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Rubino V, Carriero F, Palatucci AT, Giovazzino A, Leone S, Nicolella V, Calabrò M, Montanaro R, Brancaleone V, Pane F, Chiurazzi F, Ruggiero G, Terrazzano G. Adaptive and Innate Cytotoxic Effectors in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) Subjects with Stable Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119596. [PMID: 37298547 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) is characterised by the expansion of a neoplastic mature B cell clone. CLL clinical outcome is very heterogeneous, with some subjects never requiring therapy and some showing an aggressive disease. Genetic and epigenetic alterations and pro-inflammatory microenvironment influence CLL progression and prognosis. The involvement of immune-mediated mechanisms in CLL control needs to be investigated. We analyse the activation profile of innate and adaptive cytotoxic immune effectors in a cohort of 26 CLL patients with stable disease, as key elements for immune-mediated control of cancer progression. We observed an increase in CD54 expression and interferon (IFN)-γ production by cytotoxic T cells (CTL). CTL ability to recognise tumour-targets depends on human leukocyte antigens (HLA)-class I expression. We observed a decreased expression of HLA-A and HLA-BC on B cells of CLL subjects, associated with a significant reduction in intracellular calnexin that is relevant for HLA surface expression. Natural killer (NK) cells and CTL from CLL subjects show an increased expression of the activating receptor KIR2DS2 and a reduction of 3DL1 and NKG2A inhibiting molecules. Therefore, an activation profile characterises CTL and NK cells of CLL subjects with stable disease. This profile is conceivable with the functional involvement of cytotoxic effectors in CLL control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Rubino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Carriero
- Department of Science, University of Basilicata, 85100 Potenza, Italy
| | | | - Angela Giovazzino
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Leone
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Valerio Nicolella
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Calabrò
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Fabrizio Pane
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Federico Chiurazzi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Ruggiero
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", 80131 Naples, Italy
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Andreescu M, Berbec N, Tanase AD. Assessment of Impact of Human Leukocyte Antigen-Type and Cytokine-Type Responses on Outcomes after Targeted Therapy Currently Used to Treat Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12072731. [PMID: 37048814 PMCID: PMC10094967 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12072731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth and metastasis are reliant on intricate interactions between the host immune system and various counter-regulatory immune escape mechanisms employed by the tumor. Tumors can resist immune surveillance by modifying the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, which results in the impaired presentation of tumor-associated antigens, subsequently evading detection and destruction by the immune system. The management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is based on symptom severity and includes various types of targeted therapies, including rituximab, obinutuzumab, ibrutinib, acalabrutinib, zanubrutinib, idelalisib, and venetoclax. These therapies rely on the recognition of specific peptides presented by HLAs on the surface of tumor cells by T cells, leading to an immune response. HLA class I molecules are found in most human cell types and interact with T-cell receptors (TCRs) to activate T cells, which play a vital role in inducing adaptive immune responses. However, tumor cells may evade T-cell attack by downregulating HLA expression, limiting the efficacy of HLA-dependent immunotherapy. The prognosis of CLL largely depends on the presence or absence of genetic abnormalities, such as del(17p), TP53 point mutations, and IGHV somatic hypermutation status. These oral targeted therapies alone or in combination with anti-CD20 antibodies have replaced chemoimmunotherapy as the primary treatment for CLL. In this review, we summarize the current clinical evidence on the impact of HLA- and cytokine-type responses on outcomes after targeted therapies currently used to treat CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mihaela Andreescu
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University of Bucharest, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Colentina Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Nicoleta Berbec
- Department of Hematology, Coltea Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Bucharest, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Alina Daniela Tanase
- Faculty of Medicine, Carol Davila University of Bucharest, 040051 Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Hematology, Fundeni Clinical Hospital, 020125 Bucharest, Romania
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3
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Yano M, Byrd JC, Muthusamy N. Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Functional Impairment and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235787. [PMID: 36497266 PMCID: PMC9739887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches have advanced rapidly in recent years. While the greatest therapeutic advances so far have been achieved with T cell therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T, recent advances in NK cell therapy have highlighted the therapeutic potential of these cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent form of leukemia in Western countries, is a very immunosuppressive disease but still shows significant potential as a target of immunotherapy, including NK-based therapies. In addition to their antileukemia potential, NK cells are important immune effectors in the response to infections, which represent a major clinical concern for CLL patients. Here, we review the interactions between NK cells and CLL, describing functional changes and mechanisms of CLL-induced NK suppression, interactions with current therapeutic options, and the potential for therapeutic benefit using NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Yano
- Medical Science Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
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4
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Medjouel Khlifi H, Guia S, Vivier E, Narni-Mancinelli E. Role of the ITAM-Bearing Receptors Expressed by Natural Killer Cells in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:898745. [PMID: 35757695 PMCID: PMC9231431 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.898745] [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] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) capable of recognizing and directly killing tumor cells. They also secrete cytokines and chemokines, which participate in the shaping of the adaptive response. NK cells identify tumor cells and are activated through a net positive signal from inhibitory and activating receptors. Several activating NK cell receptors are coupled to adaptor molecules containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). These receptors include CD16 and the natural cytotoxic receptors NKp46, NKp44, NKp30 in humans. The powerful antitumor NK cell response triggered by these activating receptors has made them attractive targets for exploitation in immunotherapy. In this review, we will discuss the different activating receptors associated with ITAM-bearing cell surface receptors expressed on NK cells, their modulations in the tumor context and the various therapeutic tools developed to boost NK cell responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakim Medjouel Khlifi
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Guia
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France.,Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
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5
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Cellular Therapy Advances in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Richter's Syndrome. Curr Probl Cancer 2021; 46:100827. [PMID: 34991902 DOI: 10.1016/j.currproblcancer.2021.100827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Over the past 10 years, there have been great treatment advances for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) with the development of small molecule inhibitors. However, there remains an area of unmet need for patients who progress on novel therapies. The development of cellular therapies in CLL has been hindered by CLL induced immunosuppression. Fortunately, recent progress in various methods in immunomodulation may help overcome this limitation in CLL. These advances have spurred ongoing interest in the development of cellular therapies for CLL, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapies, bi-specific antibodies, and use of natural killer cells. These novel treatment modalities may hold promise for patients with refractory, and potentially transformed disease. Here, we discuss the development of CAR-T cell therapy in CLL and the impact of combining CAR-T and small molecule inhibitors on treatment outcomes, the evolving role of bi-specific antibodies and natural killer cells, and comment on the use of cellular therapies for Richter's syndrome.
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6
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The Race of CAR Therapies: CAR-NK Cells for Fighting B-Cell Hematological Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215418. [PMID: 34771581 PMCID: PMC8582420 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Over the last few years, CAR-T cells have arisen as one of the most promising immunotherapies against relapsed or refractory hematological cancers. Despite their good results in clinical trials, there are some limitations to overcome, such as undesirable side-effects or the restraints of an autologous treatment. Therefore, CAR-NK cells have emerged as a good alternative for these kinds of treatments. This review discusses the advantages of CAR-NK cells compared to CAR-T cells, as well as the different sources and strategies in order to obtain these CAR-NK cells. Abstract Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are the most common leukemias in children and elderly people, respectively. Standard therapies, such as chemotherapy, are only effective in 40% of ALL adult patients with a five-year survival rate and therefore new alternatives need to be used, such as immunotherapy targeting specific receptors of malignant cells. Among all the options, CAR (Chimeric antigen receptor)-based therapy has arisen as a new opportunity for refractory or relapsed hematological cancer patients. CARs were designed to be used along with T lymphocytes, creating CAR-T cells, but they are presenting such encouraging results that they are already in use as drugs. Nonetheless, their side-effects and the fact that it is not possible to infuse an allogenic CAR-T product without causing graft-versus-host-disease, have meant using a different cell source to solve these problems, such as Natural Killer (NK) cells. Although CAR-based treatment is a high-speed race led by CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells are slowly (but surely) consolidating their position; their demonstrated efficacy and the lack of undesirable side-effects is opening a new door for CAR-based treatments. CAR-NKs are now in the field to stay.
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7
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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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Impact of Immune Parameters and Immune Dysfunctions on the Prognosis of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153856. [PMID: 34359757 PMCID: PMC8345723 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), immune alterations—affecting both the innate and adaptive immunity—are very common. As a clinical consequence, patients with CLL frequently present with autoimmune phenomena, increased risk of infections and second malignancies. The aim of this review article is to present available data on CLL-associated alterations of immune parameters that correlate with known prognostic markers and with clinical outcome. Also, data on the impact of immune-related clinical manifestations on the prognosis of patients with CLL will be discussed. Abstract Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by a wide spectrum of immune alterations, affecting both the innate and adaptive immunity. These immune dysfunctions strongly impact the immune surveillance, facilitate tumor progression and eventually affect the disease course. Quantitative and functional alterations involving conventional T cells, γδ T cells, regulatory T cells, NK and NKT cells, and myeloid cells, together with hypogammaglobulinemia, aberrations in the complement pathways and altered cytokine signature have been reported in patients with CLL. Some of these immune parameters have been shown to associate with other CLL-related characteristics with a known prognostic relevance or to correlate with disease prognosis. Also, in CLL, the complex immune response dysfunctions eventually translate in clinical manifestations, including autoimmune phenomena, increased risk of infections and second malignancies. These clinical issues are overall the most common complications that affect the course and management of CLL, and they also may impact overall disease prognosis.
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Sportoletti P, De Falco F, Del Papa B, Baldoni S, Guarente V, Marra A, Dorillo E, Rompietti C, Adamo FM, Ruggeri L, Di Ianni M, Rosati E. NK Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Their Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136665. [PMID: 34206399 PMCID: PMC8268440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Key features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are defects in the immune system and the ability of leukemic cells to evade immune defenses and induce immunosuppression, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections and disease progression. Several immune effectors are impaired in CLL, including T and natural killer (NK) cells. The role of T cells in defense against CLL and in CLL progression and immunotherapy has been extensively studied. Less is known about the role of NK cells in this leukemia, and data on NK cell alterations in CLL are contrasting. Besides studies showing that NK cells have intrinsic defects in CLL, there is a large body of evidence indicating that NK cell dysfunctions in CLL mainly depend on the escape mechanisms employed by leukemic cells. In keeping, it has been shown that NK cell functions, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), can be retained and/or restored after adequate stimulation. Therefore, due to their preserved ADCC function and the reversibility of CLL-related dysfunctions, NK cells are an attractive source for novel immunotherapeutic strategies in this disease, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy. Recently, satisfying clinical responses have been obtained in CLL patients using cord blood-derived CAR-NK cells, opening new possibilities for further exploring NK cells in the immunotherapy of CLL. However, notwithstanding the promising results of this clinical trial, more evidence is needed to fully understand whether and in which CLL cases NK cell-based immunotherapy may represent a valid, alternative/additional therapeutic option for this leukemia. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about phenotypic and functional alterations of NK cells in CLL and the mechanisms by which CLL cells circumvent NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance. Additionally, we discuss the potential relevance of using NK cells in CLL immunotherapy.
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MESH Headings
- Biomarkers
- Cell Communication
- Disease Management
- Disease Susceptibility
- Humans
- Immune System/immunology
- Immune System/metabolism
- Immunotherapy/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/etiology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Ligands
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Escape/genetics
- Tumor Escape/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Sportoletti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Filomena De Falco
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Beatrice Del Papa
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Stefano Baldoni
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Valerio Guarente
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Andrea Marra
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Erica Dorillo
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Chiara Rompietti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Francesco Maria Adamo
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Loredana Ruggeri
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Mauro Di Ianni
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Ospedale Civile “Santo Spirito”, ASL Pescara, 65124 Pescara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rosati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Puiggros A, Blanco G, Muntasell A, Rodríguez-Rivera M, Nonell L, Altadill M, Puigdecanet E, Arnal M, Calvo X, Gimeno E, Abella E, Abrisqueta P, Bosch F, Yélamos J, Ferrer A, López-Botet M, Espinet B. Reduced expansion of CD94/NKG2C + NK cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and CLL-like monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis is not related to increased human cytomegalovirus seronegativity or NKG2C deletions. Int J Lab Hematol 2021; 43:1032-1040. [PMID: 33615729 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.13494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysregulated NK cell-mediated immune responses contribute to tumor evasion in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), although the NK cell compartment in CLL-like monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis (MBL) is poorly understood. In healthy individuals, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) induces the expansion of NK cells expressing high levels of CD94/NKG2C NK cell receptor (NKR) specific for HLA-E. METHODS We analyzed the expression of NKG2A, NKG2C, ILT2, KIR, CD161, and CD57 in 24 MBL and 37 CLL. NKG2C was genotyped in these patients and in 81 additional MBL/CLL, while NKG2C gene expression was assessed in 26 cases. In 8 CLL patients with increased lymphocytosis (≥20 × 109 /L), tumor HLA-E and HLA-G expression was evaluated. RESULTS NKR distribution did not significantly differ between MBL and CLL patients, although they exhibited reduced NKG2C+ NK cells compared with a non-CLL group (4.6% vs 12.2%, P = .012). HCMV+ patients showed increased percentages of NKG2C+ NK cells compared with HCMV- (7.3% vs 2.9%, P = .176). Frequencies of NKG2C deletions in MBL/CLL were similar to those of the general population. Low/undetectable NKG2C expression was found among NKG2C+/- (45%) and NKG2C+/+ (12%) patients. CLL cases with increased lymphocytosis displayed especially reduced NKG2C expression (1.8% vs 8.1%, P = .029) and tumor cells with high HLA-E (>98%) and variable HLA-G expression (12.4%, range: 0.5-56.4). CLL patients with low NKG2C expression (<7%) showed shorter time to first treatment (P = .037). CONCLUSION Reduced percentages of CD94/NKG2C+ NK cells were observed in CLL and MBL patients independently of HCMV serostatus and NKG2C zygosity, particularly in CLL patients with increased lymphocytosis, which could potentially be related to the exposure to tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Puiggros
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Hematological Cytology Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Research on Hematological Neoplasms Group, Cancer Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gonzalo Blanco
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Hematological Cytology Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Research on Hematological Neoplasms Group, Cancer Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Aura Muntasell
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Rodríguez-Rivera
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Hematological Cytology Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Research on Hematological Neoplasms Group, Cancer Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Eulàlia Puigdecanet
- MARGenomics, IMIM, Barcelona, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Xavier Calvo
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Hematological Cytology Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Research on Hematological Neoplasms Group, Cancer Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Gimeno
- Hematology Department, Hospital del Mar-IMIM, Barcelona, Spain.,Applied Clinical Research in Hematological Malignances, Cancer Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eugènia Abella
- Hematology Department, Hospital del Mar-IMIM, Barcelona, Spain.,Applied Clinical Research in Hematological Malignances, Cancer Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pau Abrisqueta
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Bosch
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Yélamos
- Immunology Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Ferrer
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Hematological Cytology Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Research on Hematological Neoplasms Group, Cancer Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel López-Botet
- Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute (IMIM), Barcelona, Spain.,University Pompeu Fabra (UPF), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Blanca Espinet
- Molecular Cytogenetics Laboratory, Hematological Cytology Laboratory, Pathology Department, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain.,Translational Research on Hematological Neoplasms Group, Cancer Research Program, IMIM-Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain
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11
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Scielzo C, Ghia P. Modeling the Leukemia Microenviroment In Vitro. Front Oncol 2020; 10:607608. [PMID: 33392097 PMCID: PMC7773937 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.607608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, the active role of the microenvironment in the pathogenesis, development and drug resistance of B cell malignancies has been clearly established. It is known that the tissue microenvironment promotes proliferation and drug resistance of leukemic cells suggesting that successful treatments of B cell malignancies must target the leukemic cells within these compartments. However, the cross-talk occurring between cancer cells and the tissue microenvironment still needs to be fully elucidated. In solid tumors, this lack of knowledge has led to the development of new and more complex in vitro models able to successfully mimic the in vivo settings, while only a few simplified models are available for haematological cancers, commonly relying only on the co-culture with stabilized stromal cells and/or the addition of limited cocktails of cytokines. Here, we will review the known cellular and molecular interactions occurring between monoclonal B lymphocytes and their tissue microenvironment and the current literature describing innovative in vitro models developed in particular to study chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We will also elaborate on the possibility to further improve such systems based on the current knowledge of the key molecules/signals present in the microenvironment. In particular, we think that future models should be developed as 3D culture systems with a higher level of cellular and molecular complexity, to replicate microenvironmental-induced signaling. We believe that innovative 3D-models may therefore improve the knowledge on pathogenic mechanisms leading to the dissemination and homing of leukemia cells and consequently the identification of therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Scielzo
- Unit of Malignant B Cell Biology and 3D Modeling, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Ghia
- Unit of B Cell Neoplasia, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy.,Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy.,Strategic Research Program on CLL, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
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12
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Cózar B, Greppi M, Carpentier S, Narni-Mancinelli E, Chiossone L, Vivier E. Tumor-Infiltrating Natural Killer Cells. Cancer Discov 2020; 11:34-44. [PMID: 33277307 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-0655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Because of their potent antitumor activity and their proinflammatory role, natural killer (NK) cells are at the forefront of efforts to develop immuno-oncologic treatments. NK cells participate in immune responses to tumors by killing target cells and producing cytokines. However, in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, NK cells become dysfunctional through exposure to inhibitory molecules produced by cancer cells, leading to tumor escape. We provide an overview of what is known about NK tumor infiltration and surveillance and about the mechanisms by which NK cells become dysfunctional. SIGNIFICANCE: The functions of tumor-infiltrating NK cells may be impaired. This review aims to describe the various mechanisms by which tumors alter NK-cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Cózar
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Marco Greppi
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Chiossone
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France. .,Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service d'Immunologie, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
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13
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Griggio V, Perutelli F, Salvetti C, Boccellato E, Boccadoro M, Vitale C, Coscia M. Immune Dysfunctions and Immune-Based Therapeutic Interventions in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Front Immunol 2020; 11:594556. [PMID: 33312177 PMCID: PMC7708380 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.594556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell malignancy characterized by a wide range of tumor-induced alterations, which affect both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune response, and accumulate during disease progression. In recent years, the development of targeted therapies, such as the B-cell receptor signaling inhibitors and the Bcl-2 protein inhibitor venetoclax, has dramatically changed the treatment landscape of CLL. Despite their remarkable anti-tumor activity, targeted agents have some limitations, which include the development of drug resistance mechanisms and the inferior efficacy observed in high-risk patients. Therefore, additional treatments are necessary to obtain deeper responses and overcome drug resistance. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), which exploits immune-mediated graft-versus-leukemia effect to eradicate tumor cells, currently represents the only potentially curative therapeutic option for CLL patients. However, due to its potential toxicities, HSCT can be offered only to a restricted number of younger and fit patients. The growing understanding of the complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune system, which is responsible for immune escape mechanisms and tumor progression, has paved the way for the development of novel immune-based strategies. Despite promising preclinical observations, results from pilot clinical studies exploring the safety and efficacy of novel immune-based therapies have been sometimes suboptimal in terms of long-term tumor control. Therefore, further advances to improve their efficacy are needed. In this context, possible approaches include an earlier timing of immunotherapy within the treatment sequencing, as well as the possibility to improve the efficacy of immunotherapeutic agents by administering them in combination with other anti-tumor drugs. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive overview of main immune defects affecting patients with CLL, also describing the complex networks leading to immune evasion and tumor progression. From the therapeutic standpoint, we will go through the evolution of immune-based therapeutic approaches over time, including i) agents with broad immunomodulatory effects, such as immunomodulatory drugs, ii) currently approved and next-generation monoclonal antibodies, and iii) immunotherapeutic strategies aiming at activating or administering immune effector cells specifically targeting leukemic cells (e.g. bi-or tri-specific antibodies, tumor vaccines, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, and checkpoint inhibitors).
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Griggio
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Perutelli
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Salvetti
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Elia Boccellato
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Mario Boccadoro
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Candida Vitale
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Marta Coscia
- University Division of Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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14
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Cantoni C, Wurzer H, Thomas C, Vitale M. Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1339-1360. [PMID: 32930468 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0820-652r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
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15
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Hemati M, Rasouli Nejad Z, Shokri MR, Ghahremanfard F, Mir Mohammadkhani M, Kokhaei P. IL-27 impact on NK cells activity: Implication for a robust anti-tumor response in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 82:106350. [PMID: 32120343 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin 27 (IL-27) belongs to IL-12 cytokine family, has shown anti-tumor potential in several solid tumors, as well as hematologic malignancies. IL-27 can inhibit tumor growth and progression through direct and indirect mechanisms, such as inhibition of proliferation, angiogenesis, induction of apoptosis in tumor cells, and anti-tumor immune response. B-CLL is characterized by remarkable immune perturbation, which leads to disease complications and reduced effectiveness of the treatment. Natural killer cells (NK) are considered as an important arm for the elimination of transformed cells. However, NK cells have shown significant impairment in patients with CLL. Here we analyzed the activity of recombinant human (rh) IL-27-stimulated NK cells in bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) of CLL patients using cell surface flow cytometry assessment, and cytotoxicity assay. We showed that rhIL-27 can increase CD69 on NK cells both in BM and PB. Interestingly, BM-NK cells treated with rhIL-27 exhibited a significant increase in degranulation and NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity as compared with untreated NK cells, whereas it did not improve NK cell activity of PB. These observations added further explanation to the anti-tumor activity of IL-27 and also could pave the way to adoption immunostimulatory adjuvant for therapies in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maral Hemati
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Zahra Rasouli Nejad
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Shokri
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Majid Mir Mohammadkhani
- Health Research Center of Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Parviz Kokhaei
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Department of Oncology-Pathology, BioClinicum, Karolinska University Hospital Solna and Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.
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16
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Natural Killer Cell Hypo-responsiveness in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia can be Circumvented In Vitro by Adequate Activating Signaling. Hemasphere 2019; 3:e308. [PMID: 31976482 PMCID: PMC6924557 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by an acquired immune dysfunction, which may underlie the hampered efficacy of cellular immunotherapy. Most data on dampened immune responses in CLL come from studies investigating CLL and T cell interactions. Natural killer (NK) cells may be an attractive alternative source of effector cells in immunotherapy in CLL, provided that functionality is retained within the CLL micro-environment. Despite their important role in anti-tumor responses, NK cells are not extensively characterized in CLL. Here, we studied the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors on CLL-derived and healthy control (HC) NK cells, and their functional response towards several stimuli. NK cells from CLL patients have an increased maturation stage, with an expansion of NKG2C+ NK cells in CMV seropositive individuals. The cytotoxicity receptor NKG2D is downregulated, and the killing capacity through this receptor was markedly reduced in CLL-derived NK cells. In contrast, activation via CD16 (FCγRIII) led to adequate activation and functional responses in CLL-derived NK cells. These findings indicate that NK cells in CLL are not intrinsically defect and still perform effector functions upon adequate activating signaling. Clinical relevance of this finding was shown by treatment with novel nanobody-Fc constructs, which induced cytotoxic responses in both CLL- and HC-derived NK cells via CD16. Our results show that NK cells, in contrast to the T cell compartment, retain their function within the CLL micro-environment, provided that they receive an adequate activating signal. These findings warrant future studies on NK cell mediated immunotherapeutic strategies in CLL.
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17
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Sivori S, Meazza R, Quintarelli C, Carlomagno S, Della Chiesa M, Falco M, Moretta L, Locatelli F, Pende D. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Hematological Malignancies. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1702. [PMID: 31623224 PMCID: PMC6832127 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) lymphocytes are an integral component of the innate immune system and represent important effector cells in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the control of hematological malignancies. Refined knowledge of NK cellular and molecular biology has fueled the interest in NK cell-based antitumor therapies, and recent efforts have been made to exploit the high potential of these cells in clinical practice. Infusion of high numbers of mature NK cells through the novel graft manipulation based on the selective depletion of T cells and CD19+ B cells has resulted into an improved outcome in children with acute leukemia given human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical hematopoietic transplantation. Likewise, adoptive transfer of purified third-party NK cells showed promising results in patients with myeloid malignancies. Strategies based on the use of cytokines or monoclonal antibodies able to induce and optimize NK cell activation, persistence, and expansion also represent a novel field of investigation with remarkable perspectives of favorably impacting on outcome of patients with hematological neoplasia. In addition, preliminary results suggest that engineering of mature NK cells through chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs deserve further investigation, with the goal of obtaining an "off-the-shelf" NK cell bank that may serve many different recipients for granting an efficient antileukemia activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy (S.C.); (M.D.C.)
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Meazza
- Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Concetta Quintarelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (F.L.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy (S.C.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy (S.C.); (M.D.C.)
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (F.L.)
- Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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18
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Lucar O, Reeves RK, Jost S. A Natural Impact: NK Cells at the Intersection of Cancer and HIV Disease. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1850. [PMID: 31474977 PMCID: PMC6705184 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite efficient suppression of plasma viremia in people living with HIV (PLWH) on cART, evidence of HIV-induced immunosuppression remains, and normally benign and opportunistic pathogens become major sources of co-morbidities, including virus-induced cancers. In fact, cancer remains a primary cause of death even in virally suppressed PLWH. Natural killer (NK) cells provide rapid early responses to HIV infection, contribute substantially to disease modulation and vaccine protection, and are also major therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy. However, much like other lymphocyte populations, recent burgeoning evidence suggests that in chronic conditions like HIV, NK cells can become functionally exhausted with impaired cytotoxic function, altered cytokine production and impaired antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Recent work suggests functional anergy is likely due to low-level ongoing virus replication, increased inflammatory cytokines, or increased presence of MHClow target cells. Indeed, HIV-induced loss of NK cell-mediated control of lytic EBV infection has been specifically shown to cause lymphoma and also increases replication of CMV. In this review, we will discuss current understanding of NK cell modulation of HIV disease, reciprocal exhaustion of NK cells, and how this may impact increased cancer incidences and prospects for NK cell-targeted immunotherapies. Finally, we will review the most recent evidence supporting adaptive functions of NK cells and highlight the potential of adaptive NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Lucar
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - R Keith Reeves
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie Jost
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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19
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Vitale M, Cantoni C, Della Chiesa M, Ferlazzo G, Carlomagno S, Pende D, Falco M, Pessino A, Muccio L, De Maria A, Marcenaro E, Moretta L, Sivori S. An Historical Overview: The Discovery of How NK Cells Can Kill Enemies, Recruit Defense Troops, and More. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1415. [PMID: 31316503 PMCID: PMC6611392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were originally defined as effector lymphocytes of innate immunity characterized by the unique ability of killing tumor and virally infected cells without any prior priming and expansion of specific clones. The "missing-self" theory, proposed by Klas Karre, the seminal discovery of the first prototypic HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors, and, later, of the Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs) by Alessandro Moretta, provided the bases to understand the puzzling behavior of NK cells. Actually, those discoveries proved crucial also for many of the achievements that, along the years, have contributed to the modern view of these cells. Indeed, NK cells, besides killing susceptible targets, are now known to functionally interact with different immune cells, sense pathogens using TLR, adapt their responses to the local environment, and, even, mount a sort of immunological memory. In this review, we will specifically focus on the main activating NK receptors and on their crucial role in the ever-increasing number of functions assigned to NK cells and other innate lymphoid cells (ILCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Vitale
- U.O.C. Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- U.O.C. Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annamaria Pessino
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Letizia Muccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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20
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Vosoughi T, Bagheri M, Hosseinzadeh M, Ehsanpour A, Davari N, Saki N. CD markers variations in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: New insights into prognosis. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19420-19439. [PMID: 31049958 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is one of the most commonly occurring adult leukemias that is associated with clonal accumulation of mature apoptosis-resistant B-cells in bone marrow, peripheral blood, and specific tissues. Different pathogenesis factors can contribute to the aggression of the clinical course in this disease. Cytogenetic abnormalities and surface biomarkers of neoplastic CLL cells can be effective in the outcome of CLL, and the examination of changing CD markers expressions in the progression of CLL can be related to the prognosis of this disease. Changing expression levels of CD markers on lymphocytes and other cells in CLL patients can play a role in the aggressive clinical outcomes such as organomegaly, immunodeficiency, and advanced disease stages through their interaction with CLL microenvironment. Given the involvement of CD markers in the pathogenesis of CLL, it can be stated that recognizing the expression changes of CD markers in the cells involved in CLL can be a proper approach to evaluate prognosis among these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tina Vosoughi
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Marziye Bagheri
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mehran Hosseinzadeh
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ali Ehsanpour
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Nader Davari
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Najmaldin Saki
- Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy Research Center, Health Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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21
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Hadadi L, Hafezi M, Amirzargar AA, Sharifian RA, Abediankenari S, Asgarian-Omran H. Dysregulated Expression of Tim-3 and NKp30 Receptors on NK Cells of Patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Oncol Res Treat 2019; 42:202-208. [PMID: 30870839 DOI: 10.1159/000497208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this study, the expression pattern of NKp30 and T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing molecule-3 (Tim-3), as candidates for activating and inhibitory receptors of NK cells, were evaluated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). PATIENTS AND METHODS 24 CLL patients and 19 healthy controls were enrolled. Fresh peripheral blood was collected from all subjects and stained with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies. The frequency of CD56+/CD3-/NKp30+ and CD56+/CD3-/Tim-3+ cells was determined by multicolor flow cytometry. RESULTS Our results revealed that Tim-3 is significantly upregulated on natural killer (NK) cells of CLL patients in comparison to healthy controls. NK cells of CLL patients showed lower expression of NKp30-activating receptor compared to controls. Tim-3 expression pattern on NK cells of CLL patients was correlated with poor prognostic factors including low hemoglobin level, high absolute lymphocyte count, and high serum C-reactive protein level. CONCLUSION Dysregulated expression of Tim-3 and NKp30 receptors confirms the exhaustion state of NK cells in CLL. Our data introduce Tim-3 as a promising biomarker and potential target for immunotherapy of CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Hadadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Morteza Hafezi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Amirzargar
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ramazan Ali Sharifian
- Clinic of Hematology and Oncology, Vali-Asr Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saeid Abediankenari
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.,Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran, .,Immunogenetics Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran,
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22
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Abd El-Aziz N, El Gohary G, Mohamed S, El-Saleh K. Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications of Lymphocytes in Hematological Disorders and Solid Malignancies. LYMPHOCYTES 2019. [DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.79168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/01/2023]
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23
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Rodrigues-Santos P, López-Sejas N, Almeida JS, Ruzičková L, Couceiro P, Alves V, Campos C, Alonso C, Tarazona R, Freitas-Tavares P, Solana R, Santos-Rosa M. Effect of Age on NK Cell Compartment in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2587. [PMID: 30487792 PMCID: PMC6246921 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a very important component of the innate immune response involved in the lysis of virus infected and tumor cells. Aging has a profound impact in the frequency, phenotype and function of NK cells. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML) is caused by the BCR-ABL gene formation encoding aberrant oncoprotein tyrosine kinase. Treatment with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) induces durable deep molecular response. The response to treatment and life expectancy is lower in older patients with chronic phase of CML than in younger patients. In this work we analyse NK cells from TKI-treated CML patients and healthy controls stratified according to age. We have analyzed the expression of NK receptors, activation markers, NK cell differentiation in CD56bright and CD56dim NK cell subsets and the expression of CD107a and IFN-γ in NK cells stimulated with K562. Whereas significant differences on the phenotype and function of NK cells were found between middle-aged (35–65 years old) and elderly (older than 65) healthy individuals, NK cells from TKI-treated CML patients do not show significant differences related with age in most parameters studied, indicating that age is not a limitation of the NK cell recovery after treatment with TKI. Our results also revealed differences in the expression of NK receptors, activation markers and functional assays in NK cells from TKI-treated CML patients compared with age-matched healthy controls. These results highlight the relevance of NK cells in TKI-treated patients and the need of an extensive analysis of the effect of aging on NK cell phenotype and function in these patients in order to define new NK-cell based strategies directed to control CML progression and achieve long-term disease remission after TKI cessation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology - CIMAGO, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nelson López-Sejas
- Department of Immunology, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jani Sofia Almeida
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology - CIMAGO, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lenka Ruzičková
- Hematology Service, Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patricia Couceiro
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology - CIMAGO, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Vera Alves
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology - CIMAGO, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Carmen Campos
- Department of Immunology, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Corona Alonso
- Department of Immunology, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | | | | | - Rafael Solana
- Department of Immunology, Instituto Maimónides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba - Reina Sofia University Hospital - University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Manuel Santos-Rosa
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology - CIMAGO, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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24
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Wang WT, Zhu HY, Wu YJ, Xia Y, Wu JZ, Wu W, Liang JH, Wang L, Fan L, Li JY, Xu W. Elevated absolute NK cell counts in peripheral blood predict good prognosis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2018; 144:449-457. [PMID: 29299750 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-017-2568-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of the absolute natural killer (NK) cell counts in peripheral blood in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). METHODS A total of 273 previously untreated patients with CLL from April 2004 and October 2015 were enrolled into this retrospective study. We analysed the T cell subsets of all patients and figured out the number of NK cells. Comparisons of NK cell count as continuous parameter in different groups were described using Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to survival analysis, and the Cox proportional hazards models were used for the estimation of prognostic factors. RESULTS NK cell counts were calculated in 273 therapy-naive CLL patients, and higher number of NK cell was observed in those with Binet stage A/B, ZAP-70 < 20%, normal serum albumin and β2-microglobulin levels. Using a NK cell count cut-off of 0.40 × 109/L, patients with lower NK cell count (< 0.40 × 109/L) had a significantly shorter overall survival (OS) than those with higher NK cell count (≥ 0.40 × 109/L) (P = 0.0014). Multivariate analysis showed that NK cell counts remained its prognostic value. However, the effect of NK cell count on time to treatment was not significant. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that NK cell count is an independent prognostic marker for OS in patients with CLL and NK cell counts ≥ 0.40 × 109/L can routinely be used to identify patients with favorable survival.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Female
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/pathology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/immunology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/mortality
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Lymphocyte Count
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prognosis
- Retrospective Studies
- Survival Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ting Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Hua-Yuan Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yu-Jie Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Yi Xia
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jia-Zhu Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jin-Hua Liang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Li Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Lei Fan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Jian-Yong Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210029, China.
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing, 210029, China.
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25
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Natural killer cells in acute myeloid leukemia patients: from phenotype to transcriptomic analysis. Immunol Res 2017; 64:1225-1236. [PMID: 27481509 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-016-8848-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapies allow complete remission in more than 50 % of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), however, with frequent relapse. This suggests that residual leukemic cells may escape to chemotherapy and immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells from AML patients (AML-NK) have a weaker natural cytotoxicity-activating receptors (NCRs) expression than NK cells from healthy donors (HD-NK). Coding genes for NCR1/NKp46, NCR2/NKp44 and NCR3/NKp30 are located at different loci on two different chromosomes; however, their expression is tightly coordinated. Most NK cells express either high (NCRbright) or low levels (NCRdull) of all three NCRs. This suggests the existence of negative/positive regulation factor(s) common to the three receptors. In order to find transcription factor(s) or pathway(s) involved in NCRs co-regulation, this study compared the transcriptomic signature of HD-NK and AML-NK cells, before and after in vitro NK cells culture. Microarrays analysis revealed a specific NK cells transcriptomic signature in patients with AML. However, in vitro NK cells expansion erased this signature and up-regulated expression of central molecules of NK functions, such as NCR, NKG2D and also ETS-1, regardless of their origin, i.e., AML-NK vs HD-NK. ETS-1 transcription factor was shown to bind to a specific and common region in the NCRs promoters, thus appearing as a good candidate to explain the coordinated regulation of three NCRs. Such results are encouraging regarding in vitro AML-NK cytotoxicity restoration and provide a new conceptual support for innovative cellular therapy based on in vitro NK cells expansion before their reinfusion in AML patients.
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26
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MacFarlane AW, Jillab M, Smith MR, Alpaugh RK, Cole ME, Litwin S, Millenson MM, Al-Saleem T, Cohen AD, Campbell KS. NK cell dysfunction in chronic lymphocytic leukemia is associated with loss of the mature cells expressing inhibitory killer cell Ig-like receptors. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1330235. [PMID: 28811973 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1330235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
A prospective analysis of natural killer (NK) cell phenotype and function was performed on fresh peripheral blood samples from untreated patients with B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Compared to healthy controls, CD56dim NK cells in CLL patients displayed reduced expression of the NKG2D activating receptor and increased CD27 expression, which indicates declines in mature cells. In addition, NK cells from CLL patients showed reduced degranulation responses toward transformed B cells alone or with rituximab and were more sensitive to activation-induced cell death. We further noted a striking reduction in the frequency and viability of NK cells expressing the inhibitory killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR)2DL1 and/or KIR3DL1, which progressed over time in most patients. Comparisons between a CLL patient and healthy monozygotic twin were consistent with our results in the larger cohorts. Functional and biomarker alterations were less pronounced on NK cells from SLL patients, which have lower tumor burden in peripheral blood than CLL, but significant reduction in degranulation under ADCC conditions and lower frequency and viability of KIR-expressing NK cells were still evident in SLL. We conclude that mature KIR-expressing NK cells respond to the high circulating B cell tumor burden in CLL, but undergo activation-induced apoptosis. Consequently, CLL patients may benefit from therapies that augment NK cell survival and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander W MacFarlane
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mowafaq Jillab
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mitchell R Smith
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - R Katherine Alpaugh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Marion E Cole
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Samuel Litwin
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Facility, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Michael M Millenson
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Tahseen Al-Saleem
- Department of Pathology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Adam D Cohen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kerry S Campbell
- Blood Cell Development and Function Program, Institute for Cancer Research, Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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27
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Hughes A, Yong ASM. Immune Effector Recovery in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia and Treatment-Free Remission. Front Immunol 2017; 8:469. [PMID: 28484463 PMCID: PMC5402174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a hematological cancer, characterized by a reciprocal chromosomal translocation between chromosomes 9 and 22 [t(9;22)], producing the Bcr-Abl oncogene. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) represent the standard of care for CML patients and exert a dual mode of action: direct oncokinase inhibition and restoration of effector-mediated immune surveillance, which is rendered dysfunctional in CML patients at diagnosis, prior to TKI therapy. TKIs such as imatinib, and more potent second-generation nilotinib and dasatinib induce a high rate of deep molecular response (DMR, BCR-ABL1 ≤ 0.01%) in CML patients. As a result, the more recent goal of therapy in CML treatment is to induce a durable DMR as a prelude to successful treatment-free remission (TFR), which occurs in approximately half of all CML patients who cease TKI therapy. The lack of overt relapse in such patients has been attributed to immunological control of CML. In this review, we discuss an immunological timeline to successful TFR, focusing on the immunology of CML during TKI treatment; an initial period of immune suppression, limiting antitumor immune effector responses in newly diagnosed CML patients, linked to an expansion of immature myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells and aberrant expression of immune checkpoint signaling pathways, including programmed death-1/programmed death ligand-1. Commencement of TKI treatment is associated with immune system re-activation and restoration of effector-mediated [natural killer (NK) cell and T cell] immune surveillance in CML patients, albeit with differing frequencies in concert with differing levels of molecular response achieved on TKI. DMR is associated with maximal restoration of immune recovery in CML patients on TKI. Current data suggest a net balance between both the effector and suppressor arms of the immune system, at a minimum involving mature, cytotoxic CD56dim NK cells may be important in mediating TFR success. However, a major goal remains in CML to identify the most effective pathways to target to maximize an advantageous immune response and promote TFR success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Hughes
- Department of Haematology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Cancer Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Agnes S M Yong
- Department of Haematology, SA Pathology, Adelaide, SA, Australia.,Cancer Theme, South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, SA, Australia.,School of Medicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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28
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Purroy N, Wu CJ. Coevolution of Leukemia and Host Immune Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2017; 7:cshperspect.a026740. [PMID: 28096240 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a026740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Cumulative studies on the dissection of changes in driver genetic lesions in cancer across the course of the disease have provided powerful insights into the adaptive mechanisms of tumors in response to the selective pressures of therapy and environmental changes. In particular, the advent of next-generation-sequencing (NGS)-based technologies and its implementation for the large-scale comprehensive analyses of cancers have greatly advanced our understanding of cancer as a complex dynamic system wherein genetically distinct subclones interact and compete during tumor evolution. Aside from genetic evolution arising from interactions intrinsic to the cell subpopulations within tumors, it is increasingly appreciated that reciprocal interactions between the tumor cell and cellular constituents of the microenvironment further exert selective pressures on specific clones that can impact the balance between tumor immunity and immunologic evasion and escape. Herein, we review the evidence supporting these concepts, with a particular focus on chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), a disease that has been highly amenable to genomic interrogation and studies of clonal heterogeneity and evolution. Better knowledge of the basis for immune escape has an important clinical impact on prognostic stratification and on the pursuit of new therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia Purroy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
| | - Catherine J Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215.,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115
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29
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Standardized and flexible eight colour flow cytometry panels harmonized between different laboratories to study human NK cell phenotype and function. Sci Rep 2017; 7:43873. [PMID: 28281564 PMCID: PMC5345017 DOI: 10.1038/srep43873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2016] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Advancements in multi-colour fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) panel warrant harmonized procedures to obtain comparable data between various laboratories. The intensifying clinical exploration of Natural Killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy demands standardized and harmonized NK cell FACS panels and acquisition protocols. Eight colour FACS panels were designed to study human NK cell phenotype and function within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). The panels were designed around fixed backbone markers and channels, covering antigens for non-NK lineage exclusion (CD3, TCRγδ, CD19, CD14, SYTOX® Blue) and NK cell selection (CD45, CD56, CD16), complemented with variable drop-in markers/channels to study NK cell phenotype (NKG2A, NKG2C, NKG2D and KIR2D) or NK cell function and activation (CD25, NKp44 and CD107a). Harmonized FACS set-up and data analysis for three different flow cytometers has been established, leading to highly comparable and reproducible data sets using the same PBMC reference samples (n = 6). Further studies of NK cells in fresh or cryopreserved PBMC samples (n = 12) confirmed that freezing and thawing of PBMC samples did not significantly affect NK phenotype or function. In conclusion, our data demonstrate that cryopreserved PBMC samples analysed by standardized FACS panels and harmonized analysis protocols will generate highly reliable data sets for multi-center clinical trials under validated conditions.
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30
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CML patients with deep molecular responses to TKI have restored immune effectors and decreased PD-1 and immune suppressors. Blood 2017; 129:1166-1176. [DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-10-745992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Key Points
Increased immune suppressors and PD-1 abrogates effector responses in CML patients at diagnosis. Enhanced net effector immune responses and decreased PD-1 and immune suppressors may promote sustained deep molecular response in CML.
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31
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Pasero C, Gravis G, Granjeaud S, Guerin M, Thomassin-Piana J, Rocchi P, Salem N, Walz J, Moretta A, Olive D. Highly effective NK cells are associated with good prognosis in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 6:14360-73. [PMID: 25961317 PMCID: PMC4546472 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.3965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical outcome of patients with metastatic prostate cancer (mPC) at diagnosis is heterogeneous and unpredictable; thus alternative treatments such as immunotherapy are investigated. We retrospectively analyzed natural killer (NK) cells by flow cytometry in peripheral blood from 39 mPC patients, with 5 year-follow-up, and their correlation with time to castration resistance (TCR) and overall survival (OS). In parallel, NK functionality was carried out against prostate tumor cell lines, analyzed for the expression of NK cell ligands, to identify the receptors involved in PC recognition. NK cells from patients with longer TCR and OS displayed high expression of activating receptors and high cytotoxicity. The activating receptors NKp30 and NKp46 were the most obvious predictive markers of OS and TCR in a larger cohort of mPC patients (OS: p= 0.0018 and 0.0009; TCR: p= 0.007 and < 0.0001 respectively, log-rank test). Importantly, blocking experiments revealed that NKp46, along with NKG2D and DNAM-1 and, to a lesser extent NKp30, were involved in prostate tumor recognition by NK cells. These results identify NK cells as potential predictive biomarkers to stratify patients who are likely to have longer castration response, and pave the way to explore therapies aimed at enhancing NK cells in mPC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Pasero
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Mathilde Guerin
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Palma Rocchi
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Naji Salem
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Alessandro Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (D.I.ME.S.), Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Daniel Olive
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Inserm, Marseille, France.,Aix Marseille Université, Marseille, France.,Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
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32
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Shatnyeva OM, Hansen HP, Reiners KS, Sauer M, Vyas M, von Strandmann EP. DNA damage response and evasion from immunosurveillance in CLL: new options for NK cell-based immunotherapies. Front Genet 2015; 6:11. [PMID: 25699074 PMCID: PMC4316781 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2015.00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prominent B cell malignancy among adults in the Western world and characterized by a clonal expansion of B cells. The patients suffer from severe immune defects resulting in increased susceptibility to infections and failure to generate an antitumor immune response. Defects in both, DNA damage response (DDR) pathway and crosstalk with the tissue microenvironment have been reported to play a crucial role for the survival of CLL cells, therapy resistance and impaired immune response. To this end, major advances over the past years have highlighted several T cell immune evasion mechanisms in CLL. Here, we discuss the consequences of an impaired DDR pathway for detection and elimination of CLL cells by natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells are considered to be a major component of the immunosurveillance in leukemia but NK cell activity is impaired in CLL. Restoration of NK cell activity using immunoligands and immunoconstructs in combination with the conventional chemotherapy may provide a future perspective for CLL treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga M Shatnyeva
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Hinrich P Hansen
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Katrin S Reiners
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Maike Sauer
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
| | - Maulik Vyas
- Innate Immunity Group, Clinic 1 for Internal Medicine, University of Cologne , Cologne, Germany
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Mercier-Bataille D, Sanchez C, Baier C, Le Treut T, Mounier N, Mokhtari S, Olive D, Baumstarck K, Sébahoun G, Besson C, Costello RT. Expression of activating receptors on natural killer cells from AIDS-related lymphoma patients. AIDS Res Ther 2014; 11:38. [PMID: 25908934 PMCID: PMC4407549 DOI: 10.1186/1742-6405-11-38] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormal NK phenotype and cytotoxic functions have been described in acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, myeloma and myelodysplastic syndromes. Defective NK cytotoxicity is due to decreased expression of the Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs), 2B4/CD244/p38, or NKG2D. This prompted us to test the expression of these molecules on circulating NK cells from patients with AIDS-related lymphomas (RL) in comparison with HIV + patients without lymphoma, healthy subjects and HIV-negative patients with lymphoma. Methods Blood samples were analyzed by flow cytometry for NCRs, 2B4/CD244/p38 and NKG2D expression on NK cells defined as CD3-/CD56+ lymphocytes. We also analyzed by quantitative PCR specific RNA for NKp30/NCR3 and NKp46/NCR1. Results We could not detect any defect in NKp46/NCR1 expression between all groups. NKp44/NCR2, NKp30/NCR3 and NKG2D had lower expression in AIDS-RL in comparison with HIV + patients without lymphoma when compared to patients with similar (>0.3 G/L) CD4+ lymphocyte levels. Expression of 2B4/CD244/p38 was lower in AIDS-RL than in HIV-negative lymphoma. Comparison of specific NKp30/NCR3 and NKp46/NCR1 RNA showed increased steady state levels, despite decreased surface expression for NKp30/NCR3, suggesting abnormal post-transcriptional regulatory mechanisms. Conclusions We show a more pronounced defect in NK activating molecule when HIV infection is associated with lymphoma than when only one condition (HIV positivity or lymphoma) is present. Defective NK phenotype, in addition to CD4+ depletion and dysfunction, may participate to the increased incidence of lymphoma in HIV patients.
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Baier C, Fino A, Sanchez C, Farnault L, Rihet P, Kahn-Perlès B, Costello RT. Natural killer cells modulation in hematological malignancies. Front Immunol 2013; 4:459. [PMID: 24391641 PMCID: PMC3867693 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2013.00459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/02/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematological malignancies (HM) treatment improved over the last years resulting in increased achievement of complete or partial remission, but unfortunately high relapse rates are still observed, due to remaining minimal residual disease. Therefore, sustainment of long-term remission is crucial, using either drug maintenance treatment or by boosting or prolonging an immune response. Immune system has a key role in tumor surveillance. Nonetheless, tumor-cells evade the specific T-lymphocyte mediated immune surveillance using many mechanisms but especially by the down-regulation of the expression of HLA class I antigens. In theory, these tumor-cells lacking normal expression of HLA class I molecules should be destroyed by natural killer (NK) cells, according to the missing-self hypothesis. NK cells, at the frontier of innate and adaptive immune system, have a central role in tumor-cells surveillance as demonstrated in the setting of allogenic stem cell transplantation. Nevertheless, tumors develop various mechanisms to escape from NK innate immune pressure. Abnormal NK cytolytic functions have been described in many HM. We present here various mechanisms involved in the escape of HM from NK-cell surveillance, i.e., NK-cells quantitative and qualitative abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Baier
- UMR1090 TAGC, INSERM , Marseille , France ; UMR1090 TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille , France
| | - Aurore Fino
- UMR1090 TAGC, INSERM , Marseille , France ; UMR1090 TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille , France
| | | | - Laure Farnault
- UMR1090 TAGC, INSERM , Marseille , France ; Service d'hématologie, APHM, Hôpital de la Conception , Marseille , France
| | - Pascal Rihet
- UMR1090 TAGC, INSERM , Marseille , France ; UMR1090 TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille , France
| | - Brigitte Kahn-Perlès
- UMR1090 TAGC, INSERM , Marseille , France ; UMR1090 TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille , France
| | - Régis T Costello
- UMR1090 TAGC, INSERM , Marseille , France ; UMR1090 TAGC, Aix-Marseille Université , Marseille , France ; Service d'hématologie, APHM, Hôpital de la Conception , Marseille , France
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Ascierto ML, Idowu MO, Zhao Y, Khalak H, Payne KK, Wang XY, Dumur CI, Bedognetti D, Tomei S, Ascierto PA, Shanker A, Bear HD, Wang E, Marincola FM, De Maria A, Manjili MH. Molecular signatures mostly associated with NK cells are predictive of relapse free survival in breast cancer patients. J Transl Med 2013; 11:145. [PMID: 23758773 PMCID: PMC3694475 DOI: 10.1186/1479-5876-11-145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/04/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Recent observations suggest that immune-mediated tissue destruction is dependent upon coordinate activation of immune genes expressed by cells of the innate and adaptive immune systems. Methods Here, we performed a retrospective pilot study to investigate whether the coordinate expression of molecular signature mostly associated with NK cells could be used to segregate breast cancer patients into relapse and relapse-free outcomes. Results By analyzing primary breast cancer specimens derived from patients who experienced either 58–116 months (~5-9 years) relapse-free survival or developed tumor relapse within 9–76 months (~1-6 years) we found that the expression of molecules involved in activating signaling of NK cells and in NK cells: target interaction is increased in patients with favorable prognosis. Conclusions The parameters identified in this study, together with the prognostic signature previously reported by our group, highlight the cooperation between the innate and adaptive immune components within the tumor microenvironment.
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Guillaume N, Marolleau JP. Is immune escape via human leukocyte antigen expression clinically relevant in chronic lymphocytic leukemia? Focus on the controversies. Leuk Res 2013; 37:473-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2012.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2012] [Revised: 12/24/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Soluble ligands for NK cell receptors promote evasion of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells from NK cell anti-tumor activity. Blood 2013; 121:3658-65. [PMID: 23509156 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2013-01-476606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a major component of the anti-tumor immune response. NK cell dysfunctions have been reported in various hematologic malignancies, including chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Here we investigated the role of tumor cell-released soluble and exosomal ligands for NK cell receptors that modulate NK cell activity. Soluble CLL plasma factors suppressed NK cell cytotoxicity and down-regulated the surface receptors CD16 and CD56 on NK cells of healthy donors. The inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity was attributed to the soluble ligand BAG6/BAT3 that engages the activating receptor NKp30 expressed on NK cells. Soluble BAG6 was detectable in the plasma of CLL patients, with the highest levels at the advanced disease stages. In contrast, NK cells were activated when BAG6 was presented on the surface of exosomes. The latter form was induced in non-CLL cells by cellular stress via an nSmase2-dependent pathway. Such cells were eliminated by lymphocytes in a xenograft tumor model in vivo. Here, exosomal BAG6 was essential for tumor cell killing because BAG6-deficient cells evaded immune detection. Taken together, the findings show that the dysregulated balance of exosomal vs soluble BAG6 expression may cause immune evasion of CLL cells.
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Hematological malignancies escape from NK cell innate immune surveillance: mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Clin Dev Immunol 2012; 2012:421702. [PMID: 22899948 PMCID: PMC3415262 DOI: 10.1155/2012/421702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2012] [Revised: 06/01/2012] [Accepted: 06/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Hematological malignancies treatment improved over the last years resulting in increased achievement of complete or partial remission, but unfortunately high relapse rates are still observed. Therefore, sustainment of long-term remission is crucial. Immune system has a key role in tumor surveillance. Natural killer (NK) cells, at the frontier of innate and adaptive immune system, have a central role in tumor cells surveillance as demonstrated in the setting of allogenic stem cell transplantation. Nevertheless, tumor cells develop various mechanisms to escape from NK cells innate immune pressure. Abnormal NK cytolytic functions have been described in nearly all hematological malignancies. We present here various mechanisms involved in the escape of hematological malignancies from NK cells surveillance: NK cells quantitative deficiency and NK cell qualitative deficiency by increased inhibition signaling or decreased activating stimuli. A challenge of immunotherapy is to restore an efficient antitumor response. A combination of classical therapy plus immune modulation strategies will soon become a standard of care for hematological malignancies.
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Human herpesviridae methods of natural killer cell evasion. Adv Virol 2012; 2012:359869. [PMID: 22829821 PMCID: PMC3399383 DOI: 10.1155/2012/359869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2012] [Accepted: 04/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human herpesviruses cause diseases of considerable morbidity and mortality, ranging from encephalitis to hematologic malignancies. As evidence emerges about the role of innate immunity and natural killer (NK) cells in the control of herpesvirus infection, evidence of viral methods of innate immune evasion grows as well. These methods include interference with the ligands on infected cell surfaces that bind NK cell activating or inhibitory receptors. This paper summarizes the most extensively studied NK cell receptor/ligand pairs and then describes the methods of NK cell evasion used by all eight herpesviruses through these receptors and ligands. Although great strides have been made in elucidating their mechanisms, there is still a disparity between viruses in the amount of knowledge regarding innate immune evasion. Further research of herpesvirus innate immune evasion can provide insight for circumventing viral mechanisms in future therapies.
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