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Hoferkova E, Seda V, Kadakova S, Verner J, Loja T, Matulova K, Skuhrova Francova H, Ondrouskova E, Filip D, Blavet N, Boudny M, Mladonicka Pavlasova G, Vecera J, Ondrisova L, Pavelkova P, Hlavac K, Kostalova L, Michaelou A, Pospisilova S, Dorazilova J, Chochola V, Jaros J, Doubek M, Jarosova M, Hampl A, Vojtova L, Kren L, Mayer J, Mraz M. Stromal cells engineered to express T cell factors induce robust CLL cell proliferation in vitro and in PDX co-transplantations allowing the identification of RAF inhibitors as anti-proliferative drugs. Leukemia 2024; 38:1699-1711. [PMID: 38877102 PMCID: PMC11286525 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02284-w] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Several in vitro models have been developed to mimic chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) proliferation in immune niches; however, they typically do not induce robust proliferation. We prepared a novel model based on mimicking T-cell signals in vitro and in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Six supportive cell lines were prepared by engineering HS5 stromal cells with stable expression of human CD40L, IL4, IL21, and their combinations. Co-culture with HS5 expressing CD40L and IL4 in combination led to mild CLL cell proliferation (median 7% at day 7), while the HS5 expressing CD40L, IL4, and IL21 led to unprecedented proliferation rate (median 44%). The co-cultures mimicked the gene expression fingerprint of lymph node CLL cells (MYC, NFκB, and E2F signatures) and revealed novel vulnerabilities in CLL-T-cell-induced proliferation. Drug testing in co-cultures revealed for the first time that pan-RAF inhibitors fully block CLL proliferation. The co-culture model can be downscaled to five microliter volume for large drug screening purposes or upscaled to CLL PDXs by HS5-CD40L-IL4 ± IL21 co-transplantation. Co-transplanting NSG mice with purified CLL cells and HS5-CD40L-IL4 or HS5-CD40L-IL4-IL21 cells on collagen-based scaffold led to 47% or 82% engraftment efficacy, respectively, with ~20% of PDXs being clonally related to CLL, potentially overcoming the need to co-transplant autologous T-cells in PDXs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Hoferkova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Seda
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sona Kadakova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Verner
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Tomas Loja
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kvetoslava Matulova
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Skuhrova Francova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Ondrouskova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Filip
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Nicolas Blavet
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Miroslav Boudny
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Josef Vecera
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Ondrisova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Pavelkova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Krystof Hlavac
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Kostalova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Androniki Michaelou
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Pospisilova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Dorazilova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Chochola
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Jaros
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Doubek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Jarosova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ales Hampl
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lucy Vojtova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Leos Kren
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Mraz
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Wang JN, Zheng G, Wu W, Huang H. Follicular helper T cells: emerging roles in lymphomagenesis. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 116:54-63. [PMID: 37939814 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Follicular helper T cells are a subset of CD4+ T cells that are fundamental to forming germinal centers, which are the primary sites of antibody affinity maturation and the proliferation of activated B cells. Follicular helper T cells have been extensively studied over the past 10 years, especially regarding their roles in cancer genesis. This review describes the characteristics of normal follicular helper T cells and focuses on the emerging link between follicular helper T cells and lymphomagenesis. Advances in lymphoma genetics have substantially expanded our understanding of the role of follicular helper T cells in lymphomagenesis. Moreover, we detail a range of agents and new therapies, with a major focus on chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy; these novel approaches may offer new treatment opportunities for patients with lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji-Nuo Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 311106, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, No.17 Old Zhejiang University Road, Hangzhou, 311112, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, No.17 Old Zhejiang University Road, Hangzhou, 311112, China
| | - Gaofeng Zheng
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 311106, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, No.17 Old Zhejiang University Road, Hangzhou, 311112, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, No.17 Old Zhejiang University Road, Hangzhou, 311112, China
| | - Wenjun Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 311106, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, No.17 Old Zhejiang University Road, Hangzhou, 311112, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, No.17 Old Zhejiang University Road, Hangzhou, 311112, China
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, No.79 Qingchun Road, Hangzhou, 311106, China
- Liangzhu Laboratory, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wenyi Road, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, No.17 Old Zhejiang University Road, Hangzhou, 311112, China
- Zhejiang Province Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, No.17 Old Zhejiang University Road, Hangzhou, 311112, China
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Camerini E, Amsen D, Kater AP, Peters FS. The complexities of T-cell dysfunction in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Semin Hematol 2024; 61:163-171. [PMID: 38782635 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by profound alterations and defects in the T-cell compartment. This observation has gained renewed interest as T-cell treatment strategies, which are successfully applied in more aggressive B-cell malignancies, have yielded disappointing results in CLL. Despite ongoing efforts to understand and address the observed T-cell defects, the exact mechanisms and nature underlying this dysfunction remain largely unknown. In this review, we examine the supporting signals from T cells to CLL cells in the lymph node niche, summarize key findings on T-cell functional defects, delve into potential underlying causes, and explore novel strategies for reversing these deficiencies. Our goal is to identify strategies aimed at resolving CLL-induced T-cell dysfunction which, in the future, will enhance the efficacy of autologous T-cell-based therapies for CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Camerini
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Derk Amsen
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory for Blood Cell Research at Sanquin, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arnon P Kater
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Fleur S Peters
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Sciaccotta R, Gangemi S, Penna G, Giordano L, Pioggia G, Allegra A. Potential New Therapies "ROS-Based" in CLL: An Innovative Paradigm in the Induction of Tumor Cell Apoptosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:475. [PMID: 38671922 PMCID: PMC11047475 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in spite of recent advancements, is still an incurable disease; the majority of patients eventually acquire resistance to treatment through relapses. In all subtypes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the disruption of normal B-cell homeostasis is thought to be mostly caused by the absence of apoptosis. Consequently, apoptosis induction is crucial to the management of this illness. Damaged biological components can accumulate as a result of the oxidation of intracellular lipids, proteins, and DNA by reactive oxygen species. It is possible that cancer cells are more susceptible to apoptosis because of their increased production of reactive oxygen species. An excess of reactive oxygen species can lead to oxidative stress, which can harm biological elements like DNA and trigger apoptotic pathways that cause planned cell death. In order to upset the balance of oxidative stress in cells, recent therapeutic treatments in chronic lymphocytic leukemia have focused on either producing reactive oxygen species or inhibiting it. Examples include targets created in the field of nanomedicine, natural extracts and nutraceuticals, tailored therapy using biomarkers, and metabolic targets. Current developments in the complex connection between apoptosis, particularly ferroptosis and its involvement in epigenomics and alterations, have created a new paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Sciaccotta
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giuseppa Penna
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Giordano
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
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5
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Rodrigues C, Laranjeira P, Pinho A, Silva I, Silva S, Coucelo M, Oliveira AC, Simões AT, Damásio I, Silva HM, Urbano M, Sarmento-Ribeiro AB, Geraldes C, Domingues MR, Almeida J, Criado I, Orfao A, Paiva A. CD20+ T cells in monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis and chronic lymphocytic leukemia: frequency, phenotype and association with disease progression. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1380648. [PMID: 38606091 PMCID: PMC11007165 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1380648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction In monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the expansion of malignant B cells disrupts the normal homeostasis and interactions between B cells and T cells, leading to immune dysregulation. CD20+ T cells are a subpopulation of T cells that appear to be involved in autoimmune diseases and cancer. Methods Here, we quantified and phenotypically characterized CD20+ T cells from MBL subjects and CLL patients using flow cytometry and correlated our findings with the B-cell receptor mutational status and other features of the disease. Results and discussion CD20+ T cells were more represented within the CD8+ T cell compartment and they showed a predominant memory Tc1 phenotype. CD20+ T cells were less represented in MBL and CLL patients vs healthy controls, particularly among those with unmutated IGVH gene. The expansion of malignant B cells was accompanied by phenotypic and functional changes in CD20+ T cells, including an increase in follicular helper CD4+ CD20+ T cells and CD20+ Tc1 cells, in addition to the expansion of the TCR Vβ 5.1 in CD4+ CD20+ T cells in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiana Rodrigues
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Paula Laranjeira
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Aryane Pinho
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Isabel Silva
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Sandra Silva
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Margarida Coucelo
- Unidade Funcional de Hematologia Molecular, Serviço de Hematologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Catarina Oliveira
- Unidade Funcional de Hematologia Molecular, Serviço de Hematologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Teresa Simões
- Unidade Funcional de Hematologia Molecular, Serviço de Hematologia Clínica, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Inês Damásio
- Hematology Department, Centro Hospitalar Tondela-Viseu, Viseu, Portugal
| | | | - Mafalda Urbano
- Hematology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana Bela Sarmento-Ribeiro
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Hematology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology and Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Catarina Geraldes
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Hematology Department, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinics of Hematology and Oncology and Laboratory of Oncobiology and Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - M. Rosário Domingues
- Mass Spectrometry Centre, Associated Laboratory for Green Chemistry (LAQV-REQUIMTE), Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
- CESAM—Centre for Environmental and Marine Studies, Department of Chemistry, University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Julia Almeida
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Cancer Research Center (IBMCC, CSIC-University of Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio Criado
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Cancer Research Center (IBMCC, CSIC-University of Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alberto Orfao
- Translational and Clinical Research Program, Cancer Research Center (IBMCC, CSIC-University of Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, University of Salamanca (Universidad de Salamanca), Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Biomedical Research Networking Centre Consortium of Oncology (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Artur Paiva
- Flow Cytometry Unit, Department of Clinical Pathology, Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Group of Environmental Genetics of Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Center of Coimbra (CACC), Coimbra, Portugal
- Ciências Biomédicas Laboratoriais, Instituto Politécnico de Coimbra, Escola Superior de Tecnologia da Saúde de Coimbra (ESTESC)-Coimbra Health School, Coimbra, Portugal
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Cerreto M, Foà R, Natoni A. The Role of the Microenvironment and Cell Adhesion Molecules in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5160. [PMID: 37958334 PMCID: PMC10647257 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15215160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell malignancy whose progression largely depends on the lymph node and bone marrow microenvironment. Indeed, CLL cells actively proliferate in specific regions of these anatomical compartments, known as proliferation centers, while being quiescent in the blood stream. Hence, CLL cell adhesion and migration into these protective niches are critical for CLL pathophysiology. CLL cells are lodged in their microenvironment through a series of molecular interactions that are mediated by cellular adhesion molecules and their counter receptors. The importance of these adhesion molecules in the clinic is demonstrated by the correlation between the expression levels of some of them, in particular CD49d, and the prognostic likelihood. Furthermore, novel therapeutic agents, such as ibrutinib, impair the functions of these adhesion molecules, leading to an egress of CLL cells from the lymph nodes and bone marrow into the circulation together with an inhibition of homing into these survival niches, thereby preventing disease progression. Several adhesion molecules have been shown to participate in CLL adhesion and migration. Their importance also stems from the observation that they are involved in promoting, directly or indirectly, survival signals that sustain CLL proliferation and limit the efficacy of standard and novel chemotherapeutic drugs, a process known as cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance. In this respect, many studies have elucidated the molecular mechanisms underlying cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance, which have highlighted different signaling pathways that may represent potential therapeutic targets. Here, we review the role of the microenvironment and the adhesion molecules that have been shown to be important in CLL and their impact on transendothelial migration and cell-mediated drug resistance. We also discuss how novel therapeutic compounds modulate the function of this important class of molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Alessandro Natoni
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University, 00100 Rome, Italy; (M.C.); (R.F.)
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7
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Gutiérrez-Melo N, Baumjohann D. T follicular helper cells in cancer. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:309-325. [PMID: 36642575 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 45.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells provide essential help to B cells for effective antibody-mediated immune responses. Although the crucial function of these CD4+ T cells in infection and vaccination is well established, their involvement in cancer is only beginning to emerge. Increased numbers of Tfh cells in Tfh cell-derived or B cell-associated malignancies are often associated with an unfavorable outcome, whereas in various solid organ tumor types of non-lymphocytic origin, their presence frequently coincides with a better prognosis. We discuss recent advances in understanding how Tfh cell crosstalk with B cells and CD8+ T cells in secondary and tertiary lymphoid structures (TLS) enhances antitumor immunity, but may also exacerbate immune-related adverse events (irAEs) such as autoimmunity during immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolás Gutiérrez-Melo
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immuno-Oncology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Dirk Baumjohann
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immuno-Oncology, and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, University of Bonn, Venusberg-Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany.
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8
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Andreu-Sanz D, Kobold S. Role and Potential of Different T Helper Cell Subsets in Adoptive Cell Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061650. [PMID: 36980536 PMCID: PMC10046829 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Historically, CD8+ T cells have been considered the most relevant effector cells involved in the immune response against tumors and have therefore been the focus of most cancer immunotherapy approaches. However, CD4+ T cells and their secreted factors also play a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment and can orchestrate both pro- and antitumoral immune responses. Depending on the cytokine milieu to which they are exposed, CD4+ T cells can differentiate into several phenotypically different subsets with very divergent effects on tumor progression. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the role of the different T helper subsets in the immune system, with special emphasis on their implication in antitumoral immune responses. Furthermore, we also summarize therapeutic applications of each subset and its associated cytokines in the adoptive cell therapy of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Andreu-Sanz
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Universität München, LMU Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Munich, Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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9
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Liu KY, Gao Y, Xiao W, Fu J, Huang S, Han X, Hsu SH, Xiao X, Huang SK, Zhou Y. Multidimensional Analysis of Lung Lymph Nodes in a Mouse Model of Allergic Lung Inflammation following PM2.5 and Indeno[1,2,3- cd]pyrene Exposure. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2023; 131:37014. [PMID: 36975775 PMCID: PMC10044348 DOI: 10.1289/ehp11580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ambient particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of ≤2.5 μm (PM2.5) is suggested to act as an adjuvant for allergen-mediated sensitization and recent evidence suggests the importance of T follicular helper (Tfh) cells in allergic diseases. However, the impact of PM2.5 exposure and its absorbed polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) on Tfh cells and humoral immunity remains unknown. OBJECTIVES We aimed to explore the impact of environmental PM2.5 and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene (IP), a prominent PAH, as a model, on Tfh cells and the subsequent pulmonary allergic responses. METHODS PM2.5- or IP-mediated remodeling of cellular composition in lung lymph nodes (LNs) was determined by mass cytometry in a house dust mite (HDM)-induced mouse allergic lung inflammation model. The differentiation and function of Tfh cells in vitro were analyzed by flow cytometry, quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, chromatin immunoprecipitation, immunoprecipitation, and western blot analyses. RESULTS Mice exposed to PM2.5 during the HDM sensitization period demonstrated immune cell population shifts in lung LNs as compared with those sensitized with HDM alone, with a greater number of differentiated Tfh2 cells, enhanced allergen-induced immunoglobulin E (IgE) response and pulmonary inflammation. Similarly enhanced phenotypes were also found in mice exposed to IP and sensitized with HDM. Further, IP administration was found to induce interleukin-21 (Il21) and Il4 expression and enhance Tfh2 cell differentiation in vitro, a finding which was abrogated in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-deficient CD4+ T cells. Moreover, we showed that IP exposure increased the interaction of AhR and cellular musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma (c-Maf) and its occupancy on the Il21 and Il4 promoters in differentiated Tfh2 cells. DISCUSSION These findings suggest that the PM2.5 (IP)-AhR-c-Maf axis in Tfh2 cells was important in allergen sensitization and lung inflammation, thus adding a new dimension in the understanding of Tfh2 cell differentiation and function and providing a basis for establishing the environment-disease causal relationship. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP11580.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwei-Yan Liu
- Department of Respirology & Allergy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yajing Gao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenfeng Xiao
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinrong Fu
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of General Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Saihua Huang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Han
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shih-Hsien Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Xiaojun Xiao
- Institute of Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shau-Ku Huang
- Department of Respirology & Allergy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- Institute of Allergy and Immunology, School of Medicine, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
- National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Health Research Institutes, Taiwan
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Yufeng Zhou
- Institute of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Fudan University, National Children’s Medical Center, and the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Neonatal Diseases, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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10
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Le Saos-Patrinos C, Loizon S, Zouine A, Turpin D, Dilhuydy MS, Blanco P, Sisirak V, Forcade E, Duluc D. Elevated levels of circulatory follicular T helper cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia contribute to B cell expansion. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:305-314. [PMID: 36807447 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by an expansion of mature B cells in the bone marrow, peripheral lymphoid organs, and blood. CD4 T helper (Th) lymphocytes significantly contribute to the physiopathology of CLL, but the subset(s) of Th cell involved in CLL pathogenesis is (are) still under debate. In this study, we performed flow cytometry analysis of the circulatory T cells of untreated CLL patients and observed an increase in follicular helper T cells (Tfh), which is a subset of T cells specialized in B cell help. Elevated numbers of Tfh cells correlated with disease severity as measured by the Binet staging system. Tfh from CLL patients were activated and skewed toward a Th1 profile as evidenced by their PD-1+IL-21+IFNγ+ phenotype and their CXCR3+CCR6- chemokine receptor profile. Tfh efficiently enhanced B-CLL survival and proliferation through IL-21 but independently of IFNγ. Finally, we observed an inverse correlation between the Tfh1 and IgA and IgG serum levels in patients, suggesting a role for this Tfh subset in the immune dysfunction associated with CLL. Altogether, our data highlight an impairment in circulatory Tfh subsets in CLL patients and their critical role in CLL physiopathology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Séverine Loizon
- Immunoconcept, CNRS UMR 5164, Université de Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Atika Zouine
- TBM Core, UB Facsility, CNRS UMS 3427, Inserm US 005, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Delphine Turpin
- Immunoconcept, CNRS UMR 5164, Université de Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Marie-Sarah Dilhuydy
- Service d'Hématologie Clinique et Thérapie Cellulaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, Av de Magellan, 33600 Pessac, Bordeaux, France
| | - Patrick Blanco
- Immunoconcept, CNRS UMR 5164, Université de Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France.,Service d'immunologie et immunogénétique, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Place Amélie Raba-Léon, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Vanja Sisirak
- Immunoconcept, CNRS UMR 5164, Université de Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
| | - Edouard Forcade
- Immunoconcept, CNRS UMR 5164, Université de Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France.,Service d'Hématologie Clinique et Thérapie Cellulaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Hôpital Haut Lévêque, Av de Magellan, 33600 Pessac, Bordeaux, France
| | - Dorothée Duluc
- Immunoconcept, CNRS UMR 5164, Université de Bordeaux, 146 rue Leo Saignat, 33076 Bordeaux, France
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11
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Pfannes R, Pierzchalski A, Maddalon A, Simion A, Zouboulis CC, Behre G, Zenclussen AC, Westphal S, Fest S, Herberth G. Characterization of post-vaccination SARS-CoV-2 T cell subtypes in patients with different hematologic malignancies and treatments. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1087996. [PMID: 37187728 PMCID: PMC10177659 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1087996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background To evaluate the benefits of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in cancer patients it is relevant to understand the adaptive immune response elicited after vaccination. Patients affected by hematologic malignancies are frequently immune-compromised and show a decreased seroconversion rate compared to other cancer patients or controls. Therefore, vaccine-induced cellular immune responses in these patients might have an important protective role and need a detailed evaluation. Methods Certain T cell subtypes (CD4, CD8, Tfh, γδT), including cell functionality as indicated by cytokine secretion (IFN, TNF) and expression of activation markers (CD69, CD154) were assessed via multi-parameter flow cytometry in hematologic malignancy patients (N=12) and healthy controls (N=12) after a second SARS-CoV-2 vaccine dose. The PBMC of post-vaccination samples were stimulated with a spike-peptide pool (S-Peptides) of SARS-CoV-2, with CD3/CD28, with a pool of peptides from the cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus and influenza A virus (CEF-Peptides) or left unstimulated. Furthermore, the concentration of spike-specific antibodies has been analyzed in patients. Results Our results indicate that hematologic malignancy patients developed a robust cellular immune response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination comparable to that of healthy controls, and for certain T cell subtypes even higher. The most reactive T cells to SARS-CoV-2 spike peptides belonged to the CD4 and Tfh cell compartment, being median (IQR), 3.39 (1.41-5.92) and 2.12 (0.55-4.14) as a percentage of IFN- and TNF-producing Tfh cells in patients. In this regard, the immunomodulatory treatment of patients before the vaccination period seems important as it was strongly associated with a higher percentage of activated CD4 and Tfh cells. SARS-CoV-2- and CEF-specific T cell responses significantly correlated with each other. Compared to lymphoma patients, myeloma patients had an increased percentage of SARS-CoV-2-specific Tfh cells. T-SNE analysis revealed higher frequencies of γδT cells in patients compared to controls, especially in myeloma patients. In general, after vaccination, SARS-CoV-2-specific T cells were also detectable in patients without seroconversion. Conclusion Hematologic malignancy patients are capable of developing a SARS-CoV-2-specific CD4 and Tfh cellular immune response after vaccination, and certain immunomodulatory therapies in the period before vaccination might increase the antigen-specific immune response. A proper response to recall antigens (e.g., CEF-Peptides) reflects immune cellular functionality and might be predictive for generating a newly induced antigen-specific immune response as is expected after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roald Pfannes
- Dessau Medical Center, Center for Oncology, Dessau, Germany
- Department for Gastroenterology and Oncology, Diakonissenkrankenhaus Leipzig, Agaplession Mitteldeutschland GmbH, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Arkadiusz Pierzchalski
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ambra Maddalon
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alexandra Simion
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Dessau City Hospital, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Dessau, Germany
| | - Christos C. Zouboulis
- Department of Dermatology, Staedtisches Klinikum Dessau, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Dessau, Germany
- Department of Venereology, Staedtisches Klinikum Dessau, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Dessau, Germany
- Department of Allergology, Staedtisches Klinikum Dessau, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Dessau, Germany
- Department of Immunology, Staedtisches Klinikum Dessau, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane and Faculty of Health Sciences Brandenburg, Dessau, Germany
| | - Gerhard Behre
- Department for Internal Medicine I, Dessau Medical Center and Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Dessau, Germany
| | - Ana Claudia Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Perinatal Immunology Research Group, Medical Faculty, Saxonian Incubator for Clinical Translation (SIKT), University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabine Westphal
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry, Dessau City Hospital, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Dessau, Germany
| | - Stefan Fest
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- Clinic of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Dessau City Hospital, Brandenburg Medical School Theodor Fontane, Dessau, Germany
| | - Gunda Herberth
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Gunda Herberth,
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12
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Haselager MV, Thijssen R, Bax D, Both D, De Boer F, Mackay S, Dubois J, Mellink C, Kater AP, Eldering E. JAK-STAT signalling shapes the NF-κB response in CLL towards venetoclax sensitivity or resistance via Bcl-XL. Mol Oncol 2022. [PMID: 36550750 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Preventing or overcoming resistance to the Bcl-2 inhibitor venetoclax is an emerging unmet clinical need in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). The upregulation of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 members through signalling pathways within the tumor microenvironment appears as a major factor leading to resistance to venetoclax. Previously, we reported that T cells can drive resistance through CD40 and non-canonical NF-κB activation and subsequent Bcl-XL induction. Moreover, the T cell-derived cytokines IL-21 and IL-4 differentially affect Bcl-XL expression and sensitivity to venetoclax via unknown mechanisms. Here, we mechanistically dissected how Bcl-XL is regulated in the context of JAK-STAT signalling in primary CLL. First, we demonstrated a clear antagonistic role of IL-21/STAT3 signalling in the NF-κB-mediated expression of Bcl-XL, whereas IL-4/STAT6 further promoted the expression of Bcl-XL. In comparison, Bfl-1, another NF-κB target, was not differentially affected by either cytokine. Second, STAT3 and STAT6 affected Bcl-XL transcription by binding to its promoter without disrupting the DNA-binding activity of NF-κB. Third, in situ proximity ligation assays (isPLAs) indicated crosstalk between JAK-STAT signalling and NF-κB, in which STAT3 inhibited canonical NF-κB by accelerating nuclear export, and STAT6 promoted non-canonical NF-κB. Finally, NF-κB inducing kinase (NIK) inhibition interrupted the NF-κB/STAT crosstalk and resensitized CLL cells to venetoclax. In conclusion, we uncovered distinct crosstalk mechanisms that shape the NF-κB response in CLL towards venetoclax sensitivity or resistance via Bcl-XL, thereby revealing new potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco V Haselager
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam institute for Infection & Immunity, The Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rachel Thijssen
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Danique Bax
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam institute for Infection & Immunity, The Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Demi Both
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam institute for Infection & Immunity, The Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Simon Mackay
- Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK
| | - Julie Dubois
- Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Mellink
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Arnon P Kater
- Amsterdam institute for Infection & Immunity, The Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Department of Hematology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Eldering
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Amsterdam institute for Infection & Immunity, The Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands.,Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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13
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In Vitro and In Vivo Models of CLL–T Cell Interactions: Implications for Drug Testing. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133087. [PMID: 35804862 PMCID: PMC9264798 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells in the peripheral blood and lymphoid microenvironment display substantially different gene expression profiles and proliferative capaci-ty. It has been suggested that CLL–T-cell interactions are key pro-proliferative stimuli in immune niches. We review in vitro and in vivo model systems that mimic CLL-T-cell interactions to trigger CLL proliferation and study therapy resistance. We focus on studies describing the co-culture of leukemic cells with T cells, or supportive cell lines expressing T-cell factors, and simplified models of CLL cells’ stimulation with recombinant factors. In the second part, we summarize mouse models revealing the role of T cells in CLL biology and implications for generating patient-derived xenografts by co-transplanting leukemic cells with T cells. Abstract T cells are key components in environments that support chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), activating CLL-cell proliferation and survival. Here, we review in vitro and in vivo model systems that mimic CLL–T-cell interactions, since these are critical for CLL-cell division and resistance to some types of therapy (such as DNA-damaging drugs or BH3-mimetic venetoclax). We discuss approaches for direct CLL-cell co-culture with autologous T cells, models utilizing supportive cell lines engineered to express T-cell factors (such as CD40L) or stimulating CLL cells with combinations of recombinant factors (CD40L, interleukins IL4 or IL21, INFγ) and additional B-cell receptor (BCR) activation with anti-IgM antibody. We also summarize strategies for CLL co-transplantation with autologous T cells into immunodeficient mice (NOD/SCID, NSG, NOG) to generate patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and the role of T cells in transgenic CLL mouse models based on TCL1 overexpression (Eµ-TCL1). We further discuss how these in vitro and in vivo models could be used to test drugs to uncover the effects of targeted therapies (such as inhibitors of BTK, PI3K, SYK, AKT, MEK, CDKs, BCL2, and proteasome) or chemotherapy (fludarabine and bendamustine) on CLL–T-cell interactions and CLL proliferation.
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14
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Gelmez MY, Betul Oktelik F, Cinar S, Ozbalak M, Ozluk O, Aktan M, Deniz G. High expression of OX-40, ICOS, and low expression PD-L1 of follicular helper and follicular cytotoxic T cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Hematop 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12308-022-00497-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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15
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Vaca AM, Ioannou N, Sivina M, Vlachonikola E, Clise-Dwyer K, Kim E, Li D, Ma Q, Ferrajoli A, Estrov Z, Wierda WG, Patten PEM, Ramsay AG, Burger JA. Activation and expansion of T-follicular helper cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia nurselike cell co-cultures. Leukemia 2022; 36:1324-1335. [PMID: 35149845 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01519-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells and T-cell subsets in the lymph node microenvironment are thought to play a central role in disease biology. To study these interactions in a model of the CLL lymph node microenvironment, we characterized T-cell subsets in CLL nurselike cell (NLC) co-cultures. We focused on T-follicular helper (Tfh) cells, which are characterized by CXCR5 expression and localization to B-cell follicles. In co-cultures from 28 different CLL patients, we detected an expansion of Tfh cells based on PD-1, BCL6, and ICOS expression, with increased IL-21 and downmodulated CD40L surface expression. Regulatory T cells (Treg), which promote immune tolerance, also expanded in NLC co-cultures. T-cell receptor (TR) gene repertoire analyses confirmed the clonal expansion of CD4+ T cells, with an enrichment of TR clonotypes commonly expanded also in primary CLL samples. Multicolor confocal microscopy revealed that Tfh, but not Treg co-localize with proliferating CLL cells in CLL lymph node sections. Collectively, these data provide new insight into the cellular and molecular cross-talk between CLL and T-cell subsets, resulting in clonal expansion of T-helper cells and interaction of Tfh cells with proliferating CLL cells which may open new avenues for therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia M Vaca
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Nikolaos Ioannou
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mariela Sivina
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Elisavet Vlachonikola
- Institute of Applied Biosciences, Center for Research and Technology Hellas, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Karen Clise-Dwyer
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Hematopoietic Biology & Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ekaterina Kim
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Hematopoietic Biology & Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Qing Ma
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Hematopoietic Biology & Malignancy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alessandra Ferrajoli
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Zeev Estrov
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - William G Wierda
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Piers E M Patten
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alan G Ramsay
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Jan A Burger
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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16
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Dual Effect of Immune Cells within Tumour Microenvironment: Pro- and Anti-Tumour Effects and Their Triggers. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14071681. [PMID: 35406451 PMCID: PMC8996887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14071681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Our body is constantly exposed to pathogens or external threats, but with the immune response that our body can develop, we can fight off and defeat possible attacks or infections. Nevertheless, sometimes this threat comes from an internal factor. Situations such as the existence of a tumour also cause our immune system (IS) to be put on alert. Indeed, the link between immunology and cancer is evident these days, with IS being used as one of the important targets for treating cancer. Our IS is able to eliminate those abnormal or damaged cells found in our body, preventing the uncontrolled proliferation of tumour cells that can lead to cancer. However, in several cases, tumour cells can escape from the IS. It has been observed that immune cells, the extracellular matrix, blood vessels, fat cells and various molecules could support tumour growth and development. Thus, the developing tumour receives structural support, irrigation and energy, among other resources, making its survival and progression possible. All these components that accompany and help the tumour to survive and to grow are called the tumour microenvironment (TME). Given the importance of its presence in the tumour development process, this review will focus on one of the components of the TME: immune cells. Immune cells can support anti-tumour immune response protecting us against tumour cells; nevertheless, they can also behave as pro-tumoural cells, thus promoting tumour progression and survival. In this review, the anti-tumour and pro-tumour immunity of several immune cells will be discussed. In addition, the TME influence on this dual effect will be also analysed.
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17
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Sharma S, Pavlasova GM, Seda V, Cerna KA, Vojackova E, Filip D, Ondrisova L, Sandova V, Kostalova L, Zeni PF, Borsky M, Oppelt J, Liskova K, Kren L, Janikova A, Pospisilova S, Fernandes SM, Shehata M, Rassenti LZ, Jaeger U, Doubek M, Davids MS, Brown JR, Mayer J, Kipps TJ, Mraz M. miR-29 modulates CD40 signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia by targeting TRAF4: an axis affected by BCR inhibitors. Blood 2021; 137:2481-2494. [PMID: 33171493 PMCID: PMC7610744 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2020005627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling and T-cell interactions play a pivotal role in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) pathogenesis and disease aggressiveness. CLL cells can use microRNAs (miRNAs) and their targets to modulate microenvironmental interactions in the lymph node niches. To identify miRNA expression changes in the CLL microenvironment, we performed complex profiling of short noncoding RNAs in this context by comparing CXCR4/CD5 intraclonal cell subpopulations (CXCR4dimCD5bright vs CXCR4brightCD5dim cells). This identified dozens of differentially expressed miRNAs, including several that have previously been shown to modulate BCR signaling (miR-155, miR-150, and miR-22) but also other candidates for a role in microenvironmental interactions. Notably, all 3 miR-29 family members (miR-29a, miR-29b, miR-29c) were consistently down-modulated in the immune niches, and lower miR-29(a/b/c) levels associated with an increased relative responsiveness of CLL cells to BCR ligation and significantly shorter overall survival of CLL patients. We identified tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) as a novel direct target of miR-29s and revealed that higher TRAF4 levels increase CLL responsiveness to CD40 activation and downstream nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. In CLL, BCR represses miR-29 expression via MYC, allowing for concurrent TRAF4 upregulation and stronger CD40-NF-κB signaling. This regulatory loop is disrupted by BCR inhibitors (bruton tyrosine kinase [BTK] inhibitor ibrutinib or phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase [PI3K] inhibitor idelalisib). In summary, we showed for the first time that a miRNA-dependent mechanism acts to activate CD40 signaling/T-cell interactions in a CLL microenvironment and described a novel miR-29-TRAF4-CD40 signaling axis modulated by BCR activity.
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MESH Headings
- Adenine/analogs & derivatives
- Adenine/pharmacology
- Adult
- Aged
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- CD40 Antigens/genetics
- CD40 Antigens/metabolism
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Male
- MicroRNAs/genetics
- Middle Aged
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Prognosis
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcr/antagonists & inhibitors
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-myc/metabolism
- Survival Rate
- TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 4/genetics
- TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 4/metabolism
- Tumor Cells, Cultured
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Sharma
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Gabriela Mladonicka Pavlasova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Vaclav Seda
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Amruz Cerna
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Vojackova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Filip
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Laura Ondrisova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Veronika Sandova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Kostalova
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Pedro F Zeni
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Borsky
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Oppelt
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Kvetoslava Liskova
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Leos Kren
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Janikova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Pospisilova
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stacey M Fernandes
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Medhat Shehata
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; and
| | - Laura Z Rassenti
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Ulrich Jaeger
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria; and
| | - Michael Doubek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Matthew S Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Jennifer R Brown
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
| | - Jiri Mayer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Thomas J Kipps
- Moores Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA
| | - Marek Mraz
- Central European Institute of Technology, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Brno and Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
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18
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Wu X, Fajardo-Despaigne JE, Zhang C, Neppalli V, Banerji V, Johnston JB, Gibson SB, Marshall AJ. Altered T Follicular Helper Cell Subsets and Function in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Oncol 2021; 11:674492. [PMID: 33996605 PMCID: PMC8113764 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.674492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Follicular helper T cells (TFH) have specialized properties in promoting normal B cell activation but their role in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is unknown. We find that TFH cells are elevated in CLL patients and are phenotypically abnormal, expressing higher levels of PD-1, TIGIT, CD40L, IFNγ and IL-21, and exhibiting abnormal composition of TFH1, TFH2 and TFH17 subsets. Frequencies of CD4-positive T cells expressing TFH1 markers and IL-21 were positively correlated with patient lymphocyte counts and RAI stage, suggesting that accumulation of abnormal TFH cells is concomitant with expansion of the leukemic B cell clone. Treatment with ibrutinib led to normalization of TFH frequencies and phenotype. TFH cells identified in CLL bone marrow display elevated expression of several functional markers compared to blood TFH cells. CLL T cell-B cell co-culture experiments revealed a correlation of patient TFH frequencies with functional ability of their CD4-positive T cells to promote CLL proliferation. Conversely, CLL cells can preferentially activate the TFH cell subset in co-culture. Together our results indicate that CLL development is associated with expansion of abnormal TFH populations that produce elevated levels of cytokines and costimulatory molecules which may help support CLL proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Wu
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - J Ernesto Fajardo-Despaigne
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Christine Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Vishala Neppalli
- Hematopathology Laboratory, Shared Health Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Versha Banerji
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - James B Johnston
- Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Spencer B Gibson
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Aaron J Marshall
- Department of Immunology, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Research Institute in Oncology and Hematology, CancerCare Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Internal Medicine, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
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19
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CXCR5 CAR-T cells simultaneously target B cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and tumor-supportive follicular T helper cells. Nat Commun 2021; 12:240. [PMID: 33431832 PMCID: PMC7801647 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-20488-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
CAR-T cell therapy targeting CD19 demonstrated strong activity against advanced B cell leukemia, however shows less efficacy against lymphoma with nodal dissemination. To target both B cell Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (B-NHLs) and follicular T helper (Tfh) cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), we apply here a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that recognizes human CXCR5 with high avidity. CXCR5, physiologically expressed on mature B and Tfh cells, is also highly expressed on nodal B-NHLs. Anti-CXCR5 CAR-T cells eradicate B-NHL cells and lymphoma-supportive Tfh cells more potently than CD19 CAR-T cells in vitro, and they efficiently inhibit lymphoma growth in a murine xenograft model. Administration of anti-murine CXCR5 CAR-T cells in syngeneic mice specifically depletes endogenous and malignant B and Tfh cells without unexpected on-target/off-tumor effects. Collectively, anti-CXCR5 CAR-T cells provide a promising treatment strategy for nodal B-NHLs through the simultaneous elimination of lymphoma B cells and Tfh cells of the tumor-supporting TME. CAR-T cell therapy targeting CD19 is not as efficient to treat lymphoma with nodal dissemination as it is for B cell leukaemia. Here, the authors generate CAR-T cells against CXCR5 and show they inhibit tumour growth by depleting both B and follicular T helper cells in lymphoma models.
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20
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Haselager MV, Kater AP, Eldering E. Proliferative Signals in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia; What Are We Missing? Front Oncol 2020; 10:592205. [PMID: 33134182 PMCID: PMC7578574 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.592205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells cycle between lymphoid tissue sites where they actively proliferate, and the peripheral blood (PB) where they become quiescent. Strong evidence exists for a crucial role of B cell receptor (BCR) triggering, either by (self-)antigen or by receptor auto-engagement in the lymph node (LN) to drive CLL proliferation and provide adhesion. The clinical success of Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors is widely accepted to be based on blockade of the BCR signal. Additional signals in the LN that support CLL survival derive from surrounding cells, such as CD40L-presenting T helper cells, myeloid and stromal cells. It is not quite clear if and to what extent these non-BCR signals contribute to proliferation in situ. In vitro BCR triggering, in contrast, leads to low-level activation and does not result in cell division. Various combinations of non-BCR signals delivered via co-stimulatory receptors, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), and/or soluble cytokines are applied, leading to comparatively modest and short-lived CLL proliferation in vitro. Thus, an unresolved gap exists between the condition in the patient as we now understand it and applicable knowledge that can be harnessed in the laboratory for future therapeutic applications. Even in this era of targeted drugs, CLL remains largely incurable with frequent relapses and emergence of resistance. Therefore, we require better insight into all aspects of CLL growth and potential rewiring of signaling pathways. We aim here to provide an overview of in vivo versus in vitro signals involved in CLL proliferation, point out areas of missing knowledge and suggest future directions for research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco V. Haselager
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic University Medical Center, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Arnon P. Kater
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Academic University Medical Center, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Eric Eldering
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Academic University Medical Center, location Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Lymphoma and Myeloma Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, LYMMCARE, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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21
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Abstract
Despite a prevailing view that advances in cancer therapy will come through selective targeting of enzymes encoded by mutated oncogenes responsible for the neoplastic phenotype, recent advances in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) have instead exploited knowledge of its biology. Indeed, CLL cells depend on interactions with cells and soluble factors present in the tumor microenvironment for proliferation and survival. B-cell receptor signaling and chemokine-receptor signaling play prominent roles. Elucidation of these signaling pathways has defined physiologic targets for drugs, such as ibrutinib, which inhibit Bruton tyrosine kinase and are therapeutically effective. The characteristic high-level expression of BCL2 in CLL that can enhance leukemia-cell survival has now become an Achilles heel targeted by clinically effective drugs such as venetoclax. Here we discuss advances in such targeted therapy and highlight other disease attributes, such as the distinctive expression of ROR1, which may be targeted for clinical benefit, alone or in combination with other targeted therapies.
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22
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Roessner PM, Seiffert M. T-cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: Guardians or drivers of disease? Leukemia 2020; 34:2012-2024. [PMID: 32457353 PMCID: PMC8318881 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-0873-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell malignancy, which is associated with profound alterations and defects in the immune system and a prevalent dependency on the microenvironmental niche. An abnormal T-cell compartment in the blood of CLL patients was already reported 40 years ago. Since then, our knowledge of T-cell characteristics in CLL has grown steadily, but the question of whether T-cells act as pro-tumoral bystander cells or possess anti-tumoral activity is still under debate. Increased numbers of CD4+ T-helper cell subsets are present in the blood of CLL patients, and T-helper cell cytokines have been shown to stimulate CLL cell survival and proliferation in vitro. In line with this, survival and growth of CLL cells in murine xenograft models have been shown to rely on activated CD4+ T-cells. This led to the hypothesis that T-cells are tumor-supportive in CLL. In recent years, evidence for an enrichment of antigen-experienced CD8+ T-cells in CLL has accumulated, and these cells have been shown to control leukemia in a CLL mouse model. Based on this, it was suggested that CD8+ T-cells recognize CLL-specific antigens and exert an anti-leukemia function. As described for other cancer entities, T-cells in CLL express multiple inhibitory receptors, such as PD-1, and lose their functional capacity, leading to an exhaustion phenotype which has been shown to be more severe in T-cells from secondary lymphoid organs compared with peripheral blood. This exhausted phenotype has been suggested to be causative for the poor response of CLL patients to CAR T-cell therapies. In addition, T-cells have been shown to be affected by drugs that are used to treat CLL, which likely impacts therapy response. This review provides an overview of the current knowledge about alterations of T-cells in CLL, including their distribution, function, and exhaustion state in blood and lymphoid organs, and touches also on the topic of how CLL drugs impact on the T-cell compartment and recent results of T-cell-based immunotherapy. We will discuss potential pathological roles of T-cell subsets in CLL and address the question of whether they foster progression or control of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp M Roessner
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Martina Seiffert
- Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.
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23
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Elston L, Fegan C, Hills R, Hashimdeen SS, Walsby E, Henley P, Pepper C, Man S. Increased frequency of CD4 + PD-1 + HLA-DR + T cells is associated with disease progression in CLL. Br J Haematol 2020; 188:872-880. [PMID: 31702049 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.16260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) patients often have abnormal expansions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and this can be associated with progressive disease. To characterise the key T-cell populations involved in this phenomenon, we used flow cytometry and 11 phenotypic markers to study 74 CLL patients and 14 controls. T cells of CLL patients were more phenotypically complex than those of healthy controls with significant increases in the frequencies of CD4 and CD8 memory T cells expressing exhaustion-, activation- and senescence-associated markers. Multivariate analysis of 111 different T-cell subsets showed that high frequencies of four subsets (three CD8 and one CD4) were associated with shorter progression-free survival. The most significant association was with CD4+ HLA-DR+ PD-1+ T cells, and patients could be stratified into high- and low-risk groups based on the frequency of these T cells. The expansion of this CD4+ subset could not be accounted for by age, cytomegalovirus infection or increases in Treg cells. Overall, these results highlight two relatively simple biomarkers, percentage CD8+ and percentage CD4+ PD-1+ HLA-DR+ T cells, which can be used to risk-stratify CLL patients, independent of other tumour-associated markers. They also provide further evidence for the pivotal role of T cells in modulating the pathology of CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Elston
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chris Fegan
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Robert Hills
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Shaikh S Hashimdeen
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Elisabeth Walsby
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Henley
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Chris Pepper
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Stephen Man
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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24
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Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) has long been thought to be an immunosuppressive disease and abnormalities in T-cell subset distribution and function have been observed in many studies. However, the role of T cells (if any) in disease progression remains unclear and has not been directly studied. This has changed with the advent of new therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor-T cells, which actively use retargeted patient-derived T cells as "living drugs" for CLL. However complete responses are relatively low (~26%) and recent studies have suggested the differentiation status of patient T cells before therapy may influence efficacy. Non-chemotherapeutic drugs, such as idelalisib and ibrutinib, also have an impact on T cell populations in CLL patients. This review will highlight what is known about T cells in CLL during disease progression and after treatment, and discuss the prospects of using T cells as predictive biomarkers for immune status and response to therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Adenine/analogs & derivatives
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- B-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Piperidines
- Purines/therapeutic use
- Pyrazoles/therapeutic use
- Pyrimidines/therapeutic use
- Quinazolinones/therapeutic use
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Man
- Section of Haematology, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
| | - Peter Henley
- Section of Haematology, Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, UK
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25
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Schleiss C, Ilias W, Tahar O, Güler Y, Miguet L, Mayeur-Rousse C, Mauvieux L, Fornecker LM, Toussaint E, Herbrecht R, Bertrand F, Maumy-Bertrand M, Martin T, Fournel S, Georgel P, Bahram S, Vallat L. BCR-associated factors driving chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells proliferation ex vivo. Sci Rep 2019; 9:701. [PMID: 30679590 PMCID: PMC6345919 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-36853-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
A chronic antigenic stimulation is believed to sustain the leukemogenic development of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and most of lymphoproliferative malignancies developed from mature B cells. Reproducing a proliferative stimulation ex vivo is critical to decipher the mechanisms of leukemogenesis in these malignancies. However, functional studies of CLL cells remains limited since current ex vivo B cell receptor (BCR) stimulation protocols are not sufficient to induce the proliferation of these cells, pointing out the need of mandatory BCR co-factors in this process. Here, we investigated benefits of several BCR co-stimulatory molecules (IL-2, IL-4, IL-15, IL-21 and CD40 ligand) in multiple culture conditions. Our results demonstrated that BCR engagement (anti-IgM ligation) concomitant to CD40 ligand, IL-4 and IL-21 stimulation allowed CLL cells proliferation ex vivo. In addition, we established a proliferative advantage for ZAP70 positive CLL cells, associated to an increased phosphorylation of ZAP70/SYK and STAT6. Moreover, the use of a tri-dimensional matrix of methylcellulose and the addition of TLR9 agonists further increased this proliferative response. This ex vivo model of BCR stimulation with T-derived cytokines is a relevant and efficient model for functional studies of CLL as well as lymphoproliferative malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cédric Schleiss
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, INSERM UMR-S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Wassila Ilias
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, INSERM UMR-S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Ouria Tahar
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, INSERM UMR-S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Plateau Technique de Biologie, Pôle de Biologie, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France
| | - Yonca Güler
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, IRFAC UMR-S1113, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Miguet
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, IRFAC UMR-S1113, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Caroline Mayeur-Rousse
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, IRFAC UMR-S1113, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Laurent Mauvieux
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, IRFAC UMR-S1113, Strasbourg, France.,Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Luc-Matthieu Fornecker
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, IRFAC UMR-S1113, Strasbourg, France.,Service d'Hématologie Adulte, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Elise Toussaint
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, IRFAC UMR-S1113, Strasbourg, France.,Service d'Hématologie Adulte, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Raoul Herbrecht
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, IRFAC UMR-S1113, Strasbourg, France.,Service d'Hématologie Adulte, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Frédéric Bertrand
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Recherche Mathématique Avancée IRMA, CNRS UMR 7501, Strasbourg, France
| | - Myriam Maumy-Bertrand
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Institut de Recherche Mathématique Avancée IRMA, CNRS UMR 7501, Strasbourg, France
| | - Thierry Martin
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,CNRS UPR 9021 - Immunologie et Chimie Thérapeutiques, Institut de Biologie Moléculaire et cellulaire (IBMC), Strasbourg, France
| | - Sylvie Fournel
- CNRS UMR7199, Université de Strasbourg, Illkirch, France
| | - Philippe Georgel
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, INSERM UMR-S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Seiamak Bahram
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, INSERM UMR-S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. .,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. .,Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Plateau Technique de Biologie, Pôle de Biologie, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France.
| | - Laurent Vallat
- Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, INSERM UMR-S1109, LabEx Transplantex, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. .,Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France. .,Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Plateau Technique de Biologie, Pôle de Biologie, Nouvel Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg, France. .,Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, IRFAC UMR-S1113, and Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Hôpitaux Universitaires de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
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26
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Wickenden K, Nawaz N, Mamand S, Kotecha D, Wilson AL, Wagner SD, Ahearne MJ. PD1 hi cells associate with clusters of proliferating B-cells in marginal zone lymphoma. Diagn Pathol 2018; 13:74. [PMID: 30219078 PMCID: PMC6138907 DOI: 10.1186/s13000-018-0750-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2018] [Accepted: 09/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormally sustained immune reactions drive B-cell proliferation in some cases of marginal zone lymphoma but the CD4+ T-cell subsets, which are likely to contribute to the B-cell responses in the tumour microenvironment, are not well characterised and neither has the spatial distribution of the different subsets in involved lymph nodes been investigated. Methods Employing a workflow of multiplex semi-automated immunohistochemistry combined with image processing we investigated association between infiltrating T-cells and proliferating lymphoma B-cells. Results Both total numbers of activating follicular helper (Tfh) cells (defined by high expression of PD1) and suppressive regulatory (Treg) T-cells (defined by FOXP3+ expression) and the Tfh:Treg ratio, assessed over relatively large areas of tissue, varied among cases of marginal zone lymphoma. We determined spatial distribution and demonstrated that PD1hi cells showed significantly more clustering than did FOXP3+. To investigate the association of infiltrating T-cells with lymphoma B-cells we employed Pearson correlation and Morisita-Horn index, statistical measures of interaction. We demonstrated that PD1hi cells were associated with proliferating B-cells and confirmed this by nearest neighbour analysis. Conclusions The unexpected architectural complexity of T-cell infiltration in marginal zone lymphoma, revealed in this study, further supports a key role for Tfh cells in driving proliferation of lymphoma B-cells. We demonstrate the feasibility of digital analysis of spatial architecture of T-cells within marginal zone lymphoma and future studies will be needed to determine the clinical importance of these observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Wickenden
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Nadia Nawaz
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Sami Mamand
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Deevia Kotecha
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Amy L Wilson
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HB, UK
| | - Simon D Wagner
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HB, UK.
| | - Matthew J Ahearne
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HB, UK
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27
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Targeting the tumor promoting effects of adenosine in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2018; 126:24-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2018.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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28
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Qiu L, Zhou Y, Yu Q, Zheng S, Wang Z, Huang Q. Elevated levels of follicular T helper cells and their association with therapeutic effects in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Immunol Lett 2018. [PMID: 29526569 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterized by an abnormal expansion of mature B cells with variable progression. Follicular T helper (Tfh) cells help B cells differentiate into plasma cells or long-lived memory B cells in germinal centres (GCs). However, the role of Tfh cells in CLL is poorly understand, and whether it plays a critical role in disease progression in vivo is lacking. In this study, we investigate the dynamic change of circulating Tfh cells in peripheral blood from patients with CLL during the treatment periods to evaluate their utility to predict disease progression. Our findings revealed the expansion of circulating CD4+CXCR5+, CD4+ICOS+, CD4+PD-1+ and CD4+CXCR5+ICOS+PD-1+ (Tfh) cells but lower serum IL-21 levels and CD4+ T cell polarization not only to Tfh2 subtypes but also to Tfh17 subtypes in patients with CLL at pretreatment compared to patients with monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis (MBL) and healthy individuals, especially in those with advanced stage, which indicate these Tfh cells could be employed as a novel indicator for disease progression. Moreover, we observed significant correlations of Tfh17 and immunoglobulin heavy chain variable region (IGHV) mutation. Importantly, significantly decreased CD4+ICOS+, CD4+PD-1+ and Tfh cells were found after effective treatments, whereas a significantly high CD4+ICOS+, CD4+PD-1+ and Tfh cells were still found in those with progressive disease after treatments, suggesting that circulating CD4+ICOS+, CD4+PD-1+, Tfh cells could predict therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liannv Qiu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310004, China.
| | - Yonglie Zhou
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310004, China
| | - Qinhua Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310004, China
| | - Sujie Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310004, China
| | - Zhenni Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310004, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Department of Hematology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 310004, China
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29
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Abstract
B cell receptor (BCR) signalling is crucial for normal B cell development and adaptive immunity. BCR signalling also supports the survival and growth of malignant B cells in patients with B cell leukaemias or lymphomas. The mechanism of BCR pathway activation in these diseases includes continuous BCR stimulation by microbial antigens or autoantigens present in the tissue microenvironment, activating mutations within the BCR complex or downstream signalling components and ligand-independent tonic BCR signalling. The most established agents targeting BCR signalling are Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors and PI3K isoform-specific inhibitors, and their introduction into the clinic is rapidly changing how B cell malignancies are treated. B cells and BCR-related kinases, such as BTK, also play a role in the microenvironment of solid tumours, such as squamous cell carcinoma and pancreatic cancer, and therefore targeting B cells or BCR-related kinases may have anticancer activity beyond B cell malignancies.
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MESH Headings
- Agammaglobulinaemia Tyrosine Kinase/antagonists & inhibitors
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- B-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- B-Lymphocytes/pathology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, Mantle-Cell/metabolism
- Molecular Targeted Therapy/methods
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan A Burger
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Adrian Wiestner
- Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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30
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Byford ET, Carr M, Ladikou E, Ahearne MJ, Wagner SD. Circulating Tfh1 (cTfh1) cell numbers and PD1 expression are elevated in low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and cTfh gene expression is perturbed in marginal zone lymphoma. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190468. [PMID: 29293620 PMCID: PMC5749831 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 12/17/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
CD4+ T-cell subsets are found in the tumour microenvironment (TME) of low-grade B-cell non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas such as marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) or follicular lymphoma (FL). Both numbers and architecture of activating follicular helper T-cells (Tfh) and suppressive Treg in the TME of FL are associated with clinical outcomes. There has been almost no previous work on CD4+ T-cells in MZL. It is now recognised that circulating CD4+CXCR5+ T-cells are the memory compartment of Tfh cells. We determined differences in number of circulating Tfh (cTfh) cells and cTfh subsets between normal subjects and patients with FL or MZL. Lymphoma patients showed increased numbers of cTfh1 and reduced cTfh17 cells due to decreased expression of the subset-defining marker CCR6 in patients. PD1, a surface marker associated with Tfh cells, showed increased expression on cTfh subsets in patients. Focusing on MZL we determined expression of 96 T-cell associated genes by microfluidic qRT-PCR. Analysis of differentially expressed genes showed significant differences between normal subjects and patients both for bulk cTfh (CCL4) and the cTfh1 subset (JAK3). While our findings require confirmation in larger studies we suggest that analysis of number and gene expression of circulating T-cells might be a source of clinically useful information as is the case for T-cells within lymphoma lymph nodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot T. Byford
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Carr
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Eleni Ladikou
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J. Ahearne
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Simon D. Wagner
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre and Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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31
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mTOR signaling in immune cells and its implications for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2017; 408:182-189. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.08.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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32
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Jain S, Ward JM, Shin DM, Wang H, Naghashfar Z, Kovalchuk AL, Morse HC. Associations of Autoimmunity, Immunodeficiency, Lymphomagenesis, and Gut Microbiota in Mice with Knockins for a Pathogenic Autoantibody. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2017; 187:2020-2033. [PMID: 28727987 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A number of mouse strains transgenic for B-cell receptors specific for nucleic acids or other autoantigens have been generated to understand how autoreactive B cells are regulated in normal and autoimmune mice. Previous studies of nonautoimmune C57BL/6 mice heterozygous for both the IgH and IgL knockins of the polyreactive autoantibody, 564, produced high levels of autoantibodies in a largely Toll-like receptor 7-dependent manner. Herein, we describe studies of mice homozygous for the knockins that also expressed high levels of autoantibodies but, unlike the heterozygotes, exhibited a high incidence of mature B-cell lymphomas and enhanced susceptibility to bacterial infections. Microarray analyses and serological studies suggested that lymphomagenesis might be related to chronic B-cell activation promoted by IL-21. Strikingly, mice treated continuously with antibiotic-supplemented water did not develop lymphomas or abscesses and exhibited less autoimmunity. This mouse model may help us understand the reasons for enhanced susceptibility to lymphoma development exhibited by humans with a variety of autoimmune diseases, such as Sjögren syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, and highly active rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shweta Jain
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Jerrold M Ward
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Dong-Mi Shin
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hongsheng Wang
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Zohreh Naghashfar
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Alexander L Kovalchuk
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland
| | - Herbert C Morse
- Virology and Cellular Immunology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Rockville, Maryland.
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33
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Purroy N, Wu CJ. Coevolution of Leukemia and Host Immune Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a026740. [PMID: 28096240 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a026740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative studies on the dissection of changes in driver genetic lesions in cancer across the course of the disease have provided powerful insights into the adaptive mechanisms of tumors in response to the selective pressures of therapy and environmental changes. In particular, the advent of next-generation-sequencing (NGS)-based technologies and its implementation for the large-scale comprehensive analyses of cancers have greatly advanced our understanding of cancer as a complex dynamic system wherein genetically distinct subclones interact and compete during tumor evolution. Aside from genetic evolution arising from interactions intrinsic to the cell subpopulations within tumors, it is increasingly appreciated that reciprocal interactions between the tumor cell and cellular constituents of the microenvironment further exert selective pressures on specific clones that can impact the balance between tumor immunity and immunologic evasion and escape. Herein, we review the evidence supporting these concepts, with a particular focus on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a disease that has been highly amenable to genomic interrogation and studies of clonal heterogeneity and evolution. Better knowledge of the basis for immune escape has an important clinical impact on prognostic stratification and on the pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Purroy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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34
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Development of T follicular helper cells and their role in disease and immune system. Biomed Pharmacother 2016; 84:1668-1678. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.10.083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2016] [Revised: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
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35
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Samuel J, Jayne S, Chen Y, Majid A, Wignall A, Wormull T, Najeeb H, Luo JL, Jones GDD, Macip S, Dyer MJS. Posttranscriptional Upregulation of p53 by Reactive Oxygen Species in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancer Res 2016; 76:6311-6319. [PMID: 27634759 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-0843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells multiply and become more resistant to immunochemotherapy in "proliferation centers" within tissues, whereas apoptosis occurs in the periphery. Various models recapitulate these microenvironments in vitro, such as stimulation with CD154 and IL4. Using this system, we observed a 30- to 40-fold induction of wild-type p53 protein in 50 distinct human CLL specimens tested, without the induction of either cell-cycle arrest or apoptosis. In contrast, the mRNA levels for p53 did not increase, indicating that its elevation occurred posttranscriptionally. Mechanistic investigations revealed that under the conditions studied, p53 was phosphorylated on residues associated with p53 activation and increased half-life. However, p53 protein induced in this manner could transcriptionally activate only a subset of target genes. The addition of a DNA-damaging agent further upregulated p53 protein levels, which led to apoptosis. p53 induction relied on the increase in intracellular reactive oxygen species observed after CD154 and IL4 stimulation. We propose that chronic oxidative stress is a characteristic of the microenvironment in B-cell "proliferation centers" in CLL that are capable of elevating the basal expression of p53, but to levels below the threshold needed to induce arrest or apoptosis. Our findings suggest that reactivation of the full transcriptional activities of p53 in proliferating CLL cells may offer a possible therapeutic strategy. Cancer Res; 76(21); 6311-9. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesvin Samuel
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Mechanisms of Cancer and Ageing Lab, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Sandrine Jayne
- Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Department of Cancer Studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Yixiang Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Mechanisms of Cancer and Ageing Lab, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | | | - Alice Wignall
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Mechanisms of Cancer and Ageing Lab, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Timothy Wormull
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Mechanisms of Cancer and Ageing Lab, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Hishyar Najeeb
- CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Department of Cancer Studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, College of Medicine, University of Duhok, Kurdistan Regional Government, Iraq
| | - Jin-Li Luo
- CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - George D D Jones
- CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Department of Cancer Studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Salvador Macip
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom. .,Mechanisms of Cancer and Ageing Lab, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Martin J S Dyer
- Ernest and Helen Scott Haematological Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,CRUK Leicester Centre, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom.,Department of Cancer Studies, University of Leicester, Leicester, United Kingdom
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36
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Wali S, Sahoo A, Puri S, Alekseev A, Nurieva R. Insights into the development and regulation of T follicular helper cells. Cytokine 2016; 87:9-19. [PMID: 27339151 PMCID: PMC5108526 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2016.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2016] [Accepted: 06/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are specialized subset of T helper (Th) cells necessary for germinal center reaction, affinity maturation and the differentiation of germinal center B cells to antibody-producing plasma B cells and memory B cells. The differentiation of Tfh cells is a multistage, multifactorial process involving a variety of cytokines, surface molecules and transcription factors. While Tfh cells are critical components of protective immune responses against pathogens, regulation of these cells is crucial to prevent autoimmunity and airway inflammation. Recently, it has been noted that Tfh cells could be potentially implicated either in cancer progression or prevention. Thus, the elucidation of the mechanisms that regulate Tfh cell differentiation, function and fate should highlight potential targets for novel therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in our understanding of the regulation of Tfh cell differentiation and their role in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shradha Wali
- Department of Immunology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anupama Sahoo
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, Orlando, FL, USA
| | - Sushant Puri
- Department of Immunology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Andrei Alekseev
- Department of Immunology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Roza Nurieva
- Department of Immunology, M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, TX, USA.
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37
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Affiliation(s)
- Carola G. Vinuesa
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia;
| | - Michelle A. Linterman
- Lymphocyte Signalling and Development Institute Strategic Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom;
| | - Di Yu
- Laboratory for Molecular Immunomodulation, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and Center for Inflammatory Diseases, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia;
| | - Ian C.M. MacLennan
- School of Immunity and Infection, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, United Kingdom
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38
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Extracellular vesicles released by CD40/IL-4-stimulated CLL cells confer altered functional properties to CD4+ T cells. Blood 2016; 128:542-52. [PMID: 27118451 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-11-682377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex interplay between cancer cells, stromal cells, and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates tumorigenesis and provides emerging targets for immunotherapies. Crosstalk between CD4(+) T cells and proliferating chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) tumor B cells occurs within lymphoid tissue pseudofollicles, and investigating these interactions is essential to understand both disease pathogenesis and the effects of immunotherapy. Tumor-derived extracellular vesicle (EV) shedding is emerging as an important mode of intercellular communication in the TME. In order to characterize tumor EVs released in response to T-cell-derived TME signals, we performed microRNA (miRNA [miR]) profiling of EVs released from CLL cells stimulated with CD40 and interleukin-4 (IL-4). Our results reveal an enrichment of specific cellular miRNAs including miR-363 within EVs derived from CD40/IL-4-stimulated CLL cells compared with parental cell miRNA content and control EVs from unstimulated CLL cells. We demonstrate that autologous patient CD4(+) T cells internalize CLL-EVs containing miR-363 that targets the immunomodulatory molecule CD69. We further reveal that autologous CD4(+) T cells that are exposed to EVs from CD40/IL-4-stimulated CLL cells exhibit enhanced migration, immunological synapse signaling, and interactions with tumor cells. Knockdown of miR-363 in CLL cells prior to CD40/IL-4 stimulation prevented the ability of CLL-EVs to induce increased synapse signaling and confer altered functional properties to CD4(+) T cells. Taken together, these data reveal a novel role for CLL-EVs in modifying T-cell function that highlights unanticipated complexity of intercellular communication that may have implications for bidirectional CD4(+) T-cell:tumor interactions within the TME.
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39
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IL-4 enhances expression and function of surface IgM in CLL cells. Blood 2016; 127:3015-25. [PMID: 27002119 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-11-682906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinase inhibitors targeting the B-cell receptor (BCR) are now prominent in the treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We have focused here on interleukin 4 (IL-4), a cytokine that protects normal and malignant B cells from apoptosis and increases surface immunoglobulin M (sIgM) expression on murine splenic B cells. First, we have demonstrated that IL-4 treatment increased sIgM expression in vitro on peripheral blood B cells obtained from healthy individuals. In CLL, IL-4 target genes are overexpressed in cells purified from the lymph nodes of patients compared with cells derived from matched blood and bone marrow samples. As for normal B cells, IL-4 increased sIgM expression on CLL cells in vitro, especially in samples expressing unmutated V-genes. IL-4-induced sIgM expression was associated with increased receptor signalling activity, measured by anti-IgM-induced calcium mobilization, and with increased expression of CD79B messenger RNA and protein, and the "mature" glycoform of sIgM. Importantly, the ability of the BCR-associated kinase inhibitors idelalisib and ibrutinib, approved for treatment of CLL and other B-cell malignancies, to inhibit anti-IgM-induced signalling was reduced following IL-4 pretreatment in samples from the majority of patients. In contrast to stimulatory effects on sIgM, IL-4 decreased CXCR4 and CXCR5 expression; therefore, CLL cells, particularly within the progressive unmutated V-gene subset, may harness the ability of IL-4 to promote BCR signalling and B-cell retention within lymph nodes. Effects of IL-4 were mediated via JAK3/STAT6 and we propose a potential role for JAK inhibitors in combination with BCR kinase inhibitors for the treatment of CLL.
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Pulliam SR, Uzhachenko RV, Adunyah SE, Shanker A. Common gamma chain cytokines in combinatorial immune strategies against cancer. Immunol Lett 2015; 169:61-72. [PMID: 26597610 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2015.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2015] [Revised: 10/15/2015] [Accepted: 11/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Common γ chain (γC) cytokines, namely IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, IL-15, and IL-21 are important for the proliferation, differentiation, and survival of lymphocytes that display antitumor activity, thus stimulating considerable interest for the use of cytokines in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we will focus on the γC cytokines that demonstrate the greatest potential for immunotherapy, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21. We will briefly cover their biological function, potential applications in cancer therapy, and update on their use in combinatorial immune strategies for eradicating tumors and hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Pulliam
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Roman V Uzhachenko
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA
| | - Samuel E Adunyah
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA.
| | - Anil Shanker
- Department of Biochemistry and Cancer Biology, School of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; School of Graduate Studies and Research, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, TN 37208, USA; Host-Tumor Interactions Research Program, Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA.
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De Cecco L, Capaia M, Zupo S, Cutrona G, Matis S, Brizzolara A, Orengo AM, Croce M, Marchesi E, Ferrarini M, Canevari S, Ferrini S. Interleukin 21 Controls mRNA and MicroRNA Expression in CD40-Activated Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0134706. [PMID: 26305332 PMCID: PMC4549109 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0134706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Several factors support CLL cell survival in the microenvironment. Under different experimental conditions, IL21 can either induce apoptosis or promote CLL cell survival. To investigate mechanisms involved in the effects of IL21, we studied the ability of IL21 to modulate gene and miRNA expressions in CD40-activated CLL cells. IL21 was a major regulator of chemokine production in CLL cells and it modulated the expression of genes involved in cell movement, metabolism, survival and apoptosis. In particular, IL21 down-regulated the expression of the chemokine genes CCL4, CCL3, CCL3L1, CCL17, and CCL2, while it up-regulated the Th1-related CXCL9 and CXCL10. In addition, IL21 down-regulated the expression of genes encoding signaling molecules, such as CD40, DDR1 and PIK3CD. IL21 modulated a similar set of genes in CLL and normal B-cells (e.g. chemokine genes), whereas other genes, including MYC, TNF, E2F1, EGR2 and GAS-6, were regulated only in CLL cells. An integrated analysis of the miRNome and gene expression indicated that several miRNAs were under IL21 control and these could, in turn, influence the expression of potential target genes. We focused on hsa-miR-663b predicted to down-regulate several relevant genes. Transfection of hsa-miR-663b or its specific antagonist showed that this miRNA regulated CCL17, DDR1, PIK3CD and CD40 gene expression. Our data indicated that IL21 modulates the expression of genes mediating the crosstalk between CLL cells and their microenvironment and miRNAs may take part in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loris De Cecco
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Capaia
- Laboratory of Biotherapy, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Zupo
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanna Cutrona
- Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Serena Matis
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Antonella Brizzolara
- Laboratory of Biotherapy, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Orengo
- Laboratory of Biotherapy, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Croce
- Laboratory of Biotherapy, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Edoardo Marchesi
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Manlio Ferrarini
- Scientific Direction, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvana Canevari
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
- * E-mail: (SF); (SC)
| | - Silvano Ferrini
- Laboratory of Biotherapy, IRCCS-AOU San Martino-IST, Istituto Nazionale per la Ricerca sul Cancro, Genoa, Italy
- * E-mail: (SF); (SC)
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IL-21: a pleiotropic cytokine with potential applications in oncology. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:696578. [PMID: 25961061 PMCID: PMC4413888 DOI: 10.1155/2015/696578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin- (IL-) 21 is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates the activity of both innate and specific immunity. Indeed, it costimulates T and natural killer (NK) cell proliferation and function and regulates B cell survival and differentiation and the function of dendritic cells. In addition, IL-21 exerts divergent effects on different lymphoid cell leukemia and lymphomas, as it may support cell proliferation or on the contrary induce growth arrest or apoptosis of the neoplastic lymphoid cells. Several preclinical studies showed that IL-21 has antitumor activity in different tumor models, through mechanism involving the activation of NK and T or B cell responses. Moreover, IL-21's antitumor activity can be potentiated by its combination with other immune-enhancing molecules, monoclonal antibodies recognizing tumor antigens, chemotherapy, or molecular targeted agents. Clinical phase I-II studies of IL-21 in cancer patients showed immune stimulatory properties, acceptable toxicity profile, and antitumor effects in a fraction of patients. In view of its tolerability, IL-21 is also suitable for combinational therapeutic regimens with other agents. This review will summarize the biological functions of IL-21, and address its role in lymphoid malignancies and preclinical and clinical studies of cancer immunotherapy.
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Pathophysiology of T follicular helper cells in humans and mice. Nat Immunol 2015; 16:142-52. [PMID: 25594465 DOI: 10.1038/ni.3054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 321] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Follicular helper T cells (TFH cells) compose a heterogeneous subset of CD4(+) T cells that induce the differentiation of B cells into plasma cells and memory cells. They are found within and in proximity to germinal centers in secondary lymphoid organs, and their memory compartment also circulates in the blood. Our knowledge on the biology of TFH cells has increased significantly during the past decade, largely as a result of mouse studies. However, recent studies on human TFH cells isolated from lymphoid organ and blood samples and recent observations on the developmental mechanism of human TFH cells have revealed both similarities and differences between human and mouse TFH cells. Here we present the similarities and differences between mouse and human lymphoid organ-resident TFH cells and discuss the role of TFH cells in response to vaccines and in disease pathogenesis.
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Wallace ME, Alcantara MB, Minoda Y, Kannourakis G, Berzins SP. An emerging role for immune regulatory subsets in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 28:897-900. [PMID: 25862133 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 03/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
The last few years has seen the burgeoning of a new category of therapeutics for cancer targeting immune regulatory pathways. Antibodies that block the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction are perhaps the most prominent of these new anti-cancer therapies, but several other inhibitory receptor ligand interactions have also shown promise as targets in clinical trials, including CTLA-4/CD80 and Lag-3/MHC class II. Related to this is a rapidly improving knowledge of 'regulatory' lymphocyte lineages, including NKT cells, MAIT cells, B regulatory cells and others. These cells have potent cytokine responses that can influence the functioning of other immune cells and many researchers believe that they could be effective targets for therapies designed to enhance immune responses to cancer. This review will outline our current understanding of FOXP3+ 'Tregs', NKT cells, MAIT cells and B regulatory cells immune regulatory cell populations in cancer, with a particular focus on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL). We will discuss evidence linking CLL with immune regulatory dysfunction and the potential for new therapies targeting regulatory cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E Wallace
- Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marice B Alcantara
- Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Yosuke Minoda
- Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart P Berzins
- Federation University, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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45
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Impact of lenalidomide on immune functions in the setting of maintenance therapy for multiple myeloma. Leukemia 2015; 29:2098-100. [PMID: 25748683 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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46
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Jia Y, Zeng Z, Li Y, Li Z, Jin L, Zhang Z, Wang L, Wang FS. Impaired function of CD4+ T follicular helper (Tfh) cells associated with hepatocellular carcinoma progression. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117458. [PMID: 25689070 PMCID: PMC4331507 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims CD4+ T follicular helper (Tfh) cells, a new subset of immune cells, have been demonstrated to be involved in the development and prognosis of tumors. However, their functional role in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is relatively unknown, and the detailed mechanisms in HCC development remain to be described. Methods A total of 85 HCC patients with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, 25 HBV-relative liver cirrhosis (LC) patients, and 20 healthy controls (HC) were randomly enrolled. Flow cytometric analysis, immunohistochemical staining, and relative function (i.e., cytokine secretion, B cell maturation) assays were used to analyze the properties of CXCR5+CD4+ T cells. In addition, the relationship between the frequency of CXCR5+CD4+ T cells and overall survival rates or disease-free survival rates was also analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Results The frequency of circulating CXCR5+CD4+ T cells was significantly decreased in HCC patients compared with HBV-relative liver cirrhosis (LC) patients and healthy controls, and the decrease in circulating CXCR5+CD4+ T cells correlated with disease progression. The proportion of infiltrated CXCR5+CD4+ T cells was significantly decreased in tumor regions compared with nontumor regions. Furthermore, compared with healthy controls, the function of circulating CXCR5+CD4+ T cells in HCC was impaired, with reduced IL-21 secretion and dysfunction in promoting B cell maturation. Importantly, follow-up data indicated that a decreased frequency of circulating CXCR5+CD4+ T cells was also associated with reduced disease-free survival time in HCC patients. Conclusions Impairment of CD4+ T follicular helper cells may influence the development of HBV-associated HCC. Decreased CD4+ T follicular helper cells may represent a potential prognostic marker and serve as a novel therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiqiong Jia
- Research Center for Biological Therapy, 302 Military Hospital of China-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
| | - Zhen Zeng
- Research Center for Biological Therapy, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Research Center for Biological Therapy, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
| | - Zhiwei Li
- Research Center for Biological Therapy, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
| | - Lei Jin
- Research Center for Biological Therapy, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Research Center for Biological Therapy, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
| | - Lifeng Wang
- Research Center for Biological Therapy, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (FW); (LF)
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Research Center for Biological Therapy, 302 Military Hospital of China-Peking University Teaching Hospital, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
- Research Center for Biological Therapy, Beijing 302 Hospital, Beijing, 100039, P. R. China
- * E-mail: (FW); (LF)
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Expression of PD-1 (CD279) and FoxP3 in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Virchows Arch 2014; 465:351-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00428-014-1615-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Ahearne MJ, Allchin RL, Fox CP, Wagner SD. Follicular helper T-cells: expanding roles in T-cell lymphoma and targets for treatment. Br J Haematol 2014; 166:326-35. [PMID: 24815671 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.12941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Follicular helper T-cells (Tfh cells) are a subset of CD4(+) T-cells that are essential for normal production of high affinity antibodies. Tfh cells characteristically produce IL21 and IL4 and show high expression of surface markers CXCR5, ICOS, PDCD1 (PD-1) and the chemokine CXCL13. In this review we will focus on the emerging links between Tfh cells and subtypes of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma: angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and ~20% of peripheral T-cell lymphoma not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS) have surface marker features of Tfh cells and share a spectrum of genetic abnormalities. The recurrent genetic abnormalities associated with AITL include mutations in epigenetic modifiers such as TET2 and DNMT3A and the motility and adhesion gene, RHOA, is mutated in up to 70% of cases. ~20% of PTCL-NOS demonstrate RHOA mutations and have other characteristics suggesting an origin in Tfh cells. The recognition that specific genetic and surface markers are associated with malignant Tfh cells suggests that the next few years will bring major changes in diagnostic and treatment possibilities. For example, antibodies against IL21, PDCD1 and ICOS are already in clinical trials for autoimmune disease or other malignancies and antibodies against CXCL13 are in pre-clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew J Ahearne
- Department of Cancer Studies and Molecular Medicine, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK; Ernest and Helen Scott Haematology Research Institute, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK
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Spolski R, Leonard WJ. Interleukin-21: a double-edged sword with therapeutic potential. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2014; 13:379-95. [PMID: 24751819 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 385] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 is a cytokine with broad pleiotropic actions that affect the differentiation and function of lymphoid and myeloid cells. Since its discovery in 2000, a tremendous amount has been learned about its biological actions and the molecular mechanisms controlling IL-21-mediated cellular responses. IL-21 regulates both innate and adaptive immune responses, and it not only has key roles in antitumour and antiviral responses but also exerts major effects on inflammatory responses that promote the development of autoimmune diseases and inflammatory disorders. Numerous studies have shown that enhancing or inhibiting the action of IL-21 has therapeutic effects in animal models of a wide range of diseases, and various clinical trials are underway. The current challenge is to understand how to specifically modulate the actions of IL-21 in the context of each specific immune response or pathological situation. In this Review, we provide an overview of the basic biology of IL-21 and discuss how this information has been - and can be - exploited therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne Spolski
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
| | - Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), US National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 20892, USA
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Variable induction of PRDM1 and differentiation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with anergy. Blood 2014; 123:3277-85. [PMID: 24637363 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-11-539049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite antigen engagement and intact B-cell-receptor (BCR) signaling, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells fail to undergo terminal differentiation. We hypothesized that such failure may be due to anergy, as CLL cells exhibit variable levels of nonresponsiveness to surface IgM stimulation that is reversible in vitro. Moreover, anergy is associated with reduced differentiation capacity in normal B cells. We investigated responses of CLL cells to two potent differentiation-promoting agents, IL-21 and cytosine guanine dinucleotide-enriched oligo-deoxynucleotides. The induction of PR domain-containing protein 1 (PRDM1; also known as Blimp-1), a critical regulator of plasmacytic differentiation, by these agents was closely correlated but varied between individual cases, despite functionally intact IL-21 receptor- and Toll-like receptor 9-mediated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, and nuclear factor-κB pathways. PRDM1 induction was inversely correlated with the extent of anergy as measured by the ability to mobilize intracellular Ca(2+) following BCR crosslinking. PRDM1 responsiveness was associated with other markers of differentiation and proliferation but not with differences in apoptosis. The ability to induce PRDM1 did correlate with differential transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of the PRDM1 gene. These studies extend our understanding of CLL pathobiology, demonstrating that reduced differentiation capacity may be a consequence of anergy. Epigenetic drugs may offer possibilities to reactivate PRDM1 expression as part of novel differentiation therapy approaches.
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