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Maia A, Tarannum M, Lérias JR, Piccinelli S, Borrego LM, Maeurer M, Romee R, Castillo-Martin M. Building a Better Defense: Expanding and Improving Natural Killer Cells for Adoptive Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:451. [PMID: 38474415 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have gained attention as a promising adoptive cell therapy platform for their potential to improve cancer treatments. NK cells offer distinct advantages over T-cells, including major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-independent tumor recognition and low risk of toxicity, even in an allogeneic setting. Despite this tremendous potential, challenges persist, such as limited in vivo persistence, reduced tumor infiltration, and low absolute NK cell numbers. This review outlines several strategies aiming to overcome these challenges. The developed strategies include optimizing NK cell expansion methods and improving NK cell antitumor responses by cytokine stimulation and genetic manipulations. Using K562 cells expressing membrane IL-15 or IL-21 with or without additional activating ligands like 4-1BBL allows "massive" NK cell expansion and makes multiple cell dosing and "off-the-shelf" efforts feasible. Further improvements in NK cell function can be reached by inducing memory-like NK cells, developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, or isolating NK-cell-based tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Memory-like NK cells demonstrate higher in vivo persistence and cytotoxicity, with early clinical trials demonstrating safety and promising efficacy. Recent trials using CAR-NK cells have also demonstrated a lack of any major toxicity, including cytokine release syndrome, and, yet, promising clinical activity. Recent data support that the presence of TIL-NK cells is associated with improved overall patient survival in different types of solid tumors such as head and neck, colorectal, breast, and gastric carcinomas, among the most significant. In conclusion, this review presents insights into the diverse strategies available for NK cell expansion, including the roles played by various cytokines, feeder cells, and culture material in influencing the activation phenotype, telomere length, and cytotoxic potential of expanded NK cells. Notably, genetically modified K562 cells have demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting NK cell expansion. Furthermore, culturing NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15 has been shown to improve expansion rates, while the presence of IL-12 and IL-21 has been linked to enhanced cytotoxic function. Overall, this review provides an overview of NK cell expansion methodologies, highlighting the current landscape of clinical trials and the key advancements to enhance NK-cell-based adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Maia
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mubin Tarannum
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joana R Lérias
- ImmunoTherapy/ImmunoSurgery, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Piccinelli
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luis Miguel Borrego
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), NOVA University of Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
- Immunoallergy Department, Hospital da Luz, 1600-209 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoTherapy/ImmunoSurgery, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- I Medical Clinic, University of Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rizwan Romee
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mireia Castillo-Martin
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- Pathology Service, Champalimaud Clinical Center, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
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Caruso S, De Angelis B, Carlomagno S, Del Bufalo F, Sivori S, Locatelli F, Quintarelli C. NK cells as adoptive cellular therapy for hematological malignancies: Advantages and hurdles. Semin Hematol 2020; 57:175-184. [DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2020.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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Zhao XY, Jiang Q, Jiang H, Hu LJ, Zhao T, Yu XX, Huang XJ. Expanded clinical-grade membrane-bound IL-21/4-1BBL NK cell products exhibit activity against acute myeloid leukemia in vivo. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1374-1385. [PMID: 32357256 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive NK cell infusion is a promising immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The aim of this study was to test the activity of clinical-grade membrane-bound IL-21/4-1BBL-expanded NK cell products against AML in vivo. METHODS Fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with equal numbers of irradiated membrane-bound IL-21/4-1BBL-expressing K562 cells for 2-3 weeks to induce clinical-grade NK cell expansion. RESULTS Expansion for 2 and 3 weeks produced ∼4 and 8 × 109 NK cells from 2 × 107 PBMCs. The production of CD107a and TNF-α in NK cell products in response to AML cell lines and primary blasts was higher than that observed in resting NK cells. The 2-week expanded NK cell products were xenografted into immunodeficient mice with leukemia and were persistently found in the BM, spleen, liver, lung, and peripheral blood for at least 13 days; furthermore, these expanded products reduced the AML burden in vivo. Compared with matched AML patients with persistent or relapsed minimal residual disease (MRD+ ) who underwent regular consolidation therapy, MRD+ patients who underwent NK treatment had better overall survival and showed no major adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Clinical-grade mbIL-21/4-1BBL-expanded NK cells exhibited antileukemic activity against AML in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Laboratory for Cellular Therapy, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Juan Hu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xing-Xing Yu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Laboratory for Cellular Therapy, Beijing, China
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Biswas BK, Guru SA, Sumi MP, Jamatia E, Gupta RK, Lali P, Konar BC, Saxena A, Mir R. Natural Killer Cells Expanded and Preactivated Exhibit Enhanced Antitumor Activity against Different Tumor Cells in Vitro. Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2020; 21:1595-1605. [PMID: 32592353 PMCID: PMC7568895 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2020.21.6.1595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
One of the emerging treatment strategies for cancer particularly for haematological malignancies is natural killer (NK) cell therapy. However, the availability of a best approach to maximize NK cell anticancer potential is still awaited. It is well established that cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells have the potential to differentiate after a short period of preactivation with interleukins-IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 and exhibit increased responses to cytokine or activating receptor restimulation for weeks to months after preactivation. We demonstrated that NK cells differentiated from CD34+ cells isolated from cord blood show increased antitumor potential in vitro against different cancer cells. Using flow cytometry, we found that NK cells were able to induce apoptosis in cancer cells in vitro. We further analysed surviving gene expression by quantitative real time PCR and reported that NK cells cause down regulation of survivin gene expression in tumor cells. Therefore, NK cell therapy represents a promising immunotherapy for cancers like AML and other haematological malignancies. It concluded that NK cells can be differentiated from CD34+ cells isolated from cord blood ,are able to induce apoptosis and induce increased antitumor potential in vitro against different cancer cells besides cause downregulation of survivin gene expression in tumor cells. Therefore, NK cell therapy represents a promising immunotherapy for different cancer types and haematological malignancies. Furthers studies are necessary to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Biplob Kumar Biswas
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Sameer Ahmad Guru
- Multidisciplinary Research Unit (MRU), Maulana Azad Medical College and Associated Hospitals, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi, 110002, India
| | - Mamta Pervin Sumi
- Department of Gastroinstestinal Surgery G B Pant Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Elvia Jamatia
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Rohit Kumar Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Pramod Lali
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Bidhan Chandra Konar
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Alpana Saxena
- Department of Biochemistry, Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) and Associated Hospitals, New Delhi, India
| | - Rashid Mir
- Department of Medical Lab Technology, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Fahd Bin Sultan Research chair, University of Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
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Recent progress in and challenges in cellular therapy using NK cells for hematological malignancies. Blood Rev 2020; 44:100678. [PMID: 32229065 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
NK cells have killing activity against leukemic cells and solid cancer cells that escape from T cell recognition because of the low expression level of HLA class I molecules. This characteristic feature of NK cell recognition of target cells in contrast to T cells provides a strategy to overcome tolerance in cancer and leukemia patients. A strong alloreactive NK cell-mediated anti-leukemia effect can be induced in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Also, NK cells can be expanded by several methods for adoptive immunotherapy for hematological malignancies and other malignant diseases. We review the historical role of NK cells and recent approaches to enhance the functions of NK cells, including ex vivo expansion of autologous and allogenic NK cells, checkpoint receptor blockade, and the use of memory-like NK cells and CAR-NK cells, for treatment of hematological malignancies.
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Tanaka J, Tanaka N, Wang YH, Mitsuhashi K, Ryuzaki M, Iizuka Y, Watanabe A, Ishiyama M, Shinohara A, Kazama H, Hagiwara S, Yoshinaga K, Kougen Y, Kobayashi H, Kanno H, Shiseki M. Phase I study of cellular therapy using ex vivo expanded natural killer cells from autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells combined with rituximab-containing chemotherapy for relapsed CD20-positive malignant lymphoma patients. Haematologica 2019; 105:e190-e193. [PMID: 31399525 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2019.226696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yumi Kougen
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Processing, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hirohito Kobayashi
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Processing, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kanno
- Department of Transfusion Medicine and Cell Processing, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Fang F, Xiao W, Tian Z. Challenges of NK cell-based immunotherapy in the new era. Front Med 2018; 12:440-450. [PMID: 30047028 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-018-0653-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NKs) have a great potential for cancer immunotherapy because they can rapidly and directly kill transformed cells in the absence of antigen presensitization. Various cellular sources, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), stem cells, and NK cell lines, have been used for producing NK cells. In particular, NK cells that expanded from allogeneic PBMCs exhibit better efficacy than those that did not. However, considering the safety, activities, and reliability of the cell products, researchers must develop an optimal protocol for producing NK cells from PBMCs in the manufacture setting and clinical therapeutic regimen. In this review, the challenges on NK cell-based therapeutic approaches and clinical outcomes are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Weihua Xiao
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, Hefei, 230027, China.
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Balassa K, Rocha V. Anticancer cellular immunotherapies derived from umbilical cord blood. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2017; 18:121-134. [PMID: 29103317 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2018.1402002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The lack of highly effective drugs in many malignancies has prompted scientific interest in the development of alternative treatment strategies. Cellular immunotherapy involving the adoptive transfer of immune cells that potently recognize and eliminate malignantly transformed cells has become a promising new tool in the anticancer armory. Studies suggest that the unique biological properties of umbilical cord blood (UCB) cells could precipitate enhanced anticancer activity; hence, UCB could be an optimal source for immunotherapy with the potential to provide products with 'off-the-shelf' availability. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors summarize data on the transfer of naturally occurring or genetically modified UCB cells to treat cancer. The focus within is on the phenotypic and functional differences compared to other sources, the alloreactive and anticancer properties, and manufacturing of these products. Therapies utilizing cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, natural killer (NK) cells and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The cellular immunotherapy field has become a growing, exciting area that has generated much enthusiasm. There is evidence that anticancer immunotherapy with UCB-derived products is feasible and safe; however, considering the limited number of clinical trials using UCB-derived products, further studies are warranted to facilitate translation into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Balassa
- a Department of Clinical Haematology, Cancer and Haematology Centre , Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital , Oxford , UK.,b NHS Blood and Transplant , John Radcliffe Hospital , Oxford , UK
| | - Vanderson Rocha
- a Department of Clinical Haematology, Cancer and Haematology Centre , Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Churchill Hospital , Oxford , UK.,b NHS Blood and Transplant , John Radcliffe Hospital , Oxford , UK.,c Department of Haematology , University of Sao Paulo , Sao Paulo , Brazil
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Dickinson AM, Norden J, Li S, Hromadnikova I, Schmid C, Schmetzer H, Jochem-Kolb H. Graft-versus-Leukemia Effect Following Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation for Leukemia. Front Immunol 2017. [PMID: 28638379 PMCID: PMC5461268 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The success of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) lies with the ability of the engrafting immune system to remove residual leukemia cells via a graft-versus-leukemia effect (GvL), caused either spontaneously post-HSCT or via donor lymphocyte infusion. GvL effects can also be initiated by allogenic mismatched natural killer cells, antigen-specific T cells, and activated dendritic cells of leukemic origin. The history and further application of this GvL effect and the main mechanisms will be discussed and reviewed in this chapter.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M Dickinson
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Jean Norden
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Shuang Li
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ilona Hromadnikova
- Third Faculty of Medicine, Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Christoph Schmid
- Department for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Augsburg, Munich, Germany
| | - Helga Schmetzer
- Department for Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Internal Medicine III, Hospital of the University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hans Jochem-Kolb
- Department of Hematology-Oncology Immunology Infectious Diseases, Klinikum München-Schwabing, Munich, Germany
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Fang F, Xiao W, Tian Z. NK cell-based immunotherapy for cancer. Semin Immunol 2017; 31:37-54. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2017.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Preethy S, Dedeepiya VD, Senthilkumar R, Rajmohan M, Karthick R, Terunuma H, Abraham SJK. Natural killer cells as a promising tool to tackle cancer-A review of sources, methodologies, and potentials. Int Rev Immunol 2017; 36:220-232. [PMID: 28471248 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2017.1284209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune cell-based therapies are emerging as a promising tool to tackle malignancies, both solid tumors and selected hematological tumors. Vast experiences in literature have documented their safety and added survival benefits when such cell-based therapies are combined with the existing treatment options. Numerous methodologies of processing and in vitro expansion protocols of immune cells, such as the dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, αβ T cells, so-called activated T lymphocytes, γδ T cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and lymphokine-activated killer cells, have been reported for use in cell-based therapies. Among this handful of immune cells of significance, the NK cells stand apart from the rest for not only their direct cytotoxic ability against cancer cells but also their added advantage, which includes their capability of (i) action through both innate and adaptive immune mechanism, (ii) tackling viruses too, giving benefits in conditions where viral infections culminate in cancer, and (iii) destroying cancer stem cells, thereby preventing resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review thoroughly analyses the sources of such NK cells, methods for expansion, and the future potentials of taking the in vitro expanded allogeneic NK cells with good cytotoxic ability as a drug for treating cancer and/or viral infection and even as a prophylactic tool for prevention of cancer after initial remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthilkumar Preethy
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India.,b Hope Foundation (Trust) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Vidyasagar Devaprasad Dedeepiya
- d The Mary-Yoshio Translational Hexagon (MYTH) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Rajappa Senthilkumar
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Mathaiyan Rajmohan
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Ramalingam Karthick
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | | | - Samuel J K Abraham
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India.,e II Department of Surgery, School of Medicine , Yamanashi University , Chuo , Japan
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Domogala A, Blundell M, Thrasher A, Lowdell MW, Madrigal JA, Saudemont A. Natural killer cells differentiated in vitro from cord blood CD34 + cells are more advantageous for use as an immunotherapy than peripheral blood and cord blood natural killer cells. Cytotherapy 2017; 19:710-720. [PMID: 28428057 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2017.03.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 03/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells have the potential to become a successful immunotherapy as they can target malignant cells without being direct effectors of graft-versus-host disease. Our group has previously shown that large numbers of functional NK cells can be differentiated in vitro from umbilical cord blood (CB) CD34+ cells. To produce a clinically relevant and effective immunotherapy, we hypothesized that it is essential that the NK cells are able to proliferate and persist in vivo while maintaining an optimal activation status and killing capacity. METHODS We evaluated the proliferation capacity, telomere length and terminal differentiation markers expressed by NK cells differentiated in vitro. We also determined how their cytotoxicity compared with peripheral blood (PB) NK cells and CBNK cells when targeting patient acute myeloid leukemia (AML) blasts and solid tumor cell lines. RESULTS We found that the differentiated NK cells could respond to interleukin-2 and proliferate in vitro. Telomere length was significantly increased, whereas CD57 expression was significantly reduced compared with PBNK cells. The cytotoxicity of the differentiated NK cells was equivalent to that of the PBNK and CBNK cell controls, and priming consistently led to higher levels of killing of patient leukemic blasts and solid tumor cell lines in vitro. Interestingly, this activation step was not required to observe killing of patient AML blasts in vivo. CONCLUSION We are able to generate NK cells from CBCD34+ cells in high numbers, allowing for multiple infusions of highly cytotoxic NK cells that have potential to further proliferate in vivo, making them a desirable product for application as an immunotherapy in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Domogala
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, London, UK; University College London, London, UK
| | | | | | | | - J Alejandro Madrigal
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, London, UK; University College London, London, UK
| | - Aurore Saudemont
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, London, UK; University College London, London, UK.
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Genetically re-engineered K562 cells significantly expand and functionally activate cord blood natural killer cells: Potential for adoptive cellular immunotherapy. Exp Hematol 2016; 46:38-47. [PMID: 27765614 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2016.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a significant role in reducing relapse in patients with hematological malignancies after allogeneic stem cell transplantation, but NK cell number and naturally occurring inhibitory signals limit their capability. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) and 4-1BBL are important modulators of NK expansion and functional activation. To overcome these limitations, cord blood mononuclear cells (CB MNCs) were ex vivo expanded for 7 days with genetically modified K562-mbIL15-41BBL (MODK562) or wild-type K562 (WTK562). NK cell expansion; expression of lysosome-associated membrane protein-1 (LAMP-1), granzyme B, and perforin; and in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity against B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-NHL) were evaluated. In vivo tumor growth in B-NHL-xenografted nonobese diabetic severe combined immune deficient (NOD-scid) gamma (NSG) mice was monitored by tumor volume, cell number, and survival. CB MNCs cultured with MODK562 compared with WTK562 demonstrated significantly increased NK expansion (thirty-fivefold, p < 0.05); LAMP-1 (p < 0.05), granzyme B, and perforin expression (p < 0.001); and in vitro cytotoxicity against B-NHL (p < 0.01). Xenografted mice treated with MODK562 CB experienced significantly decreased B-NHL tumor volume (p = 0.0086) and B-NHL cell numbers (p < 0.01) at 5 weeks and significantly increased survival (p < 0.001) at 10 weeks compared with WTK562. In summary, MODK562 significantly enhanced CB NK expansion and cytotoxicity, enhanced survival in a human Burkitt's lymphoma xenograft NSG model, and could be used in the future as adoptive cellular immunotherapy after umbilical CB transplantation. Future directions include expanding anti-CD20 chimeric receptor-modified CB NK cells to enhance B-NHL targeting in vitro and in vivo.
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Choi I, Yoon SR, Park SY, Kim H, Jung SJ, Kang YL, Lee JH, Lee JH, Kim DY, Lee JL, Park HS, Choi EJ, Lee YS, Kang YA, Jeon M, Seol M, Baek S, Yun SC, Kim HJ, Lee KH. Donor-Derived Natural Killer Cell Infusion after Human Leukocyte Antigen-Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation in Patients with Refractory Acute Leukemia. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2016; 22:2065-2076. [PMID: 27530969 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2016.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The optimum method of donor natural killer cell infusion (DNKI) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) remains unclear. Fifty-one patients (age range, 19 years to 67 years) with refractory acute leukemia underwent HLA-haploidentical HCT and underwent DNKI on days 6, 9, 13, and 20 of HCT. Median DNKI doses were .5, .5, 1.0, and 2.0 × 108/kg cells, respectively. During DNKI, 33 of the 45 evaluated patients (73%) developed fever (>38.3°C) along with weight gain (median, 13%; range, 2% to 31%) and/or hyperbilirubinemia (median, 6.2 mg/dL; range, 1.0 mg/dL to 35.1 mg/dL); the toxicity was reversible in 90% of patients. After transplantation, we observed cumulative incidences of neutrophil engraftment (≥500/µL), grade 2 to 4 acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), chronic GVHD, and nonrelapse mortality of 84%, 28%, 30%, and 16%, respectively. The leukemia complete remission rate was 57% at 1 month after HCT and 3-year cumulative incidence of leukemia progression was 75%. When analyzed together with our historical cohort of 40 patients with refractory acute leukemia who underwent haploidentical HCT and DNKI on days 14 and 21 only, higher expression of NKp30 (>90%) on donor NK cells was an independent predictor of higher complete remission (hazard ratio, 5.59) and less leukemia progression (hazard ratio, .57). Additional DNKI on days 6 and 9 was not associated with less leukemia progression (75% versus 55%).
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Affiliation(s)
- Inpyo Choi
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.
| | - Suk Ran Yoon
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Yeon Park
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hanna Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sol-Ji Jung
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - You-Lee Kang
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Hwan Lee
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Hee Lee
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Young Kim
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Lyun Lee
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han-Seung Park
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Choi
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Shin Lee
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-A Kang
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Mijin Jeon
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Miee Seol
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seunghyun Baek
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Cheol Yun
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Jung Kim
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoo-Hyung Lee
- Hematology and Oncology Sections, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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15
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Koehl U, Kalberer C, Spanholtz J, Lee DA, Miller JS, Cooley S, Lowdell M, Uharek L, Klingemann H, Curti A, Leung W, Alici E. Advances in clinical NK cell studies: Donor selection, manufacturing and quality control. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1115178. [PMID: 27141397 PMCID: PMC4839369 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1115178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are increasingly used in clinical studies in order to treat patients with various malignancies. The following review summarizes platform lectures and 2013–2015 consortium meetings on manufacturing and clinical use of NK cells in Europe and United States. A broad overview of recent pre-clinical and clinical results in NK cell therapies is provided based on unstimulated, cytokine-activated, as well as genetically engineered NK cells using chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). Differences in donor selection, manufacturing and quality control of NK cells for cancer immunotherapies are described and basic recommendations are outlined for harmonization in future NK cell studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Koehl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - C Kalberer
- Diagnostic Hematology, University Hospital Basel , Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics , Oss, the Netherlands
| | - D A Lee
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Pediatrics , Houston, TX, USA
| | - J S Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - S Cooley
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - M Lowdell
- Department of Hematology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Medical School , London, UK
| | - L Uharek
- Hematology and Oncology, Benjamin Franklin faculty of Charité , Berlin, Germany
| | - H Klingemann
- NantKwest Inc., Research & Development , Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - A Curti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Institute of Hematology "L. and A. Seràgnoli", Berlin, University of Bologna , Italy
| | - W Leung
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - E Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm Sweden; Cell therapies institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Hematology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Cellular engineering and therapy in combination with cord blood allografting in pediatric recipients. Bone Marrow Transplant 2015; 51:27-33. [PMID: 26367220 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2015.196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2015] [Revised: 07/01/2015] [Accepted: 07/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Cord blood (CB) transplantation is an alternate source of human hematopoietic progenitor cells for allogeneic stem cell transplantation in children and adolescents with both malignant and nonmalignant diseases. Current limitations included delay in hematopoietic reconstitution, increased incidence of primary graft failure and slow cellular immunoreconstitution. These limitations lead to a significant increase in primary graft failure, infectious complications and increased transplant-related mortality. There is a number of experimental approaches currently under investigation including cellular engineering to circumvent these limitations. In this review, we summarize the recent findings of utilizing ex vivo CB expansion with Notch1 ligand Delta 1, mesenchymal progenitor cells, the use of human placenta-derived stem cells and CB-derived natural killer cells. Early and preliminary results suggest some of these experimental cellular strategies may in part ameliorate the incidence of primary graft failure, delays in hematopoietic reconstitution and/or slowness in cellular immune reconstitution following unrelated CB transplantation.
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17
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Pittari G, Filippini P, Gentilcore G, Grivel JC, Rutella S. Revving up Natural Killer Cells and Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells Against Hematological Malignancies. Front Immunol 2015; 6:230. [PMID: 26029215 PMCID: PMC4429635 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to innate immunity and exhibit cytolytic activity against infectious pathogens and tumor cells. NK-cell function is finely tuned by receptors that transduce inhibitory or activating signals, such as killer immunoglobulin-like receptors, NK Group 2 member D (NKG2D), NKG2A/CD94, NKp46, and others, and recognize both foreign and self-antigens expressed by NK-susceptible targets. Recent insights into NK-cell developmental intermediates have translated into a more accurate definition of culture conditions for the in vitro generation and propagation of human NK cells. In this respect, interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-21 are instrumental in driving NK-cell differentiation and maturation, and hold great promise for the design of optimal NK-cell culture protocols. Cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells possess phenotypic and functional hallmarks of both T cells and NK cells. Similar to T cells, they express CD3 and are expandable in culture, while not requiring functional priming for in vivo activity, like NK cells. CIK cells may offer some advantages over other cell therapy products, including ease of in vitro propagation and no need for exogenous administration of IL-2 for in vivo priming. NK cells and CIK cells can be expanded using a variety of clinical-grade approaches, before their infusion into patients with cancer. Herein, we discuss GMP-compliant strategies to isolate and expand human NK and CIK cells for immunotherapy purposes, focusing on clinical trials of adoptive transfer to patients with hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Pittari
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation , Doha , Qatar
| | - Perla Filippini
- Deep Immunophenotyping Core, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center , Doha , Qatar
| | - Giusy Gentilcore
- Deep Immunophenotyping Core, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center , Doha , Qatar
| | - Jean-Charles Grivel
- Deep Immunophenotyping Core, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center , Doha , Qatar
| | - Sergio Rutella
- Clinical Research Center, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center , Doha , Qatar
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18
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Cany J, van der Waart AB, Spanholtz J, Tordoir M, Jansen JH, van der Voort R, Schaap NM, Dolstra H. Combined IL-15 and IL-12 drives the generation of CD34 +-derived natural killer cells with superior maturation and alloreactivity potential following adoptive transfer. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1017701. [PMID: 26140247 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1017701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2014] [Revised: 02/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells represents a promising treatment approach against cancer, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Previously, we reported a cytokine-based culture method for the generation of NK cell products with high cell number and purity. In this system, CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPC) were expanded and differentiated into NK cells under stroma-free conditions in the presence of IL-15 and IL-2. We show that combining IL-15 with IL-12 drives the generation of more mature and highly functional NK cells. In particular, replacement of IL-2 by IL-12 enhanced the cytolytic activity and IFNγ production of HPC-NK cells toward cultured and primary AML cells in vitro, and improved antileukemic responses in NOD/SCID-IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice bearing human AML cells. Phenotypically, IL-12 increased the frequency of HPC-NK cells expressing NKG2A and killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR), which were more responsive to target cell stimulation. In addition, NK15/12 cell products demonstrated superior maturation potential, resulting in >70% positivity for CD16 and/or KIR within 2 weeks after infusion into NSG mice. We predict that higher functionality and faster in vivo maturation will favor HPC-NK cell alloreactivity toward malignant cells in patients, making this cytokine combination an attractive strategy to generate clinical HPC-NK cell products for cancer adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Cany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anniek B van der Waart
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics; 's-Hertogenbosch , The Netherlands
| | | | - Joop H Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Robbert van der Voort
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Harry Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine; Laboratory of Hematology; Radboud University Medical Center (Radboudumc); Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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19
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Danby R, Rocha V. Improving engraftment and immune reconstitution in umbilical cord blood transplantation. Front Immunol 2014; 5:68. [PMID: 24605111 PMCID: PMC3932655 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is an important source of hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) for allogeneic transplantation when HLA-matched sibling and unrelated donors (MUD) are unavailable. Although the overall survival results for UCB transplantation are comparable to the results with MUD, UCB transplants are associated with slow engraftment, delayed immune reconstitution, and increased opportunistic infections. While this may be a consequence of the lower cell dose in UCB grafts, it also reflects the relative immaturity of cord blood. Furthermore, limited cell numbers and the non-availability of donor lymphocyte infusions currently prevent the use of post-transplant cellular immunotherapy to boost donor-derived immunity to treat infections, mixed chimerism, and disease relapse. To further develop UCB transplantation, many strategies to enhance engraftment and immune reconstitution are currently under investigation. This review summarizes our current understanding of engraftment and immune recovery following UCB transplantation and why this differs from allogeneic transplants using other sources of HSC. It also provides a comprehensive overview of promising techniques being used to improve myeloid and lymphoid recovery, including expansion, homing, and delivery of UCB HSC; combined use of UCB with third-party donors; isolation and expansion of natural killer cells, pathogen-specific T cells, and regulatory T cells; methods to protect and/or improve thymopoiesis. As many of these strategies are now in clinical trials, it is anticipated that UCB transplantation will continue to advance, further expanding our understanding of UCB biology and HSC transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Danby
- Department of Haematology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust , Oxford , UK ; NHS Blood and Transplant, John Radcliffe Hospital , Oxford , UK ; Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis APHP, University Paris VII IUH , Paris , France
| | - Vanderson Rocha
- Department of Haematology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Trust , Oxford , UK ; NHS Blood and Transplant, John Radcliffe Hospital , Oxford , UK ; Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis APHP, University Paris VII IUH , Paris , France
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20
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Cany J, van der Waart AB, Tordoir M, Franssen GM, Hangalapura BN, de Vries J, Boerman O, Schaap N, van der Voort R, Spanholtz J, Dolstra H. Natural killer cells generated from cord blood hematopoietic progenitor cells efficiently target bone marrow-residing human leukemia cells in NOD/SCID/IL2Rg(null) mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e64384. [PMID: 23755121 PMCID: PMC3673996 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0064384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2013] [Accepted: 04/13/2013] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based adoptive immunotherapy is an attractive adjuvant treatment option for patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Recently, we reported a clinical-grade, cytokine-based culture method for the generation of NK cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cells with high yield, purity and in vitro functionality. The present study was designed to evaluate the in vivo anti-leukemic potential of UCB-NK cells generated with our GMP-compliant culture system in terms of biodistribution, survival and cytolytic activity following adoptive transfer in immunodeficient NOD/SCID/IL2Rgnull mice. Using single photon emission computed tomography, we first demonstrated active migration of UCB-NK cells to bone marrow, spleen and liver within 24 h after infusion. Analysis of the chemokine receptor expression profile of UCB-NK cells matched in vivo findings. Particularly, a firm proportion of UCB-NK cells functionally expressed CXCR4, what could trigger BM homing in response to its ligand CXCL12. In addition, high expression of CXCR3 and CCR6 supported the capacity of UCB-NK cells to migrate to inflamed tissues via the CXCR3/CXCL10-11 and CCR6/CCL20 axis. Thereafter, we showed that low dose IL-15 mediates efficient survival, expansion and maturation of UCB-NK cells in vivo. Most importantly, we demonstrate that a single UCB-NK cell infusion combined with supportive IL-15 administration efficiently inhibited growth of human leukemia cells implanted in the femur of mice, resulting in significant prolongation of mice survival. These preclinical studies strongly support the therapeutic potential of ex vivo-generated UCB-NK cells in the treatment of myeloid leukemia after immunosuppressive chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeannette Cany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre-RUNMC, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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21
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22
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Luevano M, Madrigal A, Saudemont A. Generation of natural killer cells from hematopoietic stem cells in vitro for immunotherapy. Cell Mol Immunol 2012; 9:310-20. [PMID: 22705914 DOI: 10.1038/cmi.2012.17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and are an alluring option for immunotherapy due to their ability to kill infected cells or cancer cells without prior sensitization. Throughout the past 20 years, different groups have been able to reproduce NK cell development in vitro, and NK cell ontogeny studies have provided the basis for the establishment of protocols to produce NK cells in vitro for immunotherapy. Here, we briefly discuss NK cell development and NK cell immunotherapy approaches. We review the factors needed for NK cell differentiation in vitro, which stem cell sources have been used, published protocols, challenges and future directions for Good Manufacturing Practice protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Luevano
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, and University College London, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
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