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Wang D, Dou L, Sui L, Xue Y, Xu S. Natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e626. [PMID: 38882209 PMCID: PMC11179524 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as innate lymphocytes, possess cytotoxic capabilities and engage target cells through a repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. Particularly, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on NK cells recognizes stress-induced ligands-the MHC class I chain-related molecules A and B (MICA/B) presented on tumor cells and is key to trigger the cytolytic response of NK cells. However, tumors have developed sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell surveillance, which lead to failure of tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarized these immune escaping strategies, including the downregulation of ligands for activating receptors, upregulation of ligands for inhibitory receptors, secretion of immunosuppressive compounds, and the development of apoptosis resistance. Then, we focus on recent advancements in NK cell immune therapies, which include engaging activating NK cell receptors, upregulating NKG2D ligand MICA/B expression, blocking inhibitory NK cell receptors, adoptive NK cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK), and NKG2D CAR-T cells, especially several vaccines targeting MICA/B. This review will inspire the research in NK cell biology in tumor and provide significant hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- DanRu Wang
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LingYun Dou
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LiHao Sui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Yiquan Xue
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation Dongfang Hospital Shanghai China
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2
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Ouyang P, Wang L, Wu J, Tian Y, Chen C, Li D, Yao Z, Chen R, Xiang G, Gong J, Bao Z. Overcoming cold tumors: a combination strategy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1344272. [PMID: 38545114 PMCID: PMC10965539 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1344272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs) therapy has advanced significantly in treating malignant tumors, though most 'cold' tumors show no response. This resistance mainly arises from the varied immune evasion mechanisms. Hence, understanding the transformation from 'cold' to 'hot' tumors is essential in developing effective cancer treatments. Furthermore, tumor immune profiling is critical, requiring a range of diagnostic techniques and biomarkers for evaluation. The success of immunotherapy relies on T cells' ability to recognize and eliminate tumor cells. In 'cold' tumors, the absence of T cell infiltration leads to the ineffectiveness of ICI therapy. Addressing these challenges, especially the impairment in T cell activation and homing, is crucial to enhance ICI therapy's efficacy. Concurrently, strategies to convert 'cold' tumors into 'hot' ones, including boosting T cell infiltration and adoptive therapies such as T cell-recruiting bispecific antibodies and Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cells, are under extensive exploration. Thus, identifying key factors that impact tumor T cell infiltration is vital for creating effective treatments targeting 'cold' tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ouyang
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jianlong Wu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yao Tian
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Caiyun Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Dengsheng Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zengxi Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ruichang Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Guoan Xiang
- Department of General Surgery, Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jin Gong
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhen Bao
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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3
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Luah YH, Wu T, Cheow LF. Identification, sorting and profiling of functional killer cells via the capture of fluorescent target-cell lysate. Nat Biomed Eng 2024; 8:248-262. [PMID: 37652987 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01089-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Assays for assessing cell-mediated cytotoxicity are largely target-cell-centric and cannot identify and isolate subpopulations of cytotoxic effector cells. Here we describe an assay compatible with flow cytometry for the accurate identification and sorting of functional killer-cell subpopulations in co-cultures. The assay, which we named PAINTKiller (for 'proximity affinity intracellular transfer identification of killer cells'), relies on the detection of an intracellular fluorescent protein 'painted' by a lysed cell on the surface of the lysing cytotoxic cell (specifically, on cell lysis the intracellular fluorescein derivative carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester is captured on the surface of the natural killer cell by an antibody for anti-fluorescein isothiocyanate linked to an antibody for the pan-leucocyte surface receptor CD45). The assay can be integrated with single-cell RNA sequencing for the analysis of molecular pathways associated with cell cytotoxicity and may be used to uncover correlates of functional immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yen Hoon Luah
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Critical Analytics for Manufacturing of Personalized-Medicine Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore-MIT Alliance in Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Tongjin Wu
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lih Feng Cheow
- Institute for Health Innovation and Technology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Critical Analytics for Manufacturing of Personalized-Medicine Interdisciplinary Research Group, Singapore-MIT Alliance in Research and Technology, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
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4
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Hasan MF, Campbell AR, Croom-Perez TJ, Oyer JL, Dieffenthaller TA, Robles-Carrillo LD, Cash CA, Eloriaga JE, Kumar S, Andersen BW, Naeimi Kararoudi M, Tullius BP, Lee DA, Copik AJ. Knockout of the inhibitory receptor TIGIT enhances the antitumor response of ex vivo expanded NK cells and prevents fratricide with therapeutic Fc-active TIGIT antibodies. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007502. [PMID: 38081778 PMCID: PMC10729131 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007502] [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] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibitory receptor T-cell Immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) expressed by Natural Killer (NK) and T cells regulates cancer immunity and has been touted as the next frontier in the development of cancer immunotherapeutics. Although early results of anti-TIGIT and its combinations with antiprogrammed death-ligand 1 were highly exciting, results from an interim analysis of phase III trials are disappointing. With mixed results, there is a need to understand the effects of therapeutic anti-TIGIT on the TIGIT+ immune cells to support its clinical use. Most of the TIGIT antibodies in development have an Fc-active domain, which binds to Fc receptors on effector cells. In mouse models, Fc-active anti-TIGIT induced superior immunity, while Fc receptor engagement was required for its efficacy. NK-cell depletion compromised the antitumor immunity of anti-TIGIT indicating the essential role of NK cells in the efficacy of anti-TIGIT. Since NK cells express TIGIT and Fc-receptor CD16, Fc-active anti-TIGIT may deplete NK cells via fratricide, which has not been studied. METHODS CRISPR-Cas9-based TIGIT knockout (KO) was performed in expanded NK cells. Phenotypic and transcriptomic properties of TIGIT KO and wild-type (WT) NK cells were compared with flow cytometry, CyTOF, and RNA sequencing. The effect of TIGIT KO on NK-cell cytotoxicity was determined by calcein-AM release and live cell imaging-based cytotoxicity assays. The metabolic properties of TIGIT KO and WT NK cells were compared with a Seahorse analyzer. The effect of the Fc-component of anti-TIGIT on NK-cell fratricide was determined by co-culturing WT and TIGIT KO NK cells with Fc-active and Fc-inactive anti-TIGIT. RESULTS TIGIT KO increased the cytotoxicity of NK cells against multiple cancer cell lines including spheroids. TIGIT KO NK cells upregulated mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and had better metabolic fitness with an increased basal glycolytic rate when co-cultured with cancer cells compared with WT NK cells. Importantly, TIGIT KO prevented NK-cell fratricide when combined with Fc-active anti-TIGIT. CONCLUSIONS TIGIT KO in ex vivo expanded NK cells increased their cytotoxicity and metabolic fitness and prevented NK-cell fratricide when combined with Fc-active anti-TIGIT antibodies. These fratricide-resistant TIGIT KO NK cells have therapeutic potential alone or in combination with Fc-active anti-TIGIT antibodies to enhance their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faqrul Hasan
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Amanda R Campbell
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jeremiah L Oyer
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | | | - Liza D Robles-Carrillo
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Catherine A Cash
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jonathan E Eloriaga
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Sanjana Kumar
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Brendan W Andersen
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Meisam Naeimi Kararoudi
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian P Tullius
- Pediatric Cellular Therapies, AdventHealth for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Dean A Lee
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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5
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Hojjatipour T, Sharifzadeh Z, Maali A, Azad M. Chimeric antigen receptor-natural killer cells: a promising sword against insidious tumor cells. Hum Cell 2023; 36:1843-1864. [PMID: 37477869 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00948-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical component of innate immunity, particularly in initial cancer recognition and inhibition of additional tumor growth or metastasis propagation. NK cells recognize transformed cells without prior sensitization via stimulatory receptors and rapidly eradicate them. However, the protective tumor microenvironment facilitates tumor escaping via induction of an exhaustion state in immune cells, including NK cells. Hence, genetic manipulation of NK cells for specific identification of tumor-associated antigens or a more robust response against tumor cells is a promising strategy for NK cells' tumoricidal augmentation. Regarding the remarkable achievement of engineered CAR-T cells in treating hematologic malignancies, there is evolving interest in CAR-NK cell recruitment in cancer immunotherapy. Innate functionality of NK cells, higher safety, superior in vivo maintenance, and the off-the-shelf potential move CAR-NK-based therapy superior to CAR-T cells treatment. In this review, we have comprehensively discussed the recent genetic manipulations of CAR-NK cell manufacturing regarding different domains of CAR constructs and their following delivery systems into diverse sources of NK cells. Then highlight the preclinical and clinical investigations of CAR-NK cells and examine the current challenges and prospects as an optimistic remedy in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciecnes, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, 3419759811, Iran.
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6
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Motallebnejad P, Kantardjieff A, Cichocki F, Azarin SM, Hu WS. Process engineering of natural killer cell-based immunotherapy. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1314-1326. [PMID: 37142447 PMCID: PMC10523923 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy offers the potential for curative treatment of cancers. Although T cells have been the predominantly used cell type, natural killer (NK) cells have attracted great attention owing to their ability to kill cancer cells and because they are naturally suitable for allogeneic applications. Upon stimulation by cytokines or activation by a target cell, NK cells proliferate and expand their population. These cytotoxic NK cells can be cryopreserved and used as an off-the-shelf medicine. The production process for NK cells thus differs from that of autologous cell therapies. We briefly outline key biological features of NK cells, review the manufacturing technologies for protein biologics, and discuss their adaptation for developing robust NK cell biomanufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedram Motallebnejad
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Frank Cichocki
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Samira M Azarin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Wei-Shou Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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7
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Shman TV, Vashkevich KP, Migas AA, Matveyenka MA, Lasiukov YA, Mukhametshyna NS, Horbach KI, Aleinikova OV. Phenotypic and functional characterisation of locally produced natural killer cells ex vivo expanded with the K562-41BBL-mbIL21 cell line. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:2551-2560. [PMID: 36527513 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00974-2] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We characterised the expansion, phenotype and functional activity of natural killer (NK) cells obtained for a clinical trial. Nineteen expansion procedures were performed to obtain NK cell products for 16 patients. NK cells were expanded ex vivo from haploidentical donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of the locally generated feeder cell line K-562 with ectopic expression of 4-1BBL and mbIL-21. The median duration of expansion was 18 days (interquartile range 15-19). The median number of live cells yielded was 2.26 × 109 (range 1.6-3.4 × 109) with an NK content of 96.6% (range 95.1-97.9%). The median NK cell fold expansion was 171 (range 124-275). NK cell fold expansion depended on the number of seeded NK cells, the initial level of C-myc expression and the initial number of mature and immature NK cells. The majority of expanded NK cells had the phenotype of immature activated cells (NKG2A + , double bright CD56 + + CD16 + + , CD57-) expressing NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKG2D, CD69, HLA-DR and CD96. Despite the expression of exhaustion markers, expanded NK cells exhibited high cytolytic activity against leukaemia cell lines, high degranulation activity and cytokine production. There was a noted decrease in the functional activity of NK cells in tests against the patient's blasts.In conclusion, NK cells obtained by ex vivo expansion with locally generated K562-41BBL-mbIL21 cells had a relatively undifferentiated phenotype and enhanced cytolytic activity against cancer cell lines. Expansion of NK cells with feeder cells yielded a sufficient quantity of the NK cell product to reach high cell doses or increase the frequency of cell infusions for adoptive immunotherapy. Registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04327037.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsiana V Shman
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus.
| | - Katsiaryna P Vashkevich
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Alexandr A Migas
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Mikhail A Matveyenka
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Yauheni A Lasiukov
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Nastassia S Mukhametshyna
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Katsiaryna I Horbach
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Olga V Aleinikova
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
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8
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Kitamura T. Tumour-associated macrophages as a potential target to improve natural killer cell-based immunotherapies. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:1003-1014. [PMID: 37313600 PMCID: PMC10539946 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20230002] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of natural killer (NK) cells has been proposed as a novel immunotherapy for malignant tumours resistant to current therapeutic modalities. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that the NK cell-infusion is well tolerated without severe side effects and shows promising results in haematological malignancies. However, patients with malignant solid tumours do not show significant responses to this therapy. Such disappointing results largely arise from the inefficient delivery of infused NK cells and the impairment of their functions in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant stromal cells in the TME of most solid tumours, and a high TAM density correlates with poor prognosis of cancer patients. Although our knowledge of the interactions between TAMs and NK cells is limited, many studies have indicated that TAMs suppress NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Therefore, blockade of TAM functions can be an attractive strategy to improve NK cell-based immunotherapies. On the other hand, macrophages are reported to activate NK cells under certain circumstances. This essay presents our current knowledge about mechanisms by which macrophages regulate NK cell functions and discusses possible therapeutic approaches to block macrophage-mediated NK cell suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Kitamura
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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9
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Li M, Zhang A, Wang Y, Chen J, Qi X, Ma Y, Huang C, Xiong Y, Zhang X, Xia W, Li D, Liu Y, Zuo Z, Li J. Cycloartenyl ferulate improves natural killer (NK) cell immunity against cancer by binding to IFNγ receptor 1. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:104990. [PMID: 37392850 PMCID: PMC10400924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.104990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cycloartenyl ferulate (CF) is abundant in brown rice with multiple biologic functions. It has been reported to possess antitumor activity; however, the related mechanism of action of CF has not been clarified. Herein, we unexpectedly uncover the immunological regulation effects of CF and its molecular mechanism. We discovered that CF directly enhanced the killing capacity of natural killer (NK) cells for various cancer cells in vitro. In vivo, CF also improved cancer surveillance in mouse models of lymphoma clearance and metastatic melanoma dependent on NK cells. In addition, CF promoted anticancer efficacy of the anti-PD1 antibody with improvement of tumor immune microenvironment. Mechanistically, we first unveiled that CF acted on the canonical JAK1/2-STAT1 signaling pathway to enhance the immunity of the NK cells by selectively binding to interferon γ receptor 1. Collectively, our results indicate that CF is a promising immunoregulation agent worthy of attention in clinical application in the future. Due to broad biological significance of interferon γ, our findings also provide a capability to understand the diverse functions of CF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Aotong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Yanqing Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Jiaxin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Yuanren Ma
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Chunxiao Huang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Ying Xiong
- School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Wenjiao Xia
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Dehai Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Yankai Liu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Zhicheng Zuo
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Center for Druggability of Cardiovascular Noncoding RNA, Institute for Frontier Medical Technology, Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, P. R. China.
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China.
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10
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Hasan MF, Croom-Perez TJ, Oyer JL, Dieffenthaller TA, Robles-Carrillo LD, Eloriaga JE, Kumar S, Andersen BW, Copik AJ. TIGIT Expression on Activated NK Cells Correlates with Greater Anti-Tumor Activity but Promotes Functional Decline upon Lung Cancer Exposure: Implications for Adoptive Cell Therapy and TIGIT-Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2712. [PMID: 37345049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatments targeting TIGIT have gained a lot of attention due to strong preclinical and early clinical results, particularly with anti-PD-(L)1 therapeutics. However, this combination has failed to meet progression-free survival endpoints in phase III trials. Most of our understanding of TIGIT comes from studies of T cell function. Yet, this inhibitory receptor is often upregulated to the same, or higher, extent on NK cells in cancers. Studies in murine models have demonstrated that TIGIT inhibits NK cells and promotes exhaustion, with its effects on tumor control also being dependent on NK cells. However, there are limited studies assessing the role of TIGIT on the function of human NK cells (hNK), particularly in lung cancer. Most studies used NK cell lines or tested TIGIT blockade to reactivate exhausted cells obtained from cancer patients. For therapeutic advancement, a better understanding of TIGIT in the context of activated hNK cells is crucial, which is different than exhausted NK cells, and critical in the context of adoptive NK cell therapeutics that may be combined with TIGIT blockade. In this study, the effect of TIGIT blockade on the anti-tumor activities of human ex vivo-expanded NK cells was evaluated in vitro in the context of lung cancer. TIGIT expression was higher on activated and/or expanded NK cells compared to resting NK cells. More TIGIT+ NK cells expressed major activating receptors and exerted anti-tumor response as compared to TIGIT- cells, indicating that NK cells with greater anti-tumor function express more TIGIT. However, long-term TIGIT engagement upon exposure to PVR+ tumors downregulated the cytotoxic function of expanded NK cells while the inclusion of TIGIT blockade increased cytotoxicity, restored the effector functions against PVR-positive targets, and upregulated immune inflammation-related gene sets. These combined results indicate that TIGIT blockade can preserve the activation state of NK cells during exposure to PVR+ tumors. These results support the notion that a functional NK cell compartment is critical for anti-tumor response and anti-TIGIT/adoptive NK cell combinations have the potential to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faqrul Hasan
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Jeremiah L Oyer
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Thomas A Dieffenthaller
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Liza D Robles-Carrillo
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Jonathan E Eloriaga
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Sanjana Kumar
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Brendan W Andersen
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
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11
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Yoon DH, Koh Y, Jung M, Kwak JE, Shin EC, Hwang YK, Kim WS. Phase I Study: Safety and Efficacy of an Ex Vivo-Expanded Allogeneic Natural Killer Cell (MG4101) with Rituximab for Relapsed/Refractory B Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Transplant Cell Ther 2023; 29:253.e1-253.e9. [PMID: 36610490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The prognosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) remains poor, with an unmet need for novel therapies. MG4101, an ex vivo-expanded allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell, can enhance rituximab antibody-dependent cytotoxicity in relapsed/refractory (r/r) B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of MG4101 plus rituximab for patients with r/r NHL. Patients received escalating doses of i.v. MG4101 plus rituximab every 2 weeks. IL-2 was administered s.c. after MG4101 treatment. Fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide was administered i.v. before rituximab treatment in cycles 1, 3, and 5. A 3+3 design was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and maximum feasible dose. Assessments were performed over a 6-cycle period, with an extended maintenance period of up to 8 cycles. Nine patients received 3 different doses of MG4101 and rituximab. MTD could not be determined because of the absence of dose-limiting toxicity. Treatment-related adverse events, mostly grade 1 or 2, occurred in 89% of patients. Only 1 patient experienced grade 1 cytokine release syndrome. MG4101 persisted for at least 7 days in 7 patients. Four patients achieved a partial response and 1 patient attained a complete response, for an overall response rate of 55.6%. Two patients showed prolonged responses and low exhaustion marker levels in T cells. For allogeneic NK cell therapy, strategies including the use of the high-affinity hFcγRIIIaV158 variant of the KIR B/x haplotype with lymphodepleting chemotherapy may be promising options for improving clinical efficacy in the antibody combination therapeutic setting as an off-the-shelf product. MG4101 plus rituximab presented a favorable safety profile and overall response rate in patients with r/r NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dok Hyun Yoon
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youngil Koh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Miyoung Jung
- Cell Therapy Research Center, GC Cell, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Kwak
- Cell Therapy Research Center, GC Cell, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Won Seog Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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12
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Addressing Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction and Plasticity in Cell-Based Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061743. [PMID: 36980629 PMCID: PMC10046032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC), known for their role as killers of stressed, cancerous, and virally infected cells. Beyond this cytotoxic function, NK cell subsets can influence broader immune responses through cytokine production and have been linked to central roles in non-immune processes, such as the regulation of vascular remodeling in pregnancy and cancer. Attempts to exploit the anti-tumor functions of NK cells have driven the development of various NK cell-based therapies, which have shown promise in both pre-clinical disease models and early clinical trials. However, certain elements of the tumor microenvironment, such as elevated transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, hypoxia, and indoalemine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), are known to suppress NK cell function, potentially limiting the longevity and activity of these approaches. Recent studies have also identified these factors as contributors to NK cell plasticity, defined by the conversion of classical cytotoxic NK cells into poorly cytotoxic, tissue-resident, or ILC1-like phenotypes. This review summarizes the current approaches for NK cell-based cancer therapies and examines the challenges presented by tumor-linked NK cell suppression and plasticity. Ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges are discussed, along with the potential utility of NK cell therapies to applications outside cancer.
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13
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Minaei N, Ramezankhani R, Tamimi A, Piryaei A, Zarrabi A, Aref AR, Mostafavi E, Vosough M. Immunotherapeutic approaches in Hepatocellular carcinoma: Building blocks of hope in near future. Eur J Cell Biol 2023; 102:151284. [PMID: 36584598 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2022.151284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common type of primary hepatic cancer and is among the major causes of mortality due to cancer. Due to the lack of efficient conventional therapeutic options for this cancer, particularly in advanced cases, novel treatments including immunotherapy have been considered. However, despite the encouraging clinical outcomes after implementing these innovative approaches, such as oncolytic viruses (OVs), adoptive cell therapies (ACT), immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs), and cancer vaccines, several factors have restricted their therapeutic effect. The main concern is the existence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Combination of different ICBs or ICBs plus tyrosine kinase inhibitors have shown promising results in overcoming these limiting factors to some extent. Combination of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) antibody Atezolizumab and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) antibody Bevacizumab has become the standard of care in the first-line therapy for untestable HCC, approved by regulatory agencies. This paper highlighted a wide overview of the direct and indirect immunotherapeutic strategies proposed for the treatment of HCC patients and the common challenges that have hindered their further clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Minaei
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Roya Ramezankhani
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven Stem Cell Institute, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Atena Tamimi
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Piryaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, Istanbul 34396, Turkey
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ebrahim Mostafavi
- Stanford Cardiovascular Institute, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA 94305, USA.
| | - Massoud Vosough
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran; Experimental Cancer Medicine, Institution for Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital-Huddinge, Sweden.
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14
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Zafarani A, Taghavi-Farahabadi M, Razizadeh MH, Amirzargar MR, Mansouri M, Mahmoudi M. The Role of NK Cells and Their Exosomes in Graft Versus Host Disease and Graft Versus Leukemia. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:26-45. [PMID: 35994137 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the innate immune cells that play an important role in preventing and controlling tumors and viral diseases, but their role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is not yet fully understood. However, according to some research, these cells can prevent infections and tumor relapse without causing graft versus host disease (GVHD). In addition to NK cells, several studies are about the anti-leukemia effects of NK cell-derived exosomes that can highlight their roles in graft-versus-leukemia (GVL). In this paper, we intend to investigate the results of various articles on the role of NK cells in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and also their exosomes in GVL. Also, we have discussed the antiviral effects of these cells in post-HCT cytomegalovirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zafarani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Taghavi-Farahabadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Amirzargar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoure Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahmoudi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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Tong L, Jiménez-Cortegana C, Tay AHM, Wickström S, Galluzzi L, Lundqvist A. NK cells and solid tumors: therapeutic potential and persisting obstacles. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:206. [PMID: 36319998 PMCID: PMC9623927 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01672-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, which are innate lymphocytes endowed with potent cytotoxic activity, have recently attracted attention as potential anticancer therapeutics. While NK cells mediate encouraging responses in patients with leukemia, the therapeutic effects of NK cell infusion in patients with solid tumors are limited. Preclinical and clinical data suggest that the efficacy of NK cell infusion against solid malignancies is hampered by several factors including inadequate tumor infiltration and persistence/activation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). A number of metabolic features of the TME including hypoxia as well as elevated levels of adenosine, reactive oxygen species, and prostaglandins negatively affect NK cell activity. Moreover, cancer-associated fibroblasts, tumor-associated macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, and regulatory T cells actively suppress NK cell-dependent anticancer immunity. Here, we review the metabolic and cellular barriers that inhibit NK cells in solid neoplasms as we discuss potential strategies to circumvent such obstacles towards superior therapeutic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le Tong
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carlos Jiménez-Cortegana
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Apple H M Tay
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biological Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Stina Wickström
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA.
- Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
- Caryl and Israel Englander Institute for Precision Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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16
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Koh SK, Park J, Kim SE, Lim Y, Phan MTT, Kim J, Hwang I, Ahn YO, Shin S, Doh J, Cho D. Natural Killer Cell Expansion and Cytotoxicity Differ Depending on the Culture Medium Used. Ann Lab Med 2022; 42:638-649. [PMID: 35765872 PMCID: PMC9277036 DOI: 10.3343/alm.2022.42.6.638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Adoptive cell therapy using umbilical cord blood (UCB)-derived allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells has shown encouraging results. However, because of the insufficient availability of NK cells and limited UCB volume, more effective culture methods are required. NK cell expansion and functionality are largely affected by the culture medium. While human serum is a major affecting component in culture media, the way it regulates NK cell functionality remains elusive. We elucidated the effects of different culture media and human serum supplementation on UCB NK cell expansion and functionality. Methods UCB NK cells were cultured under stimulation with K562-OX40L-mbIL-18/21 feeder cells and IL-2 and IL-15 in serum-containing and serum-free culture media. The effects of the culture media and human serum supplementation on NK cell expansion and cytotoxicity were evaluated by analyzing the expansion rate, activating and inhibitory receptor levels, and the cytotoxicity of the UCB NK cells. Results The optimal medium for NK cell expansion was Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium/Ham’s F12 with supplements and that for cytotoxicity was AIM V supplemented with Immune Cell Serum Replacement. Shifting media is an advantageous strategy for obtaining several highly functional UCB NK cells. Live cell imaging and killing time measurement revealed that human serum enhanced NK cell proliferation but delayed target recognition, resulting in reduced cytotoxicity. Conclusions Culture medium supplementation with human serum strongly affects UCB NK cell expansion and functionality. Thus, culture media should be carefully selected to ensure both NK cell quantity and quality for adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kwon Koh
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeehun Park
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong-Eun Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea
| | - Yuree Lim
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Korea
| | - Minh-Trang Thi Phan
- Cell and Gene Therapy Institute (CGTI), Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jinho Kim
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ilwoong Hwang
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Gumi Hospital, Gumi, Korea
| | - Yong-Oon Ahn
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sue Shin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University (SMG-SNU) Boramae Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Junsang Doh
- Research Institute of Advanced Materials (RIAM), Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea.,Institute of Engineering Research, Bio-MAX Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Duck Cho
- Department of Health Sciences and Technology, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, Korea.,Cell and Gene Therapy Institute (CGTI), Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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17
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Pinto S, Pahl J, Schottelius A, Carter PJ, Koch J. Reimagining antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in cancer: the potential of natural killer cell engagers. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:932-946. [PMID: 36306739 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Bi-, tri- and multispecific antibodies have enabled the development of targeted cancer immunotherapies redirecting immune effector cells to eliminate malignantly transformed cells. These antibodies allow for simultaneous binding of surface antigens on malignant cells and activating receptors on innate immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Significant progress with such antibodies has been achieved, particularly in hematological malignancies. Nevertheless, several major challenges remain, including increasing their immunotherapeutic efficacy in a greater proportion of patients, particularly in those harboring solid tumors, and overcoming dose-limiting toxicities and immunogenicity. Here, we discuss novel antibody-engineering developments designed to maximize the potential of NK cells by NK cell engagers mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), thereby expanding the armamentarium for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul J Carter
- Genentech, Department of Antibody Engineering, San Francisco, CA, USA
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18
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Yusubalieva GM, Dashinimaev EB, Gorchakov AA, Kulemzin SV, Brovkina OA, Kalinkin AA, Vinokurov AG, Shirmanova MV, Taranin AV, Baklaushev VP. Enhanced Natural Killers with CISH and B2M Gene Knockouts Reveal Increased Cytotoxicity in Glioblastoma Primary Cultures. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322050156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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19
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Park SJ, Yoon HJ, Gu EY, Lee BS, Kim Y, Jung J, Kim J, Moon KS. A general toxicity and biodistribution study of human natural killer cells by single or repeated intravenous dose in severe combined immune deficient mice. Toxicol Res 2022; 38:545-555. [PMID: 36277368 PMCID: PMC9532477 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-022-00138-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are a part of the innate immune system and represent the first line of defense against infections and tumors. NK cells can eliminate tumor cells without major histocompatibility restriction and are independent of the expression of tumor-associated antigens. Therefore, they are considered an emerging tool for cancer immunotherapy. However, the general toxicity and biodistribution of NK cells after transplantation remain to be understood. This study was conducted to evaluate the general toxicity and biodistribution of human NK cells after single or repeated intravenous dosing in severely combined immunodeficient (SCID) mice. There were no test item-related toxicological changes in single and repeated administration groups. The no observed adverse effect level of human NK cells was 2 × 107 cells/head for both male and female SCID mice. Results from the biodistribution study showed that human NK cells were mainly distributed in the lungs, and a small number of the cells were detected in the liver, heart, spleen, and kidney of SCID mice, in both the single and repeated dose groups. Additionally, human NK cells were completely eliminated from all organs of the mice in the single dose group on day 7, while the cells persisted in mice in the repeated dose group until day 64. In conclusion, transplantation of human NK cells in SCID mice had no toxic effects. The cells were mainly distributed in the lungs and completely disappeared from the body over time after single or repeated intravenous administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Jin Park
- Department of Toxicological Evaluation and Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gaejeongro, Yuseong gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae-Jin Yoon
- Department of Toxicological Evaluation and Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gaejeongro, Yuseong gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Young Gu
- Department of Toxicological Evaluation and Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gaejeongro, Yuseong gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Byoung-Seok Lee
- Department of Toxicological Evaluation and Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gaejeongro, Yuseong gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongman Kim
- NKMAX Co., Ltd, SNUH Healthcare Innovation Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeseob Jung
- NKMAX Co., Ltd, SNUH Healthcare Innovation Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea
| | - Jinmoon Kim
- NKMAX Co., Ltd, SNUH Healthcare Innovation Park, Seongnam, Gyeonggi-do Republic of Korea
| | - Kyoung-Sik Moon
- Department of Toxicological Evaluation and Research, Korea Institute of Toxicology, 141 Gaejeongro, Yuseong gu, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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20
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Xia W, Qi X, Li M, Wu Y, Sun L, Fan X, Yuan Y, Li J. Metformin promotes anticancer activity of NK cells in a p38 MAPK dependent manner. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1995999. [PMID: 34745769 PMCID: PMC8565822 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1995999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a drug prescribed to treat type 2 diabetes, has been reported to possess antitumor activity via immunity activation. However, the influence of metformin on natural killer (NK) cells is not fully understood. Here, we investigated whether metformin exerts a potent anticancer effect by activating NK cells. The results showed that sustained exposure to metformin enhances the cytolytic activity of NK-92 cells. Moreover, this enhancement of cytotoxicity by metformin was also observed in NK cells from healthy peripheral blood and cancer patient ascites. Mechanistically, metformin induced activation of the JAK1/2/3/STAT5 and AKT/mTOR pathways in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner rather than an AMPK-dependent manner. In vivo experiments, metformin also improved cancer surveillance of NK cells in mouse models of lymphoma clearance and metastatic melanoma. Additionally, combination treatment with metformin and anti-PD-1 antibodies increased the therapy response rates of B16F10 melanoma. Moreover, metformin treatment increased NK cell and T cell infiltration in tumors. Therefore, these results provide a deeper understanding of metformin on the effector function of NK cells and will contribute to the development and applications of metformin in cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjiao Xia
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Xin Qi
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Mingfeng Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Yu Wu
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Lulu Sun
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Xinglong Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital (Qingdao), Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Department of Laboratory, Yushan Campus Hospital, Hospital of Ocean University of China, Qingdao, P. R. China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs, Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, P. R. China.,Open Studio for Druggability Research of Marine Natural Products, Pilot National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (Qingdao), Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, P. R. China
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21
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Kiekens L, Van Loocke W, Taveirne S, Wahlen S, Persyn E, Van Ammel E, De Vos Z, Matthys P, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Taghon T, Van Vlierberghe P, Vandekerckhove B, Leclercq G. T-BET and EOMES Accelerate and Enhance Functional Differentiation of Human Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:732511. [PMID: 34630413 PMCID: PMC8497824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.732511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T-bet and Eomes are transcription factors that are known to be important in maturation and function of murine natural killer (NK) cells. Reduced T-BET and EOMES expression results in dysfunctional NK cells and failure to control tumor growth. In contrast to mice, the current knowledge on the role of T-BET and EOMES in human NK cells is rudimentary. Here, we ectopically expressed either T-BET or EOMES in human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Combined transcriptome, chromatin accessibility and protein expression analyses revealed that T-BET or EOMES epigenetically represses hematopoietic stem cell quiescence and non-NK lineage differentiation genes, while activating an NK cell-specific transcriptome and thereby drastically accelerating NK cell differentiation. In this model, the effects of T-BET and EOMES are largely overlapping, yet EOMES shows a superior role in early NK cell maturation and induces faster NK receptor and enhanced CD16 expression. T-BET particularly controls transcription of terminal maturation markers and epigenetically controls strong induction of KIR expression. Finally, NK cells generated upon T-BET or EOMES overexpression display improved functionality, including increased IFN-γ production and killing, and especially EOMES overexpression NK cells have enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Our findings reveal novel insights on the regulatory role of T-BET and EOMES in human NK cell maturation and function, which is essential to further understand human NK cell biology and to optimize adoptive NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kiekens
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Loocke
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Taveirne
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Wahlen
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Persyn
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els Van Ammel
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zenzi De Vos
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick Matthys
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Taghon
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
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22
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Lee EHC, Wong DCP, Ding JL. NK Cells in a Tug-of-War With Cancer: The Roles of Transcription Factors and Cytoskeleton. Front Immunol 2021; 12:734551. [PMID: 34594338 PMCID: PMC8476995 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.734551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells which play a key role in shaping the immune response against cancer. Initially hailed for their potential to recognise and eliminate tumour cells, their application has been greatly hindered by the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) which suppresses NK functions (e.g., cytotoxicity). This dysfunctional state that is accompanied by phenotypic changes such as upregulation of inhibitory receptors and downregulation of activating receptors, forms the basis of what many researchers have referred to as ‘exhausted’ NK cells. However, there is no consensus on whether these phenotypes are sufficient to define an exhausted state of the NK cell. While recent advances in checkpoint inhibition appear to show promise in early-stage pre-clinical studies, much remains to be fully explored and understood in the context of the TME. The TME is where the NK cells are subjected to interaction with various cell types and soluble factors, which could exert an inhibitory effect on NK cytotoxicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the general markers of NK cell exhaustion viz, the surface activating and inhibitory receptors. We also highlight the potential role of T-box transcription factors in characterising such a dysfunctional state and discuss the often-overlooked mechanism of cell cytoskeletal dynamics in regulating NK cell function. These aspects may further contribute to NK exhaustion or NK revival in cancer and may open new avenues to explore cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeak Ling Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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23
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Gingrich AA, Reiter TE, Judge SJ, York D, Yanagisawa M, Razmara A, Sturgill I, Basmaci UN, Brady RV, Stoffel K, Murphy WJ, Rebhun RB, Brown CT, Canter RJ. Comparative Immunogenomics of Canine Natural Killer Cells as Immunotherapy Target. Front Immunol 2021; 12:670309. [PMID: 34594320 PMCID: PMC8476892 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are key effectors of the innate immune system, but major differences between human and murine NK cells have impeded translation. Outbred dogs offer an important link for studies of NK biology and immunotherapy. We analyzed gene expression of putative NK populations from healthy dogs and dogs with naturally-occurring cancers examining differential gene expression across multiple conditions, including steady-state, in vitro activation with cytokines and co-culture, and in vivo activation with inhaled IL-15 in dogs receiving IL-15 immunotherapy. We also compared dog, mouse and human CD3-NKp46+ NK cells using a novel orthologous transcriptome. Distinct transcriptional profiles between NK populations exist between conditions and in vitro versus in vivo treatments. In cross-species analysis, canine NK cells were globally more similar to human NK cells than mice. These data define canine NK cell gene expression under multiple conditions and across species, filling an important gap in translational NK studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A. Gingrich
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Taylor E. Reiter
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sean J. Judge
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Daniel York
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Mio Yanagisawa
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Aryana Razmara
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Ian Sturgill
- Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Ugur Nur Basmaci
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Rachel V. Brady
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Kevin Stoffel
- Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - William J. Murphy
- Department of Dermatology and Internal Medicine, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Robert B. Rebhun
- Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - C. Titus Brown
- Department of Population Health and Reproduction, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Robert J. Canter
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
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24
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Kwee BJ, Sung KE. Engineering microenvironments for manufacturing therapeutic cells. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2021; 246:1845-1856. [PMID: 34250847 DOI: 10.1177/15353702211026922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
There are a growing number of globally approved products and clinical trials utilizing autologous and allogeneic therapeutic cells for applications in regenerative medicine and immunotherapies. However, there is a need to develop rapid and cost-effective methods for manufacturing therapeutically effective cells. Furthermore, the resulting manufactured cells may exhibit heterogeneities that result in mixed therapeutic outcomes. Engineering approaches that can provide distinct microenvironmental cues to these cells may be able to enhance the growth and characterization of these cell products. This mini-review describes strategies to potentially enhance the expansion of therapeutic cells with biomaterials and bioreactors, as well as to characterize the cell products with microphysiological systems. These systems can provide distinct cues to maintain the quality attributes of the cells and evaluate their function in physiologically relevant conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian J Kwee
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20903, USA
| | - Kyung E Sung
- Division of Cellular and Gene Therapies, Office of Tissues and Advanced Therapies, Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD 20903, USA
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25
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Gong Y, Klein Wolterink RGJ, Wang J, Bos GMJ, Germeraad WTV. Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer (CAR-NK) cell design and engineering for cancer therapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:73. [PMID: 33933160 PMCID: PMC8088725 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01083-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to their efficient recognition and lysis of malignant cells, natural killer (NK) cells are considered as specialized immune cells that can be genetically modified to obtain capable effector cells for adoptive cellular treatment of cancer patients. However, biological and technical hurdles related to gene delivery into NK cells have dramatically restrained progress. Recent technological advancements, including improved cell expansion techniques, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and enhanced viral transduction and electroporation, have endowed comprehensive generation and characterization of genetically modified NK cells. These promising developments assist scientists and physicians to design better applications of NK cells in clinical therapy. Notably, redirecting NK cells using CARs holds important promise for cancer immunotherapy. Various preclinical and a limited number of clinical studies using CAR-NK cells show promising results: efficient elimination of target cells without side effects, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity which are seen in CAR-T therapies. In this review, we focus on the details of CAR-NK technology, including the design of efficient and safe CAR constructs and associated NK cell engineering techniques: the vehicles to deliver the CAR-containing transgene, detection methods for CARs, as well as NK cell sources and NK cell expansion. We summarize the current CAR-NK cell literature and include valuable lessons learned from the CAR-T cell field. This review also provides an outlook on how these approaches may transform current clinical products and protocols for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Roel G J Klein Wolterink
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Jianxiang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology and Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.,CiMaas BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Wilfred T V Germeraad
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,GROW - School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands. .,CiMaas BV, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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26
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Natural Killer-Dendritic Cell Interactions in Liver Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092184. [PMID: 34062821 PMCID: PMC8124166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The reciprocal crosstalk between dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells plays a pivotal role in regulating immune defense against viruses and tumors. The Th-cell polarizing ability, cytokine-producing capacity, chemokine expression, and migration of DCs are regulated by activated NK cells. Conversely, the effector functions including lysis and cytokine production, proliferation, and migration of NK cells are influenced by close interactions with activated DCs. In this review, we explore the impact of DC–NK cell crosstalk and its therapeutic potential in immune control of liver malignances. Abstract Natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DCs) are innate immune cells that play a crucial role in anti-tumor immunity. NK cells kill tumor cells through direct cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. DCs are needed for the activation of adaptive immune responses against tumor cells. Both NK cells and DCs are subdivided in several subsets endowed with specialized effector functions. Crosstalk between NK cells and DCs leads to the reciprocal control of their activation and polarization of immune responses. In this review, we describe the role of NK cells and DCs in liver cancer, focusing on the mechanisms involved in their reciprocal control and activation. In this context, intrahepatic NK cells and DCs present unique immunological features, due to the constant exposure to non-self-circulating antigens. These interactions might play a fundamental role in the pathology of primary liver cancer, namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Additionally, the implications of these immune changes are relevant from the perspective of improving the cancer immunotherapy strategies in HCC and ICC patients.
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27
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Islam R, Pupovac A, Evtimov V, Boyd N, Shu R, Boyd R, Trounson A. Enhancing a Natural Killer: Modification of NK Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051058. [PMID: 33946954 PMCID: PMC8146003 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are potent innate immune system effector lymphocytes armed with multiple mechanisms for killing cancer cells. Given the dynamic roles of NK cells in tumor surveillance, they are fast becoming a next-generation tool for adoptive immunotherapy. Many strategies are being employed to increase their number and improve their ability to overcome cancer resistance and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. These include the use of cytokines and synthetic compounds to bolster propagation and killing capacity, targeting immune-function checkpoints, addition of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to provide cancer specificity and genetic ablation of inhibitory molecules. The next generation of NK cell products will ideally be readily available as an “off-the-shelf” product and stem cell derived to enable potentially unlimited supply. However, several considerations regarding NK cell source, genetic modification and scale up first need addressing. Understanding NK cell biology and interaction within specific tumor contexts will help identify necessary NK cell modifications and relevant choice of NK cell source. Further enhancement of manufacturing processes will allow for off-the-shelf NK cell immunotherapies to become key components of multifaceted therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Islam
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Aleta Pupovac
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Vera Evtimov
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Nicholas Boyd
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Runzhe Shu
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Richard Boyd
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Alan Trounson
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
- Correspondence:
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28
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Li Z, Zhao R, Yang W, Li C, Huang J, Wen Z, Du G, Jiang L. PLCG2 as a potential indicator of tumor microenvironment remodeling in soft tissue sarcoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25008. [PMID: 33725976 PMCID: PMC7982206 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the occurrence and development of soft tissue sarcoma (STS). A number of studies have shown that to inhibit tumor growth, the TME can be remodeled into an environment unsuitable for tumor proliferation. However, a lack of understanding exists regarding the dynamic regulation of TME.In this study, we used CIBERSORT and ESTIMATE calculation methods from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database to calculate the proportion of tumor infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and the number of immune and stromal components in 263 STS samples. Differential expression genes (DEGs) shared by Immune Score and Stromal Score were obtained via difference analysis. Univariate Cox regression analysis and construction of protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were applied to the DEGs.Through intersection analysis of univariate COX and PPI, PLCG2 was determined as the indicator. Further analysis showed that PLCG2 expression was positively correlated with the survival of STS patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that genes in the highly expressed PLCG2 group were enriched in immune-related activities. In the low-expression PLCG2 group, genes were enriched in the E2F, G2M, and MYC pathways. Difference analysis and correlation analysis showed that CD8+ T cells, gamma delta T cells, monocytes, and M1 macrophages were positively correlated with PLCG2 expression, indicating that PLCG2 may represent the immune status of TME.Therefore, the level of PLCG2 may aid in determining the prognosis of STS patients, especially the status of TME. These data provide additional insights into the remodeling of TME.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Gang Du
- Department of Bone and Joint Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning
| | - Lingling Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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29
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Zhou T, Peng J, Hao Y, Shi K, Zhou K, Yang Y, Yang C, He X, Chen X, Qian Z. The construction of a lymphoma cell-based, DC-targeted vaccine, and its application in lymphoma prevention and cure. Bioact Mater 2021; 6:697-711. [PMID: 33005832 PMCID: PMC7511651 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2020.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 08/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) has been one of the most fast-growing malignant tumor diseases. NHL poses severe damages to physical health and a heavy burden to patients. Traditional therapies (chemotherapy or radiotherapy) bring some benefit to patients, but have severe adverse effects and do not prevent relapse. The relevance of emerging immunotherapy options (immune-checkpoint blockers or adoptive cellular methods) for NHL remains uncertain, and more intensive evaluations are needed. In this work, inspired by the idea of vaccination to promote an immune response to destroy tumors, we used a biomaterial-based strategy to improve a tumor cell-based vaccine and constructed a novel vaccine named Man-EG7/CH@CpG with antitumor properties. In this vaccine, natural tumor cells are used as a vector to load CpG-ODN, and following lethal irradiation, the formulations were decorated with mannose. The study of the characterization of the double-improved vaccine evidenced the enhanced ability of DCs targeting and improved immunocompetence, which displayed an antitumor function. In the lymphoma prevention model, the Man-EG7/CH@CpG vaccine restrained tumor formation with high efficiency. Furthermore, unlike the non-improved vaccine, the double-improved vaccine elicited an enhanced antitumor effect in the lymphoma treatment model. Next, to improve the moderate therapeutic effect of the mono-treatment method, we incorporated a chemotherapeutic drug (doxorubicin, DOX) into the process of vaccination and devised a combination regimen. Fortunately, a tumor inhibition rate of ~85% was achieved via the combination therapy, which could not be achieved by mono-chemotherapy or mono-immunotherapy. In summary, the strategy presented here may provide a novel direction in the establishment of a tumor vaccine and is the basis for a prioritization scheme of immuno-chemotherapy in enhancing the therapeutic effect on NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianlin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Jinrong Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Ying Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Kun Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Kai Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Yun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Chengli Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xinlong He
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xinmian Chen
- Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Department of pharmacy, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, PR China
| | - Zhiyong Qian
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
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30
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Slattery K, Woods E, Zaiatz-Bittencourt V, Marks S, Chew S, Conroy M, Goggin C, MacEochagain C, Kennedy J, Lucas S, Finlay DK, Gardiner CM. TGFβ drives NK cell metabolic dysfunction in human metastatic breast cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002044. [PMID: 33568351 PMCID: PMC7878131 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells provide important immune protection from cancer and are a key requirement for particular immunotherapies. There is accumulating evidence that NK cells become dysfunctional during cancer. Overcoming NK cell exhaustion would be an important step to allow them to function optimally in a range of NK cell therapies, including those that depend on autologos circulating NK cells. We have previously demonstrated that NK cells undergo a normal metabolic reprogramming in response to cytokine activation and that this is required for optimal function. The objective of this work was to investigate if cellular metabolism of circulating NK cells is dysregulated in patients with metastatic breast cancer and if so, to gain insights into potential mechanisms underpinning this. Such discoveries would provide important insights into how to unleash the full activity of NK cells for maximum immunotherapy output. Methods Single-cell analysis, metabolic flux and confocal analysis of NK cells from patients with metastatic breast cancer and healthy controls Results In addition to reduced interferon-γ production and cytotoxicity, peripheral blood NK cells from patients had clear metabolic deficits including reduced glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation. There were also distinct morphologically alterations in the mitochondria with increased mitochondrial fragmentation observed. Transforminggrowth factor-β (TGFβ) was identified as a key driver of this phenotype as blocking its activity reversed many metabolic and functional readouts. Expression of glycoprotein-A repetitions predominant (GARP) and latency associated peptide (LAP), which are involved with a novel TGFβ processing pathway, was increased on NK cells from some patients. Blocking the GARP–TGFβ axis recapitulated the effects of TGFβ neutralization, highlighting GARP as a novel NK cell immunotherapy target for the first time. Conclusions TGFβ contributes to metabolic dysfunction of circulating NK cells in patients with metastatic breast cancer. Blocking TGFβ and/or GARP can restore NK cell metabolism and function and is an important target for improving NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Slattery
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elena Woods
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Sam Marks
- Medical Oncology Service, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sonya Chew
- Medical Oncology Service, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael Conroy
- Medical Oncology Service, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | - John Kennedy
- Medical Oncology Service, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sophie Lucas
- Duve Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - David K Finlay
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Clair M Gardiner
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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31
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Birdi HK, Jirovec A, Cortés-Kaplan S, Werier J, Nessim C, Diallo JS, Ardolino M. Immunotherapy for sarcomas: new frontiers and unveiled opportunities. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001580. [PMID: 33526607 PMCID: PMC7852926 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a rare malignancy of mesenchymal tissues, comprizing a plethora of unique subtypes, with more than 60 types. The sheer heterogeneity of disease phenotype makes this a particularly difficult cancer to treat. Radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery have been employed for over three decades and, although effective in early disease (stages I–II), in later stages, where metastatic tumors are present, these treatments are less effective. Given the spectacular results obtained by cancer immunotherapy in a variety of solid cancers and leukemias, there is now a great interest in appliying this new realm of therapy for sarcomas. The widespread use of immunotherapy for sarcoma relies on immuno-profiling of subtypes, immunomonitoring for prognosis, preclinical studies and insight into the safety profile of these novel therapies. Herein, we discuss preclinical and clinical data highlighting how immunotherapy is being used in soft tissue sarcoma and bone sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harsimrat Kaur Birdi
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anna Jirovec
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Serena Cortés-Kaplan
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joel Werier
- Department of Surgery, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Ottawa Hospital Reseach Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolyn Nessim
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Clinical Epidemiology Unit, Ottawa Hospital Reseach Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jean-Simon Diallo
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michele Ardolino
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada .,Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,CI3, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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32
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Kim D, Hong N, Cho Y, Lee SG, Rhee Y. Heterophile antibody interference associated with natural killer cell therapy. Endocr J 2020; 67:1187-1192. [PMID: 32713865 DOI: 10.1507/endocrj.ej20-0349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of ex vivo-expanded natural killer (NK) cells has recently been employed as an alternative cancer treatment in certain institutions. However, the safety profiles of this strategy remain uncharacterized. We evaluated three patients who exhibited elevated serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels without the relevant clinical manifestations and had a history of autologous NK cell therapy. The serum PTH concentration was measured using a second-generation PTH assay, and the serum thyroglobulin concentration was measured using a second-generation thyroglobulin assay. Subsequently, the PTH or thyroglobulin concentration obtained using heterophile-blocking tube (HBT) for a secondary confirmation assay was measured and compared with the result of the initial assay. The three patients had falsely elevated serum PTH and thyroglobulin levels owing to heterophile antibody interference associated with NK cell therapy that persisted for at least up to 12 months after the treatment and was confirmed by normalization of hormone levels after HBT treatment. We propose that certain types of mouse monoclonal antibodies used to stimulate NK cells can induce heterophile antibodies. Abnormal laboratory test results in individuals administered NK cell therapy without the relevant clinical manifestations must be examined in the context of heterophile antibody interference to avoid misdiagnosis and unnecessary testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daham Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Namki Hong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Yonggeun Cho
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Anyang 14068, Korea
| | - Sang-Guk Lee
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Yumie Rhee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Institute of Endocrine Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
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Liu M, Meng Y, Zhang L, Han Z, Feng X. High-efficient generation of natural killer cells from peripheral blood with preferable cell vitality and enhanced cytotoxicity by combination of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-18. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 534:149-156. [PMID: 33309274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal effector lymphocytes characterized for the innate immune response to pathogenic microorganism and tumor cells without priming and sensitization. Despite emerging knowledge has highlighted the rosy prospects in tumor immunosurveillance, yet the large-scale clinical application of NK cell-based therapy is hindered largely attributes to the defects in generating sufficient and high-quality cellular products. Herein, on the basis of 16 kinds of candidate combinations, we investigated the feasibility of cytokine cocktail-based strategy for convenient and standardized NK cell cultivation as well as the multifaceted characteristics and cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Our results revealed that joint utilization of Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-15, IL-18 manifested the optimal facilitation upon the ex vivo expansion and proportion of NK cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Meanwhile, the obtained NK cell population expressed high levels of activating molecules (CD16 and NKG2D) and exhibited splendid cytotoxicity against K562 cell line. Collectively, with the aid of cytokine-based programming, we established an alternative strategy for facilitating the large-scale persistence and activation of NK cells from peripheral blood, which would benefit the NK cell- and chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK (CAR-NK) cell-based autologous or allogeneic tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Leisheng Zhang
- Institute of Stem Cells, Beijing Health-Biotech Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Zhongchao Han
- Institute of Stem Cells, Beijing Health-Biotech Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
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Judge SJ, Darrow MA, Thorpe SW, Gingrich AA, O'Donnell EF, Bellini AR, Sturgill IR, Vick LV, Dunai C, Stoffel KM, Lyu Y, Chen S, Cho M, Rebhun RB, Monjazeb AM, Murphy WJ, Canter RJ. Analysis of tumor-infiltrating NK and T cells highlights IL-15 stimulation and TIGIT blockade as a combination immunotherapy strategy for soft tissue sarcomas. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-001355. [PMID: 33158916 PMCID: PMC7651745 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Given the unmet need for novel immunotherapy in soft tissue sarcoma (STS), we sought to characterize the phenotype and function of intratumoral natural killer (NK) and T cells to identify novel strategies to augment tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) function. Experimental design Using prospectively collected specimens from dogs and humans with sarcomas, archived specimens, and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data, we evaluated blood and tumor NK and T cell phenotype and function and correlated those with outcome. We then assessed the effects of interleukin 15 (IL-15) stimulation on both NK and T cell activation and TIGIT upregulation. Finally, we evaluated cytotoxic effects of IL-15 combined with TIGIT blockade using a novel anti-TIGIT antibody. Results TILs were strongly associated with survival outcome in both archived tissue and TCGA, but higher TIL content was also associated with higher TIGIT expression. Compared with blood, intratumoral NK and T cells showed significantly higher expression of both activation and exhaustion markers, in particular TIGIT. Ex vivo stimulation of blood and tumor NK and T cells from patients with STS with IL-15 further increased both activation and exhaustion markers, including TIGIT. Dogs with metastatic osteosarcoma receiving inhaled IL-15 also exhibited upregulation of activation markers and TIGIT. Ex vivo, combined IL-15 and TIGIT blockade using STS blood and tumor specimens significantly increased cytotoxicity against STS targets. Conclusion Intratumoral NK and T cells are prognostic in STS, but their activation is marked by significant upregulation of TIGIT. Our data suggest that combined IL-15 and TIGIT blockade may be a promising clinical strategy in STS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Judge
- Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Morgan A Darrow
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Steve W Thorpe
- Orthopedic Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Alicia A Gingrich
- Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Edmond F O'Donnell
- Orthopedic Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Alyssa R Bellini
- Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Ian R Sturgill
- Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Logan V Vick
- Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Cordelia Dunai
- Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Kevin M Stoffel
- Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Yue Lyu
- Statistics, University of California Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Shuai Chen
- Public Health Sciences, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - May Cho
- Internal Medicine, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Robert B Rebhun
- Center for Companion Animal Health, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, California, USA
| | - Arta M Monjazeb
- Radiation Oncology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - William J Murphy
- Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Robert J Canter
- Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, California, USA
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Henriksen JR, Nederby L, Donskov F, Waldstrøm M, Adimi P, Jakobsen A, Dahl Steffensen K. Blood natural killer cells during treatment in recurrent ovarian cancer. Acta Oncol 2020; 59:1365-1373. [PMID: 32692270 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2020.1791358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Recent research indicated favorable prognostic impact of intratumoral natural killer (NK) cells in ovarian carcinoma (OC). The role of NK cells during chemotherapy in OC is unknown. We investigated impact of NK cells in OC patients treated with palliative chemotherapy. METHODS Participants receiving palliative chemotherapy for recurrent OC (N = 72) had prospectively blood samples at baseline and before cycle 2. NK cell counts were quantified by flow cytometry. NK cell activity was measured by the NK Vue® assay, estimating interferon-gamma production. Overall survival (OS) was the primary endpoint. Cutoffs were predefined, NK numbers (≥184 × 106 cells/L vs. <184 × 106 cells/L) and NK activity (<200 pg/mL vs. ≥200 pg/mL). RESULTS Median OS in patients with low vs. high NK cell count at baseline was 7.1 months vs. 15.6 months (p = .028), respectively, and before cycle 2 was 5.7 vs. 17.3 months, p < .001, respectively. The difference in restricted mean survival (ΔRMST) was 5.7 months (95% CI: 3.3-8.0) at cycle 2 vs. 2.5 months (95% CI: -0.6 to 5.6) at baseline, showing a significant difference with no overlap of confidence intervals. In multivariate analyses, low NK cell count remained significant with a hazard ratio (HR)=2.83, 95% CI: 1.53-5.22, p = .001 (baseline) and HR = 3.34, 95% CI: 1.67-6.71, p = .001 (before cycle 2). Patients with both low NK count and NK activity at baseline (N = 20) had median OS 6.5 months vs. 11.5 months in patients with either high activity, high count or both (p = .007). In parallel, patients with both low NK activity and count at cycle 2 (N = 18) had a median survival of 4.0 months vs. 15.4 months (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS A low blood NK cell count in recurrent metastatic ovarian cancer during chemotherapy is associated with unfavorable prognostic impact. Early increase in survival difference based on NK cell status suggests an association between NK cell count and treatment benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Røikjær Henriksen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Line Nederby
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Vejle Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Frede Donskov
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Waldstrøm
- Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, Vejle Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Parvin Adimi
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Anders Jakobsen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Karina Dahl Steffensen
- Department of Oncology, Vejle Hospital – University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Jin YY, Yang WZ, Zou S, Sun ZY, Wu CT, Yang ZY. Chemoradiotherapy combined with NK cell transfer in a patient with recurrent and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma inducing long-term tumor control: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22785. [PMID: 33120792 PMCID: PMC7581140 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common malignancies in Southern China. Although combined chemotherapy with radiotherapy has been widely used in treating locally advanced lesions, relapse and metastases remain the primary cause of treatment failure, and are associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, more efficient and milder therapies are needed. PATIENT CONCERNS Herein, we report a patient with advanced NPC with intracranial metastases who showed progression during conventional treatment. DIAGNOSES Nonkeratinizing undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (stage IV). INTERVENTIONS After the completion of initial chemoradiotherapy and targeted therapy, metastases to brain occurred during follow-up. Ex vivo-cultured allogeneic NK cell infusion was offered. OUTCOMES Although the intracranial metastases did not decrease 10 months after the NK cell treatment, they decreased significantly at 31 months after the treatment and partially disappeared. The tumor response indicated partial response. Furthermore, all of the intracranial metastases continued to decrease at about 42 months after treatment. LESSONS The brain metastases of NPC are rare with poor prognosis. Radiotherapy in NPC can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, which may contribute to the metastases of brain. This case report will provide rationale for NK cell infusion following regular chemoradiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-yuan Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Wen-zhuo Yang
- Sun Yat-sen University School of Medicine, Guangzhou
| | - Sen Zou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Zheng-yang Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Chun-tao Wu
- North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhao-yong Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
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Makowska A, Meier S, Shen L, Busson P, Baloche V, Kontny U. Anti-PD-1 antibody increases NK cell cytotoxicity towards nasopharyngeal carcinoma cells in the context of chemotherapy-induced upregulation of PD-1 and PD-L1. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 70:323-336. [PMID: 32737537 PMCID: PMC7889576 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Background Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a highly malignant epithelial cancer linked to Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection. Tumors are characterized by a lymphomononuclear infiltrate and the number of natural killer (NK) cells in tumors appears to be of prognostic significance. Standard treatment for NPC in adolescents and young adults consists of induction chemotherapy followed by radiochemotherapy. Though survival rates are above 80%, the majority of patients suffer from long-term side-effects, mainly related to radiotherapy. The addition of immunotherapy to induction chemotherapy could improve tumor response. Methods We have investigated the killing of NPC cells by NK cells in the context of chemotherapy, using a panel of three nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell lines and a patient-derived xenograft. Cytotoxicity was measured using the calcein-release assay, while the contribution of different checkpoints and signaling pathways to killing was studied by siRNA-mediated gene silencing and chemical inhibitors. Results Chemotherapeutics cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil and gemcitabine sensitized NPC cells to killing by NK cells. Chemotherapeutics led to upregulation of PD-1 in NK cells and PD-L1 in NPC cells via NF-κB. Inhibition of the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint by an anti-PD-1 antibody or siRNA increased NK-cell cytotoxicity towards NPC cells. Conclusion The addition of an anti-PD-1 antibody to chemotherapy in patients with NPC could increase the efficacy of induction chemotherapy. If confirmed in a clinical trial, more efficient induction therapy could allow the dose of radiotherapy to be reduced and thereby diminish severe late effects of such therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00262-020-02681-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Makowska
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Selina Meier
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lian Shen
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Pierre Busson
- CNRS UMR 8126, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Sud/Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Valentin Baloche
- CNRS UMR 8126, Gustave Roussy and Université Paris-Sud/Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Udo Kontny
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany.
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Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β in Cancer Biology and Treatment. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061388. [PMID: 32503133 PMCID: PMC7349761 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3β is a multifunctional serine/threonine protein kinase with more than 100 substrates and interacting molecules. GSK3β is normally active in cells and negative regulation of GSK3β activity via phosphorylation of its serine 9 residue is required for most normal cells to maintain homeostasis. Aberrant expression and activity of GSK3β contributes to the pathogenesis and progression of common recalcitrant diseases such as glucose intolerance, neurodegenerative disorders and cancer. Despite recognized roles against several proto-oncoproteins and mediators of the epithelial–mesenchymal transition, deregulated GSK3β also participates in tumor cell survival, evasion of apoptosis, proliferation and invasion, as well as sustaining cancer stemness and inducing therapy resistance. A therapeutic effect from GSK3β inhibition has been demonstrated in 25 different cancer types. Moreover, there is increasing evidence that GSK3β inhibition protects normal cells and tissues from the harmful effects associated with conventional cancer therapies. Here, we review the evidence supporting aberrant GSK3β as a hallmark property of cancer and highlight the beneficial effects of GSK3β inhibition on normal cells and tissues during cancer therapy. The biological rationale for targeting GSK3β in the treatment of cancer is also discussed at length.
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Henriksen JR, Donskov F, Waldstrøm M, Jakobsen A, Hjortkjaer M, Petersen CB, Dahl Steffensen K. Favorable prognostic impact of Natural Killer cells and T cells in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma. Acta Oncol 2020; 59:652-659. [PMID: 31931651 DOI: 10.1080/0284186x.2019.1711173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: The aim of the present study was to investigate the prognostic impact of intratumoral cytotoxic T cells, Natural Killer (NK) cells, neutrophils and PD-L1 expression in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer.Methods: All patients diagnosed with high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) in Denmark in 2005 were included in the study. Immunohistochemical staining for PD-L1, CD8, CD66b and CD57 was performed on tumor tissue from 283 patients. Cell densities were analyzed using a digital image analysis method. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS).Results: The median OS for HGSC patients was 30 months. It was 45 months in patients with high level of CD57+ NK cells (≥10 cells/mm2) compared with 29 month in patients with low level (<10 cells/mm2) (p = .0310). The median OS was 37 and 25 months in patients with high vs. low level of CD8+ T cells (cutoff 80 cells/mm2) (p = .0008). In multivariate analysis, high numbers of CD57+ NK cells and CD8+ T cells remained independent markers of favorable OS, adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 0.67; p = .041, and HR 0.72; p = .020, respectively. PD-L1 expression was associated with improved OS (37 months vs. 22 months, p = .0006), but was only borderline significant in the multivariate analysis (HR 0.77, p = .061). CD66b + neutrophils had no association with OS.Conclusions: In patients with HGSC tumor-infiltrating CD57+ NK cells and CD8+ T cells had favorable prognostic impact, while PD-L1 expression had borderline favorable prognostic significance. CD66b + neutrophils had no prognostic association. These findings may influence future immunotherapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jon Røikjaer Henriksen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Frede Donskov
- Department of Oncology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Marianne Waldstrøm
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | - Anders Jakobsen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mette Hjortkjaer
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
| | | | - Karina Dahl Steffensen
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Southern Denmark, Vejle, Denmark
- Institute of Regional Health Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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Yang H, Zhou H, Huang Z, Tao K, Huang N, Peng Z, Feng W. Induction of CML-specific immune response through cross-presentation triggered by CTP-mediated BCR-ABL-derived peptides. Cancer Lett 2020; 482:44-55. [PMID: 32278814 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Revised: 03/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Although targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has made remarkable progress in treating chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), this disease remains largely incurable, warranting further investigation of new therapeutic strategies. BCR-ABL is a highly specific tumor antigen in CML and provides an attractive opportunity for vaccination therapy. Exogenous antigens must be presented on MHC class I molecules-via a process termed cross-presentation-to activate specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte response. The relative efficiency of cross-presentation is determined in part by the ability of dendritic cells (DCs) to internalize and present antigens. Here, we present a novel tool that uses cytoplasmic transduction peptide (CTP) to facilitate the internalization of antigens by DCs in an endocytosis-independent manner, which greatly enhances the efficiency of antigen presentation, thereby inducing stronger cytotoxic activity to ensure the elimination of CML cells. The data suggest that CTP-fused CML-specific peptides can be applied in vaccination therapies for CML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yang
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics Designated By Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hongyan Zhou
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics Designated By Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhenglan Huang
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics Designated By Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Kun Tao
- Department of Immunology, College of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ningshu Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhi Peng
- Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wenli Feng
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics Designated By Ministry of Education, School of Laboratory Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Rosuvastatin Enhances VSV-G Lentiviral Transduction of NK Cells via Upregulation of the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor. MOLECULAR THERAPY-METHODS & CLINICAL DEVELOPMENT 2020; 17:634-646. [PMID: 32300610 PMCID: PMC7150439 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2020.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive natural killer (NK) cell therapy is attaining promising clinical outcomes in recent years, but improvements are needed. Genetic modification of NK cells with a tumor antigen-specific receptor on their surface coupled to intracellular signaling domains may lead to enhanced cytotoxicity against malignant cells. One of the most common approaches is by lentivirus-mediated transduction. However, NK cells are difficult to transduce and various methods have been attempted with different success rates. Because the low-density lipoprotein-receptor (LDLR) is the receptor of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) and is expressed only at low levels on NK cells, we tested the potential of 5 statins and 5 non-statin compounds to increase the LDLR expression, thereby facilitating viral transduction. We found that the transduction efficiency of VSV-G pseudotyped lentivirus is augmented by statins that induced higher LDLR expression. In both NK-92 cells and primary NK cells, the transduction efficiency increased after treatment with statins. Furthermore, statins have been reported to suppress NK cell cytotoxicity; however, we showed that this can be completely reversed by adding geranylgeranyl-pyrophosphate (GGPP). Among the statins tested, we found that the combination of rosuvastatin with GGPP most potently improved viral transduction without affecting the cytotoxic properties of the NK cells.
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Subrakova VG, Kulemzin SV, Belovezhets TN, Chikaev AN, Chikaev NA, Koval OA, Gorchakov AA, Taranin AV. shp-2 gene knockout upregulates CAR-driven cytotoxicity of YT NK cells. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2020; 24:80-86. [PMID: 33659784 PMCID: PMC7716529 DOI: 10.18699/vj20.598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In Russia, cancer is the second leading cause of death following cardiovascular diseases. Adoptive transfer of NK cells is a promising approach to fight cancer; however, for their successful use in cancer treatment, it is necessary to ensure their robust accumulation at tumor foci, provide resistance to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and to engineer them with higher cytotoxic activity. NK lymphocytes are known to kill cancer cells expressing a number of stress ligands; and the balance of signals from inhibitory and activating receptors on the surface of the NK cell determines whether a cytotoxic reaction is triggered. We hypothesized that stronger cytotoxicity of NK cells could be achieved via gene editing aimed at enhancing the activating signaling cascades and/or weakening the inhibitory ones, thereby shifting the balance of signals towards NK cell activation and target cell lysis. Here, we took advantage of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce mutations in the coding sequence of the shp-2 (PTPN11) gene encoding the signaling molecule of inhibitory pathways in NK cells. These shp-2 knock-out
NK cells were additionally transduced to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that selectively recognized the antigen of interest on the target cell surface and generated an activating signal. We demonstrate that the combination of shp-2 gene knockout and CAR expression increases the cytotoxicity of effector NK-like YT cells against human prostate cancer cell line Du-145 with ectopic expression of PSMA protein, which is specifically targeted by the CAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- V G Subrakova
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - S V Kulemzin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - T N Belovezhets
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A N Chikaev
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - N A Chikaev
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - O A Koval
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A A Gorchakov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A V Taranin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
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43
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Ben-Shmuel A, Biber G, Barda-Saad M. Unleashing Natural Killer Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment-The Next Generation of Immunotherapy? Front Immunol 2020; 11:275. [PMID: 32153582 PMCID: PMC7046808 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy for cancer treatment bears considerable clinical promise. Nevertheless, many patients remain unresponsive, acquire resistance, or suffer dose-limiting toxicities. Immune-editing of tumors assists their escape from the immune system, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) induces immune suppression through multiple mechanisms. Immunotherapy aims to bolster the activity of immune cells against cancer by targeting these suppressive immunomodulatory processes. Natural Killer (NK) cells are a heterogeneous subset of immune cells, which express a diverse array of activating and inhibitory germline-encoded receptors, and are thus capable of directly targeting and killing cancer cells without the need for MHC specificity. Furthermore, they play a critical role in triggering the adaptive immune response. Enhancing the function of NK cells in the context of cancer is therefore a promising avenue for immunotherapy. Different NK-based therapies have been evaluated in clinical trials, and some have demonstrated clinical benefits, especially in the context of hematological malignancies. Solid tumors remain much more difficult to treat, and the time point and means of intervention of current NK-based treatments still require optimization to achieve long term effects. Here, we review recently described mechanisms of cancer evasion from NK cell immune surveillance, and the therapeutic approaches that aim to potentiate NK function. Specific focus is placed on the use of specialized monoclonal antibodies against moieties on the cancer cell, or on both the tumor and the NK cell. In addition, we highlight newly identified mechanisms that inhibit NK cell activity in the TME, and describe how biochemical modifications of the TME can synergize with current treatments and increase susceptibility to NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Guy Biber
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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Judge SJ, Murphy WJ, Canter RJ. Characterizing the Dysfunctional NK Cell: Assessing the Clinical Relevance of Exhaustion, Anergy, and Senescence. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:49. [PMID: 32117816 PMCID: PMC7031155 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a growing body of literature demonstrating the importance of T cell exhaustion in regulating and shaping immune responses to pathogens and cancer. Simultaneously, the parallel development of therapeutic antibodies targeting inhibitory molecules associated with immune exhaustion (such as PD-1, but also TIGIT, and LAG-3) has led to a revolution in oncology with dramatic benefits in a growing list of solid and hematologic malignancies. Given this success in reinvigorating exhausted T cells and the related anti-tumor effects, there are increasing efforts to apply immune checkpoint blockade to other exhausted immune cells beyond T cells. One approach involves the reinvigoration of “exhausted” NK cells, a non-T, non-B lymphoid cell of the innate immune system. However, in contrast to the more well-defined and established molecular, genetic, and immunophenotypic characteristics of T cell exhaustion, a consensus on the defining functional and phenotypic features of NK “exhaustion” is less clear. As is well-known from T cell biology, separate and distinct molecular and cellular processes including senescence, anergy and exhaustion can lead to diminished immune effector function with different implications for immune regulation and recovery. For NK cells, it is unclear if exhaustion, anergy, and senescence entail separate and distinct entities of dysfunction, though all are typically characterized by decreased effector function or proliferation. In this review, we seek to define these distinct spheres of NK cell dysfunction, analyzing how they have been shown to impact NK biology and clinical applications, and ultimately highlight key characteristics in NK cell function, particularly in relation to the role of “exhaustion.”
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean J Judge
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - William J Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States.,Department of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Robert J Canter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
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Khan M, Arooj S, Wang H. NK Cell-Based Immune Checkpoint Inhibition. Front Immunol 2020; 11:167. [PMID: 32117298 PMCID: PMC7031489 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 209] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, with an increasing number of therapeutic dimensions, is becoming an important mode of treatment for cancer patients. The inhibition of immune checkpoints, which are the source of immune escape for various cancers, is one such immunotherapeutic dimension. It has mainly been aimed at T cells in the past, but NK cells are a newly emerging target. Simultaneously, the number of checkpoints identified has been increasing in recent times. In addition to the classical NK cell receptors KIRs, LIRs, and NKG2A, several other immune checkpoints have also been shown to cause dysfunction of NK cells in various cancers and chronic infections. These checkpoints include the revolutionized CTLA-4, PD-1, and recently identified B7-H3, as well as LAG-3, TIGIT & CD96, TIM-3, and the most recently acknowledged checkpoint-members of the Siglecs family (Siglec-7/9), CD200 and CD47. An interesting dimension of immune checkpoints is their candidacy for dual-checkpoint inhibition, resulting in therapeutic synergism. Furthermore, the combination of immune checkpoint inhibition with other NK cell cytotoxicity restoration strategies could also strengthen its efficacy as an antitumor therapy. Here, we have undertaken a comprehensive review of the literature to date regarding NK cell-based immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Khan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Sumbal Arooj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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46
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Mechanistic understanding of β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene in cancer prevention in animal models. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2020; 1865:158652. [PMID: 32035228 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2020.158652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 01/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
To better understand the potential function of carotenoids in the chemoprevention of cancers, mechanistic understanding of carotenoid action on genetic and epigenetic signaling pathways is critically needed for human studies. The use of appropriate animal models is the most justifiable approach to resolve mechanistic issues regarding protective effects of carotenoids at specific organs and tissue sites. While the initial impetus for studying the benefits of carotenoids in cancer prevention was their antioxidant capacity and pro-vitamin A activity, significant advances have been made in the understanding of the action of carotenoids with regards to other mechanisms. This review will focus on two common carotenoids, provitamin A carotenoid β-cryptoxanthin and non-provitamin A carotenoid lycopene, as promising chemopreventive agents or chemotherapeutic compounds against cancer development and progression. We reviewed animal studies demonstrating that β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene effectively prevent the development or progression of various cancers and the potential mechanisms involved. We highlight recent research that the biological functions of β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene are mediated, partially via their oxidative metabolites, through their effects on key molecular targeting events, such as NF-κB signaling pathway, RAR/PPARs signaling, SIRT1 signaling pathway, and p53 tumor suppressor pathways. The molecular targets by β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene, offer new opportunities to further our understanding of common and distinct mechanisms that involve carotenoids in cancer prevention. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Carotenoids recent advances in cell and molecular biology edited by Johannes von Lintig and Loredana Quadro.
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Efficacy of third-party chimeric antigen receptor modified peripheral blood natural killer cells for adoptive cell therapy of B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia 2019; 34:1102-1115. [DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0613-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
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Gingrich AA, Modiano JF, Canter RJ. Characterization and Potential Applications of Dog Natural Killer Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8111802. [PMID: 31717876 PMCID: PMC6912828 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells of the innate immune system are a key focus of research within the field of immuno-oncology based on their ability to recognize and eliminate malignant cells without prior sensitization or priming. However, barriers have arisen in the effective translation of NK cells to the clinic, in part because of critical species differences between mice and humans. Companion animals, especially dogs, are valuable species for overcoming many of these barriers, as dogs develop spontaneous tumors in the setting of an intact immune system, and the genetic and epigenetic factors that underlie oncogenesis appear to be similar between dogs and humans. Here, we summarize the current state of knowledge for dog NK cells, including cell surface marker phenotype, key NK genes and genetic regulation, similarities and differences of dog NK cells to other mammals, especially human and mouse, expression of canonical inhibitory and activating receptors, ex vivo expansion techniques, and current and future clinical applications. While dog NK cells are not as well described as those in humans and mice, the knowledge of the field is increasing and clinical applications in dogs can potentially advance the field of human NK biology and therapy. Better characterization is needed to truly understand the similarities and differences of dog NK cells with mouse and human. This will allow for the canine model to speed clinical translation of NK immunotherapy studies and overcome key barriers in the optimization of NK cancer immunotherapy, including trafficking, longevity, and maximal in vivo support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia A. Gingrich
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, 2221 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
| | - Jaime F. Modiano
- Animal Cancer Care and Research Program, College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 1365 Gortner Ave, St. Paul, MN 55108, USA;
| | - Robert J. Canter
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis, 2221 Stockton Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA;
- Correspondence:
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Oh S, Lee JH, Kwack K, Choi SW. Natural Killer Cell Therapy: A New Treatment Paradigm for Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101534. [PMID: 31614472 PMCID: PMC6826624 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In treatments of solid tumors, adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded natural killer (NK) cells has dawned as a new paradigm. Compared with cytotoxic T lymphocytes, NK cells take a unique position targeting tumor cells that evade the host immune surveillance by down-regulating self-antigen presentation. Recent findings highlighted that NK cells can even target cancer stem cells. The efficacy of allogeneic NK cells has been widely investigated in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. In solid tumors, both autologous and allogeneic NK cells have demonstrated potential efficacy. In allogeneic NK cell therapy, the mismatch between the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) can be harnessed to increase the antitumor activity. However, the allogeneic NK cells cause more adverse events and can be rejected by the host immune system after repeated injections. In this regard, the autologous NK cell therapy is safer. This article reviews the published results of clinical trials and discusses strategies to enhance the efficacy of the NK cell therapy. The difference in immunophenotype of the ex vivo expanded NK cells resulted from different culture methods may affect the final efficacy. Furthermore, currently available standard anticancer therapy, molecularly targeted agents, and checkpoint inhibitors may directly or indirectly enhance the efficacy of NK cell therapy. A recent study discovered that NK cell specific genetic defects are closely associated with the tumor immune microenvironment that determines clinical outcomes. This finding warrants future investigations to find the implication of NK cell specific genetic defects in cancer development and treatment, and NK cell deficiency syndrome should be revisited to enhance our understanding. Overall, it is clear that NK cell therapy is safe and promises a new paradigm for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sooyeon Oh
- Chaum Life Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 06062, Korea.
- Graduate school of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 03080, Korea.
| | - Joo-Ho Lee
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Korea.
| | - KyuBum Kwack
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Life Science, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Korea.
| | - Sang-Woon Choi
- Chaum Life Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seoul 06062, Korea.
- School of Public Health and Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA 01003, USA.
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50
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Ghaemdoust F, Keshavarz-Fathi M, Rezaei N. Natural killer cells and cancer therapy, what we know and where we are going. Immunotherapy 2019; 11:1231-1251. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are among the significant components of innate immune system and they have come to the first line of defense against tumor cells developing inside the body. CD56lo/CD16+ NK cells are highly cytotoxic and CD56hi NK cells can produce cytokines and perform a regulatory function. Specific features of NK cells have made them a unique choice for cancer immunotherapy. Simple interventions like cytokine-injection to boost the internal NK cells were the first trials to target these cells. Nowadays, many other types of intervention are under investigation, such as adoptive NK cell immunotherapy. In this paper, we will discuss the biology and function of NK cells in cancer immunosurveillance and therapeutic approaches against cancer via using NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Ghaemdoust
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
| | - Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
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