Blockade of inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and IL-2 triggering reverses the functional hypoactivity of tumor-derived NK-cells in glioblastomas

Glioblastoma stem cell metabolism and immunity

Despite enormous efforts being invested in the development of novel therapies for brain malignancies, there remains a dire need for effective treatments, particularly for pediatric glioblastomas. Their poor prognosis has been attributed to the fact that conventional therapies target tumoral cells, but not glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are characterized by self-renewal, tumorigenicity, poor differentiation, and resistance to therapy. These characteristics represent the fundamental tools needed to recapitulate the tumor and result in a relapse. The mechanisms by which GSCs alter metabolic cues and escape elimination by immune cells are discussed in this article, along with potential strategies to harness effector immune cells against GSCs. As cellular immunotherapy is making significant advances in a variety of cancers, leveraging this underexplored reservoir may result in significant improvements in the treatment options for brain malignancies.

Immune-related lncRNAs signature and radiomics signature predict the prognosis and immune microenvironment of glioblastoma multiforme

BACKGROUND

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumor in adults. This study aimed to construct immune-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) signature and radiomics signature to probe the prognosis and immune infiltration of GBM patients.

METHODS

We downloaded GBM RNA-seq data and clinical information from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) project database, and MRI data were obtained from The Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA). Then, we conducted a cox regression analysis to establish the immune-related lncRNAs signature and radiomics signature. Afterward, we employed a gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to explore the biological processes and pathways. Besides, we used CIBERSORT to estimate the abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). Furthermore, we investigated the relationship between the immune-related lncRNAs signature, radiomics signature and immune checkpoint genes. Finally, we constructed a multifactors prognostic model and compared it with the clinical prognostic model.

RESULTS

We identified four immune-related lncRNAs and two radiomics features, which show the ability to stratify patients into high-risk and low-risk groups with significantly different survival rates. The risk score curves and Kaplan-Meier curves confirmed that the immune-related lncRNAs signature and radiomics signature were a novel independent prognostic factor in GBM patients. The GSEA suggested that the immune-related lncRNAs signature were involved in L1 cell adhesion molecular (L1CAM) interactions and the radiomics signature were involved signaling by Robo receptors. Besides, the two signatures was associated with the infiltration of immune cells. Furthermore, they were linked with the expression of critical immune genes and could predict immunotherapy's clinical response. Finally, the area under the curve (AUC) (0.890,0.887) and C-index (0.737,0.817) of the multifactors prognostic model were greater than those of the clinical prognostic model in both the training and validation sets, indicated significantly improved discrimination.

CONCLUSIONS

We identified the immune-related lncRNAs signature and tradiomics signature that can predict the outcomes, immune cell infiltration, and immunotherapy response in patients with GBM.

Natural killer cells at the forefront of cancer immunotherapy with immune potency, genetic engineering, and nanotechnology

Natural killer (NK) cells are vital components of the human immune system, acting as innate lymphocytes and playing a crucial role in immune surveillance. Their unique ability to independently eliminate target cells without antigen contact or antibodies has sparked interest in immunological research. This review examines recent NK cell developments and applications, encompassing immune functions, interactions with target cells, genetic engineering techniques, pharmaceutical interventions, and implications in cancers. Insights into NK cell regulation emerge, with a focus on promising genetic engineering like CAR-engineered NK cells, enhancing specificity against tumors. Immune checkpoint inhibitors also enhance NK cells' potential in cancer therapy. Nanotechnology's emergence as a tool for targeted drug delivery to improve NK cell therapies is explored. In conclusion, NK cells are pivotal in immunity, holding exciting potential in cancer immunotherapy. Ongoing research promises novel therapeutic strategies, advancing immunotherapy and medical interventions.

Boosting cytotoxicity of adoptive allogeneic NK cell therapy with an oncolytic adenovirus encoding a human vIL-2 cytokine for the treatment of human ovarian cancer

Despite good results in the treatment of hematological malignancies, Natural killer (NK) cells have shown limited effectiveness in solid tumors, such as ovarian cancer (OvCa). Here, we assessed the potential of an oncolytic adenovirus expressing a variant interleukin-2 (vIL-2) cytokine, Ad5/3-E2F-d24-vIL2 (vIL-2 virus), also known as TILT-452, to enhance NK cell therapy efficacy in human OvCa ex vivo. Human OvCa surgical specimens were processed into single-cell suspensions and NK cells were expanded from healthy blood donors. OvCa sample digests were co-cultured ex vivo with NK cells and vIL-2 virus and cancer cell killing potential assessed in real time through cell impedance measurement. Proposed therapeutic combination was evaluated in vivo with an OvCa patient-derived xenograft (PDX) in mice. Addition of vIL-2 virus significantly enhanced NK cell therapy killing potential in treated OvCa co-cultures. Similarly, vIL-2 virus in combination with NK cell therapy promoted the best in vivo OvCa tumor control. Mechanistically, vIL-2 virus induced higher percentages of granzyme B in NK cells, and CD8+ T cells, while T regulatory cell proportions remained comparable to NK cell monotherapy in vivo. Ad5/3-E2F-d24-vIL2 virus treatment represents a promising strategy to boost adoptive NK cell therapeutic effect in human OvCa.

Therapeutic Anti-KIR Antibody of 1-7F9 Attenuates the Antitumor Effects of Expanded and Activated Human Primary Natural Killer Cells on In Vitro Glioblastoma-like Cells and Orthotopic Tumors Derived Therefrom

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the leading malignant intracranial tumor, where prognosis for which has remained extremely poor for two decades. Immunotherapy has recently drawn attention as a cancer treatment, including for GBM. Natural killer (NK) cells are immune cells that attack cancer cells directly and produce antitumor immunity-related cytokines. The adoptive transfer of expanded and activated NK cells is expected to be a promising GBM immunotherapy. We previously established an efficient expansion method that produced highly purified, activated primary human NK cells, which we designated genuine induced NK cells (GiNKs). The GiNKs demonstrated antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo, which were less affected by blockade of the inhibitory checkpoint receptor programmed death 1 (PD-1). In the present study, we assessed the antitumor effects of GiNKs, both alone and combined with an antibody targeting killer Ig-like receptor 2DLs (KIR2DL1 and DL2/3, both inhibitory checkpoint receptors of NK cells) in vitro and in vivo with U87MG GBM-like cells and the T98G GBM cell line. Impedance-based real-time cell growth assays and apoptosis detection assays revealed that the GiNKs exhibited growth inhibitory effects on U87MG and T98G cells by inducing apoptosis. KIR2DL1 blockade attenuated the growth inhibition of the cell lines in vitro. The intracranial administration of GiNKs prolonged the overall survival of the U87MG-derived orthotopic xenograft brain tumor model. The KIR2DL1 blockade did not enhance the antitumor effects; rather, it attenuated it in the same manner as in the in vitro experiment. GiNK immunotherapy directly administered to the brain could be a promising immunotherapeutic alternative for patients with GBM. Furthermore, KIR2DL1 blockade appeared to require caution when used concomitantly with GiNKs.

Dietary supplementation with selenium polysaccharide from selenium-enriched Phellinus linteus improves antioxidant capacity, immunity and production performance of laying hens

BACKGROUND

Selenium (Se) plays a beneficial role in the physiological function of humans and animals. Selenium polysaccharide, improving enzyme activity and regulating immunity, is the extraction from selenium-rich plants or mushrooms. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of selenium polysaccharide from selenium-enriched Phellinus linteus on the antioxidative ability, immunity, serum biochemistry, and production performance of laying hens.

METHODS

Three hundred sixty adult laying hens were randomly assigned to 4 groups. The four groups were divided as follows: CK (control group), PS group (4.2 g/kg polysaccharide), Se group (0.5 Se mg/kg), and PSSe group (4.2 g/kg with 0.5 Se mg/kg, Selenium polysaccharide).

RESULTS

After the 8 weeks, the hens were sampled and the antioxidant ability(total antioxidant (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and Nitric Oxide (NO)), immunity(Interleukin-2(IL-2), Immunoglobulin M(IgM), Immunoglobulin A(IgA), Immunoglobulin G(IgG) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and secretory Immunoglobulin A(sIgA)), serum biochemistry(total protein, triglycerides, total cholesterol, glucose, glutamic-pyruvictransaminase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST)) and production performance were assessed. Compared with the control group, T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GSH, IL-2, IgM, IgA, sIgA, IgG, IFN-γ, total protein, average laying rate, average egg weight, and final body were significantly increased in the PS, Se, and PSSe groups, however, the MDA and NO, triglyceride, cholesterol, glucose, AST, ALT, average daily feed consumption, and feed conversion ratio were significantly decreased in the PS, Se, and PSSe groups. The PSSe group in the immune index, antioxidant ability and serum biochemistry was improved the highest.

CONCLUSION

The result suggested that selenium polysaccharide from selenium-enriched Phellinus linteus can enhance the antioxidant ability and immunity, change serum biochemistry, providing a new method for improving the production performance of laying hens.

Recombinant Human Interleukin-2 Corrects NK Cell Phenotype and Functional Activity in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome

Post-COVID syndrome develops in 10–20% of people who have recovered from COVID-19 and it is characterized by impaired function of the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems. Previously, it was found that patients who recovered from infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus had a decrease in the number and functional activity of NK cells. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2) administered to correct NK cell phenotype and functional activity in patients with post-COVID syndrome. Patients were examined after 3 months for acute COVID-19 of varying severity. The phenotype of the peripheral blood NK cells was studied by flow cytometry. It was found that disturbances in the cell subset composition in patients with post-COVID syndrome were characterized by low levels of mature (p = 0.001) and cytotoxic NK cells (p = 0.013), with increased release of immature NK cells (p = 0.023). Functional deficiency of NK cells in post-COVID syndrome was characterized by lowered cytotoxic activity due to the decreased count of CD57+ (p = 0.001) and CD8+ (p < 0.001) NK cells. In the treatment of patients with post-COVID syndrome with recombinant IL-2, peripheral blood NK cell count and functional potential were restored. In general, the effectiveness of using rhIL-2 in treatment of post-COVID syndrome has been proven in patients with low levels of NK cells.

Mechanisms of Resistance and Current Treatment Options for Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive form of brain cancer that is difficult to treat due to its resistance to both radiation and chemotherapy. This resistance is largely due to the unique biology of GBM cells, which can evade the effects of conventional treatments through mechanisms such as increased resistance to cell death and rapid regeneration of cancerous cells. Additionally, the blood–brain barrier makes it difficult for chemotherapy drugs to reach GBM cells, leading to reduced effectiveness. Despite these challenges, there are several treatment options available for GBM. The standard of care for newly diagnosed GBM patients involves surgical resection followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy and adjuvant chemotherapy. Emerging treatments include immunotherapy, such as checkpoint inhibitors, and targeted therapies, such as bevacizumab, that attempt to attack specific vulnerabilities in GBM cells. Another promising approach is the use of tumor-treating fields, a type of electric field therapy that has been shown to slow the growth of GBM cells. Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the safety and efficacy of these and other innovative treatments for GBM, intending to improve with outcomes for patients.

Focusing on NK cells and ADCC: A promising immunotherapy approach in targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer

Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer has a high metastatic potential. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target HER2, such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab, are the cornerstone of adjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. A growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence points to the importance of innate immunity mediated by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in the clinical effect of mAbs on the resulting anti-tumor response. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of natural killer (NK) cells and ADCC in targeted therapy of HER2-positive breast cancer, including the biological functions of NK cells and the role of NK cells and ADCC in anti-HER2 targeted drugs. We then discuss regulatory mechanisms and recent strategies to leverage our knowledge of NK cells and ADCC as an immunotherapy approach for HER2-positive breast cancer.

Next Generation Immuno-Oncology Strategies: Unleashing NK Cells Activity

In recent years, immunotherapy has become a powerful therapeutic option against multiple malignancies. The unique capacity of natural killer (NK) cells to attack cancer cells without antigen specificity makes them an optimal immunotherapeutic tool for targeting tumors. Several approaches are currently being pursued to maximize the anti-tumor properties of NK cells in the clinic, including the development of NK cell expansion protocols for adoptive transfer, the establishment of a favorable microenvironment for NK cell activity, the redirection of NK cell activity against tumor cells, and the blockage of inhibitory mechanisms that constrain NK cell function. We here summarize the recent strategies in NK cell-based immunotherapies and discuss the requirement to further optimize these approaches for enhancement of the clinical outcome of NK cell-based immunotherapy targeting tumors.