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Nguyen NTT, Müller R, Briukhovetska D, Weber J, Feucht J, Künkele A, Hudecek M, Kobold S. The Spectrum of CAR Cellular Effectors: Modes of Action in Anti-Tumor Immunity. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2608. [PMID: 39061247 PMCID: PMC11274444 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16142608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2024] [Revised: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor-T cells have spearheaded the field of adoptive cell therapy and have shown remarkable results in treating hematological neoplasia. Because of the different biology of solid tumors compared to hematological tumors, response rates of CAR-T cells could not be transferred to solid entities yet. CAR engineering has added co-stimulatory domains, transgenic cytokines and switch receptors to improve performance and persistence in a hostile tumor microenvironment, but because of the inherent cell type limitations of CAR-T cells, including HLA incompatibility, toxicities (cytokine release syndrome, neurotoxicity) and high costs due to the logistically challenging preparation process for autologous cells, the use of alternative immune cells is gaining traction. NK cells and γδ T cells that do not need HLA compatibility or macrophages and dendritic cells with additional properties such as phagocytosis or antigen presentation are increasingly seen as cellular vehicles with potential for application. As these cells possess distinct properties, clinicians and researchers need a thorough understanding of their peculiarities and commonalities. This review will compare these different cell types and their specific modes of action seen upon CAR activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ngoc Thien Thu Nguyen
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (N.T.T.N.); (R.M.); (D.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, a Partnership between the DKFZ Heidelberg and the University Hospital of the LMU, 80336 Munich, Germany
| | - Rasmus Müller
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (N.T.T.N.); (R.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Daria Briukhovetska
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (N.T.T.N.); (R.M.); (D.B.)
| | - Justus Weber
- Department of Medicine II, Chair in Cellular Immunotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.W.); (M.H.)
| | - Judith Feucht
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany;
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Children’s Hospital Tuebingen, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Annette Künkele
- Department of Pediatric Oncology/Hematology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 13353 Berlin, Germany;
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Berlin, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Hudecek
- Department of Medicine II, Chair in Cellular Immunotherapy, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany; (J.W.); (M.H.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Cellular Immunotherapy Branch Site Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, 80336 Munich, Germany; (N.T.T.N.); (R.M.); (D.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, a Partnership between the DKFZ Heidelberg and the University Hospital of the LMU, 80336 Munich, Germany
- Einheit für Klinische Pharmakologie (EKLiP), Helmholtz Zentrum München—German Research Center for Environmental Health Neuherberg, 85764 Oberschleißheim, Germany
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Ye Z, Cheng P, Huang Q, Hu J, Huang L, Hu G. Immunocytes interact directly with cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment: one coin with two sides and future perspectives. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1388176. [PMID: 38840908 PMCID: PMC11150710 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1388176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is closely linked to the initiation, promotion, and progression of solid tumors. Among its constitutions, immunologic cells emerge as critical players, facilitating immune evasion and tumor progression. Apart from their indirect impact on anti-tumor immunity, immunocytes directly influence neoplastic cells, either bolstering or impeding tumor advancement. However, current therapeutic modalities aimed at alleviating immunosuppression from regulatory cells on effector immune cell populations may not consistently yield satisfactory results in various solid tumors, such as breast carcinoma, colorectal cancer, etc. Therefore, this review outlines and summarizes the direct, dualistic effects of immunocytes such as T cells, innate lymphoid cells, B cells, eosinophils, and tumor-associated macrophages on tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment. The review also delves into the underlying mechanisms involved and presents the outcomes of clinical trials based on these direct effects, aiming to propose innovative and efficacious therapeutic strategies for addressing solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Ye
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People’s Hospital; Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pu Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Hu
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liming Huang
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People’s Hospital; Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoming Hu
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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3
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Biały S, Iwaszko M, Świerkot J, Kolossa K, Wielińska J, Jeka S, Bogunia-Kubik K. Genetic variability of three common NK and γδ T cell receptor genes (FCγ3R, NCR3, and DNAM-1) and their role in Polish patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09488-3. [PMID: 38714580 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09488-3] [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: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/10/2024]
Abstract
Various lymphocyte subpopulations, including NK cells as well as γδ T cells, have been considered an important element in the pathogenesis of autoimmune, inflammatory, rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of this study was to assess the potential role of polymorphic variations in the genes coding for three NK and γδ T cell receptors: NCR3, FCγR3A, and DNAM-1 (rs1052248, rs396991, and rs763361, respectively) in the disease susceptibility and the efficacy of treatment with TNF inhibitors. The study included 461 patients with RA, 168 patients with AS, and 235 voluntary blood donors as controls. The NCR3 rs1052248 AA homozygosity prevailed in RA in patients lacking rheumatoid factor (p = 0.044) as well as in those who manifested the disease at a younger age (p = 0.005) and had higher CRP levels after 12 weeks of anti-TNF therapy (p = 0.021). The FCγR3A rs396991 polymorphism was associated with pain visual analogue scale (VAS) values before the initiation of anti-TNF treatment. Lower VAS values were observed in the GG homozygous RA patients (p = 0.024) and in AS patients with the TT genotype (p = 0.012). Moreover, AS heterozygous patients with the TG genotype presented higher CRP levels in the 12th week of anti-TNF treatment (p = 0.021). The findings suggest that the NCR3 rs1052248 AA homozygosity may have an adverse effect on RA, while the T allele potentially plays a protective role in the development of AS. Moreover, the rs1052248 T allele and TT genotype appear to have a favorable impact on the response to anti-TNF therapy in RA patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Biały
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Milena Iwaszko
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jerzy Świerkot
- Department of Rheumatology and Internal Medicine, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kolossa
- Clinical Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Jan Biziel Hospital University, No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Joanna Wielińska
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Sławomir Jeka
- Clinical Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Jan Biziel Hospital University, No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Ludwik Rydygier Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
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Kim N, Yi E, Lee E, Park HJ, Kim HS. Interleukin-2 is required for NKp30-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity by preferentially regulating NKp30 expression. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1388018. [PMID: 38698855 PMCID: PMC11063289 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1388018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are key effectors in cancer immunosurveillance, eliminating a broad spectrum of cancer cells without major histocompatibility complex (MHC) specificity and graft-versus-host diseases (GvHD) risk. The use of allogeneic NK cell therapies from healthy donors has demonstrated favorable clinical efficacies in treating diverse cancers, particularly hematologic malignancies, but it requires cytokines such as IL-2 to primarily support NK cell persistence and expansion. However, the role of IL-2 in the regulation of activating receptors and the function of NK cells expanded for clinical trials is poorly understood and needs clarification for the full engagement of NK cells in cancer immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrated that IL-2 deprivation significantly impaired the cytotoxicity of primary expanded NK cells by preferentially downregulating NKp30 but not NKp46 despite their common adaptor requirement for expression and function. Using NK92 and IL-2-producing NK92MI cells, we observed that NKp30-mediated cytotoxicity against myeloid leukemia cells such as K562 and THP-1 cells expressing B7-H6, a ligand for NKp30, was severely impaired by IL-2 deprivation. Furthermore, IL-2 deficiency-mediated NK cell dysfunction was overcome by the ectopic overexpression of an immunostimulatory NKp30 isoform such as NKp30a or NKp30b. In particular, NKp30a overexpression in NK92 cells improved the clearance of THP-1 cells in vivo without IL-2 supplementation. Collectively, our results highlight the distinct role of IL-2 in the regulation of NKp30 compared to that of NKp46 and suggest NKp30 upregulation, as shown here by ectopic overexpression, as a viable modality to harness NK cells in cancer immunotherapy, possibly in combination with IL-2 immunocytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoung Kim
- Department of Convergence Medicine, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbi Yi
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbi Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Park
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Sik Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Brain Korea 21 Project, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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5
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Lynce F, Mainor C, Donahue RN, Geng X, Jones G, Schlam I, Wang H, Toney NJ, Jochems C, Schlom J, Zeck J, Gallagher C, Nanda R, Graham D, Stringer-Reasor EM, Denduluri N, Collins J, Chitalia A, Tiwari S, Nunes R, Kaltman R, Khoury K, Gatti-Mays M, Tarantino P, Tolaney SM, Swain SM, Pohlmann P, Parsons HA, Isaacs C. Adjuvant nivolumab, capecitabine or the combination in patients with residual triple-negative breast cancer: the OXEL randomized phase II study. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2691. [PMID: 38538574 PMCID: PMC10973408 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46961-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors have a role in the post-neoadjuvant setting in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the effects of nivolumab, a checkpoint inhibitor, capecitabine, or the combination in changing peripheral immunoscore (PIS) remains unclear. This open-label randomized phase II OXEL study (NCT03487666) aimed to assess the immunologic effects of nivolumab, capecitabine, or the combination in terms of the change in PIS (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints included the presence of ctDNA, toxicity, clinical outcomes at 2-years and association of ctDNA and PIS with clinical outcomes. Forty-five women with TNBC and residual invasive disease after standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy were randomized to nivolumab, capecitabine, or the combination. Here we show that a combination of nivolumab plus capecitabine leads to a greater increase in PIS from baseline to week 6 (91%) compared with nivolumab (47%) or capecitabine (53%) alone (log-rank p = 0.08), meeting the pre-specified primary endpoint. In addition, the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is associated with disease recurrence, with no new safety signals in the combination arm. Our results provide efficacy and safety data on this combination in TNBC and support further development of PIS and ctDNA analyses to identify patients at high risk of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Lynce
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA.
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Candace Mainor
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Renee N Donahue
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xue Geng
- Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Ilana Schlam
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nicole J Toney
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jay Zeck
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Deena Graham
- Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Julie Collins
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
- AstraZeneca, Arlington, VA, USA
| | - Ami Chitalia
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shruti Tiwari
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Raquel Nunes
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- AstraZeneca, Arlington, VA, USA
| | | | - Katia Khoury
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Paolo Tarantino
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara M Tolaney
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Paula Pohlmann
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Heather A Parsons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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6
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Vivier E, Rebuffet L, Narni-Mancinelli E, Cornen S, Igarashi RY, Fantin VR. Natural killer cell therapies. Nature 2024; 626:727-736. [PMID: 38383621 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system. A key feature of NK cells is their ability to recognize a wide range of cells in distress, particularly tumour cells and cells infected with viruses. They combine both direct effector functions against their cellular targets and participate in the generation, shaping and maintenance of a multicellular immune response. As our understanding has deepened, several therapeutic strategies focused on NK cells have been conceived and are currently in various stages of development, from preclinical investigations to clinical trials. Here we explore in detail the complexity of NK cell biology in humans and highlight the role of these cells in cancer immunity. We also analyse the harnessing of NK cell immunity through immune checkpoint inhibitors, NK cell engagers, and infusions of preactivated or genetically modified, autologous or allogeneic NK cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France.
- Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Lucas Rebuffet
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphanie Cornen
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
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Wu D, Khan FA, Zhang K, Pandupuspitasari NS, Negara W, Guan K, Sun F, Huang C. Retinoic acid signaling in development and differentiation commitment and its regulatory topology. Chem Biol Interact 2024; 387:110773. [PMID: 37977248 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110773] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Retinoic acid (RA), the derivative of vitamin A/retinol, is a signaling molecule with important implications in health and disease. It is a well-known developmental morphogen that functions mainly through the transcriptional activity of nuclear RA receptors (RARs) and, uncommonly, through other nuclear receptors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors. Intracellular RA is under spatiotemporally fine-tuned regulation by synthesis and degradation processes catalyzed by retinaldehyde dehydrogenases and P450 family enzymes, respectively. In addition to dictating the transcription architecture, RA also impinges on cell functioning through non-genomic mechanisms independent of RAR transcriptional activity. Although RA-based differentiation therapy has achieved impressive success in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, RA also has pro-tumor activity. Here, we highlight the relevance of RA signaling in cell-fate determination, neurogenesis, visual function, inflammatory responses and gametogenesis commitment. Genetic and post-translational modifications of RAR are also discussed. A better understanding of RA signaling will foster the development of precision medicine to improve the defects caused by deregulated RA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Wu
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Faheem Ahmed Khan
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Kejia Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China
| | | | - Windu Negara
- Research Center for Animal Husbandry, National Research and Innovation Agency, Jakarta Pusat, 10340, Indonesia
| | - Kaifeng Guan
- School of Advanced Agricultural Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China.
| | - Fei Sun
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Chunjie Huang
- Institute of Reproductive Medicine, School of Medicine, Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
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8
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Wang X, Huang L, Wen X, Li D, Yang G, Zheng J. Altered NCR3 Splice Variants May Result in Deficient NK Cell Function in Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients. In Vivo 2024; 38:174-183. [PMID: 38148073 PMCID: PMC10756430 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13423] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The natural killer (NK) cell function of patients with malignant tumours may be suppressed by deficiency, and the poor prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients may be due to escape from NK cell cytotoxicity, especially with respect to natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) on the NK cell surface. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we sought to explore the role of NCR, especially NCR3 splice variants, in the process of NK cell deficiency in RCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used flow cytometry to analyse the phenotype of NK cells from the peripheral blood and kidney tumour tissue of RCC patients. The NKp30-mediated NK cell killing function was measured by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in NK and RCC cell coincubation. We extracted RNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RCC patients and renal carcinoma tissue and carried out real-time quantitative PCR to detect the mRNA levels of NKp30a, NKp30b and NKp30c. mRNA expression levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18 and TGF-β) based on RNA extracted from renal carcinoma tissue and adjacent normal kidney tissues were also measured by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS Regarding the phenotype of NK cells in RCC patients, the proportion of NK cells in tumour tissue was significantly reduced, with changes in the NK cell proportion being most obvious in NKp30+ NK cells. Furthermore, the results of the ADCC function assay showed limited NKp30+ NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in RCC patients. Through real-time quantitative PCR, we found lower expression of NKp30a and NKp30b, the immunostimulatory splice variants of NCR3 encoding NKp30, in RCC patients. Moreover, expression of activating cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) in renal cancer tissue was decreased, though inhibitory cytokine (TGF-β) expression remained unchanged, which may result in an immunosuppressive cytokine microenvironment. CONCLUSION Decreased expression of immunostimulatory NCR3 splice variants and the inhibitory cytokine microenvironment in RCC patients may contribute to deficient NK cell cytotoxicity and renal carcinoma cell immune escape from NK cell killing, which may provide a theoretical basis for finding new immunotherapeutic targets for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelei Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Liqun Huang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofei Wen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guosheng Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Junhua Zheng
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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9
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Lynce F, Mainor C, Donahue RN, Geng X, Jones G, Schlam I, Wang H, Toney NJ, Jochems C, Schlom J, Zeck J, Gallagher C, Nanda R, Graham D, Stringer-Reasor EM, Denduluri N, Collins J, Chitalia A, Tiwari S, Nunes R, Kaltman R, Khoury K, Gatti-Mays M, Tarantino P, Tolaney SM, Swain SM, Pohlmann P, Parsons HA, Isaacs C. Adjuvant nivolumab, capecitabine or the combination in patients with residual triple-negative breast cancer: the OXEL randomized phase II study. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.12.04.23297559. [PMID: 38105958 PMCID: PMC10723519 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.04.23297559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Chemotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors have a role in the post-neoadjuvant setting in patients with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). However, the effects of nivolumab, a checkpoint inhibitor, capecitabine, or the combination in changing peripheral immunoscore (PIS) remains unclear. This open-label randomized phase II OXEL study (NCT03487666) aimed to assess the immunologic effects of nivolumab, capecitabine, or the combination in terms of the change in PIS (primary endpoint). Secondary endpoints include the presence of ctDNA, toxicity, clinical outcomes at 2-years and association of ctDNA and PIS with clinical outcomes. Forty-five women with TNBC and residual invasive disease after standard neoadjuvant chemotherapy were randomized to nivolumab, capecitabine, or the combination. Here we show that a combination of nivolumab plus capecitabine leads to a greater increase in PIS from baseline to week 6 (91%) compared with nivolumab (47%) or capecitabine (53%) alone (log-rank p = 0.08), meeting the pre-specified primary endpoint. In addition, the presence of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) was associated with disease recurrence, with no new safety signals in the combination arm. Our results provide efficacy and safety data on this combination in TNBC and support further development of PIS and ctDNA analyses to identify patients at high risk of recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filipa Lynce
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Candace Mainor
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Renee N. Donahue
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xue Geng
- Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Greg Jones
- NeoGenomics, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Ilana Schlam
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
- Tufts Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Nicole J. Toney
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Caroline Jochems
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jay Zeck
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | | | - Deena Graham
- Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | | | | | - Julie Collins
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ami Chitalia
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Shruti Tiwari
- MedStar Washington Hospital Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Raquel Nunes
- Johns Hopkins Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Katia Khoury
- University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | | | - Paolo Tarantino
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sara M. Tolaney
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Paula Pohlmann
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Heather A. Parsons
- Division of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Breast Oncology Program, Dana-Farber Brigham Cancer Center, Boston, MA, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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10
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Janes ME, Kinlein A, Flajnik MF, Du Pasquier L, Ohta Y. Genomic view of the origins of cell-mediated immunity. Immunogenetics 2023; 75:479-493. [PMID: 37735270 PMCID: PMC11019866 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-023-01319-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
NKp30 is an activating natural killer cell receptor (NKR) with a single-exon variable (VJ)-type immunoglobulin superfamily (IgSF) domain. Such VJ-IgSF domains predate the emergence of the antigen receptors (immunoglobulin and T cell receptor), which possess the same domain but undergo gene rearrangement. NCR3, the gene encoding NKp30, is present in jawed vertebrates from sharks to mammals; thus, unlike most NKR that are highly divergent among vertebrate taxa, NKp30 is uniquely conserved. We previously hypothesized that an ancestral NCR3 gene was encoded in the proto-major histocompatibility complex (MHC), the region where many immune-related genes have accumulated. Herein, we searched in silico databases to identify NCR3 paralogues and examined their genomic locations. We found a paralogue, NCR3H, in many vertebrates but was lost in mammals. Additionally, we identified a set of voltage-gated sodium channel beta (SCNB) genes as NCR3-distantly-related genes. Like NCR3, both NCR3H and SCNB proteins contain a single VJ-IgSF domain followed by a transmembrane region. These genes map to MHC paralogous regions, originally described in an invertebrate, along with genes encoding cell adhesion molecules involved in NK cell recognition networks. Other genes having no obvious relationship to immunity also map to these paralogous regions. These gene complexes were traced to several invertebrates, suggesting that the foundation of these cellular networks emerged before the genome-wide duplications in early gnathostome history. Here, we propose that this ancestral region was involved in cell-mediated immunity prior to the emergence of adaptive immunity and that NCR3 piggybacked onto this primordial complex, heralding the emergence of vertebrate NK cell/T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan E Janes
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Allison Kinlein
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Martin F Flajnik
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Louis Du Pasquier
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Zoology, University of Basel, Vesalgasse 1, 4051, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Yuko Ohta
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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11
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Zhang L, Du F, Jin Q, Sun L, Wang B, Tan Z, Meng X, Huang B, Zhan Y, Su W, Song R, Wu C, Chen L, Chen X, Ding X. Identification and Characterization of CD8 + CD27 + CXCR3 - T Cell Dysregulation and Progression-Associated Biomarkers in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300123. [PMID: 37875396 PMCID: PMC10724430 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) etiopathogenesis highlights the contributions of overproduction of CD4+ T cells and loss of immune tolerance. However, the involvement of CD8+ T cells in SLE pathology and disease progression remains unclear. Here, the comprehensive immune cell dysregulation in total 263 clinical peripheral blood samples composed of active SLE (aSLE), remission SLE (rSLE) and healthy controls (HCs) is investigated via mass cytometry, flow cytometry and single-cell RNA sequencing. This is observed that CD8+ CD27+ CXCR3- T cells are increased in rSLE compare to aSLE. Meanwhile, the effector function of CD8+ CD27+ CXCR3- T cells are overactive in aSLE compare to HCs and rSLE, and are positively associated with clinical SLE activity. In addition, the response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is monitored to interleukin-2 stimulation in aSLE and rSLE to construct dynamic network biomarker (DNB) model. It is demonstrated that DNB score-related parameters can faithfully predict the remission of aSLE and the flares of rSLE. The abundance and functional dysregulation of CD8+ CD27+ CXCR3- T cells can be potential biomarkers for SLE prognosis and concomitant diagnosis. The DNB score with accurate prediction to SLE disease progression can provide clinical treatment suggestions especially for drug dosage determination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Zhang
- Department of RheumatologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital and School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai200030China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesInstitute for Personalized MedicineSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200001China
| | - Fang Du
- Department of RheumatologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital and School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai200030China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesInstitute for Personalized MedicineSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200001China
| | - Qiqi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Systems BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- University of Chinese Academy of SciencesBeijing100049China
- School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical UniversityWenzhou325000China
| | - Boqian Wang
- Department of RheumatologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital and School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai200030China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesInstitute for Personalized MedicineSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200001China
| | - Ziyang Tan
- Science for Life LaboratoryDepartment of Women's and Children's HealthKarolinska InstitutetSolna17121Sweden
| | - Xinyu Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesInstitute for Personalized MedicineSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200001China
| | - Baozhen Huang
- Department of Chemical PathologyLi Ka Shing Institute of Health SciencesFaculty of MedicineThe Chinese University of Hong KongHong Kong999077China
| | - Yifan Zhan
- Drug DiscoveryShanghai Huaota Biopharmaceutical Co. Ltd.Shanghai200131China
| | - Wenqiong Su
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesInstitute for Personalized MedicineSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200001China
| | - Rui Song
- Department of RheumatologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital and School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai200030China
- Nantong First People's HospitalAffiliated Hospital 2 of Nantong UniversityNantong Hospital of Renji Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine
| | - Chunmei Wu
- Department of RheumatologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital and School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai200030China
| | - Luonan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Systems BiologyCenter for Excellence in Molecular Cell ScienceShanghai Institute of Biochemistry and Cell BiologyChinese Academy of SciencesShanghai200031China
- School of Life Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech UniversityShanghai201210China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Health Science of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Life ScienceHangzhou Institute for Advanced StudyUniversity of Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese Academy of SciencesHangzhou310024China
| | - Xiaoxiang Chen
- Department of RheumatologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital and School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai200030China
| | - Xianting Ding
- Department of RheumatologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine Affiliated Renji Hospital and School of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai200030China
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related GenesInstitute for Personalized MedicineSchool of Biomedical EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200001China
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12
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Chen H, Zhang Y, Shen Y, Jiang L, Zhang G, Zhang X, Xu Y, Fu F. Deficiency of N-linked glycosylation impairs immune function of B7-H6. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1255667. [PMID: 38035117 PMCID: PMC10684670 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1255667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
B7-H6 is a novel immune checkpoint molecule that triggers NK cell cytotoxicity, but the role of N-glycosylation in B7-H6 is poorly understood. We here identified the existence of N-glycosylation of B7-H6 in different cell lines and exogenous expression cells by PNGase F digestion and tunicamycin blockage. Subsequently, we demonstrated that B7-H6 contains 6 functional N-linked glycosylation sites by single site mutation and electrophoresis. Phylogenetical and structural analysis revealed that N43 and N208 glycan are conserved in jawed vertebrates and may thus contribute more to the biological functions. We further demonstrated that N43 and N208 glycosylation are essential for B7-H6 to trigger NK cell activation. Mechanistically, we found that N43 and N208 glycan contributed to the stability and membrane expression of B7-H6 protein. Lack of N208 glycosylation led to membrane B7-H6 shedding, while N43 mutation resulted in impaired B7-H6/NKp30 binding affinity. Together, our findings highlight the significance of N-linked glycosylation in B7-H6 biological functions and suggest potential targets for modulating NK cell-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Chen
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- Department of Hematology, the First affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Medicine, the Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yu Shen
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Liang Jiang
- Suzhou Red Cross Blood Center, Suzhou, China
| | - Guangbo Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xueguang Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yang Xu
- Department of Hematology, the First affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fengqing Fu
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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13
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Jiang D, Zhang J, Mao Z, Shi J, Ma P. Driving natural killer cell-based cancer immunotherapy for cancer treatment: An arduous journey to promising ground. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115004. [PMID: 37352703 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy represents one of the most effective strategies for cancer treatment. Recently, progress has been made in using natural killer (NK) cells for cancer therapy. NK cells can directly kill tumor cells without pre-sensitization and thus show promise in clinical applications, distinct from the use of T cells. Whereas, research and development on NK cell-based immunotherapy is still in its infancy, and enhancing the therapeutic effects of NK cells remains a key problem to be solved. An incompletely understanding of the mechanisms of action of NK cells, immune resistance in the tumor microenvironment, and obstacles associated with the delivery of therapeutic agents in vivo, represent three mountains that need to be scaled. Here, we firstly describe the mechanisms underlying the development, activity, and maturation of NK cells, and the formation of NK‑cell immunological synapses. Secondly, we discuss strategies for NK cell-based immunotherapy strategies, including adoptive transfer of NK cell therapy and treatment with cytokines, monoclonal antibodies, and immune checkpoint inhibitors targeting NK cells. Finally, we review the use of nanotechnology to overcome immune resistance, including enhancing the anti-tumor efficiency of chimeric antigen receptor-NK, cytokines and immunosuppressive-pathways inhibitors, promoting NK cell homing and developing NK cell-based nano-engagers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Jingya Zhang
- Patent Examination Cooperation (Henan) Center of the Patent office, China National Intellectual Property Administration, Henan 450046, China
| | - Zhenkun Mao
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China
| | - Jinjin Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Key Laboratory of Targeting Therapy and Diagnosis for Critical Diseases, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
| | - Peizhi Ma
- Department of Pharmacy, Henan Provincial People's Hospital; People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450003, China.
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14
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Prakash S, Kumbhojkar N, Lu A, Kapate N, Suja VC, Park KS, Wang LLW, Mitragotri S. Polymer Micropatches as Natural Killer Cell Engagers for Tumor Therapy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15918-15930. [PMID: 37565806 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapies have emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to various cancers. Their efficacy, however, is limited by their low persistence and anergy. Current approaches to sustain NK cell persistence in vivo include genetic modification, activation via pretreatment, or coadministration of supporting cytokines or antibodies. Such supporting therapies exhibit limited efficacy in vivo, in part due to the reversal of their effect within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and off-target toxicity. Here, we report a material-based approach to address this challenge. Specifically, we describe the use of polymeric micropatches as a platform for sustained, targeted activation of NK cells, an approach referred to as microparticles as cell engagers (MACE). Poly(lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) micropatches, 4-8 μm in diameter and surface-modified with NK cell receptor targeting antibodies, exhibited strong adhesion to NK cells and induced their activation without the need of coadministered cytokines. The activation induced by MACE was greater than that induced by nanoparticles, attesting to the crucial role of MACE geometry in the activation of NK cells. MACE-bound NK cells remained viable and exhibited trans-endothelial migration and antitumor activity in vitro. MACE-bound NK cells activated T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in vitro. Adoptive transfer of NK-MACE also demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy in a mouse melanoma lung metastasis model compared to unmodified NK cells. Overall, MACE offers a simple, scalable, and effective way of activating NK cells and represents an attractive platform to improve the efficacy of NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Prakash
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ninad Kumbhojkar
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Andrew Lu
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
| | - Neha Kapate
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Vineeth Chandran Suja
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kyung Soo Park
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lily Li-Wen Wang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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15
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Zhang M, Lam KP, Xu S. Natural Killer Cell Engagers (NKCEs): a new frontier in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1207276. [PMID: 37638058 PMCID: PMC10450036 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1207276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a type of innate lymphoid cells that play a crucial role in immunity by killing virally infected or tumor cells and secreting cytokines and chemokines. NK cell-mediated immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach for cancer treatment due to its safety and effectiveness. NK cell engagers (NKCEs), such as BiKE (bispecific killer cell engager) or TriKE (trispecific killer cell engager), are a novel class of antibody-based therapeutics that exhibit several advantages over other cancer immunotherapies harnessing NK cells. By bridging NK and tumor cells, NKCEs activate NK cells and lead to tumor cell lysis. A growing number of NKCEs are currently undergoing development, with some already in clinical trials. However, there is a need for more comprehensive studies to determine how the molecular design of NKCEs affects their functionality and manufacturability, which are crucial for their development as off-the-shelf drugs for cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on NKCE development and discuss critical factors required for the production of effective NKCEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minchuan Zhang
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kong-Peng Lam
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Biological Sciences, College of Science, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shengli Xu
- Singapore Immunology Network, Agency for Science, Technology, and Research, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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16
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Maher J, Davies DM. CAR-Based Immunotherapy of Solid Tumours-A Survey of the Emerging Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1171. [PMID: 36831514 PMCID: PMC9953954 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041171] [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: 01/28/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy with CAR T-cells has revolutionised the treatment of B-cell and plasma cell-derived cancers. However, solid tumours present a much greater challenge for treatment using CAR-engineered immune cells. In a partner review, we have surveyed data generated in clinical trials in which patients with solid tumours that expressed any of 30 discrete targets were treated with CAR-based immunotherapy. That exercise confirms that efficacy of this approach falls well behind that seen in haematological malignancies, while significant toxic events have also been reported. Here, we consider approximately 60 additional candidates for which such clinical data are not available yet, but where pre-clinical data have provided support for their advancement to clinical evaluation as CAR target antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
| | - David M. Davies
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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17
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Xiao L, Guan X, Xiang M, Wang Q, Long Q, Yue C, Chen L, Liu J, Liao C. B7 family protein glycosylation: Promising novel targets in tumor treatment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1088560. [PMID: 36561746 PMCID: PMC9763287 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1088560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, including the inhibition of immune checkpoints, improves the tumor immune microenvironment and is an effective tool for cancer therapy. More effective and alternative inhibitory targets are critical for successful immune checkpoint blockade therapy. The interaction of the immunomodulatory ligand B7 family with corresponding receptors induces or inhibits T cell responses by sending co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory signals respectively. Blocking the glycosylation of the B7 family members PD-L1, PD-L2, B7-H3, and B7-H4 inhibited the self-stability and receptor binding of these immune checkpoint proteins, leading to immunosuppression and rapid tumor progression. Therefore, regulation of glycosylation may be the "golden key" to relieve tumor immunosuppression. The exploration of a more precise glycosylation regulation mechanism and glycan structure of B7 family proteins is conducive to the discovery and clinical application of antibodies and small molecule inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Xiao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guan
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Mingli Xiang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Qian Long
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Chaoyi Yue
- School of Medicine and Technology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Lulu Chen
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,*Correspondence: Chengcheng Liao, ; Jianguo Liu,
| | - Chengcheng Liao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, China,*Correspondence: Chengcheng Liao, ; Jianguo Liu,
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18
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Peipp M, Klausz K, Boje AS, Zeller T, Zielonka S, Kellner C. Immunotherapeutic targeting of activating natural killer cell receptors and their ligands in cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 209:22-32. [PMID: 35325068 PMCID: PMC9307233 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells exert an important role in cancer immune surveillance. Recognition of malignant cells and controlled activation of effector functions are facilitated by the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors, which is a complex interplay that allows NK cells to discriminate malignant cells from healthy tissues. Due to their unique profile of effector functions, the recruitment of NK cells is attractive in cancer treatment and a key function of NK cells in antibody therapy is widely appreciated. In recent years, besides the low-affinity fragment crystallizable receptor for immunoglobulin G (FcγRIIIA), the activating natural killer receptors p30 (NKp30) and p46 (NKp46), as well as natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), have gained increasing attention as potential targets for bispecific antibody-derivatives to redirect NK cell cytotoxicity against tumors. Beyond modulation of the receptor activity on NK cells, therapeutic targeting of the respective ligands represents an attractive approach. Here, novel therapeutic approaches to unleash NK cells by engagement of activating NK-cell receptors and alternative strategies targeting their tumor-expressed ligands in cancer therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Peipp
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ammelie Svea Boje
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tobias Zeller
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Correspondence: Christian Kellner, Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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19
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Wu J, Wang Y. Role of TNFSF9 bidirectional signal transduction in antitumor immunotherapy. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 928:175097. [PMID: 35714694 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The complex structure of the tumor microenvironment leads to the poor efficacy of tumor immunotherapy. The therapeutic adjuvant designed to enhance the effect of T cells by acting on the costimulatory molecule tumor necrosis factor superfamily member 9 (TNFSF9) has achieved good results. However, because some tumors are characterized by reduced T-cell infiltration, adjuvants acting on T cells alone may have limitations. On the other hand, the blockade of TNFSF9 reverse signalling can have an antitumor effect by reshaping the tumor microenvironment. Therefore, this paper mainly discusses the current status and potential of TNFSF9 bidirectional signalling in antitumor immunotherapy to provide new ideas for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Wu
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Sichuan, 621000, China
| | - Yunpeng Wang
- Departments of Cardiology, Mianyang Central Hospital, Sichuan, 621000, China.
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20
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Lauwerys L, Smits E, Van den Wyngaert T, Elvas F. Radionuclide Imaging of Cytotoxic Immune Cell Responses to Anti-Cancer Immunotherapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051074. [PMID: 35625811 PMCID: PMC9139020 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051074] [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: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is an evolving and promising cancer treatment that takes advantage of the body’s immune system to yield effective tumor elimination. Importantly, immunotherapy has changed the treatment landscape for many cancers, resulting in remarkable tumor responses and improvements in patient survival. However, despite impressive tumor effects and extended patient survival, only a small proportion of patients respond, and others can develop immune-related adverse events associated with these therapies, which are associated with considerable costs. Therefore, strategies to increase the proportion of patients gaining a benefit from these treatments and/or increasing the durability of immune-mediated tumor response are still urgently needed. Currently, measurement of blood or tissue biomarkers has demonstrated sampling limitations, due to intrinsic tumor heterogeneity and the latter being invasive. In addition, the unique response patterns of these therapies are not adequately captured by conventional imaging modalities. Consequently, non-invasive, sensitive, and quantitative molecular imaging techniques, such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) using specific radiotracers, have been increasingly used for longitudinal whole-body monitoring of immune responses. Immunotherapies rely on the effector function of CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells (NK) at tumor lesions; therefore, the monitoring of these cytotoxic immune cells is of value for therapy response assessment. Different immune cell targets have been investigated as surrogate markers of response to immunotherapy, which motivated the development of multiple imaging agents. In this review, the targets and radiotracers being investigated for monitoring the functional status of immune effector cells are summarized, and their use for imaging of immune-related responses are reviewed along their limitations and pitfalls, of which multiple have already been translated to the clinic. Finally, emerging effector immune cell imaging strategies and future directions are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Lauwerys
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (L.L.); (T.V.d.W.)
| | - Evelien Smits
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium;
- Center for Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Tim Van den Wyngaert
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (L.L.); (T.V.d.W.)
- Nuclear Medicine, Antwerp University Hospital, Drie Eikenstraat 655, B-2650 Edegem, Belgium
| | - Filipe Elvas
- Molecular Imaging Center Antwerp (MICA), Integrated Personalized and Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium; (L.L.); (T.V.d.W.)
- Correspondence:
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21
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Venglar O, Bago JR, Motais B, Hajek R, Jelinek T. Natural Killer Cells in the Malignant Niche of Multiple Myeloma. Front Immunol 2022; 12:816499. [PMID: 35087536 PMCID: PMC8787055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.816499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells represent a subset of CD3- CD7+ CD56+/dim lymphocytes with cytotoxic and suppressor activity against virus-infected cells and cancer cells. The overall potential of NK cells has brought them to the spotlight of targeted immunotherapy in solid and hematological malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). Nonetheless, NK cells are subjected to a variety of cancer defense mechanisms, leading to impaired maturation, chemotaxis, target recognition, and killing. This review aims to summarize the available and most current knowledge about cancer-related impairment of NK cell function occurring in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Venglar
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Julio Rodriguez Bago
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Benjamin Motais
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Roman Hajek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Tomas Jelinek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
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22
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Li Q, Cai S, Li M, Zhou X, Wu G, Kang K, Yuan J, Wang R, Huyan T, Zhang W. Natural killer cell exhaustion in lung cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107764. [PMID: 34022665 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lung cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. However, the potential causes of lung cancer oncogenesis are still unclear. This study aims to explore the phenomenon and mechanism of NK cell exhaustion in lung cancer and lay the foundation for developing a targeting strategy to ameliorate immune cell exhaustion in cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS NK cells were isolated from the blood samples of lung cancer patients and healthy volunteers. After culture in vitro, the colony forming ability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and receptor expression of NK cells in the peripheral blood from the lung cancer patients and the volunteers were analyzed by flow cytometry and the corresponding methods. The correlation between the NK cell profile and lung cancer occurrence was analyzed as well. RESULTS The colony formation and cytotoxicity of the NK cells from the lung cancer group were significantly decreased compared to whose of the NK cells from volunteers. The expression of NKG2A was upregulated and CD226 was downregulated significantly in the lung cancer group compared with the control group. Furthermore, through correlation analysis, the colony forming level, cytotoxicity and CD226 expression level were significantly negatively correlated with lung cancer, and the expression level of NKG2A was significantly positively correlated with lung cancer. Moreover, the impaired colony formation of NK cells was significantly correlated with NK cell functional exhaustion in lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS The downregulated CD226 expression and the upregulated NKG2A expression may serve as potential markers of NK cells exhaustion in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Suna Cai
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengjiao Li
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gao Wu
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kang Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingli Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruohan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ting Huyan
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Zhengzhou, China.
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23
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Zhang W, Qiu Y, Xie X, Fu Y, Wang L, Cai Z. B7 Family Members in Lymphoma: Promising Novel Targets for Tumor Immunotherapy? Front Oncol 2021; 11:647526. [PMID: 33869045 PMCID: PMC8044412 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.647526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells play a vital role in the immune responses against tumors. Costimulatory or coinhibitory molecules regulate T cell activation. Immune checkpoint inhibitors, such as programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have shown remarkable benefits in patients with various tumor, but few patients have displayed significant immune responses against tumors after PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapy and many have been completely unresponsive. Thus, researchers must explore novel immune checkpoints that trigger durable antitumor responses and improve clinical outcomes. In this regard, other B7 family checkpoint molecules have been identified, namely PD-L2, B7-H2, B7-H3, B7-H4 and B7-H6. The aim of the present article was to address the expression, clinical significance and roles of B7 family molecules in lymphoma, as well as in T and NK cell-mediated tumor immunity. B7 family checkpoints may offer novel and immunotherapeutic strategies for patients with lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Yu Qiu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Xiaoli Xie
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Yao Fu
- Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China.,Central Laboratory, Linyi People's Hospital, Linyi, China
| | - Zhen Cai
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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24
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Immunmodulatory Treatment Strategies of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: From Checkpoint Inhibitors Now to an Integrated Approach in the Future. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071558. [PMID: 33805268 PMCID: PMC8036419 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most common cancer diseases worldwide and has only limited treatment options at advanced disease stages. Activation of the immune system with checkpoint inhibitors has revolutionized cancer medicine and has become important also for HCC treatment. Here, we summarize the current status of immunotherapy options for HCC and highlight how combination with locoregional therapies could improve the outcome of patients. Novel pathways and targets for immunologic drug development are briefly discussed that could help to increase the response rate of these approaches in HCC. Abstract Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) still represents a human tumor entity with very limited therapeutic options, especially for advanced stages. Here, immune checkpoint modulating drugs alone or in combination with local ablative techniques could open a new and attractive therapeutic “door” to improve outcome and response rate for patients with HCC. Methods: Published data on HCC experimental to pre-(clinical) treatment strategies from standard of care to novel immunomodulatory concepts were summarized and discussed in detail. Results: Overall, our knowledge of the role of immune checkpoints in HCC is dramatically increased in the last years. Experimental and pre-clinical findings could be translated to phase 1 and 2 clinical trials and became standard of care. Local ablative techniques of HCC could improve the effectivity of immune checkpoint inhibitors in situ. Conclusions: This review demonstrates the importance of immunomodulatory treatment strategies of HCC, whereby the “best treatment code” of immune checkpoint drugs, combination with ablative techniques and of timing must be evaluated in coming clinical trials.
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25
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Cao G, Cheng Y, Zheng X, Wei H, Tian Z, Sun R, Sun H. All-trans retinoic acid induces leukemia resistance to NK cell cytotoxicity by down-regulating B7-H6 expression via c-Myc signaling. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2021; 41:51-61. [PMID: 34236140 PMCID: PMC7819554 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The interaction between activating receptor NKp30 and its major tumor ligand B7-H6 is important for NK cell-mediated tumor rejection. However, the regulation of B7-H6 by tumor therapeutics remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the regulation of B7-H6 by all-trans retinoic acid (atRA), a terminal differentiation inducer of tumor cells that is extensively used for clinical leukemia therapy. METHODS We investigated the role of NKp30:B7-H6 axis in NK cell-mediated tumor lysis against leukemia cells and the influence of atRA treatment on the cytotoxicity of NK cells using NK cell lines (NK92 and NKG) and leukemia cell lines (U-937 and THP-1). We evaluated the effect of atRA treatment on the expression of B7-H6 using real-time PCR, flow cytometry and western blotting. We used CRISPR/Cas9 to knockdown B7-H6 expression and siRNA to knockdown c-Myc in U-937 cells to evaluate the role of B7-H6 and c-Myc in atRA-induced tumor resistance against NK cells. RESULTS NK cell-mediated U-937 cell lysis was mainly dependent on NKp30/B7-H6 interaction. Blockade of B7-H6 by monoclonal antibody significantly impaired NK cytotoxicity. atRA treatment induced U-937 resistance to NK cell cytotoxicity by reducing B7-H6 expression, and showed no effect on NK cytotoxicity against B7-H6 knockdown U-937 cells. Epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation and histone deacetylase (HDAC), were not responsible for atRA-mediated B7-H6 down-regulation as inhibitors of these pathways could not restore B7-H6 mRNA expression. On the other hand, atRA treatment reduced c-Myc expression, which in turn inhibited the transcription of B7-H6 on leukemia cells. CONCLUSION atRA treatment promotes tumor cell resistance against NK cell-mediated lysis by down-regulating B7-H6 expression via the c-Myc signaling pathway, suggesting that more attention needs to be paid to the immunological adverse effects in the clinical use of atRA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoshuai Cao
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscalethe CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic DiseaseSchool of Basic Medical SciencesDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
| | - Ying Cheng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscalethe CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic DiseaseSchool of Basic Medical SciencesDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
| | - Xiaodong Zheng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscalethe CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic DiseaseSchool of Basic Medical SciencesDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscalethe CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic DiseaseSchool of Basic Medical SciencesDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscalethe CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic DiseaseSchool of Basic Medical SciencesDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
- Research Unit of Natural Killer Cell StudyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesBeijing100864P. R. China
| | - Rui Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscalethe CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic DiseaseSchool of Basic Medical SciencesDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
| | - Haoyu Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscalethe CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic DiseaseSchool of Basic Medical SciencesDivision of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiAnhui230027P. R. China
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26
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Pinheiro PF, Justino GC, Marques MM. NKp30 - A prospective target for new cancer immunotherapy strategies. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:4563-4580. [PMID: 32737988 PMCID: PMC7520444 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important arm of the innate immune system. They constitutively express the NKp30 receptor. NKp30-mediated responses are triggered by the binding of specific ligands e.g. tumour cell-derived B7-H6 and involve the secretion of cytotoxic mediators including TNF-α, IFN-γ, perforins and granzymes. The latter two constitute a target cell-directed response that is critical in the process of immunosurveillance. The structure of NKp30 is presented, focusing on the ligand-binding site, on the ligand-induced structural changes and on the experimental data available correlating structure and binding affinity. The translation of NKp30 structural changes to disease progression is also reviewed. NKp30 role in immunotherapy has been explored in chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapy. However, antibodies or small ligands targeting NKp30 have not yet been developed. The data reviewed herein unveil the key structural aspects that must be considered for drug design in order to develop novel immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro F. Pinheiro
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - Gonçalo C. Justino
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
| | - M. Matilde Marques
- Centro de Química Estrutural, Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
- Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior TécnicoUniversidade de LisboaLisbonPortugal
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