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Liu Z, Wang H, Liu H, Ding K, Shen H, Zhao X, Fu R. Targeting NKG2D/NKG2DL axis in multiple myeloma therapy. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 76:1-11. [PMID: 38378397 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.02.001] [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: 01/17/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Immune effector cells in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) are at the forefront of many immunotherapy treatments, and several methods have been developed to fully utilise the antitumour potential of immune cells. T and NK cell-derived immune lymphocytes both expressed activating NK receptor group 2 member D(NKG2D). This receptor can identify eight distinct NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL), including major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC) chain-related protein A and B (MICA and MICB). Their binding to NKG2D triggers effector roles in T and NK cells. NKG2DL is polymorphic in MM cells. The decreased expression of NKG2DL on the cell surface is explained by multiple mechanisms of tumour immune escape. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms by which the NKG2D/NKG2DL axis regulates immune effector cells and strategies for promoting NKG2DL expression and inhibiting its release in multiple myeloma and propose therapeutic strategies that increase the expression of NKG2DL in MM cells while enhancing the activation and killing function of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoyun Liu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China.
| | - Hao Wang
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China
| | - Kai Ding
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China
| | - Hongli Shen
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China
| | - Xianghong Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China
| | - Rong Fu
- Department of Hematology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Bone Marrow Failure and Malignant Hemopoietic Clone Control, 154 Anshan Street, Heping District, Tianjin 300052, PR China.
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2
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Zelanis A, Barcick U, Racorti NDV, Salardani M. Heterotypic communication as the promoter of phenotypic plasticity of cancer cells: The role of cancer secretomes. Proteomics 2023; 23:e2200243. [PMID: 37474490 DOI: 10.1002/pmic.202200243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Cellular communication relies on signaling circuits whose statuses are mainly modulated by soluble biomolecules such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and metabolites as well as extracellular vesicles (EVs). Therefore, the active secretion of such biomolecules is critical for both cell homeostasis and proper pathophysiological responses in a timely fashion. In this context, proteins are among the main modulators of such biological responses. Hence, profiling cell line secretomes may be an opportunity for the identification of "signatures" of specific cell types (i.e., stromal or metastatic cells) with important prognostic/therapeutic value. This review will focus on the biological implications of cell secretomes in the context of cancer, as well as their functional roles in shaping the tumoral microenvironment (TME) and communication status of participating cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- André Zelanis
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Uilla Barcick
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Nathália de Vasconcellos Racorti
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Murilo Salardani
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Institute of Science and Technology, Federal University of São Paulo, UNIFESP, São José dos Campos, São Paulo, Brazil
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How to Make Immunotherapy an Effective Therapeutic Choice for Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092043. [PMID: 33922591 PMCID: PMC8122936 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite improvements in the early identification and successful control of primary uveal melanoma, 50% of patients will develop metastatic disease with only marginal improvements in survival. This review focuses on the tumor microenvironment and the cross-talk between tumor and immune cells in a tumor characterized by low mutational load, the induction of immune-suppressive cells, and the expression of alternative immune checkpoint molecules. The choice of combining different strategies of immunotherapy remains a feasible and promising option on selected patients. Abstract Uveal melanoma (UM), though a rare form of melanoma, is the most common intraocular tumor in adults. Conventional therapies of primary tumors lead to an excellent local control, but 50% of patients develop metastases, in most cases with lethal outcome. Somatic driver mutations that act on the MAP-kinase pathway have been identified, yet targeted therapies show little efficacy in the clinics. No drugs are currently available for the G protein alpha subunitsGNAQ and GNA11, which are the most frequent driver mutations in UM. Drugs targeting the YAP–TAZ pathway that is also activated in UM, the tumor-suppressor gene BRCA1 Associated Protein 1 (BAP1) and the Splicing Factor 3b Subunit 1 gene (SF3B1) whose mutations are associated with metastatic risk, have not been developed yet. Immunotherapy is highly effective in cutaneous melanoma but yields only poor results in the treatment of UM: anti-PD-1 and anti-CTLA-4 blocking antibodies did not meet the expectations except for isolated cases. Here, we discuss how the improved knowledge of the tumor microenvironment and of the cross-talk between tumor and immune cells could help to reshape anti-tumor immune responses to overcome the intrinsic resistance to immune checkpoint blockers of UM. We critically review the dogma of low mutational load, the induction of immune-suppressive cells, and the expression of alternative immune checkpoint molecules. We argue that immunotherapy might still be an option for the treatment of UM.
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Baugh R, Khalique H, Seymour LW. Convergent Evolution by Cancer and Viruses in Evading the NKG2D Immune Response. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3827. [PMID: 33352921 PMCID: PMC7766243 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor and its family of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DLs) are key components in the innate immune system, triggering NK, γδ and CD8+ T cell-mediated immune responses. While surface NKG2DL are rarely found on healthy cells, expression is significantly increased in response to various types of cellular stress, viral infection, and tumour cell transformation. In order to evade immune-mediated cytotoxicity, both pathogenic viruses and cancer cells have evolved various mechanisms of subverting immune defences and preventing NKG2DL expression. Comparisons of the mechanisms employed following virus infection or malignant transformation reveal a pattern of converging evolution at many of the key regulatory steps involved in NKG2DL expression and subsequent immune responses. Exploring ways to target these shared steps in virus- and cancer-mediated immune evasion may provide new mechanistic insights and therapeutic opportunities, for example, using oncolytic virotherapy to re-engage the innate immune system towards cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leonard W. Seymour
- Anticancer Viruses and Cancer Vaccines Research Group, Department of Oncology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7DQ, UK; (R.B.); (H.K.)
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5
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Role of Natural Killer Cells in Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123694. [PMID: 33317028 PMCID: PMC7764114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastatic Uveal Melanoma (MUM) is a lethal malignancy with no durable treatment available to date. A vast majority of patients with MUM present with liver metastasis. The liver harbors metastatic disease with an apparent lack of a cytotoxic T cell response. It is becoming evident that MUM is not an immunologically silent malignancy and the investigation of non-T cell anti-tumor immunity is warranted. In this review, we highlight the relevance of Natural Killer (NK) cells in the biology and treatment of MUM. Potent anti-NK cell immunosuppression employed by uveal melanoma alludes to its vulnerability to NK cell cytotoxicity. On the contrary, micro-metastasis in the liver survive for several years within close vicinity of a plethora of circulating and liver-resident NK cells. This review provides unique perspectives into the potential role of NK cells in control or progression of uveal melanoma. Abstract Uveal melanoma has a high mortality rate following metastasis to the liver. Despite advances in systemic immune therapy, treatment of metastatic uveal melanoma (MUM) has failed to achieve long term durable responses. Barriers to success with immune therapy include the immune regulatory nature of uveal melanoma as well as the immune tolerant environment of the liver. To adequately harness the anti-tumor potential of the immune system, non-T cell-based approaches need to be explored. Natural Killer (NK) cells possess potent ability to target tumor cells via innate and adaptive responses. In this review, we discuss evidence that highlights the role of NK cell surveillance and targeting of uveal melanoma. We also discuss the repertoire of intra-hepatic NK cells. The human liver has a vast and diverse lymphoid population and NK cells comprise 50% of the hepatic lymphocytes. Hepatic NK cells share a common niche with uveal melanoma micro-metastasis within the liver sinusoids. It is, therefore, crucial to understand and investigate the role of intra-hepatic NK cells in the control or progression of MUM.
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Luo H, Ma C, Shao J, Cao J. Prognostic Implications of Novel Ten-Gene Signature in Uveal Melanoma. Front Oncol 2020; 10:567512. [PMID: 33194647 PMCID: PMC7661968 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.567512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular cancer in adults. Genomic studies have provided insights into molecular subgroups and oncogenic drivers of UM that may lead to novel therapeutic strategies. Methods: Dataset TCGA-UVM, download from TCGA portal, were taken as the training cohort, and dataset GSE22138, obtained from GEO database, was set as the validation cohort. In training cohort, Kaplan-Meier analysis and univariate Cox regression model were applied to preliminary screen prognostic genes. Besides, the Cox regression model with LASSO was implemented to build a multi-gene signature, which was then validated in the validation cohorts through Kaplan-Meier, Cox, and ROC analyses. In addition, the correlation between copy number aberrations and risk score was evaluated by Spearman test. GSEA and immune infiltrating analyses were conducted for understanding function annotation and the role of the signature in the tumor microenvironment. Results: A ten-gene signature was built, and it was examined by Kaplan-Meier analysis revealing that significantly overall survival, progression-free survival, and metastasis-free survival difference was seen. The ten-gene signature was further proven to be an independent risk factor compared to other clinic-pathological parameters via the Cox regression analysis. Moreover, the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis results demonstrated a better predictive power of the UM prognosis that our signature owned. The ten-gene signature was significantly correlated with copy numbers of chromosome 3, 8q, 6q, and 6p. Furthermore, GSEA and immune infiltrating analyses showed that the signature had close interactions with immune-related pathways and the tumor environment. Conclusions: Identifying the ten-gene signature (SIRT3, HMCES, SLC44A3, TCTN1, STPG1, POMGNT2, RNF208, ANXA2P2, ULBP1, and CA12) could accurately identify patients' prognosis and had close interactions with the immunodominant tumor environment, which may provide UM patients with personalized prognosis prediction and new treatment insights.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Luo
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Klinik für Augenheilkunde, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chao Ma
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany.,Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, BCRT-Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jinping Shao
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jing Cao
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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7
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Wessely A, Steeb T, Erdmann M, Heinzerling L, Vera J, Schlaak M, Berking C, Heppt MV. The Role of Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Uveal Melanoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21030879. [PMID: 32013269 PMCID: PMC7037664 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21030879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) represents the most common intraocular malignancy in adults and accounts for about 5% of all melanomas. Primary disease can be effectively controlled by several local therapy options, but UM has a high potential for metastatic spread, especially to the liver. Despite its clinical and genetic heterogeneity, therapy of metastatic UM has largely been adopted from cutaneous melanoma (CM) with discouraging results until now. The introduction of antibodies targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has revolutionized the field of cancer therapy and has achieved pioneering results in metastatic CM. Thus, expectations were high that patients with metastatic UM would also benefit from these new therapy options. This review provides a comprehensive and up-to-date overview on the role of ICB in UM. We give a summary of UM biology, its clinical features, and how it differs from CM. The results of several studies that have been investigating ICB in metastatic UM are presented. We discuss possible reasons for the lack of efficacy of ICB in UM compared to CM, highlight the pitfalls of ICB in this cancer entity, and explain why other immune-modulating therapies could still be an option for future UM therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wessely
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (M.E.); (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.B.)
| | - Theresa Steeb
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (M.E.); (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.B.)
| | - Michael Erdmann
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (M.E.); (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.B.)
| | - Lucie Heinzerling
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (M.E.); (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.B.)
| | - Julio Vera
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (M.E.); (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.B.)
| | - Max Schlaak
- Department of Dermatology and Allergy, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Frauenlobstr. 9-11, 80337 Munich, Germany;
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (M.E.); (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.B.)
| | - Markus Vincent Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich Alexander University, Ulmenweg 18, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (M.E.); (L.H.); (J.V.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-35747
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8
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Basile MS, Mazzon E, Fagone P, Longo A, Russo A, Fallico M, Bonfiglio V, Nicoletti F, Avitabile T, Reibaldi M. Immunobiology of Uveal Melanoma: State of the Art and Therapeutic Targets. Front Oncol 2019; 9:1145. [PMID: 31750244 PMCID: PMC6848265 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal Melanoma (UM) represents the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults. Although it originates from melanocytes as cutaneous melanoma, it shows significant clinical and biological differences with the latter, including high resistance to immune therapy. Indeed, UM can evade immune surveillance via multiple mechanisms, such as the expression of inhibitory checkpoints (e.g., PD-L1, CD47, CD200) and the production of IDO-1 and soluble FasL, among others. More in-depth understanding of these mechanisms will suggest potential targets for the design of novel and more effective management strategies for UM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sofia Basile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mazzon
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, Messina, Italy
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Antonio Longo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Russo
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Matteo Fallico
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Michele Reibaldi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
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9
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Rossi E, Schinzari G, Zizzari IG, Maiorano BA, Pagliara MM, Sammarco MG, Fiorentino V, Petrone G, Cassano A, Rindi G, Bria E, Blasi MA, Nuti M, Tortora G. Immunological Backbone of Uveal Melanoma: Is There a Rationale for Immunotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11081055. [PMID: 31357439 PMCID: PMC6721347 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11081055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
No standard treatment has been established for metastatic uveal melanoma (mUM). Immunotherapy is commonly used for this disease even though UM has not been included in phase III clinical trials with checkpoint inhibitors. Unfortunately, only a minority of patients obtain a clinical benefit with immunotherapy. The immunological features of mUM were reviewed in order to understand if immunotherapy could still play a role for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernesto Rossi
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Schinzari
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ilaria Grazia Zizzari
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University, 00162 Rome, Italy
| | - Brigida Anna Maiorano
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Maria Pagliara
- Ophtalmology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Sammarco
- Ophtalmology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Fiorentino
- Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Petrone
- Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Cassano
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Guido Rindi
- Pathology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Emilio Bria
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Marianna Nuti
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Cell Therapy, Department of Experimental Medicine, Policlinico Umberto I, "Sapienza" University, 00162 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Tortora
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario, A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Medical Oncology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy
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10
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Wu J, Gao FX, Wang C, Qin M, Han F, Xu T, Hu Z, Long Y, He XM, Deng X, Ren DL, Dai TY. IL-6 and IL-8 secreted by tumour cells impair the function of NK cells via the STAT3 pathway in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:321. [PMID: 31324197 PMCID: PMC6642486 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1310-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Recurrence and metastasis are the leading causes of tumour-related death in patients with oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Tumour-infiltrating natural killer cells (NK cells) display powerful cytotoxicity to tumour cells and play a pivotal role in tumour therapy. However, the phenotype and functional regulation of NK cells in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) remains largely unknown. Methods Single cell suspensions from blood and tissue samples were isolated by physical dissociation and filtering through a 70 μm cell strainer. Flow cytometry was applied to profile the activity and function of NK cells, and an antibody chip experiment was used to identify and quantitate cytokine levels. We studied IL-6 and IL-8 function in primary oesophageal squamous carcinoma and NK cell co-cultures in vitro and by a xenograft tumour model in vivo. Western blotting was used to quantitate STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) and p-STAT3 levels. Finally, we performed an IHC array to analyse IL-6/IL-8 (interleukin 6/interleukin 8) expression in 103 pairs of tumours and matched adjacent tissues of patients with ESCC to elucidate the correlation between IL-6 or IL-8 and clinical characteristics. Results The percentages of NK cells in both peripheral blood and tumour tissues from patients with ESCC were significantly increased in comparison with those in the controls and correlated with the clinical characteristics. Furthermore, the decrease in activating receptors and increase in inhibitory receptors on the surface of tumour-infiltrating NK cells was confirmed by flow cytometry. The level of granzyme B, the effector molecule of tumour-infiltrating NK cells, was also decreased. Mechanistically, primary ESCC cells activated the STAT3 signalling pathway on NK cells through IL-6 and IL-8 secretion, leading to the downregulation of activating receptors (NKp30 and NKG2D) on the surface of NK cells. An ex vivo study showed that blockade of STAT3 attenuated the IL-6/IL-8-mediated impairment of NK cell function. Moreover, the expression of IL-6 or IL-8 in tumour tissues was validated by immunohistochemistry to be positively correlated with tumour progression and poor survival, respectively. Conclusions Tumour cell-secreted IL-6 and IL-8 impair the activity and function of NK cells via STAT3 signalling and contribute to oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma malignancy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1310-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Feng-Xia Gao
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mei Qin
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fei Han
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Tao Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhi Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yang Long
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xue-Mei He
- Experimental Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin Deng
- Drug Discovery Research Center, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.,Laboratory for Cardiovascular Pharmacology of Department of Pharmacology, The School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - De-Lian Ren
- Department of Immunology, Basic Medicine College, South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
| | - Tian-Yang Dai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of South West Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China.
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11
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Dhar P, Wu JD. NKG2D and its ligands in cancer. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 51:55-61. [PMID: 29525346 PMCID: PMC6145810 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
NKG2D is an activating immune receptor expressed by NK and effector T cells. Induced expression of NKG2D ligand on tumor cell surface during oncogenic insults renders cancer cells susceptible to immune destruction. In advanced human cancers, tumor cells shed NKG2D ligand to produce an immune soluble form as a means of immune evasion. Soluble NKG2D ligands have been associated with poor clinical prognosis in cancer patients. Harnessing NKG2D pathway is considered a viable avenue in cancer immunotherapy over recent years. In this review, we will discuss the progress and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Dhar
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States; Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States
| | - Jennifer D Wu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States; Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States.
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12
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Cascone R, Carlucci A, Pierdiluca M, Santini M, Fiorelli A. Prognostic value of soluble major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A in non-small-cell lung cancer - significance and development. LUNG CANCER-TARGETS AND THERAPY 2017; 8:161-167. [PMID: 29066938 PMCID: PMC5644548 DOI: 10.2147/lctt.s105623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Soluble major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A (sMICA) is a useful marker in surveillance of lung cancer. High serum sMICA level in patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) seems to be a poor prognostic factor being correlated with poor differentiation and advanced stage. However, the low specificity limits its role as a single prognostic marker of NSCLC, but its evaluation, in addition to standard serum markers, could improve the staging of NSCLC. Despite promising, all current studies are insufficient to assess the real efficiency of sMICA as a prognostic marker of NSCLC, and hence, future studies are required to validate it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Cascone
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Annalisa Carlucci
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Matteo Pierdiluca
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Santini
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Alfonso Fiorelli
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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13
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Demoulin B, Cook WJ, Murad J, Graber DJ, Sentman ML, Lonez C, Gilham DE, Sentman CL, Agaugue S. Exploiting natural killer group 2D receptors for CAR T-cell therapy. Future Oncol 2017; 13:1593-1605. [PMID: 28613086 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2017-0102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are genetically engineered proteins that combine an extracellular antigen-specific recognition domain with one or several intracellular T-cell signaling domains. When expressed in T cells, these CARs specifically trigger T-cell activation upon antigen recognition. While the clinical proof of principle of CAR T-cell therapy has been established in hematological cancers, CAR T cells are only at the early stages of being explored to tackle solid cancers. This special report discusses the concept of exploiting natural killer cell receptors as an approach that could broaden the specificity of CAR T cells and potentially enhance the efficacy of this therapy against solid tumors. New data demonstrating feasibility of this approach in humans and supporting the ongoing clinical trial are also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Demoulin
- Research & Development Department, Celyad SA, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | - W James Cook
- Center for Sy+nthetic Immunity, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - David J Graber
- Center for Sy+nthetic Immunity, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Marie-Louise Sentman
- Center for Sy+nthetic Immunity, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Caroline Lonez
- Research & Development Department, Celyad SA, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | - David E Gilham
- Research & Development Department, Celyad SA, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
| | - Charles L Sentman
- Center for Sy+nthetic Immunity, Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Sophie Agaugue
- Research & Development Department, Celyad SA, Mont-Saint-Guibert, Belgium
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14
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Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM), a rare cancer of the eye, is distinct from cutaneous melanoma by its etiology, the mutation frequency and profile, and its clinical behavior including resistance to targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockers. Primary disease is efficiently controlled by surgery or radiation therapy, but about half of UMs develop distant metastasis mostly to the liver. Survival of patients with metastasis is below 1 year and has not improved in decades. Recent years have brought a deep understanding of UM biology characterized by initiating mutations in the G proteins GNAQ and GNA11. Cytogenetic alterations, in particular monosomy of chromosome 3 and amplification of the long arm of chromosome 8, and mutation of the BRCA1-associated protein 1, BAP1, a tumor suppressor gene, or the splicing factor SF3B1 determine UM metastasis. Cytogenetic and molecular profiling allow for a very precise prognostication that is still not matched by efficacious adjuvant therapies. G protein signaling has been shown to activate the YAP/TAZ pathway independent of HIPPO, and conventional signaling via the mitogen-activated kinase pathway probably also contributes to UM development and progression. Several lines of evidence indicate that inflammation and macrophages play a pro-tumor role in UM and in its hepatic metastases. UM cells benefit from the immune privilege in the eye and may adopt several mechanisms involved in this privilege for tumor escape that act even after leaving the niche. Here, we review the current knowledge of the biology of UM and discuss recent approaches to UM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Amaro
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rosaria Gangemi
- Laboratory of Biotherapies, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Piaggio
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Angelini
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gaia Barisione
- Laboratory of Biotherapies, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvano Ferrini
- Laboratory of Biotherapies, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ulrich Pfeffer
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Integrated Oncology Therapies, IRCCS AOU San Martino - IST Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, L.go Rosanna Benzi 10, 16132, Genoa, Italy.
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15
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Moncayo G, Lin D, McCarthy MT, Watson AA, O'Callaghan CA. MICA Expression Is Regulated by Cell Adhesion and Contact in a FAK/Src-Dependent Manner. Front Immunol 2017; 7:687. [PMID: 28154561 PMCID: PMC5243850 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
MICA is a major ligand for the NKG2D immune receptor, which plays a key role in activating natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T cells. We analyzed NKG2D ligand expression on a range of cell types and could demonstrate that MICA expression levels were closely linked to cellular growth mode. While the expression of other NKG2D ligands was largely independent of cell growth mode, MICA expression was mainly found on cells cultured as adherent cells. In addition, MICA surface expression was reduced through increase in cell-cell contact or loss of cell-matrix adherence. Furthermore, we found that the reduction in MICA expression was modulated by focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/Src signaling and associated with increased susceptibility to NK cell-mediated killing. While the mechanisms of tumor immune evasion are not fully understood, the reduction of MICA expression following loss of attachment poises a potential way by which metastasizing tumor cells avoid immune detection. The role of FAK/Src in this process indicates a potential therapeutic approach to modulate MICA expression and immune recognition of tumor cells during metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerald Moncayo
- Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Da Lin
- Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Michael T McCarthy
- Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
| | - Aleksandra A Watson
- Henry Wellcome Building for Molecular Physiology, University of Oxford , Oxford , UK
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16
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Hou F, Huang QM, Hu DN, Jonas JB, Wei WB. Immune oppression array elucidating immune escape and survival mechanisms in uveal melanoma. Int J Ophthalmol 2016; 9:1701-1712. [PMID: 28003967 DOI: 10.18240/ijo.2016.12.01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM To examine the genetic profile of primary uveal melanoma (UM) as compared to UM in immune escape. METHODS Dendritic cells (DC) loaded with lysates of UM cells of high metastatic potential were used to stimulate CTLs(CTLs). When CTLs co-cultured with the UM cells, most UM cells could be eliminated. Survival UM cells grew slowly and were considered to be survival variants and examined by a microarray analysis. These differential genes were analyzed further with Venn Diagrams and functions related to immune escape. We additionally examined transcriptional changes of manually selected survival variants of UM cells and of clinical UM samples by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and analyzed the correlation of these expressions and patients' survival. RESULTS Gene expression analyses revealed a marked up-regulation of SLAMF7 and CCL22 and a significant down-regulation of KRT10, FXYD3 and ABCC2. The expression of these genes in the relapsed UM was significantly greater than those in primary UM. UM patients with overexpression of these genes had a shorter survival period as compared with those of their underexpression. CONCLUSION Gene expression, in particular of SLAMF7, CCL22, KRT10, FXYD3 and ABCC2, differed between primary UM cells and survival variants of UM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Hou
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Qi-Ming Huang
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Dan-Ning Hu
- Departments of Ophthalmology and Pathology, New York Eye and Ear Infirmary of Mount Sinai, 310 E.14th St., NY 10003, USA
| | - Jost B Jonas
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China; Department of Ophthalmology, Medical Faculty Mannheim of the Ruprecht-Karls-University, Heidelberg 67117, Germany
| | - Wen-Bin Wei
- Beijing Tongren Eye Center, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Ophthalmology and Visual Science Key Lab, Beijing 100730, China
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17
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Joshi P, Kooshki M, Aldrich W, Varghai D, Zborowski M, Singh AD, Triozzi PL. Expression of natural killer cell regulatory microRNA by uveal melanoma cancer stem cells. Clin Exp Metastasis 2016; 33:829-838. [PMID: 27565163 PMCID: PMC9082981 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-016-9815-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 08/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are implicated in the control of metastasis in uveal melanoma, a process that has been ascribed to its cancer stem cell subpopulation. NK cell activation is regulated by specific microRNA (miR). The NK cell sensitivity and regulatory miR production of uveal melanoma cancer stem cells was examined. Cancer stem cells enriched from aggressively metastatic MUM2B uveal melanoma cells by selecting CD271+ cells or propagating as non-adherent spheres in stem-cell supportive were more resistant to NK cell cytolysis than cancer stem cells enriched from less aggressively metastatic OCM1 uveal melanoma cells. Both MUM2B and OCM1 cells expressed and secreted NK cell regulatory miRs, including miR 146a, 181a, 20a, and 223. MUM2B cells expressed and secreted miR-155; OCM1 cells did not. Transfecting MUM2B cells with anti-miR-155 increased NK cell sensitivity. CD271+ cells were identified in the blood of patients with metastatic uveal melanoma and were characterized by low expression of melanocyte differentiation determinants and by the ability to form non-adherent spheres in stem-cell supportive media. These cells also expressed NK cell regulatory miRs, including miR-155. These results indicate that uveal melanoma cancer stem cells can vary in their sensitivity to NK cell lysis and their expression of NK cell regulatory miRs. Circulating CD271+ cells from patients with metastatic uveal melanoma manifest cancer stem cell features and express miRs associated with NK cell suppression, including miR-155, that may contribute to metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Powrnima Joshi
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Mitra Kooshki
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA
| | - Wayne Aldrich
- Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Daniel Varghai
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Maciej Zborowski
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Arun D Singh
- Cole Eye Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, OH, 44195, USA
| | - Pierre L Triozzi
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
- Wake Forest School of Medicine, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC, 27157, USA.
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18
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Kim DW, Anderson J, Patel SP. Immunotherapy for uveal melanoma. Melanoma Manag 2016; 3:125-135. [PMID: 30190881 DOI: 10.2217/mmt-2015-0006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare cancer with a high mortality rate. In comparison to cutaneous melanoma, UM has unique immunological features. Arising in the immune suppressive environment of the eye, it maintains immune resistance once metastatic. This is considered a major obstacle for successful immunotherapy in UM. However, a growing body of evidence suggests strategies that may abrogate resistance and enhance antitumor immunity in UM. Recently, three new immune agents have been approved for melanoma. While these drugs demonstrate durable clinical responses with long-term remissions in metastatic cutaneous melanoma, only limited data exist in metastatic UM. In this review, immunological aspects of UM and data from clinical studies of immunotherapeutic agents and regimens for UM will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dae Won Kim
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.,Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Jaime Anderson
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd Unit 0430, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd Unit 0430, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Sapna P Patel
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd Unit 0430, Houston, TX 77030, USA.,Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd Unit 0430, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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19
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Tarazona R, Duran E, Solana R. Natural Killer Cell Recognition of Melanoma: New Clues for a More Effective Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2016; 6:649. [PMID: 26779186 PMCID: PMC4703774 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/14/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells participate in the early immune response against melanoma and also contribute to the development of an adequate adaptive immune response by their crosstalk with dendritic cells and cytokine secretion. Melanoma resistance to conventional therapies together with its high immunogenicity justifies the development of novel therapies aimed to stimulate effective immune responses against melanoma. However, melanoma cells frequently escape to CD8 T cell recognition by the down-regulation of major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. In this scenario, NK cells emerge as potential candidates for melanoma immunotherapy due to their capacity to recognize and destroy melanoma cells expressing low levels of MHC class I molecules. In addition, the possibility to combine immune checkpoint blockade with other NK cell potentiating strategies (e.g., cytokine induction of activating receptors) has opened new perspectives in the potential use of adoptive NK cell-based immunotherapy in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raquel Tarazona
- Immunology Unit, University of Extremadura , Caceres , Spain
| | - Esther Duran
- Histology and Pathology Unit, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Extremadura , Caceres , Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- Immunology Unit, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba , Cordoba , Spain
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20
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Huang X, Qu P, Chen Y, Zhou X, Wu Y, Liu F, Wang D, Zhang J, An J. Low expression of CD112 is associated with poor overall survival in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Hum Pathol 2014; 45:1944-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2014.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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21
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Luke JJ, Triozzi PL, McKenna KC, Van Meir EG, Gershenwald JE, Bastian BC, Gutkind JS, Bowcock AM, Streicher HZ, Patel PM, Sato T, Sossman JA, Sznol M, Welch J, Thurin M, Selig S, Flaherty KT, Carvajal RD. Biology of advanced uveal melanoma and next steps for clinical therapeutics. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2014; 28:135-47. [PMID: 25113308 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 08/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is the most common intraocular malignancy although it is a rare subset of all melanomas. Uveal melanoma has distinct biology relative to cutaneous melanoma, with widely divergent patient outcomes. Patients diagnosed with a primary uveal melanoma can be stratified for risk of metastasis by cytogenetics or gene expression profiling, with approximately half of patients developing metastatic disease, predominately hepatic in location, over a 15-yr period. Historically, no systemic therapy has been associated with a clear clinical benefit for patients with advanced disease, and median survival remains poor. Here, as a joint effort between the Melanoma Research Foundation's ocular melanoma initiative, CURE OM and the National Cancer Institute, the current understanding of the molecular and immunobiology of uveal melanoma is reviewed, and on-going laboratory research into the disease is highlighted. Finally, recent investigations relevant to clinical management via targeted and immunotherapies are reviewed, and next steps in the development of clinical therapeutics are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason J Luke
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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22
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Huergo-Zapico L, Acebes-Huerta A, López-Soto A, Villa-Álvarez M, Gonzalez-Rodriguez AP, Gonzalez S. Molecular Bases for the Regulation of NKG2D Ligands in Cancer. Front Immunol 2014; 5:106. [PMID: 24711808 PMCID: PMC3968767 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed by NK and T cells primarily involved in the elimination of transformed and infected cells. NKG2D ligands are self-proteins restrictedly expressed in healthy tissues, but induced in response to signaling pathways commonly associated with transformation. Proliferative, tumor suppressor, and stress signaling pathways linked to the tumorigenic process induce the expression of NKG2D ligands, initiating an immune response against the incipient tumor. Nevertheless, the activity of NKG2D ligands is counter-regulated in vivo by the immunoediting of cancer cells, resulting in the expression of multiple mechanisms of immune evasion in advanced tumors. The redundancy of NKG2D ligands, besides increasing the complexity of their regulation, may impair the generation of these immune evasion mechanisms. In this review, we attempt to integrate the mechanisms and pathways involved in the regulation of NKG2D ligand expression in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Huergo-Zapico
- Department of Functional Biology, University Institute of Oncology (IUOPA), University of Oviedo , Oviedo , Spain
| | - Andrea Acebes-Huerta
- Department of Functional Biology, University Institute of Oncology (IUOPA), University of Oviedo , Oviedo , Spain
| | - Alejandro López-Soto
- Department of Functional Biology, University Institute of Oncology (IUOPA), University of Oviedo , Oviedo , Spain
| | - Mónica Villa-Álvarez
- Department of Functional Biology, University Institute of Oncology (IUOPA), University of Oviedo , Oviedo , Spain
| | | | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Department of Functional Biology, University Institute of Oncology (IUOPA), University of Oviedo , Oviedo , Spain
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23
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Paschen A, Baingo J, Schadendorf D. Expression of stress ligands of the immunoreceptor NKG2D in melanoma: regulation and clinical significance. Eur J Cell Biol 2014; 93:49-54. [PMID: 24629838 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2014.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2013] [Revised: 01/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells, in particular melanoma cells, can be detected as abnormal self by cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate and adaptive immune system. Of major importance in this process is the activating lymphocyte receptor NKG2D that in humans binds to MIC and ULBP surface molecules on tumor cells. Expression of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) is an early event in malignant transformation, induced by stress-associated and oncogene-driven pathways. Thus NKG2DL expression is considered as an innate barrier against tumor development. However, tumor cells can overcome this barrier by shedding of NKG2DL. Ligand shedding leads to elevated levels of soluble ligands in sera of tumor patients that in case of melanoma are of strong prognostic relevance. Here we review important aspects of NKG2DL expression and regulation in tumor cells with a focus on melanoma, and discuss their clinical relevance and potential in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Paschen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany.
| | - Jolanthe Baingo
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital, West German Cancer Center, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Germany
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24
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Le Bert N, Gasser S. Advances in NKG2D ligand recognition and responses by NK cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2014; 92:230-6. [PMID: 24445601 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2013.111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2013] [Revised: 12/09/2013] [Accepted: 12/09/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The natural killer (NK) group 2 member D (NKG2D) is an activating immune receptor expressed on NK cells, cytotoxic T cells and a subset of other T cells. It has an important role in the recognition and lysis of a variety of infected and tumor cells. Despite significant gains in our understanding of NKG2D, the relevance of NKG2D and its ligands in human diseases has only recently started to emerge. Here, we present an overview of the recent advances in NKG2D biology, discuss the expression of NKG2D ligands in cancer patients and evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic potential of NKG2D ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Le Bert
- Immunology Programme, Department of Microbiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stephan Gasser
- Immunology Programme, Department of Microbiology, National University of Singapore, Singapore
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25
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Wu J. NKG2D Ligands in Cancer Immunotherapy: Target or Not? AUSTIN JOURNAL OF CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 1:2. [PMID: 25485307 PMCID: PMC4257473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Wu
- Corresponding author: Jennifer Wu, Ph.D, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina and Cancer Immunology Program, Hollings Cancer Center, Charleston, SC, USA, Tel: 1-843-792-9222;
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26
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Romero AI, Chaput N, Poirier-Colame V, Rusakiewicz S, Jacquelot N, Chaba K, Mortier E, Jacques Y, Caillat-Zucman S, Flament C, Caignard A, Messaoudene M, Aupérin A, Vielh P, Dessen P, Porta C, Mateus C, Ayyoub M, Valmori D, Eggermont A, Robert C, Zitvogel L. Regulation of CD4(+)NKG2D(+) Th1 cells in patients with metastatic melanoma treated with sorafenib: role of IL-15Rα and NKG2D triggering. Cancer Res 2013; 74:68-80. [PMID: 24197135 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-1186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Beyond cancer-cell intrinsic factors, the immune status of the host has a prognostic impact on patients with cancer and influences the effects of conventional chemotherapies. Metastatic melanoma is intrinsically immunogenic, thereby facilitating the search for immune biomarkers of clinical responses to cytotoxic agents. Here, we show that a multi-tyrosine kinase inhibitor, sorafenib, upregulates interleukin (IL)-15Rα in vitro and in vivo in patients with melanoma, and in conjunction with natural killer (NK) group 2D (NKG2D) ligands, contributes to the Th1 polarization and accumulation of peripheral CD4(+)NKG2D(+) T cells. Hence, the increase of blood CD4(+)NKG2D(+) T cells after two cycles of sorafenib (combined with temozolomide) was associated with prolonged survival in a prospective phase I/II trial enrolling 63 patients with metastatic melanoma who did not receive vemurafenib nor immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies. In contrast, in metastatic melanoma patients treated with classical treatment modalities, this CD4(+)NKG2D(+) subset failed to correlate with prognosis. These findings indicate that sorafenib may be used as an "adjuvant" molecule capable of inducing or restoring IL-15Rα/IL-15 in tumors expressing MHC class I-related chain A/B (MICA/B) and on circulating monocytes of responding patients, hereby contributing to the bioactivity of NKG2D(+) Th1 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana I Romero
- Authors' Affiliations: Cancer Institute Gustave Roussy; Departments of Epidemiology and Statistics and Dermatology; Stabilité génétique et oncogenèse UMR 8200; Clinical Oncology, Melanoma Branch, Cancer Institute Gustave Roussy; Department of BioPathology, Translational Research Laboratory and Biobank, Institute Gustave Roussy; Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), U1015; Center of Clinical Investigations CBT507, Biotherapy, Villejuif; INSERM U1102, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Saint Herblain; INSERM, U892, Institut de Recherche Thérapeutique, Nantes; INSERM, U1016, Saint Vincent de Paul Hospital; INSERM U1016, CNRS UMR8104, Cochin Institute; Faculté Paris Sud-Université Paris XI, Paris, France; and IRCCS San Matteo University Hospital Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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Kopp LM, Ray A, Denman CJ, Senyukov VS, Somanchi SS, Zhu S, Lee DA. Decitabine has a biphasic effect on natural killer cell viability, phenotype, and function under proliferative conditions. Mol Immunol 2013; 54:296-301. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2012.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2012] [Accepted: 12/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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Gammaitoni L, Giraudo L, Leuci V, Todorovic M, Mesiano G, Picciotto F, Pisacane A, Zaccagna A, Volpe MG, Gallo S, Caravelli D, Giacone E, Venesio T, Balsamo A, Pignochino Y, Grignani G, Carnevale-Schianca F, Aglietta M, Sangiolo D. Effective activity of cytokine-induced killer cells against autologous metastatic melanoma including cells with stemness features. Clin Cancer Res 2013; 19:4347-58. [PMID: 23794732 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-13-0061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE We investigate the unknown tumor-killing activity of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells against autologous metastatic melanoma and the elusive subset of putative cancer stem cells (mCSC). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We developed a preclinical autologous model using same patient-generated CIK cells and tumor targets to consider the unique biology of each patient/tumor pairing. In primary tumor cell cultures, we visualized and immunophenotypically defined a putative mCSC subset using a novel gene transfer strategy that exploited their exclusive ability to activate the promoter of stemness gene Oct4. RESULTS The CIK cells from 10 patients with metastatic melanoma were successfully expanded (median, 23-fold; range, 11-117). Primary tumor cell cultures established and characterized from the same patients were used as autologous targets. Patient-derived CIK cells efficiently killed autologous metastatic melanoma [up to 71% specific killing (n = 26)]. CIK cells were active in vivo against autologous melanoma, resulting in delayed tumor growth, increased necrotic areas, and lymphocyte infiltration at tumor sites. The metastatic melanoma cultures presented an average of 11.5% ± 2.5% putative mCSCs, which was assessed by Oct4 promoter activity and stemness marker expression (Oct4, ABCG2, ALDH, MITF). Expression was confirmed on mCSC target molecules recognized by CIK cells (MIC A/B; ULBPs). CIK tumor killing activity against mCSCs was intense (up to 71%, n = 4) and comparable with results reported against differentiated metastatic melanoma cells (P = 0.8). CONCLUSIONS For the first time, the intense killing activity of CIK cells against autologous metastatic melanoma, including mCSCs, has been shown. These findings move clinical investigation of a new immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma, including mCSCs, closer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta Gammaitoni
- Unit of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cell Therapy, Surgical Dermatology, Pathology, and Sarcoma, Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, I.R.C.C.S.,Torino, Italy
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29
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Abstract
Leukocytic infiltration is a common feature of human cancers, including those that develop in immunoprivileged sites, such as the eye. The infiltration of myeloid and T cells into tumours is part of the host response against cancer. In uveal melanoma, high densities of immune cells seem to be involved in tumour progression, as they are associated with the loss of one chromosome 3. The nature of this tumour microenvironment might offer therapeutic opportunities.
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Regulation and gene expression profiling of NKG2D positive human cytomegalovirus-primed CD4+ T-cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e41577. [PMID: 22870231 PMCID: PMC3409864 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0041577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2012] [Accepted: 06/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
NKG2D is a stimulatory receptor expressed by natural killer (NK) cells, CD8+ T-cells, and γδ T-cells. NKG2D expression is normally absent from CD4+ T-cells, however recently a subset of NKG2D+ CD4+ T-cells has been found, which is specific for human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). This particular subset of HCMV-specific NKG2D+ CD4+ T-cells possesses effector-like functions, thus resembling the subsets of NKG2D+ CD4+ T-cells found in other chronic inflammations. However, the precise mechanism leading to NKG2D expression on HCMV-specific CD4+ T-cells is currently not known. In this study we used genome-wide analysis of individual genes and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) to investigate the gene expression profile of NKG2D+ CD4+ T-cells, generated from HCMV-primed CD4+ T-cells. We show that the HCMV-primed NKG2D+ CD4+ T-cells possess a higher differentiated phenotype than the NKG2D– CD4+ T-cells, both at the gene expression profile and cytokine profile. The ability to express NKG2D at the cell surface was primarily determined by the activation or differentiation status of the CD4+ T-cells and not by the antigen presenting cells. We observed a correlation between CD94 and NKG2D expression in the CD4+ T-cells following HCMV stimulation. However, knock-down of CD94 did not affect NKG2D cell surface expression or signaling. In addition, we show that NKG2D is recycled at the cell surface of activated CD4+ T-cells, whereas it is produced de novo in resting CD4+ T-cells. These findings provide novel information about the gene expression profile of HCMV-primed NKG2D+ CD4+ T-cells, as well as the mechanisms regulating NKG2D cell surface expression.
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Niederkorn JY. Ocular immune privilege and ocular melanoma: parallel universes or immunological plagiarism? Front Immunol 2012; 3:148. [PMID: 22707951 PMCID: PMC3374415 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2012.00148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence of immune privilege in the eye was recorded almost 140 years ago, yet interest in immune privilege languished for almost a century. However, the past 35 years have witnessed a plethora of research and a rekindled interest in the mechanisms responsible for immune privilege in the anterior chamber of the eye. This research has demonstrated that multiple anatomical, structural, physiological, and immunoregulatory processes contribute to immune privilege and remind us of the enormous complexity of this phenomenon. It is widely accepted that immune privilege is an adaptation for reducing the risk of immune-mediated inflammation in organs such as the eye and brain whose tissues have a limited capacity to regenerate. Recent findings suggest that immune privilege also occurs in sites where stem cells reside and raise the possibility that immune privilege is also designed to prevent the unwitting elimination of stem cells by immune-mediated inflammation at these sites. Uveal melanoma arises within the eye and as such, benefits from ocular immune privilege. A significant body of research reveals an intriguing parallel between the mechanisms that contribute to immune privilege in the eye and those strategies used by uveal melanoma cells to evade immune elimination once they have disseminated from the eye and establish metastatic foci in the liver. Uveal melanoma metastases seem to have “plagiarized” the blueprints used for ocular immune privilege to create “ad hoc immune privileged sites” in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Y Niederkorn
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center Dallas, TX, USA
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32
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Danielli R, Ridolfi R, Chiarion-Sileni V, Queirolo P, Testori A, Plummer R, Boitano M, Calabrò L, De Rossi C, Giacomo AMD, Ferrucci PF, Ridolfi L, Altomonte M, Miracco C, Balestrazzi A, Maio M. Ipilimumab in pretreated patients with metastatic uveal melanoma: safety and clinical efficacy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2012; 61:41-8. [PMID: 21833591 PMCID: PMC11028946 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-011-1089-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2011] [Accepted: 07/22/2011] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Current systemic treatments for metastatic uveal melanoma (UM) have not improved overall survival (OS). The fully human anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) monoclonal antibody, ipilimumab, improved OS of patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma in a phase 3 trial; however, UM patients were excluded. The aim of this subanalysis, performed by the ipilimumab-ocular melanoma expanded access program (I-OMEAP) study group, was to assess the activity and safety of ipilimumab in patients with UM in a setting similar to daily clinical practice. Patients participating in a multicenter expanded access program (EAP) received induction treatment with ipilimumab 10 mg/kg. Maintenance doses were administered in patients who experienced clinical benefit or at physicians' discretion. Tumor assessment was evaluated per modified World Health Organization criteria at baseline, Week 12, Week 24, and Week 36. Adverse events (AEs) and immune-related AEs (irAEs) were collected according to Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 3.0. Thirteen pretreated patients with metastatic UM were treated at 6 European institutions. All patients received at least one dose of ipilimumab. Overall, no objective responses were observed; however, two patients had stable disease (SD), with a third patient achieving SD after initial progressive disease. Median OS as of July 1, 2011, was 36 weeks (range 2-172+ weeks). No grade 3/4 AEs of non-immune origin were reported. Three patients (23%) experienced grade 3 irAEs (1 thrombocytopenia, 1 diarrhea, and 1 alanine/aspartate aminotransferase elevation) that resolved with steroid therapy. The results indicate UM is a potential indication for ipilimumab treatment that should be further investigated in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riccardo Danielli
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Ruggero Ridolfi
- Scientific Institute of Romagna for the Study and Treatment of Cancer (IRST), Meldola-Forlì, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Luana Calabrò
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | | | - Laura Ridolfi
- Scientific Institute of Romagna for the Study and Treatment of Cancer (IRST), Meldola-Forlì, Italy
| | - Maresa Altomonte
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Clelia Miracco
- Pathology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Angelo Balestrazzi
- Ophthalmology, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy Unit, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Strada delle Scotte, 53100 Siena, Italy
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33
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Morgado S, Sanchez-Correa B, Casado JG, Duran E, Gayoso I, Labella F, Solana R, Tarazona R. NK Cell Recognition and Killing of Melanoma Cells Is Controlled by Multiple Activating Receptor-Ligand Interactions. J Innate Immun 2011; 3:365-73. [DOI: 10.1159/000328505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2010] [Accepted: 04/19/2011] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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35
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Burke S, Lakshmikanth T, Colucci F, Carbone E. New views on natural killer cell-based immunotherapy for melanoma treatment. Trends Immunol 2010; 31:339-45. [PMID: 20655806 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2010.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2010] [Revised: 05/27/2010] [Accepted: 06/08/2010] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies treat hematopoietic malignancies, but are less effective against solid tumors. Here, we review recent data on NK cell recognition of melanoma at various stages of the disease and propose a combinatorial strategy to exploit fully the potential of NK cells. Depending on the stage of melanoma progression, NK cell-based therapies could be combined with pharmacological and T cell-based immunotherapies, to: (i) prevent lymph node metastases by redistributing cytotoxic NK cells; (ii) boost NK cell activity using chemotherapy to upregulate activating ligands on tumor cells; and (iii) target visceral metastases by transfer of autologous or allogeneic NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Burke
- Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
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36
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Abstract
Natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) is an activating receptor present on the surface of natural killer (NK) cells, some NKT cells, CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells, gammadelta T cells, and under certain conditions CD4(+) T cells. Present in both humans and mice, this highly conserved receptor binds to a surprisingly diverse family of ligands that are distant relatives of major histocompatibility complex class I molecules. There is increasing evidence that ligand expression can result in both immune activation (tumor clearance, viral immunity, autoimmunity, and transplantation) and immune silencing (tumor evasion). In this review, we describe this family of NKG2D ligands and the various mechanisms that control their expression in stressed and normal cells. We also discuss the host response to both membrane-bound and secreted NKG2D ligands and summarize the models proposed to explain the consequences of this differential expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marine Champsaur
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program and The Cancer Research Institute, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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37
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The prognostic significance of soluble NKG2D ligands in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia 2010; 24:1152-9. [PMID: 20428196 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2010.74] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Soluble or membrane-anchored ligands of NKG2D and their receptor have a critical role in the elimination of tumor cells and disease progression. Plasma samples of 98 patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) were analyzed with specific ELISA systems for soluble major histocompatibility complex class I-related chains (sMICA and sMICB) and UL-16-binding proteins (ULBP1, 2, and 3). The flow cytometric analysis of MICA on CLL cells and natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptors on NK cells was performed after thawing of frozen peripheral blood lymphocytes of CLL patients (N=51). Levels of sMICA, sMICB, and sULBP2 were significantly increased (P<0.001) compared with 48 controls, whereas sULBP1 3 were not detectable in patients and controls. Levels of sMICA>990 pg/ml (P=0.014), sMICB>200 pg/ml (P=0.0001), and sULBP2>105 pg/ml (P<0.0001) were associated with poor treatment-free survival (TFS). Neither MICA nor NKG2D expression could be related to clinical parameters. In multivariate analysis Binet stage (P=0.002), sULBP2 (P=0.002) and ZAP-70 (P=0.002) were independent predictive factors for TFS. In patients with Binet stage A, sULBP2 levels>105 pg/ml were strongly associated (P=0.0025) with poor TFS. Our data show that soluble but not membrane-anchored NKG2D ligands or receptors are of prognostic significance in CLL. Moreover, sULBP2 seems to be useful to identify early-stage patients with risk of disease progression.
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38
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Clinical significance of the immunostimulatory MHC class I chain-related molecule A and NKG2D receptor on NK cells in pancreatic cancer. Med Oncol 2010; 28:466-74. [DOI: 10.1007/s12032-010-9480-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2010] [Accepted: 03/02/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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39
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Fernández-Messina L, Ashiru O, Boutet P, Agüera-González S, Skepper JN, Reyburn HT, Valés-Gómez M. Differential mechanisms of shedding of the glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored NKG2D ligands. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:8543-51. [PMID: 20080967 PMCID: PMC2838276 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m109.045906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells release NKG2D ligands to evade NKG2D-mediated immune surveillance. The purpose of our investigation was to explore the cellular mechanisms of release used by various members of the ULBP family. Using biochemical and cellular approaches in both transfectant systems and tumor cell lines, this paper shows that ULBP1, ULBP2, and ULBP3 are released from cells with different kinetics and by distinct mechanisms. Whereas ULBP2 is mainly shed by metalloproteases, ULBP3 is abundantly released as part of membrane vesicles known as exosomes. Interestingly, exosomal ULBP3 protein is much more potent for down-modulation of the NKG2D receptor than soluble ULBP2 protein. This is the first report showing functionally relevant differences in the biochemistry of the three members of the ULBP family and confirms that in depth study of the biochemical features of individual NKG2D ligands will be necessary to understand and manipulate the biology of these proteins for therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Jeremy N. Skepper
- Physiology, Development, and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1QP, United Kingdom
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40
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Abstract
The notion that the immune system might control the growth of tumors was suggested over 100 years ago by the eminent microbiologist Paul Ehrlich. This concept was refined and expanded by Burnet and Thomas 50 years later with their articulation of the "immune surveillance" hypothesis. In its simplest form, the immune surveillance hypothesis suggests that neoplasms arise spontaneously and express novel antigens that are recognized by the immune system, which either eliminates the tumors or restrains their growth. Within the eye, immune responses are controlled and sometimes profoundly inhibited - a condition known as immune privilege. Immune privilege in the eye is the result of a complex array of anatomical, physiological, and immunoregulatory mechanisms that prevent the induction and expression of many immune responses. Tumors arising in the eye would seem to have an advantage in evading immune surveillance due to ocular immune privilege. Uveal melanoma, the most common and malignant intraocular tumor in adults, not only benefits from the immune privilege of the eye but also has adopted many of the mechanisms that contribute to ocular immune privilege as a strategy for protecting uveal melanoma cells once they leave the sanctuary of the eye and are disseminated systemically in the form of metastases. Although the immune system possesses a battery of effector mechanisms designed to rid the body of neoplasms, tumors are capable of rapidly evolving and countering even the most sophisticated immunological effector mechanisms. To date, tumors seem to be winning this arms race, but an increased understanding of these mechanisms should provide insights for designing immunotherapy that was envisioned over half a century ago, but has failed to materialize to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jerry Y Niederkorn
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9057, USA.
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41
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Paschen A, Sucker A, Hill B, Moll I, Zapatka M, Nguyen XD, Sim GC, Gutmann I, Hassel J, Becker JC, Steinle A, Schadendorf D, Ugurel S. Differential clinical significance of individual NKG2D ligands in melanoma: soluble ULBP2 as an indicator of poor prognosis superior to S100B. Clin Cancer Res 2009; 15:5208-15. [PMID: 19671853 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-09-0886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cytotoxic lymphocytes interact with human tumor cells via the activating immunoreceptor NKG2D, recognizing a variety of stress-associated MIC and ULBP surface molecules. However, tumors can escape from this immunosurveillance by shedding NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL), rendering the soluble products detectable in patients' sera. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN To elucidate the clinical significance of NKG2DL diversity, we studied their expression on melanoma tissues and their presence as soluble molecules in sera from >200 melanoma patients and compared the latter with the well-established serum marker S100B. RESULTS Immunohistochemistry revealed a heterogeneous expression of MIC and ULBP2 molecules between and within melanoma metastases. Compared with MIC, ULBP2 was less frequently expressed. Accordingly, elevated levels of soluble ULBP2 (sULBP2) were detected in sera of melanoma patients less frequently than elevated levels of soluble MICA (sMICA), although both soluble NKG2DL (sNKG2DL) were significantly increased compared with sera of healthy controls (P < 0.0001). Strikingly, elevated concentrations of sULBP2, but not of sMICA, were strongly associated with disease progression (P < 0.0001) and tumor load (P = 0.0003). Elevated serum levels of either sNKG2DL correlated with reduced overall survival, albeit considerably stronger for sULBP2 (P < 0.0001) than for sMICA (P = 0.011). In early-stage (I-III) melanoma patients, only sULBP2 (P < 0.0001) but neither sMICA nor S100B revealed prognostic significance. Multivariate analysis identified sULBP2 (P = 0.0015) and S100B (P = 0.013) but not sMICA as independent predictors of prognosis. CONCLUSION Our data reveal marked differences in the clinical significance of individual sNKG2DL. Only sULBP2 is an independent predictor of prognosis, the significance of which is superior to the well-established and widely used melanoma serum marker S100B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annette Paschen
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Dermato-Oncology, German Cancer Research Center Heidelberg and University Medicine Mannheim, University Medicine Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany.
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Butler JE, Moore MB, Presnell SR, Chan HW, Chalupny NJ, Lutz CT. Proteasome regulation of ULBP1 transcription. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:6600-9. [PMID: 19414815 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0801214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Killer lymphocytes recognize stress-activated NKG2D ligands on tumors. We examined NKG2D ligand expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cells and other cell lines. HNSCC cells typically expressed MHC class I chain-related gene A (MICA), MICB, UL16-binding protein (ULBP)2, and ULBP3, but they were uniformly negative for cell surface ULBP1 and ULBP4. We then studied how cancer treatments affected NKG2D ligand expression. NKG2D ligand expression was not changed by most cancer-relevant treatments. However, bortezomib and other proteasome inhibitor drugs with distinct mechanisms of action dramatically and specifically up-regulated HNSCC ULBP1 mRNA and cell surface protein. Proteasome inhibition also increased RNA for ULBP1 and other NKG2D ligands in nontransformed human keratinocytes. Proteasome inhibitor drugs increased ULBP1 transcription by acting at a site in the 522-bp ULBP1 promoter. Although the DNA damage response pathways mediated by ATM (ataxia-telangiectasia, mutated) and ATR (ATM and Rad3-related) signaling had been reported to up-regulate NKG2D ligand expression, we found that ULBP1 up-regulation was not inhibited by caffeine and wortmannin, inhibitors of ATM/ATR signaling. ULBP1 expression in HNSCC cells was not increased by several ATM/ATR activating treatments, including bleomycin, cisplatin, aphidicolin, and hydroxyurea. Ionizing radiation caused ATM activation in HNSCC cells, but high-level ULBP1 expression was not induced by gamma radiation or UV radiation. Thus, ATM/ATR signaling was neither necessary nor sufficient for high-level ULBP1 expression in human HNSCC cell lines and could not account for the proteasome effect. The selective induction of ULBP1 expression by proteasome inhibitor drugs, along with variable NKG2D ligand expression by human tumor cells, indicates that NKG2D ligand genes are independently regulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- James E Butler
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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43
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Li K, Mandai M, Hamanishi J, Matsumura N, Suzuki A, Yagi H, Yamaguchi K, Baba T, Fujii S, Konishi I. Clinical significance of the NKG2D ligands, MICA/B and ULBP2 in ovarian cancer: high expression of ULBP2 is an indicator of poor prognosis. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:641-52. [PMID: 18791713 PMCID: PMC11030581 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0585-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Accepted: 08/25/2008] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical significance of the expression of the NKG2D ligands MICA/B and ULBP2 in ovarian cancer. METHODS Eighty-two ovarian cancer patients and six patients without ovarian cancer from Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Kyoto University Hospital were enrolled in this study between 1993 and 2003. Expression of MICA/B, ULBP2, and CD57 in ovarian cancer tissue and normal ovary tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining, and the relationship of these results to relevant clinical patient data was analyzed. Expression of MICs, ULBP2, and HLA-class I molecules in 33 ovarian cancer cell lines and two normal ovarian epithelial cell lines, as well as levels of soluble MICs and ULBP2 in the culture supernatants, were measured. RESULTS Expression of MICA/B and ULBP2 was detected in 97.6 and 82.9% of ovarian cancer cells, respectively, whereas neither was expressed on normal ovarian epithelium. The expression of MICA/B in ovarian cancer was highly correlated with that of ULBP2. Strong expression of ULBP2 in ovarian cancer cells was correlated with less intraepithelial infiltration of T cells and bad prognoses for patients, suggesting that ULBP2 expression is a prognostic indicator in ovarian cancer. The expression of NKG2D ligands did not correlate with the levels of the soluble forms of the ligands. CONCLUSIONS High expression of ULBP2 is an indicator of poor prognosis in ovarian cancer and may relate to T cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kui Li
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Peking University First Hospital, 1 Xi’an Men Street, Xicheng District, 100034 Beijing, China
| | - Masaki Mandai
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Junzo Hamanishi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Noriomi Matsumura
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Ayako Suzuki
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Haruhiko Yagi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Ken Yamaguchi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Tsukasa Baba
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
| | - Shingo Fujii
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Hospital Organization, Kyoto Medical Center, 1-1, Fukakusa Mukaihata-cho, Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, 612-8555 Japan
| | - Ikuo Konishi
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, 54 Shogoin Kawahara-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507 Japan
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Milco D'Elios M, Del Prete G, Amedei A. New frontiers in cell-based immunotherapy of cancer. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2009; 19:623-41. [DOI: 10.1517/13543770902817820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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Schwinn N, Vokhminova D, Sucker A, Textor S, Striegel S, Moll I, Nausch N, Tuettenberg J, Steinle A, Cerwenka A, Schadendorf D, Paschen A. Interferon-gamma down-regulates NKG2D ligand expression and impairs the NKG2D-mediated cytolysis of MHC class I-deficient melanoma by natural killer cells. Int J Cancer 2009; 124:1594-604. [PMID: 19089914 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.24098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
NKG2D operates as an activating receptor on natural killer (NK) cells and costimulates the effector function of alphabeta CD8(+) T cells. Ligands of NKG2D, the MHC class I chain-related (MIC) and UL16 binding protein (ULBP) molecules, are expressed on a variety of human tumors, including melanoma. Recent studies in mice demonstrated that NKG2D mediates tumor immune surveillance, suggesting that antitumor immunity in humans could be enhanced by therapeutic manipulation of NKG2D ligand (NKG2DL) expression. However, signals and mechanisms regulating NKG2DL expression still need to be elucidated. Here, we asked whether the proinflammatory cytokine Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) affects NKG2DL expression in melanoma. Cell lines, established from MHC class I-negative and -positive melanoma metastases, predominantly expressed MICA and ULBP2 molecules on their surface. Upon IFN-gamma treatment, expression of MICA, in some cases, also of ULBP2 decreased. Besides melanoma, this observation was made also for glioma cells. Down-regulation of NKG2DL surface expression was dependent on the cytokine dose and the duration of treatment, but was neither due to an intracellular retention of the molecules nor to an increased shedding of ligands from the tumor cell surface. Instead, quantitative RT-PCR revealed a decrease of MICA-specific mRNA levels upon IFN-gamma treatment and siRNA experiments pointed to an involvement of STAT-1 in this process. Importantly, IFN-gamma-treated MHC class I-negative melanoma cells were less susceptible to NKG2D-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity. Our study suggests that IFN-gamma, by down-regulating ligand expression, might facilitate escape of MHC class I-negative melanoma cells from NKG2D-mediated killing by NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schwinn
- Division of Clinical Cooperation Unit Dermato-Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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Eagle RA, Jafferji I, Barrow AD. Beyond Stressed Self: Evidence for NKG2D Ligand Expression on Healthy Cells. CURRENT IMMUNOLOGY REVIEWS 2009; 5:22-34. [PMID: 19626129 PMCID: PMC2713595 DOI: 10.2174/157339509787314369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes is regulated by the opposing function of stimulatory and inhibitory cell surface receptors. According to the now classical model of Natural Killer (NK) cell activity, the ligands for inhibitory receptors are constitutively expressed on healthy cells but can be lost on infection and on malignant cells. Loss of inhibitory checks will then allow activating signals to predominate, forming the basis of 'missing self recognition'. Natural Killer Group 2D (NKG2D) is an important member of the cohort of activating receptors expressed on Natural Killer (NK) cells and subsets of T cells. Ligands for the NKG2D receptor comprise a diverse array of self-proteins structurally related to MHC class I molecules. Expression of NKG2D ligands can be induced in cells during infection with pathogens, tumourigenesis, and by stimuli such as DNA damage, oxidative stress, and heat shock. Consequently NKG2D has been widely described as participating in 'stressed self' or 'damaged self' recognition. However, a body of evidence has recently emerged to suggest that this intuitive model of NKG2D function may be an oversimplification. NKG2D ligand expression has now widely been reported on cells that could not be described as stressed or damaged. For example activated T cells can express NKG2D ligands, and constitutive expression of NKG2D ligands has been reported on normal myelomonocytic cells, dendritic cells, and epithelial cells of the gut mucosa. In this article we will review the literature suggesting that NKG2D may function to recognise non-stressed cells and discuss the role NKG2D ligands could be playing in apparently healthy cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A. Eagle
- University of Cambridge, Department of Pathology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Insiya Jafferji
- University of Cambridge, Department of Pathology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
| | - Alexander D. Barrow
- University of Cambridge, Department of Pathology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Cambridge, CB2 0XY, UK
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Germain C, Campigna E, Salhi I, Morisseau S, Navarro-Teulon I, Mach JP, Pèlegrin A, Robert B. Redirecting NK cells mediated tumor cell lysis by a new recombinant bifunctional protein. Protein Eng Des Sel 2008; 21:665-72. [PMID: 18790793 DOI: 10.1093/protein/gzn047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are at the crossroad between innate and adaptive immunity and play a major role in cancer immunosurveillance. NK cell stimulation depends on a balance between inhibitory and activating receptors, such as the stimulatory lectin-like receptor NKG2D. To redirect NK cells against tumor cells, we designed bifunctional proteins able to specifically bind tumor cells and to induce their lysis by NK cells, after NKG2D engagement. To this aim, we used the 'knob into hole' heterodimerization strategy, in which 'knob' and 'hole' variants were generated by directed mutagenesis within the CH3 domain of human IgG1 Fc fragments fused to an anti-CEA or anti-HER2 scFv or to the H60 murine ligand of NKG2D, respectively. We demonstrated the capacity of the bifunctional proteins produced to specifically coat tumor cells surface with H60 ligand. Most importantly, we demonstrated that these bifunctional proteins were able to induce an NKG2D-dependent and antibody-specific tumor cell lysis by murine NK cells. Overall, the results show the possibility to redirect NK cytotoxicity to tumor cells by a new format of recombinant bispecific antibody, opening the way of potential NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies by specific activation of the NKG2D receptor at the tumor site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Germain
- IRCM, Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier, INSERM U896, Université Montpellier1, Montpellier F-34298, France
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Natural killer cell-directed therapies: moving from unexpected results to successful strategies. Nat Immunol 2008; 9:486-94. [PMID: 18425105 DOI: 10.1038/ni1580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 220] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells influence innate and adaptive immune host defenses. Existing data indicate that manipulating the balance between inhibitory and activating NK receptor signals, the sensitivity of target cells to NK cell-mediated apoptosis, and NK cell cross-talk with dendritic cells might hold therapeutic promise. Efforts to modulate NK cell trafficking into inflamed tissues and/or lymph nodes, and to counteract NK cell suppressors, might also prove fruitful in the clinic. However, deeper investigation into the benefits of combination therapy, greater understanding of the functional distinctions between NK cell subsets, and design of new tools to monitor NK cell activity are needed to strengthen our ability to harness the power of NK cells for therapeutic aims.
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Maccalli C, Nonaka D, Piris A, Pende D, Rivoltini L, Castelli C, Parmiani G. NKG2D-mediated antitumor activity by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and antigen-specific T-cell clones isolated from melanoma patients. Clin Cancer Res 2008; 13:7459-68. [PMID: 18094430 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-07-1166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The role of NKG2D receptor in antitumor immunosurveillance has not been completely clarified. We addressed this issue by investigating the involvement of this receptor in tumor-specific immunologic response in melanoma patients. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We determined the presence of NKG2D+ T cells among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) of 10 (one primary and 9 metastatic) melanoma samples and the expression of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) by these tumor cells. Moreover, the expression of NKG2D was assessed in a panel of antigen-specific T lymphocytes isolated from melanoma patients and the engagement of NKG2D in antitumor activity mediated by these T cells was determined. RESULTS TILs located either in the periphery or within the tumor mass of melanoma samples expressed NKG2D and the expression of this receptor by T cells was retained after in vitro culture. However, NKG2DLs were weakly expressed, or not expressed, by most metastatic lesions with only the primary tumor being positive for all these molecules. In contrast, these ligands were expressed, although heterogeneously, by all in vitro established melanoma lines. Moreover, the engagement of NKG2D occurred in antitumor activity by both freshly isolated and in vitro cultured TILs. However, this receptor was involved to a different extent in the antitumor activity of antigen-specific T-cell clones. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate that NKG2D+ T cells have a role in the immunologic response against tumor. Thus, new immunotherapeutic treatments for melanoma patients should be designed aimed at augmenting the NKG2D+ T lymphocyte-mediated immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Maccalli
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Human Tumors, Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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Abstract
NKG2D (natural-killer group 2, member D) is a powerful activating receptor expressed by natural killer (NK) cells and T cells that regulates immune responses during infection, cancer and autoimmunity. NKG2D ligands comprise a diverse array of MHC-class-I-related proteins that are upregulated by cellular stress. Why is it beneficial for the host to have so many ligands for the same receptor? In this Opinion article, we propose that although competition with viruses is the most likely evolutionary drive for this diversity, there might be other explanations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Eagle
- Robert A. Eagle and John Trowsdale are at the University of Cambridge Department of Pathology, Cambridge Institute for Medical Research, Wellcome Trust/MRC Building, Addenbrookes Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 OXY, UK.
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