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Kim AM, Zhao L, Patel TR, Bailey CJ, Bai Q, Wakefield MR, Fang Y. From bench to bedside: the past, present and future of IL-21 immunotherapy. Med Oncol 2024; 41:181. [PMID: 38900341 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02404-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
As immunotherapy gains momentum as a promising approach for treating several types of cancer, IL-21 has emerged as the latest discovery within the γ chain cytokine family, known for its decisive effects on innate and adaptive immunity and immunopathology. Through the modulation of immune cells, IL-21 has demonstrated significant anti-tumor effects in preclinical studies. The potential of IL-21 in cancer treatment has been explored in phase I and II clinical trials, where it has been utilized both as monotherapy and in combination with other drug agents. Further investigation, alongside larger studies, is necessary before final evaluation and application of IL-21 as immunotherapy. This review aims to summarize these pre-clinical and clinical studies and to discuss the possible future directions of IL-21 immunotherapy development. Such a study may be helpful to accelerate the process of clinical application for IL21 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Austin M Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA
| | - Lei Zhao
- The Department of Respiratory Medicine, The 2nd People's Hospital of Hefei and Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tej R Patel
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Colin J Bailey
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Mark R Wakefield
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA
| | - Yujiang Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Des Moines, IA, 50312, USA.
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65212, USA.
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2
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Isvoranu G, Chiritoiu-Butnaru M. Therapeutic potential of interleukin-21 in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369743. [PMID: 38638431 PMCID: PMC11024325 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is an immunostimulatory cytokine which belongs to the common gamma-chain family of cytokines. It plays an import role in the development, differentiation, proliferation, and activation of immune cells, in particular T and natural killer (NK) cells. Since its discovery in 2000, IL-21 has been shown to regulate both adaptive and immune responses associates with key role in antiviral and antitumor responses. Recent advances indicate IL-21 as a promising target for cancer treatment and encouraging results were obtained in preclinical studies which investigated the potency of IL-21 alone or in combination with other therapies, including monoclonal antibodies, checkpoint inhibitory molecules, oncolytic virotherapy, and adoptive cell transfer. Furthermore, IL-21 showed antitumor effects in the treatment of patients with advanced cancer, with minimal side effects in several clinical trials. In the present review, we will outline the recent progress in IL-21 research, highlighting the potential of IL-21 based therapy as single agent or in combination with other drugs to enhance cancer treatment efficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gheorghita Isvoranu
- Department of Animal Husbandry,” Victor Babeș” National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marioara Chiritoiu-Butnaru
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Institute of Biochemistry of the Romanian Academy, Bucharest, Romania
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3
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Arabameri A, Arab S. Understanding the Interplay of CAR-NK Cells and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Insights from Computational Modeling. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:20. [PMID: 38240892 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-023-01247-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (NK) cells have recently emerged as a promising and safe alternative to CAR-T cells for targeting solid tumors. In the case of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), traditional cancer treatments and common immunotherapies have shown limited effectiveness. However, CAR-NK cells have been successfully employed to target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on TNBC cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy. The effectiveness of CAR-NK-based immunotherapy is influenced by various factors, including the vaccination dose, vaccination pattern, and tumor immunosuppressive factors in the microenvironment. To gain insights into the dynamics and effects of CAR-NK-based immunotherapy, we propose a computational model based on experimental data and immunological theories. This model integrates an individual-based model that describes the interplay between the tumor and the immune system, along with an ordinary differential equation model that captures the variation of inflammatory cytokines. Computational results obtained from the proposed model shed light on the conditions necessary for initiating an effective anti-tumor response. Furthermore, global sensitivity analysis highlights the issue of low persistence of CAR-NK cells in vivo, which poses a significant challenge for the successful clinical application of these cells. Leveraging the model, we identify the optimal vaccination time, vaccination dose, and time interval between injections for maximizing therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abazar Arabameri
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Samaneh Arab
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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Zhang H, Yang L, Wang T, Li Z. NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy. Bioact Mater 2024; 31:63-86. [PMID: 37601277 PMCID: PMC10432724 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells display a unique inherent ability to identify and eliminate virus-infected cells and tumor cells. They are particularly powerful for elimination of hematological cancers, and have attracted considerable interests for therapy of solid tumors. However, the treatment of solid tumors with NK cells are less effective, which can be attributed to the very complicated immunosuppressive microenvironment that may lead to the inactivation, insufficient expansion, short life, and the poor tumor infiltration of NK cells. Fortunately, the development of advanced nanotechnology has provided potential solutions to these issues, and could improve the immunotherapy efficacy of NK cells. In this review, we summarize the activation and inhibition mechanisms of NK cells in solid tumors, and the recent advances in NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy boosted by diverse nanomaterials. We also propose the challenges and opportunities for the clinical application of NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Li Yang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Center for Molecular Imaging and Nuclear Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Suzhou Medical College of Soochow University, Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Suzhou, 215123, China
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Quiroga D, Wesolowski R, Zelinskas S, Pinette A, Benner B, Schwarz E, Savardekar H, Johnson C, Stiff A, Yu L, Macrae E, Lustberg M, Mrozek E, Ramaswamy B, Carson WE. An Open-Label Study of Subcutaneous CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide (PF03512676) in Combination with Trastuzumab in Patients with Metastatic HER2+ Breast Cancer. Cancer Control 2024; 31:10732748241250189. [PMID: 38797949 PMCID: PMC11129578 DOI: 10.1177/10732748241250189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES CpG ODN is a Toll-like receptor 9 agonist with immunotherapeutic potential for many cancer types, including aggressive breast cancers. There is strong interest in utilizing CpG ODN as an adjuvant to improve clinical efficacy of current treatments and immunogenicity of breast cancers not traditionally responsive to active immunotherapy, such as those that are human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive. This study aimed to study the efficacy and safety of combination CpG ODN plus anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab treatment in patients with advanced/metastatic breast cancer. METHODS This single-arm, open-label phase II clinical trial treated patients (n = 6) with advanced/metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer with weekly subcutaneous CpG ODN and trastuzumab. Patients may have received any number of prior therapies to be enrolled (most enrolled at median 1 prior line of chemotherapy). Peripheral blood was collected at baseline and weeks 2, 6, 12, and 18 for immune analyses. Six patients were enrolled and 50% achieved stable disease (SD) response. RESULTS Median PFS was 8.3 months. Three of the six patients enrolled opted to stop treatment due to tolerability issues. Multiplex assay for cytokine measurements revealed significantly higher VEGF-D levels at week 2 compared to baseline. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells analyzed by flow cytometry showed a significant increase in monocytic MDSC between weeks 6 and 12. Patients with progressive disease tended to have higher levels of week 6 monocytic MDSC and PD-1+ T cells than patients with SD. NK cell populations did not significantly change throughout treatment. CONCLUSIONS CpG ODN and trastuzumab treatment of metastatic HER2 + breast cancer was safe but was not tolerable for all patients. This combination did induce potentially predictive immune profile changes in treated patients with metastatic HER2 + breast cancer, the significance of which needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dionisia Quiroga
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Robert Wesolowski
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sara Zelinskas
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ashley Pinette
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Brooke Benner
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Emily Schwarz
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Himanshu Savardekar
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Courtney Johnson
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Miami Valley Hospital, Dayton, OH, USA
| | - Andrew Stiff
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lianbo Yu
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Erin Macrae
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Columbus Oncology Associates, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Maryam Lustberg
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CN, USA
| | - Ewa Mrozek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- St. Rita’s Cancer Center, Lima, OH, USA
| | - Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - William E. Carson
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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An D, He P, Liu H, Wang R, Yu X, Chen N, Guo X, Li X, Feng M. Enhanced chemoimmunotherapy of breast cancer in mice by apolipoprotein A1-modified doxorubicin liposomes combined with interleukin-21. J Drug Target 2023; 31:1098-1110. [PMID: 37909691 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2023.2276664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Backgroud: Breast cancer is a prevalent malignancy among women, with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) comprising approximately 15-20% of all cases, possessing high invasiveness, drug resistance and poor prognosis. Chemotherapy, the main treatment for TNBC, is limited by toxicity and drug resistance. Apolipoprotein A1 modified doxorubicin liposome (ApoA1-lip/Dox) was constructed in our previous study, with promising anti-tumour effect and improved safety been proved. However, during long-term administration, the problem of cumulative toxicity and insufficient tumour inhibition is still inevitable. Interleukin-21 is a small molecule protein secreted by T cells with various immune regulatory functions. IL-21 has significantly curative effects in numerous solid tumours, but it has the disadvantages of low response rate and short half-life. The combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy has received increasing attention.Purpose: In this study, ApoA1 drug loading system and long-acting IL-21 are innovatively combined for tumour treatment.Methods: We combined ApoA1-lip/Dox and IL-21 for treatment and evaluated their impact on tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and CD8+ T and NK cell cytotoxicity.Results: Combined administration significantly improved the tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and enhanced the cytotoxicity of CD8+ T and NK cells. The combination of ApoA1-lip/Dox and IL-21 exhibits significantly enhanced anti-tumour efficacy with lower toxicity of ApoA1-lip/Dox, providing a new strategy for TNBC treatment with enhanced anti-tumour response and reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duopeng An
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Peng He
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongchuan Liu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaochen Yu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Nanye Chen
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohan Guo
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Biological Medicines Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Minhang Hospital & School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meiqing Feng
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, Fudan University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai, China
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Kumar V, Mahato RI. Natural killer cells for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy: Role of nanoparticles. Cancer Lett 2023; 579:216462. [PMID: 37924937 PMCID: PMC10842153 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
Advanced pancreatic cancer patients have a dismal prognosis despite advances in integrative therapy. The field of tumor immunology has witnessed significant advancements for cancer treatment. However, immunotherapy for pancreatic cancer is not very effective due to its highly complex tumor microenvironment (TME). Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that play an important role in the innate immune system. NK cells do not require antigen pre-sensitization, nor are they confined by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). NK cells have the potential to eliminate cancer cells through CAR-dependent and CAR-independent pathways, demonstrating reduced levels of systemic toxicity in the process. The availability of several potential sources of NK cells is an additional benefit that contributes to meeting the therapeutic criteria. Adding nanotechnology to enhance the functions of effector NK cells is also an appealing strategy. This article primarily discusses various approaches recently been utilized to enhance the NK functions for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. In addition, new advances in boosting NK cell therapeutic efficacy by nanoparticle mediation are presented, with a focus on pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virender Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Ram I Mahato
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA.
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Hou J, Xu P, Zhong Y, Zhou Z, Zhang W. Interleukin-21 knockout reduces bone loss in ovariectomized mice by inhibiting osteoclastogenesis. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2023; 87:1265-1273. [PMID: 37708033 DOI: 10.1093/bbb/zbad103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Estrogen deficiency accelerates osteoporosis in elderly women. However, the role of IL-21 in postmenopausal osteoporosis remains unclear. Female wild-type (WT) C57BL/6 and IL-21 knockout (KO) mice were used for ovariectomy (OVX). Here, IL-21 levels were significantly increased in the serum and bone tissues of WT-OVX mice. The trabecular bone space of the femur was significantly increased, and the bone mass was reduced in OVX mice, accompanied by a significant decrease in the maximum load, energy absorption, and elastic modulus indices. In contrast, IL-21 knockout effectively alleviated the effects of OVX on bone mass. Serum TRACP-5b and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa B ligand (RANKL) levels and osteoclastogenesis were significantly higher in OVX mice than in sham mice, while serum TRACP-5b and RANKL levels and osteoclastogenesis were significantly decreased in IL-21 KO + OVX mice compared to WT + OVX mice. IL-21 knockdown reduces TRACP-5b, RANKL, and osteoclastogenesis, effectively preventing bone resorption and alleviating the progression of OVX-induced osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junlong Hou
- Department of Orthopaedics, Jieyang People's Hospital, Jieyang, China
| | - Ping Xu
- Spinal Trauma Area 2, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanheng Zhong
- Spinal Trauma Area 2, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Zhou
- Spinal Trauma Area 2, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Heyuan, China
| | - Wencai Zhang
- Spinal Trauma Area 2, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Duan H, Li L, He S. Advances and Prospects in the Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2023; 18:3973-3988. [PMID: 37489138 PMCID: PMC10363367 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s413496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is a highly malignant and incurable disease, characterized by its aggressive nature and high fatality rate. The most common type is pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), which has poor prognosis and high mortality rate. Current treatments for pancreatic cancer mainly encompass surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and combination regimens. However, despite efforts to improve prognosis, and the 5-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains very low. Therefore, it's urgent to explore novel therapeutic approaches. With the rapid development of therapeutic strategies in recent years, new ideas have been provided for treating pancreatic cancer. This review expositions the advancements in nano drug delivery system, molecular targeted drugs, and photo-thermal treatment combined with nanotechnology for pancreatic cancer. It comprehensively analyzes the prospects of combined drug delivery strategies for treating pancreatic cancer, aiming at a deeper understanding of the existing drugs and therapeutic approaches, promoting the development of new therapeutic drugs, and attempting to enhance the therapeutic effect for patients with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huaiyu Duan
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Pancreatic Oncology, Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shiming He
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, People’s Republic of China
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Zhou Y, Quan G, Liu Y, Shi N, Wu Y, Zhang R, Gao X, Luo L. The application of Interleukin-2 family cytokines in tumor immunotherapy research. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1090311. [PMID: 36936961 PMCID: PMC10018032 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1090311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Interleukin-2 Family contains six kinds of cytokines, namely IL-2, IL-15, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-21, all of which share a common γ chain. Many cytokines of the IL-2 family have been reported to be a driving force in immune cells activation. Therefore, researchers have tried various methods to study the anti-tumor effect of cytokines for a long time. However, due to the short half-life, poor stability, easy to lead to inflammatory storms and narrow safety treatment window of cytokines, this field has been tepid. In recent years, with the rapid development of protein engineering technology, some engineered cytokines have a significant effect in tumor immunotherapy, showing an irresistible trend of development. In this review, we will discuss the current researches of the IL-2 family and mainly focus on the application and achievements of engineered cytokines in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyihua Zhou
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Guiqi Quan
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yujun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yahui Wu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Ran Zhang, ; Xiang Gao, ; Longlong Luo,
| | - Xiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ran Zhang, ; Xiang Gao, ; Longlong Luo,
| | - Longlong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ran Zhang, ; Xiang Gao, ; Longlong Luo,
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Li F, Liu S. Focusing on NK cells and ADCC: A promising immunotherapy approach in targeted therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1083462. [PMID: 36601109 PMCID: PMC9806173 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1083462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer has a high metastatic potential. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that target HER2, such as trastuzumab and pertuzumab, are the cornerstone of adjuvant therapy for HER2-positive breast cancer. A growing body of preclinical and clinical evidence points to the importance of innate immunity mediated by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in the clinical effect of mAbs on the resulting anti-tumor response. In this review, we provide an overview of the role of natural killer (NK) cells and ADCC in targeted therapy of HER2-positive breast cancer, including the biological functions of NK cells and the role of NK cells and ADCC in anti-HER2 targeted drugs. We then discuss regulatory mechanisms and recent strategies to leverage our knowledge of NK cells and ADCC as an immunotherapy approach for HER2-positive breast cancer.
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Identification of MYEOV-Associated Gene Network as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215439. [DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular mechanism that promotes pancreatic cancer remains unclear, so it is important to find the molecular network of important genes related to pancreatic cancer. To find the key molecule of pancreatic cancer, differential gene expression analyses were analyzed by the Deseq2 package, edgeR package, and limma-voom package, respectively. Pancreatic cancer survival-related genes were analyzed by COX survival analysis. Finally, we integrated the results to obtain the significantly differentially expressed gene, MYEOV (myeloma overexpressed gene), most strongly related to survival in pancreatic cancer. Experimental verification by qRT-PCR confirmed that transcription levels of MYEOV mRNA markedly increased in pancreatic cancer cells relative to normal human pancreatic ductal epithelial cells (HPDE). Through the comprehensive analysis of multiple databases, we constructed a molecular network centered on MYEOV and found specific links between molecules in this network and tumor-associated immune cells. It was noted that MYEOV could serve as a ceRNA by producing molecular sponging effects on hsa-miR-103a-3p and hsa-miR-107, thus affecting the role of GPRC5A, SERPINB5, EGFR, KRAS, EIF4G2, and PDCD4 on pancreatic cancer progression. Besides, we also identified that infiltrated immune cells are potential mediators for the molecules in the MYEOV-related network to promote pancreatic cancer progression. It is the first report to focus on the possibility that MYEOV may act as a competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) to form an interactive network with some pancreatic cancer-related genes such as KRAS and serve as a key therapeutic target of pancreatic cancer treatment.
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells comprise a unique population of innate lymphoid cells endowed with intrinsic abilities to identify and eliminate virally infected cells and tumour cells. Possessing multiple cytotoxicity mechanisms and the ability to modulate the immune response through cytokine production, NK cells play a pivotal role in anticancer immunity. This role was elucidated nearly two decades ago, when NK cells, used as immunotherapeutic agents, showed safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients with advanced-stage leukaemia. In recent years, following the paradigm-shifting successes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered adoptive T cell therapy and the advancement in technologies that can turn cells into powerful antitumour weapons, the interest in NK cells as a candidate for immunotherapy has grown exponentially. Strategies for the development of NK cell-based therapies focus on enhancing NK cell potency and persistence through co-stimulatory signalling, checkpoint inhibition and cytokine armouring, and aim to redirect NK cell specificity to the tumour through expression of CAR or the use of engager molecules. In the clinic, the first generation of NK cell therapies have delivered promising results, showing encouraging efficacy and remarkable safety, thus driving great enthusiasm for continued innovation. In this Review, we describe the various approaches to augment NK cell cytotoxicity and longevity, evaluate challenges and opportunities, and reflect on how lessons learned from the clinic will guide the design of next-generation NK cell products that will address the unique complexities of each cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara J Laskowski
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Biederstädt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine III: Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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14
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Baghery Saghchy Khorasani A, Yousefi AM, Bashash D. CAR NK cell therapy in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors; obstacles and strategies to overcome the challenges. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109041. [PMID: 35839565 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cell treatment (ACT) utilizing chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) diverts the specificity of safe cells against a target-specific antigen and portrays exceptional potential for cancer treatment. While CAR T cell treatment has risen as a breakthrough with unprecedented results within the therapeutic procedures of human malignancies, different deficiencies including challenging and costly generation processes, strict patient qualification criteria, and undesirable toxicity have ruined its application. Unlike T cells, the application of natural killer (NK) cells has attracted consideration as a reasonable alternative owing to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independency, shorter life expectancy, the potential to create an off-the-shelf immune product, and potent antitumor properties. In this article, we provide an updated review of the differences between CAR T and CAR NK cells, current enhancements in CAR NK design, the available sources for collecting NK cells, and strategies for the transduction step of the CARs to NK cells. Furthermore, we focus on the published and ongoing preclinical and clinical studies of CAR NK treatment strategies both in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. We also discuss limitations and plausible solutions to improve the perseverance, function, safety, and efficacy of CAR NK cells with a special focus on solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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15
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da Silva LHR, Catharino LCC, da Silva VJ, Evangelista GCM, Barbuto JAM. The War Is on: The Immune System against Glioblastoma—How Can NK Cells Drive This Battle? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020400. [PMID: 35203609 PMCID: PMC8962431 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role in immunosurveillance, acting alongside other immune cells in the response against various types of malignant tumors and the prevention of metastasis. Since their discovery in the 1970s, they have been thoroughly studied for their capacity to kill neoplastic cells without the need for previous sensitization, executing rapid and robust cytotoxic activity, but also helper functions. In agreement with this, NK cells are being exploited in many ways to treat cancer. The broad arsenal of NK-based therapies includes adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded and activated cells, genetically engineered cells to contain chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-NKs), in vivo stimulation of NK cells (by cytokine therapy, checkpoint blockade therapies, etc.), and tumor-specific antibody-guided NK cells, among others. In this article, we review pivotal aspects of NK cells’ biology and their contribution to immune responses against tumors, as well as providing a wide perspective on the many antineoplastic strategies using NK cells. Finally, we also discuss those approaches that have the potential to control glioblastoma—a disease that, currently, causes inevitable death, usually in a short time after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Rodrigues da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Luana Correia Croda Catharino
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Viviane Jennifer da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Coeli Menezes Evangelista
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - José Alexandre Marzagão Barbuto
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7375
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16
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Khodadust R, Unal O, Yagci Acar H. Theranostic potential of self-luminescent branched polyethyleneimine-coated superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2022; 13:82-95. [PMID: 35116215 PMCID: PMC8787352 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.13.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Polyethylenimine (PEI), which is frequently used for polyplex formation and effective gene transfection, is rarely recognized as a luminescent polymer. Therefore, it is usually tagged with an organic fluorophore to be optically tracked. Recently, we developed branched PEI (bPEI) superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPION@bPEI) with blue luminescence 1200 times stronger than that of bPEI without a traditional fluorophore, due to partial PEI oxidation during the synthesis. Here, we demonstrate in vitro dye-free optical imaging and successful gene transfection with luminescent SPION@bPEI, which was further modified for receptor-mediated delivery of the cargo selectively to cancer cell lines overexpressing the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Pro-apoptotic polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid sodium (PIC) was delivered to HeLa cells with SPION@bPEI and caused a dramatic reduction in the cell viability at otherwise non-toxic nanoparticle concentrations, proving that bPEI coating is still an effective component for the delivery of an anionic cargo. Besides, a strong intracellular optical signal supports the optically traceable nature of these nanoparticles. SPION@bPEI nanoparticles were further conjugated with Erbitux (Erb), which is an anti-EGFR antibody for targeting EGFR-overexpressing cancer cell lines. SPION@bPEI-Erb was used for the delivery of a GFP plasmid wherein the transfection was confirmed by the luminescence of the expressed gene within the transfected cells. Poor GFP expression in MCF7, a slightly better expression in HeLa, and a significant enhancement in the transfection of HCT116 cells proved a selective uptake and hence the targeting ability of Erb-tagged nanoparticles. Altogether, this study proves luminescent, cationic, and small SPION@bPEI nanoparticles as strong candidates for imaging and gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rouhollah Khodadust
- Koc University, Department of Chemistry, Surface Science and Technology Center (KUYTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
- University of Health Science, Health Science Institute, Department of Biotechnology Selimiye Mahallesi, Tıbbiye, Uskudar, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ozlem Unal
- Koc University, Graduate School of Materials Science and Engineering, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Havva Yagci Acar
- Koc University, Department of Chemistry, Surface Science and Technology Center (KUYTAM), Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
- Koc University, Graduate School of Materials Science and Engineering, Rumelifeneri Yolu, Sariyer, Istanbul, Turkey
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17
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Baysal H, De Pauw I, Zaryouh H, Peeters M, Vermorken JB, Lardon F, De Waele J, Wouters A. The Right Partner in Crime: Unlocking the Potential of the Anti-EGFR Antibody Cetuximab via Combination With Natural Killer Cell Chartering Immunotherapeutic Strategies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:737311. [PMID: 34557197 PMCID: PMC8453198 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.737311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab has an established role in the treatment of patients with recurrent/metastatic colorectal cancer and head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). However, the long-term effectiveness of cetuximab has been limited by the development of acquired resistance, leading to tumor relapse. By contrast, immunotherapies can elicit long-term tumor regression, but the overall response rates are much more limited. In addition to epidermal growth factor (EGFR) inhibition, cetuximab can activate natural killer (NK) cells to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). In view of the above, there is an unmet need for the majority of patients that are treated with both monotherapy cetuximab and immunotherapy. Accumulated evidence from (pre-)clinical studies suggests that targeted therapies can have synergistic antitumor effects through combination with immunotherapy. However, further optimizations, aimed towards illuminating the multifaceted interplay, are required to avoid toxicity and to achieve better therapeutic effectiveness. The current review summarizes existing (pre-)clinical evidence to provide a rationale supporting the use of combined cetuximab and immunotherapy approaches in patients with different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Baysal
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Ines De Pauw
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Hannah Zaryouh
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Jan Baptist Vermorken
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium.,Department of Medical Oncology, Antwerp University Hospital, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Filip Lardon
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Jorrit De Waele
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - An Wouters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), Integrated Personalized & Precision Oncology Network (IPPON), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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18
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Kandikattu HK, Venkateshaiah SU, Mishra A. Chronic Pancreatitis and the Development of Pancreatic Cancer. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2021; 20:1182-1210. [PMID: 32324526 DOI: 10.2174/1871530320666200423095700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatitis is a fibro-inflammatory disorder of the pancreas that can occur acutely or chronically as a result of the activation of digestive enzymes that damage pancreatic cells, which promotes inflammation. Chronic pancreatitis with persistent fibro-inflammation of the pancreas progresses to pancreatic cancer, which is the fourth leading cause of cancer deaths across the globe. Pancreatic cancer involves cross-talk of inflammatory, proliferative, migratory, and fibrotic mechanisms. In this review, we discuss the role of cytokines in the inflammatory cell storm in pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer and their role in the activation of SDF1α/CXCR4, SOCS3, inflammasome, and NF-κB signaling. The aberrant immune reactions contribute to pathological damage of acinar and ductal cells, and the activation of pancreatic stellate cells to a myofibroblast-like phenotype. We summarize several aspects involved in the promotion of pancreatic cancer by inflammation and include a number of regulatory molecules that inhibit that process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hemanth K Kandikattu
- Department of Medicine, Tulane Eosinophilic Disorders Centre (TEDC), Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Sathisha U Venkateshaiah
- Department of Medicine, Tulane Eosinophilic Disorders Centre (TEDC), Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
| | - Anil Mishra
- Department of Medicine, Tulane Eosinophilic Disorders Centre (TEDC), Section of Pulmonary Diseases, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, United States
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19
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Zhang Z, Miao L, Ren Z, Tang F, Li Y. Gene-Edited Interleukin CAR-T Cells Therapy in the Treatment of Malignancies: Present and Future. Front Immunol 2021; 12:718686. [PMID: 34386015 PMCID: PMC8353254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.718686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) have been faced with the problems of weak proliferation and poor persistence in the treatment of some malignancies. Researchers have been trying to perfect the function of CAR-T by genetically modifying its structure. In addition to the participation of T cell receptor (TCR) and costimulatory signals, immune cytokines also exert a decisive role in the activation and proliferation of T cells. Therefore, genetic engineering strategies were used to generate cytokines to enhance tumor killing function of CAR-T cells. When CAR-T cells are in contact with target tumor tissue, the proliferation ability and persistence of T cells can be improved by structurally or inductively releasing immunoregulatory molecules to the tumor region. There are a large number of CAR-T cells studies on gene-edited cytokines, and the most common cytokines involved are interleukins (IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, IL-21, IL-23). Methods for the construction of gene-edited interleukin CAR-T cells include co-expression of single interleukin, two interleukin, interleukin combined with other cytokines, interleukin receptors, interleukin subunits, and fusion inverted cytokine receptors (ICR). Preclinical and clinical trials have yielded positive results, and many more are under way. By reading a large number of literatures, we summarized the functional characteristics of some members of the interleukin family related to tumor immunotherapy, and described the research status of gene-edited interleukin CAR-T cells in the treatment of malignant tumors. The objective is to explore the optimized strategy of gene edited interleukin-CAR-T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengchao Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lele Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhijian Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Futian Tang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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20
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Peng X, Chen L, Jiao Y, Wang Y, Hao Z, Zhan X. Application of natural killer cells in pancreatic cancer. Oncol Lett 2021; 22:647. [PMID: 34386069 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer, a highly malignant disease, is characterized by rapid progression and early metastasis. Although the integrative treatment of pancreatic cancer has made great progress, the prognosis of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer remains extremely poor. In recent years, with the advancements in tumor immunology, immunotherapy has become a promising remedy for pancreatic cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are the key lymphocytes in the innate immune system. NK cell function does not require antigen pre-sensitization and is not major histocompatibility complex restricted. By targeting tumors or virus-infected cells, the cells play a key role in immune surveillance. Although several questions about NK cells in pancreatic cancer still need to be further studied, there are extensive theories supporting the clinical application prospects of NK cell immunotherapy in pancreatic cancer. Since very few studies have evaluated the role of NK cells in pancreatic cancer, this review provides a comprehensive update of the role of NK cells in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Peng
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Jiao
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Yujie Wang
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Zhibin Hao
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
| | - Xianbao Zhan
- Department of Oncology, Changhai Hospital Affiliated to Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai 200433, P.R. China
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21
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Kim D, Lee S, Na K. Immune Stimulating Antibody-Photosensitizer Conjugates via Fc-Mediated Dendritic Cell Phagocytosis and Phototriggered Immunogenic Cell Death for KRAS-Mutated Pancreatic Cancer Treatment. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2006650. [PMID: 33590726 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202006650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Although cetuximab (CTX) is a chimeric epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibody, the antitumor efficacy of CTX has a negligible effect in patients with Kirsten rat sarcoma 2 viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutated pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Given that all extant treatments are ineffective due to the undruggable characteristics of KRAS-mutated cancer, alternative strategies have been investigated. In this work, CTX-conjugated maleimide-polyethylene glycol-chlorin e6 (CMPC) is designed to strengthen its antitumor efficacy. With strong affinity for EGFR overexpressing Aspc-1 cells, CMPC with laser exerts the greatest cytotoxicity (90%) and induction of immunogenic cell death. Through a combination of fragment crystallizable region-mediated antigen uptake by CTX and danger-associated molecular patterns released by photodynamic therapy (PDT), phagocytosis and maturation of dendritic cells treated with CMPC plus laser show dramatic increases. In vivo biodistribution and antitumor effect also demonstrate that CMPC has significant tumor selectivity and tumor ablation efficacy upon laser irradiation. Furthermore, a large number of CD4+ , CD8+ T cells and mature DCs and natural killer cells are infiltrated in CMPC with laser-treated tumor tissues and tumor-draining lymph nodes, revealing both innate and adaptive cellular immune stimulation. This synergistic effect with CMPC and laser treatment provides an effective approach for pancreatic cancer immunotherapy attributed to both CTX and PDT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahye Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Sanghee Lee
- Department of Biotechnology, Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Kun Na
- Department of Biotechnology, Department of Biomedical-Chemical Engineering, The Catholic University of Korea, 43 Jibong-ro, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi, 14662, Republic of Korea
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22
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T-Cell Dysfunction as a Limitation of Adoptive Immunotherapy: Current Concepts and Mitigation Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040598. [PMID: 33546277 PMCID: PMC7913380 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary T cells are immune cells that can be used to target infections or cancers. Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy leverages these properties and/or confers new features to T cells through ex vivo manipulations prior to their use in patients. However, as a “living drug,” the function of these cells can be hampered by several built-in physiological constraints and external factors that limit their efficacy. Manipulating T cells ex vivo can impart dysfunctional features to T cells through repeated stimulations and expansion, but it also offers many opportunities to improve the therapeutic potential of these cells, including emerging interventions to prevent or reverse T-cell dysfunction developing ex vivo or after transfer in patients. This review outlines the various forms of T-cell dysfunction, emphasizes how it affects various types of T-cell immunotherapy approaches, and describes current and anticipated strategies to limit T-cell dysfunction. Abstract Over the last decades, cellular immunotherapy has revealed its curative potential. However, inherent physiological characteristics of immune cells can limit the potency of this approach. Best defined in T cells, dysfunction associated with terminal differentiation, exhaustion, senescence, and activation-induced cell death, undermine adoptive cell therapies. In this review, we concentrate on how the multiple mechanisms that articulate the various forms of immune dysfunction impact cellular therapies primarily involving conventional T cells, but also other lymphoid subtypes. The repercussions of immune cell dysfunction across the full life cycle of cell therapy, from the source material, during manufacturing, and after adoptive transfer, are discussed, with an emphasis on strategies used during ex vivo manipulations to limit T-cell dysfunction. Applicable to cellular products prepared from native and unmodified immune cells, as well as genetically engineered therapeutics, the understanding and potential modulation of dysfunctional features are key to the development of improved cellular immunotherapies.
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23
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Di Micco R, Krizhanovsky V, Baker D, d'Adda di Fagagna F. Cellular senescence in ageing: from mechanisms to therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2021; 22:75-95. [PMID: 33328614 PMCID: PMC8344376 DOI: 10.1038/s41580-020-00314-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 857] [Impact Index Per Article: 285.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cellular senescence, first described in vitro in 1961, has become a focus for biotech companies that target it to ameliorate a variety of human conditions. Eminently characterized by a permanent proliferation arrest, cellular senescence occurs in response to endogenous and exogenous stresses, including telomere dysfunction, oncogene activation and persistent DNA damage. Cellular senescence can also be a controlled programme occurring in diverse biological processes, including embryonic development. Senescent cell extrinsic activities, broadly related to the activation of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, amplify the impact of cell-intrinsic proliferative arrest and contribute to impaired tissue regeneration, chronic age-associated diseases and organismal ageing. This Review discusses the mechanisms and modulators of cellular senescence establishment and induction of a senescence-associated secretory phenotype, and provides an overview of cellular senescence as an emerging opportunity to intervene through senolytic and senomorphic therapies in ageing and ageing-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Di Micco
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.
| | - Valery Krizhanovsky
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Darren Baker
- Department of Pediatrics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna
- IFOM - The FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pavia, Italy.
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Liu S, Galat V, Galat Y, Lee YKA, Wainwright D, Wu J. NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy: from basic biology to clinical development. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:7. [PMID: 33407739 PMCID: PMC7788999 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-01014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 105.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell is a specialized immune effector cell type that plays a critical role in immune activation against abnormal cells. Different from events required for T cell activation, NK cell activation is governed by the interaction of NK receptors with target cells, independent of antigen processing and presentation. Due to relatively unsophisticated cues for activation, NK cell has gained significant attention in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Many efforts are emerging for developing and engineering NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we provide our current understandings of NK cell biology, ongoing pre-clinical and clinical development of NK cell-based therapies and discuss the progress, challenges, and future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sizhe Liu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St., Lurie Research Building 6-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Vasiliy Galat
- Department of Pathology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yekaterina Galat
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Institute of Theoretical and Experimental Biophysics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Pushchino, Russia
| | | | - Derek Wainwright
- Departments of Neurological Surgery, Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, Microbiology-Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Jennifer Wu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, 303 E. Superior St., Lurie Research Building 6-117, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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25
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Greene MK, Chen T, Robinson E, Straubinger NL, Minx C, Chan DKW, Wang J, Burrows JF, Van Schaeybroeck S, Baker JR, Caddick S, Longley DB, Mager DE, Straubinger RM, Chudasama V, Scott CJ. Controlled coupling of an ultrapotent auristatin warhead to cetuximab yields a next-generation antibody-drug conjugate for EGFR-targeted therapy of KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:1502-1512. [PMID: 32913288 PMCID: PMC7653048 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01046-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) construction poses numerous challenges that limit clinical progress. In particular, common bioconjugation methods afford minimal control over the site of drug coupling to antibodies. Here, such difficulties are overcome through re-bridging of the inter-chain disulfides of cetuximab (CTX) with auristatin-bearing pyridazinediones, to yield a highly refined anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) ADC. METHODS In vitro and in vivo assessment of ADC activity was performed in KRAS mutant pancreatic cancer (PaCa) models with known resistance to CTX therapy. Computational modelling was employed for quantitative prediction of tumour response to various ADC dosing regimens. RESULTS Site-selective coupling of an auristatin to CTX yielded an ADC with an average drug:antibody ratio (DAR) of 3.9, which elicited concentration- and EGFR-dependent cytotoxicity at sub-nanomolar potency in vitro. In human xenografts, the ADC inhibited tumour growth and prolonged survival, with no overt signs of toxicity. Key insights into factors governing ADC efficacy were obtained through a robust mathematical framework, including target-mediated dispositional effects relating to antigen density on tumour cells. CONCLUSIONS Together, our findings offer renewed hope for CTX in PaCa therapy, demonstrating that it may be reformatted as a next-generation ADC and combined with a predictive modelling tool to guide successful translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K Greene
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Ting Chen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Eifion Robinson
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Ninfa L Straubinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Charlene Minx
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Darren K W Chan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | | | - Sandra Van Schaeybroeck
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - James R Baker
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Stephen Caddick
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel B Longley
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Donald E Mager
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Robert M Straubinger
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology & Cancer Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY, USA.
| | - Vijay Chudasama
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Christopher J Scott
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
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26
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Zhang H, Zhu C, He Z, Chen S, Li L, Sun C. LncRNA PSMB8-AS1 contributes to pancreatic cancer progression via modulating miR-382-3p/STAT1/PD-L1 axis. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2020; 39:179. [PMID: 32891166 PMCID: PMC7487636 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01687-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background Accumulating evidence demonstrates the essential role of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in various types of cancers, including pancreatic cancer. However, the functions and regulation mechanism of lncRNA PMSB8-AS1 in pancreatic cancer are largely unclear. Methods Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) is used to examine the expression of PMSB8-AS1 in PC tissues and PC cell lines. The effect of PMSB8-AS1 on the proliferation of PC cells was detected using CCK8 assay, colony assay, and flow cytometry. The effect of PMSB8-AS1 on the migration and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells was detected using a wound-healing assay and transwell migration assay. Bioinformatic analysis, double luciferase reporting assay, western blot, and rescue experiments were used to detect the regulatory relationship between PMSB8-AS1, miR-382–3p, STAT1, and PD-L1. Results PMSB8-AS1 expression was upregulated in PC tissues and cell lines and positively associated with the worst survival in patients with PC. The in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that overexpression of PMSB8-AS1 significantly promoted pancreatic cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, whereas knockdown of PMSB8-AS1 suppressed cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and EMT, and decreased apoptosis of PC cells. Besides, PMSB8-AS1 directly bound to miR-382–3p downregulated its expression. Besides, PMSB8-AS1 reversed the effect of miR-382–3p on the growth and metastasis of PC cells, which might be targeted on STAT1. Furthermore, STAT1 is the transcriptional factor that activates the expression of PD-L1. Conclusion lncRNA PMSB8-AS1 promotes pancreatic cancer progression via STAT1 by sponging miR-382–3p involving regulation PD-L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.9, Beijing Road, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Changhao Zhu
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.9, Beijing Road, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Zhiwei He
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.9, Beijing Road, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Lin Li
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China.,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Chengyi Sun
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China. .,College of Clinical Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China. .,Department of Hepatic-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No.9, Beijing Road, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou Province, China.
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27
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Greene MK, Nogueira JCF, Tracey SR, Richards DA, McDaid WJ, Burrows JF, Campbell K, Longley DB, Chudasama V, Scott CJ. Refined construction of antibody-targeted nanoparticles leads to superior antigen binding and enhanced delivery of an entrapped payload to pancreatic cancer cells. NANOSCALE 2020; 12:11647-11658. [PMID: 32436550 DOI: 10.1039/d0nr02387f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-targeted nanoparticles have shown exceptional promise as delivery vehicles for anticancer drugs, although manufacturability challenges have hampered clinical progress. These include the potential for uncontrolled and random antibody conjugation, resulting in masked or inactive paratopes and unwanted Fc domain interactions. To circumvent these issues, we show that the interchain disulfide of cetuximab F(ab) may be selectively re-bridged with a strained alkyne handle, to permit 'click' coupling to azide-capped nanoparticles in a highly uniform and oriented manner. When compared to conventional carbodiimide chemistry, this conjugation approach leads to the generation of nanoparticles with a higher surface loading of cetuximab F(ab) and with markedly improved ability to bind to the target epidermal growth factor receptor. Moreover, we show that entrapment of a camptothecin payload within these nanoparticles can enhance drug targeting to antigen-expressing pancreatic cancer cells, resulting in superior cytotoxicity versus the conventional nanoformulation. Collectively, this work highlights the critical need to develop refined methods for the construction of targeted nanoparticles that will accelerate their clinical translation through improved performance and manufacturability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle K Greene
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | | | - Shannon R Tracey
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | | | - William J McDaid
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | | | - Katrina Campbell
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Daniel B Longley
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
| | - Vijay Chudasama
- Department of Chemistry, University College London, London, UK.
| | - Christopher J Scott
- The Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, UK.
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28
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Ge Z, Wu S, Zhang Z, Ding S. Mechanism of tumor cells escaping from immune surveillance of NK cells. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2020; 42:187-198. [PMID: 32223464 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2020.1742733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in anti-tumor and anti-infection, and perform their immune surveillance function in various ways. However, no matter what kind of cancer, the functional activity of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is suppressed. Understanding the relationship between tumor cells and NK cells is very critical for tumor immunotherapy. This review discusses the mechanism of tumor cells escaping the immune surveillance of NK cells. These include a variety of factors that inhibit the activity of NK cells, an imbalance of activating receptors and inhibiting receptors on NK cells, abnormal binding of receptors and ligands, cross-talk of surrounding cell groups and NK cells in the TME, and other factors that affect NK cell activity. An understanding of these factors is necessary to provide new treatment strategies for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ge
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan Wu
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhe Zhang
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuzhe Ding
- School of Physical Education & Health Care, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China.,Key Laboratory of Adolescent Health Assessment and Exercise Intervention of Ministry of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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29
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Koh CH, Kim IK, Shin KS, Jeon I, Song B, Lee JM, Bae EA, Seo H, Kang TS, Kim BS, Chung Y, Kang CY. GITR Agonism Triggers Antitumor Immune Responses through IL21-Expressing Follicular Helper T Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 8:698-709. [PMID: 32122993 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although treatment with the glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor-related protein (GITR) agonistic antibody (DTA-1) has shown antitumor activity in various tumor models, the underlying mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we demonstrate that interleukin (IL)-21-producing follicular helper T (Tfh) cells play a crucial role in DTA-1-induced tumor inhibition. The administration of DTA-1 increased IL21 expression by Tfh cells in an antigen-specific manner, and this activation led to enhanced antitumor cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity. Mice treated with an antibody that neutralizes the IL21 receptor exhibited decreased antitumor activity when treated with DTA-1. Tumor growth inhibition by DTA-1 was abrogated in Bcl6 fl/fl Cd4 Cre mice, which are genetically deficient in Tfh cells. IL4 was required for optimal induction of IL21-expressing Tfh cells by GITR costimulation, and c-Maf mediated this pathway. Thus, our findings identify GITR costimulation as an inducer of IL21-expressing Tfh cells and provide a mechanism for the antitumor activity of GITR agonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Choong-Hyun Koh
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Il-Kyu Kim
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Soo Shin
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Insu Jeon
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Boyeong Song
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong-Mi Lee
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ah Bae
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyungseok Seo
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Seung Kang
- Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Seok Kim
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yeonseok Chung
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Yuil Kang
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Laboratory of Immunology, Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Science, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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30
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Ben-Shmuel A, Biber G, Barda-Saad M. Unleashing Natural Killer Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment-The Next Generation of Immunotherapy? Front Immunol 2020; 11:275. [PMID: 32153582 PMCID: PMC7046808 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy for cancer treatment bears considerable clinical promise. Nevertheless, many patients remain unresponsive, acquire resistance, or suffer dose-limiting toxicities. Immune-editing of tumors assists their escape from the immune system, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) induces immune suppression through multiple mechanisms. Immunotherapy aims to bolster the activity of immune cells against cancer by targeting these suppressive immunomodulatory processes. Natural Killer (NK) cells are a heterogeneous subset of immune cells, which express a diverse array of activating and inhibitory germline-encoded receptors, and are thus capable of directly targeting and killing cancer cells without the need for MHC specificity. Furthermore, they play a critical role in triggering the adaptive immune response. Enhancing the function of NK cells in the context of cancer is therefore a promising avenue for immunotherapy. Different NK-based therapies have been evaluated in clinical trials, and some have demonstrated clinical benefits, especially in the context of hematological malignancies. Solid tumors remain much more difficult to treat, and the time point and means of intervention of current NK-based treatments still require optimization to achieve long term effects. Here, we review recently described mechanisms of cancer evasion from NK cell immune surveillance, and the therapeutic approaches that aim to potentiate NK function. Specific focus is placed on the use of specialized monoclonal antibodies against moieties on the cancer cell, or on both the tumor and the NK cell. In addition, we highlight newly identified mechanisms that inhibit NK cell activity in the TME, and describe how biochemical modifications of the TME can synergize with current treatments and increase susceptibility to NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Guy Biber
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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31
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Verma HK, Kampalli PK, Lakkakula S, Chalikonda G, Bhaskar LV, Pattnaik S. A Retrospective Look at Anti-EGFR Agents in Pancreatic Cancer Therapy. Curr Drug Metab 2020; 20:958-966. [DOI: 10.2174/1389200220666191122104955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Background:The introduction of Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) and small-molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) that target the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR), marks a huge step forward in the Pancreatic Cancer (PC) therapy. However, anti-EGFR therapy is found to be successful only in a fraction of patients. Although anti-EGFR agents have shown considerable clinical promise, a serious adverse event associated with anti- EGFR therapy has been challenging. At this juncture, there is still more to be done in the search for effective predictive markers with therapeutic applicability.Methods:A focused literature search was conducted to summarize the existing evidence on anti-EGFR agents in pancreatic cancer therapy.Results:This review discusses various anti-EGFR agents currently in use for PC therapy and potential adverse effects associated with it. Existing evidence on EGFR TKIs demonstrated better tolerant effects and outcomes with multiple toxic regimens. Anti-EGFR therapy in combination with chemotherapy is necessary to achieve the best clinical outcomes.Conclusion:Future prospective studies on the identification of additional biological agents and novel anti-EGFR agents are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henu K. Verma
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Institute of Endocrinology and Oncology, Naples, Italy
| | | | | | - Gayathri Chalikonda
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta GA-30322, United States
| | | | - Smaranika Pattnaik
- Department of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Sambalpur University, Sambalpur, India
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32
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Interleukin 21 Receptor/Ligand Interaction Is Linked to Disease Progression in Pancreatic Cancer. Cells 2019; 8:cells8091104. [PMID: 31540511 PMCID: PMC6770770 DOI: 10.3390/cells8091104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 09/04/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) displays a marked fibro-inflammatory microenvironment in which infiltrated immune cells fail to eliminate the tumor cells and often—rather paradoxically—promote tumor progression. Of special interest are tumor-promoting T cells that assume a Th17-like phenotype because their presence in PDAC tissue is associated with a poor prognosis. In that context, the role of IL-21, a major cytokine released by Th17-like cells, was assessed. In all tissue samples (n = 264) IL-21+ immune cells were detected by immunohistochemistry and high density of those cells was associated with poor prognosis. In the majority of patients (221/264), tumor cells expressed the receptor for IL-21 (IL-21R) and also a downstream target of IL-21, Blimp-1 (199/264). Blimp-1 expression closely correlated with IL-21R expression and multivariate analysis revealed that expression of both IL-21R and Blimp-1 was associated with shorter survival time of the patients. In vitro data using pancreatic tumor cells lines provided a possible explanation: IL-21 activated ERK and STAT3 pathways and upregulated Blimp-1. Moreover, IL-21 increased invasion of tumor cell lines in a Blimp-1-dependent manner. As an in vivo correlate, an avian xenograft model was used. Here again Blimp-1 expression was significantly upregulated in IL-21 stimulated tumor cells. In summary, our data showed an association of IL-21+ immune cell infiltration and IL-21 receptor expression in PDAC with poor survival, most likely due to an IL-21-mediated promotion of tumor cell invasion and enhanced colony formation, supporting the notion of the tumor-promoting abilities of the tumor microenvironment.
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33
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Choi YH, Lim EJ, Kim SW, Moon YW, Park KS, An HJ. IL-27 enhances IL-15/IL-18-mediated activation of human natural killer cells. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:168. [PMID: 31277710 PMCID: PMC6612093 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0652-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Accepted: 06/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are an emerging new tool for cancer immunotherapy. To develop NK cell therapeutics from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of healthy donors, substantial expansion of primary NK cells is necessary because of the very low number of these cells in peripheral blood. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of various cytokine alone or combinations, in expanded NK cells and to analyze the synergetic effect of cytokine combinations. METHODS Human NK cells were isolated from healthy donor PBMC. Purified NK cells were stimulated with single cytokines or combinations of IL-2, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-27. The expanded NK cells were characterized by flow cytometry, cytotoxicity assay, calcein AM assay and Western blot. RESULTS We investigated the synergistic effects of each cytokine, namely, IL-2, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-27, on human NK cells isolated from PBMCs of healthy donors and cultured for 21 days. We identified that IL-15/IL-18/IL-27-mediated activation of NK cells most potently increased NK cell proliferation, cytotoxicity, and IFN-ɣ secretion compared with the activation observed with other treatments, including IL-2, IL-15, and IL-15/IL-18. Additionally, the expression of DNAM-1, NKG2D, CD69, and natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs; NKp30 and NKp44) increased on day 21 compared to that on day 0, demonstrating the activation of NK cells. In vitro, expanded NK cells were highly cytotoxic against cancer cells, displaying increased perforin and granzyme B accumulation. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, these results indicated that IL-27 can synergize on NK cell expansion and activation with IL-15 and IL-18. In addition, we described an improved culture method for ex vivo expansion of human NK cells with IL-15/IL-18/IL-27 stimulation and characterized the response of NK cells to this stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Ho Choi
- Institute for Clinical Research, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Jin Lim
- Institute for Clinical Research, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Wha Kim
- Institute for Clinical Research, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong Wha Moon
- Department of Medical Oncology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Soon Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, CHA University, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee-Jung An
- Institute for Clinical Research, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Pathology, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Sungnam, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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34
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Di Vito C, Mikulak J, Zaghi E, Pesce S, Marcenaro E, Mavilio D. NK cells to cure cancer. Semin Immunol 2019; 41:101272. [PMID: 31085114 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes able to mediate immune-surveillance and clearance of viral infected and tumor-transformed cells. Growing experimental and clinical evidence highlighted a dual role of NK cells either in the control of cancer development/progression or in promoting the onset of immune-suppressant tumor microenvironments. Indeed, several mechanisms of NK cell-mediated tumor escape have been described and these includes cancer-induced aberrant expression of activating and inhibitory receptors (i.e. NK cell immune checkpoints), impairments of NK cell migration to tumor sites and altered NK cell effector-functions. These phenomena highly contribute to tumor progression and metastasis formation. In this review, we discuss the latest insights on those NK cell receptors and related molecules that are currently being implemented in clinics either as possible prognostic factors or therapeutic targets to unleash NK cell anti-tumor effector-functions in vivo. Moreover, we address here the major recent advances in regard to the genetic modification and ex vivo expansion of anti-tumor specific NK cells used in innovative adoptive cellular transfer approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Italy.
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35
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Faden DL, Concha-Benavente F, Chakka AB, McMichael EL, Chandran U, Ferris RL. Immunogenomic correlates of response to cetuximab monotherapy in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2019; 41:2591-2601. [PMID: 30828910 DOI: 10.1002/hed.25726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mechanisms of resistance to immune-modulating cancer treatments are poorly understood. Using a novel cohort of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we investigated mechanisms of immune escape from epidermal growth factor receptor-specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapy. METHODS HNSCC tumors (n = 20) from a prospective trial of neoadjuvant cetuximab monotherapy underwent whole-exome sequencing. Expression of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) and human leukocyte antigen-C (HLA-C) and the effect of KIR blockade were assessed in HNSCC cell lines. RESULTS Nonresponders to cetuximab had an increased rate of mutations in HLA-C compared to responders and HNSCC tumors (n = 528) in The Cancer Genome Atlas (P < 0.00001). In vitro, cetuximab-activated natural killer (NK) cells induced upregulation of HLA-C on HNSCC cells (P < 0.01) via interferon gamma. Treatment of NK cells with the anti-KIR mAb lirilumab increased killing of HNSCC cells (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Alterations in HLA-C may provide a mechanism of immune evasion through disruption of NK activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel L Faden
- Department of Otolaryngology, Division of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, Massachusetts.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fernando Concha-Benavente
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Anish B Chakka
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | | | - Uma Chandran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Robert L Ferris
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.,Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
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36
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Melzig C, Golestaneh AF, Mier W, Schwager C, Das S, Schlegel J, Lasitschka F, Kauczor HU, Debus J, Haberkorn U, Abdollahi A. Combined external beam radiotherapy with carbon ions and tumor targeting endoradiotherapy. Oncotarget 2018; 9:29985-30004. [PMID: 30042828 PMCID: PMC6057461 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.25695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
External beam radiotherapy (EBRT) with carbon ions and endoradiotherapy using radiolabeled tumor targeting agents are emerging concepts in precision cancer therapy. We report on combination effects of these two promising strategies. Tumor targeting 131I-labelled anti-EGFR-antibody (Cetuximab) was used in the prototypic EGFR-expressing A431 human squamous cell carcinoma xenograft model. A 131I-labelled melanin-binding benzamide derivative was utilized targeting B16F10 melanoma in an orthotopic syngeneic C57bl6 model. Fractionated EBRT was performed using carbon ions in direct comparison with conventional photon irradiation. Tumor uptake of 131I-Cetuximab and 131I-Benzamide was enhanced by fractionated EBRT as determined by biodistribution studies. This effect was independent of radiation quality and significant for the small molecule 131I-Benzamide, i.e., >30% more uptake in irradiated vs. non-irradiated melanoma was found (p<0.05). Compared to each monotherapy, dual combination with 131I-Cetuximab and EBRT was most effective in inhibiting A431 tumor growth. A similar trend was seen for 131I-Benzamide and EBRT in B16F10 melanoma model. Addition of 131I-Benzamide endoradiotherapy to EBRT altered expression of genes related to DNA-repair, cell cycle and cell death. In contrast, immune-response related pathways such as type 1 interferon response genes (ISG15, MX1) were predominantly upregulated after combined 131I-Cetuximab and EBRT. The beneficial effects of combined 131I-Cetuximab and EBRT was further attributed to a reduced microvascular density (CD31) and decreased proliferation index (Ki-67). Fractionated EBRT could be favorably combined with endoradiotherapy. 131I-Benzamide endoradiotherapy accelerated EBRT induced cytotoxic effects. Activation of immune-response by carbon ions markedly enhanced anti-EGFR based endoradiotherapy suggesting further evaluation of this novel and promising radioimmunotherapy concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudius Melzig
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Azadeh Fahim Golestaneh
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Walter Mier
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Schwager
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Samayita Das
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian Schlegel
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Felix Lasitschka
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans-Ulrich Kauczor
- Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Uwe Haberkorn
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Nuclear Medicine, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amir Abdollahi
- German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg, Germany.,Translational Radiation Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology, National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Heidelberg, Germany.,Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is among the three deadliest cancers worldwide with the lowest 5-year survival of all cancers. Despite all efforts, therapeutic improvements have barely been made over the last decade. Even recent highly promising targeted and immunotherapeutic approaches did not live up to their expectations. Therefore, other horizons have to be explored. Natural Killer (NK) cells are gaining more and more interest as a highly attractive target for cancer immunotherapies, both as pharmaceutical target and for cell therapies. In this systematic review we summarise the pathophysiological adaptions of NK cells in pancreatic cancer and highlight possible (future) therapeutic NK cell-related targets. Furthermore, an extensive overview of recent therapeutic approaches with an effect on NK cells is given, including cytokine-based, viro- and bacteriotherapy and cell therapy. We also discuss ongoing clinical trials that might influence NK cells. In conclusion, although several issues regarding NK cells in pancreatic cancer remain unsolved and need further investigation, extensive evidence is already provided that support NK cell oriented approaches in pancreatic cancer.
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38
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Seo H, Kim BS, Bae EA, Min BS, Han YD, Shin SJ, Kang CY. IL21 Therapy Combined with PD-1 and Tim-3 Blockade Provides Enhanced NK Cell Antitumor Activity against MHC Class I-Deficient Tumors. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:685-695. [PMID: 29615398 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2017] [Revised: 01/18/2018] [Accepted: 03/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Increased expression of coinhibitory molecules such as PD-1 and Tim-3 on NK cells has been demonstrated in advanced cancer patients who harbor MHC class I-deficient tumors. However, even in preclinical models, the antitumor effects of checkpoint blockade on NK cells have not been clearly elucidated. Here, we show that anti-PD-1/anti-Tim-3 treatment suppressed tumor progression in mice bearing MHC class I-deficient tumors, and the suppression was further enhanced by recombinant IL21 (rIL21) treatments through an NK-cell-dependent mechanism. We also show that the intratumoral delivery of rIL21 attracted NK cells to the tumor site in a CXCR3-dependent fashion. A combination of IL21 and checkpoint blockade facilitated the effector function of exhausted NK cells in cancer patients. Given the effects of the checkpoint blockade and rIL21 combination on NK cells infiltrating into MHC class I-deficient tumors, we suggest that the efficacy of checkpoint blockade can be enhanced through the administration of IL21 for advanced cancer patients with MHC class I-low/deficient tumors. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(6); 685-95. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyungseok Seo
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung-Seok Kim
- Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ah Bae
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Byung Soh Min
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Dae Han
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Joon Shin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chang-Yuil Kang
- Laboratory of Immunology, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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39
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Stiff A, Trikha P, Mundy-Bosse B, McMichael E, Mace TA, Benner B, Kendra K, Campbell A, Gautam S, Abood D, Landi I, Hsu V, Duggan M, Wesolowski R, Old M, Howard JH, Yu L, Stasik N, Olencki T, Muthusamy N, Tridandapani S, Byrd JC, Caligiuri M, Carson WE. Nitric Oxide Production by Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Plays a Role in Impairing Fc Receptor-Mediated Natural Killer Cell Function. Clin Cancer Res 2018; 24:1891-1904. [PMID: 29363526 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-0691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: mAbs are used to treat solid and hematologic malignancies and work in part through Fc receptors (FcRs) on natural killer cells (NK). However, FcR-mediated functions of NK cells from patients with cancer are significantly impaired. Identifying the mechanisms of this dysfunction and impaired response to mAb therapy could lead to combination therapies and enhance mAb therapy.Experimental Design: Cocultures of autologous NK cells and MDSC from patients with cancer were used to study the effect of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) on NK-cell FcR-mediated functions including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and signal transduction in vitro Mouse breast cancer models were utilized to study the effect of MDSCs on antibody therapy in vivo and test the efficacy of combination therapies including a mAb and an MDSC-targeting agent.Results: MDSCs from patients with cancer were found to significantly inhibit NK-cell FcR-mediated functions including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and signal transduction in a contact-independent manner. In addition, adoptive transfer of MDSCs abolished the efficacy of mAb therapy in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Inhibition of iNOS restored NK-cell functions and signal transduction. Finally, nonspecific elimination of MDSCs or inhibition of iNOS in vivo significantly improved the efficacy of mAb therapy in a mouse model of breast cancer.Conclusions: MDSCs antagonize NK-cell FcR-mediated function and signal transduction leading to impaired response to mAb therapy in part through nitric oxide production. Thus, elimination of MDSCs or inhibition of nitric oxide production offers a strategy to improve mAb therapy. Clin Cancer Res; 24(8); 1891-904. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stiff
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbus, Ohio.,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Prashant Trikha
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | | | - Elizabeth McMichael
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Thomas A Mace
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Brooke Benner
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Kari Kendra
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Amanda Campbell
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Columbus, Ohio.,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Shalini Gautam
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - David Abood
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Ian Landi
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Vincent Hsu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Megan Duggan
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Robert Wesolowski
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Matthew Old
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John Harrison Howard
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Lianbo Yu
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Nancy Stasik
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Thomas Olencki
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Susheela Tridandapani
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Department of Internal Medicine and Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio
| | - John C Byrd
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Michael Caligiuri
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.,Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - William E Carson
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio. .,Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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40
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Paul S, Lal G. The Molecular Mechanism of Natural Killer Cells Function and Its Importance in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1124. [PMID: 28955340 PMCID: PMC5601256 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 458] [Impact Index Per Article: 65.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that show strong cytolytic function against physiologically stressed cells such as tumor cells and virus-infected cells. NK cells show a broad array of tissue distribution and phenotypic variability. NK cells express several activating and inhibitory receptors that recognize the altered expression of proteins on target cells and control the cytolytic function. NK cells have been used in several clinical trials to control tumor growth. However, the results are encouraging only in hematological malignancies but not very promising in solid tumors. Increasing evidence suggests that tumor microenvironment regulate the phenotype and function of NK cells. In this review, we discussed the NK cell phenotypes and its effector function and impact of the tumor microenvironment on effector and cytolytic function of NK cells. We also summarized various NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies used in the past and the possibilities to improve the function of NK cell for the better clinical outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sourav Paul
- National Centre for Cell Science, Pune, India
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41
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Klöß S, Oberschmidt O, Morgan M, Dahlke J, Arseniev L, Huppert V, Granzin M, Gardlowski T, Matthies N, Soltenborn S, Schambach A, Koehl U. Optimization of Human NK Cell Manufacturing: Fully Automated Separation, Improved Ex Vivo Expansion Using IL-21 with Autologous Feeder Cells, and Generation of Anti-CD123-CAR-Expressing Effector Cells. Hum Gene Ther 2017; 28:897-913. [PMID: 28810809 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2017.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The administration of ex vivo expanded natural killer (NK) cells as potential antitumor effector cells appears to be suitable for effector cell-based immunotherapies in high-risk cancer patients. However, good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant manufacturing of clinical-grade NK cells at sufficiently high numbers represents a great challenge. Therefore, previous expansion protocols for those effector cells were improved and optimized by using newly developed culture medium, interleukin (IL)-21, and autologous feeder cells (FCs). Separation of primary human NK cells (CD56+CD3-) was carried out with the CliniMACS Prodigy® in a single process, starting with approximately 1.2 × 109 leukocytes collected by small-scale lymphapheresis or from buffy coats. Enriched NK cells were adjusted to starting cell concentrations within approximately 1 × 106 effector cells/mL and cultured in comparative expansion experiments for 14 days with IL-2 (1,000 IU/mL) in different GMP-compliant media (X-VIVO™10, CellGro®, TexMACS™, and NK MACS®). After medium optimization, beneficial effects for functionality and phenotype were investigated at the beginning of cell expansion with irradiated (25 Gy) autologous FCs at a ratio of 20:1 (feeder: NK) in the presence or absence of IL-21 (100 ng/mL). Additionally, expanded NK cells were gene modified to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) against CD123, a common marker for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Cytotoxicity, degranulation, and cytokine release of transduced NK cells were determined against KG1a cells in flow cytometric analysis and fluorescent imaging. The Prodigy manufacturing process revealed high target cell viabilities (median 95.4%), adequate NK cell recovery (median 60.4%), and purity of 95.4% in regard to CD56+CD3- target cells. The process in its early phase of development led to a median T-cell depletion of log 3.5 after CD3 depletion and log 3.6 after the whole process, including CD3 depletion and CD56 enrichment steps. Manually performed experiments to test different culture media demonstrated significantly higher NK cell expansion rates and an approximately equal distribution of CD56dimCD16pos and CD56brightCD16dim&neg NK subsets on day 14 with cells cultivated in NK MACS® media. Moreover, effector cell expansion in manually performed experiments with NK MACS® containing IL-2 and irradiated autologous FCs and IL-21, both added at the initiation of the culture, induced an 85-fold NK cell expansion. Compared to freshly isolated NK cells, expanded NK cells expressed significantly higher levels of NKp30, NKp44, NKG2D, TRAIL, FasL, CD69, and CD137, and showed comparable cell viabilities and killing/degranulation activities against tumor and leukemic cell lines in vitro. NK cells used for CAR transduction showed the highest anti-CD123 CAR expression on day 3 after gene modification. These anti-CD123 CAR-engineered NK cells demonstrated improved cytotoxicity against the CD123pos AML cell line KG1a and primary AML blasts. In addition, CAR NK cells showed higher degranulation and enhanced secretion of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interferon gamma, and granzyme A and B. In fluorescence imaging, specific interactions that initiated apoptotic processes in the AML target cells were detected between CAR NK cells and KG1a. After the fully automated NK cell separation process on Prodigy, a new NK cell expansion protocol was generated that resulted in high numbers of NK cells with potent antitumor activity, which could be modified efficiently by novel third-generation, alpha-retroviral SIN vector constructs. Next steps are the integration of the manual expansion procedure in the fully integrated platform for a standardized GMP-compliant overall process in this closed system that also may include gene modification of NK cells to optimize target-specific antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Klöß
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Olaf Oberschmidt
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Michael Morgan
- 2 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany.,3 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Julia Dahlke
- 2 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany.,3 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Lubomir Arseniev
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | | | | | - Tanja Gardlowski
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | - Nadine Matthies
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Axel Schambach
- 2 Institute of Experimental Hematology, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany.,3 REBIRTH Cluster of Excellence, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany.,5 Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- 1 Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, GMPDU, IFB-Tx, Hannover Medical School , Hannover, Germany
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42
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SHP2 negatively regulates HLA-ABC and PD-L1 expression via STAT1 phosphorylation in prostate cancer cells. Oncotarget 2017; 8:53518-53530. [PMID: 28881828 PMCID: PMC5581127 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Src homology region 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a ubiquitous protein tyrosine phosphatase that activates the signal transduction pathways of several growth factors and cytokines. In our study, SHP2 expression was very high in prostate cancer (PCa) cell lines, and the expression of phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (p-STAT1) and STAT1 was very low. SHP2 knockdown upregulated the expression of p-STAT1 and downregulated phospho-extracellular signal regulated kinase (p-ERK). SHP2 depletion also increased the expression of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-ABC and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1). When tumor cells were pretreated with Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor, SHP2 depletion failed to induce HLA-ABC and PD-L1 expression. Furthermore, treating tumor cells with the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MEK) inhibitor PD0325901 did not upregulate HLA-ABC and PD-L1. SHP2 depletion was associated with increased T-cell activation (CD25 MFI of CD8+) by coculture of allogeneic healthy donor peripheral blood monocytes (PBMC) with SHP2 siRNA pretreated PCa cell lines. These results show that SHP2 targeting upregulates HLA-ABC and PD-L1 expression via STAT1 phosphorylation in PCa cells and SHP2 depletion could increase T-cell activation.
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43
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Zhao T, Jia H, Cheng Q, Xiao Y, Li M, Ren W, Li C, Feng Y, Feng Z, Wang H, Zheng J. Nifuroxazide prompts antitumor immune response of TCL-loaded DC in mice with orthotopically-implanted hepatocarcinoma. Oncol Rep 2017; 37:3405-3414. [PMID: 28498414 DOI: 10.3892/or.2017.5629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2017] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a highly aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis and high mortality. At present, vaccination with tumor cell lysate (TCL) loaded dendritic cells (DC) has been shown to be an effective therapy against HCC. However, the ability of promoting the specific T cell immune response is rather weak, influencing the antitumor response. Thus, it is necessary to find a strategy to improve the antitumor effect of TCL-loaded DC. Activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) significantly inhibits antitumor immune response and DC maturity. Nifuroxazide, an antidiarrheal agent, has been proved to directly inhibit STAT3 activation. Thus, we investigated whether nifuroxazide could improve the antitumor immune response in mice vaccinated with TCL-loaded DC. The study provides the theoretical and experimental basis for developing an effective adjuvant for DC vaccine to treat HCC. Our results showed that the administration of nifuroxazide and DC-loaded TCL could significantly improve the survival rate, inhibit the tumor growth, and prompt the antitumor immune responses in mice with orthotopically implanted hepatocarcinomas, thus, possibly providing a new combination strategy to treat HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiesuo Zhao
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Huijie Jia
- Department of Pathology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Qian Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biological Cancer Therapy, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
| | - Yali Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Minming Li
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Wenjing Ren
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Yuchen Feng
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Zhiwei Feng
- Department of Immunology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Research Center for Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, P.R. China
| | - Junnian Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Biological Cancer Therapy, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221002, P.R. China
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44
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McMichael EL, Courtney NB, Duggan MC, Wesolowski R, Quiroga D, Kondadasula SV, Atwal LS, Bhave N, Luedke E, Jaime-Ramirez AC, Campbell AR, Mo X, Byrd JC, Carson Iii WE. Activation of the FcgammaReceptorIIIa on human natural killer cells leads to increased expression of functional interleukin-21 receptor. Oncoimmunology 2017. [PMID: 28638738 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1312045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune effector cells that play a crucial role in immune surveillance and the destruction of cancer cells. NK cells express a low-affinity receptor for the Fc or constant region of immunoglobulin G (FcγRIIIa) and multiple cytokine receptors that respond to antibody-coated targets and cytokines in the tumor microenvironment. In the present work, microarray gene expression analysis revealed that the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) was strongly upregulated following FcR stimulation. The IL-21R was found to be upregulated on FcR-stimulated NK cells at the transcript level as determined by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Immunoblot analysis revealed that protein expression of the IL-21R peaked at 8 h post-stimulation of the FcR. Inhibition of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway downstream of the FcR blocked the induction of IL-21R expression. Increased expression of the IL-21R sensitized NK cells to IL-21 stimulation, as treatment of FcR-stimulated NK cells led to significantly increased phosphorylation of STAT1 and STAT3, as measured by intracellular flow cytometry and immunoblot analysis. Following FcR-stimulation, IL-21-activated NK cells were better able to mediate the lysis of trastuzumab-coated human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2+) SK-BR-3 tumor cells as compared to control-treated cells. Likewise, IL-21-induced NK cell secretion of IFNγ following exposure to antibody-coated tumor cells was enhanced following FcR-stimulation. The analysis of NK cells from patients receiving trastuzumab therapy for HER2+ cancer exhibited increased levels of the IL-21R following the administration of antibody suggesting that the presence of monoclonal antibody-coated tumor cells in vivo can stimulate the increased expression of IL-21R on NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Megan C Duggan
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, US
| | - Robert Wesolowski
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dionisia Quiroga
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | | | - Neela Bhave
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Eric Luedke
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Amanda R Campbell
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, US.,Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Xiaokui Mo
- Center for Biostatistics, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John C Byrd
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - William E Carson Iii
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Molecular Virology, Immunology, and Medical Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, US
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45
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Granzin M, Wagner J, Köhl U, Cerwenka A, Huppert V, Ullrich E. Shaping of Natural Killer Cell Antitumor Activity by Ex Vivo Cultivation. Front Immunol 2017; 8:458. [PMID: 28491060 PMCID: PMC5405078 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a promising tool for the use in adoptive immunotherapy, since they efficiently recognize and kill tumor cells. In this context, ex vivo cultivation is an attractive option to increase NK cells in numbers and to improve their antitumor potential prior to clinical applications. Consequently, various strategies to generate NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy have been developed. Here, we give an overview of different NK cell cultivation approaches and their impact on shaping the NK cell antitumor activity. So far, the cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21 are used to culture and expand NK cells. The selection of the respective cytokine combination is an important factor that directly affects NK cell maturation, proliferation, survival, distribution of NK cell subpopulations, activation, and function in terms of cytokine production and cytotoxic potential. Importantly, cytokines can upregulate the expression of certain activating receptors on NK cells, thereby increasing their responsiveness against tumor cells that express the corresponding ligands. Apart from using cytokines, cocultivation with autologous accessory non-NK cells or addition of growth-inactivated feeder cells are approaches for NK cell cultivation with pronounced effects on NK cell activation and expansion. Furthermore, ex vivo cultivation was reported to prime NK cells for the killing of tumor cells that were previously resistant to NK cell attack. In general, NK cells become frequently dysfunctional in cancer patients, for instance, by downregulation of NK cell activating receptors, disabling them in their antitumor response. In such scenario, ex vivo cultivation can be helpful to arm NK cells with enhanced antitumor properties to overcome immunosuppression. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on NK cell modulation by different ex vivo cultivation strategies focused on increasing NK cytotoxicity for clinical application in malignant diseases. Moreover, we critically discuss the technical and regulatory aspects and challenges underlying NK cell based therapeutic approaches in the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Granzin
- Clinical Research, Miltenyi Biotec Inc., Gaithersburg, MD, USA
| | - Juliane Wagner
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Integrated Research and Treatment Center Transplantation, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Innate Immunity Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Division of Immunbiochemistry, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Volker Huppert
- R&D Reagents, Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Division for Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunology, Department for Children and Adolescents Medicine, Hospital of the Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany.,LOEWE Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Cellular Immunology, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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46
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Antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity: immunotherapy strategies enhancing effector NK cells. Immunol Cell Biol 2017; 95:347-355. [PMID: 28138156 DOI: 10.1038/icb.2017.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2017] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a set of mechanisms that target cells coated with IgG antibodies of the proper subclasses (IgG1 in the human) to be the prey of cell-to-cell cytolysis executed by immune cells expressing FcRIIIA (CD16A). These effectors include not only natural killer (NK) cells but also other CD16+ subsets such as monocyte/macrophages, NKT cells or γδ T cells. In cancer therapy, ADCC is exploited by antibodies that selectively recognize proteins on the surface of malignant cells. An approach to enhance antitumor activity is to act on effector cells so they are increased in their numbers or enhanced in their individual (on a cell per cell basis) ADCC performance. This enhancement can be therapeutically attained by cytokines (that is, interleukin (IL)-15, IL-21, IL-18, IL-2); immunostimulatory monoclonal antibodies (that is, anti-CD137, anti-CD96, anti-TIGIT, anti-KIR, anti-PD-1); TLR agonists or by adoptive infusions of ex vivo expanded NK cells which can be genetically engineered to become more efficient effectors. In conjunction with approaches optimizing IgG1 Fc affinity to CD16, acting on effector cells offers hope to achieve synergistic immunotherapy strategies.
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