1
|
Ullah MA, Garcillán B, Whitlock E, Figgett WA, Infantino S, Eslami M, Yang S, Rahman MA, Sheng YH, Weber N, Schneider P, Tam CS, Mackay F. An unappreciated cell survival-independent role for BAFF initiating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1345515. [PMID: 38469292 PMCID: PMC10927009 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1345515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the expansion of CD19+ CD5+ B cells but its origin remains debated. Mutated CLL may originate from post-germinal center B cells and unmutated CLL from CD5+ mature B cell precursors. Irrespective of precursor types, events initiating CLL remain unknown. The cytokines BAFF and APRIL each play a significant role in CLL cell survival and accumulation, but their involvement in disease initiation remains unclear. Methods We generated novel CLL models lacking BAFF or APRIL. In vivo experiments were conducted to explore the impact of BAFF or APRIL loss on leukemia initiation, progression, and dissemination. Additionally, RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to unveil the transcriptomic signature influenced by BAFF in CLL. The direct role of BAFF in controlling the expression of tumor-promoting genes was further assessed in patient-derived primary CLL cells ex-vivo. Results Our findings demonstrate a crucial role for BAFF, but not APRIL, in the initiation and dissemination of CLL cells. In the absence of BAFF or its receptor BAFF-R, the TCL1 transgene only increases CLL cell numbers in the peritoneal cavity, without dissemination into the periphery. While BAFF binding to BAFF-R is dispensable for peritoneal CLL cell survival, it is necessary to activate a tumor-promoting gene program, potentially linked to CLL initiation and progression. This direct role of BAFF in controlling the expression of tumor-promoting genes was confirmed in patient-derived primary CLL cells ex-vivo. Conclusions Our study, involving both mouse and human CLL cells, suggests that BAFF might initiate CLL through mechanisms independent of cell survival. Combining current CLL therapies with BAFF inhibition could offer a dual benefit by reducing peripheral tumor burden and suppressing transformed CLL cell output.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashik Ullah
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Beatriz Garcillán
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Eden Whitlock
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - William A. Figgett
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Simona Infantino
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mahya Eslami
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Centre, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - SiLing Yang
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - M. Arifur Rahman
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Yong H. Sheng
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicholas Weber
- Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Constantine S. Tam
- Department of Haematology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fabienne Mackay
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gargiulo E, Teglgaard RS, Faitová T, Niemann CU. Immune Dysfunction and Infection - Interaction between CLL and Treatment: A Reflection on Current Treatment Paradigms and Unmet Needs. Acta Haematol 2023; 147:84-98. [PMID: 37497921 DOI: 10.1159/000533234] [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: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a hematological malignancy characterized by immune dysfunction, which significantly contributes to increased morbidity and mortality due to infections. SUMMARY Advancement in therapeutic strategies based on combination chemoimmunotherapy and targeted treatment have increased life expectancy for patients affected by CLL. However, mortality and morbidity due to infection showed no improvement over the last decades. Although therapy options are highly efficient in targeting leukemic cells, several studies highlighted the interactions of different treatments with the tumor microenvironment immune components, significantly impacting their clinical efficacy and fostering increased risk of infections. KEY MESSAGES Given the profound immune dysfunction caused by CLL itself, treatment can thus represent a double-edged sword. Thus, it is essential to increase our understanding and awareness on how conventional therapies affect the disease-microenvironment-infection axis to ensure the best personalized strategy for each patient. This requires careful consideration of the advantages and disadvantages of efficient treatments, whether chemoimmunotherapy or targeted combinations, leading to risk of infectious complications. To this regard, our machine learning-based algorithm CLL Treatment-Infection Model, currently implemented into the local electronic health record system for Eastern Denmark, aims at early identification of patients at high risk of serious infections (PreVent-ACaLL; NCT03868722). We here review strategies for management of immune dysfunction and infections in CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Gargiulo
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Infectious Diseases, PERSIMUNE, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Tereza Faitová
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Carsten Utoft Niemann
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khalili S, Zeinali F, Moghadam Fard A, Taha SR, Fazlollahpour Naghibi A, Bagheri K, Shariat Zadeh M, Eslami Y, Fattah K, Asadimanesh N, Azarimatin A, Khalesi B, Almasi F, Payandeh Z. Macrophage-Based Therapeutic Strategies in Hematologic Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3722. [PMID: 37509382 PMCID: PMC10378576 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143722] [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: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages are types of immune cells, with ambivalent functions in tumor growth, which depend on the specific environment in which they reside. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a diverse population of immunosuppressive myeloid cells that play significant roles in several malignancies. TAM infiltration in malignancies has been linked to a poor prognosis and limited response to treatments, including those using checkpoint inhibitors. Understanding the precise mechanisms through which macrophages contribute to tumor growth is an active area of research as targeting these cells may offer potential therapeutic approaches for cancer treatment. Numerous investigations have focused on anti-TAM-based methods that try to eliminate, rewire, or target the functional mediators released by these cells. Considering the importance of these strategies in the reversion of tumor resistance to conventional therapies and immune modulatory vaccination could be an appealing approach for the immunosuppressive targeting of myeloid cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The combination of reprogramming and TAM depletion is a special feature of this approach compared to other clinical strategies. Thus, the present review aims to comprehensively overview the pleiotropic activities of TAMs and their involvement in various stages of cancer development as a potent drug target, with a focus on hematologic tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saeed Khalili
- Department of Biology Sciences, Shahid Rajaee Teacher Training University, Tehran 1678815811, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Zeinali
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz 6135715794, Iran
| | - Atousa Moghadam Fard
- Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran 4188783417, Iran
| | - Seyed Reza Taha
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Andarz Fazlollahpour Naghibi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Kimia Bagheri
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol 4717641367, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Shariat Zadeh
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1449614535, Iran
| | - Yeghaneh Eslami
- Faculty of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari 4815733971, Iran
| | - Khashayar Fattah
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Naghmeh Asadimanesh
- School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717411, Iran
| | - Armin Azarimatin
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Shabestar Branch, Islamic Azad University, Shabestar 5381637181, Iran
| | - Bahman Khalesi
- Department of Research and Production of Poultry Viral Vaccine, Razi Vaccine and Serum Research Institute, Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Karaj 3197619751, Iran
| | - Faezeh Almasi
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Lab, Department of Microbial Biotechnology, School of Biology and Center of Excellence in Phylogeny of Living Organisms, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran 1416634793, Iran
| | - Zahra Payandeh
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gargiulo E, Ribeiro EFO, Niemann CU. SOHO State of the Art Updates and Next Questions | Infections in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Patients: Risks and Management. CLINICAL LYMPHOMA, MYELOMA & LEUKEMIA 2023; 23:322-332. [PMID: 36868914 DOI: 10.1016/j.clml.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Although chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a malignancy characterized by accumulation of tumor cells in the blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes and secondary lymphoid tissues, the hallmark of the disease and the major cause of death for patients with CLL is actually immune dysfunction and associated infections. Despite improvement in treatment based on combination chemoimmunotherapy and targeted treatment with BTK and BCL-2 inhibitors leading to longer overall survival for patients with CLL, the mortality due to infections have not improved over the last 4 decades. Thus, infections are now the main cause of death for patients with CLL, posing threats to the patient whether during the premalignant state of monoclonal B lymphocytosis (MBL), during the watch & wait phase for treatment naïve patients, or upon treatment in terms of chemoimmunotherapy or targeted treatment. To test whether the natural history of immune dysfunction and infections in CLL can be changed, we have developed the machine learning based algorithm CLL-TIM.org to identify these patients. The CLL-TIM algorithm is currently being used for selection of patients for the clinical trial PreVent-ACaLL (NCT03868722), testing whether short-term treatment with the BTK inhibitor acalabrutinib and the BCL-2 inhibitor venetoclax can improve immune function and decrease the risk of infections for this high-risk patient population. We here review the background for and management of infectious risks in CLL.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Gargiulo
- Tumor-Stroma Interactions, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; PERSIMUNE, Department of Infectious Diseases, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Carsten U Niemann
- Department of Hematology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark; Center of Oncology and Hematology, Hospital Santa Lúcia Sul, Brasilia, Brazil; Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Haselager MV, Kater AP, Eldering E. Proliferative Signals in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; What Are We Missing? Front Oncol 2020; 10:592205. [PMID: 33134182 PMCID: PMC7578574 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.592205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells cycle between lymphoid tissue sites where they actively proliferate, and the peripheral blood (PB) where they become quiescent. Strong evidence exists for a crucial role of B cell receptor (BCR) triggering, either by (self-)antigen or by receptor auto-engagement in the lymph node (LN) to drive CLL proliferation and provide adhesion. The clinical success of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors is widely accepted to be based on blockade of the BCR signal. Additional signals in the LN that support CLL survival derive from surrounding cells, such as CD40L-presenting T helper cells, myeloid and stromal cells. It is not quite clear if and to what extent these non-BCR signals contribute to proliferation in situ. In vitro BCR triggering, in contrast, leads to low-level activation and does not result in cell division. Various combinations of non-BCR signals delivered via co-stimulatory receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and/or soluble cytokines are applied, leading to comparatively modest and short-lived CLL proliferation in vitro. Thus, an unresolved gap exists between the condition in the patient as we now understand it and applicable knowledge that can be harnessed in the laboratory for future therapeutic applications. Even in this era of targeted drugs, CLL remains largely incurable with frequent relapses and emergence of resistance. Therefore, we require better insight into all aspects of CLL growth and potential rewiring of signaling pathways. We aim here to provide an overview of in vivo versus in vitro signals involved in CLL proliferation, point out areas of missing knowledge and suggest future directions for research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco V. Haselager
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic University Medical Center, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arnon P. Kater
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Academic University Medical Center, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric Eldering
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic University Medical Center, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sioud M, Pettersen S, Ailte I, Fløisand Y. Targeted Killing of Monocytes/Macrophages and Myeloid Leukemia Cells with Pro-Apoptotic Peptides. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081088. [PMID: 31370273 PMCID: PMC6721331 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 07/22/2019] [Accepted: 07/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Several cells of myeloid origin, such as monocytes and macrophages are involved in various human disorders, including cancer and inflammatory diseases. Hence, they represent attractive therapeutic targets. Here we developed three lytic hybrid peptides, by fusing a monocyte- and macrophage-binding peptide to pro-apoptotic peptides, and investigated their killing potency on blood monocytes, macrophages, and leukemia cells. We first showed that the targeting NW peptide is effective for depleting monocytes from whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Incubating the cells with biotin-conjugated NW peptide, and the subsequent capture on streptavidin-conjugated magnetic beads, depleted monocytes from the PBMCs. The NW peptide also depleted myeloid leukemia blasts from patient PBMCs. The treatment of the PBMCs with the lytic hybrid NW-KLA peptide killed monocytes, but not lymphocytes and primary mammary epithelial cells. Additionally, the fusion peptide exhibited a potent toxicity against macrophages and leukemia cells. The free lytic KLA peptide did not affect cells. Similarly, a second lytic hybrid peptide killed macrophages, leukemia cell lines, and blood leukemia blasts from patients with acute and chronic myeloid leukemia. The IC50 towards target cells were in the low macromolar range (4–12 µM). Overall, the data indicate that the NW peptide could be a potential drug delivery agent for monocytes, macrophages, and leukemia cells. Moreover, the engineered lytic hybrid peptides acting alone, or in combination with other therapeutic agents, might benefit many cancer patients and overcome drug resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mouldy Sioud
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernchausseen 70, N0379 Oslo, Norway.
| | - Solveig Pettersen
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernchausseen 70, N0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Ieva Ailte
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Ullernchausseen 70, N0379 Oslo, Norway
| | - Yngvar Fløisand
- Department of Haematology, Oslo University Hospital-Rikshospitalet, Sognsvannvien 20, N0372 Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Microenvironment-induced CD44v6 promotes early disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Blood 2018; 131:1337-1349. [PMID: 29352038 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-08-802462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) outgrowth depends on signals from the microenvironment. We have previously found that in vitro reconstitution of this microenvironment induces specific variant isoforms of the adhesion molecule CD44, which confer human CLL with high affinity to hyaluronan (HA). Here, we determined the in vivo contribution of standard CD44 and its variants to leukemic B-cell homing and proliferation in Tcl1 transgenic mice with a B-cell-specific CD44 deficiency. In these mice, leukemia onset was delayed and leukemic infiltration of spleen, liver, and lungs, but not of bone marrow, was decreased. Competitive transplantation revealed that CLL homing to spleen and bone marrow required functional CD44. Notably, enrichment of CD44v6 variants particularly in spleen enhanced CLL engraftment and proliferation, along with increased HA binding. We recapitulated CD44v6 induction in the human disease and revealed the involvement of MAPK and NF-κB signaling upon CD40 ligand and B-cell receptor stimulation by in vitro inhibition experiments and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. The investigation of downstream signaling after CD44v6-HA engagement uncovered the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase and p65. Consequently, anti-CD44v6 treatment reduced leukemic cell proliferation in vitro in human and mouse, confirming the general nature of the findings. In summary, we propose a CD44-NF-κB-CD44v6 circuit in CLL, allowing tumor cells to gain HA binding capacity and supporting their proliferation.
Collapse
|
8
|
van Attekum MH, Eldering E, Kater AP. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells are active participants in microenvironmental cross-talk. Haematologica 2017; 102:1469-1476. [PMID: 28775118 PMCID: PMC5685246 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2016.142679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of the tumor microenvironment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is
widely accepted. Nevertheless, the understanding of the complex interplay
between the various types of bystander cells and chronic lymphocytic leukemia
cells is incomplete. Numerous studies have indicated that bystander cells
provide chronic lymphocytic leukemia-supportive functions, but it has also
become clear that chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells actively engage in the
formation of a supportive tumor microenvironment through several cross-talk
mechanisms. In this review, we describe how chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells
participate in this interplay by inducing migration and tumor-supportive
differentiation of bystander cells. Furthermore, chronic lymphocytic
leukemia-mediated alterations in the interactions between bystander cells are
discussed. Upon bystander cell interaction, chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells
secrete cytokines and chemokines such as migratory factors [chemokine
(C-C motif) ligand 22 and chemokine (CC motif) ligand 2], which result
in further recruitment of T cells but also of monocyte-derived cells. Within the
tumor microenvironment, chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells induce
differentiation towards a tumor-supportive M2 phenotype of monocyte-derived
cells and suppress phagocytosis, but also induce increased numbers of supportive
regulatory T cells. Like other tumor types, the differentiation of stromal cells
towards supportive cancer-associated fibroblasts is critically dependent on
chronic lymphocytic leukemia-derived factors such as exosomes and
platelet-derived growth factor. Lastly, both chronic lymphocytic leukemia and
bystander cells induce a tolerogenic tumor microenvironment; chronic lymphocytic
leukemia-secreted cytokines, such as interleukin-10, suppress cytotoxic T-cell
functions, while chronic lymphocytic leukemia-associated monocyte-derived cells
contribute to suppression of T-cell function by producing the immune checkpoint
factor, programmed cell death-ligand 1. Deeper understanding of the active
involvement and cross-talk of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in shaping the
tumor microenvironment may offer novel clues for designing therapeutic
strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martijn Ha van Attekum
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Eric Eldering
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.,Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Arnon P Kater
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands .,Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
van Attekum MHA, Terpstra S, Slinger E, von Lindern M, Moerland PD, Jongejan A, Kater AP, Eldering E. Macrophages confer survival signals via CCR1-dependent translational MCL-1 induction in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Oncogene 2017; 36:3651-3660. [PMID: 28192408 PMCID: PMC5584520 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2015] [Revised: 12/05/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Protective interactions with bystander cells in micro-environmental niches, such as lymph nodes (LNs), contribute to survival and therapy resistance of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. This is caused by a shift in expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL-2) family members. Pro-survival proteins B-cell lymphoma-extra large (BCL-XL), BCL-2-related protein A1 (BFL-1) and myeloid leukemia cell differentiation protein 1 (MCL-1) are upregulated by LN-residing T cells through CD40L interaction, presumably via nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling. Macrophages (Mφs) also reside in the LN, and are assumed to provide important supportive functions for CLL cells. However, if and how Mφs are able to induce survival is incompletely known. We first established that Mφs induced survival because of an exclusive upregulation of MCL-1. Next, we investigated the mechanism underlying MCL-1 induction by Mφs in comparison with CD40L. Genome-wide expression profiling of in vitro Mφ- and CD40L-stimulated CLL cells indicated activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-V-Akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (AKT)-mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which was confirmed in ex vivo CLL LN material. Inhibition of PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling abrogated MCL-1 upregulation and survival by Mφs, as well as CD40 stimulation. MCL-1 can be regulated at multiple levels, and we established that AKT leads to increased MCL-1 translation, but does not affect MCL-1 transcription or protein stabilization. Furthermore, among Mφ-secreted factors that could activate AKT, we found that induction of MCL-1 and survival critically depended on C-C motif chemokine receptor-1 (CCR1). In conclusion, this study indicates that two distinct micro-environmental factors, CD40L and Mφs, signal via CCR1 to induce AKT activation resulting in translational stabilization of MCL-1, and hence can contribute to CLL cell survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M H A van Attekum
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Terpstra
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Slinger
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M von Lindern
- Department of Hematopoiesis, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P D Moerland
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A Jongejan
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - A P Kater
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - E Eldering
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Affiliation(s)
- M H A van Attekum
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam
| | - A P Kater
- Department of Hematology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam
| | - E Eldering
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam (LYMMCARE), Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam
| |
Collapse
|