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Tsiverioti CA, Gottschlich A, Trefny M, Theurich S, Anders HJ, Kroiss M, Kobold S. Beyond CAR T cells: exploring alternative cell sources for CAR-like cellular therapies. Biol Chem 2024; 405:485-515. [PMID: 38766710 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0317] [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: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has led to remarkable clinical outcomes in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, challenges remain, such as limited infiltration into solid tumors, inadequate persistence, systemic toxicities, and manufacturing insufficiencies. The use of alternative cell sources for CAR-based therapies, such as natural killer cells (NK), macrophages (MΦ), invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells, γδT cells, neutrophils, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), has emerged as a promising avenue. By harnessing these cells' inherent cytotoxic mechanisms and incorporating CAR technology, common CAR-T cell-related limitations can be effectively mitigated. We herein present an overview of the tumoricidal mechanisms, CAR designs, and manufacturing processes of CAR-NK cells, CAR-MΦ, CAR-iNKT cells, CAR-γδT cells, CAR-neutrophils, and iPSC-derived CAR-cells, outlining the advantages, limitations, and potential solutions of these therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Adrian Gottschlich
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel Trefny
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Theurich
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), LMU Munich, Pettenkoferstr. 8a, 80336 Munich, Germany
- 74939 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital of the LMU , Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Cancer and Immunometabolism Research Group, 74939 Gene Center LMU , Feodor-Lynen Str. 25, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 5, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Kroiss
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Ziemssenstr. 5, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str, 9780 Würzburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Mainfranken, University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 6, 9780 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Lindwurmstr. 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- 74939 German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, A Partnership Between DKFZ and University Hospital of the LMU , Marchioninstr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München - German Research Center for Environmental Health, Ingolstädter Landstr. 1, D-85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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Wilkin C, Piette J, Legrand-Poels S. Unravelling metabolic factors impacting iNKT cell biology in obesity. Biochem Pharmacol 2024:116436. [PMID: 39029630 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Obesity and related diseases have reached epidemic proportions and continue to rise. Beyond creating an economical burden, obesity and its co-morbidities are associated with shortened human life expectancy. Despite major advances, the underlying mechanisms of obesity remain not fully elucidated. Recently, several studies have highlighted that various immune cells are metabolically reprogrammed in obesity, thereby profoundly affecting the immune system. This sheds light on a new field of interest: the impact of obesity-related systemic metabolic changes affecting immune system that could lead to immunosurveillance loss. Among immune cells altered by obesity, invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells have recently garnered intense focus due to their ability to recognize lipid antigen. While iNKT cells are well-described to be affected by obesity, how and to what extent immunometabolic factors (e.g., lipids, glucose, cytokines, adipokines, insulin and free fatty acids) can drive iNKT cells alterations remains unclear, but represent an emerging field of research. Here, we review the current knowledge on iNKT cells in obesity and discuss the immunometabolic factors that could modulate their phenotype and activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Wilkin
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism and Nutrition, GIGA, ULiège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Jacques Piette
- Laboratory of Virology and Immunology, GIGA, ULiège, Liège, Belgium
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Taheri MM, Javan F, Poudineh M, Athari SS. CAR-NKT Cells in Asthma: Use of NKT as a Promising Cell for CAR Therapy. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2024:10.1007/s12016-024-08998-0. [PMID: 38995478 DOI: 10.1007/s12016-024-08998-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
NKT cells, unique lymphocytes bridging innate and adaptive immunity, offer significant potential for managing inflammatory disorders like asthma. Activating iNKT induces increasing IFN-γ, TGF-β, IL-2, and IL-10 potentially suppressing allergic asthma. However, their immunomodulatory effects, including granzyme-perforin-mediated cytotoxicity, and expression of TIM-3 and TRAIL warrant careful consideration and targeted approaches. Although CAR-T cell therapy has achieved remarkable success in treating certain cancers, its limitations necessitate exploring alternative approaches. In this context, CAR-NKT cells emerge as a promising approach for overcoming these challenges, potentially achieving safer and more effective immunotherapies. Strategies involve targeting distinct IgE-receptors and their interactions with CAR-NKT cells, potentially disrupting allergen-mast cell/basophil interactions and preventing inflammatory cytokine release. Additionally, targeting immune checkpoints like PDL-2, inducible ICOS, FASL, CTLA-4, and CD137 or dectin-1 for fungal asthma could further modulate immune responses. Furthermore, artificial intelligence and machine learning hold immense promise for revolutionizing NKT cell-based asthma therapy. AI can optimize CAR-NKT cell functionalities, design personalized treatment strategies, and unlock a future of precise and effective care. This review discusses various approaches to enhancing CAR-NKT cell efficacy and longevity, along with the challenges and opportunities they present in the treatment of allergic asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Fatemeh Javan
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Mohadeseh Poudineh
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Seyyed Shamsadin Athari
- Cancer Gene therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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Wang J, Cheng X, Jin Y, Xia B, Qin R, Zhang W, Hu H, Mao X, Zhou L, Yan J, Zhang X, Xu J. Safety and Clinical Response to Combined Immunotherapy with Autologous iNKT Cells and PD-1 +CD8 + T Cells in Patients Failing First-line Chemotherapy in Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2023; 3:991-1003. [PMID: 37377605 PMCID: PMC10246506 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Purpose A phase I clinical trial was conducted to assess the safety and feasibility of invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells combined with PD-1+CD8+ T cells in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and failing the first-line chemotherapy. Patients and Methods Fifteen eligible patients were enrolled, of whom 9 received at least three cycles of treatment each. In total, 59 courses were administered. Results Fever was the most common adverse event, peaking at about 2-4 hours after cell infusion and reverting within 24 hours without treatment in all patients. Influenza-like reactions such as headache, myalgia, and arthralgia were also observed in 4, 4, and 3 of the patients, respectively. In addition, vomiting and dizziness were prevalent, while abdominal pain, chest pain, rash, and stuffy nose were rare adverse events, each reported in 1 patient. Side effects above grade 2 were not observed. Two patients achieved partial regression, while 1 patient experienced disease progression assessed 4 weeks after the third course. Three patients are still alive at the time of writing and have progression-free survival longer than 12 months. The overall survival time has been extended to over 12 months in 6 of the 9 patients. No constant changes of CD4+ T, B, and NK cells were recorded except for elevated CD8+ T cells after the first course. Conclusions The combination of autologous iNKT cells and PD-1+CD8+ T cells was a safe therapeutic strategy against advanced pancreatic cancer. The patients exhibited a potentially promising prolonged survival time. Further study appears warranted to evaluate the efficacy of these combined cell infusions in pancreatic cancer. Trial registration This trial was included in the clinical trial which was registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (ID:NCT03093688) on March 15, 2017. Significance There is an unmet need for novel, more effective, and tolerable therapies for pancreatic cancer. Here we present a phase I clinical trial employing iNKT cells combined with PD-1+CD8+ T cells in 9 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer and failing the first-line chemotherapy. The combined immunotherapy was shown to be feasible in the enrolled patients with limited side effects and optimistic clinical responses, which could bring opportunity of therapeutic advancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaobo Cheng
- Clinical Research Center, Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Yanling Jin
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Bili Xia
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Ran Qin
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Huiliang Hu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoting Mao
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Liting Zhou
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jia Yan
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, P.R. China
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Jianqing Xu
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center and Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital (Xiamen), Fudan University, Xiamen, P.R. China
- Clinical Center for Biotherapy, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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Quraish RU, Hirahata T, Quraish AU, ul Quraish S. An Overview: Genetic Tumor Markers for Early Detection and Current Gene Therapy Strategies. Cancer Inform 2023; 22:11769351221150772. [PMID: 36762284 PMCID: PMC9903029 DOI: 10.1177/11769351221150772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability is considered a fundamental factor involved in any neoplastic disease. Consequently, the genetically unstable cells contribute to intratumoral genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic diversity of cancer. These genetic alterations can be detected by several diagnostic techniques of molecular biology and the detection of alteration in genomic integrity may serve as reliable genetic molecular markers for the early detection of cancer or cancer-related abnormal changes in the body cells. These genetic molecular markers can detect cancer earlier than any other method of cancer diagnosis, once a tumor is diagnosed, then replacement or therapeutic manipulation of these cancer-related abnormal genetic changes can be possible, which leads toward effective and target-specific cancer treatment and in many cases, personalized treatment of cancer could be performed without the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this review, we describe how these genetic molecular markers can be detected and the possible ways for the application of this gene diagnosis for gene therapy that can attack cancerous cells, directly or indirectly, which lead to overall improved management and quality of life for a cancer patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tetsuyuki Hirahata
- Tetsuyuki Hirahata, Hirahata Gene Therapy Laboratory, HIC Clinic #1105, Itocia Office Tower 11F, 2-7-1, Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan.
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Thio CLP, Lai ACY, Wang JC, Chi PY, Chang YL, Ting YT, Chen SY, Chang YJ. Identification of a PD-L1+Tim-1+ iNKT subset that protects against fine particulate matter-induced airway inflammation. JCI Insight 2022; 7:164157. [PMID: 36477357 PMCID: PMC9746902 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.164157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Although air pollutants such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5) are associated with acute and chronic lung inflammation, the etiology of PM2.5-induced airway inflammation remains poorly understood. Here we report that PM2.5 triggered airway hyperreactivity (AHR) and neutrophilic inflammation with concomitant increases in Th1 and Th17 responses and epithelial cell apoptosis. We found that γδ T cells promoted neutrophilic inflammation and AHR through IL-17A. Unexpectedly, we found that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells played a protective role in PM2.5-induced pulmonary inflammation. Specifically, PM2.5 activated a suppressive CD4- iNKT cell subset that coexpressed Tim-1 and programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Activation of this suppressive subset was mediated by Tim-1 recognition of phosphatidylserine on apoptotic cells. The suppressive iNKT subset inhibited γδ T cell expansion and intrinsic IL-17A production, and the inhibitory effects of iNKT cells on the cytokine-producing capacity of γδ T cells were mediated in part by PD-1/PD-L1 signaling. Taken together, our findings underscore a pathogenic role for IL-17A-producing γδ T cells in PM2.5-elicited inflammation and identify PD-L1+Tim-1+CD4- iNKT cells as a protective subset that prevents PM2.5-induced AHR and neutrophilia by inhibiting γδ T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jo-Chiao Wang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Po-Yu Chi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Lin Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Tse Ting
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yu Chen
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Jen Chang
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Translational Medicine and New Drug Development, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Kovoor E, Chauhan SK, Hajrasouliha A. Role of inflammatory cells in pathophysiology and management of diabetic retinopathy. Surv Ophthalmol 2022; 67:1563-1573. [PMID: 35914582 PMCID: PMC11082823 DOI: 10.1016/j.survophthal.2022.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a sight-threatening complication of diabetes mellitus. Several inflammatory cells and proteins, including macrophages and microglia, cytokines, and vascular endothelial growth factors, are found to play a significant role in the development and progression of DR. Inflammatory cells play a significant role in the earliest changes seen in DR including the breakdown of the blood retinal barrier leading to leakage of blood into the retina. They also have an important role in the pathogenesis of more advanced stage of proliferative diabetic retinopathy, leading to neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, and tractional retinal detachment. In this review, we examine the function of numerous inflammatory cells involved in the pathogenesis, progression, and role as a potential therapeutic target in DR. Additionally, we explore the role of inflammation following treatment of DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Kovoor
- Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Sunil K Chauhan
- Schepens Eye Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amir Hajrasouliha
- Department of Ophthalmology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Akuzum B, Lee JY. Context-Dependent Regulation of Type17 Immunity by Microbiota at the Intestinal Barrier. Immune Netw 2022; 22:e46. [PMID: 36627936 PMCID: PMC9807962 DOI: 10.4110/in.2022.22.e46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
T-helper-17 (Th17) cells and related IL-17-producing (type17) lymphocytes are abundant at the epithelial barrier. In response to bacterial and fungal infection, the signature cytokines IL-17A/F and IL-22 mediate the antimicrobial immune response and contribute to wound healing of injured tissues. Despite their protective function, type17 lymphocytes are also responsible for various chronic inflammatory disorders, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and colitis associated cancer (CAC). A deeper understanding of type17 regulatory mechanisms could ultimately lead to the discovery of therapeutic strategies for the treatment of chronic inflammatory disorders and the prevention of cancer. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the development and function of type17 immune cells at the intestinal barrier, focusing on the impact of microbiota-immune interactions on intestinal barrier homeostasis and disease etiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Begum Akuzum
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - June-Yong Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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Staphylococcus aureus-induced immunosuppression mediated by IL-10 and IL-27 facilitates nasal colonisation. PLoS Pathog 2022; 18:e1010647. [PMID: 35776778 PMCID: PMC9282462 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1010647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Staphylococcus aureus persistently colonises the anterior nares of a significant proportion of the healthy population, however the local immune response elicited during S. aureus nasal colonisation remains ill-defined. Local activation of IL-17/IL-22 producing T cells are critical for controlling bacterial clearance from the nasal cavity. However, recurrent and long-term colonisation is commonplace indicating efficient clearance does not invariably occur. Here we identify a central role for the regulatory cytokine IL-10 in facilitating bacterial persistence during S. aureus nasal colonisation in a murine model. IL-10 is produced rapidly within the nasal cavity following S. aureus colonisation, primarily by myeloid cells. Colonised IL-10-/- mice demonstrate enhanced IL-17+ and IL-22+ T cell responses and more rapidly clear bacteria from the nasal tissues as compared with wild-type mice. S. aureus also induces the regulatory cytokine IL-27 within the nasal tissue, which acts upstream of IL-10 promoting its production. IL-27 blockade reduces IL-10 production within the nasal cavity and improves bacterial clearance. TLR2 signalling was confirmed to be central to controlling the IL-10 response. Our findings conclude that during nasal colonisation S. aureus creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment through the local induction of IL-27 and IL-10, to dampen protective T cell responses and facilitate its persistence. Nasal colonisation by the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus is a very common occurrence in the human population. However there is a lack of knowledge on the immune response that controls nasal colonisation. It is known that a local pro-inflammatory immune response is important for bacterial clearance, however sustained colonisation is commonplace suggesting efficient clearance may not be occurring. Here we demonstrate for the first time that S. aureus is manipulating the host immune response by promoting immunosuppression in the nasal cavity which enables bacterial survival. We found that the regulatory proteins IL-10 and IL-27 are central to this suppressive response and result in reduced protective T cell responses. We also demonstrate that S. aureus is inducing IL-27 production to enhance IL-10 production in order to prolong bacterial colonisation. Our findings show that the host-pathogen interaction during nasal colonisation is more complex than previously described and that S. aureus is capable of manipulating the regulatory immune response of the host for its’ own benefit.
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Nelson A, Lukacs JD, Johnston B. The Current Landscape of NKT Cell Immunotherapy and the Hills Ahead. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205174. [PMID: 34680322 PMCID: PMC8533824 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of lipid-reactive T cells that enhance anti-tumor immunity. While preclinical studies have shown NKT cell immunotherapy to be safe and effective, clinical studies lack predictable therapeutic efficacy and no approved treatments exist. In this review, we outline the current strategies, challenges, and outlook for NKT cell immunotherapy. Abstract NKT cells are a specialized subset of lipid-reactive T lymphocytes that play direct and indirect roles in immunosurveillance and anti-tumor immunity. Preclinical studies have shown that NKT cell activation via delivery of exogenous glycolipids elicits a significant anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, infiltration of NKT cells is associated with a good prognosis in several cancers. In this review, we aim to summarize the role of NKT cells in cancer as well as the current strategies and status of NKT cell immunotherapy. This review also examines challenges and future directions for improving the therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Nelson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (A.N.); (J.D.L.)
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Jordan D. Lukacs
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (A.N.); (J.D.L.)
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
| | - Brent Johnston
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada; (A.N.); (J.D.L.)
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4R2, Canada
- Correspondence:
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Exploratory Evaluation of the Relationship Between iNKT Cells and Systemic Cytokine Profiles of Critically Ill Patients with Neurological Injury. Neurocrit Care 2021; 35:617-630. [PMID: 34061312 DOI: 10.1007/s12028-021-01234-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurological injury can alter the systemic immune system, modifying the functional capacity of immune cells and causing a dysfunctional balance of cytokines, although mechanisms remain incompletely understood. The objective of this study was to assess the temporal relationship between changes in the activation status of circulating invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells and the balance of plasma cytokines among critically ill patients with neurological injury. METHODS We conducted an exploratory prospective observational study of adult (18 years or older) intensive care unit (ICU) patients with acute neurological injury (n = 20) compared with ICU patients without neurological injury (n = 22) and healthy controls (n = 10). Blood samples were collected on days 1, 2, 4, 7, 14, and 28 following ICU admission to analyze the activation status of circulating iNKT cells by flow cytometry and the plasma concentration of inflammation-relevant immune mediators, including T helper 1 (TH1) and T helper 2 (TH2) cytokines, by multiplex bead-based assay. RESULTS Invariant natural killer T cells were activated in both ICU patient groups compared with healthy controls. Neurological patients had decreased levels of multiple immune mediators, including TH1 cytokines (interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-12p70), indicative of immunosuppression. This led to a greater than twofold increase in the ratio of TH2/TH1 cytokines early after injury (days 1 - 2) compared with healthy controls, a shift that was also observed for ICU controls. Systemic TH2/TH1 cytokine ratios were positively associated with iNKT cell activation in the neurological patients and negatively associated in ICU controls. These relationships were strongest for the CD4+ iNKT cell subset compared with the CD4- iNKT cell subset. The relationships to individual cytokines similarly differed between patient groups. Forty percent of the neurological patients developed an infection; however, differences for the infection subgroup were not identified. CONCLUSIONS Critically ill patients with neurological injury demonstrated altered systemic immune profiles early after injury, with an association between activated peripheral iNKT cells and elevated systemic TH2/TH1 cytokine ratios. This work provides further support for a brain-immune axis and the ability of neurological injury to have far-reaching effects on the body's immune system.
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The IL-10GFP (VeRT-X) mouse strain is not suitable for the detection of IL-10 production by granulocytes during lung inflammation. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247895. [PMID: 33979348 PMCID: PMC8115804 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The clear and unequivocal identification of immune effector functions is essential to understand immune responses. The cytokine IL-10 is a critical immune regulator and was shown, for example, to limit pathology during various lung diseases. However, the clear identification of IL-10-producing cells is challenging and, therefore, reporter mouse lines were developed to facilitate their detection. Several such reporter lines utilize GFP, including the IL-10GFP (VeRT-X) reporter strain studied here. In line with previous reports, we found that this IL-10GFP line faithfully reports on the IL-10 production of lymphoid cells. However, we show that the IL-10GFP reporter is not suitable to analyse IL-10 production of myeloid cells during inflammation. During inflammation, the autofluorescence of myeloid cells increased to an extent that entirely masked the IL-10-specific GFP-signal. Our data illustrate a general and important technical caveat using GFP-reporter lines for the analysis of myeloid cells and suggest that previous reports on effector functions of myeloid cells using such GFP-based reporters might require re-evaluation.
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Invariant NKT Cells and Rheumatic Disease: Focus on Primary Sjogren Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20215435. [PMID: 31683641 PMCID: PMC6862604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20215435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary Sjogren syndrome (pSS) is a complex autoimmune disease mainly affecting salivary and lacrimal glands. Several factors contribute to pSS pathogenesis; in particular, innate immunity seems to play a key role in disease etiology. Invariant natural killer (NK) T cells (iNKT) are a T-cell subset able to recognize glycolipid antigens. Their function remains unclear, but studies have pointed out their ability to modulate the immune system through the promotion of specific cytokine milieu. In this review, we discussed the possible role of iNKT in pSS development, as well as their implications as future markers of disease activity.
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Kane H, Lynch L. Innate Immune Control of Adipose Tissue Homeostasis. Trends Immunol 2019; 40:857-872. [DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2019.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Lv X, Gao Y, Dong T, Yang L. Role of Natural Killer T (NKT) Cells in Type II Diabetes-Induced Vascular Injuries. Med Sci Monit 2018; 24:8322-8332. [PMID: 30451213 PMCID: PMC6256848 DOI: 10.12659/msm.912446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study investigated the distribution and features of natural killer T (NKT) cells in the peripheral blood of diabetic patients, and their regulatory roles on vascular endothelial cells. Material/Methods Peripheral lymphocytes were isolated from diabetic patients. NKT cell distribution, proportion, and surface and intracellular markers were detected with flow cytometry. Peripheral blood-derived NKT cells were isolated and co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Proliferation and migration of HUVECs were assessed with the CCK-8 assay and the Transwell chamber assay. Results The ratios of CD3-CD56+ NK and CD3+CD56+ NKT cells in the peripheral blood of patients with type II diabetes were significantly elevated. The expression levels of NKp30, NKG2D, and NKp44 on the surface were increased in the CD3+CD56+ NKT cells, while the expression levels of NKG2A and 158b were significantly downregulated. The expression level of granzymes in the peripheral blood-derived NKT cells were not changed in patients with type II diabetes, but the expression levels of IFNγ and IL-4 were significantly increased. However, after co-culture with NKT cells derived from the peripheral blood of diabetic patients, the proliferation and migration of HUVECs were significantly inhibited, and was restored by treatment with IL-4 antibody. In addition, the IL-4 stimulus inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs. Conclusions Peripheral blood NKT cells are increased and activated in diabetes. NKT cells inhibit the proliferation and migration of HUVECs by secreting IL-4, thereby inducing vascular injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohong Lv
- The First Department of Endocrinology, Tai'an Central Hospital, Tai'an, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Yun Gao
- The First Department of Endocrinology, Tai'an Central Hospital, Tai'an, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Tantan Dong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Taishan People's Hospital, Tai'an, Shandong, China (mainland)
| | - Libo Yang
- The First Department of Endocrinology, Tai'an Central Hospital, Tai'an, Shandong, China (mainland)
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The Role of Invariant NKT in Autoimmune Liver Disease: Can Vitamin D Act as an Immunomodulator? Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 2018:8197937. [PMID: 30046564 PMCID: PMC6038587 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8197937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a distinct lineage of T cells which express both the T cell receptor (TCR) and natural killer (NK) cell markers. Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells bear an invariant TCR and recognize a small variety of glycolipid antigens presented by CD1d (nonclassical MHC-I). CD1d-restricted iNKT cells are regulators of immune responses and produce cytokines that may be proinflammatory (such as interferon-gamma (IFN-γ)) or anti-inflammatory (such as IL-4). iNKT cells also appear to play a role in B cell regulation and antibody production. Alpha-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), a derivative of the marine sponge, is a potent stimulator of iNKT cells and has been proposed as a therapeutic iNKT cell activator. Invariant NKT cells have been implicated in the development and perpetuation of several autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Animal models of SLE have shown abnormalities in iNKT cells numbers and function, and an inverse correlation between the frequency of NKT cells and IgG levels has also been observed. The role of iNKT cells in autoimmune liver disease (AiLD) has not been extensively studied. This review discusses the current data with regard to iNKT cells function in AiLD, in addition to providing an overview of iNKT cells function in other autoimmune conditions and animal models. We also discuss data regarding the immunomodulatory effects of vitamin D on iNKT cells, which may serve as a potential therapeutic target, given that deficiencies in vitamin D have been reported in various autoimmune disorders.
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Krijgsman D, Hokland M, Kuppen PJK. The Role of Natural Killer T Cells in Cancer-A Phenotypical and Functional Approach. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29535734 PMCID: PMC5835336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of CD1d-restricted T cells at the interface between the innate and adaptive immune system. NKT cells can be subdivided into functional subsets that respond rapidly to a wide variety of glycolipids and stress-related proteins using T- or natural killer (NK) cell-like effector mechanisms. Because of their major modulating effects on immune responses via secretion of cytokines, NKT cells are also considered important players in tumor immunosurveillance. During early tumor development, T helper (TH)1-like NKT cell subsets have the potential to rapidly stimulate tumor-specific T cells and effector NK cells that can eliminate tumor cells. In case of tumor progression, NKT cells may become overstimulated and anergic leading to deletion of a part of the NKT cell population in patients via activation-induced cell death. In addition, the remaining NKT cells become hyporesponsive, or switch to immunosuppressive TH2-/T regulatory-like NKT cell subsets, thereby facilitating tumor progression and immune escape. In this review, we discuss this important role of NKT cells in tumor development and we conclude that there should be three important focuses of future research in cancer patients in relation with NKT cells: (1) expansion of the NKT cell population, (2) prevention and breaking of NKT cell anergy, and (3) skewing of NKT cells toward TH1-like subsets with antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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