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Sabag B, Puthenveetil A, Levy M, Joseph N, Doniger T, Yaron O, Karako-Lampert S, Lazar I, Awwad F, Ashkenazi S, Barda-Saad M. Dysfunctional natural killer cells can be reprogrammed to regain anti-tumor activity. EMBO J 2024; 43:2552-2581. [PMID: 38637625 PMCID: PMC11217363 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical to the innate immune system, as they recognize antigens without prior sensitization, and contribute to the control and clearance of viral infections and cancer. However, a significant proportion of NK cells in mice and humans do not express classical inhibitory receptors during their education process and are rendered naturally "anergic", i.e., exhibiting reduced effector functions. The molecular events leading to NK cell anergy as well as their relation to those underlying NK cell exhaustion that arises from overstimulation in chronic conditions, remain unknown. Here, we characterize the "anergic" phenotype and demonstrate functional, transcriptional, and phenotypic similarities to the "exhausted" state in tumor-infiltrating NK cells. Furthermore, we identify zinc finger transcription factor Egr2 and diacylglycerol kinase DGKα as common negative regulators controlling NK cell dysfunction. Finally, experiments in a 3D organotypic spheroid culture model and an in vivo tumor model suggest that a nanoparticle-based delivery platform can reprogram these dysfunctional natural killer cell populations in their native microenvironment. This approach may become clinically relevant for the development of novel anti-tumor immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batel Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Abhishek Puthenveetil
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Moria Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Noah Joseph
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Tirtza Doniger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Orly Yaron
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Sarit Karako-Lampert
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Itay Lazar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Fatima Awwad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Shahar Ashkenazi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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2
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Portale F, Di Mitri D. NK Cells in Cancer: Mechanisms of Dysfunction and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119521. [PMID: 37298470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NK) are innate lymphocytes endowed with the ability to recognize and kill cancer cells. Consequently, adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic NK cells represents a novel opportunity in cancer treatment that is currently under clinical investigation. However, cancer renders NK cells dysfunctional, thus restraining the efficacy of cell therapies. Importantly, extensive effort has been employed to investigate the mechanisms that restrain NK cell anti-tumor function, and the results have offered forthcoming solutions to improve the efficiency of NK cell-based therapies. The present review will introduce the origin and features of NK cells, summarize the mechanisms of action and causes of dysfunction of NK cells in cancer, and frame NK cells in the tumoral microenvironment and in the context of immunotherapies. Finally, we will discuss therapeutic potential and current limitations of NK cell adoptive transfer in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Portale
- Tumor Microenviroment Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Diletta Di Mitri
- Tumor Microenviroment Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
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3
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Maretti-Mira AC, Salomon MP, Hsu AM, Dara L, Golden-Mason L. Etiology of end-stage liver cirrhosis impacts hepatic natural killer cell heterogenicity. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1137034. [PMID: 37063898 PMCID: PMC10098346 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1137034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The natural killer (NK) cell population is a critical component of the innate immune compartment of the liver, and its functions are deeply affected by the surrounding environment. In the late stage of fibrosis, NK cells become dysfunctional, but the influence of disease etiology on NK cell behavior during cirrhosis remains unclear. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), we characterized the hepatic NK cells from end-stage cirrhotic livers from subjects with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), chronic hepatitis C infection (HCV) and primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Here, we show that although NK cells shared similar dysfunctions, the disease etiology impacts hepatic NK cell heterogeneity. Therapeutical strategies targeting NK cells for the prevention or treatment of fibrosis should consider liver disease etiology in their design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Maretti-Mira
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Ana C. Maretti-Mira,
| | - Matthew P. Salomon
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Angela M. Hsu
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lily Dara
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lucy Golden-Mason
- USC Research Center for Liver Disease, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Division of Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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4
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Tarannum M, Romee R. Cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:592. [PMID: 34863287 PMCID: PMC8642969 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02655-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are an important part of the innate immune system mediating robust responses to virus-infected and malignant cells without needing prior antigen priming. NK cells have always been thought to be short-lived and with no antigen specificity; however, recent data support the presence of NK cell memory including in the hapten-specific contact hypersensitivity model and in certain viral infections. The memory-like features can also be generated by short-term activation of both murine and human NK cells with cytokine combination of IL-12, IL-15 and IL-18, imparting increased longevity and enhanced anticancer functionality. Preclinical studies and very early clinical trials demonstrate safety and very promising clinical activity of these cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells, making them an attractive cell type for developing novel adoptive cellular immunotherapy strategies. Furthermore, efforts are on to arm them with novel gene constructs for enhanced tumor targeting and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubin Tarannum
- Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, 450 Brookline Ave, Boston, MA, 02215, USA.
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5
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Brauneck F, Seubert E, Wellbrock J, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Duan Y, Magnus T, Bokemeyer C, Koch-Nolte F, Menzel S, Fiedler W. Combined Blockade of TIGIT and CD39 or A2AR Enhances NK-92 Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity in AML. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312919. [PMID: 34884723 PMCID: PMC8657570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize different natural killer (NK) cell phenotypes on bone marrow and peripheral blood cells from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and healthy donors (HDs). Our data show that CD56dimCD16− and CD56brightCD16− NK cells represent the predominant NK cell subpopulations in AML, while the CD56dimCD16+ NK cells are significantly reduced compared to HDs. Moreover, TIGIT+ and PVRIG+ cells cluster on the CD56dimCD16+ subset whereas CD39+ and CD38+ cells do so on CD56brightCD16− NK cells in AML. Furthermore, functional effects of (co-)blockade of TIGIT and CD39 or A2AR on NK cell functionality were analyzed. These experiments revealed that the single blockade of the TIGIT receptor results in an increased NK-92 cell-mediated killing of AML cells in vitro. Combined targeting of CD39 or A2AR significantly augments the anti-TIGIT-mediated lysis of AML cells. Our data indicate that distinct NK cell subsets in AML exhibit different immunosuppressive patterns (via the TIGIT/PVRIG receptors and the purinergic pathway). In summary, we conclude that TIGIT, CD39, and A2AR constitute relevant inhibitory checkpoints of NK cells in AML patients. A combinatorial blockade synergistically strengthens NK-92 cell-mediated cytotoxicity. As inhibitors of TIGIT, CD39, and A2AR are clinically available, studies on their combined use could be conducted in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Brauneck
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Elisa Seubert
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Jasmin Wellbrock
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Yinghui Duan
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Stephan Menzel
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Walter Fiedler
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
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6
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Cashman S, Lampe K, Sheridan R, Hoebe K. An ENU mutagenesis approach to dissect "self"-induced immune responses: Unraveling the genetic footprint of immunosurveillance. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:856-862. [PMID: 23162753 PMCID: PMC3489741 DOI: 10.4161/onci.20580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system exerts a critical function as it recognizes and eliminates transformed or neoplastic cells, a process also referred to as immunosurveillance. NK cells play a particularly important role in that they are able to recognize tumor cells via “missing-self”—i.e., the absence of major histocompatibility complex Class I on target cells. Moreover, recent studies suggest that NK cells also participate in the onset and regulation of adaptive immune responses. The exact molecular pathways by which this occurs, however, remain poorly understood. To obtain further insight into the genes that are required for self-induced immune responses via NK cell-mediated cell death, our laboratory initiated a forward genetic approach using N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea (ENU) as a mutagen. Specifically, we tested the ability of NK cells from G3 ENU germline mice to recognize missing-self target cells and induce CD8+ T-cell responses following immunization with irradiated tumor cells. Here we present two ENU germline mutants, designated Ace and Chip, that are defective in the recognition of β-2 microglobulin-deficient target cells, yet exhibit improved clearance of B16 melanoma cells in vivo. Coarse mapping and whole genome sequencing of the Chip mutation revealed a missense mutation causing a T’A amino acid substitution in the highly conserved third immuno-receptor tyrosine-based switch motif of CD244 (2B4). The forward genetic approach described here promises to reveal important insight into critical genes that are required for host responses involved in anticancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhan Cashman
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Immunology; Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation; Cincinnati, OH USA
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7
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Millan AJ, Hom BA, Libang JB, Sindi S, Manilay JO. Evidence for Prescribed NK Cell Ly-49 Developmental Pathways in Mice. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 206:1215-1227. [PMID: 33495236 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies of NK cell inhibitory Ly-49 genes showed their expression is stochastic. However, relatively few studies have examined the mechanisms governing acquisition of inhibitory receptors in conjunction with activating Ly-49 receptors and NK cell development. We hypothesized that the surface expression of activating Ly-49 receptors is nonrandom and is influenced by inhibitory Ly-49 receptors. We analyzed NK cell "clusters" defined by combinatorial expression of activating (Ly-49H and Ly-49D) and inhibitory (Ly-49I and Ly-49G2) receptors in C57BL/6 mice. Using the product rule to evaluate the interdependencies of the Ly-49 receptors, we found evidence for a tightly regulated expression at the immature NK cell stage, with the highest interdependencies between clusters that express at least one activating receptor. Further analysis demonstrated that certain NK clusters predominated at the immature (CD27+CD11b-), transitional (CD27+CD11b+), and mature (CD27-CD11b-) NK cell stages. Using parallel in vitro culture and in vivo transplantation of sorted NK clusters, we discovered nonrandom expression of Ly-49 receptors, suggesting that prescribed pathways of NK cluster differentiation exist. Our data infer that surface expression of Ly-49I is an important step in NK cell maturation. Ki-67 expression and cell counts confirmed that immature NK cells proliferate more than mature NK cells. We found that MHC class I is particularly important for regulation of Ly-49D and Ly-49G2, even though no known MHC class I ligand for these receptors is present in B6 mice. Our data indicate that surface expression of both activating and inhibitory Ly-49 receptors on NK cell clusters occurs in a nonrandom process correlated to their maturation stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto J Millan
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343.,Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343; and
| | - Bryan A Hom
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343
| | - Jeremy B Libang
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343
| | - Suzanne Sindi
- Department of Applied Mathematics, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343; and.,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343
| | - Jennifer O Manilay
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343; .,Quantitative and Systems Biology Graduate Group, School of Natural Sciences, University of California, Merced, Merced, CA 95343
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8
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Low immunogenic endothelial cells endothelialize the Left Ventricular Assist Device. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11318. [PMID: 31383930 PMCID: PMC6683293 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-47780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Low haemocompatibility of left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) surfaces necessitates anticoagulative therapy. Endothelial cell (EC) seeding can support haemocompatibility, however, the availability of autologous ECs is limited. In contrast, allogeneic ECs are readily available in sufficient quantity, but HLA disparities induce harmful immune responses causing EC loss. In this study, we investigated the feasibility of using allogeneic low immunogenic ECs to endothelialize LVAD sintered inflow cannulas (SIC). To reduce the immunogenicity of ECs, we applied an inducible lentiviral vector to deliver short-hairpins RNA to silence HLA class I expression. HLA class I expression on ECs was conditionally silenced by up to 70%. Sufficient and comparable endothelialization rates were achieved with HLA-expressing or HLA-silenced ECs. Cell proliferation was not impaired by cell-to-Sintered Inflow Cannulas (SIC) contact or by silencing HLA expression. The levels of endothelial phenotypic and thrombogenic markers or cytokine secretion profiles remained unaffected. HLA-silenced ECs-coated SIC exhibited reduced thrombogenicity. In contrast to native ECs, HLA-silenced ECs showed lower cell lysis rates when exposed to allogeneic T cells or specific anti-HLA antibodies. Allogeneic HLA-silenced ECs could potentially become a valuable source for LVAD endothelialization to reduce immunogenicity and correspondingly the need for anticoagulative therapy which can entail severe side effects.
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9
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Zakiryanova GK, Kustova E, Urazalieva NT, Baimuchametov ET, Nakisbekov NN, Shurin MR. Abnormal Expression of c-Myc Oncogene in NK Cells in Patients with Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E756. [PMID: 30754645 PMCID: PMC6387292 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2019] [Accepted: 02/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have received a lot of attention in recent years for the roles they play in immunity and particularly in antitumor immune responses. Although defects in NK cell functions are recognized as important mechanisms for immune evasion of malignant cells, molecular pathways regulating NK cell dysfunction and exhaustion in cancer are largely unknown. Here we tested whether the c-myc proto-oncogene, known to promote cell proliferation, growth, differentiation, and apoptosis by regulating the expression of numerous target genes, may be involved in the mechanism of NK cell abnormalities in patients with lung and gastric cancer. Analysis of c-myc mRNA and protein expression in peripheral blood NK cells, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity, cell cycle, and cell longevity revealed a significantly decreased expression of c-myc mRNA and protein and mitotic arrest of NK cells in different phases of cell cycle. In addition, a significant decrease of NK cell death was also detected. These data allow the suggestion that defects of NK cell-mediated tumor surveillance may be associated with disturbed c-myc expression in NK cells in cancer patients. A better understanding of the mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in cancer will help in the NK cell-mediated therapeutic eradication of primary and metastatic cancer cells and prolong patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Kustova
- Laboratory of Immunology, Scientific Center of Pediatric and Children Surgery, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan.
| | - Nataliya T Urazalieva
- Laboratory of Immunology, Scientific Center of Pediatric and Children Surgery, Almaty 050060, Kazakhstan.
| | | | - Narymzhan N Nakisbekov
- Joint Use Center, Atchabarov Scientific Research Institute of Fundamental and Applied Medicine, Asfendiyarov Kazakh National Medical University, Almaty 050000, Kazakhstan.
| | - Michael R Shurin
- Departments of Pathology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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10
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Kumar N, Khakoo SI. Hepatocellular carcinoma: Prospects for natural killer cell immunotherapy. HLA 2018; 92:3-11. [PMID: 29667374 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 04/11/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease is a growing cause of death in the United Kingdom and the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is rising (http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/). The combination of an immunosuppressive environment within the liver and suboptimal host anti-tumour immune responses may account for the poor survival outcome of HCC. Understanding how tumours evade immune recognition coupled with new insights into the unique immunological environment within the liver will be critical to developing liver-specific immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Kumar
- Section of Hepatology, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - S I Khakoo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Southampton General Hospital, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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11
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Ohs I, Ducimetière L, Marinho J, Kulig P, Becher B, Tugues S. Restoration of Natural Killer Cell Antimetastatic Activity by IL12 and Checkpoint Blockade. Cancer Res 2017; 77:7059-7071. [PMID: 29042417 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2017] [Revised: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapies target tumor antigen-specific T cells, but less is known about their effects on natural killer (NK) cells, which help control metastasis. In studying the development of lung metastases, we found that NK cells lose their cytotoxic capacity and acquire a molecular signature defined by the expression of coinhibitory receptors. In an effort to overcome this suppressive mechanism, we evaluated NK cell responses to the immunostimulatory cytokine IL12. Exposure to IL12 rescued the cytotoxicity of NK cells but also led to the emergence of an immature NK cell population that expressed high levels of the coinhibitory molecules PD-1, Lag-3, and TIGIT, thereby limiting NK cell-mediated control of pulmonary metastases. Notably, checkpoint blockade therapy synergized with IL12 to fully enable tumor control by NK cells, demonstrating that checkpoint blockers are not only applicable to enhance T cell-mediated immunotherapy, but also to restore the tumor-suppressive capacity of NK cells. Cancer Res; 77(24); 7059-71. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Ohs
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Laura Ducimetière
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Joana Marinho
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Paulina Kulig
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Becher
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sonia Tugues
- Inflammation research, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
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12
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Rodríguez JA. HLA-mediated tumor escape mechanisms that may impair immunotherapy clinical outcomes via T-cell activation. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:4415-4427. [PMID: 29085437 PMCID: PMC5649701 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the immune system provides protection from cancer by means of immunosurveillance, which serves a major function in eliminating cancer cells, it may also lead to cancer immunoediting, molding tumor immunogenicity. Cancer cells exploit several molecular mechanisms to thwart immune-mediated death by disabling cellular components of the immune system associated with tumor recognition and rejection. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules are mandatory for the immune recognition and subsequent killing of neoplastic cells by the immune system, as tumor antigens must be presented in an HLA-restricted manner to be recognized by T-cell receptors. Impaired HLA-I expression prevents the activation of cytotoxic immune mechanisms, whereas impaired HLA-II expression affects the antigen-presenting capability of antigen presenting cells. Aberrant HLA-G expression by cancer cells favors immune escape by inhibiting the activities of virtually all immune cells. The development of cancer therapies based on T-cell activation must consider these HLA-associated immune evasion mechanisms, as alterations in their expression occur early and frequently in the majority of types of cancer, and have an adverse impact on the clinical response to immunotherapy. Herein, the concept of altered HLA expression as a mechanism exploited by tumors to escape immune control and induce an immunosuppressive environment is reviewed. A number of novel clinical immunotherapeutic approaches used for cancer treatment are also reviewed, and strategies for overcoming the limitations of these immunotherapeutic interventions are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josefa A Rodríguez
- Cancer Biology Research Group, National Cancer Institute of Colombia, 111511 Bogotá, Colombia
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13
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Meazza R, Falco M, Marcenaro S, Loiacono F, Canevali P, Bellora F, Tuberosa C, Locatelli F, Micalizzi C, Moretta A, Mingari MC, Moretta L, Aricò M, Bottino C, Pende D. Inhibitory 2B4 contributes to NK cell education and immunological derangements in XLP1 patients. Eur J Immunol 2017; 47:1051-1061. [PMID: 28386908 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201646885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
X-linked lymphoproliferative disease 1 (XLP1) is an inherited immunodeficiency, caused by mutations in SH2D1A encoding Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule (SLAM)-associated protein (SAP). In XLP1, 2B4, upon engagement with CD48, has inhibitory instead of activating function. This causes a selective inability of cytotoxic effectors to kill EBV-infected cells, with dramatic clinical sequelae. Here, we investigated the NK cell education in XLP1, upon characterization of killer Ig-like receptor (KIR)/KIR-L genotype and phenotypic repertoire of self-HLA class I specific inhibitory NK receptors (self-iNKRs). We also analyzed NK-cell cytotoxicity against CD48+ or CD48- KIR-ligand matched or autologous hematopoietic cells in XLP1 patients and healthy controls. XLP1 NK cells may show a defective phenotypic repertoire with substantial proportion of cells lacking self-iNKR. These NK cells are cytotoxic and the inhibitory 2B4/CD48 pathway plays a major role to prevent killing of CD48+ EBV-transformed B cells and M1 macrophages. Importantly, self-iNKR defective NK cells kill CD48- targets, such as mature DCs. Self-iNKR- NK cells in XLP1 patients are functional even in resting conditions, suggesting a role of the inhibitory 2B4/CD48 pathway in the education process during NK-cell maturation. Killing of autologous mature DC by self-iNKR defective XLP1 NK cells may impair adaptive responses, further exacerbating the patients' immune defect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Meazza
- Dipartimento delle Terapie Oncologiche Integrate, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Dipartimento di Ricerca e Diagnostica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefania Marcenaro
- Dipartimento di Ricerca e Diagnostica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Loiacono
- Dipartimento delle Terapie Oncologiche Integrate, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Ricerca e Diagnostica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paolo Canevali
- Dipartimento di Ricerca e Diagnostica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Francesca Bellora
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Tuberosa
- Dipartimento delle Terapie Oncologiche Integrate, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Dipartimento di Oncoematologia Pediatrica, IRCCS Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.,Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Concetta Micalizzi
- Dipartimento di Oncoematologia Pediatrica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria C Mingari
- Dipartimento delle Terapie Oncologiche Integrate, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori, Area di Ricerca di Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Bottino
- Dipartimento di Ricerca e Diagnostica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- Dipartimento delle Terapie Oncologiche Integrate, IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
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14
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O' Reilly E, Tirincsi A, Logue SE, Szegezdi E. The Janus Face of Death Receptor Signaling during Tumor Immunoediting. Front Immunol 2016; 7:446. [PMID: 27843441 PMCID: PMC5086583 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immune surveillance is essential for the inhibition of carcinogenesis. Malignantly transformed cells can be recognized by both the innate and adaptive immune systems through different mechanisms. Immune effector cells induce extrinsic cell death in the identified tumor cells by expressing death ligand cytokines of the tumor necrosis factor ligand family. However, some tumor cells can escape immune elimination and progress. Acquisition of resistance to the death ligand-induced apoptotic pathway can be obtained through cleavage of effector cell expressed death ligands into a poorly active form, mutations or silencing of the death receptors, or overexpression of decoy receptors and pro-survival proteins. Although the immune system is highly effective in the elimination of malignantly transformed cells, abnormal/dysfunctional death ligand signaling curbs its cytotoxicity. Moreover, DRs can also transmit pro-survival and pro-migratory signals. Consequently, dysfunctional death receptor-mediated apoptosis/necroptosis signaling does not only give a passive resistance against cell death but actively drives tumor cell motility, invasion, and contributes to consequent metastasis. This dual contribution of the death receptor signaling in both the early, elimination phase, and then in the late, escape phase of the tumor immunoediting process is discussed in this review. Death receptor agonists still hold potential for cancer therapy since they can execute the tumor-eliminating immune effector function even in the absence of activation of the immune system against the tumor. The opportunities and challenges of developing death receptor agonists into effective cancer therapeutics are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear O' Reilly
- Apoptosis Research Center, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland , Galway , Ireland
| | - Andrea Tirincsi
- Apoptosis Research Center, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland , Galway , Ireland
| | - Susan E Logue
- Apoptosis Research Center, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland , Galway , Ireland
| | - Eva Szegezdi
- Apoptosis Research Center, School of Natural Sciences, National University of Ireland , Galway , Ireland
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15
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16
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Carotta S. Targeting NK Cells for Anticancer Immunotherapy: Clinical and Preclinical Approaches. Front Immunol 2016; 7:152. [PMID: 27148271 PMCID: PMC4838611 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent success of checkpoint blockade has highlighted the potential of immunotherapy approaches for cancer treatment. Although the majority of approved immunotherapy drugs target T cell subsets, it is appreciated that other components of the immune system have important roles in tumor immune surveillance as well and thus represent promising additional targets for immunotherapy. Natural killer (NK) cells are the body’s first line of defense against infected or transformed cells, as they kill target cells in an antigen-independent manner. Although several studies have clearly demonstrated the active role of NK cells in cancer immune surveillance, only few clinically approved therapies currently exist that harness their potential. Our increased understanding of NK cell biology over the past few years has renewed the interest in NK cell-based anticancer therapies, which has lead to a steady increase of NK cell-based clinical and preclinical trials. Here, the role of NK cells in cancer immune surveillance is summarized, and several novel approaches to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Carotta
- Immune Modulation Department, Boehringer Ingelheim RCV, Vienna, Austria; The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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17
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Cox ST, Laza-Briviesca R, Pearson H, Soria B, Gibson D, Gomez S, Madrigal JA, Saudemont A. Umbilical cord blood plasma contains soluble NKG2D ligands that mediate loss of natural killer cell function and cytotoxicity. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:2324-34. [PMID: 25991034 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201444990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Revised: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
NK cells play a key role in innate elimination of virally infected or neoplastic cells but they can be circumvented by immunoevasive mechanisms enabling viral spread or tumor progression. Engagement of the NKG2D activating receptor with soluble forms of its ligand is one such mechanism of inducing NK cell hyporesponsiveness. Interestingly, this immunoevasive strategy among others is described at the maternal-fetal interface where tolerance of the semi-allogeneic fetus is required to allow successful human pregnancy. Understanding of maternal-fetal tolerance is increasing but mechanisms preventing alloreactivity of fetal immune cells against the maternal host are less well understood. The study of umbilical cord blood has enabled insight of the fetal immune system, which appears immature and inert. We have found that soluble NKG2D ligands (sNKG2DLs) are present in cord blood plasma (CBP) and associate with adult NK cell hyporesponsiveness demonstrated by reduced CD107a expression and secretion of IFN-γ upon stimulation. The capacity of NK cells to kill K562 cells or proliferate was also reduced by incubation with CBP; however, physical removal of sNKG2DL from CBP restored K562 lytic function and NKG2D expression. Therefore, our results strongly suggest sNKG2DLs are expressed in CBP as a mechanism of fetal-maternal tolerance in human pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Cox
- The Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, UK
| | - Raquel Laza-Briviesca
- The Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, UK
| | - Hayley Pearson
- The Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, UK
| | - Bernat Soria
- Andalusian Center for Molecular Biology and Regenerative Medicine (CABIMER), Fundación Progreso y Salud, Seville, Spain.,Biomedical Research Network on Diabetes and Related Metabolic Diseases (CIBERDEM), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel Gibson
- Cell Therapy Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - Susana Gomez
- Cell Therapy Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
| | - J Alejandro Madrigal
- The Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, UK.,Cell Therapy Centre, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
| | - Aurore Saudemont
- The Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, Hampstead, London, UK.,UCL Cancer Institute, Royal Free Campus, London, UK
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18
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Lampe K, Endale M, Cashman S, Fang H, Mattner J, Hildeman D, Hoebe K. Slp-76 is a critical determinant of NK-cell mediated recognition of missing-self targets. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:2072-83. [PMID: 25929249 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2014] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 04/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Absence of MHC class I expression is an important mechanism by which NK cells recognize a variety of target cells, yet the pathways underlying "missing-self" recognition, including the involvement of activating receptors, remain poorly understood. Using ethyl-N-nitrosourea mutagenesis in mice, we identified a germline mutant, designated Ace, with a marked defect in NK cell mediated recognition and elimination of "missing-self" targets. The causative mutation was linked to chromosome 11 and identified as a missense mutation (Thr428Ile) in the SH2 domain of Slp-76-a critical adapter molecule downstream of ITAM-containing surface receptors. The Slp-76 Ace mutation behaved as a hypomorphic allele-while no major defects were observed in conventional T-cell development/function, a marked defect in NK cell mediated elimination of β2-microglobulin (β2M) deficient target cells was observed. Further studies revealed Slp-76 to control NK-cell receptor expression and maturation; however, activation of Slp-76(ace/ace) NK cells through ITAM-containing NK-cell receptors or allogeneic/tumor target cells appeared largely unaffected. Imagestream analysis of the NK-β2M(-/-) target cell synapse revealed a specific defect in actin recruitment to the conjugate synapse in Slp-76(ace/ace) NK cells. Overall these studies establish Slp-76 as a critical determinant of NK-cell development and NK cell mediated elimination of missing-self target cells in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin Lampe
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Mehari Endale
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Siobhan Cashman
- Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, and Musculoskeletal Sciences, Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Hao Fang
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jochen Mattner
- Mikrobiologisches Institut - Klinische Mikrobiologie, Immunologie und Hygiene, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander Universität (FAU) Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - David Hildeman
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Kasper Hoebe
- Division of Immunobiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Research Foundation, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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19
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20
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Wong FS, Wen L. Type 1 diabetes therapy beyond T cell targeting: monocytes, B cells, and innate lymphocytes. Rev Diabet Stud 2012; 9:289-304. [PMID: 23804267 DOI: 10.1900/rds.2012.9.289] [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: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent clinical trials, investigating type 1 diabetes (T1D), have focused mainly on newly diagnosed individuals who have developed diabetes. We need to continue our efforts to understand disease processes and to rationally design interventions that will be safe and specific for disease, but at the same time not induce undesirable immunosuppression. T cells are clearly involved in the pathogenesis of T1D, and have been a major focus for both antigen-specific and non-antigen-specific therapy, but thus far no single strategy has emerged as superior. As T1D is a multifactorial disease, in which multiple cell types are involved, some of these pathogenic and regulatory cell pathways may be important to consider. In this review, we examine evidence for whether monocytes, B cells, and innate lymphocytes, including natural killer cells, may be suitable targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Susan Wong
- Institute of Molecular and Experimental Medicine, Cardiff School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, UK.
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21
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Narni-Mancinelli E, Ugolini S, Vivier E. Tuning the threshold of natural killer cell responses. Curr Opin Immunol 2012; 25:53-8. [PMID: 23270590 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2012.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2012] [Accepted: 11/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system that can kill an array of tumor and infected cells and secrete cytokines that participate in the shaping of the adaptive immune response. While it was believed that NK cell effector responses are acquired during maturation and then fixed, it appears that the threshold of NK cell responsiveness is more adaptable than originally thought. We review here how the local context provides several signals that impact on NK cell differentiation, responsiveness and shapes the antiviral and immunoregulatory outcome of NK cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix-Marseille Université UM2, Campus de Luminy case 906, 13288 Marseille, France
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