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Childs A, Aidoo-Micah G, Maini MK, Meyer T. Immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. JHEP Rep 2024; 6:101130. [PMID: 39308986 PMCID: PMC11414669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhepr.2024.101130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 05/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global healthcare challenge, with >1 million patients predicted to be affected annually by 2025. In contrast to other cancers, both incidence and mortality rates continue to rise, and HCC is now the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have transformed the treatment landscape for advanced HCC, with trials demonstrating a superior overall survival benefit compared to sorafenib in the first-line setting. Combination therapy with either atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) and bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) or durvalumab (anti-PD-L1) and tremelimumab (anti-CTLA-4) is now recognised as standard of care for advanced HCC. More recently, two phase III studies of ICI-based combination therapy in the early and intermediate disease settings have successfully met their primary end points of improved recurrence- and progression-free survival, respectively. Despite these advances, and in contrast to other tumour types, there remain no validated predictive biomarkers of response to ICIs in HCC. Ongoing research efforts are focused on further characterising the tumour microenvironment in order to select patients most likely to benefit from ICI and identify novel therapeutic targets. Herein, we review the current understanding of the immune landscape in which HCC develops and the evidence for ICI-based therapeutic strategies in HCC. Additionally, we describe the state of biomarker development and novel immunotherapy approaches in HCC which have progressed beyond the pre-clinical stage and into early-phase trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexa Childs
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Gloryanne Aidoo-Micah
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mala K. Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Immunity and Transplantation, University College London, London, UK
| | - Tim Meyer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
- UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, UK
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2
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Graham LV, Fisher JG, Doyle ADP, Sale B, Del Rio L, French AJE, Mayor NP, Turner TR, Marsh SGE, Cragg MS, Forconi F, Khakoo SI, Blunt MD. KIR2DS2+ NK cells in cancer patients demonstrate high activation in response to tumour-targeting antibodies. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1404051. [PMID: 39286025 PMCID: PMC11402612 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1404051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Strategies to mobilise natural killer (NK) cells against cancer include tumour-targeting antibodies, NK cell engagers (NKCEs) and the adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded healthy donor-derived NK cells. Genetic and functional studies have revealed that expression of the activating killer immunoglobulin-like receptor KIR2DS2 is associated with enhanced function in NK cells from healthy donors and improved outcome in several different malignancies. The optimal strategy to leverage KIR2DS2+ NK cells therapeutically is however currently unclear. In this study, we therefore evaluated the response of KIR2DS2-expressing NK cells to activation against cancer with clinically relevant tumour-targeting antibodies and following ex vivo expansion. We identified that KIR2DS2high NK cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia and hepatocellular carcinoma had enhanced activation in response to tumour-targeting antibodies compared to KIR2DS2- NK cells. However, the superior function of healthy donor derived KIR2DS2high NK cells was lost following ex vivo expansion which is required for adoptive transfer-based therapeutic strategies. These data provide evidence that targeting KIR2DS2 directly in cancer patients may allow for the utilisation of their enhanced effector function, however such activity may be lost following their ex vivo expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara V Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Jack G Fisher
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Amber D P Doyle
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ben Sale
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Luis Del Rio
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Albert J E French
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
| | - Neema P Mayor
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas R Turner
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Steven G E Marsh
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, Royal Free Hospital, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Haematology, University College London (UCL) Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S Cragg
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Forconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Haematology Department, Cancer Care Directorate, University Hospital Southampton National Health Service (NHS) Trust, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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3
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Blunt MD, Fisher H, Schittenhelm RB, Mbiribindi B, Fulton R, Khan S, Espana-Serrano L, Graham LV, Bastidas-Legarda L, Burns D, Khakoo SM, Mansour S, Essex JW, Ayala R, Das J, Purcell AW, Khakoo SI. The nuclear export protein XPO1 provides a peptide ligand for natural killer cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eado6566. [PMID: 39178254 PMCID: PMC11343027 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.ado6566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
XPO1 (Exportin-1/CRM1) is a nuclear export protein that is frequently overexpressed in cancer and functions as a driver of oncogenesis. Currently small molecules that target XPO1 are being used in the clinic as anticancer agents. We identify XPO1 as a target for natural killer (NK) cells. Using immunopeptidomics, we have identified a peptide derived from XPO1 that can be recognized by the activating NK cell receptor KIR2DS2 in the context of human leukocyte antigen-C. The peptide can be endogenously processed and presented to activate NK cells specifically through this receptor. Although high XPO1 expression in cancer is commonly associated with a poor prognosis, we show that the outcome of specific cancers, such as hepatocellular carcinoma, can be substantially improved if there is concomitant evidence of NK cell infiltration. We thus identify XPO1 as a bona fide tumor antigen recognized by NK cells that offers an opportunity for a personalized approach to NK cell therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D. Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Hayden Fisher
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ralf B. Schittenhelm
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Berenice Mbiribindi
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rebecca Fulton
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sajida Khan
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura Espana-Serrano
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lara V. Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leidy Bastidas-Legarda
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Platform, Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, and The Department of Pediatrics, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Daniel Burns
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Sophie M.S. Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Salah Mansour
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jonathan W. Essex
- School of Chemistry, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rochelle Ayala
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jayajit Das
- Steve and Cindy Rasmussen Institute for Genomic Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, and The Department of Pediatrics, Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Anthony W. Purcell
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Salim I. Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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4
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Wei H, Dong C, Li X. Treatment Options for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Using Immunotherapy: Present and Future. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2024; 12:389-405. [PMID: 38638377 PMCID: PMC11022065 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2023.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer, and the body's immune responses greatly affect its progression and the prognosis of patients. Immunological suppression and the maintenance of self-tolerance in the tumor microenvironment are essential responses, and these form part of the theoretical foundations of immunotherapy. In this review, we first discuss the tumor microenvironment of HCC, describe immunosuppression in HCC, and review the major biomarkers used to track HCC progression and response to treatment. We then examine antibody-based therapies, with a focus on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), monoclonal antibodies that target key proteins in the immune response (programmed cell death protein 1, anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4, and programmed death-ligand 1) which have transformed the treatment of HCC and other cancers. ICIs may be used alone or in conjunction with various targeted therapies for patients with advanced HCC who are receiving first-line treatments or subsequent treatments. We also discuss the use of different cellular immunotherapies, including T cell receptor (TCR) T cell therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy. We then review the use of HCC vaccines, adjuvant immunotherapy, and oncolytic virotherapy, and describe the goals of future research in the development of treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wei
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Chunlu Dong
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Key Laboratory Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Cancer Prevention and Treatment Center of Lanzhou University School of Medicine, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery Institute of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
- Clinical Research Center for General Surgery of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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5
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Bodard S, Liu Y, Guinebert S, Yousra K, Asselah T. Prognostic value of genotyping in hepatocellular carcinoma: A systematic review. J Viral Hepat 2023; 30:582-587. [PMID: 36922710 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.13833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is the sixth most commonly diagnosed cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death. Advances in sequencing technology are opening genomics to widespread application for diagnosis and research. The poor prognosis of advanced HCC warrants a personalized approach. The objective was to assess the value of genotyping for risk stratification and prognostication of HCC. We performed a systematic review of manuscripts published on MEDLINE from 1 January 2009 to 1 January 2022, addressing the value of genotyping for HCC risk stratification and prognostication. Publication information for each has been collected using a standardized data extraction form. Twenty-five articles were analysed. This study showed that various genomics approaches (i.e., NGS, SNP, CASP or polymorphisms in circadian genes' association) provided predictive and prognostic information, such as disease control rate, median progression-free survival, and shorter median overall survival. Genotyping, which advances in understanding the molecular origin, could be a solution to predict prognosis or treatment response in patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Bodard
- AP-HP-centre, Service d'Imagerie Adulte, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, F-75015, France
- Université de Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France
- Sorbonne Université, CNRS UMR, INSERM, Laboratoire d'Imagerie Biomédicale (LIB), Paris, F-75006, France
| | - Yan Liu
- Faculty of Life Science and Medicine, King's College London, London, UK
- Median Technologies, 1800 Route des Crêtes, Valbonne, F-06560, France
| | - Sylvain Guinebert
- AP-HP-centre, Service d'Imagerie Adulte, Hôpital Necker Enfants Malades, Paris, F-75015, France
- Université de Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France
| | | | - Tarik Asselah
- Université de Paris Cité, Paris, F-75006, France
- APHP.Nord, Service d'hépatologie, INSERM, Hôpital Beaujon, Clichy, F-92110, France
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6
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De Re V, Tornesello ML, Racanelli V, Prete M, Steffan A. Non-Classical HLA Class 1b and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1672. [PMID: 37371767 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061672] [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: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
A number of studies are underway to gain a better understanding of the role of immunity in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and to identify subgroups of individuals who may benefit the most from systemic therapy according to the etiology of their tumor. Human leukocyte antigens play a key role in antigen presentation to T cells. This is fundamental to the host's defense against pathogens and tumor cells. In addition, HLA-specific interactions with innate lymphoid cell receptors, such those present on natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cell type 2, have been shown to be important activators of immune function in the context of several liver diseases. More recent studies have highlighted the key role of members of the non-classical HLA-Ib and the transcript adjacent to the HLA-F locus, FAT10, in hepatocarcinoma. The present review analyzes the major contribution of these molecules to hepatic viral infection and hepatocellular prognosis. Particular attention has been paid to the association of natural killer and Vδ2 T-cell activation, mediated by specific HLA class Ib molecules, with risk assessment and novel treatment strategies to improve immunotherapy in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G. Pascale", 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, School of Medicine, 'Aldo Moro' University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, School of Medicine, 'Aldo Moro' University of Bari, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), 33081 Aviano, Italy
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7
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Chen C, Wang Z, Ding Y, Qin Y. Tumor microenvironment-mediated immune evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133308. [PMID: 36845131 PMCID: PMC9950271 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary liver malignancy and is the third leading cause of tumor-related mortality worldwide. In recent years, the emergency of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) has revolutionized the management of HCC. Especially, the combination of atezolizumab (anti-PD1) and bevacizumab (anti-VEGF) has been approved by the FDA as the first-line treatment for advanced HCC. Despite great breakthrough in systemic therapy, HCC continues to portend a poor prognosis owing to drug resistance and frequent recurrence. The tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC is a complex and structured mixture characterized by abnormal angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, and dysregulated extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, collectively contributing to the immunosuppressive milieu that in turn prompts HCC proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment coexists and interacts with various immune cells to maintain the development of HCC. It is widely accepted that a dysfunctional tumor-immune ecosystem can lead to the failure of immune surveillance. The immunosuppressive TME is an external cause for immune evasion in HCC consisting of 1) immunosuppressive cells; 2) co-inhibitory signals; 3) soluble cytokines and signaling cascades; 4) metabolically hostile tumor microenvironment; 5) the gut microbiota that affects the immune microenvironment. Importantly, the effectiveness of immunotherapy largely depends on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Also, the gut microbiota and metabolism profoundly affect the immune microenvironment. Understanding how TME affects HCC development and progression will contribute to better preventing HCC-specific immune evasion and overcoming resistance to already developed therapies. In this review, we mainly introduce immune evasion of HCC underlying the role of immune microenvironment, describe the dynamic interaction of immune microenvironment with dysfunctional metabolism and the gut microbiome, and propose therapeutic strategies to manipulate the TME in favor of more effective immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yanru Qin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Huang N, Zhang J, Kuang S, Li Z, Zhao H, Wu J, Liu M, Wang L. Role of NCF2 as a potential prognostic factor and immune infiltration indicator in hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Med 2023; 12:8991-9004. [PMID: 36680322 PMCID: PMC10134316 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.5597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major causes of cancer-related deaths globally. The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in the prognosis and treatment of HCC. Hence, it is important to exploit new biomarkers for survival surveillance and TME estimation of HCC. METHODS HCC samples data was collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database, and clinical samples were collected from our center. The TME of HCC were explored with ESTIMATE (Estimation of STromal and Immune cells in MAlignant Tumor tissues using Expression data), ssGSEA (single sample Gene Sets Enrichment Analysis) and CIBERSORT algorithm. Differentially expressed genes were analyzed with functional enrichment analysis. Immunohistochemistry was implemented to validate the results. RESULTS Based on TCGA database, we found that Neutrophil Cytosolic Factor 2 (NCF2) was significantly associated with the prognosis of HCC patients, involved in immune-related biological processes of HCC and closely associated with some types of immunocompetent cells. The survival analysis based on NCF2 expression assessed by immunohistochemistry also confirmed that NCF2-positive group had a shorter relapse free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) than NCF2-negative group. Multivariate Cox regression revealed NCF2 expression level and lymphovascular space invasion (LVSI) were independent risk factors for HCC patients. Receiver operating characteristic curves showed that the combination of NCF2 and LVSI had higher predictive efficacy on the 1-year RFS rate and 5-year OS rate than each of them alone. Besides, the expression level of NCF2 was positively associated with M0 and M2 macrophages infiltration. Furthermore, NCF2 expression was positively correlated with CSF1, IL4, IL10, CD206, CD163, CSF1R and TGFβ1. CONCLUSION We proposed that higher NCF2 expression predicted an adverse prognosis and more M2 macrophages infiltration in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Shuwen Kuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Li
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zhao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxiong Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mei Liu
- Laboratory of Cell and Molecular Biology & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Liming Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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9
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Blunt MD, Vallejo Pulido A, Fisher JG, Graham LV, Doyle ADP, Fulton R, Carter MJ, Polak M, Johnson PWM, Cragg MS, Forconi F, Khakoo SI. KIR2DS2 Expression Identifies NK Cells With Enhanced Anticancer Activity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:379-390. [PMID: 35768150 PMCID: PMC7613074 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2101139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
NK cells are promising cellular therapeutics against hematological and solid malignancies. Immunogenetic studies have identified that various activating killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIRs) are associated with cancer outcomes. Specifically, KIR2DS2 has been associated with reduced incidence of relapse following transplant in hematological malignancies and improved outcomes in solid tumors, but the mechanism remains obscure. Therefore, we investigated how KIR2DS2 expression impacts NK cell function. Using a novel flow cytometry panel, we show that human NK cells with high KIR2DS2 expression have enhanced spontaneous activation against malignant B cell lines, liver cancer cell lines, and primary chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. Surface expression of CD16 was increased on KIR2DS2high NK cells, and, accordingly, KIR2DS2high NK cells had increased activation against lymphoma cells coated with the clinically relevant anti-CD20 Abs rituximab and obinutuzumab. Bulk RNA sequencing revealed that KIR2DS2high NK cells have upregulation of NK-mediated cytotoxicity, translation, and FCGR gene pathways. We developed a novel single-cell RNA-sequencing technique to identify KIR2DS2+ NK cells, and this confirmed that KIR2DS2 is associated with enhanced NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity. This study provides evidence that KIR2DS2 marks a population of NK cells primed for anticancer activity and indicates that KIR2DS2 is an attractive target for NK-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Andres Vallejo Pulido
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Jack G Fisher
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Lara V Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Amber D P Doyle
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Rebecca Fulton
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Matthew J Carter
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Marta Polak
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
| | - Peter W M Johnson
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Mark S Cragg
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Forconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom; and
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10
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Foerster F, Gairing SJ, Ilyas SI, Galle PR. Emerging immunotherapy for HCC: A guide for hepatologists. Hepatology 2022; 75:1604-1626. [PMID: 35253934 PMCID: PMC9117522 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
HCC is one of the most common cancers worldwide, and the third leading cause of cancer-related death globally. HCC comprises nearly 90% of all cases of primary liver cancer. Approximately half of all patients with HCC receive systemic therapy during their disease course, particularly in the advanced stages of disease. Immuno-oncology has been paradigm shifting for the treatment of human cancers, with strong and durable antitumor activity in a subset of patients across a variety of malignancies including HCC. Immune checkpoint inhibition with atezolizumab and bevacizumab, an antivascular endothelial growth factor neutralizing antibody, has become first-line therapy for patients with advanced HCC. Beyond immune checkpoint inhibition, immunotherapeutic strategies such as oncolytic viroimmunotherapy and adoptive T-cell transfer are currently under investigation. The tumor immune microenvironment of HCC has significant immunosuppressive elements that may affect response to immunotherapy. Major unmet challenges include defining the role of immunotherapy in earlier stages of HCC, evaluating combinatorial strategies that use targeting of the immune microenvironment plus immune checkpoint inhibition, and identifying treatment strategies for patients who do not respond to the currently available immunotherapies. Herein, we review the rationale, mechanistic basis and supporting preclinical evidence, and available clinical evidence for immunotherapies in HCC as well as ongoing clinical trials of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Friedrich Foerster
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Simon Johannes Gairing
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Sumera Irie Ilyas
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Peter Robert Galle
- Department of Medicine I, University Medical Center of the Johannes-Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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11
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Therapeutic Vaccines against Hepatocellular Carcinoma in the Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Era: Time for Neoantigens? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23042022. [PMID: 35216137 PMCID: PMC8875127 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23042022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have been used as immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with promising but still limited results. Identification of immune elements in the tumor microenvironment of individual HCC patients may help to understand the correlations of responses, as well as to design personalized therapies for non-responder patients. Immune-enhancing strategies, such as vaccination, would complement ICI in those individuals with poorly infiltrated tumors. The prominent role of responses against mutated tumor antigens (neoAgs) in ICI-based therapies suggests that boosting responses against these epitopes may specifically target tumor cells. In this review we summarize clinical vaccination trials carried out in HCC, the available information on potentially immunogenic neoAgs in HCC patients, and the most recent results of neoAg-based vaccines in other tumors. Despite the low/intermediate mutational burden observed in HCC, data obtained from neoAg-based vaccines in other tumors indicate that vaccines directed against these tumor-specific antigens would complement ICI in a subset of HCC patients.
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12
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Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent disease with a progression that is modulated by the immune system. Systemic therapy is used in the advanced stage and until 2017 consisted only of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has shown strong anti-tumour activity in a subset of patients and the combination of the anti-PDL1 antibody atezolizumab and the VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab has or will soon become the standard of care as a first-line therapy for HCC, whereas the anti-PD1 agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab are used after TKIs in several regions. Other immune strategies such as adoptive T-cell transfer, vaccination or virotherapy have not yet demonstrated consistent clinical activity. Major unmet challenges in HCC checkpoint immunotherapy are the discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers, advancing treatment to earlier stages of the disease, applying the treatment to patients with liver dysfunction and the discovery of more effective combinatorial or sequential approaches. Combinations with other systemic or local treatments are perceived as the most promising opportunities in HCC and some are already under evaluation in large-scale clinical trials. This Review provides up-to-date information on the best use of currently available immunotherapies in HCC and the therapeutic strategies under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sangro
- Liver Unit and HPB Oncology Area, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain.
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervás-Stubbs
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
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13
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Rettman P, Blunt MD, Fulton RJ, Vallejo AF, Bastidas-Legarda LY, España-Serrano L, Polak ME, Al-Shamkhani A, Retiere C, Khakoo SI. Peptide: MHC-based DNA vaccination strategy to activate natural killer cells by targeting killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001912. [PMID: 34016721 PMCID: PMC8141441 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are increasingly being recognized as agents for cancer immunotherapy. The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are expressed by NK cells and are immunogenetic determinants of the outcome of cancer. In particular, KIR2DS2 is associated with protective responses to several cancers and also direct recognition of cancer targets in vitro. Due to the high homology between activating and inhibitory KIR genes to date, it has been challenging to target individual KIR for therapeutic benefit. METHODS A novel KIR2DS2-targeting therapeutic peptide:MHC DNA vaccine was designed and used to immunize mice transgenic for KIR genes (KIR-Tg). NK cells were isolated from the livers and spleens of vaccinated mice and then analyzed for activation by flow cytometry, RNA profiling and cytotoxicity assays. In vivo assays of NK cell function using a syngeneic cancer model (B16 melanoma) and an adoptive transfer model for human hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh7) were performed. RESULTS Injecting KIR-Tg mice with the vaccine construct activated NK cells in both liver and spleens of mice, with preferential activation of KIR2DS2-positive NK cells. KIR-specific activation was most marked on the CD11b+CD27+ mature subset of NK cells. RNA profiling indicated that the DNA vaccine upregulated genes associated with cellular metabolism and downregulated genes related to histone H3 methylation, which are associated with immune cell maturation and NK cell function. Vaccination led to canonical and cross-reactive peptide:MHC-specific NK cell responses. In vivo, DNA vaccination led to enhanced antitumor responses against B16F10 melanoma cells and also enhanced responses against a tumor model expressing the KIR2DS2 ligand HLA-C*0102. CONCLUSION We show the feasibility of a peptide-based KIR-targeting vaccine strategy to activate NK cells and hence generate functional antitumor responses. This approach does not require detailed knowledge of the tumor peptidomes nor HLA matching with the patient. It therefore offers a novel opportunity for targeting NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- HLA-C Antigens/administration & dosage
- HLA-C Antigens/genetics
- HLA-C Antigens/immunology
- Haplotypes
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/immunology
- Lectins, C-Type/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Peptides/administration & dosage
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, KIR/genetics
- Receptors, KIR/immunology
- Receptors, KIR/metabolism
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/metabolism
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Rettman
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rebecca J Fulton
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andres F Vallejo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leidy Y Bastidas-Legarda
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura España-Serrano
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marta E Polak
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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14
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Bozward AG, Warricker F, Oo YH, Khakoo SI. Natural Killer Cells and Regulatory T Cells Cross Talk in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Exploring Therapeutic Options for the Next Decade. Front Immunol 2021; 12:643310. [PMID: 33995362 PMCID: PMC8120158 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.643310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite major advances in immunotherapy, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains a challenging target. Natural Killer (NK) cells are crucial components of the anti-HCC immune response, which can be manipulated for immunotherapeutic benefit as primary targets, modulators of the tumour microenvironment and in synchronising with tumour antigen specific effector CD8 cells for tumour clearance. Regulatory T cells shape the anti-tumour response from effector T cells via multiple suppressive mechanisms. Future research is needed to address the development of novel NK cell-targeted immunotherapy and on restraining Treg frequency and function in HCC. We have now entered a new era of anti-cancer treatment using checkpoint inhibitor (CPI)-based strategies. Combining GMP-NK cell immunotherapy to enhance the frequency of NK cells with CPI targeting both NK and CD8 T cells to release co-inhibitory receptors and enhance the cells anti-tumour immunity of HCC would be an attractive therapeutic option in the treatment of HCC. These therapeutic approaches should now be complemented by the application of genomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches to understanding the microenvironment of HCC which, together with deep immune profiling of peripheral blood and HCC tissue before and during treatment, will provide the much-needed personalised medicine approach required to improve clinical outcomes for patients with HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber G. Bozward
- Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research and National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR BRC) Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network Centre- Rare Liver, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Frazer Warricker
- The School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, The School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ye H. Oo
- Centre for Liver and Gastroenterology Research and National Institute for Health Research Biomedical Research Centre (NIHR BRC) Birmingham, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network Centre- Rare Liver, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Salim I. Khakoo
- The School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, The School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospital of Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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15
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Sangro B, Sarobe P, Hervás-Stubbs S, Melero I. Advances in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 18:525-543. [PMID: 33850328 PMCID: PMC8042636 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00438-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 635] [Impact Index Per Article: 211.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent disease with a progression that is modulated by the immune system. Systemic therapy is used in the advanced stage and until 2017 consisted only of antiangiogenic tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors has shown strong anti-tumour activity in a subset of patients and the combination of the anti-PDL1 antibody atezolizumab and the VEGF-neutralizing antibody bevacizumab has or will soon become the standard of care as a first-line therapy for HCC, whereas the anti-PD1 agents nivolumab and pembrolizumab are used after TKIs in several regions. Other immune strategies such as adoptive T-cell transfer, vaccination or virotherapy have not yet demonstrated consistent clinical activity. Major unmet challenges in HCC checkpoint immunotherapy are the discovery and validation of predictive biomarkers, advancing treatment to earlier stages of the disease, applying the treatment to patients with liver dysfunction and the discovery of more effective combinatorial or sequential approaches. Combinations with other systemic or local treatments are perceived as the most promising opportunities in HCC and some are already under evaluation in large-scale clinical trials. This Review provides up-to-date information on the best use of currently available immunotherapies in HCC and the therapeutic strategies under development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Sangro
- grid.411730.00000 0001 2191 685XLiver Unit and HPB Oncology Area, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pablo Sarobe
- grid.5924.a0000000419370271Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Sandra Hervás-Stubbs
- grid.5924.a0000000419370271Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- grid.5924.a0000000419370271Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA de la Universidad de Navarra, IDISNA and CIBEREHD, Pamplona, Spain ,grid.411730.00000 0001 2191 685XDepartment of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clinica Universidad de Navarra-IDISNA and CIBERONC, Pamplona, Spain
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16
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Polidoro MA, Mikulak J, Cazzetta V, Lleo A, Mavilio D, Torzilli G, Donadon M. Tumor microenvironment in primary liver tumors: A challenging role of natural killer cells. World J Gastroenterol 2020; 26:4900-4918. [PMID: 32952338 PMCID: PMC7476172 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v26.i33.4900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last years, several studies have been focused on elucidate the role of tumor microenvironment (TME) in cancer development and progression. Within TME, cells from adaptive and innate immune system are one of the main abundant components. The dynamic interactions between immune and cancer cells lead to the activation of complex molecular mechanisms that sustain tumor growth. This important cross-talk has been elucidate for several kind of tumors and occurs also in patients with liver cancer, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). Liver is well-known to be an important immunological organ with unique microenvironment. Here, in normal conditions, the rich immune-infiltrating cells cooperate with non-parenchymal cells, such as liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and Kupffer cells, favoring self-tolerance against gut antigens. The presence of underling liver immunosuppressive microenvironment highlights the importance to dissect the interaction between HCC and iCCA cells with immune infiltrating cells, in order to understand how this cross-talk promotes tumor growth. Deeper attention is, in fact, focused on immune-based therapy for these tumors, as promising approach to counteract the intrinsic anti-tumor activity of this microenvironment. In this review, we will examine the key pathways underlying TME cell-cell communications, with deeper focus on the role of natural killer cells in primary liver tumors, such as HCC and iCCA, as new opportunities for immune-based therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Anna Polidoro
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Cazzetta
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Ana Lleo
- Hepatobiliary Immunopathology Laboratory, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20090, Milan, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center – IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20090, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele 20090, Milan, Italy
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano 20089, Milan, Italy
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17
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Auer ED, Tong HV, Amorim LM, Malheiros D, Hoan NX, Issler HC, Petzl-Erler ML, Beltrame MH, Boldt ABW, Toan NL, Song LH, Velavan TP, Augusto DG. Natural killer cell receptor variants and chronic hepatitis B virus infection in the Vietnamese population. Int J Infect Dis 2020; 96:541-547. [PMID: 32422377 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijid.2020.05.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Genes of host immunity play an important role in disease pathogenesis and are determinants of clinical courses of infections, including hepatitis B virus (HBV). Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR), expressed on the surface of natural killer cells (NK), regulate NK cell cytotoxicity by interacting with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules and are candidates for influencing the course of HBV. This study evaluated whether variations in KIR gene content and HLA-C ligands are associated with HBV and with the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS A Vietnamese study cohort (HBV n = 511; controls n = 140) was genotyped using multiplex sequence-specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR-SSP) followed by melting curve analysis. RESULTS The presence of the functional allelic group of KIR2DS4 was associated with an increased risk of chronic HBV (OR = 1.86, pcorr = 0.02), while KIR2DL2+HLA-C1 (OR = 0.62, pcorr = 0.04) and KIR2DL3+HLA-C1 (OR = 0.48, pcorr = 0.04) were associated with a decreased risk. The pair KIR2DL3+HLA-C1 was associated with liver cirrhosis (OR = 0.40, pcorr = 0.01). The presence of five or more activating KIR variants was associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (OR = 0.53, pcorr = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS KIR gene content variation and combinations KIR-HLA influence the outcome of HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Delabio Auer
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Hoang Van Tong
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research (VGCARE), Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Leonardo Maldaner Amorim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Danielle Malheiros
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Nghiem Xuan Hoan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research (VGCARE), Hanoi, Viet Nam; Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Hellen Caroline Issler
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Petzl-Erler
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Márcia Holsbach Beltrame
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Angelica Beate Winter Boldt
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Nguyen Linh Toan
- Department of Pathophysiology, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Viet Nam; Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research (VGCARE), Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Le Huu Song
- Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research (VGCARE), Hanoi, Viet Nam; Institute of Clinical Infectious Diseases, Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Thirumalaisamy P Velavan
- Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Vietnamese German Center for Medical Research (VGCARE), Hanoi, Viet Nam; Faculty of Medicine, Duy Tan University, Da Nang, Viet Nam.
| | - Danillo G Augusto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Genética, Departamento de Genética, Universidade Federal do Paraná (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil.
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18
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Chou YC, Chen CH, Chen MJ, Chang CW, Chen PH, Yu MH, Chen YJ, Tsai EM, Yang PS, Lin SY, Tzeng CR. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) allorecognition patterns in women with endometriosis. Sci Rep 2020; 10:4897. [PMID: 32184413 PMCID: PMC7078270 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-61702-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis shares similarities with several autoimmune diseases. The human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-C genotype is associated with several human autoimmune diseases. HLA-C is a ligand of killer cell immunoglobulin receptors (KIRs) and is an essential regulator of natural killer cell activity, which is associated with endometriosis progression. Polymorphisms in HLA-C and KIR affect the activity of NK cells and susceptibility to several diseases. Therefore, we attempted to investigate an association between HLA-C genotype and KIR polymorphism and the occurrence of endometriosis. We tested the association of certain KIR and HLA-C combinations and the development of endometriosis by characterizing both KIR and HLA-C genes in 147 women with endometriosis and 117 controls. The HLA-C genotypes and KIR polymorphisms were analyzed via DNA-based method for higher-resolution genotyping. We found that the occurrence of HLA-C*03:03*01 was increased in endometriosis than in control groups. Analysis of various KIR haplotypes revealed differences between the endometriosis and control cohorts. The number of KIR centromeric A/A haplotypes was increased in the endometriosis group than controls. Moreover, the endometriosis cohort was characterized by reduced number of KIR2DS2-positive individuals in the Han Chinese population. Our current findings suggest that the KIR and HLA-C genotypes are associated with the pathogenesis of endometriosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ching Chou
- Center for Reproductive Medicine & Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Biological Science and Technology, College of Biological Science and Technology, National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.,Center for Intelligent Drug Systems and Smart Bio-devices (IDS2B), National Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Huang Chen
- Center for Reproductive Medicine & Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ming-Jer Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Women's Health, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Wen Chang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine & Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Pi-Hua Chen
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shuang Ho Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hsien Yu
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,School of Medicine, Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Eing-Mei Tsai
- General Research Centers of R&D office, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Division of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Peng-Sheng Yang
- Center for Reproductive Medicine & Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shyr-Yeu Lin
- Center for Reproductive Medicine & Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chii-Ruey Tzeng
- Center for Reproductive Medicine & Sciences, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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19
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Cariani E, Missale G. Immune landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma microenvironment: Implications for prognosis and therapeutic applications. Liver Int 2019; 39:1608-1621. [PMID: 31314948 DOI: 10.1111/liv.14192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The development of immunotherapy for solid tumours has boosted interest in the contexture of tumour immune microenvironment (TIME). Several lines of evidence indicate that the interplay between tumour cells and TIME components is a key factor for the evolution of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and for the likelihood of response to immunotherapeutics. The availability of high-resolution methods will be instrumental for a better definition of the complexity and diversity of TIME with the aim of predicting disease outcome, treatment response and possibly new therapeutic targets. Here, we review current knowledge about the immunological mechanisms involved in shaping the clinical course of HCC. Effector cells, regulatory cells and soluble mediators are discussed for their role defining TIME and as targets for immune modulation, together with possible immune signatures for optimization of immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Cariani
- Toxicology and Advanced Diagnostics, Ospedale S. Agostino-Estense, Modena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Missale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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20
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Hsiao YW, Chiu LT, Chen CH, Shih WL, Lu TP. Tumor-Infiltrating Leukocyte Composition and Prognostic Power in Hepatitis B- and Hepatitis C-Related Hepatocellular Carcinomas. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10080630. [PMID: 31434354 PMCID: PMC6722571 DOI: 10.3390/genes10080630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TILs) are immune cells surrounding tumor cells, and several studies have shown that TILs are potential survival predictors in different cancers. However, few studies have dissected the differences between hepatitis B- and hepatitis C-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HBV−HCC and HCV−HCC). Therefore, we aimed to determine whether the abundance and composition of TILs are potential predictors for survival outcomes in HCC and which TILs are the most significant predictors. Methods: Two bioinformatics algorithms, ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT, were utilized to analyze the gene expression profiles from 6 datasets, from which the abundance of corresponding TILs was inferred. The ESTIMATE algorithm examined the overall abundance of TILs, whereas the CIBERSORT algorithm reported the relative abundance of 22 different TILs. Both HBV−HCC and HCV−HCC were analyzed. Results: The results indicated that the total abundance of TILs was higher in non-tumor tissue regardless of the HCC type. Alternatively, the specific TILs associated with overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) varied between subtypes. For example, in HBV−HCC, plasma cells (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.05; 95% CI 1.00–1.10; p = 0.034) and activated dendritic cells (HR = 1.08; 95% CI 1.01–1.17; p = 0.03) were significantly associated with OS, whereas in HCV−HCC, monocytes (HR = 1.21) were significantly associated with OS. Furthermore, for RFS, CD8+ T cells (HR = 0.98) and M0 macrophages (HR = 1.02) were potential biomarkers in HBV−HCC, whereas neutrophils (HR = 1.01) were an independent predictor in HCV−HCC. Lastly, in both HBV−HCC and HCV−HCC, CD8+ T cells (HR = 0.97) and activated dendritic cells (HR = 1.09) had a significant association with OS, while γ delta T cells (HR = 1.04), monocytes (HR = 1.05), M0 macrophages (HR = 1.04), M1 macrophages (HR = 1.02), and activated dendritic cells (HR = 1.15) were highly associated with RFS. Conclusions: These findings demonstrated that TILs are potential survival predictors in HCC and different kinds of TILs are observed according to the virus type. Therefore, further investigations are warranted to elucidate the role of TILs in HCC, which may improve immunotherapy outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Wen Hsiao
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Lu-Ting Chiu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Hsuan Chen
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Liang Shih
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan
| | - Tzu-Pin Lu
- Institute of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Department of Public Health, National Taiwan University, Taipei City 10617, Taiwan.
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21
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DNAM-1 Activating Receptor and Its Ligands: How Do Viruses Affect the NK Cell-Mediated Immune Surveillance during the Various Phases of Infection? Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20153715. [PMID: 31366013 PMCID: PMC6695959 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20153715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Revised: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells play a critical role in host defense against viral infections. The mechanisms of recognition and killing of virus-infected cells mediated by NK cells are still only partially defined. Several viruses induce, on the surface of target cells, the expression of molecules that are specifically recognized by NK cell-activating receptors. The main NK cell-activating receptors involved in the recognition and killing of virus-infected cells are NKG2D and DNAM-1. In particular, ligands for DNAM-1 are nectin/nectin-like molecules involved also in mechanisms allowing viral infection. Viruses adopt several immune evasion strategies, including those affecting NK cell-mediated immune surveillance, causing persistent viral infection and the development of virus-associated diseases. The virus's immune evasion efficacy depends on molecules differently expressed during the various phases of infection. In this review, we overview the molecular strategies adopted by viruses, specifically cytomegalovirus (CMV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1), herpes virus (HSV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV), aiming to evade NK cell-mediated surveillance, with a special focus on the modulation of DNAM-1 activating receptor and its ligands in various phases of the viral life cycle. The increasing understanding of mechanisms involved in the modulation of activating ligands, together with those mediating the viral immune evasion strategies, would provide critical tools leading to design novel NK cell-based immunotherapies aiming at viral infection control, thus improving cure strategies of virus-associated diseases.
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22
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Mizukoshi E, Kaneko S. Immune cell therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. J Hematol Oncol 2019; 12:52. [PMID: 31142330 PMCID: PMC6542133 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-019-0742-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Given the success of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in clinical settings, the host immune system plays an important role in the recognition and targeting of tumor cells in cancer immunotherapy. As a result, there have been numerous advancements in immune cell therapy using human immune cells. However, recent evidence suggests that one type of immunotherapy alone is not effective for the treatment of cancer, particularly solid tumors. Thus, effective immunotherapy combinations, such as the combination of checkpoint inhibitors and immune cell therapy, are needed. This review focuses on hepatocellular carcinoma among other solid tumors and discusses the current status and future of immune cell therapy in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eishiro Mizukoshi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan.
| | - Shuichi Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology, Graduate School of Medicine, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa City, Ishikawa, 920-8641, Japan
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23
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Patra T, Ray RB, Ray R. Strategies to Circumvent Host Innate Immune Response by Hepatitis C Virus. Cells 2019; 8:E274. [PMID: 30909456 PMCID: PMC6468774 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune responses generate interferons, proinflammatory cytokines, complement activation, and natural killer (NK) cell response. Ultimately, this leads to the induction of a robust virus-specific adaptive immunity. Although the host innate immune system senses and responds to eliminate virus infection, hepatitis C virus (HCV) evades immune attack and establishes persistent infection within the liver. Spontaneous clearance of HCV infection is associated with a prompt induction of innate immunity generated in an infected host. In this review, we have highlighted the current knowledge of our understanding of host⁻HCV interactions, especially for endogenous interferon production, proinflammatory response, NK cell response, and complement activation, which may impair the generation of a strong adaptive immune response for establishment of chronicity. The information may provide novel strategies in augmenting therapeutic intervention against HCV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapas Patra
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
| | - Ratna B Ray
- Departments of Pathology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
| | - Ranjit Ray
- Departments of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
- Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA.
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24
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O'Brien TR, Yang HI, Groover S, Jeng WJ. Genetic Factors That Affect Spontaneous Clearance of Hepatitis C or B Virus, Response to Treatment, and Disease Progression. Gastroenterology 2019; 156:400-417. [PMID: 30287169 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2018.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2018] [Revised: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections can lead to cirrhosis, end-stage liver disease, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Over the past decade, studies of individuals infected with these viruses have established genetic associations with the probability of developing a chronic infection, risk of disease progression, and likelihood of treatment response. We review genetic and genomic methods that have been used to study risk of HBV and HCV infection and patient outcomes. For example, genome-wide association studies have linked a region containing the interferon lambda genes to spontaneous and treatment-induced clearance of HCV. We review the genetic variants associated with HCV and HBV infection, and how these variants affect specific expression or activities of their products. Further studies of these variants could provide insights into risk factors for and mechanisms of chronic infection and disease progression, as well as new strategies for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R O'Brien
- Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Hwai-I Yang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan; Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Sarah Groover
- Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, Oklahoma
| | - Wen-Juei Jeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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25
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Sung PS, Jang JW. Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Pathogenesis and Clinical Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19113648. [PMID: 30463262 PMCID: PMC6274919 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19113648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 11/16/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is currently the third leading cause of malignancy-related mortalities worldwide. Natural killer (NK) cells are involved in the critical role of first line immunological defense against cancer development. Defects in NK cell functions are recognized as important mechanisms for immune evasion of tumor cells. NK cell function appears to be attenuated in HCC, and many previous reports suggested that NK cells play a critical role in controlling HCC, suggesting that boosting the activity of dysfunctional NK cells can enhance tumor cell killing. However, the detailed mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in tumor microenvironment of HCC remain largely unknown. A better understanding of the mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in HCC will help in the NK cell-mediated eradication of cancer cells and prolong patient survival. In this review, we describe the various mechanisms underlying human NK cell dysfunction in HCC. Further, we summarize current advances in the approaches to enhance endogenous NK cell function and in adoptive NK cell therapies, to cure this difficult-to-treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pil Soo Sung
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
- The Catholic Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
| | - Jeong Won Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
- The Catholic Liver Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea.
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26
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Siu EHL, Chan AWH, Chong CCN, Chan SL, Lo KW, Cheung ST. Treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: immunotherapy from checkpoint blockade to potential of cellular treatment. Transl Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 3:89. [PMID: 30603725 DOI: 10.21037/tgh.2018.10.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2018] [Accepted: 10/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The absence of potent therapeutic option accounts for the dismal prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with high mortality and recurrence rate. For a decade, sorafenib is the only approved systemic drug in the first-line setting and warrants as the standard-of-care for HCC in the advanced stage. Given the common failures of chemotherapies and targeted therapies in the field of HCC treatment, promising breakthroughs were eagerly needed and until recently, immunotherapies have opened a new era of anticancer treatment. The liver organ is perceived as "immunotolerant" owing to its functional role, and the hepatic immune balance is found to be deregulated during chronic liver inflammation and HCC tumorigenesis. Restoring a competent immunity by mitigation of immunosuppression signals is a contemporary approach. In this regard, novel immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer pharmacological treatment options with remarkable clinical outcomes in hematologic malignancy and multiple solid tumors including advanced HCC. Nivolumab, an immunotherapeutic agent to block programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), showed high efficacy potential for patients progressed with sorafenib and granted accelerated approval by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently. The development of this class of immunotherapeutic drug is currently based on myriad studies established on the role of T-cell mediated immunosuppression through immune checkpoints. Heterogeneous results have led to further explorations to the profile of oncogenic processes and signaling pathways associated with PD1/PD-L1 axis. Emerging evidence from preclinical studies implicate natural killer (NK) cells as a mediator to the PD-1 checkpoint signaling immunoevasion. The strategy of adopting immunomodulating ability of NK cells by immune checkpoints inhibitors is potential to additive effects in stimulating anticancer immunity. This idea is not entirely newfound but has recently gained prominence because of advances in defining phenotypic heterogeneity of NK cell populations. The physiological significance and synergistic value of NK cells await further investigation in clinical trials. In this review, an overview of the treatment paradigm shift of HCC management is presented. Current knowledge concerning immunological mechanisms of immune checkpoints attributed to T cell is further discussed and relevant ongoing clinical trials are summarized. We proposed that NK cells should be viewed as part of the network of checkpoint immunoevasion and delineate current evidence of translational clinical research in this area. It is conceivable that immune checkpoint inhibitors in combination with NK cell-based therapeutic strategies will be great promise for treatment of advanced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Hon-Lam Siu
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Anthony Wing-Hung Chan
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Stephen Lam Chan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwok-Wai Lo
- Department of Anatomical and Cellular Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Siu Tim Cheung
- Department of Surgery, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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27
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Podhorzer A, Dirchwolf M, Machicote A, Belen S, Montal S, Paz S, Fainboim H, Podestá LG, Fainboim L. The Clinical Features of Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infections Are Associated with Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Genes and Their Expression on the Surface of Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1912. [PMID: 29354127 PMCID: PMC5760500 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) genes are known to play a role in the acute phase of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. The present study investigated their roles in chronic HCV (CHCV) infection by analyzing the phenotypes and function of natural killer (NK) and T cells that express KIRs. T cells from CHCV patients showed a more differentiated phenotype, and NK cells exhibited an activated profile. These observations are consistent with the increased expression of the degranulation marker CD107a observed after PMA stimulation. We explored the correlations between the expression of KIR genes and lectin type-C receptors with clinical factors that predict progression to fibrosis and cirrhosis. The expression levels of KIR2DS3 and the functional alleles of KIR2DS4-FL were increased in patients with intermediate and high viral loads. Homozygous KIR2DS4 was also associated with the presence of cirrhosis. In the group of individuals with a shorter infection time who developed cirrhosis, we detected decreased expression of KIR3DL1 in CD56dim NK cells in the presence of its ligand. Similarly, in the group of patients with late CHCV infections complicated with cirrhosis, we detected lower expression of the strong inhibitory receptor NKG2A in CD56bright NK cells. We also detected an increase in NKG2C expression in CD56dim NK cells in CHCV patients who displayed high necroinflammatory activity. Decreased KIR3DL2 expression in CD56dim and CD56bright NK cells was associated with a high body mass index, and KIR3DL2 expression may be one factor associated with the more rapid progression of CHCV to fibrosis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Podhorzer
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM-CONICET), Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Melisa Dirchwolf
- Hepatopatías Infecciosas, Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrés Machicote
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM-CONICET), Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Santiago Belen
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM-CONICET), Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvina Montal
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Biliar y Trasplante, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Silvia Paz
- Hepatopatías Infecciosas, Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Hugo Fainboim
- Hepatopatías Infecciosas, Hospital Francisco J. Muñiz, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luis G Podestá
- Unidad de Cirugía Hepato-Biliar y Trasplante, Hospital Universitario Austral, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Fainboim
- Instituto de Inmunología, Genética y Metabolismo (INIGEM-CONICET), Hospital de Clínicas José de San Martín, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Departamento de Microbiología, Parasitología e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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28
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Kim HY, Park JW. Current immunotherapeutic strategies in hepatocellular carcinoma: recent advances and future directions. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2017; 10:805-814. [PMID: 29051790 PMCID: PMC5638179 DOI: 10.1177/1756283x17722061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and serious health problem with high mortality. Treatment for HCC remains largely unsatisfactory owing to its high recurrence rates and frequent accompanying cirrhosis. In addition, the unique immune environment of the liver promotes tolerance, which, in conjunction with immune evasion by the disease, makes HCC a less promising target for conventional immunotherapy. However, recent advances in the immunotherapy have led to novel approaches to overcome these obstacles by manipulating and enhancing tumor-specific immune responses against HCC by using various modalities, such as cancer vaccines and immune checkpoint blockade. These treatments have shown both safety and promising outcomes in patients with HCC of various etiologies and tumor stages. Furthermore, combined strategies have been assessed to achieve optimal outcomes, by using immunotherapies with or without conventional treatments. This review briefly covers the background, recent advances, current issues, and future perspectives on immunotherapy in the field of HCC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwi Young Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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29
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Natural killer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and perspectives for future immunotherapeutic approaches. Front Med 2017; 11:509-521. [DOI: 10.1007/s11684-017-0546-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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30
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Yu H, Liu F, Sansas B, Kang B, Preville X, Wu X, Chang J, Micol R, Wang J, Meng X. Typing of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors and their cognate human leukocyte antigen class I ligands predicts survival of Chinese Han patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer. Mol Clin Oncol 2016; 6:279-285. [PMID: 28357111 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2016.1106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Accepted: 11/09/2016] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may establish an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that is conducive to tumor growth. Natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in immunological surveillance. Activation of NK cells partially depends on the interactions between killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands. We herein investigated the association of KIRs and HLA ligands with survival in metastatic NSCLC (mNSCLC) patients treated with chemotherapy in a Chinese Han population. Polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers was used to type 15 KIRs at the DNA and mRNA level and 6 HLA ligands in 70 mNSCLC patients. Survival curves were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazard regression model was applied for multivariate survival analysis, with the stepwise selection, to determine independent predictors of survival. It was observed that patients with KIR2DS4del gene expression at the mRNA level or HLA-Bw4T80 exhibited poor overall survival (OS). The multivariate analysis revealed that HLA-Bw4T80 and KIR2DS4del expression were independent predictors of OS. This observation indicated that the KIR/HLA ligand is a promising predictor of survival in mNSCLC and may also provide a strategy for treatment stratification and patient management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Fang Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center-Institut Mérieux Laboratory, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China; Transgene Biopharmaceutical Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Shanghai 201315, P.R. China
| | - Benoit Sansas
- Transgene S.A., 67405 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Bin Kang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center-Institut Mérieux Laboratory, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | | | - Xianghua Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jianhua Chang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Romain Micol
- Transgene S.A., 67405 Illkirch Graffenstaden, France
| | - Jialei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China; Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Xia Meng
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center-Institut Mérieux Laboratory, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China; Transgene Biopharmaceutical Technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Shanghai 201315, P.R. China
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31
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Stephens C, Moreno-Casares A, López-Nevot MÁ, García-Cortés M, Medina-Cáliz I, Hallal H, Soriano G, Roman E, Ruiz-Cabello F, Romero-Gomez M, Lucena MI, Andrade RJ. Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Profiles Are not Associated with Risk of Amoxicillin-Clavulanate-Induced Liver Injury in Spanish Patients. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:280. [PMID: 27616993 PMCID: PMC4999432 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are an integral part of the immune system and represent a large proportion of the lymphocyte population in the liver. The activity of these cells is regulated by various cell surface receptors, such as killer Ig-like receptors (KIR) that bind to human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands on the target cell. The composition of KIR receptors has been suggested to influence the development of specific diseases, in particularly autoimmune diseases, cancer and reproductive diseases. The role played in idiosyncratic drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is currently unknown. In this study, we examined KIR gene profiles and HLA class I polymorphisms in amoxicillin-clavulanate (AC) DILI patients in search for potential risk associations. One hundred and two AC DILI patients and 226 controls were genotyped for the presence or absence of 16 KIR loci, including the two pseudogenes 2DP1 and 3DP1. No significant differences were found in the distribution of individual KIRs between patients and controls, which were comparable to previously reported KIR data from ethnically similar cohorts. The 21.6 and 21.2% of the patients and controls, respectively, were homozygous haplotype A carriers, while 78.4 and 78.8%, respectively, contained at least one B haplotype (Bx). The genotypes translated into 27 (AC DILI) and 46 (controls) different gene profiles, with 19 being present in both groups. The most frequent Bx gene profile containing KIRs 2DS2, 2DL2, 2DL3, 2DP1, 2DL1, 3DL1, 2DS4, 3DL2, 3DL3, 2DL4, and 3PD1 was present in 16% of the DILI patients and 14% of the controls. The distribution of HLA class I epitopes did not differ significantly between AC DILI patients and controls. The most frequent receptor-ligand combinations in the DILI patients were 2DL3 + epitope C1 (67%) and 3DL1 + Bw4 motif (67%), while 2DL1 + epitope C2 (69%) and 3DL1 + Bw4 motif (69%) predominated in the controls. This is to our knowledge the first analysis of KIR receptor-HLA ligand associations in DILI, although our findings do not support evidence of these genetic variations playing a major role in AC DILI development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camilla Stephens
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, CIBERehd Málaga, Spain
| | - Antonia Moreno-Casares
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Laboratorio, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III/Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitario de Granada, Complejo Hospitalario de Granada, Universidad de Granada Granada, Spain
| | - Miguel-Ángel López-Nevot
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Laboratorio, Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular III/Inmunología, Instituto de Investigación Biosanitario de Granada, Complejo Hospitalario de Granada, Universidad de Granada Granada, Spain
| | - Miren García-Cortés
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, CIBERehd Málaga, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Medina-Cáliz
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, CIBERehd Málaga, Spain
| | - Hacibe Hallal
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Morales Meseguer Murcia, Spain
| | - German Soriano
- Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehd Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Roman
- Servicio de Gastroenterología, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, CIBERehdBarcelona, Spain; Escola Universitària d'Infermeria-Sant Pau, Universitat Autònoma de BarcelonaBarcelona, Spain
| | | | - Manuel Romero-Gomez
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo Intercentros, Hospitales Universitarios Virgen Macarena-Virgen del Rocio, CIBERehd Seville, Spain
| | - M Isabel Lucena
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, CIBERehd Málaga, Spain
| | - Raúl J Andrade
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Aparato Digestivo, Servicio de Farmacología Clínica, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga, CIBERehd Málaga, Spain
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Dominguez-Valentin M, Gras Navarro A, Rahman AM, Kumar S, Retière C, Ulvestad E, Kristensen V, Lund-Johansen M, Lie BA, Enger PØ, Njølstad G, Kristoffersen E, Lie SA, Chekenya M. Identification of a Natural Killer Cell Receptor Allele That Prolongs Survival of Cytomegalovirus-Positive Glioblastoma Patients. Cancer Res 2016; 76:5326-36. [PMID: 27406829 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-16-1162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
By affecting immunological presentation, the presence of cytomegalovirus in some glioblastomas may impact progression. In this study, we examined a hypothesized role for natural killer (NK) cells in impacting disease progression in this setting. We characterized 108 glioblastoma patients and 454 healthy controls for HLA-A,-B,-C, NK-cell KIR receptors, and CMV-specific antibodies and correlated these metrics with clinical parameters. Exome sequences from a large validation set of glioblastoma patients and control individuals were examined from in silico databases. We demonstrated that the KIR allele KIR2DS4*00101 was independently prognostic of prolonged survival. KIR2DS4*00101 displayed 100% concordance with cognate HLA-C1 ligands in glioblastoma patients, but not controls. In the context of both HLA-C1/C2 ligands for the KIR2DS4 receptor, patient survival was further extended. Notably, all patients carrying KIR2DS4*00101 alleles were CMV seropositive, but not control individuals, and exhibited increased NK-cell subpopulations, which expressed the cytotoxicity receptors CD16, NKG2D, and CD94/NKG2C. Finally, healthy controls exhibited a reduced risk for developing glioblastoma if they carried two KIR2DS4*00101 alleles, where protection was greatest among Caucasian individuals. Our findings suggest that KIR2DS4*00101 may offer a molecular biomarker to identify intrinsically milder forms of glioblastoma. Cancer Res; 76(18); 5326-36. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Surendra Kumar
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Norwegian Radium Hospital, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo, Norway. Division of Medicine, Department of Clinical Molecular Biology (EpiGen), Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway
| | | | - Elling Ulvestad
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway. Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Vessela Kristensen
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Oslo University Norwegian Radium Hospital, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo, Norway
| | - Morten Lund-Johansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | | | - Per Øyvind Enger
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. Department of Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Gro Njølstad
- Department of Microbiology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Einar Kristoffersen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Stein Atle Lie
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
| | - Martha Chekenya
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.
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Cariani E, Pilli M, Barili V, Porro E, Biasini E, Olivani A, Dalla Valle R, Trenti T, Ferrari C, Missale G. Natural killer cells phenotypic characterization as an outcome predictor of HCV-linked HCC after curative treatments. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1154249. [PMID: 27622055 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1154249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
NK-cell number and function have been associated with cancer progression. A detailed analysis of phenotypic and functional characteristics of NK-cells in HCC is still lacking. NK-cell function is regulated by activating and inhibitory receptors determined by genetic factors and engagement with cognate ligands on transformed or infected cells. We evaluated phenotypic and functional characteristic of NK-cells in HCC patients undergoing curative treatment in relation to clinical outcome. NK-cells from 70 HCC patients undergoing resection or ablative treatment, 18 healthy volunteers and 12 cirrhotic patients with HCV-infection (controls) were phenotypically characterized. Unsupervised clustering based on the frequency of cells expressing different phenotypic NK-cell markers segregated HCC patients into different cohorts that were compared for outcome. NK-cell cytokine production and cytotoxicity were compared between cohorts with different overall survival (OS) and time to disease recurrence (TTR). By multivariate analysis, age, Child-Pugh class and NK-cell phenotypic clustering could independently identify patients with significantly different OS. NK-cells from patients with better outcome expressed higher levels of cytotoxic granules and CD3ζ and lower levels of natural cytotoxic receptors (NCRs) that were co-expressed with the inhibitory receptor NKG2A known to negatively regulate NCR function. Cytotoxic function and IFNγ production were significantly lower in the cohort of patients with worse outcome compared to controls (p < 0.05). Our results show a role for NK-cells in the control of HCC progression and survival providing the basis for the development of immunotherapeutic strategies to potentiate NK-cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Massimo Pilli
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma , Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Barili
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma , Parma, Italy
| | - Emanuela Porro
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma , Parma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Biasini
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma , Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Olivani
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma , Parma, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Trenti
- Clinical Pathology-Toxicology, Ospedale Civile , Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Ferrari
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma , Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriele Missale
- Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma , Parma, Italy
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Hydes TJ, Moesker B, Traherne JA, Ashraf S, Alexander GJ, Dimitrov BD, Woelk CH, Trowsdale J, Khakoo SI. The interaction of genetic determinants in the outcome of HCV infection: evidence for discrete immunological pathways. TISSUE ANTIGENS 2015; 86:267-75. [PMID: 26381047 PMCID: PMC4858811 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 08/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diversity within the innate and adaptive immune response to hepatitis C is important in determining spontaneous resolution (SR) and treatment response. The aim of this study was to analyze how these variables interact in combination; furthering our understanding of the mechanisms that drive successful immunological clearance. Multivariate analysis was performed on retrospectively collected data for 357 patients previously genotyped for interferon (IFN)-λ3/4, killer cell immunoglobulin (KIR), human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I and II and tapasin. High resolution KIR genotyping was performed for individuals with chronic infection and haplotypes determined. Outcomes for SR, IFN response and cirrhosis were examined. Statistical analysis included univariate methods, χ(2) test for trend, multivariate logistic regression, synergy and principal component analysis (PCA). Although KIR2DL3:HLA-C1C1 (P = 0.027), IFN-λ3/4 rs12979860 CC (P = 0.027), tapasin G in individuals with aspartate at residue 114 of HLA-B (TapG:HLA-B(114D) ) (P = 0.007) and HLA-DRB1*04:01 (P = 0.014) were associated with SR with a strong additive influence (χ(2) test for trend P < 0.0001); favorable polymorphisms did not interact synergistically, nor did patients cluster by outcome. In the treatment cohort, IFN-λ3/4 rs12979860 CC was protective in hepatitis C virus (HCV) G1 infection and KIR2DL3:HLA-C1 in HCV G2/3. In common with SR, variables did not interact synergistically. Polymorphisms predictive of viral clearance did not predict disease progression. In summary, different individuals resolve HCV infection using discrete and non-interacting immunological pathways. These pathways are influenced by viral genotype. This work provides novel insights into the complexity of the interaction between host and viral factors in determining the outcome of HCV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- T J Hydes
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - B Moesker
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J A Traherne
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - S Ashraf
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - G J Alexander
- Department of Medicine, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - B D Dimitrov
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Academic Unit of Primary Care and Population Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - C H Woelk
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - J Trowsdale
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - S I Khakoo
- Clinical & Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Makarova-Rusher OV, Medina-Echeverz J, Duffy AG, Greten TF. The yin and yang of evasion and immune activation in HCC. J Hepatol 2015; 62:1420-9. [PMID: 25733155 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhep.2015.02.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 237] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2015] [Revised: 02/19/2015] [Accepted: 02/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Current systemic treatment options for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are limited to sorafenib. With the recent FDA approval of the second PD1-PD-L1 pathway inhibitor, immunotherapy has gained even more interest as a potential novel treatment option for patients with HCC. This is due not only because of the failure of other treatment approaches in the past, but also because immunological mechanisms have been shown to play an important role during tumor development, growth, and treatment. Here we present a review of immunological mechanisms in the liver relevant for tumor progression and treatment. We summarize our current knowledge on immune activating and immune suppressing mechanisms during tumor initiation, development, and treatment. We try to explain the paradox of how inflammatory responses in a setting of chronic infection promote tumor development, while the primary aim of immunotherapy is to activate immunity. Finally we summarize recent advances in addition to providing an outlook for the immunotherapy of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oxana V Makarova-Rusher
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - José Medina-Echeverz
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Austin G Duffy
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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Buchanan R, Hydes T, Khakoo SI. Innate and adaptive genetic pathways in HCV infection. TISSUE ANTIGENS 2015; 85:231-40. [PMID: 25708172 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) leads to a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations. This heterogeneity is underpinned by the host immune response and the genetic factors that govern it. Polymorphisms affecting both the innate and adaptive immunity determine the outcome of exposure. However the innate immune system appears to play a greater role in determining treatment-associated responses. Overall the effects of IFNL3/4 appear dominant over other polymorphic genes. Understanding how host genetics determines the disease phenotype has not been as intensively studied. This review summarizes our current understanding of innate and adaptive immunogenetic factors in the outcome of HCV infection. It focuses on how they relate to resolution and the progression of HCV-related liver disease, in the context of current and future treatment regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Buchanan
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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De Re V, Caggiari L, De Zorzi M, Repetto O, Zignego AL, Izzo F, Tornesello ML, Buonaguro FM, Mangia A, Sansonno D, Racanelli V, De Vita S, Pioltelli P, Vaccher E, Beretta M, Mazzaro C, Libra M, Gini A, Zucchetto A, Cannizzaro R, De Paoli P. Genetic diversity of the KIR/HLA system and susceptibility to hepatitis C virus-related diseases. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0117420. [PMID: 25700262 PMCID: PMC4336327 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0117420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/21/2014] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The variability in the association of host innate immune response to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection requires ruling out the possible role of host KIR and HLA genotypes in HCV-related disorders: therefore, we therefore explored the relationships between KIR/HLA genotypes and chronic HCV infection (CHC) as they relate to the risk of HCV-related hepatocarcinoma (HCC) or lymphoproliferative disease progression. Methods and Findings We analyzed data from 396 HCV-positive patients with CHC (n = 125), HCC (118), and lymphoproliferative diseases (153), and 501 HCV-negative patients. All were HIV and HBV negative. KIR-SSO was used to determine the KIR typing. KIR2DL5 and KIR2DS4 variants were performed using PCR and GeneScan analysis. HLA/class-I genotyping was performed using PCR-sequence-based typing. The interaction between the KIR gene and ligand HLA molecules was investigated. Differences in frequencies were estimated using Fisher’s exact test, and Cochran-Armitage trend test. The non-random association of KIR alleles was estimated using the linkage disequilibrium test. We found an association of KIR2DS2/KIR2DL2 genes, with the HCV-related lymphoproliferative disorders. Furthermore, individuals with a HLA-Bw6 KIR3DL1+ combination of genes showed higher risk of developing lymphoma than cryoglobulinemia. KIR2DS3 gene was found to be the principal gene associated with chronic HCV infection, while a reduction of HLA-Bw4 + KIR3DS1+ was associated with an increased risk of developing HCC. Conclusions Our data highlight a role of the innate-system in developing HCV-related disorders and specifically KIR2DS3 and KIR2D genes demonstrated an ability to direct HCV disease progression, and mainly towards lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover the determination of KIR3D/HLA combination of genes direct the HCV progression towards a lymphoma rather than an hepatic disease. In this contest IFN-α therapy, a standard therapy for HCV-infection and lymphoproliferative diseases, known to be able to transiently enhance the cytotoxicity of NK-cells support the role of NK cells to counterstain HCV-related and lymphoproliferative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Laura Caggiari
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Mariangela De Zorzi
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Ombretta Repetto
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Anna Linda Zignego
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Hepatobiliary Unit, National Cancer Institute “Fondazione Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, National Cancer Institute “Fondazione Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Franco Maria Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, National Cancer Institute “Fondazione Pascale”, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Mangia
- Liver, IRCCS Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza Hospital, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
| | - Domenico Sansonno
- Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Vita
- Medical and Biological Sciences, University Hospital Santa Maria della Misericordia, Udine, Italy
| | - Pietro Pioltelli
- Hematology and Transplant Unit, San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Emanuela Vaccher
- Medical Oncology, Centro di riferimento oncologico, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | | | - Cesare Mazzaro
- Medical Oncology, Centro di riferimento oncologico, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Biomedical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Andrea Gini
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Antonella Zucchetto
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Renato Cannizzaro
- Gastroenterology, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Paolo De Paoli
- Facility Bio-proteomica/Dir. Sc, CRO National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
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Kuśnierczyk P, Mozer-Lisewska I, Zwolińska K, Kowala-Piaskowska AE, Bura M, Bereszyńska I, Pauli A, Żeromski J. Contribution of genes for killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) to the susceptibility to chronic hepatitis C virus infection and to viremia. Hum Immunol 2015; 76:102-8. [PMID: 25636579 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2015.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2014] [Revised: 11/28/2014] [Accepted: 01/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are an important element of innate immunity against viruses, although their numbers decrease in the liver during chronic HCV infection. NK cells express a large panel of inhibitory and activating receptors. The most polymorphic of these are killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) which are encoded by multiple genes that may be present or absent in given individuals depending on their genotype. This variability results in differential susceptibility to viral infections and diseases, including HCV infection and its consequences. AIMS AND METHODS The aim of this study was to test whether chronical infection with HCV and the viremia levels are associated with any KIR gene in the Polish population. We typed 301 chronically HCV-infected patients and 425 non-infected healthy individuals for the presence or absence of KIR genes and their ligands, HLA-C C1 and C2 groups as well as HLA-B and HLA-A Bw4-positive alleles. RESULTS We found that males, but not females, possessing KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL2 genes had a 1.7 higher probability to become chronically HCV-infected than males negative for these genes (p=0.0213). In accord with this, centromeric B region, containing KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL2 genes, was also associated with chronic HCV infection in males. In addition, patients of both genders possessing KIR2DS3 but not KIR2DS5 gene exhibited, on average, 2.6 lower level of viremia than HCV-infected individuals with other genotypes (p=0.00282). This was evident in those infected at a young age. KIR2DS3-positive patients also had lower mean levels of bilirubin than KIR2DS3-negative ones (p=0.02862). CONCLUSION Our results suggest a contribution of the KIR2DS2 and KIR2DL2 genes (cenB haplotype) to the susceptibility to chronic HCV infection, and an association of the KIR2DS3 gene in the absence of KIR2DS5 with low viremia levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piotr Kuśnierczyk
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Tissue Immunology, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Iwona Mozer-Lisewska
- Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Zwolińska
- Laboratory of Virology, Department of Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Ludwik Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Maciej Bura
- Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Iwona Bereszyńska
- Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Anna Pauli
- Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jan Żeromski
- Chair of Clinical Immunology, Karol Marcinkowski University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Tanimine N, Tanaka Y, Kobayashi T, Tashiro H, Miki D, Imamura M, Aikata H, Tanaka J, Chayama K, Ohdan H. Quantitative effect of natural killer-cell licensing on hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence after curative hepatectomy. Cancer Immunol Res 2014; 2:1142-7. [PMID: 25135909 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-14-0091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have a potential role in immune surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Self-recognition of human leukocyte antigens (HLA) through killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) confers competence to NK cells-a process termed "licensing." We investigated the effect of NK-cell licensing on the susceptibility of patients to HCC recurrence. A total of 170 Japanese patients with HCC who underwent primary curative hepatectomy between 1996 and 2010 were enrolled in this study. The median follow-up period was 5.4 years. We analyzed their KIR-HLA genotypes with sequence-specific polymorphism-based typing and estimated their susceptibility to HCC recurrence by performing propensity score-matching analyses. The presence of KIR2DL1-C2, KIR2DL2-C1, KIR3DL1-BW4, or KIR3DL2-A3/11, functional compound genotypes that intrinsically license NK cells, did not markedly affect HCC recurrence. However, the multiplicity of those compound KIR-HLA genotypes was significantly associated with the HCC recurrence rate, i.e., the cumulative risk of recurrence in patients with at least three compound genotypes was significantly lower than that in patients with one or two compound genotypes, suggesting that the effect of NK-cell licensing on HCC recurrence is quantitative. Patients at high risk of HCC recurrence after curative hepatectomy could be identified by KIR-HLA genotyping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naoki Tanimine
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Yuka Tanaka
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Kobayashi
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hirotaka Tashiro
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Daiki Miki
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Laboratory for liver Disease, RIKEN Center for Genomic Medicine, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Michio Imamura
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Medicine and Molecular Science, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Aikata
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Medicine and Molecular Science, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Junko Tanaka
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Epidemiology, Infectious Disease Control and Prevention, Institute of Biomedical & Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kazuaki Chayama
- Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Laboratory for liver Disease, RIKEN Center for Genomic Medicine, Hiroshima, Japan. Medicine and Molecular Science, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Hideki Ohdan
- Gastroenterological and Transplant Surgery, Institute of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan. Liver Research Project Center, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan.
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Jin Y, Tong D, Shen J, Yang J, Li J. Establishment of experimental implantation tumor models of hepatocellular carcinoma in Wistar rats. Tumour Biol 2014; 35:9079-83. [PMID: 24913708 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-014-2161-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Our aims were to investigate and establish simple and reliable implanted hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) models in Wistar rats. Concentrated suspensions of CBRH-7919 cancer cell lines were injected subcutaneously into the scapular regions of nude mice. The developing tumor tissues were then implanted into the livers of 45 adult Wistar rats. Dexamethasone (2.5 mg/day) was injected intramuscularly daily for 1 week preoperatively and 2 weeks postoperatively. After 4 weeks of implantation, ultrasonography and nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were performed to identify model rats with liver tumor growth and to analyze the growth and characteristics of the tumors. Five of these model rats were then sacrificed, and the tumors were removed from the liver for pathological examination. Three rats died during the operation; among the remaining 42 rats, 36 possessed a total of 43 liver tumors. The success rate of tumor implantation was 85.7 % (36/42), and the diameters of the tumors ranged from 5 to 10 mm. All tumor specimens were confirmed to be HCC by pathological examination. This study provides a new approach for establishing implanted HCC models in Wistar rats, which can be used for studying numerous biological features of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Jin
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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41
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Association of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor gene 2DL1 and its HLA-C2 ligand with family history of cancer in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Immunogenetics 2014; 66:439-48. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-014-0778-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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De Re V, Caggiari L, De Zorzi M, Talamini R, Racanelli V, Andrea MD, Buonadonna A, Zagonel V, Cecchin E, Innocenti F, Toffoli G. Genetic diversity of the KIR/HLA system and outcome of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer treated with chemotherapy. PLoS One 2014; 9:e84940. [PMID: 24497922 PMCID: PMC3908861 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0084940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore genes of the killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and of the HLA ligand and their relationship with the outcome of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients treated with first-line 5-fluorouracil, leucovorin, and irinotecan (FOLFIRI). METHODS A total of 224 mCRC patients were screened for KIR/HLA typing. The determination of the KIR/HLA combinations was based upon the gene content and variants. Genetic associations with complete response (CR), time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated by calculating odds and hazard ratios. Multivariate modeling with prognostic covariates was also performed. RESULTS For CR, the presence of KIR2DL5A, 2DS5, 2DS1, 3DS1, and KIR3DS1/HLA-Bw4-I80 was associated with increased CR rates, with median ORs ranging from 2.1 to 4.3, while the absence of KIR2DS4 and 3DL1 was associated with increased CR rates (OR 3.1). After univariate analysis, patients that underwent resective surgery of tumor, absence of KIR2DS5, and presence of KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4-I80 showed a significant better OS (HR 1.5 to 2.8). Multivariate analysis identified as parameters independently related to OS the type of treatment (surgery; HR 2.0) and KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4-I80 genotype (HR for T-I80 2.7 and for no functional KIR/HLA interaction 1.8). For TTP, no association with KIR/HLA genes was observed. CONCLUSION This study, for the first time, evidences that the genotyping for KIR-HLA pairs are found predictive markers associated with complete response and improves overall survival prediction of FOLFIRI treatment response in metastatic colorectal cancer. These results suggest a role of the KIR/HLA system in patient outcome, and guide new research on the immunogenetics of mCRC through mechanistic studies and clinical validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valli De Re
- Translational Research, CRO National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Laura Caggiari
- Translational Research, CRO National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Mariangela De Zorzi
- Translational Research, CRO National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Renato Talamini
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics, CRO National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Internal Medicine and Clinical Oncology, University of Bari Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Mario D’ Andrea
- Medical Oncology Unit, San Filippo Neri Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Buonadonna
- Medical Oncology, CRO National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | | | - Erika Cecchin
- Translational Research, CRO National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Federico Innocenti
- University of North Carolina, Institute for Pharmacogenomics and Individualized Therapy, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Giuseppe Toffoli
- Translational Research, CRO National Cancer Institute, IRCCS, Aviano, Pordenone, Italy
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Cariani E, Missale G. KIR/HLA immunogenetic background influences the evolution of hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2013; 2:e26622. [PMID: 24501686 PMCID: PMC3913692 DOI: 10.4161/onci.26622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a major role in antitumor immune responses. Recent results from our laboratory demonstrate the impact of the immunogenetic background on the activity of NK cells and hence on the outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma, disclosing perspectives for the development of NK-cell based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Cariani
- Clinical Pathology-Toxicology; Ospedale S Agostino-Estense; Modena, Italy
| | - Gabriele Missale
- U.O. Infectious Diseases and Hepatology; Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma; Parma, Italy
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