1
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Yazdi M, Hasanzadeh Kafshgari M, Khademi Moghadam F, Zarezade V, Oellinger R, Khosravi M, Haas S, Hoch CC, Pockley AG, Wagner E, Wollenberg B, Multhoff G, Bashiri Dezfouli A. Crosstalk Between NK Cell Receptors and Tumor Membrane Hsp70-Derived Peptide: A Combined Computational and Experimental Study. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305998. [PMID: 38298098 PMCID: PMC11005703 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are central components of the innate immunity system against cancers. Since tumor cells have evolved a series of mechanisms to escape from NK cells, developing methods for increasing the NK cell antitumor activity is of utmost importance. It is previously shown that an ex vivo stimulation of patient-derived NK cells with interleukin (IL)-2 and Hsp70-derived peptide TKD (TKDNNLLGRFELSG, aa450-461) results in a significant upregulation of activating receptors including CD94 and CD69 which triggers exhausted NK cells to target and kill malignant solid tumors expressing membrane Hsp70 (mHsp70). Considering that TKD binding to an activating receptor is the initial step in the cytolytic signaling cascade of NK cells, herein this interaction is studied by molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation computational modeling. The in silico results showed a crucial role of the heterodimeric receptor CD94/NKG2A and CD94/NKG2C in the TKD interaction with NK cells. Antibody blocking and CRISPR/Cas9-mediated knockout studies verified the key function of CD94 in the TKD stimulation and activation of NK cells which is characterized by an increased cytotoxic capacity against mHsp70 positive tumor cells via enhanced production and release of lytic granules and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mina Yazdi
- Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyDepartment of PharmacyLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)81377MunichGermany
| | - Morteza Hasanzadeh Kafshgari
- Heinz‐Nixdorf‐Chair of Biomedical ElectronicsCampus Klinikum München rechts der IsarTranslaTUMTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
| | | | - Vahid Zarezade
- Behbahan Faculty of Medical SciencesBehbahan6361796819Iran
| | - Rupert Oellinger
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional GenomicsSchool of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
- Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM)School of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
| | - Mohammad Khosravi
- Department of PathobiologyFaculty of Veterinary MedicineShahid Chamran University of AhvazAhvaz6135783151Iran
| | - Stefan Haas
- Department of Radiation OncologySchool of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologySchool of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
| | - Cosima C. Hoch
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologySchool of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
| | - Alan Graham Pockley
- John van Geest Cancer Research CentreSchool of Science and TechnologyNottingham Trent UniversityNottinghamNG11 8NSUK
| | - Ernst Wagner
- Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyDepartment of PharmacyLudwig‐Maximilians‐Universität (LMU)81377MunichGermany
| | - Barbara Wollenberg
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologySchool of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM)School of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
- Department of Radiation OncologySchool of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
| | - Ali Bashiri Dezfouli
- Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research (TranslaTUM)School of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
- Department of Radiation OncologySchool of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
- Department of OtorhinolaryngologySchool of MedicineTechnische Universität München81675MunichGermany
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2
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Shang QN, Yu XX, Xu ZL, Chen YH, Han TT, Zhang YY, Lv M, Sun YQ, Wang Y, Xu LP, Zhang XH, Zhao XY, Huang XJ. Expanded clinical-grade NK cells exhibit stronger effects than primary NK cells against HCMV infection. Cell Mol Immunol 2023:10.1038/s41423-023-01046-5. [PMID: 37291236 PMCID: PMC10387476 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01046-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation remains a common complication and leads to high mortality in patients who undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Early natural killer (NK) cell reconstitution may protect against the development of human CMV (HCMV) infection post-HSCT. Our previous data showed that ex vivo mbIL21/4-1BBL-expanded NK cells exhibited high cytotoxicity against leukemia cells. Nevertheless, whether expanded NK cells have stronger anti-HCMV function is unknown. Herein, we compared the anti-HCMV functions of ex vivo expanded NK cells and primary NK cells. Expanded NK cells showed higher expression of activating receptors, chemokine receptors and adhesion molecules; stronger cytotoxicity against HCMV-infected fibroblasts; and better inhibition of HCMV propagation in vitro than primary NK cells. In HCMV-infected humanized mice, expanded NK cell infusion resulted in higher NK cell persistence and more effective tissue HCMV elimination than primary NK cell infusion. A clinical cohort of 20 post-HSCT patients who underwent adoptive NK cell infusion had a significantly lower cumulative incidence of HCMV infection (HR = 0.54, 95% CI = 0.32-0.93, p = 0.042) and refractory HCMV infection (HR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.18-0.65, p = 0.009) than controls and better NK cell reconstitution on day 30 post NK cell infusion. In conclusion, expanded NK cells exhibit stronger effects than primary NK cells against HCMV infection both in vivo and in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian-Nan Shang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xing-Xing Yu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng-Li Xu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Hong Chen
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ting-Ting Han
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Meng Lv
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Qian Sun
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Ping Xu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China.
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University, Beijing, China.
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China.
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3
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Pathania AS, Prathipati P, Murakonda SP, Murakonda AB, Srivastava A, Avadhesh A, Byrareddy SN, Coulter DW, Gupta SC, Challagundla KB. Immune checkpoint molecules in neuroblastoma: A clinical perspective. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:247-258. [PMID: 35787940 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
High-risk neuroblastoma (NB) is challenging to treat with 5-year long-term survival in patients remaining below 50% and low chances of survival after tumor relapse or recurrence. Different strategies are being tested or under evaluation to destroy resistant tumors and improve survival outcomes in NB patients. Immunotherapy, which uses certain parts of a person's immune system to recognize or kill tumor cells, effectively improves patient outcomes in several types of cancer, including NB. One of the immunotherapy strategies is to block immune checkpoint signaling in tumors to increase tumor immunogenicity and anti-tumor immunity. Immune checkpoint proteins put brakes on immune cell functions to regulate immune activation, but this activity is exploited in tumors to evade immune surveillance and attack. Immune checkpoint proteins play an essential role in NB biology and immune escape mechanisms, which makes these tumors immunologically cold. Therapeutic strategies to block immune checkpoint signaling have shown promising outcomes in NB but only in a subset of patients. However, combining immune checkpoint blockade with other therapies, including conjugated antibody-based immunotherapy, radioimmunotherapy, tumor vaccines, or cellular therapies like modified T or natural killer (NK) cells, has shown encouraging results in enhancing anti-tumor immunity in the preclinical setting. An analysis of publicly available dataset using computational tools has unraveled the complexity of multiple cancer including NB. This review comprehensively summarizes the current information on immune checkpoint molecules, their biology, role in immune suppression and tumor development, and novel therapeutic approaches combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with other therapies to combat high-risk NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anup S Pathania
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Philip Prathipati
- Laboratory of Bioinformatics, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, 7-6-8 Saito-Asagi, Ibaraki City, Osaka 567-0085, Japan
| | - Swati P Murakonda
- Sri Rajiv Gandhi College of Dental Sciences & Hospital, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560032, India
| | - Ajay B Murakonda
- Sree Sai Dental College & Research Institute, Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh 532001, India
| | - Ankit Srivastava
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Avadhesh Avadhesh
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Don W Coulter
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Subash C Gupta
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Science, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 221005, India; Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Guwahati, Assam, India.
| | - Kishore B Challagundla
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology & The Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA; The Child Health Research Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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4
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Shibru B, Fey K, Fricke S, Blaudszun AR, Fürst F, Weise M, Seiffert S, Weyh MK, Köhl U, Sack U, Boldt A. Detection of Immune Checkpoint Receptors - A Current Challenge in Clinical Flow Cytometry. Front Immunol 2021; 12:694055. [PMID: 34276685 PMCID: PMC8281132 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.694055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological therapy principles are increasingly determining modern medicine. They are used to treat diseases of the immune system, for tumors, but also for infections, neurological diseases, and many others. Most of these therapies base on antibodies, but small molecules, soluble receptors or cells and modified cells are also used. The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors is amazingly fast. T-cell directed antibody therapies against PD-1 or CTLA-4 are already firmly established in the clinic. Further targets are constantly being added and it is becoming increasingly clear that their expression is not only relevant on T cells. Furthermore, we do not yet have any experience with the long-term systemic effects of the treatment. Flow cytometry can be used for diagnosis, monitoring, and detection of side effects. In this review, we focus on checkpoint molecules as target molecules and functional markers of cells of the innate and acquired immune system. However, for most of the interesting and potentially relevant parameters, there are still no test kits suitable for routine use. Here we give an overview of the detection of checkpoint molecules on immune cells in the peripheral blood and show examples of a possible design of antibody panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Shibru
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Fey
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Friederike Fürst
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Max Weise
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabine Seiffert
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Katharina Weyh
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sack
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Boldt
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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5
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Shokouhifar A, Anani Sarab G, Yazdanifar M, Fereidouni M, Nouri M, Ebrahimi M. Overcoming the UCB HSCs -Derived NK cells Dysfunction through Harnessing RAS/MAPK, IGF-1R and TGF-β Signaling Pathways. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:298. [PMID: 34098947 PMCID: PMC8185927 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01983-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The natural killer (NK) cells differentiated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) may be more suitable for cell-based immunotherapy compared to the NK cells from adult donors. This is due to the possibility to choose alloreactive donors and potentially more robust in vivo expansion. However, the cytotoxicity of UCB-HSC-derived NK cells against cancer cells might be suboptimal. To overcome this obstacle, we attempted to generate NK cells with potent antitumor activity by targeting RAS/MAPK, IGF-1R and TGF-β signaling pathways using IL-15, IGF-1 and SIS3 respectively. Methods The CD34 + cells were isolated from human UCB mononuclear cells through magnetic activation cell sorting (MACS) with purity of (≥ 90%) and were subjected to differentiate into NK cells. After 21 days of induction with SFTG36 (SCF, FLt-3L, TPO, GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-6), IS721 (IGF-1, SIS3, IL-7 and IL-21) and IL-15/Hsp70 media, NK cells phenotypes were studied and their cytotoxicity against K562 human erythroleukemia cells and SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cells was analyzed. Results The NK cells induced in SFTG36/IS721 medium were selected for activation due to their higher expression of CD56 + 16 + CD3 − (93.23% ± 0.75) and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of NKG2D + (168.66 ± 20.00) and also a higher fold expansion potential (11.893 ± 1.712) compared to the other groups. These cells once activated with IL-15, demonstrated a higher cytotoxicity against K562 (≥ 90%; P ≤ 0.001) and SKOV3 tumor cells (≥ 65%; P ≤ 0.001) compared to IL-15/Hsp70-activated NK cells. Conclusions The differentiation of ex vivo expanded CD34 + cells through manipulation of RAS/MAPK, IGF-1R and TGF-β signaling pathways is an efficient approach for generating functional NK cells that can be used for cancer immunotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01983-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shokouhifar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Genomic Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Anani Sarab
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Fereidouni
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nouri
- R&D Department, Royan Stem Cell Technology Co, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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6
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T-Cell Dysfunction as a Limitation of Adoptive Immunotherapy: Current Concepts and Mitigation Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040598. [PMID: 33546277 PMCID: PMC7913380 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary T cells are immune cells that can be used to target infections or cancers. Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy leverages these properties and/or confers new features to T cells through ex vivo manipulations prior to their use in patients. However, as a “living drug,” the function of these cells can be hampered by several built-in physiological constraints and external factors that limit their efficacy. Manipulating T cells ex vivo can impart dysfunctional features to T cells through repeated stimulations and expansion, but it also offers many opportunities to improve the therapeutic potential of these cells, including emerging interventions to prevent or reverse T-cell dysfunction developing ex vivo or after transfer in patients. This review outlines the various forms of T-cell dysfunction, emphasizes how it affects various types of T-cell immunotherapy approaches, and describes current and anticipated strategies to limit T-cell dysfunction. Abstract Over the last decades, cellular immunotherapy has revealed its curative potential. However, inherent physiological characteristics of immune cells can limit the potency of this approach. Best defined in T cells, dysfunction associated with terminal differentiation, exhaustion, senescence, and activation-induced cell death, undermine adoptive cell therapies. In this review, we concentrate on how the multiple mechanisms that articulate the various forms of immune dysfunction impact cellular therapies primarily involving conventional T cells, but also other lymphoid subtypes. The repercussions of immune cell dysfunction across the full life cycle of cell therapy, from the source material, during manufacturing, and after adoptive transfer, are discussed, with an emphasis on strategies used during ex vivo manipulations to limit T-cell dysfunction. Applicable to cellular products prepared from native and unmodified immune cells, as well as genetically engineered therapeutics, the understanding and potential modulation of dysfunctional features are key to the development of improved cellular immunotherapies.
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7
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Domagala J, Lachota M, Klopotowska M, Graczyk-Jarzynka A, Domagala A, Zhylko A, Soroczynska K, Winiarska M. The Tumor Microenvironment-A Metabolic Obstacle to NK Cells' Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123542. [PMID: 33260925 PMCID: PMC7761432 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells have unique capabilities of recognition and destruction of tumor cells, without the requirement for prior immunization of the host. Maintaining tolerance to healthy cells makes them an attractive therapeutic tool for almost all types of cancer. Unfortunately, metabolic changes associated with malignant transformation and tumor progression lead to immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, which in turn limits the efficacy of various immunotherapies. In this review, we provide a brief description of the metabolic changes characteristic for the tumor microenvironment. Both tumor and tumor-associated cells produce and secrete factors that directly or indirectly prevent NK cell cytotoxicity. Here, we depict the molecular mechanisms responsible for the inhibition of immune effector cells by metabolic factors. Finally, we summarize the strategies to enhance NK cell function for the treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Domagala
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieszko Lachota
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Marta Klopotowska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Agnieszka Graczyk-Jarzynka
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
| | - Antoni Domagala
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, 25-317 Kielce, Poland;
- Department of Urology, Holy Cross Cancer Center, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
| | - Andriy Zhylko
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
| | - Karolina Soroczynska
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Winiarska
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-225-992-199
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8
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Bagheri Y, Barati A, Aghebati-Maleki A, Aghebati-Maleki L, Yousefi M. Current progress in cancer immunotherapy based on natural killer cells. Cell Biol Int 2020; 45:2-17. [PMID: 32910474 DOI: 10.1002/cbin.11465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
One of the most common diseases in the present era is cancer. The common treatment methods used to control cancer include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Despite progress in the treatment of cancers, there still is no definite therapeutic approach. Among the currently proposed strategies, immunotherapy is a new approach that can provide better outcomes compared with existing therapies. Employing natural killer (NK) cells is one of the means of immunotherapy. As innate lymphocytes, NK cells are capable of rapidly responding to cancer cells without being sensitized or restricted to the cognate antigen in advance, as compared to T cells that are tumor antigen-specific. Latest insights into the biology of NK cells have clarified the underlying molecular mechanisms of NK cell maturation and differentiation, as well as controlling their effector functions through the investigation of the ligands and receptors engaged in recognizing cancer cells by NK cells. Elucidating the fact that NK cells recognize cancer cells could similarly show the mechanism through which cancer cells possibly avoid NK cell-dependent immune surveillance. Additionally, the expectations for novel immunotherapies by targeting NK cells have increased through the latest clinical outcomes of T-cell-targeted cancer immunotherapy. For this emerging method, researchers are still attempting to develop protocols for conferring the best proliferation and expansion medium, activation pathways, utilization dosage, transferring methods, as well as reducing possible side effects in cancer therapy. This study reviews the NK cells, their proliferation and expansion methods, and their recent applications in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasin Bagheri
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Alireza Barati
- Neurosciences Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Aghebati-Maleki
- Student's Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Leili Aghebati-Maleki
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Yousefi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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9
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Jamali A, Hadjati J, Madjd Z, Mirzaei HR, Thalheimer FB, Agarwal S, Bonig H, Ullrich E, Hartmann J. Highly Efficient Generation of Transgenically Augmented CAR NK Cells Overexpressing CXCR4. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2028. [PMID: 32983147 PMCID: PMC7483584 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a noteworthy lymphocyte subset in cancer adoptive cell therapy. NK cells initiate innate immune responses against infections and malignancies with natural cytotoxicity, which is independent of foreign antigen recognition. Based on these substantive features, genetically modifying NK cells is among the prime goals in immunotherapy but is currently difficult to achieve. Recently, we reported a fully human CAR19 construct (huCAR19) with remarkable function in gene-modified T-cells. Here, we show efficient and stable gene delivery of huCAR19 to primary human NK cells using lentiviral vectors with transduction efficiencies comparable to those achieved with NK cell lines. These huCAR19 NK cells display specific and potent cytotoxic activity against target cells. To improve homing of NK cells to the bone marrow, we augmented huCAR19 NK cells with the human CXCR4 gene, resulting in transgenically augmented CAR NK cells (TRACKs). Compared to conventional CAR NK cells, TRACKs exhibit enhanced migration capacity in response to recombinant SDF-1 or bone marrow stromal cells while retaining functional and cytolytic activity against target cells. Based on these promising findings, TRACKs may become a novel candidate for immunotherapeutic strategies in clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Jamali
- Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Childrens Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jamshid Hadjati
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Molecular Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Shiwani Agarwal
- Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Halvard Bonig
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine and Immunohematology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Red Cross Blood Service Baden-Württemberg-Hessen, Frankfurt, Germany.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Experimental Immunology, Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Childrens Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Jessica Hartmann
- Division of Molecular Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
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10
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Wu SY, Fu T, Jiang YZ, Shao ZM. Natural killer cells in cancer biology and therapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:120. [PMID: 32762681 PMCID: PMC7409673 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01238-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 310] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is highly complex, and immune escape is currently considered an important hallmark of cancer, largely contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. Named for their capability of killing target cells autonomously, natural killer (NK) cells serve as the main effector cells toward cancer in innate immunity and are highly heterogeneous in the microenvironment. Most current treatment options harnessing the tumor microenvironment focus on T cell-immunity, either by promoting activating signals or suppressing inhibitory ones. The limited success achieved by T cell immunotherapy highlights the importance of developing new-generation immunotherapeutics, for example utilizing previously ignored NK cells. Although tumors also evolve to resist NK cell-induced cytotoxicity, cytokine supplement, blockade of suppressive molecules and genetic engineering of NK cells may overcome such resistance with great promise in both solid and hematological malignancies. In this review, we summarized the fundamental characteristics and recent advances of NK cells within tumor immunometabolic microenvironment, and discussed potential application and limitations of emerging NK cell-based therapeutic strategies in the era of presicion medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Yang Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tong Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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11
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Sialylation of Human Natural Killer (NK) Cells is Regulated by IL-2. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9061816. [PMID: 32545211 PMCID: PMC7356531 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9061816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Sialic acids are terminal sugars on the cell surface that are found on all cell types including immune cells like natural killer (NK) cells. The attachment of sialic acids to different glycan structures is catalyzed by sialyltransferases in the Golgi. However, the expression pattern of sialyltransferases in NK cells and their expression after activation has not yet been analyzed. Therefore, the present study determines which sialyltransferases are expressed in human NK cells and if activation with IL-2 changes the sialylation of NK cells. The expression of sialyltransferases was analyzed in the three human NK cell lines NK-92, NKL, KHYG-1 and primary NK cells. NK-92 cells were cultured in the absence or presence of IL-2, and changes in the sialyltransferase expression were measured by qPCR. Furthermore, specific sialylation was investigated by flow cytometry. In addition, polySia and NCAM were measured by Western blot analyses. IL-2 leads to a reduced expression of ST8SIA1, ST6GAL1 and ST3GAL1. α-2,3-Sialylation remained unchanged, while α-2,6-sialylation was increased after IL-2 stimulation. Moreover, an increase in the amount of NCAM and polySia was observed in IL-2-activated NK cells, whereas GD3 ganglioside was decreased. In this study, all sialyltransferases that were expressed in NK cells could be identified. IL-2 regulates the expression of some sialyltransferases and leads to changes in the sialylation of NK cells.
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12
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Abstract
As a specifically programmable, living immunotherapeutic drug, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells are providing an alternative treatment option for a broad variety of diseases including so far refractory cancer. By recognizing a tumor-associated antigen, the CAR triggers an anti-tumor response of engineered patient's T cells achieving lasting remissions in the treatment of leukemia and lymphoma. During the last years, significant progress was made in optimizing the CAR design, in manufacturing CAR-engineered T cells, and in the clinical management of patients showing promise to establish adoptive CAR T cell therapy as an effective treatment option in the forefront.
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Affiliation(s)
- Astrid Holzinger
- RCI Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
- Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, RCI c/o University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Hinrich Abken
- RCI Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93053, Regensburg, Germany.
- Chair Genetic Immunotherapy, RCI c/o University Hospital Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
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13
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Heinze A, Grebe B, Bremm M, Huenecke S, Munir TA, Graafen L, Frueh JT, Merker M, Rettinger E, Soerensen J, Klingebiel T, Bader P, Ullrich E, Cappel C. The Synergistic Use of IL-15 and IL-21 for the Generation of NK Cells From CD3/CD19-Depleted Grafts Improves Their ex vivo Expansion and Cytotoxic Potential Against Neuroblastoma: Perspective for Optimized Immunotherapy Post Haploidentical Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2816. [PMID: 31849984 PMCID: PMC6901699 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most common solid extracranial tumor in childhood. Despite therapeutic progress, prognosis in high-risk NB is poor and innovative therapies are urgently needed. Therefore, we addressed the potential cytotoxic capacity of interleukin (IL)-activated natural killer (NK) cells compared to cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells for the treatment of NB. NK cells were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by indirect CD56-enrichment or CD3/CD19-depletion and expanded with different cytokine combinations, such as IL-2, IL-15, and/or IL-21 under feeder-cell free conditions. CIK cells were generated from PBMCs by ex vivo stimulation with interferon-γ, IL-2, OKT-3, and IL-15. Comparative analysis of expansion rate, purity, phenotype and cytotoxicity was performed. CD56-enriched NK cells showed a median expansion rate of 4.3-fold with up to 99% NK cell content. The cell product after CD3/CD19-depletion consisted of a median 43.5% NK cells that expanded significantly faster reaching also 99% of NK cell purity. After 10–12 days of expansion, both NK cell preparations showed a significantly higher median cytotoxic capacity against NB cells relative to CIK cells. Remarkably, these NK cells were also capable of efficiently killing NB spheroidal 3D culture in long-term cytotoxicity assays. Further optimization using a novel NK cell culture medium and a prolonged culturing procedure after CD3/CD19-depletion for up to 15 days enhanced the expansion rate up to 24.4-fold by maintaining the cytotoxic potential. Addition of an IL-21 boost prior to harvesting significantly increased the cytotoxicity. The final cell product consisted for the major part of CD16−, NCR-expressing, poly-functional NK cells with regard to cytokine production, CD107a degranulation and antitumor capacity. In summary, our study revealed that NK cells have a significantly higher cytotoxic potential to combat NB than CIK cell products, especially following the synergistic use of IL-15 and IL-21 for NK cell activation. Therefore, the use of IL-15+IL-21 expanded NK cells generated from CD3/CD19-depleted apheresis products seems to be highly promising as an immunotherapy in combination with haploidentical stem cell transplantation (SCT) for high-risk NB patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annekathrin Heinze
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Beatrice Grebe
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Melanie Bremm
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabine Huenecke
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tasleem Ah Munir
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lea Graafen
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jochen T Frueh
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael Merker
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eva Rettinger
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jan Soerensen
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas Klingebiel
- Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Peter Bader
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Experimental Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Claudia Cappel
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation, Immunology and Intensive Care Medicine, Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Department for Children and Adolescents, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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14
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Terrén I, Orrantia A, Vitallé J, Zenarruzabeitia O, Borrego F. NK Cell Metabolism and Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2278. [PMID: 31616440 PMCID: PMC6769035 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 247] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are characterized by their potential to kill tumor cells by different means without previous sensitization and have, therefore, become a valuable tool in cancer immunotherapy. However, their efficacy against solid tumors is still poor and further studies are required to improve it. One of the major restrictions for NK cell activity is the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). There, tumor and other immune cells create the appropriate conditions for tumor proliferation while, among others, preventing NK cell activation. Furthermore, NK cell metabolism is impaired in the TME, presumably due to nutrient and oxygen deprivation, and the higher concentration of tumor-derived metabolic end products, such as lactate. This metabolic restriction of NK cells limits their effector functions, and it could represent a potential target to focus on to improve the efficacy of NK cell-based therapies against solid tumors. In this review, we discuss the potential effect of TME into NK cell metabolism and its influence in NK cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Terrén
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Ane Orrantia
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Joana Vitallé
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Olatz Zenarruzabeitia
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.,Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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15
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Burrack KS, Hart GT, Hamilton SE. Contributions of natural killer cells to the immune response against Plasmodium. Malar J 2019; 18:321. [PMID: 31533835 PMCID: PMC6751859 DOI: 10.1186/s12936-019-2953-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important innate effector cells that are well described in their ability to kill virally-infected cells and tumors. However, there is increasing appreciation for the role of NK cells in the control of other pathogens, including intracellular parasites such as Plasmodium, the cause of malaria. NK cells may be beneficial during the early phase of Plasmodium infection—prior to the activation and expansion of antigen-specific T cells—through cooperation with myeloid cells to produce inflammatory cytokines like IFNγ. Recent work has defined how Plasmodium can activate NK cells to respond with natural cytotoxicity, and inhibit the growth of parasites via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mechanisms (ADCC). A specialized subset of adaptive NK cells that are negative for the Fc receptor γ chain have enhanced ADCC function and correlate with protection from malaria. Additionally, production of the regulatory cytokine IL-10 by NK cells prevents overt pathology and death during experimental cerebral malaria. Now that conditional NK cell mouse models have been developed, previous studies need to be reevaluated in the context of what is now known about other immune populations with similarity to NK cells (i.e., NKT cells and type I innate lymphoid cells). This brief review summarizes recent findings which support the potentially beneficial roles of NK cells during Plasmodium infection in mice and humans. Also highlighted are how the actions of NK cells can be explored using new experimental strategies, and the potential to harness NK cell function in vaccination regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina S Burrack
- Department of Medicine, Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute, Minneapolis, MN, 55415, USA
| | - Geoffrey T Hart
- Center for Immunology, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Sara E Hamilton
- Center for Immunology, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55414, USA.
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16
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Salman H, Pinz KG, Wada M, Shuai X, Yan LE, Petrov JC, Ma Y. Preclinical Targeting of Human Acute Myeloid Leukemia Using CD4-specific Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T Cells and NK Cells. J Cancer 2019; 10:4408-4419. [PMID: 31413761 PMCID: PMC6691696 DOI: 10.7150/jca.28952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive malignancy lacking targeted therapy due to shared molecular and transcriptional circuits as well as phenotypic markers with normal hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). Identifying leukemia specific markers expressed on AML or AML subtypes for therapeutic targeting is of exquisite clinical value. Here we show that CD4, a T lymphocytes membrane glycoprotein that interacts with major histocompatibility complex class II antigens and is also expressed in certain AML subsets but not on HSCs is a proper target for genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells). Treatment with CD4 redirected CAR-T cell (CD4CAR) specifically eliminated CD4-expressing AML cell lines in vitro and exhibited a potent anti-leukemic effect in a systemic AML murine model in vivo. We also utilized natural killers as another vehicle for CAR engineered cells and this strategy similarly and robustly eliminated CD4- expressing AML cells in vitro and had a potent in vivo anti-leukemic effect and was noted to have shorter in vivo persistence. Our data offer a proof of concept for immunotherapeutic targeting of CD4 as a strategy to treat CD4 expressing refractory AML as a bridge to stem cell transplant (SCT) in a first in human clinical trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huda Salman
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Kevin G Pinz
- iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
| | - Masayuki Wada
- iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
| | - Xiao Shuai
- Department of Hematology, West China hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Lulu E Yan
- iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
| | - Jessica C Petrov
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA
| | - Yupo Ma
- Department of Internal Medicine, Stony Brook Medicine, Stony Brook University Medical Center, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA.,iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY 11790, USA
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17
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Oberschmidt O, Morgan M, Huppert V, Kessler J, Gardlowski T, Matthies N, Aleksandrova K, Arseniev L, Schambach A, Koehl U, Kloess S. Development of Automated Separation, Expansion, and Quality Control Protocols for Clinical-Scale Manufacturing of Primary Human NK Cells and Alpharetroviral Chimeric Antigen Receptor Engineering. Hum Gene Ther Methods 2019; 30:102-120. [PMID: 30997855 PMCID: PMC6590729 DOI: 10.1089/hgtb.2019.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In cellular immunotherapies, natural killer (NK) cells often demonstrate potent antitumor effects in high-risk cancer patients. But Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)-compliant manufacturing of clinical-grade NK cells in high numbers for patient treatment is still a challenge. Therefore, new protocols for isolation and expansion of NK cells are required. In order to attack resistant tumor entities, NK cell killing can be improved by genetic engineering using alpharetroviral vectors that encode for chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). The aim of this work was to demonstrate GMP-grade manufacturing of NK cells using the CliniMACS® Prodigy device (Prodigy) with implemented applicable quality controls. Additionally, the study aimed to define the best time point to transduce expanding NK cells with alpharetroviral CAR vectors. Manufacturing and clinical-scale expansion of primary human NK cells were performed with the Prodigy starting with 8-15.0 × 109 leukocytes (including 1.1–2.3 × 109 NK cells) collected by small-scale lymphapheresis (n = 3). Positive fraction after immunoselection, in-process controls (IPCs), and end product were quantified by flow cytometric no-wash, single-platform assessment, and gating strategy using positive (CD56/CD16/CD45), negative (CD14/CD19/CD3), and dead cell (7-aminoactinomycine [7-AAD]) discriminators. The three runs on the fully integrated manufacturing platform included immunomagnetic separation (CD3 depletion/CD56 enrichment) followed by NK cell expansion over 14 days. This process led to high NK cell purities (median 99.1%) and adequate NK cell viabilities (median 86.9%) and achieved a median CD3+ cell depletion of log −3.6 after CD3 depletion and log −3.7 after immunomagnetic CD3 depletion and consecutive CD56 selection. Subsequent cultivation of separated NK cells in the CentriCult® chamber of Prodigy resulted in approximately 4.2–8.5-fold NK cell expansion rates by adding of NK MACS® basal medium containing NK MACS® supplement, interleukin (IL)-2/IL-15 and initial IL-21. NK cells expanded for 14 days revealed higher expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors (NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, and NKG2D) and degranulation/apoptotic markers and stronger cytolytic properties against K562 compared to non-activated NK cells before automated cultivation. Moreover, expanded NK cells had robust growth and killing activities even after cryopreservation. As a crucial result, it was possible to determine the appropriate time period for optimal CAR transduction of cultivated NK cells between days 8 and 14, with the highest anti-CD123 CAR expression levels on day 14. The anti-CD123 CAR NK cells showed retargeted killing and degranulation properties against CD123-expressing KG1a target cells, while basal cytotoxicity of non-transduced NK cells was determined using the CD123-negative cell line K562. Time-lapse imaging to monitor redirected effector-to-target contacts between anti-CD123 CAR NK and KG1a showed long-term effector–target interaction. In conclusion, the integration of the clinical-scale expansion procedure in the automated and closed Prodigy system, including IPC samples and quality controls and optimal time frames for NK cell transduction with CAR vectors, was established on 48-well plates and resulted in a standardized GMP-compliant overall process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olaf Oberschmidt
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, ATMP-GMP Development Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- 2 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,3 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Tanja Gardlowski
- 6 Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Nadine Matthies
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, ATMP-GMP Development Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Krasimira Aleksandrova
- 7 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Cellular Therapy Centre, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Lubomir Arseniev
- 7 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Cellular Therapy Centre, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- 2 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,3 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,8 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, ATMP-GMP Development Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,6 Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany.,9 Institute of Clinical Immunology, Universitätsklinikum Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Kloess
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, ATMP-GMP Development Unit, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,6 Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
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18
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Di Vito C, Mikulak J, Zaghi E, Pesce S, Marcenaro E, Mavilio D. NK cells to cure cancer. Semin Immunol 2019; 41:101272. [PMID: 31085114 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes able to mediate immune-surveillance and clearance of viral infected and tumor-transformed cells. Growing experimental and clinical evidence highlighted a dual role of NK cells either in the control of cancer development/progression or in promoting the onset of immune-suppressant tumor microenvironments. Indeed, several mechanisms of NK cell-mediated tumor escape have been described and these includes cancer-induced aberrant expression of activating and inhibitory receptors (i.e. NK cell immune checkpoints), impairments of NK cell migration to tumor sites and altered NK cell effector-functions. These phenomena highly contribute to tumor progression and metastasis formation. In this review, we discuss the latest insights on those NK cell receptors and related molecules that are currently being implemented in clinics either as possible prognostic factors or therapeutic targets to unleash NK cell anti-tumor effector-functions in vivo. Moreover, we address here the major recent advances in regard to the genetic modification and ex vivo expansion of anti-tumor specific NK cells used in innovative adoptive cellular transfer approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Italy.
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19
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Schmidt S, Tramsen L, Rais B, Ullrich E, Lehrnbecher T. Natural killer cells as a therapeutic tool for infectious diseases - current status and future perspectives. Oncotarget 2018; 9:20891-20907. [PMID: 29755697 PMCID: PMC5945539 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are involved in the host immune response against infections due to viral, bacterial and fungal pathogens, all of which are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in immunocompromised patients. Since the recovery of the immune system has a major impact on the outcome of an infectious complication, there is major interest in strengthening the host response in immunocompromised patients, either by using cytokines or growth factors or by adoptive cellular therapies transfusing immune cells such as granulocytes or pathogen-specific T-cells. To date, relatively little is known about the potential of adoptively transferring NK cells in immunocompromised patients with infectious complications, although the anti-cancer property of NK cells is already being investigated in the clinical setting. This review will focus on the antimicrobial properties of NK cells and the current standing and future perspectives of generating and using NK cells as immunotherapy in patients with infectious complications, an approach which is promising and might have an important clinical impact in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stanislaw Schmidt
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lars Tramsen
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Bushra Rais
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Laboratory for Cellular Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Laboratory for Cellular Immunology, Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Lehrnbecher
- Division for Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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20
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Terrén I, Mikelez I, Odriozola I, Gredilla A, González J, Orrantia A, Vitallé J, Zenarruzabeitia O, Borrego F. Implication of Interleukin-12/15/18 and Ruxolitinib in the Phenotype, Proliferation, and Polyfunctionality of Human Cytokine-Preactivated Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 9:737. [PMID: 29713323 PMCID: PMC5911648 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 03/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
A brief in vitro stimulation of natural killer (NK) cells with interleukin (IL)-12, IL-15, and IL-18 endow them a memory-like behavior, characterized by higher effector responses when they are restimulated after a resting period of time. These preactivated NK cells, also known as cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells, have several properties that make them a promising tool in cancer immunotherapy. In the present study, we have described the effect that different combinations of IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 have on the generation of human CIML NK cells. Our data points to a major contribution of IL-15 to CIML NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against target cells. However, the synergistic effect of the three cytokines grant them the best polyfunctional profile, that is, cells that simultaneously degranulate (CD107a) and produce multiple cytokines and chemokines such as interferon γ, tumor necrosis factor α, and C-C motif chemokine ligand 3. We have also analyzed the involvement of each cytokine and their combinations in the expression of homing receptors CXCR4 and CD62L, as well as the expression of CD25 and IL-2-induced proliferation. Furthermore, we have tested the effects of the Jak1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib in the generation of CIML NK cells. We found that ruxolitinib-treated CIML NK cells expressed lower levels of CD25 than non-treated CIML NK cells, but exhibited similar proliferation in response to IL-2. In addition, we have also found that ruxolitinib-treated NK cells displayed reduced effector functions after the preactivation, which can be recovered after a 4 days expansion phase in the presence of low doses of IL-2. Altogether, our results describe the impact that each cytokine and the Jak1/2 pathway have in the phenotype, IL-2-induced proliferation, and effector functions of human CIML NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Terrén
- Immunopathology Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Idoia Mikelez
- Immunopathology Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- CIC biomaGUNE, Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - Irati Odriozola
- Immunopathology Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Andrea Gredilla
- Immunopathology Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Javier González
- Immunopathology Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Ane Orrantia
- Immunopathology Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Joana Vitallé
- Immunopathology Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Francisco Borrego
- Immunopathology Group, BioCruces Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Basque Center for Transfusion and Human Tissues, Galdakao, Spain
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21
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Cuapio A, Post M, Cerny-Reiterer S, Gleixner KV, Stefanzl G, Basilio J, Herndlhofer S, Sperr WR, Brons NHC, Casanova E, Zimmer J, Valent P, Hofer E. Maintenance therapy with histamine plus IL-2 induces a striking expansion of two CD56bright NK cell subpopulations in patients with acute myeloid leukemia and supports their activation. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46466-46481. [PMID: 27341131 PMCID: PMC5216810 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Histamine dihydrochloride (HDC) plus IL-2 has been proposed as a novel maintenance-immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We analyzed the immunophenotype and function of natural killer (NK) cells in blood of AML patients treated after chemotherapy with HDC plus IL-2. The treatment caused a striking expansion of CD56brightCD16neg and CD56brightCD16low NK cell subpopulations. A reduced NK cell fraction recovered and high proportions of cells expressed the activating receptors NKG2D, NKp30, and NKp46. Concomitantly, KIR-expressing NK cells were reduced and NK cells with inhibitory NKG2A/CD94 receptors increased beyond normal levels. In addition, the immunotherapy-induced NK cells exhibited high capacity to produce IFN-γ and to degranulate. Furthermore, we provide evidence from subsequent in vitro studies that this is caused in part by direct effects of IL-2 on the CD56bright cells. IL-2 specifically induced proliferation of both CD56bright subpopulations, but not of CD56dim cells. It further preserved the expression of activating receptors and the capacity to produce IFN-γ and to degranulate. These data suggest that therapy with HDC plus IL-2 supports the reconstitution of a deficient NK cell fraction through the specific amplification of CD56bright NK cells giving rise to a functional NK cell compartment with high potential to combat leukemic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Cuapio
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mirte Post
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Cerny-Reiterer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Karoline V Gleixner
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gabriele Stefanzl
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jose Basilio
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Susanne Herndlhofer
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolfgang R Sperr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicolaas H C Brons
- National Core Facility Cytometry, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Emilio Casanova
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Cancer Research, Vienna, Austria.,Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Peter Valent
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Division of Hematology & Hemostaseology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Ludwig Boltzmann Cluster Oncology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Erhard Hofer
- Department of Vascular Biology and Thrombosis Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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22
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Kloess S, Ede Valverde da Silva A, Oberschmidt O, Gardlowski T, Matthies N, Vyas M, Arseniev L, Heuser M, Pogge von Strandmann E, Köhl U. Triplebody Mediates Increased Anti-Leukemic Reactivity of IL-2 Activated Donor Natural Killer (NK) Cells and Impairs Viability of Their CD33-Expressing NK Subset. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1100. [PMID: 28943878 PMCID: PMC5596090 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NK) are essential for the elimination of resistant acute myeloid and acute lymphoblastic leukemia (AML and ALL) cells. NK cell-based immunotherapies have already successfully entered for clinical trials, but limitations due to immune escape mechanisms were identified. Therefore, we extended our established NK cell protocol by integration of the previously investigated powerful trispecific immunoligand ULBP2-aCD19-aCD33 [the so-called triplebodies (TBs)] to improve the anti-leukemic specificity of activated NK cells. IL-2-driven expansion led to strongly elevated natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) expressions on donor NK cells which promote the binding to ULBP2+ TBs. Similarly, CD33 expression on these NK cells could be detected. Dual-specific targeting and elimination were investigated against the B-cell precursor leukemia cell line BV-173 and patient blasts, which were positive for myeloid marker CD33 and B lymphoid marker CD19 exclusively presented on biphenotypic B/myeloid leukemia’s. Cytotoxicity assays demonstrated improved killing properties of NK cells pre-coated with TBs compared to untreated controls. Specific NKG2D blocking on those NK cells in response to TBs diminished this killing activity. On the contrary, the observed upregulation of surface CD33 on about 28.0% of the NK cells decreased their viability in response to TBs during cytotoxic interaction of effector and target cells. Similar side effects were also detected against CD33+ T- and CD19+ B-cells. Very preliminary proof of principle results showed promising effects using NK cells and TBs against primary leukemic cells. In summary, we demonstrated a promising strategy for redirecting primary human NK cells in response to TBs against leukemia, which may lead to a future progress in NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Kloess
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Olaf Oberschmidt
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Tanja Gardlowski
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Matthies
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Maulik Vyas
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Lubomir Arseniev
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Heuser
- Department of Hematology, Hemostasis, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
| | - Elke Pogge von Strandmann
- Experimental Tumor Research, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School (MHH), Hannover, Germany
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23
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Bollino D, Webb TJ. Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered natural killer and natural killer T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Transl Res 2017; 187. [PMID: 28651074 PMCID: PMC5604792 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2017.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells of the innate immune system and natural killer T (NKT) cells, which have roles in both the innate and adaptive responses, are unique lymphocyte subsets that have similarities in their functions and phenotypes. Both cell types can rapidly respond to the presence of tumor cells and participate in immune surveillance and antitumor immune responses. This has incited interest in the development of novel cancer therapeutics based on NK and NKT cell manipulation. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), generated through the fusion of an antigen-binding region of a monoclonal antibody or other ligand to intracellular signaling domains, can enhance lymphocyte targeting and activation toward diverse malignancies. Most of the CAR studies have focused on their expression in T cells; however, the functional heterogeneity of CAR T cells limits their therapeutic potential and is associated with toxicity. CAR-modified NK and NKT cells are becoming more prevalent because they provide a method to direct these cells more specifically to target cancer cells, with less risk of adverse effects. This review will outline current NK and NKT cell CAR constructs and how they compare to conventional CAR T cells, and discuss future modifications that can be explored to advance adoptive cell transfer of NK and NKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dominique Bollino
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, Md
| | - Tonya J Webb
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine and the Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, Baltimore, Md.
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24
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Klöß S, Oberschmidt O, Morgan M, Dahlke J, Arseniev L, Huppert V, Granzin M, Gardlowski T, Matthies N, Soltenborn S, Schambach A, Koehl U. Optimization of Human NK Cell Manufacturing: Fully Automated Separation, Improved Ex Vivo Expansion Using IL-21 with Autologous Feeder Cells, and Generation of Anti-CD123-CAR-Expressing Effector Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:897-913. [PMID: 28810809 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The administration of ex vivo expanded natural killer (NK) cells as potential antitumor effector cells appears to be suitable for effector cell-based immunotherapies in high-risk cancer patients. However, good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant manufacturing of clinical-grade NK cells at sufficiently high numbers represents a great challenge. Therefore, previous expansion protocols for those effector cells were improved and optimized by using newly developed culture medium, interleukin (IL)-21, and autologous feeder cells (FCs). Separation of primary human NK cells (CD56+CD3-) was carried out with the CliniMACS Prodigy® in a single process, starting with approximately 1.2 × 109 leukocytes collected by small-scale lymphapheresis or from buffy coats. Enriched NK cells were adjusted to starting cell concentrations within approximately 1 × 106 effector cells/mL and cultured in comparative expansion experiments for 14 days with IL-2 (1,000 IU/mL) in different GMP-compliant media (X-VIVO™10, CellGro®, TexMACS™, and NK MACS®). After medium optimization, beneficial effects for functionality and phenotype were investigated at the beginning of cell expansion with irradiated (25 Gy) autologous FCs at a ratio of 20:1 (feeder: NK) in the presence or absence of IL-21 (100 ng/mL). Additionally, expanded NK cells were gene modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) against CD123, a common marker for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Cytotoxicity, degranulation, and cytokine release of transduced NK cells were determined against KG1a cells in flow cytometric analysis and fluorescent imaging. The Prodigy manufacturing process revealed high target cell viabilities (median 95.4%), adequate NK cell recovery (median 60.4%), and purity of 95.4% in regard to CD56+CD3- target cells. The process in its early phase of development led to a median T-cell depletion of log 3.5 after CD3 depletion and log 3.6 after the whole process, including CD3 depletion and CD56 enrichment steps. Manually performed experiments to test different culture media demonstrated significantly higher NK cell expansion rates and an approximately equal distribution of CD56dimCD16pos and CD56brightCD16dim&neg NK subsets on day 14 with cells cultivated in NK MACS® media. Moreover, effector cell expansion in manually performed experiments with NK MACS® containing IL-2 and irradiated autologous FCs and IL-21, both added at the initiation of the culture, induced an 85-fold NK cell expansion. Compared to freshly isolated NK cells, expanded NK cells expressed significantly higher levels of NKp30, NKp44, NKG2D, TRAIL, FasL, CD69, and CD137, and showed comparable cell viabilities and killing/degranulation activities against tumor and leukemic cell lines in vitro. NK cells used for CAR transduction showed the highest anti-CD123 CAR expression on day 3 after gene modification. These anti-CD123 CAR-engineered NK cells demonstrated improved cytotoxicity against the CD123pos AML cell line KG1a and primary AML blasts. In addition, CAR NK cells showed higher degranulation and enhanced secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and granzyme A and B. In fluorescence imaging, specific interactions that initiated apoptotic processes in the AML target cells were detected between CAR NK cells and KG1a. After the fully automated NK cell separation process on Prodigy, a new NK cell expansion protocol was generated that resulted in high numbers of NK cells with potent antitumor activity, which could be modified efficiently by novel third-generation, alpha-retroviral SIN vector constructs. Next steps are the integration of the manual expansion procedure in the fully integrated platform for a standardized GMP-compliant overall process in this closed system that also may include gene modification of NK cells to optimize target-specific antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Klöß
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Olaf Oberschmidt
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- 2 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany.,3 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Dahlke
- 2 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany.,3 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Lubomir Arseniev
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Tanja Gardlowski
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Matthies
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Axel Schambach
- 2 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany.,3 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany.,5 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
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25
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Engineering Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2017; 25:1769-1781. [PMID: 28668320 PMCID: PMC5542803 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 282] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2017] [Revised: 06/09/2017] [Accepted: 06/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The past several years have seen tremendous advances in the engineering of immune effector cells as therapy for cancer. While chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been used extensively to redirect the specificity of autologous T cells against hematological malignancies with striking clinical results, studies of CAR-modified natural killer (NK) cells have been largely preclinical. In this review, we focus on recent advances in NK cell engineering, particularly on preclinical evidence suggesting that NK cells may be as effective as T cells in recognizing and killing targets after genetic modification. We will discuss strategies to introduce CARs into both primary NK cells and NK cell lines in an effort to provide antigen specificity, the challenges of manufacturing engineered NK cells, and evidence supporting the effectiveness of this approach from preclinical and early-phase clinical studies using CAR-engineered NK cells. CAR-NK cells hold great promise as a novel cellular immunotherapy against refractory malignancies. Notably, NK cells can provide an "off-the-shelf" product, eliminating the need for a personalized and patient-specific product that plagues current CAR-T cell therapies. The ability to more potently direct NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity against refractory tumors through the expression of CAR is likely to contribute to the recent paradigm shift in cancer treatment.
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26
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Delso-Vallejo M, Kollet J, Koehl U, Huppert V. Influence of Irradiated Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells on Both Ex Vivo Proliferation of Human Natural Killer Cells and Change in Cellular Property. Front Immunol 2017; 8:854. [PMID: 28791015 PMCID: PMC5522833 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 07/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies with adoptive immunotherapy using allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells showed feasibility, but also limitation regarding the transfused absolute cell numbers. First promising results with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as feeder cells to improve the final cell number need further optimization and investigation of the unknown controlling mechanism in the cross-talk to NK cells. We investigated the influence of irradiated autologous PBMCs to boost NK cell proliferation in the presence of OKT3 and IL-2. Our findings demonstrate a requirement for receptor-ligand interactions between feeders and NK cells to produce soluble factors that can sustain NK cell proliferation. Thus, both physical contact between feeder and NK cells, and soluble factors produced in consequence, are required to fully enhance NK cell ex vivo proliferation. This occurred with an indispensable role of the cross-talk between T cells, monocytes, and NK cells, while B cells had no further influence in supporting NK cell proliferation under these co-culture conditions. Moreover, gene expression analysis of highly proliferating and non-proliferating NK cells revealed important phenotypic changes on 5-day cultured NK cells. Actively proliferating NK cells have reduced Siglec-7 and -9 expression compared with non-proliferating and resting NK cells (day 0), independently of the presence of feeder cells. Interestingly, proliferating NK cells cultured with feeder cells contained increased frequencies of cells expressing RANKL, B7-H3, and HLA class II molecules, particularly HLA-DR, compared with resting NK cells or expanded with IL-2 only. A subset of HLA-DR expressing NK cells, co-expressing RANKL, and B7-H3 corresponded to the most proliferative population under the established co-culture conditions. Our results highlight the importance of the crosstalk between T cells, monocytes, and NK cells in autologous feeder cell-based ex vivo NK cell expansion protocols, and reveal the appearance of a highly proliferative subpopulation of NK cells (HLA-DR+RANKL+B7-H3+) with promising characteristics to extend the therapeutic potential of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jutta Kollet
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover, Germany
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27
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Liu E, Tong Y, Dotti G, Shaim H, Savoldo B, Mukherjee M, Orange J, Wan X, Lu X, Reynolds A, Gagea M, Banerjee P, Cai R, Bdaiwi MH, Basar R, Muftuoglu M, Li L, Marin D, Wierda W, Keating M, Champlin R, Shpall E, Rezvani K. Cord blood NK cells engineered to express IL-15 and a CD19-targeted CAR show long-term persistence and potent antitumor activity. Leukemia 2017; 32:520-531. [PMID: 28725044 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2017.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 495] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have been used to redirect the specificity of autologous T cells against leukemia and lymphoma with promising clinical results. Extending this approach to allogeneic T cells is problematic as they carry a significant risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Natural killer (NK) cells are highly cytotoxic effectors, killing their targets in a non-antigen-specific manner without causing GVHD. Cord blood (CB) offers an attractive, allogeneic, off-the-self source of NK cells for immunotherapy. We transduced CB-derived NK cells with a retroviral vector incorporating the genes for CAR-CD19, IL-15 and inducible caspase-9-based suicide gene (iC9), and demonstrated efficient killing of CD19-expressing cell lines and primary leukemia cells in vitro, with marked prolongation of survival in a xenograft Raji lymphoma murine model. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) production by the transduced CB-NK cells critically improved their function. Moreover, iC9/CAR.19/IL-15 CB-NK cells were readily eliminated upon pharmacologic activation of the iC9 suicide gene. In conclusion, we have developed a novel approach to immunotherapy using engineered CB-derived NK cells, which are easy to produce, exhibit striking efficacy and incorporate safety measures to limit toxicity. This approach should greatly improve the logistics of delivering this therapy to large numbers of patients, a major limitation to current CAR-T-cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Liu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Y Tong
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - G Dotti
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - H Shaim
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - B Savoldo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - M Mukherjee
- The Center for Human Immunobiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - J Orange
- The Center for Human Immunobiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - X Wan
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - X Lu
- Department of Hematopathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - A Reynolds
- Department of Hematopathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M Gagea
- Department of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P Banerjee
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - R Cai
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M H Bdaiwi
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - R Basar
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M Muftuoglu
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - L Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - D Marin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - W Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - M Keating
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - R Champlin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - E Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - K Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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28
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Wagner J, Pfannenstiel V, Waldmann A, Bergs JWJ, Brill B, Huenecke S, Klingebiel T, Rödel F, Buchholz CJ, Wels WS, Bader P, Ullrich E. A Two-Phase Expansion Protocol Combining Interleukin (IL)-15 and IL-21 Improves Natural Killer Cell Proliferation and Cytotoxicity against Rhabdomyosarcoma. Front Immunol 2017; 8:676. [PMID: 28659917 PMCID: PMC5466991 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/24/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue malignancy in children. Despite intensive research in recent decades the prognosis for patients with metastatic or relapsed diseases has hardly improved. New therapeutic concepts in anti-tumor therapy aim to modulate the patient’s immune system to increase its aggressiveness or targeted effects toward tumor cells. Besides surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immune activation by direct application of cytokines, antibodies or adoptive cell therapy are promising approaches. In the last years, adoptive transfer of natural killer (NK) cells came into the focus of translational medicine, because of their high cytotoxic potential against transformed malignant cells. A main challenge of NK cell therapy is that it requires a high amount of functional NK cells. Therefore, ex vivo NK cell expansion protocols are currently being developed. Many culturing strategies are based on the addition of feeder or accessory cells, which need to be removed prior to the clinical application of the final NK cell product. In this study, we addressed feeder cell-free expansion methods using common γ-chain cytokines, especially IL-15 and IL-21. Our results demonstrated high potential of IL-15 for NK cell expansion, while IL-21 triggered NK cell maturation and functionality. Hence, we established a two-phase expansion protocol with IL-15 to induce an early NK cell expansion, followed by short exposure to IL-21 that boosted the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against RMS cells. Further functional analyses revealed enhanced degranulation and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor-α. In a proof of concept in vivo study, we also observed a therapeutic effect of adoptively transferred IL-15 expanded and IL-21 boosted NK cells in combination with image guided high precision radiation therapy using a luciferase-transduced RMS xenograft model. In summary, this two-phased feeder cell-free ex vivo culturing protocol combined efficient expansion and high cytolytic functionality of NK cells for treatment of radiation-resistant RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Wagner
- Children's Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Viktoria Pfannenstiel
- Children's Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Anja Waldmann
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Judith W J Bergs
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Boris Brill
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sabine Huenecke
- Children's Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Franz Rödel
- Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian J Buchholz
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Molecular Biotechnology and Gene Therapy, Paul-Ehrlich-Institut, Langen, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Bader
- Children's Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Children's Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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29
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Liu X, Zhang N, Shi H. Driving better and safer HER2-specific CARs for cancer therapy. Oncotarget 2017; 8:62730-62741. [PMID: 28977984 PMCID: PMC5617544 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Given the clinical efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-based therapy in hematological malignancies, CAR T-cell therapy for a number of solid tumors has been actively investigated. Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a well-established therapeutic target in breast, as well as other types of cancer. However, HER2 CAR T cells pose a risk of lethal toxicity including cytokine release syndrome from “on-target, off-tumor” recognition of HER2. In this review, we summarize the development of conventional HER2 CAR technology, the alternative selection of CAR hosts, the novel HER2 CAR designs, clinical studies and toxicity. Furthermore, we also discuss the main strategies for improving the safety of HER2 CAR-based cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianqiang Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong 250013, P.R. China
| | - Huan Shi
- Department of Oncology, Shandong Cancer Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, P.R. China
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30
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Granzin M, Wagner J, Köhl U, Cerwenka A, Huppert V, Ullrich E. Shaping of Natural Killer Cell Antitumor Activity by Ex Vivo Cultivation. Front Immunol 2017; 8:458. [PMID: 28491060 PMCID: PMC5405078 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a promising tool for the use in adoptive immunotherapy, since they efficiently recognize and kill tumor cells. In this context, ex vivo cultivation is an attractive option to increase NK cells in numbers and to improve their antitumor potential prior to clinical applications. Consequently, various strategies to generate NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy have been developed. Here, we give an overview of different NK cell cultivation approaches and their impact on shaping the NK cell antitumor activity. So far, the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21 are used to culture and expand NK cells. The selection of the respective cytokine combination is an important factor that directly affects NK cell maturation, proliferation, survival, distribution of NK cell subpopulations, activation, and function in terms of cytokine production and cytotoxic potential. Importantly, cytokines can upregulate the expression of certain activating receptors on NK cells, thereby increasing their responsiveness against tumor cells that express the corresponding ligands. Apart from using cytokines, cocultivation with autologous accessory non-NK cells or addition of growth-inactivated feeder cells are approaches for NK cell cultivation with pronounced effects on NK cell activation and expansion. Furthermore, ex vivo cultivation was reported to prime NK cells for the killing of tumor cells that were previously resistant to NK cell attack. In general, NK cells become frequently dysfunctional in cancer patients, for instance, by downregulation of NK cell activating receptors, disabling them in their antitumor response. In such scenario, ex vivo cultivation can be helpful to arm NK cells with enhanced antitumor properties to overcome immunosuppression. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on NK cell modulation by different ex vivo cultivation strategies focused on increasing NK cytotoxicity for clinical application in malignant diseases. Moreover, we critically discuss the technical and regulatory aspects and challenges underlying NK cell based therapeutic approaches in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Granzin
- Clinical Research, Miltenyi Biotec Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Juliane Wagner
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Innate Immunity Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Immunbiochemistry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Huppert
- R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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31
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Shevtsov M, Multhoff G. Immunological and Translational Aspects of NK Cell-Based Antitumor Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2016; 7:492. [PMID: 27891129 PMCID: PMC5104957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in the first line of defense against cancer. NK cells that are deficient in CD3 and a clonal T cell receptor (TCR) can be subdivided into two major subtypes, CD56dimCD16+ cytotoxic and CD56brightCD16− immunoregulatory NK cells. Cytotoxic NK cells not only directly kill tumor cells without previous stimulation by cytotoxic effector molecules, such as perforin and granzymes or via death receptor interactions, but also act as regulatory cells for the immune system by secreting cytokines and chemokines. The aim of this review is to highlight therapeutic strategies utilizing autologous and allogenic NK cells, combinations of NK cells with monoclonal antibodies to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, or immune checkpoint inhibitors. Additionally, we discuss the use of chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Shevtsov
- Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS), St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany; Experimental Immune Biology, Institute for innovative Radiotherapy (iRT), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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32
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Adoptive immunotherapy for hematological malignancies: Current status and new insights in chimeric antigen receptor T cells. Blood Cells Mol Dis 2016; 62:49-63. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcmd.2016.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2016] [Revised: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 11/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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33
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Kannan GS, Aquino-Lopez A, Lee DA. Natural killer cells in malignant hematology: A primer for the non-immunologist. Blood Rev 2016; 31:1-10. [PMID: 27665023 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2016.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer cells were first described over 40years ago, but the last 15years has shown tremendous progress in our understanding of their biology and our ability to manipulate them for clinical therapeutic effect. Despite the increased understanding by clinicians and scientists investigating these cells, their biology remains a confusing subject for many because of the wide array of receptors, complex interactions, multiple models of predicting function, and contradictory data in the literature. While they are microscopically indistinguishable from T cells and share many of the same effector functions, their mechanisms of target recognition are completely distinct from yet complimentary to T cells. In this review we provide a basic understanding of NK cell biology and HLA recognition as compared and contrasted to T cells using a metaphor of border patrol and passports. We conclude with a summary of the evidence for NK cell effects in hematologic malignancies and describe new advances in NK cell immunotherapy aimed at improving these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey S Kannan
- Center for Neuro-Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brooklyn Ave, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Arianexys Aquino-Lopez
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Program, University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6767 Bertner Avenue, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Unit 853, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Dean A Lee
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and BMT, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, WA4023, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.
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34
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Hromadnikova I, Li S, Kotlabova K, Dickinson AM. Influence of In Vitro IL-2 or IL-15 Alone or in Combination with Hsp 70 Derived 14-Mer Peptide (TKD) on the Expression of NK Cell Activatory and Inhibitory Receptors on Peripheral Blood T Cells, B Cells and NKT Cells. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151535. [PMID: 26982331 PMCID: PMC4794217 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies from Multhoff and colleagues reported that plasma membrane Hsp70 acts as a tumour-specific recognition structure for activated NK cells, and that the incubation of NK cells with Hsp70 and/or a 14-mer peptide derived from the N-terminal sequence of Hsp70 (TKDNNLLGRFELSG, TKD, aa 450–463) plus a low dose of IL-2 triggers NK cell proliferation and migration, and their capacity to kill cancer cells expressing membrane Hsp70. Herein, we have used flow cytometry to determine the influence of in vitro stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy individuals with IL-2 or IL-15, either alone or in combination with TKD peptide on the cell surface expression of CD94, NK cell activatory receptors (CD16, NK2D, NKG2C, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, KIR2DL4, DNAM-1 and LAMP1) and NK cell inhibitory receptors (NKG2A, KIR2DL2/L3, LIR1/ILT-2 and NKR-P1A) by CD3+CD56+ (NKT), CD3+CD4+, CD3+CD8+ and CD19+ populations. NKG2D, DNAM-1, LAMP1 and NKR-P1A expression was upregulated after the stimulation with IL-2 or IL-15 alone or in combination with TKD in NKT, CD8+ T cells and B cells. CD94 was upregulated in NKT and CD8+ T cells. Concurrently, an increase in a number of CD8+ T cells expressing LIR1/ILT-2 and CD4+ T cells positive for NKR-P1A was observed. The proportion of CD8+ T cells that expressed NKG2D was higher after IL-2/TKD treatment, when compared with IL-2 treatment alone. In comparison with IL-15 alone, IL-15/TKD treatment increased the proportion of NKT cells that were positive for CD94, LAMP1 and NKRP-1A. The more potent effect of IL-15/TKD on cell surface expression of NKG2D, LIR1/ILT-2 and NKRP-1A was observed in B cells compared with IL-15 alone. However, this increase was not of statistical significance. IL-2/TKD induced significant upregulation of LAMP1 in CD8+ T cells compared with IL-2 alone. Besides NK cells, other immunocompetent cells present within the fraction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells were influenced by the treatment with low-dose interleukins themselves or in combination with hsp70 derived (TKD) peptide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Hromadnikova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Ruska 87, 10 000 Prague 10, Czech Republic
- * E-mail:
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Ruska 87, 10 000 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Kotlabova
- Department of Molecular Biology and Cell Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Ruska 87, 10 000 Prague 10, Czech Republic
| | - Anne M. Dickinson
- Haematological Sciences, Institute of Cellular Medicine, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
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Dahlberg CIM, Sarhan D, Chrobok M, Duru AD, Alici E. Natural Killer Cell-Based Therapies Targeting Cancer: Possible Strategies to Gain and Sustain Anti-Tumor Activity. Front Immunol 2015; 6:605. [PMID: 26648934 PMCID: PMC4663254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were discovered 40 years ago, by their ability to recognize and kill tumor cells without the requirement of prior antigen exposure. Since then, NK cells have been seen as promising agents for cell-based cancer therapies. However, NK cells represent only a minor fraction of the human lymphocyte population. Their skewed phenotype and impaired functionality during cancer progression necessitates the development of clinical protocols to activate and expand to high numbers ex vivo to be able to infuse sufficient numbers of functional NK cells to the cancer patients. Initial NK cell-based clinical trials suggested that NK cell-infusion is safe and feasible with almost no NK cell-related toxicity, including graft-versus-host disease. Complete remission and increased disease-free survival is shown in a small number of patients with hematological malignances. Furthermore, successful adoptive NK cell-based therapies from haploidentical donors have been demonstrated. Disappointingly, only limited anti-tumor effects have been demonstrated following NK cell infusion in patients with solid tumors. While NK cells have great potential in targeting tumor cells, the efficiency of NK cell functions in the tumor microenvironment is yet unclear. The failure of immune surveillance may in part be due to sustained immunological pressure on tumor cells resulting in the development of tumor escape variants that are invisible to the immune system. Alternatively, this could be due to the complex network of immune-suppressive compartments in the tumor microenvironment, including myeloid-derived suppressor cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and regulatory T cells. Although the negative effect of the tumor microenvironment on NK cells can be transiently reverted by ex vivo expansion and long-term activation, the aforementioned NK cell/tumor microenvironment interactions upon reinfusion are not fully elucidated. Within this context, genetic modification of NK cells may provide new possibilities for developing effective cancer immunotherapies by improving NK cell responses and making them less susceptible to the tumor microenvironment. Within this review, we will discuss clinical trials using NK cells with a specific reflection on novel potential strategies, such as genetic modification of NK cells and complementary therapies aimed at improving the clinical outcome of NK cell-based immune therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carin I M Dahlberg
- Cell Therapies Institute, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, FL , USA ; Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, NOVUM , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Dhifaf Sarhan
- Oncology-Pathology, Cancer Center Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet , Stockholm , Sweden ; Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Masonic Cancer Research Center, University of Minnesota , Minnesota, MN , USA
| | - Michael Chrobok
- Cell Therapies Institute, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, FL , USA ; Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, NOVUM , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Adil D Duru
- Cell Therapies Institute, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, FL , USA ; Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, NOVUM , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Cell Therapies Institute, Nova Southeastern University , Fort Lauderdale, FL , USA ; Cell and Gene Therapy Group, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, NOVUM , Stockholm , Sweden ; Hematology Center, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge , Stockholm , Sweden
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36
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Koehl U, Kalberer C, Spanholtz J, Lee DA, Miller JS, Cooley S, Lowdell M, Uharek L, Klingemann H, Curti A, Leung W, Alici E. Advances in clinical NK cell studies: Donor selection, manufacturing and quality control. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1115178. [PMID: 27141397 PMCID: PMC4839369 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1115178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are increasingly used in clinical studies in order to treat patients with various malignancies. The following review summarizes platform lectures and 2013–2015 consortium meetings on manufacturing and clinical use of NK cells in Europe and United States. A broad overview of recent pre-clinical and clinical results in NK cell therapies is provided based on unstimulated, cytokine-activated, as well as genetically engineered NK cells using chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). Differences in donor selection, manufacturing and quality control of NK cells for cancer immunotherapies are described and basic recommendations are outlined for harmonization in future NK cell studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Koehl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - C Kalberer
- Diagnostic Hematology, University Hospital Basel , Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics , Oss, the Netherlands
| | - D A Lee
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Pediatrics , Houston, TX, USA
| | - J S Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - S Cooley
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - M Lowdell
- Department of Hematology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Medical School , London, UK
| | - L Uharek
- Hematology and Oncology, Benjamin Franklin faculty of Charité , Berlin, Germany
| | - H Klingemann
- NantKwest Inc., Research & Development , Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - A Curti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Institute of Hematology "L. and A. Seràgnoli", Berlin, University of Bologna , Italy
| | - W Leung
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - E Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm Sweden; Cell therapies institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Hematology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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37
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Klöss S, Chambron N, Gardlowski T, Weil S, Koch J, Esser R, Pogge von Strandmann E, Morgan MA, Arseniev L, Seitz O, Köhl U. Cetuximab Reconstitutes Pro-Inflammatory Cytokine Secretions and Tumor-Infiltrating Capabilities of sMICA-Inhibited NK Cells in HNSCC Tumor Spheroids. Front Immunol 2015; 6:543. [PMID: 26579120 PMCID: PMC4629470 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 10/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppressive factors, such as soluble major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related peptide A (sMICA) and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), are involved in tumor immune escape mechanisms (TIEMs) exhibited by head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) and may represent opportunities for therapeutic intervention. In order to overcome TIEMs, we investigated the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), cytokine release and retargeted tumor infiltration of sMICA-inhibited patient NK cells expressing Fcγ receptor IIIa (FcγRIIIa, CD16a) in the presence of cetuximab, an anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (HER1) monoclonal antibody (mAb). Compared to healthy controls, relapsed HNSCC patients (n = 5), not currently in treatment revealed decreased levels of circulating regulatory NK cell subsets in relation to increased cytotoxic NK cell subpopulations. Elevated sMICA and TGF-β1 plasma levels correlated with diminished TNFα and IFN-γ release and decreased NKG2D (natural killer group 2 member D)-dependent killing of HNSCC cells by NK cells. Incubation of IL-2-activated patient NK cells with patient plasma containing elevated sMICA or sMICA analogs (shed MICA and recombinant MICA) significantly impaired NKG2D-mediated killing by down-regulation of NKG2D surface expression. Of note, CD16 surface expression levels, pro-apoptotic and activation markers, and viability of patient and healthy donor NK cell subpopulations were not affected by this treatment. Accordingly, cetuximab restored killing activity of sMICA-inhibited patient NK cells against cetuximab-coated primary HNSCC cells via ADCC in a dose-dependent manner. Rapid reconstitution of anti-tumor recognition and enhanced tumor infiltration of treated NK cells was monitored by 24 h co-incubation of HNSCC tumor spheroids with cetuximab (1 μg/ml) and was characterized by increased IFN-γ and TNFα secretion. This data show that the impaired NK cell-dependent tumor surveillance in relapsed HNSCC patients could be reversed by the re-establishment of ADCC-mediated effector cell activity, thus supporting NK cell-based immunotherapy in combination with antineoplastic monoclonal mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Klöss
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Nicole Chambron
- Department of Oral, Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Klinikum Hanau GmbH , Hanau , Germany
| | - Tanja Gardlowski
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Sandra Weil
- Georg-Speyer-Haus Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy , Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Joachim Koch
- Georg-Speyer-Haus Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy , Frankfurt , Germany
| | - Ruth Esser
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | | | - Michael A Morgan
- Institute of Experimental Haematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Lubomir Arseniev
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
| | - Oliver Seitz
- Department of Oral, Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery, Klinikum Hanau GmbH , Hanau , Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation (IFB-Tx), Hannover Medical School , Hannover , Germany
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38
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Song H, Kim Y, Park G, Kim YS, Kim S, Lee HK, Chung WY, Park SJ, Han SY, Cho D, Hur D. Transforming growth factor-β1 regulates human renal proximal tubular epithelial cell susceptibility to natural killer cells via modulation of the NKG2D ligands. Int J Mol Med 2015; 36:1180-8. [PMID: 26311146 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2015.2317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has a significant role in the response to injury and tissue repair, and it has been detected in various cell types. However, the mechanism by which it regulates the response to ischemia‑reperfusion injury (IRI) and manipulates natural killer (NK) cells is not well understood. In the present study, TGF‑β modulated NK cell function, thereby promoting recovery from renal IRI. Human renal proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK‑2) treated with TGF‑β exhibited increased surface and intracellular expression of the NK group 2 member D (NKG2D) ligand MICA. This increased surface expression of MICA inhibited NK cell cytotoxicity to the HK‑2 cells. In addition, an enzyme‑linked immunosorbent assay revealed that TGF‑β treatment evidently increased the amount of soluble MICA released into the culture supernatant from HK‑2 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that TGF‑β‑induced release of soluble MICA leads to downregulation of NKG2D, thereby preventing NK cell‑mediated cytotoxicity toward renal proximal tubular epithelial cells in renal IRI, which in turn improves the survival of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunkeun Song
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory for Medical Oncology, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614‑735, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonye Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Laboratory for Medical Oncology, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614‑735, Republic of Korea
| | - Gabin Park
- Department of Anatomy, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614‑735, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeong-Seok Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614‑735, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonghan Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614‑735, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyung Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan 614‑735, Republic of Korea
| | - Woo Yeong Chung
- Department of Pediatrics, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan 614‑735, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Ju Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Busan Paik Hospital, Busan 614‑735, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Youb Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Inje University Ilsan-Paik Hospital, Goyang, Gyeonggi 411‑706, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeho Cho
- Department of Life Science, Sookmyung Women's University, Yongsan-ku, Seoul 140-742, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeyoung Hur
- Department of Anatomy, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 614‑735, Republic of Korea
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Domogala A, Madrigal JA, Saudemont A. Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy: From Bench to Bedside. Front Immunol 2015; 6:264. [PMID: 26089820 PMCID: PMC4453475 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2015] [Accepted: 05/13/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The potential of natural killer (NK) cells to target numerous malignancies in vitro has been well documented; however, only limited success has been seen in the clinic. Although NK cells prove non-toxic and safe regardless of the cell numbers injected, there is often little persistence and expansion observed in a patient, which is vital for mounting an effective cellular response. NK cells can be isolated directly from peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, or bone marrow, expanded in vitro using cytokines or differentiated in vitro from hematopoietic stem cells. Drugs that support NK cell function such as lenalidomide and bortezomib have also been studied in the clinic, however, the optimum combination, which can vary among different malignancies, is yet to be identified. NK cell proliferation, persistence, and function can further be improved by various activation techniques such as priming and cytokine addition though whether stimulation pre- or post-injection is more favorable is another obstacle to be tackled. Here, we review the various methods of obtaining and activating NK cells for use in the clinic while considering the ideal product and drug complement for the most successful cellular therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Domogala
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute , London , UK ; University College London , London , UK
| | - J Alejandro Madrigal
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute , London , UK ; University College London , London , UK
| | - Aurore Saudemont
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute , London , UK ; University College London , London , UK
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Klöß S, Chambron N, Gardlowski T, Arseniev L, Koch J, Esser R, Glienke W, Seitz O, Köhl U. Increased sMICA and TGFβ 1 levels in HNSCC patients impair NKG2D-dependent functionality of activated NK cells. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1055993. [PMID: 26451327 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1055993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 03/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/06/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Disseminated head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) escapes immune surveillance and thus frequently manifests as fatal disease. Here, we report on the distribution of distinct immune cell subpopulations, natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity and tumor immune escape mechanisms (TIEMs) in 55 HNSCC patients, either at initial diagnosis or present with tumor relapse. Compared to healthy controls, the regulatory NK cells and the ratio of pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines were decreased in HNSCC patients, while soluble major histocompatibility complex Class I chain-related peptide A (sMICA) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1) plasma levels were markedly elevated. Increased sMICA and TGFβ1 concentrations correlated with tumor progression and staging characteristics in 7 follow-up HNSCC patients, with significantly elevated levels of both soluble factors from the time of initial diagnosis to that of relapse. Patient plasma containing elevated sMICA and TGFβ1 markedly impaired NKG2D-dependent cytotoxicity against HNSCC cells upon incubation with patient-derived and IL-2 activated NK cells vs. those derived from healthy donors. Decreased antitumor recognition was accompanied by reduced NKG2D expression on the NK cell surface and an enhanced caspase-3 activity. In-vitro blocking and neutralization experiments demonstrated a synergistic negative impact of sMICA and TGFβ1 on NK cell functionality. Although we previously showed the feasibility and safety of transfer of allogeneic donor NK cells in a prior clinical study encompassing various leukemia and tumor patients, our present results suggest the need for caution regarding the sole use of adoptive NK cell transfer. The presence of soluble NKG2D ligands in the plasma of HNSCC patients and the decreased NK cell cytotoxicity due to several factors, especially TGFβ1, indicates timely depletion of these immunosuppressing molecules may promote NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Klöß
- Institute for Cellular therapeutics; IFB-Tx; Hannover Medical School ; Hannover, Germany
| | - Nicole Chambron
- Department of Oral; Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery; Klinikum Hanau GmbH ; Hanau, Germany
| | - Tanja Gardlowski
- Institute for Cellular therapeutics; IFB-Tx; Hannover Medical School ; Hannover, Germany
| | - Lubomir Arseniev
- Institute for Cellular therapeutics; IFB-Tx; Hannover Medical School ; Hannover, Germany
| | - Joachim Koch
- Georg-Speyer-Haus; Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy ; Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ruth Esser
- Institute for Cellular therapeutics; IFB-Tx; Hannover Medical School ; Hannover, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Glienke
- Institute for Cellular therapeutics; IFB-Tx; Hannover Medical School ; Hannover, Germany
| | - Oliver Seitz
- Department of Oral; Cranio-Maxillofacial and Facial Plastic Surgery; Klinikum Hanau GmbH ; Hanau, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute for Cellular therapeutics; IFB-Tx; Hannover Medical School ; Hannover, Germany
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Glienke W, Esser R, Priesner C, Suerth JD, Schambach A, Wels WS, Grez M, Kloess S, Arseniev L, Koehl U. Advantages and applications of CAR-expressing natural killer cells. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:21. [PMID: 25729364 PMCID: PMC4325659 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In contrast to donor T cells, natural killer (NK) cells are known to mediate anti-cancer effects without the risk of inducing graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). In order to improve cytotoxicity against resistant cancer cells, auspicious efforts have been made with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) expressing T- and NK cells. These CAR-modified cells express antigen receptors against tumor-associated surface antigens, thus redirecting the effector cells and enhancing tumor-specific immunosurveillance. However, many cancer antigens are also expressed on healthy tissues, potentially leading to off tumor/on target toxicity by CAR-engineered cells. In order to control such potentially severe side effects, the insertion of suicide genes into CAR-modified effectors can provide a means for efficient depletion of these cells. While CAR-expressing T cells have entered successfully clinical trials, experience with CAR-engineered NK cells is mainly restricted to pre-clinical investigations and predominantly to NK cell lines. In this review we summarize the data on CAR expressing NK cells focusing on the possible advantage using these short-lived effector cells and discuss the necessity of suicide switches. Furthermore, we address the compliance of such modified NK cells with regulatory requirements as a new field in cellular immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Glienke
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Ruth Esser
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Christoph Priesner
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia D Suerth
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Axel Schambach
- Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Winfried S Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Manuel Grez
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Kloess
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Lubomir Arseniev
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School Hannover, Germany
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Peragine N, Torelli GF, Mariglia P, Pauselli S, Vitale A, Guarini A, Foà R. Immunophenotypic and functional characterization of ex vivo expanded natural killer cells for clinical use in acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2015; 64:201-11. [PMID: 25341808 PMCID: PMC11029629 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1614-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Accepted: 09/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The management of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients has witnessed profound changes in recent years. Nonetheless, most patients tend to relapse, underlining the need for new therapeutic approaches. The anti-leukemic potential of natural killer (NK) cells has over the years raised considerable interest. In this study, we developed an efficient method for the expansion and activation of NK cells isolated from healthy donors and ALL patients for clinical use. NK cell products were derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of 35 healthy donors and 4 B-lineage ALL by immunomagnetic CD3 T cell depletion followed by CD56 cell enrichment. Isolated NK cells were expanded and stimulated in serum-free medium supplemented with irradiated autologous feeder cells and autologous plasma in the presence of clinical grade interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-15 for 14 days. Healthy donor NK cells expanded on average 34.9 ± 10.4 fold and were represented, after expansion, by a highly pure population of CD3(-)CD56(+) cells showing a significant upregulation of natural cytotoxicity receptors, activating receptors and maturation markers. These expanded effectors showed cytolytic activity against K562 cells and, most importantly, against primary adult B-lineage ALL blasts. NK cells could be efficiently isolated and expanded-on average 39.5 ± 20.3 fold-also from primary B-lineage ALL samples of patients in complete remission. The expanded NK cells from these patients showed a significantly increased expression of the NKG2D- and DNAM1-activating receptors and were cytotoxic against K562 cells. These data provide the basis for developing new immunotherapeutic strategies for the management of ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Peragine
- Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, “Sapienza” University, Via Benevento 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni F. Torelli
- Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, “Sapienza” University, Via Benevento 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Mariglia
- Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, “Sapienza” University, Via Benevento 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Pauselli
- Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, “Sapienza” University, Via Benevento 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Vitale
- Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, “Sapienza” University, Via Benevento 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Guarini
- Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, “Sapienza” University, Via Benevento 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Robin Foà
- Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, “Sapienza” University, Via Benevento 6, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Brehm C, Huenecke S, Esser R, Kloess S, Quaiser A, Betz S, Zimmermann O, Soerensen J, Passweg JR, Klingebiel T, Schwabe D, Bader P, Koehl U. Interleukin-2-stimulated natural killer cells are less susceptible to mycophenolate mofetil than non-activated NK cells: possible consequences for immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2014; 63:821-33. [PMID: 24806448 PMCID: PMC11028798 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-014-1556-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2013] [Accepted: 04/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
In a clinical phase I/II trial, pediatric patients with high-risk malignancies were treated with ex vivo IL-2-stimulated donor natural killer (NK) cells after transplantation with haploidentical stem cells. To evaluate the potential negative effects of the immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) used for immunotherapy, the functionality and signaling of ex vivo NK cells was investigated. Our results show that during NK cell expansion, long-term (9 days) incubation with mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active metabolite of MMF, in therapeutically relevant concentrations led to the severe inhibition of NK cell proliferation. This correlated with a significantly reduced cytokine/chemokine secretion and the inhibited acquisition of surface receptors regarding cytotoxicity (e.g., NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKG2D), adhesion/migration (e.g., ICAM-1/CD54, LFA-1/CD11a, CD62L, CXCR3) and activation (e.g., CD25). Moreover, MPA prevented phosphorylation of the central signaling molecules STAT-3/-4/-5, AKT and ERK1/2. In contrast, short-term (24 h) MPA incubation of IL-2-stimulated NK cells had no or only marginal effects on the activated NK cell phenotype, including receptor expression, cytokine/chemokine secretion and intracellular signaling. Further, short-term MPA incubation only moderately affected the highly cytotoxic activity of previously IL-2-stimulated NK cells. In conclusion, while long-term MPA incubation significantly compromised ex vivo NK cell functionality, previously IL-2-activated NK cells seemed to be rather resistant to short-term MPA treatment. This finding supports the use of IL-2-activated NK cells as immunotherapy, especially for patients treated with MMF after haploidentical stem cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Brehm
- Clinic for Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany,
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Téllez-Bañuelos MC, Ortiz-Lazareno PC, Jave-Suárez LF, Siordia-Sánchez VH, Bravo-Cuellar A, Santerre A, Zaitseva GP. Endosulfan decreases cytotoxic activity of nonspecific cytotoxic cells and expression of granzyme gene in Oreochromis niloticus. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 38:196-203. [PMID: 24657320 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2014.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2013] [Revised: 02/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/07/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
The effect of the organochlorinated insecticide endosulfan, on the cytotoxic activity of Nile tilapia nonspecific cytotoxic cells (NCC) was assessed. Juvenile Nile tilapia were exposed to endosulfan (7 ppb) for 96 h and splenic NCC were isolated. Flow cytometric phenotyping of NCC was based on the detection of the NCC specific membrane signaling protein NCCRP-1 by using the monoclonal antibody Mab 5C6; granzyme expression was evaluated by quantitative RT-PCR. The cytotoxic activity of sorted NCC on HL-60 tumoral cells was assessed using propidium iodide (PI) staining of DNA in HL-60 nuclei, indicating dead cells. Nile tilapia splenic NCC had the ability to kill HL-60 tumoral cells, however, the exposure to endosulfan significantly reduced, by a 65%, their cytotoxic activity when using the effector:target ratio of 40:1. Additionally, the exposure to endosulfan tended to increase the expression of NCCRP-1, which is involved in NCC antigen recognition and signaling. Moreover, it decreased the expression of the granzyme gene in exposed group as compared with non-exposed group; however significant differences between groups were not detected. In summary, the acute exposure of Nile tilapia to sublethal concentration of endosulfan induces alteration in function of NCC: significant decrease of cytotoxic activity and a tendency to lower granzyme expression, severe enough to compromise the immunity of this species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha Cecilia Téllez-Bañuelos
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Universidad de Guadalajara, Carretera a Nogales Km 15.5, Las Agujas, 45110 Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico.
| | - Pablo Cesar Ortiz-Lazareno
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, IMSS, Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Luis Felipe Jave-Suárez
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, IMSS, Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Victor Hugo Siordia-Sánchez
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Universidad de Guadalajara, Carretera a Nogales Km 15.5, Las Agujas, 45110 Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Bravo-Cuellar
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, IMSS, Sierra Mojada 800, Col. Independencia, 44340 Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Anne Santerre
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Universidad de Guadalajara, Carretera a Nogales Km 15.5, Las Agujas, 45110 Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Galina P Zaitseva
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Universidad de Guadalajara, Carretera a Nogales Km 15.5, Las Agujas, 45110 Zapopan, Jalisco, Mexico
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Guma SR, Lee DA, Gordon N, Hughes D, Stewart J, Lien Wang W, Kleinerman ES, Kleinerman ES. Natural killer cell therapy and aerosol interleukin-2 for the treatment of osteosarcoma lung metastasis. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:618-26. [PMID: 24136885 PMCID: PMC4154381 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.24801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/12/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival of patients with osteosarcoma lung metastases has not improved in 20 years. We evaluated the efficacy of combining natural killer (NK) cells with aerosol interleukin-2 (IL-2) to achieve organ-specific NK cell migration and expansion in the metastatic organ, and to decrease toxicity associated with systemic IL-2. PROCEDURE Five human osteosarcoma cell lines and 103 patient samples (47 primary and 56 metastatic) were analyzed for NKG2D ligand (NKG2DL) expression. Therapeutic efficacy of aerosol IL-2 + NK cells was evaluated in vivo compared with aerosol IL-2 alone and NK cells without aerosol IL-2. RESULTS Osteosarcoma cell lines and patient samples expressed various levels of NKG2DL. NK-mediated killing was NKG2DL-dependent and correlated with expression levels. Aerosol IL-2 increased NK cell numbers in the lung and within metastatic nodules but not in other organs. Therapeutic efficacy, as judged by tumor number, size, and quantification of apoptosis, was also increased compared with NK cells or aerosol IL-2 alone. There were no IL-2-associated systemic toxicities. CONCLUSION Aerosol IL-2 augmented the efficacy of NK cell therapy against osteosarcoma lung metastasis, without inducing systemic toxicity. Our data suggest that lung-targeted IL-2 delivery circumvents toxicities induced by systemic administration. Combining aerosol IL-2 with NK cell infusions, may be a potential new therapeutic approach for patients with osteosarcoma lung metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei R. Guma
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Dean A. Lee
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Nancy Gordon
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Dennis Hughes
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - John Stewart
- Division of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Wei Lien Wang
- Division of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - Eugenie S. Kleinerman
- Division of Pediatrics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
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Intraperitoneal delivery of human natural killer cells for treatment of ovarian cancer in a mouse xenograft model. Cytotherapy 2014; 15:1297-306. [PMID: 23993303 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2013.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2013] [Revised: 05/08/2013] [Accepted: 05/29/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS There is an urgent need for novel therapeutic strategies for relapsed ovarian cancer. Dramatic clinical anti-tumor effects have been observed with interleukin (IL)-2 activated natural killer (NK) cells; however, intravenous delivery of NK cells in patients with ovarian cancer has not been successful in ameliorating disease. We investigated in vivo engraftment of intraperitoneally (IP) delivered NK cells in an ovarian cancer xenograft model to determine if delivery mode can affect tumor cell killing and circumvent lack of NK cell expansion. METHODS An ovarian cancer xenograft mouse model was established to evaluate efficacy of IP-delivered NK cells. Tumor burden was monitored by bioluminescent imaging of luciferase-expressing ovarian cancer cells. NK cell persistence, tumor burden and NK cell trafficking were evaluated. Transplanted NK cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and cytotoxicity assays. RESULTS IP delivery of human NK cells plus cytokines led to high levels of circulating NK and was effective in clearing intraperitoneal ovarian cancer burden in xenografted mice. NK cells remained within the peritoneal cavity 54 days after injection and had markers of maturation. Additionally, surviving NK cells were able to kill ovarian cancer cells at a rate similar to pre-infusion levels, supporting that in vivo functionality of human NK cells can be maintained after IP infusion. CONCLUSIONS IP delivery of NK cells leads to stable engraftment and antitumor response in an ovarian cancer xenograft model. These data support further pre-clinical and clinical evaluation of IP delivery of allogeneic NK cells in ovarian cancer.
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da Silva IP, Gallois A, Jimenez-Baranda S, Khan S, Anderson AC, Kuchroo VK, Osman I, Bhardwaj N. Reversal of NK-cell exhaustion in advanced melanoma by Tim-3 blockade. Cancer Immunol Res 2014; 2:410-22. [PMID: 24795354 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-13-0171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 280] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The immunoregulatory protein T-cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing molecule-3 (Tim-3) mediates T-cell exhaustion and contributes to the suppression of immune responses in both viral infections and tumors. Tim-3 blockade reverses the exhausted phenotype of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in several chronic diseases, including melanoma. Interestingly, natural killer (NK) cells constitutively express Tim-3; however, the role of Tim-3 in modulating the function of these innate effector cells remains unclear, particularly in human diseases. In this study, we compared the function of Tim-3 in NK cells from healthy donors and patients with metastatic melanoma. NK cells from the latter were functionally impaired/exhausted, and Tim-3 blockade reversed this exhausted phenotype. Moreover, Tim-3 expression levels were correlated with the stage of the disease and poor prognostic factors. These data indicate that Tim-3 can function as an NK-cell exhaustion marker in advanced melanoma and support the development of Tim-3-targeted therapies to restore antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Pires da Silva
- Authors' Affiliations: Programme for Advanced Medical Education, Lisbon, Portugal
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Vyas M, Koehl U, Hallek M, von Strandmann EP. Natural ligands and antibody-based fusion proteins: harnessing the immune system against cancer. Trends Mol Med 2013; 20:72-82. [PMID: 24268686 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2013.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2013] [Revised: 10/16/2013] [Accepted: 10/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The insight that the immune system is able to eradicate tumor cells inspired the development of targeted immunotherapies. These novel approaches aim to trigger immune molecules and receptors, including CD3 on T cells and NKG2D and NKp30 on natural killer (NK) cells, to harness the immune system against cancer. In cancer patients, overcoming immune suppression induced by malignant cells or by the tumor microenvironment remains the major challenge to the clinical efficacy of immunotherapies. Recombinant constructs have been developed in various formats either utilizing natural ligands (immunoligands) or antibody-derived components (immunoconstructs) to circumvent mechanisms that counteract an effective antitumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maulik Vyas
- University of Cologne, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, 50924 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Hallek
- University of Cologne, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, 50924 Cologne, Germany
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Voigt J, Hünniger K, Bouzani M, Jacobsen ID, Barz D, Hube B, Löffler J, Kurzai O. Human natural killer cells acting as phagocytes against Candida albicans and mounting an inflammatory response that modulates neutrophil antifungal activity. J Infect Dis 2013; 209:616-26. [PMID: 24163416 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jit574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes with potent cytotoxic activity. Whereas activity of NK cells has been demonstrated against the fungal pathogens Aspergillus fumigatus and Cryptococcus neoformans, little was known about their interaction with Candida albicans. METHODS Primary human NK cells were isolated from buffy coats, primed with a cytokine cocktail and used for confrontation assays with C. albicans. Interaction was monitored and quantified using live cell imaging, confocal microscopy, flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Human NK cells actively recognized C. albicans, resulting in degranulation and secretion of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interferon γ, and tumor necrosis factor α . Uniquely, activation of NK cells was triggered by actin-dependent phagocytosis. Antifungal activity of NK cells against C. albicans could be detected and mainly attributed to secreted perforin. However, NK cells were unable to inhibit filamentation of C. albicans. Human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) counteracted the proinflammatory reaction of NK cells by preventing direct contact between NK cells and the fungal pathogen. Activation of PMNs was enhanced in the presence of NK cells, resulting in increased fungicidal activity. CONCLUSIONS Our results show a unique pattern of NK cell interaction with C. albicans, which involves direct proinflammatory activation and modulation of PMN activity. For the first time, phagocytosis of a pathogen is shown to contribute to NK cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Voigt
- Septomics Research Centre, Friedrich Schiller University and Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology-Hans Knoell Institute
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Brehm C, Huenecke S, Pfirrmann V, Rossig C, Mackall CL, Bollard CM, Gottschalk S, Schlegel PG, Klingebiel T, Bader P. Highlights of the third International Conference on Immunotherapy in Pediatric Oncology. Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2013; 30:349-66. [PMID: 23758210 DOI: 10.3109/08880018.2013.802106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The third International Conference on Immunotherapy in Pediatric Oncology was held in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, October 1-2, 2012. Major topics of the conference included (i) cellular therapies using antigen-specific and gene-modified T cells for targeting leukemia and pediatric solid tumors; (ii) overcoming hurdles and barriers with regard to immunogenicity, immune escape, and the role of tumor microenvironment; (iii) vaccine strategies and antigen presentation; (iv) haploidentical transplantation and innate immunity; (v) the role of immune cells in allogeneic transplantation; and (vi) current antibody/immunoconjugate approaches for the treatment of pediatric malignancies. During the past decade, major advances have been made in improving the efficacy of these modalities and regulatory hurdles have been taken. Nevertheless, there is still a long way to go to fully exploit the potential of immunotherapeutic strategies to improve the cure of children and adolescents with malignancies. This and future meetings will support new collaborations and insights for further translational and clinical immunotherapy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Brehm
- Department for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, J.W. Goethe-University Hospital, University Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Frankfurt/Main, Germany
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