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Zhang Y, Xie J, Wu H, Huang J, Zheng D, Wang S, Jia X, He Z, Gong Y, Ju L, Sun Q. NK cell based immunotherapy against oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1440764. [PMID: 39192980 PMCID: PMC11347299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1440764] [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: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a major subtype of head and neck cancers, presents significant challenges due to its aggressive feature and limited therapeutic efficacy of conventional treatments. In response to these challenges, Natural Killer (NK) cells, a vital component of the innate immune system, are being explored for their therapeutic potential in OSCC due to their inherent ability to target and eliminate cancer cells without prior sensitization. This review uniquely focuses on the evolving role of NK cells specifically in OSCC, incorporating recent advancements in CAR-NK cell engineering and personalized therapy approaches that have not been comprehensively covered in previous reviews. The mechanisms through which NK cells exert cytotoxic effects on tumor cells include direct killing through the engagement of natural cytotoxic receptors and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), making them promising agents in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article explores recent advancements in engineering NK cells to enhance their antitumor activity, such as the modification with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to target specific tumor antigens. Clinical implications of NK cell-based therapies, including the challenges of integrating these treatments with existing protocols and the potential for personalized therapy, are examined. The review highlights the promise of NK cell therapies in improving outcomes for OSCC patients and outlines future directions for research in this dynamic field of oncological immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianming Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Anyuan People’s hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Haoran Wu
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinhui Huang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Danna Zheng
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaotong Wang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueqiang Jia
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zongzhong He
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linling Ju
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qiurong Sun
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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2
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Gong Y, Germeraad WTV, Zhang X, Wu N, Li B, Janssen L, He Z, Gijbels MJJ, Wu B, Gijsbers BLMG, Olieslagers TI, Bos GMJ, Zheng L, Klein Wolterink RGJ. NKG2A genetic deletion promotes human primary NK cell anti-tumor responses better than an anti-NKG2A monoclonal antibody. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2711-2727. [PMID: 38943249 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.06.034] [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: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells eliminate infected or cancer cells via their cytotoxic capacity. NKG2A is an inhibitory receptor on NK cells and cancer cells often overexpress its ligand HLA-E to evade NK cell surveillance. Given the successes of immune checkpoint blockade in cancer therapy, NKG2A is an interesting novel target. However, anti-NKG2A antibodies have shown limited clinical response. In the pursuit of enhancing NK cell-mediated anti-tumor responses, we devised a Cas9-based strategy to delete KLRC1, encoding NKG2A, in human primary NK cells. Our approach involved electroporation of KLRC1-targeting Cas9 ribonucleoprotein resulting in effective ablation of NKG2A expression. Compared with anti-NKG2A antibody blockade, NKG2AKO NK cells exhibited enhanced activation, reduced suppressive signaling, and elevated expression of key transcription factors. NKG2AKO NK cells overcame inhibition from HLA-E, significantly boosting NK cell activity against solid and hematologic cancer cells. We validated this efficacy across multiple cell lines, a xenograft mouse model, and primary human leukemic cells. Combining NKG2A knockout with antibody coating of tumor cells further enhanced cytotoxicity through ADCC. Thus, we provide a comprehensive comparison of inhibition of the NKG2A pathway using genetic ablation and antibodies and provide novel insight in the observed differences in molecular mechanisms, which can be translated to enhance adoptive NK cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Rapid Diagnostic Biosensors, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6227 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW - Research Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Wilfred T V Germeraad
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6227 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW - Research Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands; CiMaas BV, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Xulin Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Vision Science, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Nisha Wu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Southwest Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400038, P.R. China
| | - Bo Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Rapid Diagnostic Biosensors, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Lynn Janssen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6227 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW - Research Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Zongzhong He
- Department of Transfusion Medicine of General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Marion J J Gijbels
- GROW - Research Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Biochemistry, Experimental Vascular Biology, Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Amsterdam Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam UMC, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Bodeng Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Rapid Diagnostic Biosensors, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China
| | - Birgit L M G Gijsbers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6227 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW - Research Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Timo I Olieslagers
- GROW - Research Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands; Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6227 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW - Research Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands; CiMaas BV, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Guangdong Engineering and Technology Research Center for Rapid Diagnostic Biosensors, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, P.R. China.
| | - Roel G J Klein Wolterink
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6227 HX Maastricht, the Netherlands; GROW - Research Institute for Oncology & Reproduction, Maastricht University, 6202 AZ Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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3
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Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi M, Yazdanparast S, Kheyrandish S, Safdari SM, Amiri Samani F, Sohani M, Jaafarian AS, Damirchiloo F, Izadpanah A, Parkhideh S, Mikanik F, Roshandel E, Hajifathali A, Gharehbaghian A. Harnessing natural killer cells for refractory/relapsed non-Hodgkin lymphoma: biological roles, clinical trials, and future prospective. Biomark Res 2024; 12:66. [PMID: 39020411 PMCID: PMC11253502 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00610-z] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHLs) are heterogeneous and are among the most common hematological malignancies worldwide. Despite the advances in the treatment of patients with NHLs, relapse or resistance to treatment is anticipated in several patients. Therefore, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Recently, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy alone or in combination with monoclonal antibodies, chimeric antigen receptors, or bispecific killer engagers have been applied in many investigations for NHL treatment. The functional defects of NK cells and the ability of cancerous cells to escape NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity within the tumor microenvironment of NHLs, as well as the beneficial results from previous studies in the context of NK cell-based immunotherapy in NHLs, direct our attention to this therapeutic strategy. This review aims to summarize clinical studies focusing on the applications of NK cells in the immunotherapy of patients with NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Yazdanparast
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Setare Kheyrandish
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mehrab Safdari
- Departments of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Amiri Samani
- Blood Transfusion Research Center, High Institute for Research and Education in Transfusion Medicine, Iranian Blood Transfusion Organization (IBTO), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Sohani
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Akram Sadat Jaafarian
- Departments of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fateme Damirchiloo
- Departments of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, School of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Parkhideh
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mikanik
- Laboratory Hematology and Blood Bank Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Roshandel
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Gharehbaghian
- Laboratory Hematology and Blood Bank Department, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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4
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Gheitasi M, Safdel S, Kumar Patra S, Zandvakili R, Nemati M, Saha B, Jafarzadeh A. Generation of immune cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs): Their potential for adoptive cell therapy. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110836. [PMID: 38981248 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110836] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Advances in human stem cell technologies enable induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to be explored as potent candidates for treating various diseases, such as malignancies, autoimmunity, immunodeficiencies, and allergic reactions. iPSCs with infinite self-renewal ability can be derived from different types of somatic cells without the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cells. To date, numerous cell types, including various immune cell subsets [CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, gamma delta T (γδ T) cells, regulatory T cells, dendritic cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and neutrophils] have successfully been generated from iPSCs paving the way for effective adoptive cell transfer therapy, drug development, and disease modeling. Herein, we review various iPSC-derived immune cells and their possible application in immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahsa Gheitasi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sepeher Safdel
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | | | - Raziyeh Zandvakili
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Maryam Nemati
- Department of Hematology and Laboratory Sciences, School of Para-Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Bhaskar Saha
- National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune 411007, India
| | - Abdollah Jafarzadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Applied Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.
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5
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Shrestha N, Dee MJ, Chaturvedi P, Leclerc GM, Mathyer M, Dufour C, Arthur L, Becker-Hapak M, Foster M, McClain E, Pena NV, Kage K, Zhu X, George V, Liu B, Egan J, Echeverri C, Wang M, You L, Kong L, Li L, Berrien-Elliott MM, Cooper ML, Fehniger TA, Rhode PR, Wong HC. A "Prime and Expand" strategy using the multifunctional fusion proteins to generate memory-like NK cells for cell therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:179. [PMID: 38960949 PMCID: PMC11222348 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03765-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) using memory-like (ML) natural killer (NK) cells, generated through overnight ex vivo activation with IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18, has shown promise for treating hematologic malignancies. We recently reported that a multifunctional fusion molecule, HCW9201, comprising IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 domains could replace individual cytokines for priming human ML NK cell programming ("Prime" step). However, this approach does not include ex vivo expansion, thereby limiting the ability to test different doses and schedules. Here, we report the design and generation of a multifunctional fusion molecule, HCW9206, consisting of human IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 cytokines. We observed > 300-fold expansion for HCW9201-primed human NK cells cultured for 14 days with HCW9206 and HCW9101, an IgG1 antibody, recognizing the scaffold domain of HCW9206 ("Expand" step). This expansion was dependent on both HCW9206 cytokines and interactions of the IgG1 mAb with CD16 receptors on NK cells. The resulting "Prime and Expand" ML NK cells exhibited elevated metabolic capacity, stable epigenetic IFNG promoter demethylation, enhanced antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo, and superior persistence in NSG mice. Thus, the "Prime and Expand" strategy represents a simple feeder cell-free approach to streamline manufacturing of clinical-grade ML NK cells to support multidose and off-the-shelf ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Shrestha
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Michael J Dee
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | | | - Gilles M Leclerc
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michelle Becker-Hapak
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Mark Foster
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ethan McClain
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - Karen Kage
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Zhu
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Varghese George
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Bai Liu
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Jack Egan
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | | | - Meng Wang
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Lijing You
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Lin Kong
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Liying Li
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Melissa M Berrien-Elliott
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - Todd A Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Peter R Rhode
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Hing C Wong
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA.
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6
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Vahidi S, Zabeti Touchaei A, Samadani AA. IL-15 as a key regulator in NK cell-mediated immunotherapy for cancer: From bench to bedside. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 133:112156. [PMID: 38669950 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112156] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin 15 (IL-15) has emerged as a crucial factor in the relationship between natural killer (NK) cells and immunotherapy for cancer. This review article aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of IL-15 in NK cell-mediated immunotherapy. First, the key role of IL-15 signaling in NK cell immunity is discussed, highlighting its regulation of NK cell functions and antitumor properties. Furthermore, the use of IL-15 or its analogs in clinical trials as a therapeutic strategy for various cancers, including the genetic modification of NK cells to produce IL-15, has been explored. The potential of IL-15-based therapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T and NK cell infusion along with IL-15 in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and other treatments, has been examined. This review also addresses the challenges and advantages of incorporating IL-15 in cell-based immunotherapy. Additionally, unresolved questions regarding the detection and biological significance of the soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complex, as well as the potential role of IL-15/IL-15Rα in human cancer and the immunological consequences of prolonged exposure to soluble IL-15 for NK cells, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sogand Vahidi
- Medical Biology Research Center, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Akbar Samadani
- Guilan Road Trauma Research Center, Trauma Institute, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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Oyer JL, Croom-Perez TJ, Hasan MF, Rivera-Huertas JA, Gitto SB, Mucha JM, Zhu X, Altomare DA, Igarashi RY, Copik AJ. PM21-particle stimulation augmented with cytokines enhances NK cell expansion and confers memory-like characteristics with enhanced survival. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383281. [PMID: 38711506 PMCID: PMC11070970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383281] [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: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
NK cell therapeutics have gained significant attention as a potential cancer treatment. Towards therapeutic use, NK cells need to be activated and expanded to attain high potency and large quantities for an effective dosage. This is typically done by ex vivo stimulation with cytokines to enhance functionality or expansion for 10-14 days to increase both their activity and quantity. Attaining a robust methodology to produce large doses of potent NK cells for an off-the-shelf product is highly desirable. Notably, past reports have shown that stimulating NK cells with IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 endows them with memory-like properties, better anti-tumor activity, and persistence. While this approach produces NK cells with clinically favorable characteristics supported by encouraging early results for the treatment of hematological malignancies, its limited scalability, variability in initial doses, and the necessity for patient-specific production hinder its broader application. In this study, stimulation of NK cells with PM21-particles derived from K562-41BBL-mbIL21 cells was combined with memory-like induction using cytokines IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 to produce NK cells with enhanced anti-tumor function. The use of cytokines combined with PM21-particles (cytokine and particle, CAP) significantly enhanced NK cell expansion, achieving a remarkable 8,200-fold in 14 days. Mechanistically, this significant improvement over expansion with PM21-particles alone was due to the upregulation of receptors for key stimulating ligands (4-1BBL and IL-2), resulting in a synergy that drives substantial NK cell growth, showcasing the potential for more effective therapeutic applications. The therapeutic potential of CAP-NK cells was demonstrated by the enhanced metabolic fitness, persistence, and anti-tumor function both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, CAP-NK cells were amenable to current technologies used in developing therapeutic NK cell products, including CRISPR/Cas9-based techniques to generate a triple-gene knockout or a gene knock-in. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the addition of cytokines enhanced the already effective method of ex vivo generation of therapeutic NK cells with PM21-particles, yielding a superior NK cell product for manufacturing efficiency and potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alicja J. Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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Jiang JH, Ren RT, Cheng YJ, Li XX, Zhang GR. Immune cells and RBCs derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells: method, progress, prospective challenges. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 11:1327466. [PMID: 38250324 PMCID: PMC10796611 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1327466] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Blood has an important role in the healthcare system, particularly in blood transfusions and immunotherapy. However, the occurrence of outbreaks of infectious diseases worldwide and seasonal fluctuations, blood shortages are becoming a major challenge. Moreover, the narrow specificity of immune cells hinders the widespread application of immune cell therapy. To address this issue, researchers are actively developing strategies for differentiating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) into blood cells in vitro. The establishment of iPSCs from terminally differentiated cells such as fibroblasts and blood cells is a straightforward process. However, there is need for further refinement of the protocols for differentiating iPSCs into immune cells and red blood cells to ensure their clinical applicability. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the strategies and challenges facing the generation of iPSC-derived immune cells and red blood cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-he Jiang
- Shandong Yinfeng Academy of Life Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ru-tong Ren
- Shandong Yinfeng Academy of Life Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yan-jie Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical and Health Science, School of Life and Health Science, Anhui Science and Technology University, Chuzhou, Anhui, China
| | - Xin-xin Li
- Shandong Yinfeng Academy of Life Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Gui-rong Zhang
- Shandong Yinfeng Academy of Life Science, Jinan, Shandong, China
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An X, Zeng Y, Liu C, Liu G. Cellular-Membrane-Derived Vesicles for Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2023; 16:22. [PMID: 38258033 PMCID: PMC10820497 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16010022] [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: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The medical community is constantly searching for new and innovative ways to treat cancer, and cellular-membrane-derived artificial vesicles are emerging as a promising avenue for cancer immunotherapy. These vesicles, which are derived from mammal and bacteria cell membranes, offer a range of benefits, including compatibility with living organisms, minimal immune response, and prolonged circulation. By modifying their surface, manipulating their genes, combining them with other substances, stimulating them externally, and even enclosing drugs within them, cellular vesicles have the potential to be a powerful tool in fighting cancer. The ability to merge drugs with diverse compositions and functionalities in a localized area is particularly exciting, as it offers a way to combine different immunotherapy treatments for maximum impact. This review contains information on the various sources of these vesicles and discusses some recent developments in cancer immunotherapy using this promising technology. While there are still obstacles to overcome, the possibilities for cellular vesicles in cancer treatment are truly exciting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu An
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Yun Zeng
- Department of Pharmacy, Xiamen Medical College, Xiamen 361023, China;
| | - Chao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Stress Biology, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
- Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen 518000, China
| | - Gang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Center for Molecular Imaging and Translational Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China;
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
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Saultz JN, Otegbeye F. Optimizing the cryopreservation and post-thaw recovery of natural killer cells is critical for the success of off-the-shelf platforms. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1304689. [PMID: 38193082 PMCID: PMC10773738 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1304689] [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: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a promising allogeneic, off-the-shelf, cellular immunotherapy product. These cells can be manipulated ex vivo, genetically edited to enhance tumor targeting and expanded to produce large cell banks for multiple patient infusions. Therapeutic efficacy of these products depends on the recovery of viable and functional cells post-thaw. Post-thaw loss of viability and cytolytic activity results in large, and often variable, discrepancies between the intended cell dose (based on counts at cryopreservation) and the actual dose administered. Compared to their highly activated state in fresh culture, post-thaw NK cells demonstrate critical changes in cytokine production, cytotoxic activity, in vivo proliferation and migration. When these NK cells are introduced into the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, the functional changes induced by cryopreservation further limits the clinical potential of these products. This report will review the impact of cryopreservation on ex vivo expanded NK cells and outlines strategies described in published studies to recover post-thaw function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N. Saultz
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Folashade Otegbeye
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, United States
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11
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Hasan MF, Campbell AR, Croom-Perez TJ, Oyer JL, Dieffenthaller TA, Robles-Carrillo LD, Cash CA, Eloriaga JE, Kumar S, Andersen BW, Naeimi Kararoudi M, Tullius BP, Lee DA, Copik AJ. Knockout of the inhibitory receptor TIGIT enhances the antitumor response of ex vivo expanded NK cells and prevents fratricide with therapeutic Fc-active TIGIT antibodies. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007502. [PMID: 38081778 PMCID: PMC10729131 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibitory receptor T-cell Immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) expressed by Natural Killer (NK) and T cells regulates cancer immunity and has been touted as the next frontier in the development of cancer immunotherapeutics. Although early results of anti-TIGIT and its combinations with antiprogrammed death-ligand 1 were highly exciting, results from an interim analysis of phase III trials are disappointing. With mixed results, there is a need to understand the effects of therapeutic anti-TIGIT on the TIGIT+ immune cells to support its clinical use. Most of the TIGIT antibodies in development have an Fc-active domain, which binds to Fc receptors on effector cells. In mouse models, Fc-active anti-TIGIT induced superior immunity, while Fc receptor engagement was required for its efficacy. NK-cell depletion compromised the antitumor immunity of anti-TIGIT indicating the essential role of NK cells in the efficacy of anti-TIGIT. Since NK cells express TIGIT and Fc-receptor CD16, Fc-active anti-TIGIT may deplete NK cells via fratricide, which has not been studied. METHODS CRISPR-Cas9-based TIGIT knockout (KO) was performed in expanded NK cells. Phenotypic and transcriptomic properties of TIGIT KO and wild-type (WT) NK cells were compared with flow cytometry, CyTOF, and RNA sequencing. The effect of TIGIT KO on NK-cell cytotoxicity was determined by calcein-AM release and live cell imaging-based cytotoxicity assays. The metabolic properties of TIGIT KO and WT NK cells were compared with a Seahorse analyzer. The effect of the Fc-component of anti-TIGIT on NK-cell fratricide was determined by co-culturing WT and TIGIT KO NK cells with Fc-active and Fc-inactive anti-TIGIT. RESULTS TIGIT KO increased the cytotoxicity of NK cells against multiple cancer cell lines including spheroids. TIGIT KO NK cells upregulated mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and had better metabolic fitness with an increased basal glycolytic rate when co-cultured with cancer cells compared with WT NK cells. Importantly, TIGIT KO prevented NK-cell fratricide when combined with Fc-active anti-TIGIT. CONCLUSIONS TIGIT KO in ex vivo expanded NK cells increased their cytotoxicity and metabolic fitness and prevented NK-cell fratricide when combined with Fc-active anti-TIGIT antibodies. These fratricide-resistant TIGIT KO NK cells have therapeutic potential alone or in combination with Fc-active anti-TIGIT antibodies to enhance their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faqrul Hasan
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Amanda R Campbell
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Jeremiah L Oyer
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | | | - Liza D Robles-Carrillo
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Catherine A Cash
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Jonathan E Eloriaga
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Sanjana Kumar
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Brendan W Andersen
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Meisam Naeimi Kararoudi
- Center for Childhood Cancer, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Brian P Tullius
- Pediatric Cellular Therapies, AdventHealth for Children, Orlando, Florida, USA
| | - Dean A Lee
- Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida, USA
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12
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Keshavarz S, Wall JR, Keshavarz S, Vojoudi E, Jafari-Shakib R. Breast cancer immunotherapy: a comprehensive review. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4431-4447. [PMID: 37658246 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01177-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer remains a major health problem despite numerous new medical interventions that have been introduced in recent years. One of the major choices for cancer therapy is so-called adoptive cell therapy (ACT). ACT can be performed using both innate immune cells, including dendritic cells (DCs), natural killer (NK) cells, and γδ T cells and acquired immune T cells. It has become possible to utilize these cells in both their native and modified states in clinical studies. Because of considerable success in cancer treatment, ACT now plays a role in advanced therapy protocols. Genetic engineering of autologous and allogeneic immune cells (T lymphocytes, NK cells, macrophages, etc.) with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) is a powerful new tool to target specific antigens on cancer cells. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US has approved certain CAR-T cells for hematologic malignancies and it is hoped that their use can be extended to incorporate a variety of cells, in particular NK cells. However, the ACT method has some limitations, such as the risk of rejection in allogeneic engrafts. Accordingly, numerous efforts are being made to eliminate or minimize this and other complications. In the present review, we have developed a guide to breast cancer (BC) therapy from conventional therapy, through to cell-based approaches, in particular novel technologies including CAR with emphasis on NK cells as a new and safer candidate in this field as well as the more recent aptamer technology, which can play a major role in BC immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samaneh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Jack R Wall
- University of Notre Dame Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Somayeh Keshavarz
- School of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Elham Vojoudi
- Regenerative Medicine, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Multidisciplinary Center, Razi Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
| | - Reza Jafari-Shakib
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
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13
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Chuang WH, Pislyagin E, Lin LY, Menchinskaya E, Chernikov O, Kozhemyako V, Gorpenchenko T, Manzhulo I, Chaikina E, Agafonova I, Silchenko A, Avilov S, Stonik V, Tzou SC, Aminin D, Wang YM. Holothurian triterpene glycoside cucumarioside A 2-2 induces macrophages activation and polarization in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:292. [PMID: 38001420 PMCID: PMC10668486 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-03141-z] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite intensive developments of adoptive T cell and NK cell therapies, the efficacy against solid tumors remains elusive. Our study demonstrates that macrophage-based cell therapy could be a potent therapeutic option against solid tumors. METHODS To this end, we determine the effect of a natural triterpene glycoside, cucumarioside A2-2 (CA2-2), on the polarization of mouse macrophages into the M1 phenotype, and explore the antitumor activity of the polarized macrophage. The polarization of CA2-2-pretreated macrophages was analyzed by flow cytometry and confocal imaging. The anti-cancer activity of CA2-2 macrophages was evaluated against 4T1 breast cancer cells and EAC cells in vitro and syngeneic mouse model in vivo. RESULTS Incubation of murine macrophages with CA2-2 led to polarization into the M1 phenotype, and the CA2-2-pretreated macrophages could selectively target and kill various types of cancer in vitro. Notably, loading near-infrared (NIR) fluorochrome-labeled nanoparticles, MnMEIO-mPEG-CyTE777, into macrophages substantiated that M1 macrophages can target and penetrate tumor tissues in vivo efficiently. CONCLUSION In this study, CA2-2-polarized M1 macrophages significantly attenuated tumor growth and prolonged mice survival in the syngeneic mouse models. Therefore, ex vivo CA2-2 activation of mouse macrophages can serve as a useful model for subsequent antitumor cellular immunotherapy developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Han Chuang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS²B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Evgeny Pislyagin
- Far Eastern Branch, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Liang-Yu Lin
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Ekaterina Menchinskaya
- Far Eastern Branch, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Oleg Chernikov
- Far Eastern Branch, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Valery Kozhemyako
- Pacific State Medical University, Ostryakova Avenue, Building 2, Vladivostok, 690002, Russia
| | - Tatiana Gorpenchenko
- Federal Scientific Center of East Asia Terrestrial Biodiversity, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Igor Manzhulo
- A.V. Zhirmunsky National Scientific Center of Marine Biology, Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Palchevskogo str. 17, Vladivostok, 690041, Russia
| | - Elena Chaikina
- Far Eastern Branch, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Irina Agafonova
- Far Eastern Branch, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Alexandra Silchenko
- Far Eastern Branch, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Sergey Avilov
- Far Eastern Branch, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Valentin Stonik
- Far Eastern Branch, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Shey-Cherng Tzou
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS²B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan
| | - Dmitry Aminin
- Far Eastern Branch, G.B. Elyakov Pacific Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, 159, Pr. 100 let Vladivostoku, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia.
- Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, No. 100, Shin-Chuan 1st Road, Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City, 80708, Taiwan.
| | - Yun-Ming Wang
- Department of Biological Science and Technology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Bioengineering, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.
- Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS²B), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, 300, Taiwan.
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14
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Chockley PJ, Ibanez-Vega J, Krenciute G, Talbot LJ, Gottschalk S. Synapse-tuned CARs enhance immune cell anti-tumor activity. Nat Biotechnol 2023; 41:1434-1445. [PMID: 36732477 PMCID: PMC10394118 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-022-01650-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technologies have been clinically implemented for the treatment of hematological malignancies; however, solid tumors remain resilient to CAR therapeutics. Natural killer (NK) cells may provide an optimal class of immune cells for CAR-based approaches due to their inherent anti-tumor functionality. In this study, we sought to tune CAR immune synapses by adding an intracellular scaffolding protein binding site to the CAR. We employ a PDZ binding motif (PDZbm) that enables additional scaffolding crosslinks that enhance synapse formation and NK CAR cell polarization. Combined effects of this CAR design result in increased effector cell functionality in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, we used T cells and observed similar global enhancements in effector function. Synapse-tuned CAR immune cells exhibit amplified synaptic strength, number and abundance of secreted cytokines, enhanced killing of tumor cells and prolonged survival in numerous different tumor models, including solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter J Chockley
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA.
| | - Jorge Ibanez-Vega
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Giedre Krenciute
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Lindsay J Talbot
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Surgery, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN, USA
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15
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Shman TV, Vashkevich KP, Migas AA, Matveyenka MA, Lasiukov YA, Mukhametshyna NS, Horbach KI, Aleinikova OV. Phenotypic and functional characterisation of locally produced natural killer cells ex vivo expanded with the K562-41BBL-mbIL21 cell line. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:2551-2560. [PMID: 36527513 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-022-00974-2] [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: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
We characterised the expansion, phenotype and functional activity of natural killer (NK) cells obtained for a clinical trial. Nineteen expansion procedures were performed to obtain NK cell products for 16 patients. NK cells were expanded ex vivo from haploidentical donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells in the presence of the locally generated feeder cell line K-562 with ectopic expression of 4-1BBL and mbIL-21. The median duration of expansion was 18 days (interquartile range 15-19). The median number of live cells yielded was 2.26 × 109 (range 1.6-3.4 × 109) with an NK content of 96.6% (range 95.1-97.9%). The median NK cell fold expansion was 171 (range 124-275). NK cell fold expansion depended on the number of seeded NK cells, the initial level of C-myc expression and the initial number of mature and immature NK cells. The majority of expanded NK cells had the phenotype of immature activated cells (NKG2A + , double bright CD56 + + CD16 + + , CD57-) expressing NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKG2D, CD69, HLA-DR and CD96. Despite the expression of exhaustion markers, expanded NK cells exhibited high cytolytic activity against leukaemia cell lines, high degranulation activity and cytokine production. There was a noted decrease in the functional activity of NK cells in tests against the patient's blasts.In conclusion, NK cells obtained by ex vivo expansion with locally generated K562-41BBL-mbIL21 cells had a relatively undifferentiated phenotype and enhanced cytolytic activity against cancer cell lines. Expansion of NK cells with feeder cells yielded a sufficient quantity of the NK cell product to reach high cell doses or increase the frequency of cell infusions for adoptive immunotherapy. Registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT04327037.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatsiana V Shman
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus.
| | - Katsiaryna P Vashkevich
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Alexandr A Migas
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Mikhail A Matveyenka
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Yauheni A Lasiukov
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Nastassia S Mukhametshyna
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Katsiaryna I Horbach
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
| | - Olga V Aleinikova
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Minsk Reg., d., Frunzenskaya Str., 43., 223053, Borovliany, Belarus
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16
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Wang HH, Chen WL, Cui YY, Gong HH, Li H. Cellular senescence throws new insights into patient classification and pharmacological interventions for clinical management of hepatocellular carcinoma. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2023; 15:1567-1594. [PMID: 37746655 PMCID: PMC10514726 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v15.i9.1567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cellular senescence, a state of stable growth arrest, is intertwined with human cancers. However, characterization of cellular senescence-associated phenotypes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unexplored. AIM To address this issue, we delineated cellular senescence landscape across HCC. METHODS We enrolled two HCC datasets, TCGA-LIHC and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Unsupervised clustering was executed to probe tumor heterogeneity based upon cellular senescence genes. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm were utilized to define a cellular senescence-relevant scoring system. TRNP1 expression was measured in HCCs and normal tissues through immunohistochemistry, immunoblotting and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The influence of TMF-regulated nuclear protein (TRNP)1 on HCC senescence and growth was proven via a series of experiments. RESULTS TCGA-LIHC patients were classified as three cellular senescence subtypes, named C1-3. The robustness and reproducibility of these subtypes were proven in the ICGC cohort. C2 had the worst overall survival, C1 the next, and C3 the best. C2 presented the highest levels of immune checkpoints, abundance of immune cells, and immunogenetic indicators. Thus, C2 might possibly respond to immunotherapy. C2 had the lowest somatic mutation rate, while C1 presented the highest copy number variations. A cellular senescence-relevant gene signature was generated, which can predict patient survival, and chemo- or immunotherapeutic response. Experimentally, it was proven that TRNP1 presented the remarkable upregulation in HCCs. TRNP1 knockdown induced apoptosis and senescence of HCC cells and attenuated tumor growth. CONCLUSION These findings provide a systematic framework for assessing cellular senescence in HCC, which decode the tumor heterogeneity and tailor the pharmacological interventions to improve clinical management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Hong Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Bozhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Bozhou 236800, Anhui Province, China
| | - Wen-Li Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Bozhou Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Bozhou 236800, Anhui Province, China
| | - Ya-Yun Cui
- Department of Cancer Radiotherapy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital), Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Hui-Hui Gong
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, Oxford OX3 0BP, United Kingdom
| | - Heng Li
- Department of Comprehensive Surgery, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, West District of The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei 230000, Anhui Province, China
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17
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Einloth KR, Gayfield S, McMaster T, Didier A, Dworkin L, Creeden JF. The application, safety, and future of ex vivo immune cell therapies and prognosis in different malignancies. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2023; 13:439-455. [PMID: 38022382 PMCID: PMC10676524 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2023.27521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Immunotherapy has revolutionized how cancer is treated. Many of these immunotherapies rely on ex vivo expansion of immune cells, classically T cells. Still, several immunological obstacles remain, including tumor impermeability by immune cells and the immunosuppressive nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Logistically, high costs of treatment and variable clinical responses have also plagued traditional T cell-based immunotherapies. Methods To review the existing literature on cellular immunotherapy, the PubMed database was searched for publications using variations of the phrases "cancer immunotherapy", "ex vivo expansion", and "adoptive cell therapy". The Clinicaltrials.gov database was searched for clinical trials related to ex vivo cellular therapies using the same phrases. The National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines for cancer treatment were also referenced. Results To circumvent the challenges of traditional T cell-based immunotherapies, researchers have developed newer therapies including tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), T cell receptor (TCR) modified T cell, and antibody-armed T cell therapies. Additionally, newer immunotherapeutic strategies have used other immune cells, including natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DC), to modulate the T cell immune response to cancers. From a prognostic perspective, circulating tumor cells (CTC) have been used to predict cancer morbidity and mortality. Conclusion This review highlights the mechanism and clinical utility of various types of ex vivo cellular therapies in the treatment of cancer. Comparing these therapies or using them in combination may lead to more individualized and less toxic chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katelyn R. Einloth
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Scott Gayfield
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Thomas McMaster
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Alexander Didier
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Lance Dworkin
- Department of Medicine, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Justin Fortune Creeden
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
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18
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Ran LF, Xie XP, Xia JZ, Xie FL, Fan YM, Wu F. T-lymphocytes from focused ultrasound ablation subsequently mediate cellular antitumor immunity after adoptive cell transfer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1155229. [PMID: 37564660 PMCID: PMC10410281 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1155229] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Our previous studies found that high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) stimulated tumor-specific T cells in a mouse H22 tumor model, and adoptive transfer of the T cells from HIFU-treated mice could subsequently elicit stronger inhibition on the growth and progression of the implanted tumors. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of T cells from focused ultrasound ablation in HIFU-mediated immunomodulation. Methods Sixty H22 tumor-bearing mice were treated by either HIFU or sham-HIFU, and 30 naïve syngeneic mice served as controls. All mice were euthanized on day 14 after HIFU and splenic T cell suspensions were obtained in each group. Using an adoptive cell transfer model, a total of 1 × 106 T cells from HIFU treated-mice were intravenously injected into each syngeneic H22 tumor-bearing mouse twice on day 3 and 4, followed by the sacrifice for immunological assessments at 14 days after the adoptive transfer. Results T cells from HIFU-treated mice could significantly enhance the cytotoxicity of CTLs (p < 0.001), with a significant increase of TNF-α (p < 0.001) and IFN-γ secretion (p < 0.001). Compared to control and sham-HIFU groups, the number of Fas ligand+ and perforin+ tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and apoptotic H22 tumor cells were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in the HIFU group. There were linear correlations between apoptotic tumor cells and Fas ligand+ TILs (r = 0.9145, p < 0.001) and perforin+ TILs (r = 0.9619, p < 0.001). Conclusion T cells from HIFU-treated mice can subsequently mediate cellular antitumor immunity, which may play an important role in the HIFU-based immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Feng Ran
- Clinical HIFU Center for Tumor Therapy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Institute of Ultrasonic Engineering in Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xun-Peng Xie
- Institute of Ultrasonic Engineering in Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Oncology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ji-Zhu Xia
- Institute of Ultrasonic Engineering in Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fang-Lin Xie
- Institute of Ultrasonic Engineering in Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan-Min Fan
- Institute of Ultrasonic Engineering in Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Feng Wu
- Institute of Ultrasonic Engineering in Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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19
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Dabiri H, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Habibi Anbouhi M, Mirzaee Godarzee M, Haddadi MH, Basiri M, Ziaei V, Sadeghizadeh M, Hajizadeh Saffar E. Site-specific transgene integration in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies. Biomark Res 2023; 11:67. [PMID: 37403182 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00509-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are genetically engineered immune cells that can detect target antigens on the surface of target cells and eliminate them following adoptive transfer. Recent progress in CAR-based therapies has led to outstanding clinical success in certain patients with leukemias and lymphomas and offered therapeutic benefits to those resistant to conventional therapies. The universal approach to stable CAR transgene delivery into the T/NK cells is the use of viral particles. Such approaches mediate semi-random transgene insertions spanning the entire genome with a high preference for integration into sites surrounding highly-expressed genes and active loci. Regardless of the variable CAR expression level based on the integration site of the CAR transgene, foreign integrated DNA fragments may affect the neighboring endogenous genes and chromatin structure and potentially change a transduced T/NK cell behavior and function or even favor cellular transformation. In contrast, site-specific integration of CAR constructs using recent genome-editing technologies could overcome the limitations and disadvantages of universal random gene integration. Herein, we explain random and site-specific integration of CAR transgenes in CAR-T/NK cell therapies. Also, we tend to summarize the methods for site-specific integration as well as the clinical outcomes of certain gene disruptions or enhancements due to CAR transgene integration. Also, the advantages and limitations of using site-specific integration methods are discussed in this review. Ultimately, we will introduce the genomic safe harbor (GSH) standards and suggest some appropriate safety prospects for CAR integration in CAR-T/NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Dabiri
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooria Safarzadeh Kozani
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohadeseh Mirzaee Godarzee
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohsen Basiri
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahab Ziaei
- National Cell Bank of Iran, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Sadeghizadeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ensiyeh Hajizadeh Saffar
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Product Technology Development Center (ATMP-TDC), Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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20
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Dabiri H, Safarzadeh Kozani P, Habibi Anbouhi M, Mirzaee Godarzee M, Haddadi MH, Basiri M, Ziaei V, Sadeghizadeh M, Hajizadeh Saffar E. Site-specific transgene integration in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies. Biomark Res 2023; 11:67. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.1186/s40364-023-00509-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractChimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells and natural killer (NK) cells are genetically engineered immune cells that can detect target antigens on the surface of target cells and eliminate them following adoptive transfer. Recent progress in CAR-based therapies has led to outstanding clinical success in certain patients with leukemias and lymphomas and offered therapeutic benefits to those resistant to conventional therapies. The universal approach to stable CAR transgene delivery into the T/NK cells is the use of viral particles. Such approaches mediate semi-random transgene insertions spanning the entire genome with a high preference for integration into sites surrounding highly-expressed genes and active loci. Regardless of the variable CAR expression level based on the integration site of the CAR transgene, foreign integrated DNA fragments may affect the neighboring endogenous genes and chromatin structure and potentially change a transduced T/NK cell behavior and function or even favor cellular transformation. In contrast, site-specific integration of CAR constructs using recent genome-editing technologies could overcome the limitations and disadvantages of universal random gene integration. Herein, we explain random and site-specific integration of CAR transgenes in CAR-T/NK cell therapies. Also, we tend to summarize the methods for site-specific integration as well as the clinical outcomes of certain gene disruptions or enhancements due to CAR transgene integration. Also, the advantages and limitations of using site-specific integration methods are discussed in this review. Ultimately, we will introduce the genomic safe harbor (GSH) standards and suggest some appropriate safety prospects for CAR integration in CAR-T/NK cell therapies.
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21
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Xue D, Lu S, Zhang H, Zhang L, Dai Z, Kaufman DS, Zhang J. Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived engineered T cells, natural killer cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in immunotherapy. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:907-922. [PMID: 36858941 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023]
Abstract
T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages (Macs), and dendritic cells (DCs) are among the most common sources for immune-cell-based therapies for cancer. Antitumor activity can be enhanced in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived immune cells by using iPSCs as a platform for stable genetic modifications that impact immuno-activating or -suppressive signaling pathways, such as transducing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or deletion of immunosuppressive checkpoint molecules. This review outlines the utility of four iPSC-derived immune-cell-based therapies, highlight the latest progress and future trends in the genome-editing strategies designed to improve efficacy, safety, and universality, and provides perspectives that compare different contexts in which each of these iPSC-derived immune cell types can be most effectively used.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixuan Xue
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Shan Lu
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Hailing Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, 310058, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dan S Kaufman
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jin Zhang
- Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, and Bone Marrow Transplantation Center of the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Zhejiang Laboratory for Systems and Precision Medicine, Zhejiang University Medical Center, 1369 West Wen Yi Road, Hangzhou 311121, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China; Center of Gene/Cell Engineering and Genome Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, Zhejiang, China.
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22
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Hasan MF, Croom-Perez TJ, Oyer JL, Dieffenthaller TA, Robles-Carrillo LD, Eloriaga JE, Kumar S, Andersen BW, Copik AJ. TIGIT Expression on Activated NK Cells Correlates with Greater Anti-Tumor Activity but Promotes Functional Decline upon Lung Cancer Exposure: Implications for Adoptive Cell Therapy and TIGIT-Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2712. [PMID: 37345049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatments targeting TIGIT have gained a lot of attention due to strong preclinical and early clinical results, particularly with anti-PD-(L)1 therapeutics. However, this combination has failed to meet progression-free survival endpoints in phase III trials. Most of our understanding of TIGIT comes from studies of T cell function. Yet, this inhibitory receptor is often upregulated to the same, or higher, extent on NK cells in cancers. Studies in murine models have demonstrated that TIGIT inhibits NK cells and promotes exhaustion, with its effects on tumor control also being dependent on NK cells. However, there are limited studies assessing the role of TIGIT on the function of human NK cells (hNK), particularly in lung cancer. Most studies used NK cell lines or tested TIGIT blockade to reactivate exhausted cells obtained from cancer patients. For therapeutic advancement, a better understanding of TIGIT in the context of activated hNK cells is crucial, which is different than exhausted NK cells, and critical in the context of adoptive NK cell therapeutics that may be combined with TIGIT blockade. In this study, the effect of TIGIT blockade on the anti-tumor activities of human ex vivo-expanded NK cells was evaluated in vitro in the context of lung cancer. TIGIT expression was higher on activated and/or expanded NK cells compared to resting NK cells. More TIGIT+ NK cells expressed major activating receptors and exerted anti-tumor response as compared to TIGIT- cells, indicating that NK cells with greater anti-tumor function express more TIGIT. However, long-term TIGIT engagement upon exposure to PVR+ tumors downregulated the cytotoxic function of expanded NK cells while the inclusion of TIGIT blockade increased cytotoxicity, restored the effector functions against PVR-positive targets, and upregulated immune inflammation-related gene sets. These combined results indicate that TIGIT blockade can preserve the activation state of NK cells during exposure to PVR+ tumors. These results support the notion that a functional NK cell compartment is critical for anti-tumor response and anti-TIGIT/adoptive NK cell combinations have the potential to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faqrul Hasan
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Jeremiah L Oyer
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Thomas A Dieffenthaller
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Liza D Robles-Carrillo
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Jonathan E Eloriaga
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Sanjana Kumar
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Brendan W Andersen
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
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23
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Liu S, Wei W, Wang J, Chen T. Theranostic applications of selenium nanomedicines against lung cancer. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:96. [PMID: 36935493 PMCID: PMC10026460 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01825-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The incidence and mortality rates of lung cancer are among the highest in the world. Traditional treatment methods include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. Although rapid progress has been achieved in the past decade, treatment limitations remain. It is therefore imperative to identify safer and more effective therapeutic methods, and research is currently being conducted to identify more efficient and less harmful drugs. In recent years, the discovery of antitumor drugs based on the essential trace element selenium (Se) has provided good prospects for lung cancer treatments. In particular, compared to inorganic Se (Inorg-Se) and organic Se (Org-Se), Se nanomedicine (Se nanoparticles; SeNPs) shows much higher bioavailability and antioxidant activity and lower toxicity. SeNPs can also be used as a drug delivery carrier to better regulate protein and DNA biosynthesis and protein kinase C activity, thus playing a role in inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. SeNPs can also effectively activate antigen-presenting cells to stimulate cell immunity, exert regulatory effects on innate and regulatory immunity, and enhance lung cancer immunotherapy. This review summarizes the application of Se-based species and materials in lung cancer diagnosis, including fluorescence, MR, CT, photoacoustic imaging and other diagnostic methods, as well as treatments, including direct killing, radiosensitization, chemotherapeutic sensitization, photothermodynamics, and enhanced immunotherapy. In addition, the application prospects and challenges of Se-based drugs in lung cancer are examined, as well as their forecasted future clinical applications and sustainable development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaowei Liu
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Weifeng Wei
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Jinlin Wang
- Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Health, National Clinical Research Center for Respiratory Disease, National Center for Respiratory Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Tianfeng Chen
- College of Chemistry and Materials Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Functional Supramolecular Coordination Materials and Applications, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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24
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Wang S, Chen K, Jiang Y, Zhao G, Wang C, Fang H, Tang Q, Sun C, Zhang L, Wu H, Zhang LF, Li N. Breaking boundaries: Current progress of anticancer NK cell-based drug development. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103436. [PMID: 36370993 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapy is emerging as a cancer treatment. NK cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes that act as first-line responders to kill target cells without prior encounters. NK cells recognize cancer cells, virus-infected cells, and other types of stressed cell through a reservoir of germline-encoded receptors. NK cells are safe for allogeneic applications. Therefore, they are the ideal off-the-shelf cell, which overcome the low efficiency issue caused by the patient-by-patient nature of autologous cell therapy. Unlike T cells, NK cells cannot form a strong immune memory; therefore, they suffer from short in vivo persistence. However, different from T cells, NK cells have a reservoir of innate immune receptors targeting a variety of malignant cells. In addition, they can utilize antibody guidance in target recognition. With suitable engineering, NK cells can function as universal anticancer drugs that are not restricted to HLA and cancer types, which will benefit the large cohort of patients with rare cancer types and patients with no convenient drug targets for precision and personalized medicine. Here, we summarize and discuss the designs of current anticancer NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhang Wang
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Yale Jiang
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Guo Zhao
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Caie Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the First Affiliated Hospital of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, Henan, China
| | - Hong Fang
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Qiyu Tang
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Chao Sun
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | | | - Haiyang Wu
- TCRCure Biological Technology Co Ltd, Guangdong, China
| | - Li-Feng Zhang
- TCRCure Biological Technology Co Ltd, Guangdong, China.
| | - Ning Li
- Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.
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25
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Quraish RU, Hirahata T, Quraish AU, ul Quraish S. An Overview: Genetic Tumor Markers for Early Detection and Current Gene Therapy Strategies. Cancer Inform 2023; 22:11769351221150772. [PMID: 36762284 PMCID: PMC9903029 DOI: 10.1177/11769351221150772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability is considered a fundamental factor involved in any neoplastic disease. Consequently, the genetically unstable cells contribute to intratumoral genetic heterogeneity and phenotypic diversity of cancer. These genetic alterations can be detected by several diagnostic techniques of molecular biology and the detection of alteration in genomic integrity may serve as reliable genetic molecular markers for the early detection of cancer or cancer-related abnormal changes in the body cells. These genetic molecular markers can detect cancer earlier than any other method of cancer diagnosis, once a tumor is diagnosed, then replacement or therapeutic manipulation of these cancer-related abnormal genetic changes can be possible, which leads toward effective and target-specific cancer treatment and in many cases, personalized treatment of cancer could be performed without the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In this review, we describe how these genetic molecular markers can be detected and the possible ways for the application of this gene diagnosis for gene therapy that can attack cancerous cells, directly or indirectly, which lead to overall improved management and quality of life for a cancer patient.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tetsuyuki Hirahata
- Tetsuyuki Hirahata, Hirahata Gene Therapy Laboratory, HIC Clinic #1105, Itocia Office Tower 11F, 2-7-1, Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0006, Japan.
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26
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Romanucci M, De Maria R, Morello EM, Della Salda L. Editorial: Canine osteosarcoma as a model in comparative oncology: Advances and perspective. Front Vet Sci 2023; 10:1141666. [PMID: 36798142 PMCID: PMC9927381 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2023.1141666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mariarita Romanucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy,*Correspondence: Mariarita Romanucci ✉
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27
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Pereira MSF, Sorathia K, Sezgin Y, Thakkar A, Maguire C, Collins PL, Mundy-Bosse BL, Lee DA, Naeimi Kararoudi M. Deletion of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 Beta Reprograms NK Cell Metabolism. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:705. [PMID: 36765663 PMCID: PMC9913837 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030705] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of cytotoxicity and defective metabolism are linked to glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) overexpression in natural killer (NK) cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia or from healthy donors after expansion ex vivo with IL-15. Drug inhibition of GSK3β in these NK cells improves their maturation and cytotoxic activity, but the mechanisms of GSK3β-mediated dysfunction have not been well studied. Here, we show that expansion of NK cells with feeder cells expressing membrane-bound IL-21 maintained normal GSK3β levels, allowing us to study GSK3β function using CRISPR gene editing. We deleted GSK3B and expanded paired-donor knockout and wild-type (WT) NK cells and then assessed transcriptional and functional alterations induced by loss of GSK3β. Surprisingly, our data showed that deletion of GSK3B did not alter cytotoxicity, cytokine production, or maturation (as determined by CD57 expression). However, GSK3B-KO cells demonstrated significant changes in expression of genes related to rRNA processing, cell proliferation, and metabolic function, suggesting possible metabolic reprogramming. Next, we found that key genes downregulated in GSK3B-KO NK cells were upregulated in GSK3β-overexpressing NK cells from AML patients, confirming this correlation in a clinical setting. Lastly, we measured cellular energetics and observed that GSK3B-KO NK cells exhibited 150% higher spare respiratory capacity, a marker of metabolic fitness. These findings suggest a role for GSK3β in regulating NK cell metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelo S. F. Pereira
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disease, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Kinnari Sorathia
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disease, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Yasemin Sezgin
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disease, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Aarohi Thakkar
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disease, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Colin Maguire
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disease, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
| | - Patrick L. Collins
- Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bethany L. Mundy-Bosse
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Dean A. Lee
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disease, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Meisam Naeimi Kararoudi
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disease, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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28
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION New methods in cancer immunotherapy, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, have shown promising results in destroying malignant cells. However, limitations and side effects of CAR-T cell therapy, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), neurotoxicity, and cytokine release syndrome, have motivated researchers to investigate safer alternative cells like natural killer (NK) cells. AREA COVERED NK cells can effectively recognize hematologic malignant cells and destroy them. Many clinical and preclinical studies investigate the efficacy of CAR-NK cells in treating lymphoma and other hematologic malignancies. The results of published clinical trials and preclinical studies have shown that CAR-NK cells could be an appropriate choice for treating lymphoma. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of CAR-NK cells, their role in treating B-cell and T-cell lymphoma, and the challenges faced by using them. We also highlight clinical trials using CAR-NK cells for treating lymphoma. EXPERT OPINION CAR-NK cells have shown promising results in cancer therapy, especially B-cell lymphoma, with a much lower risk for GVHD, cytokine release syndrome, and neurotoxicity than CAR-T cells. Further investigations are required to overcome the obstacles of CAR-NK cell therapy, both generally, and in cancers like T-cell lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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29
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Metabolic hallmarks of natural killer cells in the tumor microenvironment and implications in cancer immunotherapy. Oncogene 2023; 42:1-10. [PMID: 36473909 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02562-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the early responder group against cancerous cells and viral infection. Emerging evidence reveals that distinct metabolic reprogramming occurs concurrently with activation and memory formation of NK cells. However, metabolism of NK cells is disturbed in the tumor immune microenvironment, which may promote tumor progression while limiting immunotherapy responses. In this review, we highlight how cell metabolism influences NK cell activity, the key molecular regulators of NK cell metabolism, and emerging strategies to alter metabolism to improve cytotoxicity of NK cells to kill tumor cells for cancer patients.
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30
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Varudkar N, Shiffer EM, Oyer JL, Copik A, Parks GD. Delivery of a novel membrane-anchored Fc chimera enhances NK cell-mediated killing of tumor cells and persistently virus-infected cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285532. [PMID: 37146009 PMCID: PMC10162523 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is one of the most powerful mechanisms for Natural Killer (NK) cells to kill cancer cells or virus-infected cells. A novel chimeric protein (NA-Fc) was created, which when expressed in cells, positions an IgG Fc domain on the plasma membrane, mimicking the orientation of IgG bound to the cell surface. This NA-Fc chimera was tested with PM21-NK cells, produced through a previously developed particle-based method which yields superior NK cells for immunotherapeutic applications. Real time viability assays revealed higher PM21-NK killing of both ovarian and lung cancer cells expressing NA-Fc, which correlated with increased release of TNF-α and IFN-γ cytokines from NK cells and was dependent on CD16-Fc interactions. Lentivirus delivery of NA-Fc to target cells increased the rate of PM21-NK cell killing of A549 and H1299 lung, SKOV3 ovarian and A375 melanoma cancer cells. This NA-Fc-directed killing was extended to virus infected cells, where delivery of NA-Fc to lung cells that were persistently infected with Parainfluenza virus resulted in increased killing by PM21-NK cells. In contrast to its effect on PM21-NK cells, the NA-Fc molecule did not enhance complement mediated lysis of lung cancer cells. Our study lays the foundation for application of the novel NA-Fc chimera that could be delivered specifically to tumors during oncolytic virotherapy to mark target cells for ADCC by co-treatment with adoptive NK cells. This strategy would potentially eliminate the need to search for unique cancer specific antigens for development of new antibody therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namita Varudkar
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Elisabeth M Shiffer
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Jeremiah L Oyer
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Alicja Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
| | - Griffith D Parks
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States of America
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Lamers-Kok N, Panella D, Georgoudaki AM, Liu H, Özkazanc D, Kučerová L, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Raimo M. Natural killer cells in clinical development as non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:164. [DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are unique immune effectors able to kill cancer cells by direct recognition of surface ligands, without prior sensitization. Allogeneic NK transfer is a highly valuable treatment option for cancer and has recently emerged with hundreds of clinical trials paving the way to finally achieve market authorization. Advantages of NK cell therapies include the use of allogenic cell sources, off-the-shelf availability, and no risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Allogeneic NK cell therapies have reached the clinical stage as ex vivo expanded and differentiated non-engineered cells, as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered or CD16-engineered products, or as combination therapies with antibodies, priming agents, and other drugs. This review summarizes the recent clinical status of allogeneic NK cell-based therapies for the treatment of hematological and solid tumors, discussing the main characteristics of the different cell sources used for NK product development, their use in cell manufacturing processes, the engineering methods and strategies adopted for genetically modified products, and the chosen approaches for combination therapies. A comparative analysis between NK-based non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies is presented, examining the choices made by product developers regarding the NK cell source and the targeted tumor indications, for both solid and hematological cancers. Clinical trial outcomes are discussed and, when available, assessed in comparison with preclinical data. Regulatory challenges for product approval are reviewed, highlighting the lack of specificity of requirements and standardization between products. Additionally, the competitive landscape and business field is presented. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the effort driven by biotech and pharmaceutical companies and by academic centers to bring NK cell therapies to pivotal clinical trial stages and to market authorization.
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Zhao B, Li X, Kong Y, Wang W, Wen T, Zhang Y, Deng Z, Chen Y, Zheng X. Recent advances in nano-drug delivery systems for synergistic antitumor immunotherapy. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:1010724. [PMID: 36159668 PMCID: PMC9497653 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.1010724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has demonstrated great clinical success in the field of oncology in comparison with conventional cancer therapy. However, cancer immunotherapy still encounters major challenges that limit its efficacy against different types of cancers and the patients show minimal immune response to the immunotherapy. To overcome these limitations, combinatorial approaches with other therapeutics have been applied in the clinic. Simultaneously, nano-drug delivery system has played an important role in increasing the antitumor efficacy of various treatments and has been increasingly utilized for synergistic immunotherapy to further enhance the immunogenicity of the tumors. Specifically, they can promote the infiltration of immune cells within the tumors and create an environment that is more sensitive to immunotherapy, particularly in solid tumors, by accelerating tumor accumulation and permeability. Herein, this progress report provides a brief overview of the development of nano-drug delivery systems, classification of combinatory cancer immunotherapy and recent progress in tumor immune synergistic therapy in the application of nano-drug delivery systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonan Zhao
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Central Laboratory and Precision Medicine Center, Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Huai’an Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University and Huai’an Second People’s Hospital, Huai’an, China
| | - Ying Kong
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Tingting Wen
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Yanru Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
| | - Zhiyong Deng
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xian Zheng, ; Yafang Chen, ; Zhiyong Deng,
| | - Yafang Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xian Zheng, ; Yafang Chen, ; Zhiyong Deng,
| | - Xian Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan, China
- *Correspondence: Xian Zheng, ; Yafang Chen, ; Zhiyong Deng,
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Namachivayam A, Murali R, Prabakaran DS, Ganesan R, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, Ramanathan G, Doss C. GP, Gopalakrishnan AV. Role of Immune Cells and Receptors in Cancer Treatment: An Immunotherapeutic Approach. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091493. [PMID: 36146572 PMCID: PMC9502517 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy moderates the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Due to its extreme complexity, scientists are working to put together all the puzzle pieces to get a clearer picture of the immune system. Shreds of available evidence show the connection between cancer and the immune system. Immune responses to tumors and lymphoid malignancies are influenced by B cells, γδT cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells (DCs). Cancer immunotherapy, which encompasses adoptive cancer therapy, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), immune checkpoint therapy, and CART cells, has revolutionized contemporary cancer treatment. This article reviews recent developments in immune cell regulation and cancer immunotherapy. Various options are available to treat many diseases, particularly cancer, due to the progress in various immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccinations (both preventative and curative), cellular immunotherapies, and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arunraj Namachivayam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reshma Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D. S. Prabakaran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Srivilliputhur Main Road, Sivakasi 626124, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gnanasambandan Ramanathan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George Priya Doss C.
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
- Correspondence:
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Lipid Nanoparticles for mRNA Delivery to Enhance Cancer Immunotherapy. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27175607. [PMID: 36080373 PMCID: PMC9458026 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27175607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Messenger RNA (mRNA) is being developed by researchers as a novel drug for the treatment or prevention of many diseases. However, to enable mRNA to fully exploit its effects in vivo, researchers need to develop safer and more effective mRNA delivery systems that improve mRNA stability and enhance the ability of cells to take up and release mRNA. To date, lipid nanoparticles are promising nanodrug carriers for tumor therapy, which can significantly improve the immunotherapeutic effects of conventional drugs by modulating mRNA delivery, and have attracted widespread interest in the biomedical field. This review focuses on the delivery of mRNA by lipid nanoparticles for cancer treatment. We summarize some common tumor immunotherapy and mRNA delivery strategies, describe the clinical advantages of lipid nanoparticles for mRNA delivery, and provide an outlook on the current challenges and future developments of this technology.
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35
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Natural Killer Cell Recognition and Control of Epithelial Cancers. Cancer J 2022; 28:263-269. [PMID: 35880935 PMCID: PMC9336556 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0000000000000610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells possess an innate ability to recognize cancer and are key mediators of cytotoxic efficacy for anticancer antibodies. Recent advances in the ability to generate, qualify, and safely infuse NK cells have led to a wide variety of clinical trials in oncology. Although their efficacy is best established for liquid cancers, their potential application in solid cancers has received increased attention. Here, we provide general background across a disparate group of exemplary solid tumors for which there is evidence for an NK cell role, discuss NK cell recognition motifs specific to each and murine and human studies of each that are supportive of NK cell adoptive immunotherapy, and end with special considerations relevant to the solid tumor microenvironment.
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36
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Song S, Shu P. Expression of ferroptosis-related gene correlates with immune microenvironment and predicts prognosis in gastric cancer. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8785. [PMID: 35610340 PMCID: PMC9129902 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12800-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The study is to explore the role of ferroptosis-related genes (FRGs) in the occurrence and development of gastric cancer (GC), and to construct a new prognosis signature to predict the prognosis in GC. Clinical information and corresponding RNA data of GC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Consensus clustering was performed to identify new molecular subgroups. ESTIMATE, CIBERSORT, McpCounter and TIMER algorithm were used to analyze the infiltration of immune cells in two molecular subgroups. LASSO algorithm and multivariate Cox analysis were used to construct a prognostic risk signature. Functional analysis was conducted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Finally, the FRPGs were verified by Quantitative Real-Time PCR. We obtained 16 FRGs and divided GC patients into two subgroups by consistent clustering. Cluster C1 with a higher abundance of immune cell infiltration but lower probability in response to immunotherapy, it was reasonable to speculate that Cluster C1 was in accordance with the immune rejection type. Functional analysis showed that the biological process of DEGs in training cohort mainly included immune globulin, and human immune response mediated by circulating immune globulin. GSEA analysis showed that compared with Cluster C2, Cluster C1 showed lower expression in lipid metabolism. The nomogram combined with risk signature and clinical features can accurately predict the prognosis of GC patients. We identified two molecular subtypes, Clusters C1 and C2. In Cluster C1, patients with poor prognosis present with a hyperimmune status and low lipid metabolism, and we speculate that Cluster C1 was in accordance with the immune rejection type. The risk model based on FRPGs can accurately predict the prognosis of GC. These results indicated that ferroptosis is associated with TIME, and deserved considerable attention in determining immunotherapy treatment strategy for GC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Song
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
- Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Peng Shu
- Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
- Jiangsu Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Tarannum M, Romee R, Shapiro RM. Innovative Strategies to Improve the Clinical Application of NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:859177. [PMID: 35401529 PMCID: PMC8990319 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.859177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells constitute a part of the innate immune system that mediates an effective immune response towards virus-infected and malignant cells. In recent years, research has focused on exploring and advancing NK cells as an active immunotherapy platform. Despite major advances, there are several key challenges that need to be addressed for the effective translation of NK cell research to clinical applications. This review highlights some of these challenges and the innovative strategies being developed to overcome them, including in vitro expansion, in vivo persistence, infiltration to the tumor site, and prevention of exhaustion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubin Tarannum
- Division of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Division of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Roman M Shapiro
- Division of Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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38
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Kennedy PR, Felices M, Miller JS. Challenges to the broad application of allogeneic natural killer cell immunotherapy of cancer. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:165. [PMID: 35414042 PMCID: PMC9006579 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02769-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that recognize malignant cells through a wide array of germline-encoded receptors. Triggering of activating receptors results in cytotoxicity and broad immune system activation. The former is achieved through release of cytotoxic granules and presentation of death receptor ligands, while the latter is mediated by inflammatory cytokines, such as interferon-γ and tumor necrosis factor α. Early success with ex vivo activation of NK cells and adoptive transfer suggest they are a safe therapeutic with promising responses in advanced hematologic malignancies. In particular, adoptive NK cell therapies can serve as a 'bridge' to potentially curative allogeneic stem cell transplantation. In addition, strategies are being developed that expand large numbers of cells from limited starting material and mature NK cells from precursors. Together, these make 'off-the-shelf' NK cells possible to treat a wide range of cancers. Research efforts have focused on creating a range of tools that increase targeting of therapeutic NK cells toward cancer-from therapeutic antibodies that drive antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, to chimeric antigen receptors. As these novel therapies start to show promise in clinical trials, the field is rapidly moving toward addressing other challenges that limit NK cell therapeutics and the goal to treat solid tumors. This review describes the state of therapeutic NK cell targeting of tumors; discusses the challenges that need to be addressed before NK cells can be applied as a wide-ranging treatment for cancer; and points to some of the innovations that are being developed to surmount these challenges. Suppressive cells in the tumor microenvironment pose a direct threat to therapeutic NK cells, through presentation of inhibitory ligands and secretion of suppressive cytokines and metabolites. The nutrient- and oxygen-starved conditions under which NK cells must function necessitate an understanding of therapeutic NK cell metabolism that is still emerging. Prior to these challenges, NK cells must find their way into and persist in the tumor itself. Finally, the desirability of a 'single-shot' NK cell treatment and the problems and benefits of a short-lived rejection-prone NK cellular product are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippa R Kennedy
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, MCRB Rm 520, 425 E River Rd Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Martin Felices
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, MCRB Rm 520, 425 E River Rd Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, MCRB Rm 520, 425 E River Rd Parkway, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA.
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39
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Oyer JL, Croom-Perez TJ, Dieffenthaller TA, Robles-Carillo LD, Gitto SB, Altomare DA, Copik AJ. Cryopreserved PM21-Particle-Expanded Natural Killer Cells Maintain Cytotoxicity and Effector Functions In Vitro and In Vivo. Front Immunol 2022; 13:861681. [PMID: 35464440 PMCID: PMC9022621 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.861681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
There is a great interest in developing natural killer (NK) cells as adoptive cancer immunotherapy. For off-the-shelf approaches and to conduct multicenter clinical trials, cryopreserved NK cells are the preferred product. However, recent studies reported that cryopreservation of NK cells results in loss of cell motility and, as a consequence, cytotoxicity which limits the clinical utility of such products. This study assessed the impact of cryopreservation on the recovery and function of PM21-particle expanded NK cells (PM21-NK cells) as well as their antitumor activity in vitro using 2D and 3D cancer models and in vivo in ovarian cancer models, including patient-derived xenografts (PDX). Viable PM21-NK cells were consistently recovered from cryopreservation and overnight rest with a mean recovery of 73 ± 22% (N = 19). Thawed and rested NK cells maintained the expression of activating receptors when compared to expansion-matched fresh NK cells. Cryopreserved NK cells that were thawed and rested showed no decrease in cytotoxicity when co-incubated with tumor cells at varying effector-to-target (NK:T) ratios compared to expansion-matched fresh NK cells. Moreover, no differences in cytotoxicity were observed between expansion-matched cryopreserved and fresh NK cells in 3D models of tumor killing. These were analyzed by kinetic, live-cell imaging assays co-incubating NK cells with tumor spheroids. When exposed to tumor cells, or upon cytokine stimulation, cryopreserved NK cells that were thawed and rested showed no significant differences in surface expression of degranulation marker CD107a or intracellular expression of TNFα and IFNγ. In vivo antitumor activity was also assessed by measuring the extension of survival of SKOV-3-bearing NSG mice treated with fresh vs. cryopreserved NK cells. Cryopreserved NK cells caused a statistically significant survival extension of SKOV-3-bearing NSG mice that was comparable to that observed with fresh NK cells. Additionally, treatment of NSG mice bearing PDX tumor with cryopreserved PM21-NK cells resulted in nearly doubling of survival compared to untreated mice. These data suggest that PM21-NK cells can be cryopreserved and recovered efficiently without appreciable loss of viability or activity while retaining effector function both in vitro and in vivo. These findings support the use of cryopreserved PM21-NK cells as a cancer immunotherapy treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah L. Oyer
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Tayler J. Croom-Perez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Thomas A. Dieffenthaller
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Liza D. Robles-Carillo
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Sarah B. Gitto
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Deborah A. Altomare
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Alicja J. Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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Elmas E, Saljoughian N, de Souza Fernandes Pereira M, Tullius BP, Sorathia K, Nakkula RJ, Lee DA, Naeimi Kararoudi M. CRISPR Gene Editing of Human Primary NK and T Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:834002. [PMID: 35449580 PMCID: PMC9016158 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.834002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Antitumor activity of immune cells such as T cells and NK cells has made them auspicious therapeutic regimens for adaptive cancer immunotherapy. Enhancing their cytotoxic effects against malignancies and overcoming their suppression in tumor microenvironment (TME) may improve their efficacy to treat cancers. Clustered, regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) genome editing has become one of the most popular tools to enhance immune cell antitumor activity. In this review we highlight applications and practicability of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing and engineering strategies for cancer immunotherapy. In addition, we have reviewed several approaches to study CRISPR off-target effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ezgi Elmas
- Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Noushin Saljoughian
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- CRISPR/Gene Editing Core, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Marcelo de Souza Fernandes Pereira
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Brian P. Tullius
- Pediatric Cellular Therapy, AdventHealth for Children, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Kinnari Sorathia
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Robin J. Nakkula
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Dean A. Lee
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Meisam Naeimi Kararoudi
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- CRISPR/Gene Editing Core, Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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The Future of Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy for B Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B Cell NHL). Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:381-403. [PMID: 35258793 PMCID: PMC8930876 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00932-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have played a critical—if largely unrecognized or ignored—role in the treatment of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) since the introduction of CD20-directed immunotherapy with rituximab as a cornerstone of therapy over 25 years ago. Engagement with NK cells leading to lysis of NHL targets through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a critical component of rituximab’s mechanism of action. Despite this important role, the only aspect of B cell NHL therapy that has been adopted as standard therapy that even indirectly augments or restores NK cell function is the introduction of obinutuzumab, a CD20 antibody with enhanced ability to engage with NK cells. However, over the last 5 years, adoptive immunotherapy with effector lymphocytes of B cell NHL has experienced tremendous growth, with five different CAR T cell products now licensed by the FDA, four of which target CD19 and have approved indications for some subtype of B cell NHL—axicabtagene ciloleucel, brexucabtagene autoleucel, lisocabtagene maraleucel, and tisagenlecleucel. These T cell-based immunotherapies essentially mimic the recognition, activation pathway, and cytotoxic machinery of a CD19 antibody engaging NK cells and lymphoma targets. Despite their efficacy, these T cell-based immunotherapies have been difficult to implement because they require 4–6 weeks of manufacture, are costly, and have significant toxicities. This renewed interest in the potential of cellular immunity—and the manufacturing, supply chain, and administration logistics that have been addressed with these new agents—have ignited a new wave of enthusiasm for NK cell-directed therapies in NHL. With high safety profiles and proven anti-lymphoma efficacy, one or more new NK cell-directed modalities are certain to be introduced into the standard toolbox of NHL therapy within the next few years, be it function-enhancing cytokine muteins, multi-domain NK cell engagers, or adoptive therapy with expanded or genetically modified NK cells.
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Shapiro RM, Romee R. Autologous cellular therapy for myeloma: Giving ex vivo expanded NK cells their due. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100537. [PMID: 35243428 PMCID: PMC8861944 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Ex vivo feeder-free autologous NK cell expansion is an efficient modality for clinical translation. In this issue of Cell Reports Medicine, Nahi et al. describe the use of this approach as consolidation therapy for multiple myeloma,1 thereby reviving an alternate avenue for NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roman M. Shapiro
- Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplantation, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School
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Li M, Cao W, Huang B, Zhu Z, Chen Y, Zhang J, Cao G, Chen B. Establishment and Analysis of an Individualized Immune-Related Gene Signature for the Prognosis of Gastric Cancer. Front Surg 2022; 9:829237. [PMID: 35174205 PMCID: PMC8841693 DOI: 10.3389/fsurg.2022.829237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have shown that immunity plays an important clinical role in the process of gastric cancer (GC). The purpose of this study was to explore the function of differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) of GC, and construct a gene signature to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients. Gene expression profiles and clinical data of GC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. Combined with immune-related genes (IRGs) downloaded from the ImmPort database, 357 DEIRGs in GC tissues and adjacent tissues were identified. Based on the analysis of Lasso and Cox in the training set, a prognostic risk scoring model consisting of 9 (RBP7, DES, CCR1, PNOC, SPP1, VIP, TNFRSF12A, TUBB3, PRKCG) DEIRGs was obtained. Functional analysis revealed that model genes may participate in the formation and development of tumor cells by affecting the function of cell gap junction intercellular communication (GJJC). According to the model score, the samples were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, the risk score was an independent prognostic factor (HR = 1.674, 95% CI = 1.470–1.907, P < 0.001). Survival analysis showed that the OS of high-risk GC patients was significantly lower than that of low-risk GC patients (P < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) of the model was greater than other clinical indicators when verified in various data sets, confirming that the prediction model has a reliable accuracy. In conclusion, this study has explored the biological functions of DEIRGs in GC and discovered novel gene targets for the treatment of GC. The constructed prognostic gene signature is helpful for clinicians to determine the prognosis of GC patients and formulate personalized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Bingqian Huang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Zhipeng Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yaxin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiawei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- *Correspondence: Jiawei Zhang
| | - Guodong Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Guodong Cao
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Bo Chen
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44
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Khawar MB, Sun H. CAR-NK Cells: From Natural Basis to Design for Kill. Front Immunol 2022; 12:707542. [PMID: 34970253 PMCID: PMC8712563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.707542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are fusion proteins with an extracellular antigen recognition domain and numerous intracellular signaling domains that have been genetically modified. CAR-engineered T lymphocyte-based therapies have shown great success against blood cancers; however, potential fatal toxicity, such as in cytokine release syndrome, and high costs are some shortcomings that limit the clinical application of CAR-engineered T lymphocytes and remain to overcome. Natural killer (NK) cells are the focal point of current immunological research owing to their receptors that prove to be promising immunotherapeutic candidates for treating cancer. However, to date, manipulation of NK cells to treat malignancies has been moderately successful. Recent progress in the biology of NK cell receptors has greatly transformed our understanding of how NK cells recognize and kill tumor and infected cells. CAR-NK cells may serve as an alternative candidate for retargeting cancer because of their unique recognition mechanisms, powerful cytotoxic effects especially on cancer cells in both CAR-dependent and CAR-independent manners and clinical safety. Moreover, NK cells can serve as an ‘off-the-shelf product’ because NK cells from allogeneic sources can also be used in immunotherapies owing to their reduced risk of alloreactivity. Although ongoing fundamental research is in the beginning stages, this review provides an overview of recent developments implemented to design CAR constructs to stimulate NK activation and manipulate NK receptors for improving the efficiency of immunotherapy against cancer, summarizes the preclinical and clinical advances of CAR-NK cells against both hematological malignancies and solid tumors and confronts current challenges and obstacles of their applications. In addition, this review provides insights into prospective novel approaches that further enhance the efficiency of CAR-NK therapies and highlights potential questions that require to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China.,Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology & Genomics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haibo Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
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45
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Lu X, Bao L, Pan Z, Ge M. Immunotherapy for anaplastic thyroid carcinoma: the present and future. Zhejiang Da Xue Xue Bao Yi Xue Ban 2021; 50:675-684. [PMID: 35347912 PMCID: PMC8931605 DOI: 10.3724/zdxbyxb-2021-0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most malignant tumor of endocrine system, which is an urgent medical problem to be solved. At present, immunotherapy studies on ATC mainly include cutting off the recruitment of tumor-associated macrophage (TAM), inducing the reprogramming of TAM and restoring its phagocytic function, targeting related immune checkpoints on T cells and natural killer cells, tumor vaccines based on oncolytic viruses and dendritic cells, and adoptive immunotherapy. Among them, immunotherapy strategies represented by targeted blocking of programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1 at immune checkpoint have been preliminarily confirmed to benefit ATC patients, especially the combination of molecular targeted inhibitors and immunotherapy has shown excellent therapeutic effects. Due to the great heterogeneity of ATC, it is expected to provide more therapeutic strategies for patients of ATC by carrying out various immunotherapy studies including biological, immune and cellular therapies and exploring the therapeutic potential of the next generation of immune checkpoint inhibitors. This article reviews the potential immunotherapeutic targets of ATC and the progress of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xixuan Lu
- 1. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 2. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Lisha Bao
- 1. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 2. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Zongfu Pan
- 2. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 3. Department of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Minghua Ge
- 1. Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Center of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310014, China
- 2. Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Endocrine Gland Diseases, Hangzhou 310014, China
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46
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Abakushina EV, Popova LI, Zamyatnin AA, Werner J, Mikhailovsky NV, Bazhin AV. The Advantages and Challenges of Anticancer Dendritic Cell Vaccines and NK Cells in Adoptive Cell Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1363. [PMID: 34835294 PMCID: PMC8625865 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, an impressive advance was achieved in adoptive cell therapy (ACT), which has improved therapeutic potential and significant value in promising cancer treatment for patients. The ACT is based on the cell transfer of dendritic cells (DCs) and/or immune effector cells. DCs are often used as vaccine carriers or antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to prime naive T cells ex vivo or in vivo. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells are used as major tool effector cells for ACT. Despite the fact that NK cell immunotherapy is highly effective and promising against many cancer types, there are still some limitations, including insignificant infiltration, adverse conditions of the microenvironment, the immunosuppressive cellular populations, and the low cytotoxic activity in solid tumors. To overcome these difficulties, novel methods of NK cell isolation, expansion, and stimulation of cytotoxic activity should be designed. In this review, we discuss the basic characteristics of DC vaccines and NK cells as potential adoptive cell preparations in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Abakushina
- Department for Development and Research in Immunology, LLC “Tecon Medical Devices”, 123298 Moscow, Russia; (L.I.P.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Liubov I. Popova
- Department for Development and Research in Immunology, LLC “Tecon Medical Devices”, 123298 Moscow, Russia; (L.I.P.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.W.); (A.V.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nikolay V. Mikhailovsky
- Department for Development and Research in Immunology, LLC “Tecon Medical Devices”, 123298 Moscow, Russia; (L.I.P.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Alexandr V. Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.W.); (A.V.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
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47
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Heslop HE, Stadtmauer EA, Levine JE, Ballen KK, Chen YB, DeZern AE, Eapen M, Hamadani M, Hamilton BK, Hari P, Jones RJ, Logan BR, Kean LS, Leifer ES, Locke FL, Maziarz RT, Nemecek ER, Pasquini M, Phelan R, Riches ML, Shaw BE, Walters MC, Foley A, Devine SM, Horowitz MM. Blood and Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network State of the Science Symposium 2021: Looking Forward as the Network Celebrates its 20th Year. Transplant Cell Ther 2021; 27:885-907. [PMID: 34461278 PMCID: PMC8556300 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2021.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
In 2021 the BMT CTN held the 4th State of the Science Symposium where the deliberations of 11 committees concerning major topics pertinent to a particular disease, modality, or complication of transplant, as well as two committees to consider clinical trial design and inclusion, diversity, and access as cross-cutting themes were reviewed. This article summarizes the individual committee reports and their recommendations on the highest priority questions in hematopoietic stem cell transplant and cell therapy to address in multicenter trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - John E Levine
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York
| | | | - Yi-Bin Chen
- Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Mary Eapen
- Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Mehdi Hamadani
- Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Parameswaran Hari
- Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Brent R Logan
- Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marcelo Pasquini
- Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Rachel Phelan
- Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Bronwen E Shaw
- Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Mark C Walters
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Amy Foley
- National Marrow Donor Program, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | | | - Mary M Horowitz
- Center for International Blood & Marrow Transplant Research, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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48
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Velichinskii RA, Streltsova MA, Kust SA, Sapozhnikov AM, Kovalenko EI. The Biological Role and Therapeutic Potential of NK Cells in Hematological and Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111385. [PMID: 34768814 PMCID: PMC8584101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy due to their potent antitumor activity. The main advantage of using NK cells as cytotoxic effectors over T cells is a reduced risk of graft versus host disease. At present, several variants of NK-cell-based therapies are undergoing clinical trials and show considerable effectiveness for hematological tumors. In these types of cancers, the immune cells themselves often undergo malignant transformation, which determines the features of the disease. In contrast, the current use of NK cells as therapeutic agents for the treatment of solid tumors is much less promising. Most studies are at the stage of preclinical investigation, but few progress to clinical trials. Low efficiency of NK cell migration and functional activity in the tumor environment are currently considered the major barriers to NK cell anti-tumor therapies. Various therapeutic combinations, genetic engineering methods, alternative sources for obtaining NK cells, and other techniques are aiming at the development of promising NK cell anticancer therapies, regardless of tumorigenesis. In this review, we compare the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of hematological and solid tumors and discuss current prospects of NK-cell-based therapy for hematological and solid tumors.
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49
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Xie S, Hou X, Yang W, Shi W, Yang X, Duan S, Mo F, Liu A, Wang W, Lu X. Endoglin-Aptamer-Functionalized Liposome-Equipped PD-1-Silenced T Cells Enhance Antitumoral Immunotherapeutic Effects. Int J Nanomedicine 2021; 16:6017-6034. [PMID: 34511903 PMCID: PMC8418331 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s317220] [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: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The broader application of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in cancer immunotherapies (particularly for solid tumors) has always been limited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and the insufficient targetability of effector T cells, resulting in unsatisfied therapeutic outcome. Here, we designed a new strategy by using aptamer-based immunoliposomes to modify PD-1-silencing T cells, which were activated by dendritic cell (DC)/tumor fusion cells (FCs) to improve the antitumor potency of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs/CD8+ T cells). Methods PD-1 gene was knocked out from CD8+ T cells using CRISPR/Cas9 system to liberate T cell activity from immunosuppression. The PD-1− T cells were stimulated with DC/tumor FCs, followed by further functional modification of tumor-specific nanoliposomes (hEnd-Apt/CD3-Lipo) to generate FC/PD-1− CTLs. The activation and proliferation and specificity of the modified FC/PD-1− CTLs were measured. The antitumor activity of these CTLs against HepG2-tumors was evaluated in xenograft NOD/SCID mice, and the antitumor mechanism was investigated based on tissue immunohistochemistry and serum ELISA. Results Our results indicated that the modification of hEnd-Apt/CD3-Lipo nanocomposites on the FC/PD-1− CTLs had a more substantial synergetic effect in inhibiting tumor growth and prolonging animal survival, rather than other control liposomes. Furthermore, the hEnd-Apt/CD3-Lipo-modified FC/PD-1− CTLs showed a stronger antitumor outcome in the tumor-bearing mouse model, through the mechanisms of suppressing tumor cell proliferation, promoting tumor apoptosis, reducing angiogenesis but increasing the infiltration of the FC/PD-1− CTLs in the tumor tissue, as well as upregulating the systemic levels of IFN-γ, IL-2, TNF-α and IL-6 cytokines, by comparison of the control settings. Conclusion In sum, our investigation suggests an enhancement of antitumor effect by the surface modification of endoglin-targeting nanoliposomes upon DC/tumor FC-activated PD-1− CTLs, therefore, provides a new tumoral endoglin-targeted approach as a promising strategy to reduce immunosuppression of tumor microenvironment and improve the immunotherapeutic outcome of anticancer ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shenxia Xie
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoqiong Hou
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Yang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Shi
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomei Yang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Siliang Duan
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Fengzhen Mo
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Aiqun Liu
- International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wu Wang
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,Laboratory of Tropical Biomedicine and Biotechnology, School of Tropical Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan, 571101, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoling Lu
- School of Preclinical Medicine, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,International Nanobody Research Center of Guangxi, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China.,College of Stomatology, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, People's Republic of China
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50
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Bi-specific and Tri-specific NK Cell Engagers: The New Avenue of Targeted NK Cell Immunotherapy. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:577-592. [PMID: 34327614 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00550-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy has grown significantly over the past two decades. More recently, multi-specific engagers have been developed as cancer therapeutics to effectively arm endogenous NK cells to more potently induce specific cytolytic responses against tumor targets. This review explores the bi- and tri-specific NK/tumor engagers that are emerging as a new generation of immunotherapeutics. These molecules vary in configuration, but they typically have small molecular weights and domains that engage specific tumor antigens and NK cell-activating receptors such as CD16, NKp30, NKp46, and NKG2D. They have demonstrated compelling potential in boosting NK cell cytotoxicity against specific tumor targets. This highly adaptable off-the-shelf platform, which in some formats also integrates cytokines, is poised to revolutionize targeted NK cell immunotherapy, either as a monotherapy or in combination with other effective anti-cancer therapies.
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