall antitumor immune response. Crucially, the activation of iNKT cells in cancer often precedes the activation and priming of other immune effector cells, such as NK cells and T cells, thereby influencing the generation and outcome of the antitumor immune response. Blood cancers can evade or dampen iNKT cell responses by downregulating expression of recognition receptors or by actively suppressing or diverting iNKT cell functions. This review will discuss literature on iNKT cell activity and associated dysregulation in blood cancers as well as highlight some of the strategies designed to harness and enhance iNKT cell functions against blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yeng Lam
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael D. Nissen
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen R. Mattarollo
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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The role of iNKT cells on the phenotypes of allergic airways in a mouse model. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2017; 45:80-89. [PMID: 28483562 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2017.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 05/03/2017] [Accepted: 05/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
iNKT cells and mast cells have both been implicated in the syndrome of allergic asthma through their activation-induced release of Th2 type cytokines and secretion of histamine and other mediators, respectively, which can promote airways hyperresponsiveness (AHR) to agents such as methacholine. However, a mechanistic link between iNKT cells and mast cell recruitment or activation has never been explored. Our objective was to determine whether iNKT cells are necessary for the recruitment of mast cells and if iNKT cells can influence the acute allergen induced bronchoconstriction (AIB) caused by mast cell mediator release. To do so, we pharmacologically eliminated iNKT cells using a specific antibody (NKT-14) and examined its impact on airway inflammation and physiological phenotype. In mice treated with NKT-14, the elimination of iNKT cells was sufficient to prevent AHR and pulmonary eosinophilic inflammation elicited by administration of the iNKT cell agonist αGalCer. In mice treated with NKT-14 and then sensitized and challenged with house dust mite extract (HDM), eliminating the iNKT cells significantly reduced both AHR and AIB but did not affect pulmonary inflammation, the mast cell population, nor the release of the mast cell mediators mast cell protease-1 and prostaglandin D2. We conclude that while iNKT cells contribute to the phenotype of allergic airways disease through the manifestation of AIB and AHR, their presence is not required for mast cell recruitment and activation, or to generate the characteristic inflammatory response subsequent to allergen challenge.
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Invariant natural killer T cells ameliorate murine chronic GVHD by expanding donor regulatory T cells. Blood 2017; 129:3121-3125. [PMID: 28416503 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-11-752444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2016] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic graft-versus-host-disease (cGVHD) can cause multiorgan system disease, typically with autoimmune-like features, resulting in high mortality and morbidity caused by treatment limitations. Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs), a small population characterized by expression of a semi-invariant T-cell receptor, rapidly produce copious amounts of diverse cytokines on activation that exert potent immune regulatory function. Here, we show that iNKTs are significantly reduced in a cGVHD murine model that recapitulates several aspects of autoimmunity and organ fibrosis observed in patients with cGVHD. Low iNKT infused doses effectively prevented and, importantly, reversed established cGVHD, as did third-party iNKTs. iNKTs suppressed the autoimmune response by reducing the germinal center (GC) reaction, which was associated with an increase in total Tregs and follicular Tregs (Tfr) that control the GC reaction, along with pathogenic antibody production. Treg depletion during iNKT infusions completely abolished iNKT efficacy in treating cGVHD. iNKT cell interleukin 4 production and GC migration were critical to cGVHD reversal. In vivo stimulation of iNKT cells by α-galactosyl-ceramide was effective in both preventing and treating cGVHD. Together, this study demonstrates iNKT deficiency in cGVHD mice and highlights the key role of iNKTs in regulating cGVHD pathogenesis and as a potentially novel prophylactic and therapeutic option for patients with cGVHD.
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Khairallah C, Déchanet-Merville J, Capone M. γδ T Cell-Mediated Immunity to Cytomegalovirus Infection. Front Immunol 2017; 8:105. [PMID: 28232834 PMCID: PMC5298998 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T lymphocytes are unconventional immune cells, which have both innate- and adaptive-like features allowing them to respond to a wide spectrum of pathogens. For many years, we and others have reported on the role of these cells in the immune response to human cytomegalovirus in transplant patients, pregnant women, neonates, immunodeficient children, and healthy people. Indeed, and as described for CD8+ T cells, CMV infection leaves a specific imprint on the γδ T cell compartment: (i) driving a long-lasting expansion of oligoclonal γδ T cells in the blood of seropositive individuals, (ii) inducing their differentiation into effector/memory cells expressing a TEMRA phenotype, and (iii) enhancing their antiviral effector functions (i.e., cytotoxicity and IFNγ production). Recently, two studies using murine CMV (MCMV) have corroborated and extended these observations. In particular, they have illustrated the ability of adoptively transferred MCMV-induced γδ T cells to protect immune-deficient mice against virus-induced death. In vivo, expansion of γδ T cells is associated with the clearance of CMV infection as well as with reduced cancer occurrence or leukemia relapse risk in kidney transplant patients and allogeneic stem cell recipients, respectively. Taken together, all these studies show that γδ T cells are important immune effectors against CMV and cancer, which are life-threatening diseases affecting transplant recipients. The ability of CMV-induced γδ T cells to act independently of other immune cells opens the door to the development of novel cellular immunotherapies that could be particularly beneficial for immunocompromised transplant recipients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Myriam Capone
- Immunoconcept, CNRS UMR 5164, Bordeaux University, Bordeaux, France
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