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Pesini C, Artal L, Paúl Bernal J, Sánchez Martinez D, Pardo J, Ramírez-Labrada A. In-depth analysis of the interplay between oncogenic mutations and NK cell-mediated cancer surveillance in solid tumors. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2379062. [PMID: 39036370 PMCID: PMC11259085 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2379062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in antitumoral and antiviral responses. Yet, cancer cells can alter themselves or the microenvironment through the secretion of cytokines or other factors, hindering NK cell activation and promoting a less cytotoxic phenotype. These resistance mechanisms, often referred to as the "hallmarks of cancer" are significantly influenced by the activation of oncogenes, impacting most, if not all, of the described hallmarks. Along with oncogenes, other types of genes, the tumor suppressor genes are frequently mutated or modified during cancer. Traditionally, these genes have been associated with uncontrollable tumor growth and apoptosis resistance. Recent evidence suggests oncogenic mutations extend beyond modulating cell death/proliferation programs, influencing cancer immunosurveillance. While T cells have been more studied, the results obtained highlight NK cells as emerging key protagonists for enhancing tumor cell elimination by modulating oncogenic activity. A few recent studies highlight the crucial role of oncogenic mutations in NK cell-mediated cancer recognition, impacting angiogenesis, stress ligands, and signaling balance within the tumor microenvironment. This review will critically examine recent discoveries correlating oncogenic mutations to NK cell-mediated cancer immunosurveillance, a relatively underexplored area, particularly in the era dominated by immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells. Building on these insights, we will explore opportunities to improve NK cell-based immunotherapies, which are increasingly recognized as promising alternatives for treating low-antigenic tumors, offering significant advantages in terms of safety and manufacturing suitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pesini
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Artal
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Carbochemistry (ICB-CSIC), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jorge Paúl Bernal
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diego Sánchez Martinez
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón I + D Foundation (ARAID), Government of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ariel Ramírez-Labrada
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
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2
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Felgueres MJ, Esteso G, García-Jiménez ÁF, Dopazo A, Aguiló N, Mestre-Durán C, Martínez-Piñeiro L, Pérez-Martínez A, Reyburn HT, Valés-Gómez M. BCG priming followed by a novel interleukin combination activates Natural Killer cells to selectively proliferate and become anti-tumour long-lived effectors. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13133. [PMID: 38849432 PMCID: PMC11161620 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62968-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The short-lived nature and heterogeneity of Natural Killer (NK) cells limit the development of NK cell-based therapies, despite their proven safety and efficacy against cancer. Here, we describe the biological basis, detailed phenotype and function of long-lived anti-tumour human NK cells (CD56highCD16+), obtained without cell sorting or feeder cells, after priming of peripheral blood cells with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Further, we demonstrate that survival doses of a cytokine combination, excluding IL18, administered just weekly to BCG-primed NK cells avoids innate lymphocyte exhaustion and leads to specific long-term proliferation of innate cells that exert potent cytotoxic function against a broad range of solid tumours, mainly through NKG2D. Strikingly, a NKG2C+CD57-FcεRIγ+ NK cell population expands after BCG and cytokine stimulation, independently of HCMV serology. This strategy was exploited to rescue anti-tumour NK cells even from the suppressor environment of cancer patients' bone marrow, demonstrating that BCG confers durable anti-tumour features to NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- María-José Felgueres
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Darwin, 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Esteso
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Darwin, 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Álvaro F García-Jiménez
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Darwin, 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Dopazo
- Genomics Unit, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), Madrid, Spain
- CIBER de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Nacho Aguiló
- Department of Microbiology, Pediatrics, Radiology and Public Health of the University of Zaragoza, IIS Aragon, CIBER de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Carmen Mestre-Durán
- Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ, and Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- IdiPAZ-CNIO Pediatric Onco-Hematology Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Martínez-Piñeiro
- Urology Department and Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Pérez-Martínez
- Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ, and Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- IdiPAZ-CNIO Pediatric Onco-Hematology Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), 28049, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hugh T Reyburn
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Darwin, 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Valés-Gómez
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Darwin, 3, 28049, Madrid, Spain.
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Grauers Wiktorin H, Aydin E, Kiffin R, Vilhav C, Bourghardt Fagman J, Kaya M, Paul S, Westman B, Bratlie SO, Naredi P, Hellstrand K, Martner A. Impact of Surgery-Induced Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells and the NOX2/ROS Axis on Postoperative Survival in Human Pancreatic Cancer. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1135-1149. [PMID: 38598844 PMCID: PMC11044860 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-23-0447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Preclinical studies imply that surgery triggers inflammation that may entail tumor outgrowth and metastasis. The potential impact of surgery-induced inflammation in human pancreatic cancer is insufficiently explored. This study included 17 patients with periampullary cancer [pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) n = 14, ampullary carcinoma n = 2, cholangiocarcinoma n = 1] undergoing major pancreatic cancer surgery with curative intent. We analyzed the potential impact of preoperative and postoperative immune phenotypes and function on postoperative survival with >30 months follow-up. The surgery entailed prompt expansion of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (M-MDSC) that generated NOX2-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS). Strong induction of immunosuppressive M-MDSC after surgery predicted poor postoperative survival and coincided with reduced functionality of circulating natural killer (NK) cells. The negative impact of surgery-induced M-MDSC on survival remained significant in separate analysis of patients with PDAC. M-MDSC-like cells isolated from patients after surgery significantly suppressed NK cell function ex vivo, which was reversed by inhibition of NOX2-derived ROS. High NOX2 subunit expression within resected tumors from patients with PDAC correlated with poor survival whereas high expression of markers of cytotoxic cells associated with longer survival. The surgery-induced myeloid inflammation was recapitulated in vivo in a murine model of NK cell-dependent metastasis. Surgical stress thus induced systemic accumulation of M-MDSC-like cells and promoted metastasis of NK cell-sensitive tumor cells. Genetic or pharmacologic suppression of NOX2 reduced surgery-induced inflammation and distant metastasis in this model. We propose that NOX2-derived ROS generated by surgery-induced M-MDSC may be targeted for improved outcome after pancreatic cancer surgery. SIGNIFICANCE Pancreatic cancer surgery triggered pronounced accumulation of NOX2+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells that inhibited NK cell function and negatively prognosticated postoperative patient survival. We propose the targeting of M-MDSC as a conceivable strategy to reduce postoperative immunosuppression in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Grauers Wiktorin
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ebru Aydin
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Molecular Genetics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roberta Kiffin
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Caroline Vilhav
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Johan Bourghardt Fagman
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Mustafa Kaya
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sanchari Paul
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Beatrice Westman
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Svein Olav Bratlie
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Peter Naredi
- Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Kristoffer Hellstrand
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Martner
- TIMM Laboratory, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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4
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Heldager Pedersen N, Bjerregaard Jeppesen H, Persson G, Bojesen S, Hviid TVF. An increase in regulatory T cells in peripheral blood correlates with an adverse prognosis for malignant melanoma patients - A study of T cells and natural killer cells. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 5:100074. [PMID: 38059204 PMCID: PMC10696160 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2023.100074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly immunogenic tumour, and the immune profile significantly influences cancer development and response to immunotherapy. The peripheral immune profile may identify high risk patients. The current study showed reduced levels of CD4+ T cells and increased levels of CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood from malignant melanoma patients compared with controls. Percentages of peripheral CD56dimCD16+ NK cells were reduced and CD56brightCD16-KIR3+ NK cells were increased in malignant melanoma patients. Late stage malignant melanoma was correlated with low levels of CD4+ T cells and high levels of CD56brightCD16-KIR3+ NK cells. Finally, high levels of Tregs in peripheral blood were correlated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival. The results indicate that changes in specific immune cell subsets in peripheral blood samples from patients at the time of diagnosis may be potential biomarkers for prognosis and survival. Further studies will enable clarification of independent roles in tumour pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Heldager Pedersen
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Helene Bjerregaard Jeppesen
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Gry Persson
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Sophie Bojesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F. Hviid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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5
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Peng JM, Su YL. Lymph node metastasis and tumor-educated immune tolerance: Potential therapeutic targets against distant metastasis. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 215:115731. [PMID: 37541450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/06/2023]
Abstract
Lymph node metastasis has been shown to positively associated with the prognosis of many cancers. However, in clinical treatment, lymphadenectomy is not always successful, suggesting that immune cells in the tumor and sentinel lymph nodes still play a pivotal role in tumor immunosuppression. Recent studies had shown that tumors can tolerate immune cells through multiple strategies, including tumor-induced macrophage reprogramming, T cells inactivation, production of B cells pathogenic antibodies and activation of regulatory T cells to promote tumor colonization, growth, and metastasis in lymph nodes. We reviewed the bidirectional effect of immune cells on anti-tumor or promotion of cancer cell metastasis during lymph node metastasis, and the mechanisms by which malignant cancer cells modify immune cells to create a more favorable environment for the growth and survival of cancer cells. Research and treatment strategies focusing on the immune system in lymph nodes and potential immune targets in lymph node metastasis were also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jei-Ming Peng
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist., Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Li Su
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University, College of Medicine, No. 123, Dapi Rd., Niaosong Dist., Kaohsiung, 83301, Taiwan.
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6
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Zhi L, Wang X, Gao Q, He W, Shang C, Guo C, Niu Z, Zhu W, Zhang X. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors determining natural killer cell fate: Phenotype and function. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115136. [PMID: 37453199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are derived from hematopoietic stem cells. They belong to the innate lymphoid cell family, which is an important part of innate immunity. This family plays a role in the body mainly through the release of perforin, granzyme, and various cytokines and is involved in cytotoxicity and cytokine-mediated immune regulation. NK cells involved in normal immune regulation and the tumor microenvironment (TME) can exhibit completely different states. Here, we discuss the growth, development, and function of NK cells in regard to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are those that influence NK cells to promote cell maturation and exert their effector functions under the control of internal metabolism and self-related genes. Extrinsic factors include the metabolism of the TME and the influence of related proteins on the "fate" of NK cells. This review targets the potential of NK cell metabolism, cellular molecules, regulatory genes, and other mechanisms involved in immune regulation. We further discuss immune-mediated tumor therapy, which is the trend of current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingtong Zhi
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Qing Gao
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wenhui He
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Chongye Shang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Changjiang Guo
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Niu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wuling Zhu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China.
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Seo H, Verma A, Kinzel M, Huang Q, Mahoney DJ, Jacquelot N. Targeting Potential of Innate Lymphoid Cells in Melanoma and Other Cancers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2001. [PMID: 37514187 PMCID: PMC10384206 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15072001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Reinvigorating the killing function of tumor-infiltrating immune cells through the targeting of regulatory molecules expressed on lymphocytes has markedly improved the prognosis of cancer patients, particularly in melanoma. While initially thought to solely strengthen adaptive T lymphocyte anti-tumor activity, recent investigations suggest that other immune cell subsets, particularly tissue-resident innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), may benefit from immunotherapy treatment. Here, we describe the recent findings showing immune checkpoint expression on tissue-resident and tumor-infiltrating ILCs and how their effector function is modulated by checkpoint blockade-based therapies in cancer. We discuss the therapeutic potential of ILCs beyond the classical PD-1 and CTLA-4 regulatory molecules, exploring other possibilities to manipulate ILC effector function to further impede tumor growth and quench disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hobin Seo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Amisha Verma
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Megan Kinzel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Qiutong Huang
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Douglas J Mahoney
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Nicolas Jacquelot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Giacomelli M, Monti M, Pezzola DC, Lonardi S, Bugatti M, Missale F, Cioncada R, Melocchi L, Giustini V, Villanacci V, Baronchelli C, Manenti S, Imberti L, Giurisato E, Vermi W. Immuno-Contexture and Immune Checkpoint Molecule Expression in Mismatch Repair Proficient Colorectal Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3097. [PMID: 37370706 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) represents a lethal disease with heterogeneous outcomes. Only patients with mismatch repair (MMR) deficient CRC showing microsatellite instability and hyper-mutated tumors can obtain clinical benefits from current immune checkpoint blockades; on the other hand, immune- or target-based therapeutic strategies are very limited for subjects with mismatch repair proficient CRC (CRCpMMR). Here, we report a comprehensive typing of immune infiltrating cells in CRCpMMR. We also tested the expression and interferon-γ-modulation of PD-L1/CD274. Relevant findings were subsequently validated by immunohistochemistry on fixed materials. CRCpMMR contain a significantly increased fraction of CD163+ macrophages (TAMs) expressing TREM2 and CD66+ neutrophils (TANs) together with decrease in CD4-CD8-CD3+ double negative T lymphocytes (DNTs); no differences were revealed by the analysis of conventional and plasmacytoid dendritic cell populations. A fraction of tumor-infiltrating T-cells displays an exhausted phenotype, co-expressing PD-1 and TIM-3. Remarkably, expression of PD-L1 on fresh tumor cells and TAMs was undetectable even after in vitro stimulation with interferon-γ. These findings confirm the immune suppressive microenvironment of CRCpMMR characterized by dense infiltration of TAMs, occurrence of TANs, lack of DNTs, T-cell exhaustion, and interferon-γ unresponsiveness by host and tumor cells. Appropriate bypass strategies should consider these combinations of immune escape mechanisms in CRCpMMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Giacomelli
- Department of Pathology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Matilde Monti
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Diego Cesare Pezzola
- Department of Surgery, Surgery Division II, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Lonardi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Department of Pathology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesco Missale
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Head & Neck Oncology & Surgery Otorhinolaryngology, Antoni Van Leeuwenhoek-Nederlands Kanker Instituut, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Rossella Cioncada
- Department of Pathology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Melocchi
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione Poliambulanza, 25124 Brescia, Italy
| | - Viviana Giustini
- CREA Laboratory, AIL Center for Hemato-Oncologic Research, Diagnostic Department, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Villanacci
- Department of Pathology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Carla Baronchelli
- Department of Pathology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefania Manenti
- Department of Pathology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Luisa Imberti
- Section of Microbiology, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Emanuele Giurisato
- Department of Biotechnology Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - William Vermi
- Department of Pathology, ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, School of Medicine, Washington University, Saint Louis, MO 63130, USA
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Gutierrez-Silerio GY, Bueno-Topete MR, Vega-Magaña AN, Bastidas-Ramirez BE, Gutierrez-Franco J, Escarra-Senmarti M, Pedraza-Brindis EJ, Peña-Rodriguez M, Ramos-Marquez ME, Delgado-Rizo V, Banu N, Alejandre-Gonzalez AG, Fafutis-Morris M, Haramati J, Del Toro-Arreola S. Non-fitness status of peripheral NK cells defined by decreased NKp30 and perforin, and increased soluble B7H6, in cervical cancer patients. Immunology 2023; 168:538-553. [PMID: 36271832 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The NKp30 receptor is one of the three natural cytotoxic receptors reported in NK cells. This receptor is codified by the NCR3 gene, which encodes three isoforms, a consequence of the alternative splicing of exon 4. A greater expression of the three isoforms (A, B, and C), along with low levels of the NKp30 ligand B7H6, has been reported as a positive prognostic factor in different cancer types. Here, in patients with cervical cancer and precursor lesions, we report an altered immune-phenotype, characterized by non-fitness markers, that correlated with increased disease stage, from CIN 1 to FIGO IV. While overall NK cell numbers increased, loss of NKp30+ NK cells, especially in the CD56dim subpopulation, was found. Perforin levels were decreased in these cells. Decreased expression of the NKp30 C isoform and overexpression of soluble B7H6 was found in cervical cancer patients when compared against healthy subjects. PBMCs from healthy subjects downregulated NKp30 isoforms after co-culture with B7H6-expressing tumour cells. Taken together, these findings describe a unique down-modulation or non-fitness status of the immune response in cervical cancer, the understanding of which will be important for the design of novel immunotherapies against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Yareli Gutierrez-Silerio
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Endocrinología y Nutrición, Departamento de Investigación Biomédica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Miriam Ruth Bueno-Topete
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Natali Vega-Magaña
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Biomédicas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Blanca Estela Bastidas-Ramirez
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Jorge Gutierrez-Franco
- Unidad Académica de Ciencias Químico Biológicas y Farmacéuticas, Universidad Autónoma de Nayarit, Tepic, Mexico
| | | | - Eliza Julia Pedraza-Brindis
- Departamento Academia de Aparatos y Sistemas I, Unidad Académica de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Marcela Peña-Rodriguez
- Laboratorio de Diagnóstico de Enfermedades Emergentes y Reemergentes, Departamento de Microbiología y Patología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Martha Eloisa Ramos-Marquez
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Vidal Delgado-Rizo
- Centro de Investigación en Inmunología y Dermatología, Departamento de Fisiología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Nehla Banu
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Division of Infectious Diseases, Allergy and Immunology and Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Alan Guillermo Alejandre-Gonzalez
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Mary Fafutis-Morris
- Centro de Investigación en Inmunología y Dermatología, Departamento de Fisiología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Jesse Haramati
- Laboratorio de Inmunobiología, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, CUCBA, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Susana Del Toro-Arreola
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico Degenerativas, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Inmunología, Departamento de Fisiología, CUCS, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
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10
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Vyas M, Requesens M, Nguyen TH, Peigney D, Azin M, Demehri S. Natural killer cells suppress cancer metastasis by eliminating circulating cancer cells. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1098445. [PMID: 36733396 PMCID: PMC9887278 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1098445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, the metastatic spread of malignant cells to distant organs remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in controlling tumor metastasis; however, the dynamics of NK cell-mediated clearance of metastatic tumors are not entirely understood. Herein, we demonstrate the cooperative role of NK and T cells in the surveillance of melanoma metastasis. We found that NK cells effectively limited the pulmonary seeding of B16 melanoma cells, while T cells played a primary role in restricting metastatic foci growth in the lungs. Although the metastatic foci in the lungs at the endpoint were largely devoid of NK cells, they played a prominent role in promoting T cell recruitment into the metastatic foci. Our data suggested that the most productive interaction between NK cells and metastatic cancer cells occurred when cancer cells were in circulation. Modifying the route of administration so that intravenously injected melanoma cells bypass the first liver passage resulted in significantly more melanoma metastasis to the lung. This finding indicated the liver as a prominent site where NK cells cleared melanoma cells to regulate their seeding in the lungs. Consistent with this notion, the liver and the lungs of the tumor-bearing mice showed dominance of NK and T cell activation, respectively. Thus, NK cells and T cells control pulmonary metastasis of melanoma cells by distinct mechanisms where NK cells play a critical function in shaping T cell-mediated in situ control of lung-seeded cancer cells. A precise understanding of the cooperative role of NK and T cells in controlling tumor metastasis will enable the development of the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.
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11
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Bahmanyar M, Vakil MK, Al-Awsi GRL, Kouhpayeh SA, Mansoori Y, Mansoori B, Moravej A, Mazarzaei A, Ghasemian A. Anticancer traits of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)-Natural Killer (NK) cells as novel approaches for melanoma treatment. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1220. [PMID: 36434591 PMCID: PMC9701052 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10320-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to non-responsiveness of a high number of patients to the common melanoma therapies, seeking novel approaches seem as an unmet requirement. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells were initially employed against recurrent or refractory B cell malignancies. However, advanced stages or pretreated patients have insufficient T cells (lymphopenia) amount for collection and clinical application. Additionally, this process is time-consuming and logistically cumbersome. Another limitation of this approach is toxicity and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) progress and neurotoxicity syndrome (NS). Natural killer (NK) cells are a versatile component of the innate immunity and have several advantages over T cells in the application for therapies such as availability, unique biological features, safety profile, cost effectiveness and higher tissue residence. Additionally, CAR NK cells do not develop Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and are independent of host HLA genotype. Notably, the NK cells number and activity is affected in the tumor microenvironment (TME), paving the way for developing novel approaches by enhancing their maturation and functionality. The CAR NK cells short lifespan is a double edge sword declining toxicity and reducing their persistence. Bispecific and Trispecific Killer Cell Engagers (BiKE and Trike, respectively) are emerging and promising immunotherapies for efficient antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). CAR NK cells have some limitations in terms of expanding and transducing NK cells from donors to achieve clinical response. Clinical trials are in scarcity regarding the CAR NK cell-based cancer therapies. The CAR NK cells short life span following irradiation before infusion limits their efficiency inhibiting their in vivo expansion. The CAR NK cells efficacy enhancement in terms of lifespan TME preparation and stability is a goal for melanoma treatment. Combination therapies using CAR NK cells and chemotherapy can also overcome therapy limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bahmanyar
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazem Vakil
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Amin Kouhpayeh
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Yaser Mansoori
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Behnam Mansoori
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Ali Moravej
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdulbaset Mazarzaei
- grid.512728.b0000 0004 5907 6819Department of Immunology, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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12
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Huțanu A, Manu D, Gabor MR, Văsieșiu AM, Andrejkovits AV, Dobreanu M. Dynamic Evaluation of Natural Killer Cells Subpopulations in COVID-19 Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911875. [PMID: 36233174 PMCID: PMC9569797 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the study was to evaluate the dynamic changes of the total Natural Killer (NK) cells and different NK subpopulations according to their differentiated expression of CD16/CD56 in COVID-19 patients. Blood samples with EDTA were analyzed on day 1 (admission moment), day 5, and day 10 for the NK subtypes. At least 30,000 singlets were collected for each sample and white blood cells were gated in CD45/SSC and CD16/CD56 dot plots of fresh human blood. From the lymphocyte singlets, the NK cells subpopulations were analyzed based on the differentiated expression of surface markers and classified as follows: CD16-CD56+/++/CD16+CD56++/CD16+CD56+/CD16++CD56−. By examining the CD56 versus CD16 flow cytometry dot plots, we found four distinct NK sub-populations. These NK subtypes correspond to different NK phenotypes from secretory to cytolytic ones. There was no difference between total NK percentage of different disease forms. However, the total numbers decreased significantly both in survivors and non-survivors. Additionally, for the CD16-CD56+/++ phenotype, we observed different patterns, gradually decreasing in survivors and gradually increasing in those with fatal outcomes. Despite no difference in the proportion of the CD16−CD56++ NK cells in survivors vs. non–survivors, the main cytokine producers gradually decline during the study period in the survival group, underling the importance of adequate IFN production during the early stage of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Persistency in the circulation of CD56++ NK cells may have prognostic value in patients, with a fatal outcome. Total NK cells and the CD16+CD56+ NK subtypes exhibit significant decreasing trends across the moments for both survivors and non-survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adina Huțanu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Doina Manu
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
- Correspondence:
| | - Manuela Rozalia Gabor
- Department of Economic Science, Faculty of Economics and Law, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Anca Meda Văsieșiu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Akos Vince Andrejkovits
- Department of Infectious Diseases, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Minodora Dobreanu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540142 Targu Mures, Romania
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Emergency Clinical County Hospital Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
- Center for Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Research, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, 540136 Targu Mures, Romania
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13
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Chang M, Tang X, Nelson L, Nyberg G, Du Z. Differential effects on natural killer cell production by membrane-bound cytokine stimulations. Biotechnol Bioeng 2022; 119:1820-1838. [PMID: 35297033 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Robust manufacturing production of natural killer (NK) cells has been challenging in allogeneic NK cell-based therapy. Here, we compared the impact of cytokines on NK cell expansion by developing recombinant K562 feeder cell lines expressing membrane-bound cytokines, mIL15, mIL21, and 41BBL, individually or in combination. We found that 41BBL played a dominant role in promoting up to 500,000-fold of NK cell expansion after a 21-day culture process without inducing exhaustion. However, 41BBL stimulation reduced the overall cytotoxic activity of NK cells when combined with mIL15 and mIL21. Additionally, long-term stimulation with mIL15 and mIL21, but not 41BBL, increased CD56 expression and CD56bright population, which is unexpectedly correlated with the NK cell cytotoxicity. By conducting single-cell sequencing, we identified distinct subpopulations of NK cells induced by different cytokines, including an adaptive-like CD56brightCD16-CD49a+ subset induced by mIL15. Through gene expression analysis, we found that cytokines modulated signaling pathways and target genes involved in cell cycle, senescence, self-renewal, migration, and maturation, in a different manner. Together, our study demonstrated cytokine signal pathways play different roles in NK cell expansion and differentiation, which shed light on NK cell process design to improve productivity and product quality. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiping Chang
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Tang
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Luke Nelson
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Gregg Nyberg
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
| | - Zhimei Du
- Process Cell Sciences, Biologics Process R&D, Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, USA
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14
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Costa AC, Santos JMO, Gil da Costa RM, Medeiros R. Impact of immune cells on the hallmarks of cancer: A literature review. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 168:103541. [PMID: 34801696 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) are critical players in the tumor microenvironment, modulating cancer cell functions. TIICs are highly heterogenic and plastic and may either suppress cancers or provide support for tumor growth. A wide range of studies have shed light on how tumor-associated macrophages, dendritic cells, neutrophils, mast cells, natural killer cells and lymphocytes contribute for the establishment of several hallmarks of cancer and became the basis for successful immunotherapies. Many of those TIICs play pivotal roles in several hallmarks of cancer. This review contributes to elucidate the multifaceted roles of immune cells in cancer development, highlighting molecular components that constitute promising therapeutic targets. Additional studies are needed to clarify the relation between TIICs and hallmarks such as enabling replicative immortality, evading growth suppressors, sustaining proliferative signaling, resisting cell death and genome instability and mutation, to further explore their therapeutic potential and improve the outcomes of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra C Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Joana M O Santos
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
| | - Rui M Gil da Costa
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro (UTAD), Quinta de Prados, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; LEPABE - Laboratory for Process Engineering, Environment, Biotechnology and Energy, Faculty of Engineering, University of Porto, Rua Dr. Roberto Frias, 4200-465, Porto, Portugal; Postgraduate Programme in Adult Health (PPGSAD), Department of Morphology, Federal University of Maranhão (UFMA), and UFMA University Hospital (HUUFMA), 65080-805, São Luís, Brazil.
| | - Rui Medeiros
- Molecular Oncology and Viral Pathology Group, Research Center of IPO Porto (CI-IPOP) / RISE@CI-IPOP (Health Research Network), Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto) / Porto Comprehensive Cancer Center (Porto.CCC), 4200-072 Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine of the University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-319, Porto, Portugal; Virology Service, Portuguese Oncology Institute of Porto (IPO Porto), 4200-072, Porto, Portugal; CEBIMED, Faculty of Health Sciences of the Fernando Pessoa University, 4249-004, Porto, Portugal; Research Department of the Portuguese League Against Cancer-Regional Nucleus of the North (Liga Portuguesa Contra o Cancro-Núcleo Regional do Norte), 4200-177, Porto, Portugal.
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15
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Directly reprogrammed natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy. Nat Biomed Eng 2021; 5:1360-1376. [PMID: 34341536 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00768-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Efficacious and accessible sources of natural killer (NK) cells would widen their use as immunotherapeutics, particularly for solid cancers. Here, we show that human somatic cells can be directly reprogrammed into NK cells with a CD56brightCD16bright phenotype using pluripotency transcription factors and an optimized reprogramming medium. The directly reprogrammed NK cells have strong innate-adaptive immunomodulatory activity and are highly potent against a wide range of cancer cells, including difficult-to-treat solid cancers and cancer stem cells. Both directly reprogrammed NK cells bearing a cancer-specific chimeric antigen receptor and reprogrammed NK cells in combination with antibodies competent for antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity led to selective anticancer effects with augmented potency. The direct reprogramming of human somatic cells into NK cells is amenable to the production of autologous and allogeneic NK cells, and will facilitate the design and testing of cancer immunotherapies and combination therapies.
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16
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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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17
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Zhu Y, Zhang Q, Wei C, Hu Y, Gong H, Liu Y, Lai H, Feng Y, Lin Y. High-Precision Quantitative Analysis Reveals Carcinoembryonic Protein Expression Differs Among Colorectal Cancer Primary Foci and Metastases to Different Sites. Technol Cancer Res Treat 2021; 20:15330338211037175. [PMID: 34342245 PMCID: PMC8351024 DOI: 10.1177/15330338211037175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The expression of carcinoembryonic protein (CEA) is an important biological marker and therapeutic target in colorectal cancer (CRC). CEA expression heterogeneity confers resistance to CEA-targeting immunotherapy antibodies. Thus, quantification of the CEA-positive cell ratio among all tumor cells would be important in identifying patients that would benefit from CEA-targeted therapies. However, the proportion of tumor cells that express CEA within primary and metastasized tumors at different sites has not been studied. Therefore, the present study aimed to determine CEA positive cell proportion in paired CRC primary foci, liver metastases, and lymph node (LN) metastases, and whether proportion of CEA positive cell differs among colorectal cancer primary foci, liver metastases, and LN metastases from 26 patients. The CEA expression was detected by immunohistochemical assay. Then we set up a quantification approach to quantify the proportion of CEA-positive cells based on the TissueGnostics (TG) system. Then the proportion of CEA positive cells were measured and compared among primary foci, liver metastases, and LN metastases. As a result, the proportion of CEA positive tumor cells was slightly higher in liver metastases than in primary foci (89.8% ± 2.71% vs 82.1% ± 5.05%, P < 0.001). The proportion of CEA-positive cells was significantly lower in LN metastases than in primary foci (82.3% ± 4.32% vs 70.28% ± 5.04%, P < 0.001). In 8 cases with matched CRC primary foci, liver metastases, and LN metastases, the proportions of CEA proportion in liver metastasis was the highest, followed by primary foci and LNs metastasis. In conclusion, this study provided an new approach for quantification of CEA positive cell in tumors and proved the percentage of CEA-positive cells varied in different metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yazhen Zhu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colorectal Clinical Research Center, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Qin Zhang
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colorectal Clinical Research Center, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Chengjiang Wei
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colorectal Clinical Research Center, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Hu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colorectal Clinical Research Center, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Gong
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colorectal Clinical Research Center, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Liu
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colorectal Clinical Research Center, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Lai
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colorectal Clinical Research Center, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Feng
- Research Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan Lin
- Gastrointestinal Surgery Department, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, People's Republic of China.,Guangxi Colorectal Clinical Research Center, Nanning, People's Republic of China
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18
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Rezaeifard S, Talei A, Shariat M, Erfani N. Tumor infiltrating NK cell (TINK) subsets and functional molecules in patients with breast cancer. Mol Immunol 2021; 136:161-167. [PMID: 34171565 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION NK cells have been introduced as the main innate arm of immunity against malignancies. Recent advances introduced new subsets of, and new effector molecules on NK cells suggesting new paradigms for NK cell functions in tumor immunity. Considering these new paradigms, in the current research we investigated the frequency of tumor infiltrating NK cell (TINK) subsets and their functional molecules in breast tumor tissues by flowcytometry method. METHODS Breast tumor tissues were obtained from 32 untreated patients with breast cancer. The tissues were then minced mechanically to acquire a single cell suspension and surface-stained with monoclonal antibodies against CD3, CD56, CD11b, CD27, NKG2A, NKG2D and CXCR3. For intracellular staining (ICS), the surface-stained cells were then fixed, permeabilized and stained with anti-Perforin and anti-Granzyme B antibodies. The samples were run and the data were acquired on a four-color flowcytometer. RESULTS The cell suspension derived from tumor tissue encompassed 3.10 ± 0.52 % CD3-CD56+(bright/dim) total NK cells. Based on the conventional classification the percentages of cytotoxic (CD3- CD56dim) and regulatory (CD3- CD56bright) NK cells were respectively 1.74 ± 0.24 % and 1.36 ± 0.48 %. According to the new classification the percentages of cytotoxic (CD3- CD56+ CD11b+ CD27-), regulatory (CD3-CD56+ CD11b+/- CD27+) and tolerant (CD3-CD56+ CD27- CD11b-) NK cells were respectively 0.48 ± 0.07, 1.55 ± 0.34 and 1.15 ± 0.51. A significant higher frequency of total NK cells (CD3-CD56+ (bright/dim)) in the breast tumor tissues of the patients whose tumor draining lymph nodes (TDLNs) has not been yet involved by tumor cells (LN- patients) compared with the ones with lymph nodes involvement (LN+) (5.91 ± 1.79 % Vs. 2.20 ± 0.20 %, P < 0.004). Furthermore, NK cells with overexpressed activating receptor; NKGD2 (CD3- CD56+(bright/dim) NKG2D+ NK cells) was observed to be elevated in LN- patients compared with the LN+ ones (70.01 ± 7.96 Vs. 42.5 ± 4.81, P < 0.011). Correlation analysis revealed the percentages of conventional regulatory NK cells (CD3- CD56bright) in breast tumor tissue to be in positive correlation with the tumor size (R = 0.380, P < 0.04). The mean percentage of this cell subset was also observed to be higher in patients with T3 tumor size compared with smaller T1 tumor size (1.61 ± 0.20 % vs. 0.75 ± 0.15 %, P < 0.023. CONCLUSION Our observations suggest that accumulation of NK cells as well as the expression of activating NKG2D receptor by TINKs may play roles in breast tumor regression especially in the LN- patients. As the tumor growths and the size of tumor increases the accumulation of regulatory NK cells may facilitate the tumor improvement. These observations may have implications in cancer NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Rezaeifard
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Abdolrasoul Talei
- Breast Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahmoud Shariat
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Shiraz Central Hospital, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nasrollah Erfani
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Shiraz Institute for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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Capuano C, Pighi C, Battella S, De Federicis D, Galandrini R, Palmieri G. Harnessing CD16-Mediated NK Cell Functions to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy of Tumor-Targeting mAbs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102500. [PMID: 34065399 PMCID: PMC8161310 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural Killer (NK) cells play a major role in cancer immunotherapy based on tumor-targeting mAbs. NK cell-mediated tumor cell killing and cytokine secretion are powerfully stimulated upon interaction with IgG-opsonized tumor cells, through the aggregation of FcγRIIIA/CD16 IgG receptor. Advances in basic and translational NK cell biology have led to the development of strategies that, by improving mAb-dependent antitumor responses, may overcome the current limitations of antibody therapy attributable to tolerance, immunosuppressive microenvironment, and genotypic factors. This review provides an overview of the immunotherapeutic strategies being pursued to improve the efficacy of mAb-induced NK antitumor activity. The exploitation of antibody combinations, antibody-based molecules, used alone or combined with adoptive NK cell therapy, will be uncovered. Within the landscape of NK cell heterogeneity, we stress the role of memory NK cells as promising effectors in the next generation of immunotherapy with the aim to obtain long-lasting tumor control. Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells hold a pivotal role in tumor-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based activity due to the expression of CD16, the low-affinity receptor for IgG. Indeed, beyond exerting cytotoxic function, activated NK cells also produce an array of cytokines and chemokines, through which they interface with and potentiate adaptive immune responses. Thus, CD16-activated NK cells can concur to mAb-dependent “vaccinal effect”, i.e., the development of antigen-specific responses, which may be highly relevant in maintaining long-term protection of treated patients. On this basis, the review will focus on strategies aimed at potentiating NK cell-mediated antitumor functions in tumor-targeting mAb-based regimens, represented by (a) mAb manipulation strategies, aimed at augmenting recruitment and efficacy of NK cells, such as Fc-engineering, and the design of bi- or trispecific NK cell engagers and (b) the possible exploitation of memory NK cells, whose distinctive characteristics (enhanced responsiveness to CD16 engagement, longevity, and intrinsic resistance to the immunosuppressive microenvironment) may maximize therapeutic mAb antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Simone Battella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- ReiThera Srl, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide De Federicis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ricciarda Galandrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.)
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20
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Li Q, Cai S, Li M, Zhou X, Wu G, Kang K, Yuan J, Wang R, Huyan T, Zhang W. Natural killer cell exhaustion in lung cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 96:107764. [PMID: 34022665 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lung cancer is one of the most frequently diagnosed cancers worldwide. However, the potential causes of lung cancer oncogenesis are still unclear. This study aims to explore the phenomenon and mechanism of NK cell exhaustion in lung cancer and lay the foundation for developing a targeting strategy to ameliorate immune cell exhaustion in cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS NK cells were isolated from the blood samples of lung cancer patients and healthy volunteers. After culture in vitro, the colony forming ability, cytotoxicity, apoptosis and receptor expression of NK cells in the peripheral blood from the lung cancer patients and the volunteers were analyzed by flow cytometry and the corresponding methods. The correlation between the NK cell profile and lung cancer occurrence was analyzed as well. RESULTS The colony formation and cytotoxicity of the NK cells from the lung cancer group were significantly decreased compared to whose of the NK cells from volunteers. The expression of NKG2A was upregulated and CD226 was downregulated significantly in the lung cancer group compared with the control group. Furthermore, through correlation analysis, the colony forming level, cytotoxicity and CD226 expression level were significantly negatively correlated with lung cancer, and the expression level of NKG2A was significantly positively correlated with lung cancer. Moreover, the impaired colony formation of NK cells was significantly correlated with NK cell functional exhaustion in lung cancer. CONCLUSIONS The downregulated CD226 expression and the upregulated NKG2A expression may serve as potential markers of NK cells exhaustion in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Li
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Suna Cai
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Mengjiao Li
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaojie Zhou
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Gao Wu
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kang Kang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jingli Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ruohan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ting Huyan
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Space Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital (People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University), Zhengzhou, China.
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21
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Zalfa C, Paust S. Natural Killer Cell Interactions With Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment and Implications for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:633205. [PMID: 34025641 PMCID: PMC8133367 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.633205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and heterogeneous environment composed of cancer cells, tumor stroma, a mixture of tissue-resident and infiltrating immune cells, secreted factors, and extracellular matrix proteins. Natural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in fighting tumors, but chronic stimulation and immunosuppression in the TME lead to NK cell exhaustion and limited antitumor functions. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous group of myeloid cells with potent immunosuppressive activity that gradually accumulate in tumor tissues. MDSCs interact with innate and adaptive immune cells and play a crucial role in negatively regulating the immune response to tumors. This review discusses MDSC-mediated NK cell regulation within the TME, focusing on critical cellular and molecular interactions. We review current strategies that target MDSC-mediated immunosuppression to enhance NK cell cytotoxic antitumor activity. We also speculate on how NK cell-based antitumor immunotherapy could be improved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silke Paust
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
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22
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Progression of Metastasis through Lymphatic System. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030627. [PMID: 33808959 PMCID: PMC7999434 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Lymph nodes are the most common sites of metastasis in cancer patients. Nodal disease status provides great prognostic power, but how lymph node metastases should be treated is under debate. Thus, it is important to understand the mechanisms by which lymph node metastases progress and how they can be targeted to provide therapeutic benefits. In this review, we focus on delineating the process of cancer cell migration to and through lymphatic vessels, survival in draining lymph nodes and further spread to other distant organs. In addition, emerging molecular targets and potential strategies to inhibit lymph node metastasis are discussed.
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Domagala J, Lachota M, Klopotowska M, Graczyk-Jarzynka A, Domagala A, Zhylko A, Soroczynska K, Winiarska M. The Tumor Microenvironment-A Metabolic Obstacle to NK Cells' Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123542. [PMID: 33260925 PMCID: PMC7761432 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 11/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells have unique capabilities of recognition and destruction of tumor cells, without the requirement for prior immunization of the host. Maintaining tolerance to healthy cells makes them an attractive therapeutic tool for almost all types of cancer. Unfortunately, metabolic changes associated with malignant transformation and tumor progression lead to immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, which in turn limits the efficacy of various immunotherapies. In this review, we provide a brief description of the metabolic changes characteristic for the tumor microenvironment. Both tumor and tumor-associated cells produce and secrete factors that directly or indirectly prevent NK cell cytotoxicity. Here, we depict the molecular mechanisms responsible for the inhibition of immune effector cells by metabolic factors. Finally, we summarize the strategies to enhance NK cell function for the treatment of tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Domagala
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mieszko Lachota
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Marta Klopotowska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (M.K.)
| | - Agnieszka Graczyk-Jarzynka
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
| | - Antoni Domagala
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Collegium Medicum, Jan Kochanowski University of Kielce, 25-317 Kielce, Poland;
- Department of Urology, Holy Cross Cancer Center, 25-734 Kielce, Poland
| | - Andriy Zhylko
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
| | - Karolina Soroczynska
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Winiarska
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (J.D.); (A.G.-J.); (A.Z.); (K.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-225-992-199
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24
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Alfarra H, Weir J, Grieve S, Reiman T. Targeting NK Cell Inhibitory Receptors for Precision Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575609. [PMID: 33304346 PMCID: PMC7693637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune surveillance of cancer involves multiple types of immune cells including the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Natural killer (NK) cells are considered the most active ILC subset for tumor elimination because of their ability to target infected and malignant cells without prior sensitization. NK cells are equipped with an array of activating and inhibitory receptors (IRs); hence NK cell activity is controlled by balanced signals between the activating and IRs. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy that is known for its altered immune landscape. Despite improvements in therapeutic options for MM, this disease remains incurable. An emerging trend to improve clinical outcomes in MM involves harnessing the inherent ability of NK cells to kill malignant cells by recruiting NK cells and enhancing their cytotoxicity toward the malignant MM cells. Following the clinical success of blocking T cell IRs in multiple cancers, targeting NK cell IRs is drawing increasing attention. Relevant NK cell IRs that are attractive candidates for checkpoint blockades include KIRs, NKG2A, LAG-3, TIGIT, PD-1, and TIM-3 receptors. Investigating these NK cell IRs as pathogenic agents and therapeutic targets could lead to promising applications in MM therapy. This review describes the critical role of enhancing NK cell activity in MM and discusses the potential of blocking NK cell IRs as a future MM therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Killer Cells, Natural/transplantation
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy
- Multiple Myeloma/immunology
- Multiple Myeloma/metabolism
- Multiple Myeloma/pathology
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Escape
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmi Alfarra
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Jackson Weir
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Stacy Grieve
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Tony Reiman
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Saint John, NB, Canada
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25
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Wieckowski S, Avenal C, Orjalo AV, Gygax D, Cymer F. Toward a Better Understanding of Bioassays for the Development of Biopharmaceuticals by Exploring the Structure-Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Relationship in Human Primary Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 11:552596. [PMID: 33193318 PMCID: PMC7658677 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.552596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Pharmaceutical manufacturing relies on rigorous methods of quality control of drugs and in particular of the physico-chemical and functional characterizations of monoclonal antibodies. To that end, robust bioassays are very often limited to reporter gene assays and the use of immortalized cell lines that are supposed to mimic immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells to the detriment of primary materials, which are appreciated for their biological validity but are also difficult to exploit due to the great diversity between individuals. Here, we characterized the phenotype of the peripheral blood circulating cytotoxic cells of 30 healthy donors, in particular the repertoire of cytotoxic markers, using flow cytometry. In parallel, we characterized the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) effector functions of these primary cells by measuring their cytolytic activity against a cancer cell-line expressing HER2 in the presence of trastuzumab and with regards to FCGR3A genotype. We could not establish a correlation or grouping of individuals using the data generated from whole peripheral blood mononuclear cells, however the isolation of the CD56-positive population, which is composed not only of NK cells but also of natural killer T (NKT) and γδ-T cells, as well as subsets of activated cytotoxic T cells, monocytes and dendritic cells, made it possible to standardize the parameters of the ADCC and enhance the overall functional avidity without however eliminating the inter-individual diversity. Finally, the use of primary CD56+ cells in ADCC experiments comparing glycoengineered variants of trastuzumab was conclusive to test the limits of this type of ex vivo system. Although the effector functions of CD56+ cells reflected to some extent the in vitro receptor binding properties and cytolytic activity data using NK92 cells, as previously published, reaching a functional avidity plateau could limit their use in a quality control framework.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sébastien Wieckowski
- School of Life Sciences, Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics, University of Applied Life Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Cécile Avenal
- Department PTDE-A, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
| | - Arturo V. Orjalo
- Biological Technologies, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Daniel Gygax
- School of Life Sciences, Institute for Chemistry and Bioanalytics, University of Applied Life Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW), Muttenz, Switzerland
| | - Florian Cymer
- Department PTDE-A, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Basel, Switzerland
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To B, Isaac D, Andrechek ER. Studying Lymphatic Metastasis in Breast Cancer: Current Models, Strategies, and Clinical Perspectives. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2020; 25:191-203. [PMID: 33034778 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-020-09460-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women and the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Although early detection has significantly decreased breast cancer mortality, patients diagnosed with distant metastasis still have a very poor prognosis. The most common site that breast cancer spreads to are local lymph nodes. Therefore, the presence of lymph node metastasis remains one of most important prognostic factors in breast cancer patients. Given its significant clinical implications, increased efforts have been dedicated to better understand the molecular mechanism governing lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. The identification of lymphatic-specific biomarkers, including podoplanin and LYVE-1, has propelled the field of lymphatic metastasis forward. In addition, several animal models such as cell line-derived xenografts, patient-derived xenografts, and spontaneous tumor models have been developed to recreate the process of lymphatic metastasis. Moreover, the incorporation of various -omic platforms have provided further insight into the genetic drivers facilitating lymphatic metastasis, as well as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Here, we highlight various models of lymphatic metastasis, their potential pitfalls, and other tools available to study lymphatic metastasis including imaging modalities and -omic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Briana To
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Daniel Isaac
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, MSU Breslin Cancer Center, Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Eran R Andrechek
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA.
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Sivori S, Pende D, Quatrini L, Pietra G, Della Chiesa M, Vacca P, Tumino N, Moretta F, Mingari MC, Locatelli F, Moretta L. NK cells and ILCs in tumor immunotherapy. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 80:100870. [PMID: 32800530 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cells of the innate immunity play an important role in tumor immunotherapy. Thus, NK cells can control tumor growth and metastatic spread. Thanks to their strong cytolytic activity against tumors, different approaches have been developed for exploiting/harnessing their function in patients with leukemia or solid tumors. Pioneering trials were based on the adoptive transfer of autologous NK cell-enriched cell populations that were expanded in vitro and co-infused with IL-2. Although relevant results were obtained in patients with advanced melanoma, the effect was mostly limited to certain metastatic localizations, particularly to the lung. In addition, the severe IL-2-related toxicity and the preferential IL-2-induced expansion of Treg limited this type of approach. This limitation may be overcome by the use of IL-15, particularly of modified IL-15 molecules to improve its half-life and optimize the biological effects. Other approaches to harness NK cell function include stimulation via TLR, the use of bi- and tri-specific NK cell engagers (BiKE and TriKE) linking activating NK receptors (e.g. CD16) to tumor-associated antigens and even incorporating an IL-15 moiety (TriKE). As recently shown, in tumor patients, NK cells may also express inhibitory checkpoints, primarily PD-1. Accordingly, the therapeutic use of checkpoint inhibitors may unleash NK cells against PD-L1+ tumors. This effect may be predominant and crucial in tumors that have lost HLA cl-I expression, thus resulting "invisible" to T lymphocytes. Additional approaches in which NK cells may represent an important tool for cancer therapy, are to exploit the unique properties of the "adaptive" NK cells. These CD57+ NKG2C+ cells, despite their mature stage and a potent cytolytic activity, maintain a strong proliferating capacity. This property revealed to be crucial in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly in the haplo-HSCT setting, to cure high-risk leukemias. T depleted haplo-HSCT (e.g. from one of the parents) allowed to save the life of thousands of patients lacking a HLA-compatible donor. In this setting, NK cells have been shown to play an essential role against leukemia cells and infections. Another major advance is represented by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells. CAR-NK, different from CAR-T cells, may be obtained from allogeneic donors since they do not cause GvHD. Accordingly, they may represent "off-the-shelf" products to promptly treat tumor patients, with affordable costs. Different from NK cells, helper ILC (ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3), the innate counterpart of T helper cell subsets, remain rather ambiguous with respect to their anti-tumor activity. A possible exception is represented by a subset of ILC3: their frequency in peri-tumoral tissues in patients with NSCLC directly correlates with a better prognosis, possibly reflecting their ability to contribute to the organization of tertiary lymphoid structures, an important site of T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. It is conceivable that innate immunity may significantly contribute to the major advances that immunotherapy has ensured and will continue to ensure to the cure of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Linda Quatrini
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Moretta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy; Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
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Chauvin JM, Ka M, Pagliano O, Menna C, Ding Q, DeBlasio R, Sanders C, Hou J, Li XY, Ferrone S, Davar D, Kirkwood JM, Johnston RJ, Korman AJ, Smyth MJ, Zarour HM. IL15 Stimulation with TIGIT Blockade Reverses CD155-mediated NK-Cell Dysfunction in Melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:5520-5533. [PMID: 32591463 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-0575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in tumor immunosurveillance. Multiple activating and inhibitory receptors (IR) regulate NK-cell-mediated tumor control. The IR T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) and its counter-receptor CD226 exert opposite effects on NK-cell-mediated tumor reactivity. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We evaluated the frequency, phenotype, and functions of NK cells freshly isolated from healthy donors and patients with melanoma with multiparameter flow cytometry. We assessed TIGIT and CD226 cell surface expression and internalization upon binding to CD155. We evaluated the role of IL15 and TIGIT blockade in increasing NK-cell-mediated cytotoxicity in vitro and in two mouse models. RESULTS NK cells are present at low frequencies in metastatic melanoma, are dysfunctional, and downregulate both TIGIT and CD226 expression. As compared with TIGIT- NK cells, TIGIT+ NK cells exhibit higher cytotoxic capacity and maturation, but paradoxically lower cytotoxicity against CD155+ MHC class I-deficient melanoma cells. Membrane bound CD155 triggers CD226 internalization and degradation, resulting in decreased NK-cell-mediated tumor reactivity. IL15 increases TIGIT and CD226 gene expression by tumor-infiltrating NK cells (TiNKs) and, together with TIGIT blockade, increases NK-cell-mediated melanoma cytotoxicity in vitro and decreases tumor metastasis in two mouse melanoma models. Specific deletion of TIGIT on transferred NK cells enhances the antimetastatic activity of IL15, while CD226 blockade decreases the effects of IL15 and TIGIT blockade. CONCLUSIONS Our findings support the development of novel combinatorial immunotherapy with IL15 and TIGIT blockade to promote NK-cell-mediated destruction of MHC class I-deficient melanoma, which are refractory to CD8+ T-cell-mediated immunity.See related commentary by Pietra et al., p. 5274.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joe-Marc Chauvin
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Mignane Ka
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Ornella Pagliano
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Carmine Menna
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Quanquan Ding
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Richelle DeBlasio
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Cindy Sanders
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Jiajie Hou
- Department of Liver Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xian-Yang Li
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Soldano Ferrone
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Diwakar Davar
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - John M Kirkwood
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert J Johnston
- Biologics Discovery California, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California
| | - Alan J Korman
- Biologics Discovery California, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Redwood City, California
| | - Mark J Smyth
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Hassane M Zarour
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. .,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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Cristiani CM, Garofalo C, Passacatini LC, Carbone E. New avenues for melanoma immunotherapy: Natural Killer cells? Scand J Immunol 2020; 91:e12861. [PMID: 31879979 DOI: 10.1111/sji.12861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Human solid malignant tumours may be particularly resistant to conventional therapies. Among solid tumours, immunological features of cutaneous melanoma have been well characterized in the past and today melanoma patients are routinely treated with the anti-immune checkpoints immunotherapy that has completely changed metastatic melanoma treatment and prognosis. Two cytotoxic cell populations may lead to the physical elimination of tumour cell targets: cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells. Tumour recognition by CTLs depends on major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules, while NK cells recognize tumours expressing low or null levels of MHC class I molecules. Despite this well-established complementarity, NK cells are still left behind in the optimization of innovative immunotherapy approaches. NK cells are members of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) that play a critical role in early host defence against invading pathogens and transformed cells. Recent findings suggest that NK cell frequencies directly correlate with the overall survival of ipilimumab-treated melanoma patients. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo evidences indicate that NK cells can selectively kill cancer stem cells, reducing tumour size and delaying metastatic progression. The aim of this review is to provide a survey of the evidences indicating NK cells as an excellent candidate to complement the newest solid tumour immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costanza Maria Cristiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Cinzia Garofalo
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Lucia Carmela Passacatini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ennio Carbone
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
- Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell Biology (MTC), Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
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30
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CIK cell cytotoxicity is a predictive biomarker for CIK cell immunotherapy in postoperative patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:825-834. [PMID: 32060687 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02486-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Adjuvant cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell immunotherapy has shown potential in improving the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients after curative resection. However, whether an individual could obtain survival benefit from CIK cell treatment remains unknown. In the present study, we focused on the characteristics of CIK cells and aimed to identify the best predictive biomarker for adjuvant CIK cell treatment in patients with HCC after surgery. This study included 48 patients with HCC treated with postoperative adjuvant CIK cell immunotherapy. The phenotype activity and cytotoxic activity of CIK cells were determined by flow cytometry and xCELLigence™ Real-Time Cell Analysis (RTCA) system, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed that the cytotoxic activity of CIK cells was significantly negative correlated with the percentage of CD3+ CD4+ cell subsets, but significantly positive correlated with CD3-CD56+ and CD3+ CD56+ cell subsets. Survival analysis showed that there were no significant associations between patients' prognosis and the phenotype of CIK cells. By contrast, there was statistically significant improvement in recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) for patients with high cytotoxic activity of CIK cells as compared with those with low cytotoxic activity of CIK cells. Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that CIK cell cytotoxicity was an independent prognostic factor for RFS and OS. In conclusion, a high cytotoxic activity of CIK cells can serve as a valuable biomarker for adjuvant CIK cell immunotherapy of HCC patients after surgery.
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31
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Melaiu O, Lucarini V, Cifaldi L, Fruci D. Influence of the Tumor Microenvironment on NK Cell Function in Solid Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3038. [PMID: 32038612 PMCID: PMC6985149 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a population of innate lymphoid cells playing a pivotal role in host immune responses against infection and tumor growth. These cells have a powerful cytotoxic activity orchestrated by an intricate network of inhibitory and activating signals. The importance of NK cells in controlling tumor growth and in mediating a robust anti-metastatic effect has been demonstrated in different experimental mouse cancer models. Consistently, high density of tumor-infiltrating NK cells has been linked with a good prognosis in multiple human solid tumors. However, there are also tumors that appear to be refractory to NK cell-mediated killing for the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment affecting NK cell function. Immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at restoring and increasing the cytotoxic activity of NK cells in solid tumors, including the adoptive transfer of NK and CAR-NK cells, are currently employed in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we outline recent advances supporting the direct role of NK cells in controlling expansion of solid tumors and their prognostic value in human cancers. We summarize the mechanisms adopted by cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment to affect NK cell function, and finally we evaluate current strategies to augment the antitumor function of NK cells for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Melaiu
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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32
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Ducimetière L, Vermeer M, Tugues S. The Interplay Between Innate Lymphoid Cells and the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2895. [PMID: 31921156 PMCID: PMC6923277 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The multifaceted roles of Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC) have been widely interrogated in tumor immunity. Whereas, Natural Killer (NK) cells possess undisputable tumor-suppressive properties across multiple types of cancer, the other ILC family members can either promote or inhibit tumor growth depending on the environmental conditions. The differential effects of ILCs on tumor outcome have been attributed to the high degree of heterogeneity and plasticity within the ILC family members. However, it is now becoming clear that ILCs responses are shaped by their dynamic crosstalk with the different components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we will give insights into the molecular and cellular players of the ILCs-TME interactions and we will discuss how we can use this knowledge to successfully harness the activity of ILCs for anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Ducimetière
- Innate Lymphoid Cells and Cancer, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marijne Vermeer
- Innate Lymphoid Cells and Cancer, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sonia Tugues
- Innate Lymphoid Cells and Cancer, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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33
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Bi J, Tian Z. NK Cell Dysfunction and Checkpoint Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1999. [PMID: 31552017 PMCID: PMC6736636 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells play important roles in the innate immune responses against tumors. The effector function of NK cells relies on the integration of activating and inhibitory signals. Emerging checkpoint receptors and molecules are being revealed to mediate NK cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment. Inhibition of some NK cell surface checkpoint receptors has displayed the potential to reverse NK cell dysfunction in tumors, and to boost anti-tumor immunity, both in clinical trials (anti-KIR and anti-NKG2A), and in preclinical studies (e.g., anti-TIGIT, and anti-CD96). To fully exploit the potential of NK-based checkpoint immunotherapy, more understanding of the regional features of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment is required. This will provide valuable information regarding the dynamic nature of NK cell immune response against tumors, as well as novel checkpoints or pathways to be targeted. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in the understanding of NK cell dysfunction in tumors, as well as emerging strategies of NK-based checkpoint immunotherapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Bi
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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34
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Oberg HH, Peters C, Kabelitz D, Wesch D. Real-time cell analysis (RTCA) to measure killer cell activity against adherent tumor cells in vitro. Methods Enzymol 2019; 631:429-441. [PMID: 31948561 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mie.2019.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The enhancement of immune responses against tumor cells is a main focus of cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapeutic approaches comprise a broad range of clinical applications including adjuvant therapies, check point inhibitors, cellular therapies, oncolytic viruses or targeted biologics such as bispecific antibodies. The usage of bispecific antibodies is one promising approach to enhance cytotoxicity and to selectively target effector cells to tumor-associated antigens. Here, we discuss the real-time cell analysis system as a suitable in vitro method to determine the interaction of tumor cell with effector cells alone or within a heterogeneous mixture of immune cells in peripheral blood or within tumor-infiltrating cells. The determination of cytotoxic effector cell activity using the real-time cell analyzer is highly useful to monitor the dynamic cellular interplay over extended periods of time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Heinrich Oberg
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Daniela Wesch
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein and Christian-Albrechts University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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35
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Degos C, Heinemann M, Barrou J, Boucherit N, Lambaudie E, Savina A, Gorvel L, Olive D. Endometrial Tumor Microenvironment Alters Human NK Cell Recruitment, and Resident NK Cell Phenotype and Function. Front Immunol 2019; 10:877. [PMID: 31105699 PMCID: PMC6498896 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial Cancer is the most common cancer in the female genital tract in developed countries, and with its increasing incidence due to risk factors such as aging and obesity tends to become a public health issue. However, its immune environment has been less characterized than in other tumors such as breast cancers. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that are considered as a major anti-tumoral effector cell type which function is drastically altered in tumors which participates to tumor progression. Here we characterize tumor NK cells both phenotypically and functionally in the tumor microenvironment of endometrial cancer. For that, we gathered endometrial tumors, tumor adjacent healthy tissue, blood from matching patients and healthy donor blood to perform comparative analysis of NK cells. First we found that NK cells were impoverished in the tumor infiltrate. We then compared the phenotype of NK cells in the tumor and found that tumor resident CD103+ NK cells exhibited more co-inhibitory molecules such as Tigit, and TIM-3 compared to recruited CD103− NK cells and that the expression of these molecules increased with the severity of the disease. We showed that both chemokines (CXCL12, IP-10, and CCL27) and cytokines profiles (IL-1β and IL-6) were altered in the tumor microenvironment and might reduce NK cell function and recruitment to the tumor site. This led to hypothesize that the tumor microenvironment reduces resident NK cells cytotoxicity which we confirmed by measuring cytotoxic effector production and degranulation. Taken together, our results show that the tumor microenvironment reshapes NK cell phenotype and function to promote tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Degos
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring Platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseillle, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Mellie Heinemann
- Department of Surgical Oncology 2, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Julien Barrou
- Department of Surgical Oncology 2, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Boucherit
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring Platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseillle, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Lambaudie
- Department of Surgical Oncology 2, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | | | - Laurent Gorvel
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring Platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseillle, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Tumor Immunology Team, IBISA Immunomonitoring Platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseillle, INSERM U1068, CNRS U7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, Marseille, France
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36
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Natural Killer Cells as Key Players of Tumor Progression and Angiogenesis: Old and Novel Tools to Divert Their Pro-Tumor Activities into Potent Anti-Tumor Effects. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11040461. [PMID: 30939820 PMCID: PMC6521276 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11040461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune cells, as a consequence of their plasticity, can acquire altered phenotype/functions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Some of these aberrant functions include attenuation of targeting and killing of tumor cells, tolerogenic/immunosuppressive behavior and acquisition of pro-angiogenic activities. Natural killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes involved in tumor immunosurveillance. In solid malignancies, tumor-associated NK cells (TANK cells) in peripheral blood and tumor-infiltrating NK (TINK) cells show altered phenotypes and are characterized by either anergy or reduced cytotoxicity. Here, we aim at discussing how NK cells can support tumor progression and how induction of angiogenesis, due to TME stimuli, can be a relevant part on the NK cell-associated tumor supporting activities. We will review and discuss the contribution of the TME in shaping NK cell response favoring cancer progression. We will focus on TME-derived set of factors such as TGF-β, soluble HLA-G, prostaglandin E2, adenosine, extracellular vesicles, and miRNAs, which can exhibit a dual function. On one hand, these factors can suppress NK cell-mediated activities but, on the other hand, they can induce a pro-angiogenic polarization in NK cells. Also, we will analyze the impact on cancer progression of the interaction of NK cells with several TME-associated cells, including macrophages, neutrophils, mast cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and endothelial cells. Then, we will discuss the most relevant therapeutic approaches aimed at potentiating/restoring NK cell activities against tumors. Finally, supported by the literature revision and our new findings on NK cell pro-angiogenic activities, we uphold NK cells to a key host cellular paradigm in controlling tumor progression and angiogenesis; thus, we should bear in mind NK cells like a TME-associated target for anti-tumor therapeutic approaches.
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37
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Targeting natural killer cells in solid tumors. Cell Mol Immunol 2019; 16:415-422. [PMID: 30911118 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-019-0224-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 151] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells endowed with cytolytic activity and a capacity to secrete cytokines and chemokines. Several lines of evidence suggest that NK cells play an important role in anti-tumor immunity. Some therapies against hematological malignacies make use of the immune properties of NK cells, such as their ability to kill residual leukemic blasts efficiently after conditioning during haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, knowledge on NK cell infiltration and the status of NK cell responsiveness in solid tumors is limited so far. The pro-angiogenic role of the recently described NK cell-like type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) and their phenotypic resemblance to NK cells are confounding factors that add a level of complexity, at least in mice. Here, we review the current knowledge on the presence and function of NK cells in solid tumors as well as the immunotherapeutic approaches designed to harness NK cell functions in these conditions, including those that aim to reinforce conventional anti-tumor therapies to increase the chances of successful treatment.
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de Jonge K, Ebering A, Nassiri S, Maby-El Hajjami H, Ouertatani-Sakouhi H, Baumgaertner P, Speiser DE. Circulating CD56 bright NK cells inversely correlate with survival of melanoma patients. Sci Rep 2019; 9:4487. [PMID: 30872676 PMCID: PMC6418246 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40933-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The roles of NK cells in human melanoma remain only partially understood. We characterized NK cells from peripheral blood ex vivo by flow cytometry obtained from late stage (III/IV) melanoma patients. Interestingly, we found that the abundance of CD56bright NK cells negatively correlate with overall patient survival, together with distant metastases, in a multivariate cox regression analysis. The patients' CD56bright NK cells showed upregulation of CD11a, CD38 and CD95 as compared to healthy controls, pointing to an activated phenotype as well as a possible immune regulatory role in melanoma patients. After stimulation in vitro, CD56bright NK cells produced less TNFα and GMCSF in patients than controls. Furthermore, IFNγ production by the CD56bright NK cells correlated inversely with overall survival. Our results highlight that abundance and function of CD56bright NK cells are associated with melanoma patient survival, emphasizing the potential of NK cell subsets for biomarker discovery and future therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaat de Jonge
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Anna Ebering
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Sina Nassiri
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Bâtiment Génopode, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Petra Baumgaertner
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E Speiser
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland.
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Center (CHUV), Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Size Matters: The Functional Role of the CEACAM1 Isoform Signature and Its Impact for NK Cell-Mediated Killing in Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11030356. [PMID: 30871206 PMCID: PMC6468645 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11030356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/21/2019] [Accepted: 03/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive and treatment resistant type of skin cancer. It is characterized by continuously rising incidence and high mortality rate due to its high metastatic potential. Various types of cell adhesion molecules have been implicated in tumor progression in melanoma. One of these, the carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1), is a multi-functional receptor protein potentially expressed in epithelia, endothelia, and leukocytes. CEACAM1 often appears in four isoforms differing in the length of their extracellular and intracellular domains. Both the CEACAM1 expression in general, and the ratio of the expressed CEACAM1 splice variants appear very dynamic. They depend on both the cell activation stage and the cell growth phase. Interestingly, normal melanocytes are negative for CEACAM1, while melanomas often show high expression. As a cell–cell communication molecule, CEACAM1 mediates the direct interaction between tumor and immune cells. In the tumor cell this interaction leads to functional inhibitions, and indirectly to decreased cancer cell immunogenicity by down-regulation of ligands of the NKG2D receptor. On natural killer (NK) cells it inhibits NKG2D-mediated cytolysis and signaling. This review focuses on novel mechanistic insights into CEACAM1 isoforms for NK cell-mediated immune escape mechanisms in melanoma, and their clinical relevance in patients suffering from malignant melanoma.
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Chen Z, Wang L. Ovalbumin induces natural killer cells to secrete Th2 cytokines IL‑5 and IL‑13 in a mouse model of asthma. Mol Med Rep 2019; 19:3210-3216. [PMID: 30816463 PMCID: PMC6423558 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.9966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a chronic lung disease characterized by an imbalance of T-helper (Th)1/Th2 cells and their cytokine profiles. Natural killer (NK) cells constitute a considerable subset of the lymphocyte population in the lungs, and provide protection against respiratory infection by fungi, bacteria and viruses. However, the mechanism by which NK cells are involved in asthma remains to be fully elucidated. The present study analyzed the dynamic changes of NK cells and their subsets during the development of the ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic airway response. Lung tissues were histologically examined for cell infiltration and mucus hypersecretion. The number, activity and cytokine-secreting ability of NK cells was determined by flow cytometry. The results showed that the percentage of NK cells in the lung was decreased following OVA sensitization and challenge. However, NK cells exhibited enhanced activity and secreted more Th2 cytokines (IL-5 and IL-13) following OVA challenge. Furthermore, the proportion of CD11b− NK subsets increased with the development of asthma, and CD11b− CD27− NK cells were the primary NK subset producing Th2 cytokines. These findings suggest that, although NK cells are not the crucial type of lymphocytes involved in asthma, OVA induces NK cells to secrete Th2 cytokines that may be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangbo Chen
- Department of Pathogen Biology and Immunology, Shenzhen University School of Medicine, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518060, P.R. China
| | - Lu Wang
- Department of Physiology and Chinese‑German Stem Cell Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, The Key Laboratory for Drug Target Researches and Pharmacodynamic Evaluation of Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, P.R. China
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41
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NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2018; 11:cancers11010029. [PMID: 30597841 PMCID: PMC6357056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11010029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis represents the leading cause of cancer-related death mainly owing to the limited efficacy of current anticancer therapies on advanced malignancies. Although immunotherapy is rendering promising results in the treatment of cancer, many adverse events and factors hampering therapeutic efficacy, especially in solid tumors and metastases, still need to be solved. Moreover, immunotherapeutic strategies have mainly focused on modulating the activity of T cells, while Natural Killer (NK) cells have only recently been taken into consideration. NK cells represent an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy owing to their innate capacity to eliminate malignant tumors in a non-Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) and non-tumor antigen-restricted manner. In this review, we analyze the mechanisms and efficacy of NK cells in the control of metastasis and we detail the immunosubversive strategies developed by metastatic cells to evade NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance. We also share current and cutting-edge clinical approaches aimed at unleashing the full anti-metastatic potential of NK cells, including the adoptive transfer of NK cells, boosting of NK cell activity, redirecting NK cell activity against metastatic cells and the release of evasion mechanisms dampening NK cell immunosurveillance.
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42
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Frazao A, Messaoudene M, Nunez N, Dulphy N, Roussin F, Sedlik C, Zitvogel L, Piaggio E, Toubert A, Caignard A. CD16 +NKG2A high Natural Killer Cells Infiltrate Breast Cancer-Draining Lymph Nodes. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 7:208-218. [PMID: 30514793 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-draining lymph nodes (TD-LNs) are the first site of metastasis of breast cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells that infiltrate TD-LNs [including noninvaded (NI) or metastatic (M)-LNs from breast cancer patients] and NK cells from healthy donor (HD)-LNs were characterized, and their phenotype analyzed by flow cytometry. Low percentages of tumor cells invaded M-LNs, and these cells expressed ULBP2 and HLA class I molecules. Although NK cells from paired NI and M-LNs were similar, they expressed different markers compared with HD-LN NK cells. Compared with HD-LNs, TD-LN NK cells expressed activating DNAM-1, NKG2C and inhibitory NKG2A receptors, and exhibited elevated CXCR3 expression. CD16, NKG2A, and NKp46 expression were shown to be increased in stage IIIA breast cancer patients. TD-LNs contained a large proportion of activated CD56brightCD16+ NK cells with high expression of NKG2A. We also showed that a subset of LN NK cells expressed PD-1, expression of which was correlated with NKp30 and NKG2C expression. LN NK cell activation status was evaluated by degranulation potential and lytic capacity toward breast cancer cells. NK cells from TD-LNs degranulated after coculture with breast cancer cell lines. Cytokine-activated TD-LN NK cells exerted greater lysis of breast cancer cell lines than HD-LN NK cells and preferentially lysed the HLA class Ilow MCF-7 breast cancer cell line. TD-LNs from breast cancer patients, thus, contained activated lytic NK cells. The expression of inhibitory receptor NKG2A and checkpoint PD-1 by NK cells infiltrating breast cancer-draining LNs supports their potential as targets for immunotherapies using anti-NKG2A and/or anti-PD-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Frazao
- INSERM U1160, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France.,Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Paris, France
| | - Meriem Messaoudene
- INSERM U1160, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France.,Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Nunez
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France.,Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie CICBT 1428, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Dulphy
- INSERM U1160, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France.,Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Saint-Louis, Laboratoire d'Immunologie et Histocompatibilité, Paris, France
| | - France Roussin
- Service d'Anesthésie-Réanimation, AP-HP, Hôpital Saint-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Christine Sedlik
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France.,Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie CICBT 1428, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Institut National de la Santé Et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) U1015, Villejuif, France.,Equipe Labellisée-Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Villejuif, France.,Univ. Paris-Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Eliane Piaggio
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France.,Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie CICBT 1428, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Toubert
- INSERM U1160, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France.,Univ. Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Paris, France.,Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Saint-Louis, Laboratoire d'Immunologie et Histocompatibilité, Paris, France
| | - Anne Caignard
- INSERM U1160, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France.
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43
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Poultsidi A, Dimopoulos Y, He TF, Chavakis T, Saloustros E, Lee PP, Petrovas C. Lymph Node Cellular Dynamics in Cancer and HIV: What Can We Learn for the Follicular CD4 (Tfh) Cells? Front Immunol 2018; 9:2233. [PMID: 30319664 PMCID: PMC6170630 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymph nodes (LNs) are central in the generation of adaptive immune responses. Follicular helper CD4 T (Tfh) cells, a highly differentiated CD4 population, provide critical help for the development of antigen-specific B cell responses within the germinal center. Throughout the past decade, numerous studies have revealed the important role of Tfh cells in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) pathogenesis as well as in the development of neutralizing antibodies post-infection and post-vaccination. It has also been established that tumors influence various immune cell subsets not only in their proximity, but also in draining lymph nodes. The role of local or tumor associated lymph node Tfh cells in disease progression is emerging. Comparative studies of Tfh cells in chronic infections and cancer could therefore provide novel information with regards to their differentiation plasticity and to the mechanisms regulating their development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antigoni Poultsidi
- Department of Surgery, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Yiannis Dimopoulos
- Tissue Analysis Core, Immunology Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Ting-Fang He
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Emmanouil Saloustros
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Peter P Lee
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Constantinos Petrovas
- Tissue Analysis Core, Immunology Laboratory, Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, NIH, Bethesda, MD, United States
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44
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Zakiryanova GK, Wheeler S, Shurin MR. Oncogenes in immune cells as potential therapeutic targets. Immunotargets Ther 2018; 7:21-28. [PMID: 29692982 PMCID: PMC5903485 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s150586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of deregulated expression of oncogenes and tumor-suppressor genes in tumor development has been intensively investigated for decades. However, expression of oncogenes and their potential role in immune cell defects during carcinogenesis and tumor progression have not been thoroughly assessed. The defects in proto-oncogenes have been well documented and evaluated mostly in tumor cells, despite the fact that proto-oncogenes are expressed in all cells, including cells of the immune system. In this review, key studies from immune-mediated diseases that may be associated with oncogene signaling pathways are refocused to provide groundwork for beginning to understand the effects of oncogenes in and on the cancer-related immune system dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gulnur K Zakiryanova
- Department Biophysics and Biomedicine, Faculty Biology and Biotechnology, Al-Farabi Kazakh National University, Almaty, Kazakhstan
| | - Sarah Wheeler
- Division of Clinical Immunopathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Michael R Shurin
- Division of Clinical Immunopathology, Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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45
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Abstract
Cancer patients with lymph node (LN) metastases have a worse prognosis than those without nodal disease. However, why LN metastases correlate with reduced patient survival is poorly understood. Recent findings provide insight into mechanisms underlying tumor growth in LNs. Tumor cells and their secreted molecules engage stromal, myeloid, and lymphoid cells within primary tumors and in the lymphatic system, decreasing antitumor immunity and promoting tumor growth. Understanding the mechanisms of cancer survival and growth in LNs is key to designing effective therapy for the eradication of LN metastases. In addition, uncovering the implications of LN metastasis for systemic tumor burden will inform treatment decisions. In this review, we discuss the current knowledge of the seeding, growth, and further dissemination of LN metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dennis Jones
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ethel R Pereira
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Timothy P Padera
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories for Tumor Biology, Department of Radiation Oncology, MGH Cancer Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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46
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López-Cobo S, Pieper N, Campos-Silva C, García-Cuesta EM, Reyburn HT, Paschen A, Valés-Gómez M. Impaired NK cell recognition of vemurafenib-treated melanoma cells is overcome by simultaneous application of histone deacetylase inhibitors. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1392426. [PMID: 29308322 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1392426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy of metastatic melanoma advanced recently with the clinical implementation of signalling pathway inhibitors, such as vemurafenib, specifically targeting mutant BRAFV600E. In general, patients experience remarkable clinical responses under BRAF inhibitor (BRAFi) treatment but eventually progress within 6-8 months due to resistance development. Responding metastases show an increased immune cell infiltrate, including also NK cells, that, however, is no longer detectable in BRAFi-resistant lesions, suggesting NK cell activity should be exploited to prevent disease progression. Here, we examined the effects of BRAFi on the expression of ligands targeting activating NK cells receptors immediately after treatment onset, prior to resistance development. We demonstrate that BRAFV600E mutant melanoma cells cultured in the presence of vemurafenib, strongly decreased surface expression of ligands for NK activating receptors including the NKG2D-ligand, MICA, and the DNAM-1 ligand, CD155, and became significantly less susceptible to NK cell attack. NKG2D-ligand protein downregulation was due to a significant decrease in mRNA levels, already detectable 24 h after drug treatment. Interestingly, vemurafenib-induced MICA downregulation could be counteracted by treatment of melanoma cells with the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor (HDACi) sodium butyrate, that also upregulated the DNAM1-ligand, Nectin-2. HDACi treatment enhanced surface expression of NKG2D-ligands in the presence of BRAFi, accompanied by recovery of NK cell recognition, but only upon simultaneous drug application. These results suggest that co-administration of BRAFi and HDAC inhibitors as well as having direct effects on melanoma cell survival, could also synergise to improve NK cell recognition and avoid tumour immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila López-Cobo
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, CNB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Natalia Pieper
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Essen; Germany
| | - Carmen Campos-Silva
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, CNB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva M García-Cuesta
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, CNB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Hugh T Reyburn
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, CNB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Annette Paschen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Essen; Germany
| | - Mar Valés-Gómez
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, CNB-CSIC, Madrid, Spain
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47
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Ivagnès A, Messaoudene M, Stoll G, Routy B, Fluckiger A, Yamazaki T, Iribarren K, Duong CPM, Fend L, Caignard A, Cremer I, LeCesne A, Adam J, Honoré C, Mir O, Chaigneau L, Berger A, Validire P, Christidis C, Brun-Ly VL, Smyth MJ, Mariette X, Salomon BL, Kroemer G, Rusakiewicz S, Zitvogel L. TNFR2/BIRC3-TRAF1 signaling pathway as a novel NK cell immune checkpoint in cancer. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1386826. [PMID: 30524877 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1386826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells control metastatic dissemination of murine tumors and are an important prognostic factor in several human malignancies. However, tumor cells hijack many of the NK cell functional features compromising their tumoricidal activity. Here, we show a deleterious role of the TNFα/TNFR2/BIRC3/TRAF1 signaling cascade in NK cells from the tumor microenvironment (TME). TNFα induces BIRC3/cIAP2 transcripts and reduces NKp46/NCR1 transcription and surface expression on NK cells, promoting metastases dissemination in mice and poor prognosis in GIST patients. NKp30 engagement, by promoting the release of TNFα, also contributes to BIRC3 upregulation, and more so in patients expressing predominantly NKp30C isoforms. These findings reveal that in the absence of IL-12 or a Th1-geared TME, TNFα can be considered as a negative regulatory cytokine for innate effectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Ivagnès
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,INSERM U1015, GRCC, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Meriem Messaoudene
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,INSERM U1015, GRCC, Villejuif, France
| | - Gautier Stoll
- INSERM, U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris, France
| | - Bertrand Routy
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,INSERM U1015, GRCC, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Aurélie Fluckiger
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,INSERM U1015, GRCC, Villejuif, France
| | - Takahiro Yamazaki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kristina Iribarren
- INSERM, U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris, France
| | - Connie P M Duong
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,INSERM U1015, GRCC, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Anne Caignard
- INSERM, U1160, Université Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris, France.,Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Isabelle Cremer
- INSERM, U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris, France
| | - Axel LeCesne
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Département d'oncologie médicale, GRCC, Villejuif, France
| | - Julien Adam
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Département d'anatomo-pathologie, GRCC, Villejuif, France.,INSERM U981, GRCC, Villejuif, France
| | - Charles Honoré
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Département de chirurgie, GRCC, Villejuif, France
| | - Olivier Mir
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,Département d'oncologie médicale, GRCC, Villejuif, France
| | - Loïc Chaigneau
- Département d'oncologie médicale, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Jean Minjoz, Besançon, France
| | - Anne Berger
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris, France.,Département de chirurgie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Pierre Validire
- Département d'anatomo-pathologie, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France.,Département d'oncologie médicale, Sarcome, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Christos Christidis
- Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris, France.,Département d'oncologie médicale, Sarcome, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France.,Département de chirurgie, Institut Mutualiste Montsouris, Paris, France
| | - Valérie Le Brun-Ly
- Département d'oncologie médicale, Centre hospitalier régional universitaire de Limoges Dupuytren, Limoges, France
| | - Mark J Smyth
- Immunology in Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Xavier Mariette
- Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,INSERM UMR 1184, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Service de Rhumatologie, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris-Sud, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France
| | - Benoît L Salomon
- Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France
| | - Guido Kroemer
- INSERM, U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Paris, France.,Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris, France.,Université Pierre et Marie Curie, 15 rue de l'Ecole de Médecine, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Universités, UPMC Univ Paris 06, INSERM, CNRS, Centre d'Immunologie et des Maladies Infectieuses (CIMI-Paris), Paris, France.,Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France.,Plateforme de métabolomique et de biologie cellulaire, GRCC,Villejuif, France.,Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sylvie Rusakiewicz
- Center of Experimental Therapeutics, Ludwig Center for Cancer Res, Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Institut de Cancérologie Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), Villejuif, France.,INSERM U1015, GRCC, Villejuif, France.,Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Faculté de Médecine, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France.,Centre d'investigation clinique en biothérapie des cancers (CICBT), Villejuif, France
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48
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Wagner JA, Rosario M, Romee R, Berrien-Elliott MM, Schneider SE, Leong JW, Sullivan RP, Jewell BA, Becker-Hapak M, Schappe T, Abdel-Latif S, Ireland AR, Jaishankar D, King JA, Vij R, Clement D, Goodridge J, Malmberg KJ, Wong HC, Fehniger TA. CD56bright NK cells exhibit potent antitumor responses following IL-15 priming. J Clin Invest 2017; 127:4042-4058. [PMID: 28972539 DOI: 10.1172/jci90387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells, lymphocytes of the innate immune system, are important for defense against infectious pathogens and cancer. Classically, the CD56dim NK cell subset is thought to mediate antitumor responses, whereas the CD56bright subset is involved in immunomodulation. Here, we challenge this paradigm by demonstrating that brief priming with IL-15 markedly enhanced the antitumor response of CD56bright NK cells. Priming improved multiple CD56bright cell functions: degranulation, cytotoxicity, and cytokine production. Primed CD56bright cells from leukemia patients demonstrated enhanced responses to autologous blasts in vitro, and primed CD56bright cells controlled leukemia cells in vivo in a murine xenograft model. Primed CD56bright cells from multiple myeloma (MM) patients displayed superior responses to autologous myeloma targets, and furthermore, CD56bright NK cells from MM patients primed with the IL-15 receptor agonist ALT-803 in vivo displayed enhanced ex vivo functional responses to MM targets. Effector mechanisms contributing to IL-15-based priming included improved cytotoxic protein expression, target cell conjugation, and LFA-1-, CD2-, and NKG2D-dependent activation of NK cells. Finally, IL-15 robustly stimulated the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MEK/ERK pathways in CD56bright compared with CD56dim NK cells, and blockade of these pathways attenuated antitumor responses. These findings identify CD56bright NK cells as potent antitumor effectors that warrant further investigation as a cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia A Wagner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Maximillian Rosario
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Melissa M Berrien-Elliott
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Stephanie E Schneider
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jeffrey W Leong
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ryan P Sullivan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Brea A Jewell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Michelle Becker-Hapak
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Timothy Schappe
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sara Abdel-Latif
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Aaron R Ireland
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Devika Jaishankar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Justin A King
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ravi Vij
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Dennis Clement
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jodie Goodridge
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Centre for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Todd A Fehniger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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49
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López-Soto A, Gonzalez S, Smyth MJ, Galluzzi L. Control of Metastasis by NK Cells. Cancer Cell 2017; 32:135-154. [PMID: 28810142 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 495] [Impact Index Per Article: 70.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 05/21/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The metastatic spread of malignant cells to distant anatomical locations is a prominent cause of cancer-related death. Metastasis is governed by cancer-cell-intrinsic mechanisms that enable neoplastic cells to invade the local microenvironment, reach the circulation, and colonize distant sites, including the so-called epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Moreover, metastasis is regulated by microenvironmental and systemic processes, such as immunosurveillance. Here, we outline the cancer-cell-intrinsic and -extrinsic factors that regulate metastasis, discuss the key role of natural killer (NK) cells in the control of metastatic dissemination, and present potential therapeutic approaches to prevent or target metastatic disease by harnessing NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro López-Soto
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Área de Inmunología, Universidad de Oviedo, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain.
| | - Segundo Gonzalez
- Departamento de Biología Funcional, Área de Inmunología, Universidad de Oviedo, Instituto Universitario de Oncología del Principado de Asturias (IUOPA), 33006 Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Mark J Smyth
- Immunology of Cancer and Infection Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Lorenzo Galluzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA; Sandra and Edward Meyer Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Université Paris Descartes/Paris V, 75006 Paris, France.
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Abstract
Natural killer cells are important effector lymphocytes of the innate immune system, playing critical roles in antitumor and anti-infection host defense. Tumor progression or chronic infections, however, usually leads to exhaustion of NK cells, thus limiting the antitumor/infection potential of NK cells. In many tumors or chronic infections, multiple mechanisms might contribute to the exhaustion of NK cells, such as dysregulated NK cell receptors signaling, as well as suppressive effects by regulatory cells or soluble factors within the microenvironment. Better understanding of the characteristics, as well as the underlying mechanisms of NK cell exhaustion, not only should increase our understanding of the basic biology of NK cells but also could reveal novel NK cell-based antitumor/infection targets. Here, we provide an overview of our current knowledge on NK cell exhaustion in tumors, and in chronic infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiacheng Bi
- Shenzhen Laboratory of Antibody Engineering, Institute of Biomedicine and Biotechnology, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, Institute of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease of Chinese Academy of Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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