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Lanier LL. Five decades of natural killer cell discovery. J Exp Med 2024; 221:e20231222. [PMID: 38842526 PMCID: PMC11157086 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20231222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The first descriptions of "non-specific" killing of tumor cells by lymphocytes were reported in 1973, and subsequently, the mediators of the activity were named "natural killer" (NK) cells by Rolf Kiessling and colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in 1975. The activity was detected in mice, rats, and humans that had no prior exposure to the tumors, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigen matching of the effectors and tumor cells was not required, and the cells responsible were distinct from MHC-restricted, antigen-specific T cells. In the ensuing five decades, research by many labs has extended knowledge of NK cells beyond an in vitro curiosity to demonstrate their in vivo relevance in host defense against tumors and microbial pathogens and their role in regulation of the immune system. This brief Perspective highlights a timeline of a few selected advancements in NK cell biology from a personal perspective of being involved in this quest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lewis L. Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
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2
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Biały S, Iwaszko M, Świerkot J, Kolossa K, Wielińska J, Jeka S, Bogunia-Kubik K. Genetic variability of three common NK and γδ T cell receptor genes (FCγ3R, NCR3, and DNAM-1) and their role in Polish patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Immunol Res 2024; 72:614-625. [PMID: 38714580 PMCID: PMC11347466 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09488-3] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
Various lymphocyte subpopulations, including NK cells as well as γδ T cells, have been considered an important element in the pathogenesis of autoimmune, inflammatory, rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of polymorphic variations in the genes coding for three NK and γδ T cell receptors: NCR3, FCγR3A, and DNAM-1 (rs1052248, rs396991, and rs763361, respectively) in the disease susceptibility and the efficacy of treatment with TNF inhibitors. The study included 461 patients with RA, 168 patients with AS, and 235 voluntary blood donors as controls. The NCR3 rs1052248 AA homozygosity prevailed in RA in patients lacking rheumatoid factor (p = 0.044) as well as in those who manifested the disease at a younger age (p = 0.005) and had higher CRP levels after 12 weeks of anti-TNF therapy (p = 0.021). The FCγR3A rs396991 polymorphism was associated with pain visual analogue scale (VAS) values before the initiation of anti-TNF treatment. Lower VAS values were observed in the GG homozygous RA patients (p = 0.024) and in AS patients with the TT genotype (p = 0.012). Moreover, AS heterozygous patients with the TG genotype presented higher CRP levels in the 12th week of anti-TNF treatment (p = 0.021). The findings suggest that the NCR3 rs1052248 AA homozygosity may have an adverse effect on RA, while the T allele potentially plays a protective role in the development of AS. Moreover, the rs1052248 T allele and TT genotype appear to have a favorable impact on the response to anti-TNF therapy in RA patients.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/genetics
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/immunology
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy
- Male
- Female
- Spondylitis, Ankylosing/genetics
- Spondylitis, Ankylosing/immunology
- Adult
- Middle Aged
- Poland
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Receptors, IgG/genetics
- Genotype
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Alleles
- Gene Frequency
- Aged
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Biały
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Milena Iwaszko
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Świerkot
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kolossa
- Clinical Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Jan Biziel Hospital University, No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Joanna Wielińska
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Jeka
- Clinical Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Jan Biziel Hospital University, No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
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3
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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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4
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Rodriguez-Mogeda C, van Ansenwoude CMJ, van der Molen L, Strijbis EMM, Mebius RE, de Vries HE. The role of CD56 bright NK cells in neurodegenerative disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:48. [PMID: 38350967 PMCID: PMC10865604 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03040-8] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for natural killer (NK) cells in neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, the precise function of NK cells in these diseases remains ambiguous. The existence of two NK cell subsets, CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells, complicates the understanding of the contribution of NK cells in neurodegeneration as their functions within the context of neurodegenerative diseases may differ significantly. CD56bright NK cells are potent cytokine secretors and are considered more immunoregulatory and less terminally differentiated than their mostly cytotoxic CD56dim counterparts. Hence, this review focusses on NK cells, specifically on CD56bright NK cells, and their role in neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, it explores the mechanisms underlying their ability to enter the central nervous system. By consolidating current knowledge, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview on the role of CD56bright NK cells in neurodegenerative diseases. Elucidating their impact on neurodegeneration may have implications for future therapeutic interventions, potentially ameliorating disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Rodriguez-Mogeda
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chaja M J van Ansenwoude
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lennart van der Molen
- IQ Health Science Department, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eva M M Strijbis
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reina E Mebius
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helga E de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Vivier E, Rebuffet L, Narni-Mancinelli E, Cornen S, Igarashi RY, Fantin VR. Natural killer cell therapies. Nature 2024; 626:727-736. [PMID: 38383621 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system. A key feature of NK cells is their ability to recognize a wide range of cells in distress, particularly tumour cells and cells infected with viruses. They combine both direct effector functions against their cellular targets and participate in the generation, shaping and maintenance of a multicellular immune response. As our understanding has deepened, several therapeutic strategies focused on NK cells have been conceived and are currently in various stages of development, from preclinical investigations to clinical trials. Here we explore in detail the complexity of NK cell biology in humans and highlight the role of these cells in cancer immunity. We also analyse the harnessing of NK cell immunity through immune checkpoint inhibitors, NK cell engagers, and infusions of preactivated or genetically modified, autologous or allogeneic NK cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France.
- Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Lucas Rebuffet
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphanie Cornen
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
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Diwanji N, Getts D, Wang Y. Chimeric Antigen Cytotoxic Receptors for In Vivo Engineering of Tumor-Targeting NK Cells. Immunohorizons 2024; 8:97-105. [PMID: 38240638 PMCID: PMC10835668 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric Ag receptor (CAR) NK cells are challenging to manufacture and fail to achieve consistent tumor infiltration and sustained cytolytic function in the tumor microenvironment. In vivo engineering of NK cells using mRNA-based CAR delivery may overcome these issues. In this study, we developed an in vivo programming method by designing CARs that leverage the biology of NK cell receptors for cell type-specific expression and function. These CARs were engineered by fusion of a tumor recognition domain with the natural cytotoxic receptor family including NKp30, NKp44, and NKp46. Our results demonstrated that these natural cytotoxic receptor-based CARs can engage endogenous signaling adaptors to effectively activate human NK cells for tumor lysis and cytokine production. Specifically, we discovered that stable expression of an NKp44-based CAR was contingent on the presence of the immune cell-specific signaling adaptor DAP12. This innovative strategy facilitates direct in situ programming of NK cells, enhancing safety and minimizing off-target effects in nontargeted, healthy tissues.
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Costa GP, Mensurado S, Silva-Santos B. Therapeutic avenues for γδ T cells in cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007955. [PMID: 38007241 PMCID: PMC10680012 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007955] [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: 10/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are regarded as promising effector lymphocytes for next-generation cancer immunotherapies. In spite of being relatively rare in human peripheral blood, γδ T cells are more abundant in epithelial tissues where many tumors develop, and have been shown to actively participate in anticancer immunity as cytotoxic cells or as "type 1" immune orchestrators. A major asset of γδ T cells for tackling advanced cancers is their independence from antigen presentation via the major histocompatibility complex, which clearly sets them apart from conventional αβ T cells. Here we discuss the main therapeutic strategies based on human γδ T cells. These include antibody-based bispecific engagers and adoptive cell therapies, either focused on the Vδ1+ or Vδ2+ γδ T-cell subsets, which can be expanded selectively and differentiated or engineered to maximize their antitumor functions. We review the preclinical data that supports each of the therapeutic strategies under development; and summarize the clinical trials being pursued towards establishing γδ T cell-based treatments for solid and hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Mensurado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bruno Silva-Santos
- Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
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Lachota M, Zielniok K, Palacios D, Kanaya M, Penna L, Hoel HJ, Wiiger MT, Kveberg L, Hautz W, Zagożdżon R, Malmberg KJ. Mapping the chemotactic landscape in NK cells reveals subset-specific synergistic migratory responses to dual chemokine receptor ligation. EBioMedicine 2023; 96:104811. [PMID: 37741009 PMCID: PMC10520535 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have a unique capability of spontaneous cytotoxicity against malignant cells and hold promise for off-the-shelf cell therapy against cancer. One of the key challenges in the field is to improve NK cell homing to solid tumors. METHODS To gain a deeper understanding of the cellular mechanisms regulating trafficking of NK cells into the tumor, we used high-dimensional flow cytometry, mass cytometry, and single-cell RNA-sequencing combined with functional assays, creating a comprehensive map of human NK cell migration phenotypes. FINDINGS We found that the chemokine receptor repertoire of peripheral blood NK cells changes in a coordinated manner becoming progressively more diversified during NK cell differentiation and correlating tightly with the migratory response of the distinct NK cell subsets. Simultaneous ligation of CXCR1/2 and CX3CR1, synergistically potentiated the migratory response of NK cells. Analysis of 9471 solid cancers from publicly available TCGA/TARGET repositories revealed dominant chemokine patterns that varied across tumor types but with no tumor group expressing ligands for more than one chemokine receptor present on mature NK cells. INTERPRETATION The finding that chemokine stimulation can elicit a synergistic migratory response in NK cells combined with the identified lack of naturally occurring pairs of chemokines-chemokine receptors in human cancers may explain the systematic exclusion of NK cells from the tumor microenvironment and provides a basis for engineering next-generation NK cell therapies against malignancies. FUNDING The Polish Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the National Science Centre, Poland, The Norwegian Cancer Society, the Norwegian Research Council, the South-Eastern Norway Regional Health Authority, The Swedish Cancer Society, the Swedish Children's Cancer Foundation, The Swedish Research Council, The Center of Excellence: Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation and National Cancer Institute.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mieszko Lachota
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland; Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Zielniok
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Daniel Palacios
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Minoru Kanaya
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Leena Penna
- Finnish Red Cross Blood Service, Research and Development, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Julie Hoel
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Thune Wiiger
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Lise Kveberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Wojciech Hautz
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, University of Oslo, Norway; Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Jiang D, Zhang J, Mao Z, Shi J, Ma P. Driving natural killer cell-based cancer immunotherapy for cancer treatment: An arduous journey to promising ground. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115004. [PMID: 37352703 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represents one of the most effective strategies for cancer treatment. Recently, progress has been made in using natural killer (NK) cells for cancer therapy. NK cells can directly kill tumor cells without pre-sensitization and thus show promise in clinical applications, distinct from the use of T cells. Whereas, research and development on NK cell-based immunotherapy is still in its infancy, and enhancing the therapeutic effects of NK cells remains a key problem to be solved. An incompletely understanding of the mechanisms of action of NK cells, immune resistance in the tumor microenvironment, and obstacles associated with the delivery of therapeutic agents in vivo, represent three mountains that need to be scaled. Here, we firstly describe the mechanisms underlying the development, activity, and maturation of NK cells, and the formation of NK‑cell immunological synapses. Secondly, we discuss strategies for NK cell-based immunotherapy strategies, including adoptive transfer of NK cell therapy and treatment with cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting NK cells. Finally, we review the use of nanotechnology to overcome immune resistance, including enhancing the anti-tumor efficiency of chimeric antigen receptor-NK, cytokines and immunosuppressive-pathways inhibitors, promoting NK cell homing and developing NK cell-based nano-engagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Jingya Zhang
- Patent Examination Cooperation (Henan) Center of the Patent office, China National Intellectual Property Administration, Henan 450046, China
| | - Zhenkun Mao
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Jinjin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Peizhi Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China.
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Zhang M, Lam KP, Xu S. Natural Killer Cell Engagers (NKCEs): a new frontier in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1207276. [PMID: 37638058 PMCID: PMC10450036 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1207276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of innate lymphoid cells that play a crucial role in immunity by killing virally infected or tumor cells and secreting cytokines and chemokines. NK cell-mediated immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment due to its safety and effectiveness. NK cell engagers (NKCEs), such as BiKE (bispecific killer cell engager) or TriKE (trispecific killer cell engager), are a novel class of antibody-based therapeutics that exhibit several advantages over other cancer immunotherapies harnessing NK cells. By bridging NK and tumor cells, NKCEs activate NK cells and lead to tumor cell lysis. A growing number of NKCEs are currently undergoing development, with some already in clinical trials. However, there is a need for more comprehensive studies to determine how the molecular design of NKCEs affects their functionality and manufacturability, which are crucial for their development as off-the-shelf drugs for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on NKCE development and discuss critical factors required for the production of effective NKCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchuan Zhang
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kong-Peng Lam
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shengli Xu
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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Rebaudi F, De Rosa A, Greppi M, Pistilli R, Pucci R, Govoni FA, Iacoviello P, Broccolo F, Tomasello G, Pesce S, Laganà F, Bianchi B, Di Gaudio F, Rebaudi A, Marcenaro E. A new method for oral cancer biomarkers detection with a non-invasive cyto-salivary sampling and rapid-highly sensitive ELISA immunoassay: a pilot study in humans. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1216107. [PMID: 37483588 PMCID: PMC10358763 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1216107] [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: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) accounts for approximately 90% of oral malignancies and has a 5-year mortality rate close to 50%. A consistent part (70%) of all oral cancers is diagnosed at an advanced stage since available screening techniques are ineffective. Therefore, it would be urgent to improve them. The diagnostic gold standard is tissue biopsy with histological and immunohistochemical assessment. This method presents some limitations. Biopsy is invasive and the histopathological evaluation is semi-quantitative, and the absolute abundance of the target cannot be reliably determined. In addition, tissue is highly processed and may lead to loss of information of the natural state. The search for classical and new clinical biomarkers on fragments of tissue/cells collected with a cytobrush is a highly hopeful technique for early detection and diagnosis of OSCC, because of its non-invasive sampling and easy collection method. Methods Here we analyzed cytobrush biopsies samples collected from the oral cavity of 15 patients with already diagnosed OSCC by applying an innovative high-sensitivity ELISA technique, in order to verify if this approach may provide useful information for detection, diagnosis, and prognosis of OSCC. To this end, we selected six biomarkers, already used in clinical practice for the diagnosis of OSCC (EGFR, Ki67, p53) or selected based on recent scientific and clinical data which indicate their presence or over-expression in cells undergoing transformation and their role as possible molecular targets in immunecheckpoints blockade therapies (PD-L1, HLA-E, B7-H6). Results The selected tumor biomarkers were highly expressed in the tumor core, while were virtually negative in healthy tissue collected from the same patients. These differences were highly statistically significant and consistent with those obtained using the gold standard test clearly indicating that the proposed approach, i.e. analysis of biomarkers by a custom ELISA technique, is strongly reliable. Discussion These preliminary data suggest that this non-invasive rapid phenotyping technique could be useful as a screening tool for phenotyping oral lesions and support clinical practice by precise indications on the characteristics of the lesion, also with a view to the application of new anti-tumor treatments, such as immunotherapy, aimed at OSCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Rebaudi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Alfredo De Rosa
- Multidisciplinary Department of Medical-Surgical and Dental Specialties, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Napoli, Italy
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Pistilli
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Resi Pucci
- Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, San Camillo-Forlanini Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Iacoviello
- Department of Maxillofacial and Plastic Reconstructive Surgery, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Broccolo
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesco Laganà
- IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Unità Operativa Complessa di Chirurgia Maxillofacciale e Odontoiatra, Genova, Italy
| | - Bernardo Bianchi
- IRCCS Ospedale San Martino, Unità Operativa Complessa di Chirurgia Maxillofacciale e Odontoiatra, Genova, Italy
| | - Francesca Di Gaudio
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, CQRC (Quality Control and Chemical Risk) Hospital Company, Hospitals Reunited Villa Sofia Cervello, Palermo, Italy
| | - Alberto Rebaudi
- Private Practice, President of Bio.C.R.A. (Biomaterials Clinical-Histological Research Association), Genova, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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Gail LM, Schell KJ, Łacina P, Strobl J, Bolton SJ, Steinbakk Ulriksen E, Bogunia-Kubik K, Greinix H, Crossland RE, Inngjerdingen M, Stary G. Complex interactions of cellular players in chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1199422. [PMID: 37435079 PMCID: PMC10332803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease is a life-threatening inflammatory condition that affects many patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although we have made substantial progress in understanding disease pathogenesis and the role of specific immune cell subsets, treatment options are still limited. To date, we lack a global understanding of the interplay between the different cellular players involved, in the affected tissues and at different stages of disease development and progression. In this review we summarize our current knowledge on pathogenic and protective mechanisms elicited by the major involved immune subsets, being T cells, B cells, NK cells and antigen presenting cells, as well as the microbiome, with a special focus on intercellular communication of these cell types via extracellular vesicles as up-and-coming fields in chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease research. Lastly, we discuss the importance of understanding systemic and local aberrant cell communication during disease for defining better biomarkers and therapeutic targets, eventually enabling the design of personalized treatment schemes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Marie Gail
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kimberly Julia Schell
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Piotr Łacina
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Johanna Strobl
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Steven J. Bolton
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Hildegard Greinix
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Rachel Emily Crossland
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | | | - Georg Stary
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
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13
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Basílio-Queirós D, Mischak-Weissinger E. Natural killer cells- from innate cells to the discovery of adaptability. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1172437. [PMID: 37275911 PMCID: PMC10232812 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells have come a long way since their first description in the 1970's. The most recent reports of their adaptive-like behavior changed the way the immune system dichotomy is described. Adaptive NK cells present characteristics of both the innate and adaptive immune system. This NK cell subpopulation undergoes a clonal-like expansion in response to an antigen and secondary encounters with the same antigen result in an increased cytotoxic response. These characteristics can be of extreme importance in the clinical setting, especially as adoptive immunotherapies, since NK cells present several advantages compared other cell types. This review will focus on the discovery and the path to the current knowledge of the adaptive NK cell population.
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14
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D’Silva SZ, Singh M, Pinto AS. NK cell defects: implication in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112059. [PMID: 37228595 PMCID: PMC10203541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a complex disease with rapid progression and poor/unsatisfactory outcomes. In the past few years, the focus has been on developing newer therapies for AML; however, relapse remains a significant problem. Natural Killer cells have strong anti-tumor potential against AML. This NK-mediated cytotoxicity is often restricted by cellular defects caused by disease-associated mechanisms, which can lead to disease progression. A stark feature of AML is the low/no expression of the cognate HLA ligands for the activating KIR receptors, due to which these tumor cells evade NK-mediated lysis. Recently, different Natural Killer cell therapies have been implicated in treating AML, such as the adoptive NK cell transfer, Chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy, antibodies, cytokine, and drug treatment. However, the data available is scarce, and the outcomes vary between different transplant settings and different types of leukemia. Moreover, remission achieved by some of these therapies is only for a short time. In this mini-review, we will discuss the role of NK cell defects in AML progression, particularly the expression of different cell surface markers, the available NK cell therapies, and the results from various preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Z. D’Silva
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Meenakshi Singh
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Andrea S. Pinto
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
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15
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Kirschen GW, Hessami K, AlAshqar A, Afrin S, Lulseged B, Borahay M. Uterine Transcriptome: Understanding Physiology and Disease Processes. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:634. [PMID: 37106834 PMCID: PMC10136129 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
In recent years, transcriptomics has enabled us to gain a deeper understanding of fundamental reproductive physiology, including the menstrual cycle, through a more precise molecular analysis. The endometrial mRNA transcript levels fluctuate during the normal menstrual cycle, indicating changes in the relative recruitment and abundance of inflammatory cells, as well as changes in the receptivity and remodeling of the endometrium. In addition to providing a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular underpinnings of pathological gynecological conditions such as endometriosis, leiomyomas, and adenomyosis through RNA sequencing, this has allowed researchers to create transcriptome profiles during both normal menstrual cycles and pathological gynecological conditions. Such insights could potentially lead to more targeted and personalized therapies for benign gynecological conditions. Here, we provide an overview of recent advances in transcriptome analysis of normal and pathological endometrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory W. Kirschen
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | - Kamran Hessami
- Maternal Fetal Care Center, Boston Children’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Abdelrahman AlAshqar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Sadia Afrin
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
| | | | - Mostafa Borahay
- Department of Gynecology & Obstetrics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA
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16
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Yu Y. The Function of NK Cells in Tumor Metastasis and NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082323. [PMID: 37190251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumors cause the most deaths in cancer patients. Treating metastasis remains the primary goal of current cancer research. Although the immune system prevents and kills the tumor cells, the function of the immune system in metastatic cancer has been unappreciated for decades because tumors are able to develop complex signaling pathways to suppress immune responses, leading them to escape detection and elimination. Studies showed NK cell-based therapies have many advantages and promise for fighting metastatic cancers. We here review the function of the immune system in tumor progression, specifically focusing on the ability of NK cells in antimetastasis, how metastatic tumors escape the NK cell attack, as well as the recent development of effective antimetastatic immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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17
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Gutierrez-Silerio GY, Bueno-Topete MR, Vega-Magaña AN, Bastidas-Ramirez BE, Gutierrez-Franco J, Escarra-Senmarti M, Pedraza-Brindis EJ, Peña-Rodriguez M, Ramos-Marquez ME, Delgado-Rizo V, Banu N, Alejandre-Gonzalez AG, Fafutis-Morris M, Haramati J, Del Toro-Arreola S. Non-fitness status of peripheral NK cells defined by decreased NKp30 and perforin, and increased soluble B7H6, in cervical cancer patients. Immunology 2023; 168:538-553. [PMID: 36271832 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13593] [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: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The NKp30 receptor is one of the three natural cytotoxic receptors reported in NK cells. This receptor is codified by the NCR3 gene, which encodes three isoforms, a consequence of the alternative splicing of exon 4. A greater expression of the three isoforms (A, B, and C), along with low levels of the NKp30 ligand B7H6, has been reported as a positive prognostic factor in different cancer types. Here, in patients with cervical cancer and precursor lesions, we report an altered immune-phenotype, characterized by non-fitness markers, that correlated with increased disease stage, from CIN 1 to FIGO IV. While overall NK cell numbers increased, loss of NKp30+ NK cells, especially in the CD56dim subpopulation, was found. Perforin levels were decreased in these cells. Decreased expression of the NKp30 C isoform and overexpression of soluble B7H6 was found in cervical cancer patients when compared against healthy subjects. PBMCs from healthy subjects downregulated NKp30 isoforms after co-culture with B7H6-expressing tumour cells. Taken together, these findings describe a unique down-modulation or non-fitness status of the immune response in cervical cancer, the understanding of which will be important for the design of novel immunotherapies against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Yareli Gutierrez-Silerio
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Departamento de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Miriam Ruth Bueno-Topete
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Natali Vega-Magaña
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Blanca Estela Bastidas-Ramirez
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Jorge Gutierrez-Franco
- Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químico Biológicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Tepic, Mexico
| | | | - Eliza Julia Pedraza-Brindis
- Departamento Academia de Aparatos y Sistemas I, Unidad Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Marcela Peña-Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Martha Eloisa Ramos-Marquez
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Vidal Delgado-Rizo
- Centro de Investigación en Inmunología y Dermatología, Departamento de Fisiología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Nehla Banu
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Allergy and Immunology and Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alan Guillermo Alejandre-Gonzalez
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Mary Fafutis-Morris
- Centro de Investigación en Inmunología y Dermatología, Departamento de Fisiología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Jesse Haramati
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Susana Del Toro-Arreola
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Fisiología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
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18
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Mariotti FR, Supino D, Landolina N, Garlanda C, Mantovani A, Moretta L, Maggi E. IL-1R8: A molecular brake of anti-tumor and anti-viral activity of NK cells and ILC. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101712. [PMID: 36753974 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-1 receptor family members (ILRs) and Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs) play pivotal role in immunity and inflammation and are expressed by most cell types including cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system. In this context, IL-1 superfamily members are also important players in regulating function and differentiation of adaptive and innate lymphoid cells. This system is tightly regulated in order to avoid uncontrolled activation, which may lead to detrimental inflammation contributing to autoimmune or allergic responses. IL-1R8 (also known as TIR8 or SIGIRR) is a member of the IL-1R family that acts as a negative regulator dampening ILR and TLR signaling and as a co-receptor for human IL-37. Human and mouse NK cells, that are key players in immune surveillance of tumors and infections, express high level of IL-1R8. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding on the structure, expression and function of IL-1R8 and we will also discuss the emerging role of IL-1R8 as an important checkpoint regulating NK cells function in pathological conditions including cancer and viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca R Mariotti
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Nadine Landolina
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Cecilia Garlanda
- IRCCS, Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy
| | - Alberto Mantovani
- IRCCS, Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Italy; Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Italy; The William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, United Kingdom
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Translational Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy.
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19
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Lipinski B, Arras P, Pekar L, Klewinghaus D, Boje AS, Krah S, Zimmermann J, Klausz K, Peipp M, Siegmund V, Evers A, Zielonka S. NKp46-specific single domain antibodies enable facile engineering of various potent NK cell engager formats. Protein Sci 2023; 32:e4593. [PMID: 36775946 PMCID: PMC9951198 DOI: 10.1002/pro.4593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/14/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we describe the generation of potent NK cell engagers (NKCEs) based on single domain antibodies (sdAbs) specific for NKp46 harboring the humanized Fab version of Cetuximab for tumor targeting. After immunization of camelids, a plethora of different VHH domains were retrieved by yeast surface display. Upon reformatting into Fc effector-silenced NKCEs targeting NKp46 and EGFR in a strictly monovalent fashion, the resulting bispecific antibodies elicited potent NK cell-mediated killing of EGFR-overexpressing tumor cells with potencies (EC50 killing) in the picomolar range. This was further augmented via co-engagement of Fcγ receptor IIIa (FcγRIIIa). Importantly, NKp46-specific sdAbs enabled the construction of various NKCE formats with different geometries and valencies which displayed favorable biophysical and biochemical properties without further optimization. By this means, killing capacities were further improved significantly. Hence, NKp46-specific sdAbs are versatile building blocks for the construction of different NKCE formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Lipinski
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.,Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Paul Arras
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Lukas Pekar
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Daniel Klewinghaus
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ammelie Svea Boje
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Simon Krah
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Jasmin Zimmermann
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.,Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Vanessa Siegmund
- Protein and Cell Sciences, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Andreas Evers
- Computational Chemistry and Biology, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany.,Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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20
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Meazza R, Ruggeri L, Guolo F, Minetto P, Canevali P, Loiacono F, Ciardelli S, Bo A, Luchetti S, Serio A, Zannoni L, Retière C, Colomar-Carando N, Parisi S, Curti A, Lemoli RM, Pende D. Donor selection for adoptive immunotherapy with NK cells in AML patients: Comparison between analysis of lytic NK cell clones and phenotypical identification of alloreactive NK cell repertoire. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1111419. [PMID: 36865545 PMCID: PMC9971917 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1111419] [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: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based adoptive immunotherapy in leukemia patients is an emerging field of interest based on clinical evidence of efficacy and safety. Elderly acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients have been successfully treated with NK cells from HLA-haploidentical donors, especially when high amounts of alloreactive NK cells were infused. The aim of this study was comparing two approaches to define the size of alloreactive NK cells in haploidentical donors for AML patients recruited in two clinical trials with the acronym "NK-AML" (NCT03955848), and "MRD-NK". The standard methodology was based on the frequency of NK cell clones capable of lysing the related patient-derived cells. The alternative approach consisted of the phenotypic identification of freshly derived NK cells expressing, as inhibitory receptors, only the inhibitory KIR(s) specific for the mismatched KIR-Ligand(s) (HLA-C1, HLA-C2, HLA-Bw4). However, in KIR2DS2+ donors and HLA-C1+ patients, the unavailability of reagents staining only the inhibitory counterpart (KIR2DL2/L3) may lead to an underestimated identification of the alloreactive NK cell subset. Conversely, in the case of HLA-C1 mismatch, the alloreactive NK cell subset could be overestimated due to the ability of KIR2DL2/L3 to recognize with low-affinity also HLA-C2. Especially in this context, the additional exclusion of LIR1-expressing cells might be relevant to refine the size of the alloreactive NK cell subset. We could also associate degranulation assays, using as effector cells IL-2 activated donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) or NK cells upon co-culture with the related patient target cells. The donor alloreactive NK cell subset always displayed the highest functional activity, confirming its identification accuracy by flow cytometry. Despite the phenotypic limitations and considering the proposed corrective actions, a good correlation was shown by the comparison of the two investigated approaches. In addition, the characterization of receptor expression on a fraction of NK cell clones revealed expected but also few unexpected patterns. Thus, in most instances, the quantification of phenotypically defined alloreactive NK cells from PBMC can provide data similar to the analysis of lytic clones, with several advantages, such as a shorter time to achieve the results and, perhaps, higher reproducibility/feasibility in many laboratories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Meazza
- Unità Operativa UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy,*Correspondence: Raffaella Meazza, ; Daniela Pende,
| | - Loredana Ruggeri
- Divisione di Ematologia e Immunologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabio Guolo
- Clinica di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna (DiMI), Università degli studi di Genova, Genova, Italy,Dipartimento di Ematologia e Oncologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Minetto
- Dipartimento di Ematologia e Oncologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Canevali
- Unità Operativa UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Loiacono
- Unità Operativa UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Sara Ciardelli
- Divisione di Ematologia e Immunologia Clinica, Dipartimento di Medicina, Ospedale Santa Maria della Misericordia, Università di Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bo
- Laboratorio Centro Cellule Staminali e Terapie Cellulari, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Luchetti
- Laboratorio Centro Cellule Staminali e Terapie Cellulari, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Alberto Serio
- Laboratorio Centro Cellule Staminali e Terapie Cellulari, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Letizia Zannoni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Specialistica, Diagnostica e Sperimentale, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Christelle Retière
- Université de Nantes, Etablissement Français du Sang (EFS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Centre de Recherche en Cancé rologie et Immunologie Intégrée Nantes Angers (CRCI2NA), Nantes, France
| | | | - Sarah Parisi
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonio Curti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberto M. Lemoli
- Clinica di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Medicina Interna (DiMI), Università degli studi di Genova, Genova, Italy,Dipartimento di Ematologia e Oncologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- Unità Operativa UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy,*Correspondence: Raffaella Meazza, ; Daniela Pende,
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21
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Mace EM. Human natural killer cells: Form, function, and development. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:371-385. [PMID: 36195172 PMCID: PMC9905317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate important effector functions in the control of viral infection and malignancy. Their ability to distinguish "self" from "nonself" and lyse virally infected and tumorigenic cells through germline-encoded receptors makes them important players in maintaining human health and a powerful tool for immunotherapeutic applications and fighting disease. This review introduces our current understanding of NK cell biology, including key facets of NK cell differentiation and the acquisition and execution of NK cell effector function. Further, it addresses the clinical relevance of NK cells in both primary immunodeficiency and immunotherapy. It is intended to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this important and interesting innate immune effector cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Mace
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York.
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22
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Morimoto T, Nakazawa T, Maeoka R, Nakagawa I, Tsujimura T, Matsuda R. Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy against Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032111. [PMID: 36768432 PMCID: PMC9916747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite multimodality treatment involving surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and tumor-treating fields, the median overall survival (OS) after diagnosis is approximately 2 years and the 5-year OS is poor. Considering the poor prognosis, novel treatment strategies are needed, such as immunotherapies, which include chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccine therapy, and oncolytic virus therapy. However, these therapies have not achieved satisfactory outcomes. One reason for this is that these therapies are mainly based on activating T cells and controlling GBM progression. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy involves the new feature of recognizing GBM via differing mechanisms from that of T cell-based immunotherapy. In this review, we focused on NK cell-based immunotherapy as a novel GBM treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara City Hospital, Nara 630-8305, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (T.N.); Tel.: +81-744-22-3051 (T.M.); +81-745-84-9335 (T.N.)
| | - Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (T.N.); Tel.: +81-744-22-3051 (T.M.); +81-745-84-9335 (T.N.)
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsujimura
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
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23
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Anang V, Singh A, Kottarath SK, Verma C. Receptors of immune cells mediates recognition for tumors. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2023; 194:219-267. [PMID: 36631194 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2022.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Over the last few decades, the immune system has been steered toward eradication of cancer cells with the help of cancer immunotherapy. T cells, B cells, monocytes/macrophages, dendritic cells, T-reg cells, and natural killer (NK) cells are some of the numerous immune cell types that play a significant part in cancer cell detection and reduction of inflammation, and the antitumor response. Briefly stated, chimeric antigen receptors, adoptive transfer and immune checkpoint modulators are currently the subjects of research focus for successful immunotherapy-based treatments for a variety of cancers. This chapter discusses ongoing investigations on the mechanisms and recent developments by which receptors of immune cells especially that of lymphocytes and monocytes/macrophages regulate the detection of immune system leading to malignancies. We will also be looking into the treatment strategies based on these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vandana Anang
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | | | - Sarat Kumar Kottarath
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Huston, TX, United States.
| | - Chaitenya Verma
- Department of Pathology, Wexner Medical Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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24
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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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25
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Immunologic Role of Innate Lymphoid Cells against Mycobacterial tuberculosis Infection. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10112828. [DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10112828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb), is one of the leading causes of mortality due to respiratory tract infections worldwide. Infection by M. tb involves activation of a type I immune response characteristic of T helper type 1 (Th1) lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, Interleukin-12 (IL-12), and interferon (IFN)-γ, all of which stimulate the activation of macrophages and robust phagocytosis in order to prevent further infectious manifestations and systemic dissemination. Recent discoveries about innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have provided further insight about how these cells participate within the protective immune response against M. tb infection and help boost the type I immune response. In order to clearly understand the mechanisms of M. tb infection and advance the efficacy of future treatment and prevention, we must first look at the individual functions each type of immune cell plays within this process, specifically ILCs. By review of the recent literature and current evidence, our group aims to summarize the characterization of the three major groups of ILCs, including NK cells, and analyze the role that each group of ILCs play in the infectious process against M. tb in order to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the host immune response. Equally, previous studies have also highlighted the effects of how administration of the Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) vaccine influences the cells and cytokines of the immune response against M. tb. Our group also aims to highlight the effects that BCG vaccine has on ILCs and how these effects provide added protection against M. tb.
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26
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Klausz K, Pekar L, Boje AS, Gehlert CL, Krohn S, Gupta T, Xiao Y, Krah S, Zaynagetdinov R, Lipinski B, Toleikis L, Poetzsch S, Rabinovich B, Peipp M, Zielonka S. Multifunctional NK Cell–Engaging Antibodies Targeting EGFR and NKp30 Elicit Efficient Tumor Cell Killing and Proinflammatory Cytokine Release. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 209:1724-1735. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
In this work, we have generated novel Fc-comprising NK cell engagers (NKCEs) that bridge human NKp30 on NK cells to human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on tumor cells. Camelid-derived VHH single-domain Abs specific for human NKp30 and a humanized Fab derived from the EGFR-specific therapeutic Ab cetuximab were used as binding arms. By combining camelid immunization with yeast surface display, we were able to isolate a diverse panel of NKp30-specific VHHs against different epitopes on NKp30. Intriguingly, NKCEs built with VHHs that compete for binding to NKp30 with B7-H6, the natural ligand of NKp30, were significantly more potent in eliciting tumor cell lysis of EGFR-positive tumor cells than NKCEs harboring VHHs that target different epitopes on NKp30 from B7-H6. We demonstrate that the NKCEs can be further improved with respect to killing capabilities by concomitant engagement of FcγRIIIa and that soluble B7-H6 does not impede cytolytic capacities of all scrutinized NKCEs at significantly higher B7-H6 concentrations than observed in cancer patients. Moreover, we show that physiological processes requiring interactions between membrane-bound B7-H6 and NKp30 on NK cells are unaffected by noncompeting NKCEs still eliciting tumor cell killing at low picomolar concentrations. Ultimately, the NKCEs generated in this study were significantly more potent in eliciting NK cell–mediated tumor cell lysis than cetuximab and elicited a robust release of proinflammatory cytokines, both features which might be beneficial for antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Klausz
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lukas Pekar
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Ammelie Svea Boje
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Carina Lynn Gehlert
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Steffen Krohn
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tushar Gupta
- ‡Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Yanping Xiao
- §Department of Oncology and Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Simon Krah
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Rinat Zaynagetdinov
- §Department of Oncology and Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Britta Lipinski
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- ¶Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany; and
| | - Lars Toleikis
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Sven Poetzsch
- ‖Strategic Innovation, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Brian Rabinovich
- §Department of Oncology and Immuno-oncology, EMD Serono Research & Development Institute, Inc., Billerica, MA
| | - Matthias Peipp
- *Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- †Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
- ¶Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany; and
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27
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Sankar J, Arora S, Joshi G, Kumar R. Pore-forming proteins and their role in cancer and inflammation: Mechanistic insights and plausible druggable targets. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 366:110127. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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28
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Focaccetti C, Benvenuto M, Pighi C, Vitelli A, Napolitano F, Cotugno N, Fruci D, Palma P, Rossi P, Bei R, Cifaldi L. DNAM-1-chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells, combined with Nutlin-3a, more effectively fight neuroblastoma cells in vitro: a proof-of-concept study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886319. [PMID: 35967339 PMCID: PMC9367496 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of engineered NK cells, one of clinical approaches to fight cancer, is gaining great interest in the last decade. However, the development of new strategies is needed to improve clinical efficacy and safety of NK cell-based immunotherapy. NK cell-mediated recognition and lysis of tumor cells are strictly dependent on the expression of ligands for NK cell-activating receptors NKG2D and DNAM-1 on tumor cells. Of note, the PVR/CD155 and Nectin-2/CD112 ligands for DNAM-1 are expressed primarily on solid tumor cells and poorly expressed in normal tissue cells. Here, we generated human NK cells expressing either the full length DNAM-1 receptor or three different DNAM-1-based chimeric receptor that provide the expression of DNAM-1 fused to a costimulatory molecule such as 2B4 and CD3ζ chain. Upon transfection into primary human NK cells isolated from healthy donors, we evaluated the surface expression of DNAM-1 and, as a functional readout, we assessed the extent of degranulation, cytotoxicity and the production of IFNγ and TNFα in response to human leukemic K562 cell line. In addition, we explored the effect of Nutlin-3a, a MDM2-targeting drug able of restoring p53 functions and known to have an immunomodulatory effect, on the degranulation of DNAM-1-engineered NK cells in response to human neuroblastoma (NB) LA-N-5 and SMS-KCNR cell lines. By comparing NK cells transfected with four different plasmid vectors and through blocking experiments, DNAM-1-CD3ζ-engineered NK cells showed the strongest response. Furthermore, both LA-N-5 and SMS-KCNR cells pretreated with Nutlin-3a were significantly more susceptible to DNAM-1-engineered NK cells than NK cells transfected with the empty vector. Our results provide a proof-of-concept suggesting that the combined use of DNAM-1-chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells and Nutlin-3a may represent a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of solid tumors, such as NB, carrying dysfunctional p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Nicola Cotugno
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Department of Paediatric Haematology/Oncology and of Cell and Gene Therapy, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Palma
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Dipartimento Pediatrico Universitario Ospedaliero (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Chair of Pediatrics, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Loredana Cifaldi,
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29
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Peipp M, Klausz K, Boje AS, Zeller T, Zielonka S, Kellner C. Immunotherapeutic targeting of activating natural killer cell receptors and their ligands in cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 209:22-32. [PMID: 35325068 PMCID: PMC9307233 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells exert an important role in cancer immune surveillance. Recognition of malignant cells and controlled activation of effector functions are facilitated by the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors, which is a complex interplay that allows NK cells to discriminate malignant cells from healthy tissues. Due to their unique profile of effector functions, the recruitment of NK cells is attractive in cancer treatment and a key function of NK cells in antibody therapy is widely appreciated. In recent years, besides the low-affinity fragment crystallizable receptor for immunoglobulin G (FcγRIIIA), the activating natural killer receptors p30 (NKp30) and p46 (NKp46), as well as natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), have gained increasing attention as potential targets for bispecific antibody-derivatives to redirect NK cell cytotoxicity against tumors. Beyond modulation of the receptor activity on NK cells, therapeutic targeting of the respective ligands represents an attractive approach. Here, novel therapeutic approaches to unleash NK cells by engagement of activating NK-cell receptors and alternative strategies targeting their tumor-expressed ligands in cancer therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Peipp
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ammelie Svea Boje
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tobias Zeller
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Correspondence: Christian Kellner, Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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30
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Dizaji Asl K, Mazloumi Z, Majidi G, Kalarestaghi H, Sabetkam S, Rafat A. NK cell dysfunction is linked with disease severity in SARS-CoV-2 patients. Cell Biochem Funct 2022; 40:559-568. [PMID: 35833321 PMCID: PMC9350078 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
SARS‐CoV‐2 first raised from Wuhan City, Hubei Province in November 2019. The respiratory disorder, cough, weakness, fever are the main clinical symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. Natural Killer (NK) cells as a first defense barrier of innate immune system have an essential role in early defense against pulmonary virus. They kill the infected cells by inducing apoptosis or the degranulation of perforin and granzymes. Collectively, NK cells function are coordinated by the transmitted signals from activating and inhibitory receptors. It is clear that the cytotoxic function of NK cells is disrupted in COVID‐19 patients due to the dysregulation of activating and inhibitory receptors. Therefore, better understanding of the activating and inhibitory receptors mechanism could facilitate the treatment strategy in clinic. To improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in COVID‐19 patients, the functional detail of NK cell and manipulation of their key checkpoints are gathered in current review. Natural Killer (NK) cells as a major innate immunity compartment have a substantial role in the control of infection in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. Despite the important role of NK cells in viral diseases, the function of these cells is disrupted in COVID‐19 patients. Dysregulation of the activating and inhibitory receptors and cytokine storm in respiratory air‐way followed by accumulation of disarming NK cells, are major factors in disease severity in COVID‐19 patients. Therefore, it seems that the manipulating of immune checkpoints, the control of excessive secretion of cytokines (anticytokine therapy) and inhibitory receptors targeting by the monoclonal antibodies would be helpful to restore NK cell function
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Affiliation(s)
- Khadijeh Dizaji Asl
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Histopathology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Zeinab Mazloumi
- Department of Medical Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ghazal Majidi
- Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hossein Kalarestaghi
- Research Laboratory for Embryology and Stem Cell, Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Shahnaz Sabetkam
- Department of Histopathology and Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Rafat
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Anatomical Sciences Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
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31
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Medjouel Khlifi H, Guia S, Vivier E, Narni-Mancinelli E. Role of the ITAM-Bearing Receptors Expressed by Natural Killer Cells in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:898745. [PMID: 35757695 PMCID: PMC9231431 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.898745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) capable of recognizing and directly killing tumor cells. They also secrete cytokines and chemokines, which participate in the shaping of the adaptive response. NK cells identify tumor cells and are activated through a net positive signal from inhibitory and activating receptors. Several activating NK cell receptors are coupled to adaptor molecules containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). These receptors include CD16 and the natural cytotoxic receptors NKp46, NKp44, NKp30 in humans. The powerful antitumor NK cell response triggered by these activating receptors has made them attractive targets for exploitation in immunotherapy. In this review, we will discuss the different activating receptors associated with ITAM-bearing cell surface receptors expressed on NK cells, their modulations in the tumor context and the various therapeutic tools developed to boost NK cell responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakim Medjouel Khlifi
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Guia
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France.,Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
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32
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Della Chiesa M, Setti C, Giordano C, Obino V, Greppi M, Pesce S, Marcenaro E, Rutigliani M, Provinciali N, Paleari L, DeCensi A, Sivori S, Carlomagno S. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1033. [PMID: 35891197 PMCID: PMC9323201 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Natural Killer (NK) cells are all round players in immunity thanks to their powerful and immediate response against transformed cells and the ability to modulate the subsequent adaptive immune response. The potential of immunotherapies based on NK cell involvement has been initially revealed in the hematological setting but has inspired the design of different immune tools to also be applied against solid tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Indeed, despite cancer prevention screening plans, surgery, and chemotherapy strategies, CRC is one of the most widespread cancers and with the highest mortality rate. Therefore, further efficient and complementary immune-based therapies are in urgent need. In this review, we gathered the most recent advances in NK cell-based immunotherapies aimed at fighting CRC, in particular, the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), immune checkpoint blockade, and adoptive NK cell therapy, including NK cells modified with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-NK).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Setti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Giordano
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | | | | | - Laura Paleari
- A.Li.Sa., Liguria Region Health Authority, 16121 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Andrea DeCensi
- Medical Oncology, Galliera Hospital, 16128 Genoa, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
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Demel I, Koristek Z, Motais B, Hajek R, Jelinek T. Natural killer cells: Innate immune system as a part of adaptive immunotherapy in hematological malignancies. Am J Hematol 2022; 97:802-817. [PMID: 35285978 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26529] [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: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of a phylogenetically old defense system, which is characterized by its strong cytolytic function against physiologically stressed cells such as tumor cells and virus-infected cells. Their use in the treatment of hematological malignancies may be more advantageous in several ways when compared with the already established T lymphocyte-based immunotherapy. Given the different mechanisms of action, allogeneic NK cell products can be produced in a non-personal based manner without the risk of the formidable graft-versus-host disease. Advanced manufacturing processes are capable of producing NK cells relatively easily in large and clinically sufficient numbers, useable without subsequent manipulations or after genetic modifications, which can solve the lack of specificity and improve clinical efficacy of NK cell products. This review summarizes the basic characteristics of NK cells and provides a quick overview of their sources. Results of clinical trials in hematological malignancies are presented, and strategies on how to improve the clinical outcome of NK cell therapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivo Demel
- Department of Hematooncology University Hospital Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
| | - Zdenek Koristek
- Department of Hematooncology University Hospital Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
| | - Benjamin Motais
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
| | - Roman Hajek
- Department of Hematooncology University Hospital Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Jelinek
- Department of Hematooncology University Hospital Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
- Faculty of Medicine University of Ostrava Ostrava Czech Republic
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Hojjatipour T, Aslani S, Salimifard S, Mikaeili H, Hemmatzadeh M, Gholizadeh Navashenaq J, Ahangar Parvin E, Jadidi-Niaragh F, Mohammadi H. NK cells - Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 107:108682. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Vaněk O, Kalousková B, Abreu C, Nejadebrahim S, Skořepa O. Natural killer cell-based strategies for immunotherapy of cancer. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 129:91-133. [PMID: 35305726 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a family of lymphocytes with a natural ability to kill infected, harmed, or malignantly transformed cells. As these cells are part of the innate immunity, the cytotoxic mechanisms are activated upon recognizing specific patterns without prior antigen sensitization. This recognition is crucial for NK cell function in the maintenance of homeostasis and immunosurveillance. NK cells not only act directly toward malignant cells but also participate in the complex immune response by producing cytokines or cross-talk with other immune cells. Cancer may be seen as a break of all immune defenses when malignant cells escape the immunity and invade surrounding tissues creating a microenvironment supporting tumor progression. This process may be reverted by intervening immune response with immunotherapy, which may restore immune recognition. NK cells are important effector cells for immunotherapy. They may be used for adoptive cell transfer, genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptors, or triggered with appropriate antibodies and other antibody-fragment-based recombinant therapeutic proteins tailored specifically for NK cell engagement. NK cell receptors, responsible for target recognition and activation of cytotoxic response, could also be targeted in immunotherapy, for example, by various bi-, tri-, or multi-specific fusion proteins designed to bridge the gap between tumor markers present on target cells and activation receptors expressed on NK cells. However, this kind of immunoactive therapeutics may be developed only with a deep functional and structural knowledge of NK cell receptor: ligand interactions. This review describes the recent developments in the fascinating protein-engineering field of NK cell immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Vaněk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbora Kalousková
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Celeste Abreu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Shiva Nejadebrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Skořepa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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Ramos-Mejia V, Arellano-Galindo J, Mejía-Arangure JM, Cruz-Munoz ME. A NK Cell Odyssey: From Bench to Therapeutics Against Hematological Malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:803995. [PMID: 35493522 PMCID: PMC9046543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.803995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1975 two independent groups noticed the presence of immune cells with a unique ability to recognize and eliminate transformed hematopoietic cells without any prior sensitization or expansion of specific clones. Since then, NK cells have been the axis of thousands of studies that have resulted until June 2021, in more than 70 000 publications indexed in PubMed. As result of this work, which include approaches in vitro, in vivo, and in natura, it has been possible to appreciate the role played by the NK cells, not only as effectors against specific pathogens, but also as regulators of the immune response. Recent advances have revealed previous unidentified attributes of NK cells including the ability to adapt to new conditions under the context of chronic infections, or their ability to develop some memory-like characteristics. In this review, we will discuss significant findings that have rule our understanding of the NK cell biology, the developing of these findings into new concepts in immunology, and how these conceptual platforms are being used in the design of strategies for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ramos-Mejia
- GENYO: Centro Pfizer, Universidad de Granada, Junta de Andalucía de Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Arellano-Galindo
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Infantil de México “Dr. Federico Gomez”, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Mejía-Arangure
- Genómica del Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN) & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Mario Ernesto Cruz-Muñoz, ; Juan Manuel Mejía-Arangure,
| | - Mario Ernesto Cruz-Munoz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Mario Ernesto Cruz-Muñoz, ; Juan Manuel Mejía-Arangure,
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Patrizi O, Baronio M, Gazzurelli L, Rossi S, Rezzola S, Marcenaro E, Plebani A, Badolato R, Parolini S, Lougaris V, Tabellini G. Lack of DOCK8 impairs the primary biologic functions of human NK cells and abrogates CCR7 surface expression in a WASP-independent manner. Clin Immunol 2022; 237:108974. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.108974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that are critical to the body's antitumor and antimetastatic defense. As such, novel therapies are being developed to utilize NK cells as part of a next generation of immunotherapies to treat patients with metastatic disease. Therefore, it is essential for us to examine how metastatic cancer cells and NK cells interact with each other throughout the metastatic cascade. In this Review, we highlight the recent body of work that has begun to answer these questions. We explore how the unique biology of cancer cells at each stage of metastasis alters fundamental NK cell biology, including how cancer cells can evade immunosurveillance and co-opt NK cells into cells that promote metastasis. We also discuss the translational potential of this knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac S. Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Moesin: A novel receptor on NK lymphocytes binds to TOMM40 on K562 leukemia cells initiating cytolysis. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:418-427. [DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
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40
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Colomar-Carando N, Gauthier L, Merli P, Loiacono F, Canevali P, Falco M, Galaverna F, Rossi B, Bosco F, Caratini M, Mingari MC, Locatelli F, Vivier E, Meazza R, Pende D. Exploiting Natural Killer Cell Engagers to Control Pediatric B-cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:291-302. [PMID: 35078821 PMCID: PMC9662914 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-0843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells represent a promising cell type in antitumor immunotherapy for efficacy and safety, particularly in the treatment of hematologic malignancies. NK cells have been shown to exert antileukemia activity in the context of haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). Products have been developed to boost the activation of NK cells only when cross-linked by tumor cells, avoiding any off-target effect. Here, we tested the in vitro effect of different NK-cell engagers (NKCE), which trigger either NKp46 or NKp30 together with CD16A, and target either CD19 or CD20 to induce killing of pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). Target cells were NALM-16 and MHH-CALL-4 cell lines and four primary leukemias, while effector cells were resting NK cells derived from healthy donors and pediatric patients with leukemia after αβT/B-depleted haplo-HSCT. The NK cell-resistant MHH-CALL-4 was efficiently killed using all NKCEs. Boosting of NK activity against MHH-CALL-4 was also evident by degranulation and IFNγ production. Because of the lack of CD20 and high expression of CD19 on primary BCP-ALL, we focused on NKCEs targeting CD19. NKp46- and NKp30-based NKCEs displayed similar potency at inducing NK-cell activity, even when challenged with primary BCP-ALL blasts. Their efficacy was shown also using NK cells derived from transplanted patients. NKCE-induced activation against BCP-ALL can override HLA-specific inhibitory interactions, although the strongest response was observed by the alloreactive NK-cell subset. These data support the therapeutic use of NKp46/CD16A/CD19-NKCE to fight refractory/relapsed leukemia in pretransplantation or posttransplantation settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Colomar-Carando
- Laboratory of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Pietro Merli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Roma, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Loiacono
- Laboratory of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Canevali
- Laboratory of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Galaverna
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Laboratory of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Roma, Italy.,Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, Roma, Italy
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Raffaella Meazza
- Laboratory of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- Laboratory of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Corresponding Author: Daniela Pende, Laboratory of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genova 16132, Italy. Phone: 39-010-555-8220; E-mail:
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Dhuyser A, Aarnink A, Pérès M, Jayaraman J, Nemat-Gorgani N, Rubio MT, Trowsdale J, Traherne J. KIR in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation: Need for a Unified Paradigm for Donor Selection. Front Immunol 2022; 13:821533. [PMID: 35242134 PMCID: PMC8886110 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.821533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (aHSCT) is a lifesaving therapy for hematological malignancies. For years, a fully matched HLA donor was a requisite for the procedure. However, new immunosuppressive strategies have enabled the recruitment of viable alternative donors, particularly haploidentical donors. Over 95% of patients have at least two potential haploidentical donors available to them. To identify the best haploidentical donor, the assessment of new immunogenetic criteria could help. To this end, the clinical benefit of KIR genotyping in aHSCT has been widely studied but remains contentious. This review aims to evaluate the importance of KIR-driven NK cell alloreactivity in the context of aHSCT and explain potential reasons for the discrepancies in the literature. Here, through a non-systematic review, we highlight how the studies in this field and their respective predictive models or scoring strategies could be conceptually opposed, explaining why the role of NK cells remains unclear in aHCST outcomes. We evaluate the limitations of each published prediction model and describe how every scoring strategy to date only partly delivers the requirements for optimally effective NK cells in aHSCT. Finally, we propose approaches toward finding the optimal use of KIR genotyping in aHSCT for a unified criterion for donor selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adèle Dhuyser
- Histocompatibility Laboratory, CHRU de Nancy, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
- IMoPA6, UMR7365 CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Alice Aarnink
- Histocompatibility Laboratory, CHRU de Nancy, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
- IMoPA6, UMR7365 CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Michaël Pérès
- Histocompatibility Laboratory, CHRU de Nancy, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - Jyothi Jayaraman
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Neda Nemat-Gorgani
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Marie Thérèse Rubio
- IMoPA6, UMR7365 CNRS, Université de Lorraine, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
- Department of Hematology, CHRU de Nancy, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France
| | - John Trowsdale
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - James Traherne
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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Harnessing Natural Killer Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040605. [PMID: 35203256 PMCID: PMC8869885 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There are two main subtypes: small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for 85% of lung cancer diagnoses. Early lung cancer very often has no specific symptoms, and many patients present with late stage disease. Despite the various treatments currently available, many patients experience tumor relapse or develop therapeutic resistance, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. The development of immunotherapies has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape by enhancing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial anti-tumor immune cells, and their exclusion from the tumor microenvironment is associated with poorer survival. It is well established that NK cell frequencies and functions are impaired in NSCLC; thus, placing NK cell-based immunotherapies as a desirable therapeutic concept for this malignancy. Immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors are transforming outcomes for NSCLC. This review explores the current treatment landscape for NSCLC, the role of NK cells and their dysfunction in the cancer setting, the advancement of NK cell therapies, and their future utility in NSCLC.
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Schmidt D, Ebrahimabadi S, Gomes KRDS, de Moura Aguiar G, Cariati Tirapelle M, Nacasaki Silvestre R, de Azevedo JTC, Tadeu Covas D, Picanço-Castro V. Engineering CAR-NK cells: how to tune innate killer cells for cancer immunotherapy. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2022; 2:ltac003. [PMID: 35919494 PMCID: PMC9327111 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an innovative approach that permits numerous possibilities in the field of cancer treatment. CAR-T cells have been successfully used in patients with hematologic relapsed/refractory. However, the need for autologous sources for T cells is still a major drawback. CAR-NK cells have emerged as a promising resource using allogeneic cells that could be established as an off-the-shelf treatment. NK cells can be obtained from various sources, such as peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow, umbilical cord blood (CB), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), as well as cell lines. Genetic engineering of NK cells to express different CAR constructs for hematological cancers and solid tumors has shown promising preclinical results and they are currently being explored in multiple clinical trials. Several strategies have been employed to improve CAR-NK-cell expansion and cytotoxicity efficiency. In this article, we review the latest achievements and progress made in the field of CAR-NK-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayane Schmidt
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sima Ebrahimabadi
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kauan Ribeiro de Sena Gomes
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Graziela de Moura Aguiar
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mariane Cariati Tirapelle
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Nacasaki Silvestre
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia Teixeira Cottas de Azevedo
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Virginia Picanço-Castro
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Angelo LS, Hogg GD, Abeynaike S, Bimler L, Vargas-Hernandez A, Paust S. Phenotypic and Functional Plasticity of CXCR6+ Peripheral Blood NK Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 12:810080. [PMID: 35173710 PMCID: PMC8841448 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.810080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human NK cells are comprised of phenotypic subsets, whose potentially unique functions remain largely unexplored. C-X-C-motif-chemokine-receptor-6 (CXCR6)+ NK cells have been identified as phenotypically immature tissue-resident NK cells in mice and humans. A small fraction of peripheral blood (PB)-NK cells also expresses CXCR6. However, prior reports about their phenotypic and functional plasticity are conflicting. In this study, we isolated, expanded, and phenotypically and functionally evaluated CXCR6+ and CXCR6– PB-NK cells, and contrasted results to bulk liver and spleen NK cells. We found that CXCR6+ and CXCR6– PB-NK cells preserved their distinct phenotypic profiles throughout 14 days of in vitro expansion (“day 14”), after which phenotypically immature CXCR6+ PB-NK cells became functionally equivalent to CXCR6– PB-NK cells. Despite a consistent reduction in CD16 expression and enhanced expression of the transcription factor Eomesodermin (Eomes), day 14 CXCR6+ PB-NK cells had superior antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) compared to CXCR6– PB-NK cells. Further, bulk liver NK cells responded to IL-15, but not IL-2 stimulation, with STAT-5 phosphorylation. In contrast, bulk splenic and PB-NK cells robustly responded to both cytokines. Our findings may allow for the selection of superior NK cell subsets for infusion products increasingly used to treat human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura S. Angelo
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Graham D. Hogg
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shawn Abeynaike
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Lynn Bimler
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Alexander Vargas-Hernandez
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Silke Paust
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Department of Pediatrics, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Silke Paust,
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45
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Correia MP, Stojanovic A, Wels WS, Cerwenka A. Innate-like NKp30 +CD8 + T cells armed with TCR/CAR target tumor heterogeneity. Oncoimmunology 2022; 10:1973783. [PMID: 35036073 PMCID: PMC8758178 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1973783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Intratumoral heterogeneity is frequently associated with tumor immune escape, with MHC-class I and antigen expression loss rendering tumor cells invisible to T cell killing, representing a major challenge for the design of successful adoptive transfer protocols for cancer immunotherapy. While CD8+ T cell recognition of tumor cells is based on the detection of MHC-peptide complexes via specific T cell receptors (TCRs), Natural Killer (NK) cells detect tumor-associated NK ligands by an array of NK receptors. We have recently identified a population of innate-like CD8+ T cells marked by the expression of NKp30, a potent natural cytotoxicity activating NK receptor, whose tumor ligand, B7H6, is frequently upregulated on several cancer types. Here, we harnessed the dual-recognition potential of NKp30+CD8+ T cells, by arming these cells with TCRs or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (ErbB2, or HER2), a tumor-associated target overexpressed in several malignancies. HER2-specific NKp30+CD8+ T cells killed not only HER2-expressing target cell lines, but also eliminated tumor cells in the absence of MHC-class I or antigen expression, making them especially effective in eliminating heterogeneous tumor cell populations. Our results show that NKp30+CD8+ T cells equipped with a specific TCR or CAR display a dual capacity to recognize and kill target cells, combining the anti-tumor activity of both CD8+ T and NK cells. This dual-recognition capacity allows these effector cells to target tumor heterogeneity, thus improving therapeutic strategies against tumor escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margareta P Correia
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,Cancer Biology and Epigenetics Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP)/RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto)/Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), Porto, Portugal.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Immunology, School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, University of Porto (ICBAS-UP), Porto, Portugal
| | - Ana Stojanovic
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Department of Immunobiochemistry, Mannheim Institute for Innate Immunosciences (MI3), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany.,European Center for Angioscience (ECAS), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
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46
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Dornburg A, Yoder JA. On the relationship between extant innate immune receptors and the evolutionary origins of jawed vertebrate adaptive immunity. Immunogenetics 2022; 74:111-128. [PMID: 34981186 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-021-01232-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
For over half a century, deciphering the origins of the genomic loci that form the jawed vertebrate adaptive immune response has been a major topic in comparative immunogenetics. Vertebrate adaptive immunity relies on an extensive and highly diverse repertoire of tandem arrays of variable (V), diversity (D), and joining (J) gene segments that recombine to produce different immunoglobulin (Ig) and T cell receptor (TCR) genes. The current consensus is that a recombination-activating gene (RAG)-like transposon invaded an exon of an ancient innate immune VJ-bearing receptor, giving rise to the extant diversity of Ig and TCR loci across jawed vertebrates. However, a model for the evolutionary relationships between extant non-recombining innate immune receptors and the V(D)J receptors of the jawed vertebrate adaptive immune system has only recently begun to come into focus. In this review, we provide an overview of non-recombining VJ genes, including CD8β, CD79b, natural cytotoxicity receptor 3 (NCR3/NKp30), putative remnants of an antigen receptor precursor (PRARPs), and the multigene family of signal-regulatory proteins (SIRPs), that play a wide range of roles in immune function. We then focus in detail on the VJ-containing novel immune-type receptors (NITRs) from ray-finned fishes, as recent work has indicated that these genes are at least 50 million years older than originally thought. We conclude by providing a conceptual model of the evolutionary origins and phylogenetic distribution of known VJ-containing innate immune receptors, highlighting opportunities for future comparative research that are empowered by this emerging evolutionary perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Dornburg
- Department of Bioinformatics and Genomics, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, NC, USA.
| | - Jeffrey A Yoder
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences, North Carolina State University, 1060 William Moore Drive, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Comparative Medicine Institute, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
- Center for Human Health and the Environment, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA.
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47
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Arnesen VS, Gras Navarro A, Chekenya M. Challenges and Prospects for Designer T and NK Cells in Glioblastoma Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4986. [PMID: 34638471 PMCID: PMC8507952 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent, aggressive primary brain tumour with a dismal prognosis. Treatment at diagnosis has limited efficacy and there is no standardised treatment at recurrence. New, personalised treatment options are under investigation, although challenges persist for heterogenous tumours such as GBM. Gene editing technologies are a game changer, enabling design of novel molecular-immunological treatments to be used in combination with chemoradiation, to achieve long lasting survival benefits for patients. Here, we review the literature on how cutting-edge molecular gene editing technologies can be applied to known and emerging tumour-associated antigens to enhance chimeric antigen receptor T and NK cell therapies for GBM. A tight balance of limiting neurotoxicity, avoiding tumour antigen loss and therapy resistance, while simultaneously promoting long-term persistence of the adoptively transferred cells must be maintained to significantly improve patient survival. We discuss the opportunities and challenges posed by the brain contexture to the administration of the treatments and achieving sustained clinical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Gras Navarro
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies Vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Martha Chekenya
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies Vei 91, 5009 Bergen, Norway
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48
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Zhang C, Röder J, Scherer A, Bodden M, Pfeifer Serrahima J, Bhatti A, Waldmann A, Müller N, Oberoi P, Wels WS. Bispecific antibody-mediated redirection of NKG2D-CAR natural killer cells facilitates dual targeting and enhances antitumor activity. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-002980. [PMID: 34599028 PMCID: PMC8488744 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-002980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) is an activating receptor of natural killer (NK) cells and other lymphocytes that mediates lysis of malignant cells through recognition of stress-induced ligands such as MICA and MICB. Such ligands are broadly expressed by cancer cells of various origins and serve as targets for adoptive immunotherapy with effector cells endogenously expressing NKG2D or carrying an NKG2D-based chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). However, shedding or downregulation of NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) can prevent NKG2D activation, resulting in escape of cancer cells from NKG2D-dependent immune surveillance. METHODS To enable tumor-specific targeting of NKG2D-expressing effector cells independent of membrane-anchored NKG2DLs, we generated a homodimeric recombinant antibody which harbors an N-terminal single-chain fragment variable (scFv) antibody domain for binding to NKG2D, linked via a human IgG4 Fc region to a second C-terminal scFv antibody domain for recognition of the tumor-associated antigen ErbB2 (HER2). The ability of this molecule, termed NKAB-ErbB2, to redirect NKG2D-expressing effector cells to ErbB2-positive tumor cells of different origins was investigated using peripheral blood mononuclear cells, ex vivo expanded NK cells, and NK and T cells engineered with an NKG2D-based chimeric receptor. RESULTS On its own, bispecific NKAB-ErbB2 increased lysis of ErbB2-positive breast carcinoma cells by peripheral blood-derived NK cells endogenously expressing NKG2D more effectively than an ErbB2-specific IgG1 mini-antibody able to induce antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity via activation of CD16. Furthermore, NKAB-ErbB2 synergized with NK-92 cells or primary T cells engineered to express an NKG2D-CD3ζ chimeric antigen receptor (NKAR), leading to targeted cell killing and greatly enhanced antitumor activity, which remained unaffected by soluble MICA known as an inhibitor of NKG2D-mediated natural cytotoxicity. In an immunocompetent mouse glioblastoma model mimicking low or absent NKG2DL expression, the combination of NKAR-NK-92 cells and NKAB-ErbB2 effectively suppressed outgrowth of ErbB2-positive tumors, resulting in treatment-induced endogenous antitumor immunity and cures in the majority of animals. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that combining an NKAB antibody with effector cells expressing an activating NKAR receptor represents a powerful and versatile approach to simultaneously enhance tumor antigen-specific as well as NKG2D-CAR and natural NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity, which may be particularly useful to target tumors with heterogeneous target antigen expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Zhang
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jasmin Röder
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anne Scherer
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Malena Bodden
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Anita Bhatti
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Anja Waldmann
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Nina Müller
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Pranav Oberoi
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt, Germany .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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49
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Rowaiye AB, Asala T, Oli AN, Uzochukwu IC, Akpa A, Esimone CO. The Activating Receptors of Natural Killer Cells and Their Inter-Switching Potentials. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 21:1733-1751. [PMID: 32914713 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200910160929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The global incidence of cancer is on the increase and researchers are prospecting for specific and non-selective therapies derived from the immune system. The killer activating receptors of NK cells are known to be involved in immunosurveillance against tumor and virally-infected cells. These receptors belong to two main categories, namely the immunoglobulin like and C-lectin like families. Though they have different signal pathways, all the killer activating receptors have similar effector functions which include direct cytotoxicity and the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. To transduce signals that exceed the activation threshold for cytotoxicity, most of these receptors require synergistic effort. This review profiles 21 receptors: 13 immunoglobulin-like, 5 lectin-like, and 3 others. It critically explores their structural uniqueness, role in disease, respective transduction signal pathways and their status as current and prospective targets for cancer immunotherapy. While the native ligands of most of these receptors are known, much work is required to prospect for specific antibodies, peptides and multi-target small molecules with high binding affinities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Titilayo Asala
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Angus Nnamdi Oli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra state, Nigeria
| | - Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra state, Nigeria
| | - Alex Akpa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Charles Okechukwu Esimone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra state, Nigeria
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50
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Adoptive NK Cell Therapy: A Promising Treatment Prospect for Metastatic Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184722. [PMID: 34572949 PMCID: PMC8471577 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184722] [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] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The incidence of metastatic melanoma has been increasing over the past years with current therapies showing limited efficacy to cure the disease. Therefore, other options are being investigated, such as adoptive cell therapy (ACT) where activated immune cells are infused into a patient to attack melanoma. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and extremely suitable for this kind of therapy since they show minimal toxicities in the clinical setting. In this review, we focus on current strategies for NK cell therapy and the development of new approaches that hold great promise for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Abstract Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) represents a promising alternative approach for patients with treatment-resistant metastatic melanoma. Lately, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy have shown improved clinical outcome, compared to conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Nevertheless, they are limited by immune escape of the tumor, cytokine release syndrome, and manufacturing challenges of autologous therapies. Conversely, the clinical use of Natural Killer (NK) cells has demonstrated a favorable clinical safety profile with minimal toxicities, providing an encouraging treatment alternative. Unlike T cells, NK cells are activated, amongst other mechanisms, by the downregulation of HLA class I molecules, thereby overcoming the hurdle of tumor immune escape. However, impairment of NK cell function has been observed in melanoma patients, resulting in deteriorated natural defense. To overcome this limitation, “activated” autologous or allogeneic NK cells have been infused into melanoma patients in early clinical trials, showing encouraging clinical benefit. Furthermore, as several NK cell-based therapeutics are being developed for different cancers, an emerging variety of approaches to increase migration and infiltration of adoptively transferred NK cells towards solid tumors is under preclinical investigation. These developments point to adoptive NK cell therapy as a highly promising treatment for metastatic melanoma in the future.
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