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Poveda-Garavito N, Combita AL. Contribution of the TIME in BCP-ALL: the basis for novel approaches therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1325255. [PMID: 38299154 PMCID: PMC10827891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1325255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The bone marrow (BM) niche is a microenvironment where both immune and non-immune cells functionally interact with hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and more differentiated progenitors, contributing to the regulation of hematopoiesis. It is regulated by various signaling molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in its microenvironment. However, despite the strict regulation of BM signals to maintain their steady state, accumulating evidence in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) indicates that leukemic cells can disrupt the physiological hematopoietic niche in the BM, creating a new leukemia-supportive microenvironment. This environment favors immunological evasion mechanisms and the interaction of these cells with the development and progression of BCP-ALL. With a growing understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in the development and progression of BCP-ALL, current strategies focused on "re-editing" TIME to promote antitumor immunity have been developed. In this review, we summarize how TIME cells are disrupted by the presence of leukemic cells, evading immunosurveillance mechanisms in the BCP-ALL model. We also explore the crosstalk between TIME and leukemic cells that leads to treatment resistance, along with the most promising immuno-therapy strategies. Understanding and further research into the role of the BM microenvironment in leukemia progression and relapse are crucial for developing more effective treatments and reducing patient mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly Poveda-Garavito
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Traslacional en Oncología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alba Lucía Combita
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Traslacional en Oncología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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2
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Lopes N, Vivier E, Narni-Mancinelli E. Natural killer cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells in cancer. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101709. [PMID: 36621291 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a group of innate lymphocytes that do not express RAG-dependent rearranged antigen-specific cell surface receptors. ILCs are classified into five groups according to their developmental trajectory and cytokine production profile. They encompass NK cells, which are cytotoxic, helper-like ILCs 1-3, which functionally mirror CD4+ T helper (Th) type 1, Th2 and Th17 cells respectively, and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells. NK cell development depends on Eomes (eomesodermin), whereas the ILC1 program is regulated principally by the transcription factor T-bet (T-box transcription factor Tbx21), that of ILC2 is regulated by GATA3 (GATA-binding protein 3) and that of ILC3 is regulated by RORγt (RAR-related orphan receptor γ). NK cells were discovered close to fifty years ago, but ILC1s were first described only about fifteen years ago. Within the ILC family, NK and ILC1s share many similarities, as witnessed by their cell surface phenotype which largely overlap. NK cells and ILC1s have been reported to respond to tissue inflammation and intracellular pathogens. Several studies have reported an antitumorigenic role for NK cells in both humans and mice, but data for ILC1s are both scarce and contradictory. In this review, we will first describe the different NK cell and ILC1 subsets, their effector functions and development. We will then discuss their role in cancer and the effects of the tumor microenvironment on their metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noella Lopes
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France; Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
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3
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Oh BLZ, Chan LWY, Chai LYA. Manipulating NK cellular therapy from cancer to invasive fungal infection: promises and challenges. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1044946. [PMID: 36969979 PMCID: PMC10034767 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1044946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The ideal strategy to fight an infection involves both (i) weakening the invading pathogen through conventional antimicrobial therapy, and (ii) strengthening defense through the augmentation of host immunity. This is even more pertinent in the context of invasive fungal infections whereby the majority of patients have altered immunity and are unable to mount an appropriate host response against the pathogen. Natural killer (NK) cells fit the requirement of an efficient, innate executioner of both tumour cells and pathogens – their unique, targeted cell killing mechanism, combined with other arms of the immune system, make them potent effectors. These characteristics, together with their ready availability (given the various sources of extrinsic NK cells available for harvesting), make NK cells an attractive choice as adoptive cellular therapy against fungi in invasive infections. Improved techniques in ex vivo NK cell activation with expansion, and more importantly, recent advances in genetic engineering including state-of-the-art chimeric antigen receptor platform development, have presented an opportune moment to harness this novel therapeutic as a key component of a multipronged strategy against invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernice Ling Zhi Oh
- VIVA-University Children’s Cancer Centre, Khoo-Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louis Wei Yong Chan
- Clinician Scientist Academy, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louis Yi Ann Chai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Louis Yi Ann Chai,
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4
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Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with around 10 million deaths every year. Despite huge advances due to immunotherapy, the majority of cancer patients present primary or secondary resistance to these treatments. In this Found in Translation, we focus on the approaches developed to harness the anti-tumor function of NK cells, suggesting promising strategies to complete the therapeutic arsenal of cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chiossone
- Innate Pharma Research Labs, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Labs, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, Centre national de la recherche scientifique, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre d'immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
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5
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Rossi F, Fredericks N, Snowden A, Allegrezza MJ, Moreno-Nieves UY. Next Generation Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886429. [PMID: 35720306 PMCID: PMC9202478 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy for cancer has become mainstream with several products now authorized for therapeutic use in the clinic and are becoming the standard of care for some malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have demonstrated substantial efficacy for the treatment of hematological malignancies; however, they are complex and currently expensive to manufacture, and they can generate life-threatening adverse events such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The limitations of current CAR-T cells therapies have spurred an interest in alternative immunotherapy approaches with safer risk profiles and with less restrictive manufacturing constraints. Natural killer (NK) cells are a population of immune effector cells with potent anti-viral and anti-tumor activity; they have the capacity to swiftly recognize and kill cancer cells without the need of prior stimulation. Although NK cells are naturally equipped with cytotoxic potential, a growing body of evidence shows the added benefit of engineering them to better target tumor cells, persist longer in the host, and be fitter to resist the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). NK-cell-based immunotherapies allow for the development of allogeneic off-the-shelf products, which have the potential to be less expensive and readily available for patients in need. In this review, we will focus on the advances in the development of engineering of NK cells for cancer immunotherapy. We will discuss the sourcing of NK cells, the technologies available to engineer NK cells, current clinical trials utilizing engineered NK cells, advances on the engineering of receptors adapted for NK cells, and stealth approaches to avoid recipient immune responses. We will conclude with comments regarding the next generation of NK cell products, i.e., armored NK cells with enhanced functionality, fitness, tumor-infiltration potential, and with the ability to overcome tumor heterogeneity and immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiorella Rossi
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Nathaniel Fredericks
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Andrew Snowden
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Michael J Allegrezza
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
| | - Uriel Y Moreno-Nieves
- Janssen Research and Development, LLC, Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Spring House, PA, United States
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6
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Lv M, Liu Y, Liu W, Xing Y, Zhang S. Immunotherapy for Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921894. [PMID: 35769486 PMCID: PMC9234114 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common subtype of childhood leukemia, which is characterized by the abnormal proliferation and accumulation of immature lymphoid cell in the bone marrow. Although the long-term survival rate for pediatric ALL has made significant progress over years with the development of contemporary therapeutic regimens, patients are still suffered from relapse, leading to an unsatisfactory outcome. Since the immune system played an important role in the progression and relapse of ALL, immunotherapy including bispecific T-cell engagers and chimeric antigen receptor T cells has been demonstrated to be capable of enhancing the immune response in pediatric patients with refractory or relapsed B-cell ALL, and improving the cure rate of the disease and patients’ quality of life, thus receiving the authorization for market. Nevertheless, the resistance and toxicities associated with the current immunotherapy remains a huge challenge. Novel therapeutic options to overcome the above disadvantages should be further explored. In this review, we will thoroughly discuss the emerging immunotherapeutics for the treatment of pediatric ALL, as well as side-effects and new development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yabing Xing
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yabing Xing, ; Shengnan Zhang,
| | - Shengnan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Yabing Xing, ; Shengnan Zhang,
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7
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Gómez-Luque JM, Urrutia-Maldonado E, Rueda PMD, Abril-Molina A, Ocete-Hita E. Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor and cancer. ANALES DE PEDIATRÍA (ENGLISH EDITION) 2022; 96:410-415. [DOI: 10.1016/j.anpede.2022.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
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Allegra A, Casciaro M, Lo Presti E, Musolino C, Gangemi S. Harnessing Unconventional T Cells and Innate Lymphoid Cells to Prevent and Treat Hematological Malignancies: Prospects for New Immunotherapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060754. [PMID: 35740879 PMCID: PMC9221132 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) make up a heterogeneous set of cells that characteristically show prompt responses toward specific antigens. Unconventional T cells recognize non-peptide antigens, which are bound and presented by diverse non-polymorphic antigen-presenting molecules and comprise γδ T cells, MR1-restricted mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs), and natural killer T cells (NKTs). On the other hand, ILCs lack antigen-specific receptors and act as the innate counterpart to the T lymphocytes found in the adaptive immune response. The alteration of unconventional T cells and ILCs in frequency and functionality is correlated with the onset of several autoimmune diseases, allergy, inflammation, and tumor. However, depending on the physio-pathological framework, unconventional T cells may exhibit either protective or pathogenic activity in a range of neoplastic diseases. Nonetheless, experimental models and clinical studies have displayed that some unconventional T cells are potential therapeutic targets, as well as prognostic and diagnostic markers. In fact, cell-mediated immune response in tumors has become the focus in immunotherapy against neoplastic disease. This review concentrates on the present knowledge concerning the function of unconventional T cell sets in the antitumor immune response in hematological malignancies, such as acute and chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover, we discuss the possibility that modulating the activity of unconventional T cells could be useful in the treatment of hematological neoplasms, in the prevention of specific conditions (such as graft versus host disease), and in the formulation of an effective anticancer vaccine therapy. The exact knowledge of the role of these cells could represent the prerequisite for the creation of a new form of immunotherapy for hematological neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, Division of Hematology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Marco Casciaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-2013
| | - Elena Lo Presti
- National Research Council (CNR)—Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Caterina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, Division of Hematology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
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9
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In Utero Development and Immunosurveillance of B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:543-561. [PMID: 35294722 PMCID: PMC8924576 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-022-00963-3] [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] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent type of pediatric cancer with a peak incidence at 2–5 years of age. ALL frequently begins in utero with the emergence of clinically silent, preleukemic cells. Underlying leukemia-predisposing germline and acquired somatic mutations define distinct ALL subtypes that vary dramatically in treatment outcomes. In addition to genetic predisposition, a second hit, which usually occurs postnatally, is required for development of overt leukemia in most ALL subtypes. An untrained, dysregulated immune response, possibly due to an abnormal response to infection, may be an important co-factor triggering the onset of leukemia. Furthermore, the involvement of natural killer (NK) cells and T helper (Th) cells in controlling the preleukemic cells has been discussed. Identifying the cell of origin of the preleukemia-initiating event might give additional insights into potential options for prevention. Modulation of the immune system to achieve prolonged immunosurveillance of the preleukemic clone that eventually dies out in later years might present a future directive. Herein, we review the concepts of prenatal origin as well as potential preventive approaches to pediatric B cell precursor (BCP) ALL.
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10
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Lian G, Mak TSK, Yu X, Lan HY. Challenges and Recent Advances in NK Cell-Targeted Immunotherapies in Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:164. [PMID: 35008589 PMCID: PMC8745474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell is a powerful malignant cells killer, providing rapid immune responses via direct cytotoxicity without the need of antigen processing and presentation. It plays an essential role in preventing early tumor, metastasis and minimal residual disease. Although adoptive NK therapies achieved great success in clinical trials against hematologic malignancies, their accumulation, activation, cytotoxic and immunoregulatory functions are severely impaired in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of solid tumors. Now with better understandings of the tumor evasive mechanisms from NK-mediated immunosurveillance, immunotherapies targeting the key molecules for NK cell dysfunction and exhaustion have been developed and tested in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we introduce the challenges that NK cells encountered in solid tumor microenvironment (TME) and the therapeutic approaches to overcome these limitations, followed by an outline of the recent preclinical advances and the latest clinical outcomes of NK-based immunotherapies, as well as promising strategies to optimize current NK-targeted immunotherapies for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Lian
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Research Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Thomas Shiu-Kwong Mak
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Xueqing Yu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Research Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
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11
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The Race of CAR Therapies: CAR-NK Cells for Fighting B-Cell Hematological Cancers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215418. [PMID: 34771581 PMCID: PMC8582420 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Over the last few years, CAR-T cells have arisen as one of the most promising immunotherapies against relapsed or refractory hematological cancers. Despite their good results in clinical trials, there are some limitations to overcome, such as undesirable side-effects or the restraints of an autologous treatment. Therefore, CAR-NK cells have emerged as a good alternative for these kinds of treatments. This review discusses the advantages of CAR-NK cells compared to CAR-T cells, as well as the different sources and strategies in order to obtain these CAR-NK cells. Abstract Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are the most common leukemias in children and elderly people, respectively. Standard therapies, such as chemotherapy, are only effective in 40% of ALL adult patients with a five-year survival rate and therefore new alternatives need to be used, such as immunotherapy targeting specific receptors of malignant cells. Among all the options, CAR (Chimeric antigen receptor)-based therapy has arisen as a new opportunity for refractory or relapsed hematological cancer patients. CARs were designed to be used along with T lymphocytes, creating CAR-T cells, but they are presenting such encouraging results that they are already in use as drugs. Nonetheless, their side-effects and the fact that it is not possible to infuse an allogenic CAR-T product without causing graft-versus-host-disease, have meant using a different cell source to solve these problems, such as Natural Killer (NK) cells. Although CAR-based treatment is a high-speed race led by CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cells are slowly (but surely) consolidating their position; their demonstrated efficacy and the lack of undesirable side-effects is opening a new door for CAR-based treatments. CAR-NKs are now in the field to stay.
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12
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Velichinskii RA, Streltsova MA, Kust SA, Sapozhnikov AM, Kovalenko EI. The Biological Role and Therapeutic Potential of NK Cells in Hematological and Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111385. [PMID: 34768814 PMCID: PMC8584101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy due to their potent antitumor activity. The main advantage of using NK cells as cytotoxic effectors over T cells is a reduced risk of graft versus host disease. At present, several variants of NK-cell-based therapies are undergoing clinical trials and show considerable effectiveness for hematological tumors. In these types of cancers, the immune cells themselves often undergo malignant transformation, which determines the features of the disease. In contrast, the current use of NK cells as therapeutic agents for the treatment of solid tumors is much less promising. Most studies are at the stage of preclinical investigation, but few progress to clinical trials. Low efficiency of NK cell migration and functional activity in the tumor environment are currently considered the major barriers to NK cell anti-tumor therapies. Various therapeutic combinations, genetic engineering methods, alternative sources for obtaining NK cells, and other techniques are aiming at the development of promising NK cell anticancer therapies, regardless of tumorigenesis. In this review, we compare the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of hematological and solid tumors and discuss current prospects of NK-cell-based therapy for hematological and solid tumors.
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13
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Mack R, Zhang L, Breslin Sj P, Zhang J. The Fetal-to-Adult Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transition and its Role in Childhood Hematopoietic Malignancies. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:2059-2080. [PMID: 34424480 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10230-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
As with most organ systems that undergo continuous generation and maturation during the transition from fetal to adult life, the hematopoietic and immune systems also experience dynamic changes. Such changes lead to many unique features in blood cell function and immune responses in early childhood. The blood cells and immune cells in neonates are a mixture of fetal and adult origin due to the co-existence of both fetal and adult types of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and progenitor cells (HPCs). Fetal blood and immune cells gradually diminish during maturation of the infant and are almost completely replaced by adult types of cells by 3 to 4 weeks after birth in mice. Such features in early childhood are associated with unique features of hematopoietic and immune diseases, such as leukemia, at these developmental stages. Therefore, understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which hematopoietic and immune changes occur throughout ontogeny will provide useful information for the study and treatment of pediatric blood and immune diseases. In this review, we summarize the most recent studies on hematopoietic initiation during early embryonic development, the expansion of both fetal and adult types of HSCs and HPCs in the fetal liver and fetal bone marrow stages, and the shift from fetal to adult hematopoiesis/immunity during neonatal/infant development. We also discuss the contributions of fetal types of HSCs/HPCs to childhood leukemias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Mack
- Department of Cancer Biology, Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA
| | - Peter Breslin Sj
- Department of Cancer Biology, Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.,Departments of Molecular/Cellular Physiology and Biology, Loyola University Medical Center and Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, 60660, USA
| | - Jiwang Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, 60153, USA.
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14
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Wang WJ, Wang J, Ouyang C, Chen C, Xu XF, Ye XQ. Overview of serpin B9 and its roles in cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2021; 46:190. [PMID: 34278491 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Serine proteinase inhibitor B9 (serpin B9) is a member of the serine protease inhibitor superfamily, which is widely found in animals, plants and microorganisms. Serpin B9 has been reported to protect cells from the immune‑killing effect of granzyme B (GrB) released by lymphocytes. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have indicated that serpin B9 is involved in tumour apoptosis, immune evasion, tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, drug resistance and even in maintaining the stemness of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Moreover, according to clinical studies, serpin B9 has been demonstrated to be significantly associated with the development of precancerous lesions, a poor prognosis and ineffective therapies, suggesting that serpin B9 may be a potential target for cancer treatment and an indicator of cancer diagnosis; thus, it has begun to attract increased attention from scholars. The present review concisely described the structure and biological functions of the serpin superfamily and serpin B9. In addition, related research on serpins in cancer is discussed in order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role of serpin B9 in cancer, as well as its clinical significance for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Wang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Jiao Wang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, Jiujiang First People's Hospital, Jiujiang, Jiangxi 332000, P.R. China
| | - Chao Ouyang
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Chong Chen
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Feng Xu
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Qun Ye
- Department of Respiratory Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi 330006, P.R. China
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15
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Martínez-Sánchez MV, Fuster JL, Campillo JA, Galera AM, Bermúdez-Cortés M, Llinares ME, Ramos-Elbal E, Pascual-Gázquez JF, Fita AM, Martínez-Banaclocha H, Galián JA, Gimeno L, Muro M, Minguela A. Expression of NK Cell Receptor Ligands on Leukemic Cells Is Associated with the Outcome of Childhood Acute Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102294. [PMID: 34064810 PMCID: PMC8151902 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer cells (NK cells) of the innate immune system are suspected of playing an important role in eliminating residual leukemia cells during maintenance chemotherapy given to children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia for about two years. This study analyzes the expression of ligands for the receptors that regulate the function of NK cells on leukemic cells of more than one hundred children with acute lymphoid and myeloid leukemia. Our results show that the loss of expression of some molecules involved in the activation of NK cells is associated with poorer survival. In addition, a genetic combination of molecules that interact to regulate NK cell function seems to be associated with a higher relapse rate during/after chemotherapy and shorter patient survival. Children who carry this genetic combination are refractory to current chemotherapy treatments, and stem cell transplantation does not seem to contribute to their cure either, and therefore, they should be considered as candidates for alternative biological therapies that might offer better results. Abstract Acute leukemia is the most common malignancy in children. Most patients are cured, but refractory/relapsed AML and ALL are the first cause of death from malignancy in children. Maintenance chemotherapy in ALL has improved survival by inducing leukemic cell apoptosis, but immune surveillance effectors such as NK cells might also contribute. The outcome of B-ALL (n = 70), T-ALL (n = 16), and AML (n = 16) pediatric patients was evaluated according to leukemic cell expression of ligands for activating and inhibiting receptors that regulate NK cell functioning. Increased expression of ULBP-1, a ligand for NKG2D, but not that of CD112 or CD155, ligands for DNAM-1, was associated with poorer 5-year event-free survival (5y-EFS, 77.6% vs. 94.9%, p < 0.03). Reduced expression of HLA-C on leukemic cells in patients with the KIR2DL1/HLA-C*04 interaction was associated with a higher rate of relapse (17.6% vs. 4.4%, p = 0.035) and lower 5y-EFS (70.6% vs. 92.6%, p < 0.002). KIR2DL1/HLA-C*04 interaction was an independent predictive factor of events (HR = 4.795, p < 0.005) or death (HR = 6.731, p < 0.005) and might provide additional information to the current risk stratification. Children who carry the KIR2DL1/HLA-C*04 interaction were refractory to current chemotherapy treatments, including allogeneic stem cell transplantation; therefore, they should be considered as candidates for alternative biological therapies that might offer better results.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Victoria Martínez-Sánchez
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - José Luis Fuster
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - José Antonio Campillo
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Ana María Galera
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Mar Bermúdez-Cortés
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - María Esther Llinares
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Eduardo Ramos-Elbal
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Juan Francisco Pascual-Gázquez
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Ana María Fita
- Pediatric Oncohematology Department, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (J.L.F.); (A.M.G.); (M.B.-C.); (M.E.L.); (E.R.-E.); (J.F.P.-G.); (A.M.F.)
| | - Helios Martínez-Banaclocha
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - José Antonio Galián
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Lourdes Gimeno
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
- Human Anatomy Department, University of Murcia (UM), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, Clinic University Hospital Virgen de la Arrixaca and Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), 30120 Murcia, Spain; (M.V.M.-S.); (J.A.C.); (H.M.-B.); (J.A.G.); (L.G.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-968-395-379
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16
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Pastorczak A, Domka K, Fidyt K, Poprzeczko M, Firczuk M. Mechanisms of Immune Evasion in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1536. [PMID: 33810515 PMCID: PMC8037152 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) results from a clonal expansion of abnormal lymphoid progenitors of B cell (BCP-ALL) or T cell (T-ALL) origin that invade bone marrow, peripheral blood, and extramedullary sites. Leukemic cells, apart from their oncogene-driven ability to proliferate and avoid differentiation, also change the phenotype and function of innate and adaptive immune cells, leading to escape from the immune surveillance. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic heterogeneity and treatment of BCP- and T-ALL. We outline the interactions of leukemic cells in the bone marrow microenvironment, mainly with mesenchymal stem cells and immune cells. We describe the mechanisms by which ALL cells escape from immune recognition and elimination by the immune system. We focus on the alterations in ALL cells, such as overexpression of ligands for various inhibitory receptors, including anti-phagocytic receptors on macrophages, NK cell inhibitory receptors, as well as T cell immune checkpoints. In addition, we describe how developing leukemia shapes the bone marrow microenvironment and alters the function of immune cells. Finally, we emphasize that an immunosuppressive microenvironment can reduce the efficacy of chemo- and immunotherapy and provide examples of preclinical studies showing strategies for improving ALL treatment by targeting these immunosuppressive interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Pastorczak
- Department of Pediatrics, Oncology and Hematology, Medical University of Lodz, 91-738 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Domka
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.D.); (K.F.); (M.P.)
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Klaudyna Fidyt
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.D.); (K.F.); (M.P.)
- Postgraduate School of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Martyna Poprzeczko
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.D.); (K.F.); (M.P.)
| | - Malgorzata Firczuk
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland; (K.D.); (K.F.); (M.P.)
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17
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Gómez-Luque JM, Urrutia-Maldonado E, Muñoz de Rueda P, Abril-Molina A, Ocete-Hita E. [Killer immunoglobulin-like receptor and cancer]. An Pediatr (Barc) 2021; 96:S1695-4033(21)00128-4. [PMID: 33663964 DOI: 10.1016/j.anpedi.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in defense against tumor cells. The development and function of NK cells is governed by a dynamic balance between inhibition and activation of cell surface receptors, including KIR receptors. PATIENTS AND METHOD A case-control study is carried out that compares a group of 46 children diagnosed with malignant diseases, the control group is made up of 82 healthy children. KIRs genes, haplotypes and ligands were determined and compared between groups. RESULTS There are no differences in KIRs genes, KIRs haplotypes or in KIRs gene ligands between groups. However, when KIRS and ligands were jointly studied, k2DS1_C2 was significantly higher in the group of cancer children (p̊=̊0.016). CONCLUSIONS Our results do not provide evidence of an association between pediatric cancer disease with genotypes and groups of genes KIRs. The k2DS1_C2 genotype could predispose to susceptibility to malignant processes in children.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ana Abril-Molina
- Hospital Universitario Materno Infantil Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España
| | - Esther Ocete-Hita
- Hospital Universitario Materno Infantil Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, España; Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria de Granada, Granada, España; Universidad de Granada, Granada, España.
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18
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Li Y, Wang F, Imani S, Tao L, Deng Y, Cai Y. Natural Killer Cells: Friend or Foe in Metabolic Diseases? Front Immunol 2021; 12:614429. [PMID: 33717101 PMCID: PMC7943437 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.614429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The worldwide epidemic of metabolic diseases, especially obesity and other diseases caused by it, has shown a dramatic increase in incidence. A great deal of attention has been focused on the underlying mechanisms of these pathological processes and potential strategies to solve these problems. Chronic inflammation initiated by abdominal adipose tissues and immune cell activation in obesity is the major cause of the consequent development of complications. In addition to adipocytes, macrophages and monocytes, natural killer (NK) cells have been verified to be vital components involved in shaping the inflammatory microenvironment, thereby leading to various obesity-related metabolic diseases. Here, we provide an overview of the roles of NK cells and the interactions of these cells with other immune and nonimmune cells in the pathological processes of metabolic diseases. Finally, we also discuss potential therapeutic strategies targeting NK cells to treat metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Li
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Student Brigade, Preclinical School of Medicine, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fangjie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Department of Wound Infection and Drug, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Saber Imani
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Ling Tao
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Youcai Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University (Third Military Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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19
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Alfarra H, Weir J, Grieve S, Reiman T. Targeting NK Cell Inhibitory Receptors for Precision Multiple Myeloma Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575609. [PMID: 33304346 PMCID: PMC7693637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate immune surveillance of cancer involves multiple types of immune cells including the innate lymphoid cells (ILCs). Natural killer (NK) cells are considered the most active ILC subset for tumor elimination because of their ability to target infected and malignant cells without prior sensitization. NK cells are equipped with an array of activating and inhibitory receptors (IRs); hence NK cell activity is controlled by balanced signals between the activating and IRs. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy that is known for its altered immune landscape. Despite improvements in therapeutic options for MM, this disease remains incurable. An emerging trend to improve clinical outcomes in MM involves harnessing the inherent ability of NK cells to kill malignant cells by recruiting NK cells and enhancing their cytotoxicity toward the malignant MM cells. Following the clinical success of blocking T cell IRs in multiple cancers, targeting NK cell IRs is drawing increasing attention. Relevant NK cell IRs that are attractive candidates for checkpoint blockades include KIRs, NKG2A, LAG-3, TIGIT, PD-1, and TIM-3 receptors. Investigating these NK cell IRs as pathogenic agents and therapeutic targets could lead to promising applications in MM therapy. This review describes the critical role of enhancing NK cell activity in MM and discusses the potential of blocking NK cell IRs as a future MM therapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/adverse effects
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Humans
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/adverse effects
- Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive/adverse effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Killer Cells, Natural/transplantation
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Multiple Myeloma/drug therapy
- Multiple Myeloma/immunology
- Multiple Myeloma/metabolism
- Multiple Myeloma/pathology
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Tumor Escape
- Tumor Microenvironment
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Affiliation(s)
- Helmi Alfarra
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Jackson Weir
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Stacy Grieve
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Tony Reiman
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Saint John, NB, Canada
- Department of Oncology, Saint John Regional Hospital, Saint John, NB, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Saint John, NB, Canada
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20
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Abstract
Pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is defined by recurrent chromosomal aberrations including hyperdiploidy and chromosomal translocations. Many of these aberrations originate in utero and the cells transform in early childhood through acquired secondary mutations. In this review, we will discuss the most common prenatal lesions that can lead to childhood ALL, with a special emphasis on the most common translocation in childhood ALL, t(12;21), which results in the ETV6-RUNX1 gene fusion. The ETV6-RUNX1 fusion arises prenatally and at a 500-fold higher frequency than the corresponding ALL. Even though the findings regarding the frequency of ETV6-RUNX1 were originally challenged, newer studies have confirmed the higher frequency. The prenatal origin has also been proven for other gene fusions, including KMT2A, the translocations t(1;19) and t(9;22) leading to TCF3-PBX1 and BCR-ABL1, respectively, as well as high hyperdiploidy. For most of these aberrations, there is evidence for more frequent occurrence than the corresponding leukemia incidences. We will briefly discuss what is known about the cells of origin, the mechanisms of leukemic transformation through lack of immunosurveillance, and why only a part of the carriers develops ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Hein
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arndt Borkhardt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany.
| | - Ute Fischer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, University Children's Hospital, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
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21
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Devillier R, Chrétien AS, Pagliardini T, Salem N, Blaise D, Olive D. Mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment and current clinical approaches to harness NK cell potential for immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 109:1071-1088. [PMID: 32991746 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr0920-198rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are innate immune cells with inherent capabilities in both recognizing and killing cancer cells. NK cell phenotypes and functional alterations are being described with increasing precision among patients harboring various cancer types, emphasizing the critical role that NK cells play in antitumor immune responses. In addition, advances in understanding NK cell biology have improved our knowledge of such alterations, thereby expanding the potential exploitation of NK cells' anticancer capabilities. In this review, we present an overview of (1) the various types of NK cell alterations that may contribute to immune evasion in cancer patients and (2) the various strategies to improve NK cell-based anticancer immunotherapies, including pharmacologic modulation and/or genetic modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raynier Devillier
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Chrétien
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Thomas Pagliardini
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Nassim Salem
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Blaise
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Immunity and Cancer Team, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Aix-Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CRCM, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, Marseille, France
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22
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Jiang M, Guo X, Yuan L, Gao J, Huo L, Li Q. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor gene cluster predisposes to susceptibility to B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in Chinese children. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL PATHOLOGY 2020; 13:536-542. [PMID: 32269692 PMCID: PMC7136999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the most common malignancy in children. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are mainly expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and regulate killing of cancer cells. To investigate the possible association of KIR genes with B-ALL in Chinese children, we used polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR-SSP) to determine the KIR genotypes of 137 B-ALL patients and 288 healthy children of Chinese Han origin. Herein we report no significant difference in the carrying frequency of individual KIR genes and haplotypes between patients and controls; however, individuals carrying C4Tx genotypes were more frequent in the B-ALL group compared with healthy controls (11.7% vs. 5.9%, P=0.038). In addition, the centromeric KIR gene cluster, KIR2DS2-2DL2-2DS3-2DL5, was significantly increased in the B-ALL group compared with healthy controls (13.9% vs. 7.3%, P=0.030). These data suggest that the C4Tx genotype and centromeric KIR gene cluster (KIR2DS2-2DL2-2DS3-2DL5) might predispose to susceptibility to B-ALL in Chinese children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyan Jiang
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of EducationChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xia Guo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of EducationChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Lixing Yuan
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of EducationChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Ju Gao
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of EducationChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Li Huo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Department of Emergency, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of EducationChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan UniversityChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of EducationChengdu, Sichuan Province, China
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23
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Family-based Association Study of Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Genes with Leukemia. ACTA MEDICA BULGARICA 2019. [DOI: 10.2478/amb-2019-0023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
NK cell function is controlled by the cell expression of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their ligation with the corresponding HLA ligands. Various malignancies have been associated with certain KIRs surface cell expression and various KIR/HLA ligand combinations. Prior research using case/control study design demonstrates the role of KIR and KIR HLA ligands as genetic factor involved in tumor susceptibility. The objective of this study was to investigate the family-based association of KIRs, HLA class I ligands and KIR/ligand combinations with leukemia diagnosis in families having a leukemia diagnosed child. Sixty-seven families that met the index leukemia case criteria (acute lymphoblastic leukemia, ALL, n = 45; acute myeloid leukemia, AML, n = 13; chronic myeloid leukemia, CML, n = 9; first degree healthy relatives n = 159) were examined. Our study consisted of two phases. In Phase1 case-control study, we primarily compared patients to their healthy siblings to asses if a marker or genotype may be associated with leukemia, excluding the impact of the environment. Phase 2 consisted of a secondary family-based association study. KIR genotyping was performed by PCR-SSP method. KIR HLA ligands were defined by direct method using PCR-SSP method and/or indirect base on high resolution typing of HLA-A, -B, -C alleles. Results of phase 1 showed an increase in the frequency of KIR genotype (with a ratio = 0.57; higher frequency for inhibitory KIRs vs. activating KIRs) among leukemia patients compared to healthy siblings. Results of the phase 2 familial study observed an association between HLA-C1+/BBw4+/ABw4+ haplotype (a mediator of inhibitory signals) and leukemia. Also, we concluded that the absence of HLA-ABw4 alleles was related to leukemia development.
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24
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NK Cells in the Treatment of Hematological Malignancies. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8101557. [PMID: 31569769 PMCID: PMC6832953 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 09/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have the innate ability to kill cancer cells, however, tumor cells may acquire the capability of evading the immune response, thereby leading to malignancies. Restoring or potentiation of this natural antitumor activity of NK cells has become a relevant therapeutic approach in cancer and, particularly, in hematological cancers. The use of tumor-specific antibodies that promote antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) through the ligation of CD16 receptor on NK cells has become standard for many hematologic malignancies. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is another key therapeutic strategy that harnesses the alloreactivity of NK cells against cancer cells. This strategy may be refined by adoptive transfer of NK cells that may be previously expanded, activated, or redirected (chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells) against cancer cells. The antitumor activity of NK cells can also be boosted by cytokines or immunostimulatory drugs such as lenalidomide or pomalidomide. Finally, targeting immunosubversive mechanisms developed by hematological cancers and, in particular, using antibodies that block NK cell inhibitory receptors and checkpoint proteins are novel promising therapeutic approaches in these malignant diseases.
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25
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Varbanova VP, Mihailova S, Naumova E, Mihaylova AP. Certain Killer Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor (KIR)/KIR HLA Class I Ligand Genotypes Influence Natural Killer Antitumor Activity in Myelogenous Leukemia but Not in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: A Case Control Leukemia Association Study. Turk J Haematol 2019; 36:238-246. [PMID: 31337191 PMCID: PMC6863033 DOI: 10.4274/tjh.galenos.2019.2019.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: Natural killers (NK) cell function is mainly controlled by the expression of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their ligation with the corresponding ligands. The objective of this study was to investigate the putative association of KIRs, HLA class I ligands, and KIR/ligand combinations with rates of development of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Materials and Methods: The KIR/HLA I genotypes of 82 patients with leukemia (ALL, n=52; AML, n=17; and CML, n=13) were determined by PCR-SSP method and compared with genotypes of healthy controls (n=126). Results: KIR genotype frequency differed significantly between myelogenous leukemia patients and healthy controls for KIR2DL5A (17.6% vs. 47.7%, p=0.02), KIR3DS1 (17.6% vs. 47.6%, p=0.02), and KIR2DS4*001 (36.6% vs. 20.2%, p=0.017). The incidence of homozygous HLA-BBw4 (31.0% vs. 12.5%, p=0.042) and HLA-Bw4Thr80 Thr80 (13.0% vs. 1.2%, p=0.01) was significantly elevated in myeloid leukemia patients compared to healthy controls. KIR/HLA class I ligand profile KIR3DS1(+)/L (-) was decreased and KIR3DL2(+)/HLA-A3/11(-) was increased among myeloid leukemia cases compared to controls. Conclusion: These data suggest that the activity of NK cells as determined by inherited KIR/HLA class I ligand polymorphisms influences the susceptibility to myelogenous leukemia, but not to lymphoblastic leukemia. Additionally, the KIR genotype characterized by the absence of the inhibitory KIR2DL2 and the activating KIR2DS2 and KIR2DS3 (ID2) was found at a lower frequency in patients compared to controls, which confirmed the need for complex analysis based on all possible KIR/HLA class I ligand polymorphism combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Snejina Mihailova
- University Hospital Alexandrovska - Clinic of Clinical Immunology and Stem Cell Bank, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Elissaveta Naumova
- University Hospital Alexandrovska - Clinic of Clinical Immunology and Stem Cell Bank, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anastasiya Petrova Mihaylova
- University Hospital Alexandrovska - Clinic of Clinical Immunology and Stem Cell Bank, Medical University, Sofia, Bulgaria
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26
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Guillamón CF, Martínez-Sánchez MV, Gimeno L, Campillo JA, Server-Pastor G, Martínez-García J, Martínez-Escribano J, Torroba A, Ferri B, Abellán DJ, Legaz I, López-Álvarez MR, Moya-Quiles MR, Muro M, Minguela A. Activating KIRs on Educated NK Cells Support Downregulation of CD226 and Inefficient Tumor Immunosurveillance. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1307-1317. [PMID: 31239317 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 03/21/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Therapies using NK cells (NKc) expanded/activated ex vivo or stimulated in vivo with new immunostimulatory agents offer alternative opportunities for patients with recurrent/refractory tumors, but relevant biomarkers to guide the selection of patients are required for optimum results. Overall survival of 249 solid cancer patients was evaluated in relation to the genetics and/or the expression on peripheral blood NKcs of inhibitory and activating killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (iKIR and aKIR, respectively), HLA class I ligands, CD226 (also known as DNAM-1), and NKG2A. Compared with patients with higher expression, patients with low expression of CD226 on total NKcs showed shorter mean overall survival (60.7 vs. 98.0 months, P < 0.001), which was further reduced in presence of telomeric aKIRs (KIR2DS1-DS5 and/or KIR3DS1, 31.6 vs. 96.8 months, P < 0.001). KIR2DL2/S2+, KIR3DL1+, KIR2DL1+, and KIR2DL3+ NKc subsets in the presence of their cognate ligands primarily contributed to shortening patients' overall survival by increasing the sensitivity to CD226 downmodulation in aKIR-rich telomeric genotypes. In patients with high tumor burden who died during the follow-up period, aKIR-rich telomeric genotypes were associated with: (i) specific downmodulation of CD226 on educated NKcs but not on CD8+ T cells or uneducated NKcs, (ii) lower expression of CD226 and higher expression of NKG2A on aKIR+ NKcs, and (iii) lower numbers of total CD56dim NKcs. The reduced expression of CD226 on NKcs with aKIR-rich genotypes may be a biomarker indicative of NKc hyporesponsiveness in patients that could benefit from new NKc immune-stimulatory therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Concepción F Guillamón
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - María V Martínez-Sánchez
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Lourdes Gimeno
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - José A Campillo
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Gerardo Server-Pastor
- Urology Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | | | | | - Amparo Torroba
- Pathology Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Belén Ferri
- Pathology Service, Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Daniel J Abellán
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Isabel Legaz
- Forensic Medicine, Universidad de Murcia, Murcia, Spain
| | | | - María R Moya-Quiles
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain
| | - Alfredo Minguela
- Immunology Service, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Clínico Universitario Virgen de la Arrixaca, Murcia, Spain.
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27
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Vicioso Y, Gram H, Beck R, Asthana A, Zhang K, Wong DP, Letterio J, Parameswaran R. Combination Therapy for Treating Advanced Drug-Resistant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1106-1119. [PMID: 31138521 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Drug-resistant acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) patients do not respond to standard chemotherapy, and an urgent need exists to develop new treatment strategies. Our study exploited the presence of B-cell activating factor receptor (BAFF-R) on the surface of drug-resistant B-ALL cells as a therapeutic target. We used anti-BAFF-R (VAY736), optimized for natural killer (NK) cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), to kill drug-resistant ALL cells. VAY736 antibody and NK cell treatments significantly decreased ALL disease burden and provided survival benefit in vivo However, if the disease was advanced, the ADCC efficacy of NK cells was inhibited by microenvironmental transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ). Inhibiting TGFβ signaling in NK cells using the TGFβ receptor 1 (R1) inhibitor (EW-7197) significantly enhanced VAY736-induced NK cell-mediated ALL killing. Our results highlight the potential of using a combination of VAY736 antibody with EW-7197 to treat advance-stage, drug-resistant B-ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yorleny Vicioso
- Department of pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Hermann Gram
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Rose Beck
- Department of pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.,Department of Pathology, University Hospitals, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Abhishek Asthana
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Keman Zhang
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Derek P Wong
- Department of pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - John Letterio
- The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.,Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, The Angie Fowler Adolescent and Young Adult Cancer Institute, University Hospitals Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Reshmi Parameswaran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio. .,The Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
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28
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NK Cells as Possible Prognostic Factor in Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. DISEASE MARKERS 2019; 2019:3596983. [PMID: 30719179 PMCID: PMC6334311 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3596983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 12/04/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Deficiency or impaired function natural killer (NK) cells might result in the development of serious infections and promote the development of malignancies. The aim of our study was to assess the prognostic role of NK cell percentage in bone marrow on the day of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) diagnosis. 84 children (49 males = 58%; median age 5 yrs) with ALL were enrolled. The NK cell percentage was assessed using flow cytometry with antibodies against the cluster of differentiation (CD): CD3, CD56, and CD16. We evaluated two groups: group I (NK+), patients with NK cells in the bone marrow (n = 74), and group II (NK-), patients without NK cells in the bone marrow (n = 10) (cut-off value of negative <1%). In the patients from group I, the prednisone good response on day 8 and the remission on day 15 of treatment were observed significantly more often (p = .01, p = .03). The children from group I had significantly better survival as compared to those from group II (p = .02) (HR 2.59; 95% CI: 1.38-4.85). The presence of NK cells in the bone marrow at diagnosis can be a prognostic factor in children with ALL. The presented results should be the basis for further research.
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29
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Escudero A, Martínez-Romera I, Fernández L, Valentín J, González-Vicent M, Vicario JL, Madero-Jarabo R, Diaz MÁ, Pérez-Martínez A. Donor KIR Genotype Impacts on Clinical Outcome after T Cell-Depleted HLA Matched Related Allogeneic Transplantation for High-Risk Pediatric Leukemia Patients. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2018; 24:2493-2500. [PMID: 30145228 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2018.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Preliminary data suggest that ex vivo T cell-depleted matched related donor (MRD) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is feasible and confers a clinically beneficial reduction in graft-versus-host disease. Classically, T cell-depleted grafts were associated with reduction of the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect because of delayed T cell immune reconstitution. However, natural killer (NK) cell alloreactivity is also critical for an early GVL effect as well as for lymphocyte immune reconstitution. Here, we study the role of NK cells in MRD T cell-depleted HSCT, which is still poorly understood. Given that MRD ligands for inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are matched, we focused on activating KIR receptors. We retrospectively analyzed KIR genotyping in patients and MRDs in 40 ex vivo T cell-depleted pediatric HSCTs. The log-rank test and Cox proportional risk test were performed to correlate genotype with clinical outcome (relapse rate, disease-free survival, and overall survival) and immune reconstitution. The statistical analysis revealed poorer overall survival when donors have a KIR-B content score of ≥2, a best/better subtype, or present the KIR2DS1 gene. The patient's relapse rate was higher when donors present the KIR2DL5A gene, as well as a poorer probability of disease-free survival when the donor is classified with a best/better subtype. Regarding immune reconstitution, donor KIR haplotype A or the presence of inhibitory KIR genes promote best recovery of T lymphocytes, whereas donor KIR haplotype B or the presence of activating KIR genes confer better expansion of NK cells. These findings suggest that the selection of MRDs with an inhibitory KIR phenotype improve T cell expansion as well as the clinical outcome after pediatric ex vivo T cell-depleted HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adela Escudero
- Traslational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Cell Therapy, INGEMM-IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Lucía Fernández
- Hematological Research Program, Cancer Research National Centre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jaime Valentín
- Traslational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Cell Therapy, INGEMM-IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta González-Vicent
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | | | | | - Miguel Ángel Diaz
- Department of Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Pérez-Martínez
- Traslational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Cell Therapy, INGEMM-IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, La Paz University Hospital. Madrid, Spain.
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30
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Chretien AS, Fauriat C, Orlanducci F, Rey J, Borg GB, Gautherot E, Granjeaud S, Demerle C, Hamel JF, Cerwenka A, von Strandmann EP, Ifrah N, Lacombe C, Cornillet-Lefebvre P, Delaunay J, Toubert A, Arnoulet C, Vey N, Olive D. NKp30 expression is a prognostic immune biomarker for stratification of patients with intermediate-risk acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2018; 8:49548-49563. [PMID: 28548938 PMCID: PMC5564787 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytogenetics and European Leukemia Net (ELN) genetic classification predict patients at increased risk of relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) except in the intermediate risk group for which further prognostic determinants are required. We have previously shown that Natural Killer (NK) cell defects in AML are predictors of poor overall survival (OS). This study aimins at validating NKp30, a receptor that mediates NK activation, as a prognostic biomarker for AML patients with intermediate prognosis. NKp30 expression was prospectively assessed at diagnosis on NK cells from peripheral blood by flow cytometry (N = 201 patients). Clinical outcome was evaluated with regard to NKp30 status. In patients with intermediate cytogenetic (N = 162), NKp30high phenotype at diagnosis was predictive of better OS (HR = 0.26; 95%CI = [0.14-0.50]; P < 0.0001) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (HR = 0.21; 95%CI = [0.08-0.52]; P = 0.0007). In patients with intermediate ELN (N = 116), NKp30high phenotype at diagnosis was predictive of better OS (HR = 0.33; 95%CI = [0.16–0.67]; P = 0.0019) and RFS (HR = 0.24; 95%CI = [0.08-0.67]; P = 0.0058). In multivariate analysis, high NKp30 expression independently predicted improved OS (HR = 0.56, P = 0.046) and RFS (HR = 0.37, P = 0.048). Consistently, cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) was lower in patients with high NKp30 expression (HR = 0.37, P = 0.026). In conclusion, we propose NKp30 status as a simple and early prognostic biomarker that identifies intermediate-risk patients with poor prognosis who otherwise may not be identified with existing risk stratification systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Chretien
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring Platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Cyril Fauriat
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring Platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Jerome Rey
- Hematology Department, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Systems Biology Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Clemence Demerle
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring Platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Innate Immunity Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elke Pogge von Strandmann
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Clinic for Hematology, Oncology and Immunology, Experimental Tumor Research, Center for Tumor Biology and Immunology, Philipps University, Marburg, Germany
| | | | - Catherine Lacombe
- GOELAMStheque, FILO French Innovative Leukemia Organization, Cochin Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Jacques Delaunay
- Service d'Hématologie, Centre Catherine de Sienne, Nantes, France
| | - Antoine Toubert
- INSERM UMRS-1160, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Immunology and Histocompatibility Department, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Christine Arnoulet
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Biopathology Department, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Norbert Vey
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring Platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
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31
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Chretien AS, Devillier R, Fauriat C, Orlanducci F, Harbi S, Le Roy A, Rey J, Bouvier Borg G, Gautherot E, Hamel JF, Ifrah N, Lacombe C, Cornillet-Lefebvre P, Delaunay J, Toubert A, Arnoulet C, Vey N, Blaise D, Olive D. NKp46 expression on NK cells as a prognostic and predictive biomarker for response to allo-SCT in patients with AML. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1307491. [PMID: 29209559 PMCID: PMC5706596 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1307491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 02/20/2017] [Accepted: 03/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
NKp46 is a major determinant of natural killer (NK) cell function and it is implicated in tumor immune surveillance in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic significance of NKp46 expression in an independent cohort of patients with AML, and to investigate the impact of NKp46 on clinical outcome after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-SCT). NKp46 expression was assessed at diagnosis on NK cells by flow cytometry (N = 180 patients). Clinical outcome was evaluated with regard to NKp46 expression. Patients with NKp46high phenotype at diagnosis had better progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) than patients with NKp46low phenotype (74.3% vs. 46.6%, p = 0.014; 82.6% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.010, respectively). In multivariate analysis, high NKp46 was an independent factor for improved OS (HR = 0.409, p = 0.010) and PFS (HR = 0.335, p = 0.011). Subgroup analysis revealed that allo-SCT had a favorable impact on PFS in patients with NKp46high phenotype (p = 0.025). By contrast, allo-SCT did not impact PFS in patients with low NKp46 expression (p = 0.303). In conclusion, we validate the prognostic value of NKp46 expression at diagnosis in AML. However, the prognostic value of NKp46 expression is limited to patients treated with allo-SCT, thus suggesting that NKp46 status may be predictive for allo-SCT responsiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Chretien
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Raynier Devillier
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Cyril Fauriat
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Samia Harbi
- Hematology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Aude Le Roy
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Jérôme Rey
- Hematology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Gaelle Bouvier Borg
- Beckman Coulter Immunotech, Biostatistics and methodology department, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Emmanuel Gautherot
- Beckman Coulter Immunotech, Biostatistics and methodology department, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | - Jean-François Hamel
- Beckman Coulter Immunotech, Biostatistics and methodology department, CHU Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Catherine Lacombe
- GOELAMStheque, FILO (French Innovative Leukemia Organization), Cochin Hospital, APHP, Paris, FRANCE
| | | | - Jacques Delaunay
- Service d'Hématologie, Centre Catherine de Sienne, Nantes, France
| | - Antoine Toubert
- INSERM UMRS-1160, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Immunology and Histocompatibility department, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Christine Arnoulet
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Biopathology Department, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Norbert Vey
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Blaise
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
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Varbanova V, Naumova E, Mihaylova A. Killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor genes and ligands and their role in hematologic malignancies. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:427-40. [PMID: 26874942 PMCID: PMC11029164 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-016-1806-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2015] [Accepted: 01/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are considered crucial for the elimination of emerging tumor cells. Effector NK-cell functions are controlled by interactions of inhibitory and activating killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) on NK cells with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands on target cells. KIR and HLA are highly polymorphic genetic systems segregating independently, creating a great diversity in KIR/HLA gene profiles in different individuals. There is an increasing evidence supporting the relevance of KIR and HLA ligand gene background for the occurrence and outcome of certain cancers. However, the data are still controversial and the mechanisms of receptor-ligand mediated NK-cell action remain unclear. Here, the main characteristics and functions of KIRs and their HLA class I ligands are reviewed. In addition, we review the HLA and KIR correlations with different hematological malignancies and discuss our current understanding of the biological significance and mechanisms underlying these associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viktoria Varbanova
- National Specialized Hospital for Active Treatment of Haematological Diseases, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Elissaveta Naumova
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Stem Cell Bank, University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Medical University, 1, Georgi Sofiiski Str., 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Anastasiya Mihaylova
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Stem Cell Bank, University Hospital "Alexandrovska", Medical University, 1, Georgi Sofiiski Str., 1431, Sofia, Bulgaria.
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Koehl U, Kalberer C, Spanholtz J, Lee DA, Miller JS, Cooley S, Lowdell M, Uharek L, Klingemann H, Curti A, Leung W, Alici E. Advances in clinical NK cell studies: Donor selection, manufacturing and quality control. Oncoimmunology 2015; 5:e1115178. [PMID: 27141397 PMCID: PMC4839369 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2015.1115178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2015] [Revised: 10/24/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are increasingly used in clinical studies in order to treat patients with various malignancies. The following review summarizes platform lectures and 2013–2015 consortium meetings on manufacturing and clinical use of NK cells in Europe and United States. A broad overview of recent pre-clinical and clinical results in NK cell therapies is provided based on unstimulated, cytokine-activated, as well as genetically engineered NK cells using chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). Differences in donor selection, manufacturing and quality control of NK cells for cancer immunotherapies are described and basic recommendations are outlined for harmonization in future NK cell studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Koehl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - C Kalberer
- Diagnostic Hematology, University Hospital Basel , Basel, Switzerland
| | - J Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics , Oss, the Netherlands
| | - D A Lee
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Pediatrics , Houston, TX, USA
| | - J S Miller
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - S Cooley
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota , Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - M Lowdell
- Department of Hematology, Royal Free Hospital, UCL Medical School , London, UK
| | - L Uharek
- Hematology and Oncology, Benjamin Franklin faculty of Charité , Berlin, Germany
| | - H Klingemann
- NantKwest Inc., Research & Development , Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - A Curti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, Institute of Hematology "L. and A. Seràgnoli", Berlin, University of Bologna , Italy
| | - W Leung
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital , Memphis, TN, USA
| | - E Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm Sweden; Cell therapies institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA; Hematology Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Sitthi-Amorn J, Herrington B, Megason G, Pullen J, Gordon C, Hogan S, Koganti T, Hicks C. Transcriptome Analysis of Minimal Residual Disease in Subtypes of Pediatric B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. CLINICAL MEDICINE INSIGHTS-ONCOLOGY 2015; 9:51-60. [PMID: 26056509 PMCID: PMC4444133 DOI: 10.4137/cmo.s17049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2014] [Revised: 01/05/2015] [Accepted: 01/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related death in children and adolescents. Minimal residual disease (MRD) is a strong, independent prognostic factor. The objective of this study was to identify molecular signatures distinguishing patients with positive MRD from those with negative MRD in different subtypes of ALL, and to identify molecular networks and biological pathways deregulated in response to positive MRD at day 46. We compared gene expression levels between patients with positive MRD and negative MRD in each subtype to identify differentially expressed genes. Hierarchical clustering was applied to determine their functional relationships. We identified subtype-specific gene signatures distinguishing patients with positive MRD from those with negative MRD. We identified the genes involved in cell cycle, apoptosis, transport, and DNA repair. We also identified molecular networks and biological pathways dysregulated in response to positive MRD, including Granzyme B, B-cell receptor, and PI3K signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jitsuda Sitthi-Amorn
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Betty Herrington
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Gail Megason
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Jeanette Pullen
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Catherine Gordon
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Shirley Hogan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Tejaswi Koganti
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Chindo Hicks
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA. ; Department of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Gras Navarro A, Björklund AT, Chekenya M. Therapeutic potential and challenges of natural killer cells in treatment of solid tumors. Front Immunol 2015; 6:202. [PMID: 25972872 PMCID: PMC4413815 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that hold tremendous potential for effective immunotherapy for a broad range of cancers. Due to the mode of NK cell killing, requiring one-to-one target engagement and site-directed release of cytolytic granules, the therapeutic potential of NK cells has been most extensively explored in hematological malignancies. However, their ability to precisely kill antibody coated cells, cancer stem cells, and genotoxically altered cells, while maintaining tolerance to healthy cells makes them appealing therapeutic effectors for all cancer forms, including metastases. Due to their release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, NK cells may potently reverse the anti-inflammatory tumor microenvironment (TME) and augment adaptive immune responses by promoting differentiation, activation, and/or recruitment of accessory immune cells to sites of malignancy. Nevertheless, integrated and coordinated mechanisms of subversion of NK cell activity against the tumor and its microenvironment exist. Although our understanding of the receptor ligand interactions that regulate NK cell functionality has evolved remarkably, the diversity of ligands and receptors is complex, as is their mechanistic foundations in regulating NK cell function. In this article, we review the literature and highlight how the TME manipulates the NK cell phenotypes, genotypes, and tropism to evade tumor recognition and elimination. We discuss counter strategies that may be adopted to augment the efficacy of NK cell anti-tumor surveillance, the clinical trials that have been undertaken so far in solid malignancies, critically weighing the challenges and opportunities with this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andreas T Björklund
- Karolinska University Hospital, Hematology Center and Karolinska Institute , Stockholm , Sweden
| | - Martha Chekenya
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen , Bergen , Norway
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