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Ji Y, An Q, Wen X, Xu Z, Xia Z, Xia Z, Hu Q, Lei S. Liver cancer from the perspective of single-cell sequencing: a review combined with bibliometric analysis. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:316. [PMID: 38910204 PMCID: PMC11194221 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-024-05855-7] [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: 03/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer (LC) is a prevalent malignancy and a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Extensive research has been conducted to enhance patient outcomes and develop effective prevention strategies, ranging from molecular mechanisms to clinical interventions. Single-cell sequencing, as a novel bioanalysis technology, has significantly contributed to the understanding of the global cognition and dynamic changes in liver cancer. However, there is a lack of bibliometric analysis in this specific research area. Therefore, the objective of this study is to provide a comprehensive overview of the knowledge structure and research hotspots in the field of single-cell sequencing in liver cancer research through the use of bibliometrics. METHOD Publications related to the application of single-cell sequencing technology to liver cancer research as of December 31, 2023, were searched on the web of science core collection (WoSCC) database. VOSviewers, CiteSpace, and R package "bibliometrix" were used to conduct this bibliometric analysis. RESULTS A total of 331 publications from 34 countries, primarily led by China and the United States, were included in this study. The research focuses on the application of single cell sequencing technology to liver cancer, and the number of related publications has been increasing year by year. The main research institutions involved in this field are Fudan University, Sun Yat-Sen University, and the Chinese Academy of Sciences. Frontiers in Immunology and Nature Communications is the most popular journal in this field, while Cell is the most frequently co-cited journal. These publications are authored by 2799 individuals, with Fan Jia and Zhou Jian having the most published papers, and Llovet Jm being the most frequently co-cited author. The use of single cell sequencing to explore the immune microenvironment of liver cancer, as well as its implications in immunotherapy and chemotherapy, remains the central focus of this field. The emerging research hotspots are characterized by keywords such as 'Gene-Expression', 'Prognosis', 'Tumor Heterogeneity', 'Immunoregulation', and 'Tumor Immune Microenvironment'. CONCLUSION This is the first bibliometric study that comprehensively summarizes the research trends and developments on the application of single cell sequencing in liver cancer. The study identifies recent research frontiers and hot directions, providing a valuable reference for researchers exploring the landscape of liver cancer, understanding the composition of the immune microenvironment, and utilizing single-cell sequencing technology to guide and enhance the prognosis of liver cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Ji
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi An
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyu Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhou Xu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jiangxi Medical College, Nanchang University, Jiangxi, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhengyuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, China
| | - Zhongyuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qinyong Hu
- Department of Oncology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Shaoqing Lei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Zou W, Fang Z, Feng Y, Gong S, Li Z, Li M, Sun Y, Ruan X, Fang X, Qu H, Li H. Transcriptomic and genomic characteristics of intrahepatic metastases of primary liver cancer. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:672. [PMID: 38824541 PMCID: PMC11144329 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12428-x] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with primary multifocal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have a poor prognosis and often experience a high rate of treatment failure. Multifocal HCC is mainly caused by intrahepatic metastasis (IM), and though portal vein tumor thrombosis (PVTT) is considered a hallmark of IM, the molecular mechanism by which primary HCC cells invade the portal veins remains unclear. Therefore, it is necessary to recognize the early signs of metastasis of HCC to arrange better treatment for patients. RESULTS To determine the differential molecular features between primary HCC with and without phenotype of metastasis, we used the CIBERSORTx software to deconvolute cell types from bulk RNA-Seq based on a single-cell transcriptomic dataset. According to the relative abundance of tumorigenic and metastatic hepatoma cells, VEGFA+ macrophages, effector memory T cells, and natural killer cells, HCC samples were divided into five groups: Pro-T, Mix, Pro-Meta, NKC, and MemT, and the transcriptomic and genomic features of the first three groups were analyzed. We found that the Pro-T group appeared to retain native hepatic metabolic activity, whereas the Pro-Meta group underwent dedifferentiation. Genes highly expressed in the group Pro-Meta often signify a worse outcome. CONCLUSIONS The HCC cohort can be well-typed and prognosis predicted according to tumor microenvironment components. Primary hepatocellular carcinoma may have obtained corresponding molecular features before metastasis occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilong Zou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Zhanjie Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shangjin Gong
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ziqiang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Meng Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Xiuyan Ruan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiangdong Fang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Hongzhu Qu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Genome Sciences and Information, Beijing Institute of Genomics, Chinese Academy of Sciences/China National Center for Bioinformation, Beijing, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Haiyang Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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Li CC, Liu M, Lee HP, Wu W, Ma L. Heterogeneity in Liver Cancer Immune Microenvironment: Emerging Single-Cell and Spatial Perspectives. Semin Liver Dis 2024. [PMID: 38788780 DOI: 10.1055/s-0044-1787152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is a solid malignancy with a high mortality rate. The success of immunotherapy has shown great promise in improving patient care and highlights a crucial need to understand the complexity of the liver tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Recent advances in single-cell and spatial omics technologies, coupled with the development of systems biology approaches, are rapidly transforming the landscape of tumor immunology. Here we review the cellular landscape of liver TIME from single-cell and spatial perspectives. We also discuss the cellular interaction networks within the tumor cell community in regulating immune responses. We further highlight the challenges and opportunities with implications for biomarker discovery, patient stratification, and combination immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiyi Cherry Li
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Meng Liu
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hsin-Pei Lee
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Wenqi Wu
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lichun Ma
- Cancer Data Science Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
- Liver Cancer Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland
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4
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Papadopoulos G, Giannousi E, Avdi AP, Velliou RI, Nikolakopoulou P, Chatzigeorgiou A. Τ cell-mediated adaptive immunity in the transition from metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis to hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1343806. [PMID: 38774646 PMCID: PMC11106433 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1343806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) is the progressed version of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) characterized by inflammation and fibrosis, but also a pathophysiological "hub" that favors the emergence of liver malignancies. Current research efforts aim to identify risk factors, discover disease biomarkers, and aid patient stratification in the context of MASH-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most prevalent cancer among MASLD patients. To investigate the tumorigenic transition in MASH-induced HCC, researchers predominantly exploit preclinical animal-based MASH models and studies based on archived human biopsies and clinical trials. Recapitulating the immune response during tumor development and progression is vital to obtain mechanistic insights into MASH-induced HCC. Notably, the advanced complexity behind MASLD and MASH pathogenesis shifted the research focus towards innate immunity, a fundamental element of the hepatic immune niche that is usually altered robustly in the course of liver disease. During the last few years, however, there has been an increasing interest for deciphering the role of adaptive immunity in MASH-induced HCC, particularly regarding the functions of the various T cell populations. To effectively understand the specific role of T cells in MASH-induced HCC development, scientists should urgently fill the current knowledge gaps in this field. Pinpointing the metabolic signature, sketching the immune landscape, and characterizing the cellular interactions and dynamics of the specific T cells within the MASH-HCC liver are essential to unravel the mechanisms that adaptive immunity exploits to enable the emergence and progression of this cancer. To this end, our review aims to summarize the current state of research regarding the T cell functions linked to MASH-induced HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grigorios Papadopoulos
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Giannousi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini P. Avdi
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Rallia-Iliana Velliou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Polyxeni Nikolakopoulou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for the Advancement of Integrated Medical and Engineering Sciences (AIMES), Karolinska Institute and KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Antonios Chatzigeorgiou
- Department of Physiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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5
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Quaranta V, Ballarò C, Giannelli G. Macrophages Orchestrate the Liver Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1772. [PMID: 38730724 PMCID: PMC11083142 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality. Hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma are the most common types, and despite numerous advances, therapeutic options still remain poor for these cancer patients. Tumor development and progression strictly depend on a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME). Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant immune cells population within a tumorigenic liver; they sustain cancer cells' growth and invasiveness, and their presence is correlated with a poor prognosis. Furthermore, TAM cross-talk with cells and components of the TME promotes immunosuppression, a desmoplastic response, and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in understanding TAM heterogeneity and function, with a particular focus on TAM modulation of the TME. We also discuss the potential of targeting macrophage subpopulations and how this is now being exploited in current clinical trials for the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valeria Quaranta
- National Institute of Gastroenterology, IRCCS “S. de Bellis” Research Hospital, Via Turi 27, Castellana Grotte, 70013 Bari, Italy (G.G.)
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Li J, Zhao H, Lv G, Aimulajiang K, Li L, Lin R, Aji T. Phenotype and function of MAIT cells in patients with alveolar echinococcosis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1343567. [PMID: 38550591 PMCID: PMC10973110 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1343567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subpopulation of unconventional T cells widely involved in chronic liver diseases. However, the potential role and regulating factors of MAIT cells in alveolar echinococcosis (AE), a zoonotic parasitic disease by Echinococcus multilocularis (E. multilocularis) larvae chronically parasitizing liver organs, has not yet been studied. Blood samples (n=29) and liver specimens (n=10) from AE patients were enrolled. The frequency, phenotype, and function of MAIT cells in peripheral blood and liver tissues of AE patients were detected by flow cytometry. The morphology and fibrosis of liver tissue were examined by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. The correlation between peripheral MAIT cell frequency and serologic markers was assessed by collecting clinicopathologic characteristics of AE patients. And the effect of in vitro stimulation with E. multilocularis antigen (Emp) on MAIT cells. In this study, MAIT cells are decreased in peripheral blood and increased in the close-to-lesion liver tissues, especially in areas of fibrosis. Circulating MAIT exhibited activation and exhaustion phenotypes, and intrahepatic MAIT cells showed increased activation phenotypes with increased IFN-γ and IL-17A, and high expression of CXCR5 chemokine receptor. Furthermore, the frequency of circulating MAIT cells was correlated with the size of the lesions and liver function in patients with AE. After excision of the lesion site, circulating MAIT cells returned to normal levels, and the serum cytokines IL-8, IL-12, and IL-18, associated with MAIT cell activation and apoptosis, were altered. Our results demonstrate the status of MAIT cell distribution, functional phenotype, and migration in peripheral blood and tissues of AE patients, highlighting their potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintian Li
- School of Public Healthy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Hanyue Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Hydatid Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Guodong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Kalibixiati Aimulajiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Liang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Renyong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Hydatid Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Tuerganaili Aji
- School of Public Healthy, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention, and Treatment of Central Asian High Incidence Diseases, Clinical Medical Research Institute, First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Hydatid Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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7
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Yigit M, Basoglu OF, Unutmaz D. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in cancer: dual roles, complex interactions and therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369236. [PMID: 38545100 PMCID: PMC10965779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369236] [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: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play diverse roles in cancer, infectious diseases, and immunotherapy. This review explores their intricate involvement in cancer, from early detection to their dual functions in promoting inflammation and mediating anti-tumor responses. Within the solid tumor microenvironment (TME), MAIT cells can acquire an 'exhausted' state and secrete tumor-promoting cytokines. On the other hand, MAIT cells are highly cytotoxic, and there is evidence that they may have an anti-tumor immune response. The frequency of MAIT cells and their subsets has also been shown to have prognostic value in several cancer types. Recent innovative approaches, such as programming MAIT cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), provide a novel and exciting approach to utilizing these cells in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Because MAIT cells have a restricted T cell receptor (TCR) and recognize a common antigen, this also mitigates potential graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and opens the possibility of using allogeneic MAIT cells as off-the-shelf cell therapies in cancer. Additionally, we outline the interactions of MAIT cells with the microbiome and their critical role in infectious diseases and how this may impact the tumor responses of these cells. Understanding these complex roles can lead to novel therapeutic strategies harnessing the targeting capabilities of MAIT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Yigit
- Human Immunology Laboratory, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Omer Faruk Basoglu
- Human Immunology Laboratory, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Derya Unutmaz
- Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
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8
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Katsnelson EN, Spengler A, Domenico J, Couts KL, Loh L, Gapin L, McCarter MD, Tobin RP. Dysfunctional states of unconventional T-cell subsets in cancer. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:36-46. [PMID: 37837379 PMCID: PMC10843843 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad129] [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: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells represent a promising therapeutic agent to overcome the current limitations of immunotherapies due to their universal T-cell receptors, ability to respond directly to cytokine stimulation, and capacity to recruit and modulate conventional immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Like conventional T cells, unconventional T cells can enter a dysfunctional state, and the functional differences associated with this state may provide insight into the discrepancies observed in their role in antitumor immunity in various cancers. The exhaustive signature of unconventional T cells differs from conventional αβ T cells, and understanding the differences in the mechanisms underlying exhaustive differentiation in these cell types may aid in the discovery of new treatments to improve sustained antitumor responses. Ongoing clinical trials investigating therapies that leverage unconventional T-cell populations have shown success in treating hematologic malignancies and reducing the immunosuppressive tumor environment. However, several hurdles remain to extend these promising results into solid tumors. Here we discuss the current knowledge on unconventional T-cell function/dysfunction and consider how the incorporation of therapies that modulate unconventional T-cell exhaustion may aid in overcoming the current limitations of immunotherapy. Additionally, we discuss how components of the tumor microenvironment alter the functions of unconventional T cells and how these changes can affect tumor infiltration by lymphocytes and alter conventional T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. Katsnelson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Andrea Spengler
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Joanne Domenico
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Kasey L. Couts
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Liyen Loh
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Martin D. McCarter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Richard P. Tobin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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9
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Peng Q, Huang R, Wang H, Xiao H, Wang Y, Zhai Z, Wang Z. Immune characteristics and prognostic implications of mucosal-associated invariant T cells in acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:4399-4414. [PMID: 37932426 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03574-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs) play a crucial role in anti-tumor responses against various cancers. In this study, we investigated the immune characteristics of MAIT cells in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Using multi-parameter flow cytometry, we performed phenotypic and functional analysis of MAITs in peripheral blood or bone marrow samples collected from 131 patients with AML including 99 newly diagnosed, 18 remission, and 14 relapsed cases, as well as 69 healthy controls. We found that MAITs exhibit signs of aging and exhaustion, particularly in CD8+ MAITs subset, at newly diagnosis. MAITs exhibit an effector memory or terminally differentiated phenotype. Frequency and number of MAITs reflect AML cell genetic features, tumor burden, disease status, and treatment responsiveness. Moreover, MAITs exhibit a highly activated or even exhausted state, as indicated by upregulation of PD-1. Furthermore, impaired production of Th1-type cytokines and increased secretion of Th17-type cytokines, granzyme B, and perforin were observed in MAITs from AML patients. Additionally, MAITs shifted toward producing cytokines that promote tumor progression, such as IL-8. Lower frequency of MAITs was associated with poorer overall survival (OS), and multivariate analysis revealed that MAITs frequency < 2.12% was an independent prognostic factor affecting OS. Collectively, our findings suggest that MAITs may play a role in immune deficiency in AML, emphasizing their potential importance in AML pathogenesis and treatment. These discoveries provide a theoretical basis for the development of novel immunotherapeutic strategies in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Peng
- Hematology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Hematologic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Renhua Huang
- Hematology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Hematologic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Huiping Wang
- Hematology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Hematologic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hao Xiao
- Hematology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
- Hematologic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yiping Wang
- Centre for Transplantation and Renal Research, Westmead Millennium Institute, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Zhimin Zhai
- Hematology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
- Hematologic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhitao Wang
- Hematology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
- Hematologic Diseases Research Center of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230601, Anhui Province, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Liu S, Jia M, Dai R. Deciphering the tumour immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Scand J Immunol 2023; 98:e13327. [PMID: 38441331 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13327] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Current treatments for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are less effective and prone to recurrence after surgery, so it's needed to seek new ideas for its therapy. Tumour immune microenvironment (TME) is crucial for the pathogenesis, development and metastasis of HCC. Interactions between immune cells and tumour cells significantly impact responses to immunotherapies and patient prognosis. In recent years, immunotherapies for HCC have shown promising potential, but the response rate is still unsatisfactory. Understanding their cross-talks is helpful for selecting potential therapeutic targets, predicting immunotherapy responses, determining immunotherapy efficacy, identifying prognostic markers and selecting individualized treatment options. In this paper, we reviewed the research advances on the roles of immune cells and multi-omic research associated with HCC pathogenesis and therapy, and future perspectives on TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- Department of Pain, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Man Jia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Rongyang Dai
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
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11
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Gao X, Zuo S. Immune landscape and immunotherapy of hepatocellular carcinoma: focus on innate and adaptive immune cells. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:1881-1899. [PMID: 36773210 PMCID: PMC10543580 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01015-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is responsible for roughly 90% of all cases of primary liver cancer, and the cases are on the rise. The treatment of advanced HCC is a serious challenge. Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has marked a watershed moment in the history of HCC systemic treatment. Atezolizumab in combination with bevacizumab has been approved as a first-line treatment for advanced HCC since 2020; however, the combination therapy is only effective in a limited percentage of patients. Considering that the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) has a great impact on immunotherapies for HCC, an in-depth understanding of the immune landscape in tumors and the current immunotherapeutic approaches is extremely necessary. We elaborate on the features, functions, and cross talk of the innate and adaptive immune cells in HCC and highlight the benefits and drawbacks of various immunotherapies for advanced HCC, as well as future projections. HCC consists of a heterogeneous group of cancers with distinct etiologies and immune microenvironments. Almost all the components of innate and adaptive immune cells in HCC have altered, showing a decreasing trend in the number of tumor suppressor cells and an increasing trend in the pro-cancer cells, and there is also cross talk between various cell types. Various immunotherapies for HCC have also shown promising efficacy and application prospect. There are multilayered interwoven webs among various immune cell types in HCC, and emerging evidence demonstrates the promising prospect of immunotherapeutic approaches for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiang Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Shi Zuo
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, No. 28, Guiyi Street, Guiyang, 550000, Guizhou, China.
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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12
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Ruf B, Bruhns M, Babaei S, Kedei N, Ma L, Revsine M, Benmebarek MR, Ma C, Heinrich B, Subramanyam V, Qi J, Wabitsch S, Green BL, Bauer KC, Myojin Y, Greten LT, McCallen JD, Huang P, Trehan R, Wang X, Nur A, Murphy Soika DQ, Pouzolles M, Evans CN, Chari R, Kleiner DE, Telford W, Dadkhah K, Ruchinskas A, Stovroff MK, Kang J, Oza K, Ruchirawat M, Kroemer A, Wang XW, Claassen M, Korangy F, Greten TF. Tumor-associated macrophages trigger MAIT cell dysfunction at the HCC invasive margin. Cell 2023; 186:3686-3705.e32. [PMID: 37595566 PMCID: PMC10461130 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells represent an abundant innate-like T cell subtype in the human liver. MAIT cells are assigned crucial roles in regulating immunity and inflammation, yet their role in liver cancer remains elusive. Here, we present a MAIT cell-centered profiling of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using scRNA-seq, flow cytometry, and co-detection by indexing (CODEX) imaging of paired patient samples. These analyses highlight the heterogeneity and dysfunctionality of MAIT cells in HCC and their defective capacity to infiltrate liver tumors. Machine-learning tools were used to dissect the spatial cellular interaction network within the MAIT cell neighborhood. Co-localization in the adjacent liver and interaction between niche-occupying CSF1R+PD-L1+ tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and MAIT cells was identified as a key regulatory element of MAIT cell dysfunction. Perturbation of this cell-cell interaction in ex vivo co-culture studies using patient samples and murine models reinvigorated MAIT cell cytotoxicity. These studies suggest that aPD-1/aPD-L1 therapies target MAIT cells in HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Matthias Bruhns
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Geriatrics), University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University of Tübingen, Interfaculty Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBMI), Tübingen, Germany; M3 Research Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sepideh Babaei
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Geriatrics), University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University of Tübingen, Interfaculty Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBMI), Tübingen, Germany; M3 Research Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Noemi Kedei
- Collaborative Protein Technology Resource, OSTR, Office of the Director, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lichun Ma
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mahler Revsine
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mohamed-Reda Benmebarek
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Chi Ma
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Bernd Heinrich
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Varun Subramanyam
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jonathan Qi
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Simon Wabitsch
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Benjamin L Green
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kylynda C Bauer
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Yuta Myojin
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Layla T Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Justin D McCallen
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Patrick Huang
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rajiv Trehan
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xin Wang
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amran Nur
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dana Qiang Murphy Soika
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Marie Pouzolles
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Christine N Evans
- Genome Modification Core, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Raj Chari
- Genome Modification Core, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - David E Kleiner
- Laboratory of Pathology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - William Telford
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunotherapy Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kimia Dadkhah
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Allison Ruchinskas
- Single Cell Analysis Facility, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Merrill K Stovroff
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Jiman Kang
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kesha Oza
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mathuros Ruchirawat
- Laboratory of Chemical Carcinogenesis, Chulabhorn Research Institute, Bangkok, Thailand; Center of Excellence on Environmental Health and Toxicology, Office of the Higher Education Commission, Ministry of Education, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Alexander Kroemer
- MedStar Georgetown Transplant Institute, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and the Center for Translational Transplant Medicine, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Xin Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Human Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Research, National Institutes of Health, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA; NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Manfred Claassen
- Department of Internal Medicine I (Gastroenterology, Gastrointestinal Oncology, Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Geriatrics), University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; Department of Computer Science, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany; University of Tübingen, Interfaculty Institute for Biomedical Informatics (IBMI), Tübingen, Germany; M3 Research Center, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Firouzeh Korangy
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA; NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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13
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Lu S, Liu X, Wu C, Zhang J, Stalin A, Huang Z, Tan Y, Wu Z, You L, Ye P, Fu C, Zhang X, Wu J. Identification of an immune-related 6-lncRNA panel with a good performance for prognostic prediction in hepatocellular carcinoma by integrated bioinformatics analysis. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e33990. [PMID: 37478241 PMCID: PMC10662904 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000033990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant tumors with a poor prognosis. The long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) has been found to have great potential as a prognostic biomarker or therapeutic target for cancer patients. However, the prognostic value and tumor immune infiltration of lncRNAs in HCC has yet to be fully elucidated. To identify prognostic biomarkers of lncRNA in HCC by integrated bioinformatics analysis and explore their functions and relationship with tumor immune infiltration. The prognostic risk assessment model for HCC was constructed by comprehensively using univariate/multivariate Cox regression analysis, Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, and the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis. Subsequently, the accuracy, independence, and sensitivity of our model were evaluated, and a nomogram for individual prediction in the clinic was constructed. Tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), immune checkpoints, and human leukocyte antigen alleles were compared in high- and low-risk patients. Finally, the functions of our lncRNA signature were examined using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis, and gene set enrichment analysis. A 6-lncRNA panel of HCC consisting of RHPN1-AS1, LINC01224, CTD-2510F5.4, RP1-228H13.5, LINC01011, and RP11-324I22.4 was eventually identified, and show good performance in predicting the survivals of patients with HCC and distinguishing the immunomodulation of TIME of high- and low-risk patients. Functional analysis also suggested that this 6-lncRNA panel may play an essential role in promoting tumor progression and immune regulation of TIME. In this study, 6 potential lncRNAs were identified as the prognostic biomarkers in HCC, and the regulatory mechanisms involved in HCC were initially explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Lu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xinkui Liu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Antony Stalin
- Institute of Fundamental and Frontier Sciences, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhihong Huang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yingying Tan
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhishan Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Leiming You
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Life Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peizhi Ye
- National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Changgeng Fu
- Xiyuan Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaomeng Zhang
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jiarui Wu
- Department of Clinical Chinese Pharmacy, School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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14
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Wang NI, Ninkov M, Haeryfar SMM. Classic costimulatory interactions in MAIT cell responses: from gene expression to immune regulation. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 213:50-66. [PMID: 37279566 PMCID: PMC10324557 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad061] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are evolutionarily conserved, innate-like T lymphocytes with enormous immunomodulatory potentials. Due to their strategic localization, their invariant T cell receptor (iTCR) specificity for major histocompatibility complex-related protein 1 (MR1) ligands of commensal and pathogenic bacterial origin, and their sensitivity to infection-elicited cytokines, MAIT cells are best known for their antimicrobial characteristics. However, they are thought to also play important parts in the contexts of cancer, autoimmunity, vaccine-induced immunity, and tissue repair. While cognate MR1 ligands and cytokine cues govern MAIT cell maturation, polarization, and peripheral activation, other signal transduction pathways, including those mediated by costimulatory interactions, regulate MAIT cell responses. Activated MAIT cells exhibit cytolytic activities and secrete potent inflammatory cytokines of their own, thus transregulating the biological behaviors of several other cell types, including dendritic cells, macrophages, natural killer cells, conventional T cells, and B cells, with significant implications in health and disease. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of how costimulatory pathways control MAIT cell responses may introduce new targets for optimized MR1/MAIT cell-based interventions. Herein, we compare and contrast MAIT cells and mainstream T cells for their expression of classic costimulatory molecules belonging to the immunoglobulin superfamily and the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)/TNF receptor superfamily, based not only on the available literature but also on our transcriptomic analyses. We discuss how these molecules participate in MAIT cells' development and activities. Finally, we introduce several pressing questions vis-à-vis MAIT cell costimulation and offer new directions for future research in this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole I Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Marina Ninkov
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - S M Mansour Haeryfar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Lawson Health Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
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15
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Fu S, Liu M, Zhu C, Zhang H, Zhao C, Xie Y, Chen G, Sheng D, Pan J, He Z, Dai Y, Gao Y, Li X, Chen L, Qian Y, Jin T, Sun C, Tian Z, Wang H, Bai L. Regulatory mucosa-associated invariant T cells controlled by β1 adrenergic receptor signaling contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma progression. Hepatology 2023; 78:72-87. [PMID: 36626624 DOI: 10.1097/hep.0000000000000014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS The innate-like mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are enriched in human liver and have been linked to human HCC. However, their contributions to the progression of HCC are controversial due to the heterogeneity of MAIT cells, and new MAIT cell subsets remain to be explored. APPROACH AND RESULTS Combining single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and flow cytometry analysis, we performed phenotypic and functional studies and found that FOXP3 + CXCR3 + MAIT cells in HCC patients were regulatory MAIT cells (MAITregs) with high immunosuppressive potential. These MAITregs were induced under Treg-inducing condition and predominantly from FOXP3 - CXCR3 + MAIT cells, which displayed mild Treg-related features and represented a pre-MAITreg reservoir. In addition, the induction and function of MAITregs were promoted by β1 adrenergic receptor signaling in pre-MAITregs and MAITregs, respectively. In HCC patients, high proportion of the intratumoral MAITregs inhibited antitumor immune responses and was associated with poor clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Together, we reveal an immunosuppressive subset of MAIT cells in HCC patients that contributes to HCC progression, and propose a control through neuroimmune crosstalk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sicheng Fu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Muziying Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Anhui Institute of Pediatric Research, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, China
| | - Chenwen Zhu
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Huimin Zhang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Changfeng Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Yaping Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guanghou Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Organ Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Daping Sheng
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jun Pan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Ziqing He
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ying Dai
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yufeng Gao
- Department of Infectious Disease, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaomei Li
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, the First Affiliated Hospital, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Lijian Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yeben Qian
- Department of General Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tengchuan Jin
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Li Bai
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Oncology of the First Affiliated Hospital, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Institute of Health and Medicine, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, China
- National Synchrotron Radiation Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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16
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Zhang LP, Wang HF, Zhai XR, Zhou CB, Yuan JH, Ma YN, Yao ZT, Huang S, Li WZ, Jiao YM, Wang FS, Zou ZS, Zhang JY, Zeng QL. Pyroptotic MAITs link microbial translocation with severity of alcohol-associated liver disease. Hepatol Commun 2023; 7:e0159. [PMID: 37204414 PMCID: PMC10538909 DOI: 10.1097/hc9.0000000000000159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs) are markedly reduced in patients with alcohol-associated liver disease (ALD); however, the potential mechanism underlying MAITs' loss remains elusive. Hence, we aimed to explore what induced MAITs' loss and its clinical significance. METHODS The characteristics of pyroptotic MAITs were evaluated in a cohort of patients with ALD, including 41 patients with alcohol-associated liver cirrhosis (ALC) and 21 patients with ALC complicated with severe alcoholic hepatitis (ALC + SAH). RESULTS In patients with ALD, blood MAITs were significantly decreased, hyperactivated, and displayed enhanced cell death through pyroptosis. The frequencies of pyroptotic MAITs increased with disease severity in patients with ALC and patients with ALC + SAH. These frequencies were negatively associated with the frequencies of MAITs and positively correlated with the levels of MAITs' activation, plasma levels of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein (a marker of intestinal enterocyte damage), soluble CD14, lipopolysaccharide-binding protein, and peptidoglycan recognition proteins (surrogate markers of microbial translocation). Pyroptotic MAITs were also found in the liver of patients with ALD. Interestingly, MAITs underwent further activation and pyroptosis in vitro under stimulation by Escherichia coli or direct bilirubin. Notably, blocking IL-18 signaling reduced the activation and frequencies of pyroptotic MAITs. CONCLUSIONS The loss of MAITs in patients with ALD is, at least in part, due to cell death from pyroptosis and is associated with the severity of ALD. Such increased pyroptosis may be affected by dysregulated inflammatory responses to intestinal microbial translocation or direct bilirubin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
| | - Hui-Fang Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
- Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
| | - Xing-Ran Zhai
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Chun-Bao Zhou
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Jin-Hong Yuan
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Ye-Nv Ma
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zeng-Tao Yao
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
| | - Wei-Zhe Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
| | - Yan-Mei Jiao
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Fu-Sheng Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng-Sheng Zou
- Department of Liver Disease, Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Yuan Zhang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing, China
| | - Qing-Lei Zeng
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China
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17
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Ruf B, Greten TF, Korangy F. Innate lymphoid cells and innate-like T cells in cancer - at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:351-371. [PMID: 37081117 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00562-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies targeting conventional T cells have revolutionized systemic treatment for many cancers, yet only a subset of patients benefit from these approaches. A better understanding of the complex immune microenvironment of tumours is needed to design the next generation of immunotherapeutics. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and innate-like T cells (ILTCs) are abundant, tissue-resident lymphocytes that have recently been shown to have critical roles in many types of cancers. ILCs and ILTCs rapidly respond to changes in their surrounding environment and act as the first responders to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. This places ILCs and ILTCs as pivotal orchestrators of the final antitumour immune response. In this Review, we outline hallmarks of ILCs and ILTCs and discuss their emerging role in antitumour immunity, as well as the pathophysiological adaptations leading to their pro-tumorigenic function. We explore the pleiotropic, in parts redundant and sometimes opposing, mechanisms that underlie the delicate interplay between the different subsets of ILCs and ILTCs. Finally, we highlight their role in amplifying and complementing conventional T cell functions and summarize immunotherapeutic strategies for targeting ILCs and ILTCs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Firouzeh Korangy
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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18
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Papanastasatou M, Verykokakis M. Innate-like T lymphocytes in chronic liver disease. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1114605. [PMID: 37006304 PMCID: PMC10050337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1114605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In addition to its metabolic activities, it is now clear that the liver hosts a number of diverse immune cell types that control tissue homeostasis. Foremost among these are innate-like T lymphocytes, including natural killer T (NKT) and mucosal-associated innate T (MAIT) cells, which are a population of specialized T cells with innate characteristics that express semi-invariant T cell receptors with non-peptide antigen specificity. As primary liver residents, innate-like T cells have been associated with immune tolerance in the liver, but also with a number of hepatic diseases. Here, we focus on the biology of NKT and MAIT cells and how they operate during the course of chronic inflammatory diseases that eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma.
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19
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Zhang Y, Wang M, Zhang X, Tang K, Zhang C, Jia X, Hu H, Liu H, Li N, Zhuang R, Jin B, Ma Y, Zhang Y. HTNV infection induces activation and deficiency of CD8+MAIT cells in HFRS patients. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 211:1-14. [PMID: 36480318 PMCID: PMC9993462 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hantaan virus (HTNV) infection causes an epidemic of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS) mainly in Asia. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like T lymphocytes known to play an important role in innate host defense during virus infection. However, their roles and phenotypes during HTNV infection have not yet been explored. We characterized CD8+MAIT cells from HFRS patients based on scRNA-seq data combined with flow cytometry data. We showed that HTNV infection caused the loss and activation of CD8+MAIT cells in the peripheral blood, which were correlated with disease severity. The production of granzyme B and IFN-γ from CD8+MAIT cells and the limitation of HTNV replication in endothelia cells indicated the anti-viral property of CD8+MAIT cells. In addition, in vitro infection of MAIT cells by HTNV or HTNV-exposed monocytes showed that the activation of MAIT cells was IL-18 mediated. In conclusion, this study identified, for the first time, gene expression profiles of MAIT cells, provided underlying molecular mechanisms for activation of MAIT cells during HTNV infection, and suggested a potential anti-viral role of MAIT cells in HFRS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusi Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yan’an university, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Xiyue Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yan’an university, Yan’an 716000, China
| | - Kang Tang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Chunmei Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | | | - Haifeng Hu
- Center for Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University (Fourth Military Medical University), Xi’an 710038, China
| | - He Liu
- Department of Microbiology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi΄an 710032, China
| | - Na Li
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, Shaanxi, China
| | - Ran Zhuang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Boquan Jin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Ying Ma
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an 710032, China
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20
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Mehta H, Tasin I, Hackstein CP, Willberg C, Klenerman P. Prostaglandins differentially modulate mucosal-associated invariant T-cell activation and function according to stimulus. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:262-272. [PMID: 36541521 PMCID: PMC10152717 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12617] [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: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are an innate-like T-cell type conserved in many mammals and especially abundant in humans. Their semi-invariant T-cell receptor (TCR) recognizes the major histocompatibility complex-like molecule MR1 presenting riboflavin intermediates associated with microbial metabolism. Full MAIT cell triggering requires costimulation via cytokines, and the cells can also be effectively triggered in a TCR-independent manner by cytokines [e.g. interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-18 in combination]. Thus, triggering of MAIT cells is highly sensitive to local soluble mediators. Suppression of MAIT cell activation has not been well explored and could be very relevant to their roles in infection, inflammation and cancer. Prostaglandins (PG) are major local mediators of these microenvironments which can have regulatory roles for T cells. Here, we explored whether prostaglandins suppressed MAIT cell activation in response to TCR-dependent and TCR-independent signals. We found that protaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) and to a lesser extent protaglandin D2 (PGD2 ), but not leukotrienes, suppressed MAIT cell responses to Escherichia coli or TCR triggers. However, there was no impact on cytokine-induced triggering. The inhibition was blocked by targeting the signaling mediated via PG receptor 2 (PTGER2) and 4 (PTGER4) receptors in combination. These data indicate that prostaglandins can potentially modulate local MAIT cell functions in vivo and indicate distinct regulation of the TCR-dependent and TCR-independent pathways of MAIT cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hema Mehta
- The Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Irene Tasin
- The Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | | | - Christian Willberg
- The Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
| | - Paul Klenerman
- The Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen ResearchUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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21
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Li YR, Zhou K, Wilson M, Kramer A, Zhu Y, Dawson N, Yang L. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Ther 2023; 31:631-646. [PMID: 36463401 PMCID: PMC10014234 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2022.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are characterized by their expression of an invariant TCR α chain Vα7.2-Jα33/Jα20/Jα12 paired with a restricted TCR β chain. MAIT cells recognize microbial peptides presented by the highly conserved MHC class I-like molecule MR1 and bridge the innate and acquired immune systems to mediate augmented immune responses. Upon activation, MAIT cells rapidly proliferate, produce a variety of cytokines and cytotoxic molecules, and trigger efficient antitumor immunity. Administration of a representative MAIT cell ligand 5-OP-RU effectively activates MAIT cells and enhances their antitumor capacity. In this review, we introduce MAIT cell biology and their importance in antitumor immunity, summarize the current development of peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived and stem cell-derived MAIT cell products for cancer treatment, and discuss the potential of genetic engineering of MAIT cells for off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Kuangyi Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Adam Kramer
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Yichen Zhu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Niels Dawson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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22
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Shi L, Lu J, Zhong D, Song M, Liu J, You W, Li WH, Lin L, Shi D, Chen Y. Clinicopathological and predictive value of MAIT cells in non-small cell lung cancer for immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-005902. [PMID: 36657812 PMCID: PMC9853268 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005902] [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] [Accepted: 01/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) remain ineffective in a large group of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a population of unconventional innate-like T lymphocytes abundant in the human body, play important roles in human malignancies. Little is known about the immune characteristics of MAIT cells in NSCLC and correlation with prognosis and response rate of ICIs treatment. METHODS To investigate the distribution, activation status, and function of MAIT cells in NSCLC patients and their correlations with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy, MAIT cells in peripheral blood, tumor and paratumor samples from NSCLC patients with or without anti-PD-1 immunotherapy were analyzed using flow cytometry and single-cell RNA-sequencing. RESULTS MAIT cells were enriched in the tumor lesions of NSCLC patients migrating from peripheral blood via the CCR6-CCL20 axis. Both peripheral and tumor-infiltrating MAIT cells displayed an exhausted phenotype with upregulated PD-1, TIM-3, and IL-17A while less IFN-γ. Anti-PD-1 therapy reversed the function of circulating MAIT cells with higher expression of IFN-γ and granzyme B. Subcluster MAIT-17s (defined as cells highly expressing exhausted and Th17-related genes) mainly infiltrated in the non-responsive tissues, while the subcluster MAIT-IFNGRs (cells expressing genes related to cytotoxic function) were mainly enriched in responsive tissues. Moreover, we found predictive value of circulating MAIT cells for anti-PD-1 immunotherapy in NSCLC patients. CONCLUSIONS MAIT cells shifted to an exhausted tumor-promoting phenotype in NSCLC patients and the circulating MAIT subset could be a predictor for patients who respond to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Shi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinying Lu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Da Zhong
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meijuan Song
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenhua You
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wen-Hui Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Yancheng School of Clinical Medicine of Nanjing Medical University, The Third People’s Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dongyan Shi
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, China,Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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23
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Labuz D, Cacioppo J, Li K, Aubé J, Leung DT. Enhancing Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cell Function and Expansion with Human Selective Serum. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:116-124. [PMID: 36651819 PMCID: PMC10026854 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2200082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are promising innate-like lymphocytes with potential for use in anti-tumor immunotherapy. Existing MAIT cell expansion protocols are associated with potentially decremental phenotypic changes, including increased frequency of CD4+ MAIT cells and higher inhibitory receptor expression. In this study, we compared the effect on expansion of human MAIT cells of a serum replacement, Physiologix XF SR (Phx), with traditional serum FBS for supplementing RPMI 1640 media. Using flow cytometry, we found that Phx supported a significantly higher proliferative capacity for MAIT cells and resulted in a lower frequency of CD4+ MAIT cells, which have been associated with reduced Th1 effector and cytolytic functions. We saw that culturing MAIT cells in Phx led to better survival of MAIT cells and lower frequency of PD-1+ MAIT cells than FBS-supplemented media. Functionally, we saw that Phx supplementation was associated with a higher frequency of IFN-γ+ MAIT cells after stimulation with Escherichia coli than FBS-supplemented RPMI. In conclusion, we show that MAIT cells cultured in Phx have higher proliferative capacity, lower expression of inhibitory receptors, and higher capacity to produce IFN-γ after E. coli stimulation than FBS-supplemented RPMI. This work shows that expanding MAIT cells with Phx compared with FBS-supplemented RPMI results in a more functionally desirable MAIT cell for future anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Labuz
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Division of Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Jackson Cacioppo
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kelin Li
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Daniel T. Leung
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Division of Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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24
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Treiner E. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in hematological malignancies: Current knowledge, pending questions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1160943. [PMID: 37020559 PMCID: PMC10067713 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1160943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-classical HLA restricted T cell subsets such as γδ T and NK-T cells are showing promises for immune-based therapy of hematological malignancies. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT) belong to this family of innate-like T cell subsets and are the focus of many studies on infectious diseases, owing to their unusual recognition of bacterial/fungal metabolites. Their ability to produce type 1 cytokines (IFNγ, TNFα) as well as cytotoxic effector molecules endows them with potential anti-tumor functions. However, their contribution to tumor surveillance in solid cancers is unclear, and only few studies have specifically focused on MAIT cells in blood cancers. In this review, we wish to recapitulate our current knowledge on MAIT cells biology in hematological neoplasms, at diagnosis and/or during treatment, as well as tentative approaches to target them as therapeutic tools. We also wish to take this opportunity to briefly elaborate on what we think are important question to address in this field, as well as potential limitations to overcome in order to make MAIT cells the basis of future, novel therapies for hematological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Treiner
- Infinity, Inserm UMR1291, Toulouse, France
- University Toulouse 3, Toulouse, France
- Laboratory of Immunology, Toulouse University Hospital, Toulouse, France
- *Correspondence: Emmanuel Treiner,
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25
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Zhang H, Shen H, Zhou L, Xie L, Kong D, Wang H. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in the Digestive System: Defender or Destroyer? Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:809-819. [PMID: 36584816 PMCID: PMC9971522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of innate T lymphocytes that express the semi-invariant T cell receptor and recognize riboflavin metabolites via the major histocompatibility complex class I-related protein. Given the abundance of MAIT cells in the human body, their role in human diseases has been increasingly studied in recent years. MAIT cells may serve as targets for clinical therapy. Specifically, this review discusses how MAIT cells are altered in gastric, esophageal, intestinal, and hepatobiliary diseases and describes their protective or pathogenic roles. A greater understanding of MAIT cells will provide a more favorable therapeutic approach for digestive diseases in the clinical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejiao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haiyuan Shen
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liangliang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Linxi Xie
- School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Derun Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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26
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Harnessing the Power of Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cells in Cancer Cell Therapy. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123160. [PMID: 36551916 PMCID: PMC9775134 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, a burgeoning type of the innate-like T cells, play a crucial role in maintaining immune homeostasis, particularly in host defense. Although many studies have implied the use of MAIT cells in tumor immunity, whether MAIT cells are pro-tumor or anti-tumor has remained elusive, as in the case for other innate-like T cells that possess dichotomous roles in tumor immunity. Although this difficulty persists where endogenous MAIT cells are the target for therapeutic intervention, the advent of induced pluripotent stem-cell-derived MAIT cells (reMAIT cells) will make it possible to harness these cells for immune cell therapy. In this review, we will discuss possible roles of MAIT cells in tumor immunity and the potential of reMAIT cells to treat tumors.
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27
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Mucosal-associated invariant T cells reduce and display tissue-resident phenotype with elevated IL-17 producing capacity in non-small cell lung cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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28
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Jiang X, Peng Y, Liu L, Wang Y, Li M, Li W, Huang F, Zheng C, Xu F, Hu Q, Wei W, Dong S, Zhao Q. MAIT cells ameliorate liver fibrosis by enhancing the cytotoxicity of NK cells in cholestatic murine models. Liver Int 2022; 42:2743-2758. [PMID: 36181707 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that display a critical role in various liver diseases. However, the role of MAIT cells in cholestatic liver fibrogenesis remains obscure. Our study aims to assess the contribution of MAIT cells and underlying mechanisms during this process. METHODS Cholestatic murine models using MAIT cell-deficient (MR1- /- ) and wild-type (WT) mice were established by feeding a 0.1% 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-enriched diet or bile duct ligation (BDL). Liver samples were collected to determine the severity of fibrosis. Lymphocytes of the liver were isolated for analysing the phenotype and function of MAIT cells. Cell co-culture experiments were performed to investigate the cross-talk between MAIT and NK cells. RESULTS Liver MAIT cells were more activated with increased cytokines in cholestatic mice models than in control mice, although their frequency was decreased. MAIT cell deficiency led to severe liver inflammation and fibrosis with more activated HSCs in cholestatic mice. In addition, MR1- /- mice had an increased frequency of NK cells with higher expression of stimulatory receptors relative to WT mice. Paradoxically, activated MAIT cells significantly promoted the anti-fibrotic ability of NK cells by enhancing their cytotoxicity against HSCs in co-culture experiments. Importantly, this effect depended on direct cell-cell contact and TNF-α produced by MAIT cells. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that MAIT cells ameliorate cholestatic liver fibrosis by enhancing the cytotoxicity of NK cells against HSCs. An in-depth understanding of the MAIT cell-mediated regulatory effect will provide more valuable immunotherapy strategies to treat liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanan Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Lan Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Youwei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Mengting Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Wenjie Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Fengxing Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Chunlan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Fei Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qian Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Wanhui Wei
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Shouquan Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.,Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
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29
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Improved MAIT cell functions following fecal microbiota transplantation for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 72:1247-1260. [PMID: 36396738 PMCID: PMC9672546 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03329-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to modify the gut microbiome in cancer patients using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have gained momentum as a therapeutic intervention. However, how FMT impacts innate-like, antimicrobial T lymphocytes is unclear. In this study, we assessed peripheral blood (PB) mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell frequencies and functions in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) before and seven days after they received FMT as part of a clinical trial. We found comparable MAIT cell frequencies in healthy controls and mRCC patients. In contrast, γδ T cells exhibited a numerical decline in mRCC, which was partially reversed by FMT. We also found a significant increase in the PB CD4+ MAIT cell compartment of mRCC patients with or without FMT. Paired sample analyses revealed CD69 upregulation on MAIT cells accompanied by decreased PD-1 levels post-FMT. These changes were unique to MAIT cells as non-MAIT T lymphocytes showed either no trend or a trend in the opposite direction. Importantly, FMT did not render MAIT cells exhausted as also judged by their stable expression of TIM-3, LAG-3, BTLA, CTLA-4, TIGIT and VISTA. These findings were corroborated in functional assays in which MAIT cells were stimulated with MR1 ligands or with a combination of IL-12 and IL-18 to produce inflammatory cytokines and granzyme B. Indeed, when stimulated ex vivo with IL-12 and IL-18, MAIT cells mounted a more rigorous TNF-α response post-FMT. In conclusion, FMT improves MAIT cell functions, which should serve patients well in subsequent microbial challenges in the face of cancer-elicited immunosuppression. Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Identifier: NCT04163289 (registration date: November 14, 2019).
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Single-Cell Heterogeneity of the Liver-Infiltrating Lymphocytes in Individuals with Chronic Echinococcus multilocularis Infection. Infect Immun 2022; 90:e0017722. [PMID: 36317875 PMCID: PMC9670881 DOI: 10.1128/iai.00177-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Human alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a tumor-like disease predominantly located in the liver. The cellular composition and heterogeneity of the lesion-infiltrating lymphocytes which produce an “immunosuppressive” microenvironment are poorly understood.
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Qin R, Zhao H, He Q, Li F, Li Y, Zhao H. Advances in single-cell sequencing technology in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Genet 2022; 13:996890. [PMID: 36303541 PMCID: PMC9592975 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.996890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors are a class of diseases characterized by altered genetic information and uncontrolled growth. Sequencing technology provide researchers with a better way to explore specific tumor pathogenesis. In recent years, single-cell sequencing technology has shone in tumor research, especially in the study of liver cancer, revealing phenomena that were unexplored by previous studies. Single-cell sequencing (SCS) is a technique for sequencing the cellular genome, transcriptome, epigenome, proteomics, or metabolomics after dissociation of tissues into single cells. Compared with traditional bulk sequencing, single-cell sequencing can dissect human tumors at single-cell resolution, finely delineate different cell types, and reveal the heterogeneity of tumor cells. In view of the diverse pathological types and complex pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the study of the heterogeneity among tumor cells can help improve its clinical diagnosis, treatment and prognostic judgment. On this basis, SCS has revolutionized our understanding of tumor heterogeneity, tumor immune microenvironment, and clonal evolution of tumor cells. This review summarizes the basic process and development of single-cell sequencing technology and its increasing role in the field of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongyi Qin
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Haichao Zhao
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qizu He
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yanjun Li
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yanjun Li, ; Haoliang Zhao,
| | - Haoliang Zhao
- Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Taiyuan, China
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- *Correspondence: Yanjun Li, ; Haoliang Zhao,
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Cheng TC, Xue H, Li H, Liu YC, Tian LJ, Bian ZL, Chen FS. MAIT cells predict long-term prognosis in liver failure patients. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e29809. [PMID: 36042623 PMCID: PMC9410595 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000029809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver failure (LF) is a life-threatening clinical syndrome characterized by intense systemic inflammation and organ failure(s), leading to a high mortality rate. The pathogenesis of LF is multifactorial, immune response, and gut bacterial translocation are thought to be major contributing factors. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play a critical role in immune response and gut bacterial translocation. We aimed to investigate changes of the MAIT cell ratio in patients with LF and to explore the predictive value for long-term prognosis in patients with LF. MATERIAL AND METHOD We recruited 75 patients with LF from Nantong Third People's Hospital, isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and detected the proportion of circulating MAIT cells by flow cytometry. Statistical analyses were performed using the GraphPad Prism software. RESULTS Our data showed that the proportion of MAIT cells alterations was independent of the cause of viral infection in patients with LF. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that LF patients with low level of MAIT cells had poor long-term prognosis. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the MAIT cell proportion was larger than that of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score. More importantly, the combination of MAIT cell proportion and MELD score had a better effect in predicting long-term prognosis of LF patients than any single index (AUC = 0.91, 95% CI:0.84-0.97), and multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the circulating MAIT cell proportion was an independent risk factor for LF. CONCLUSION The proportion of MAIT cells in PBMC is an outstanding predictor for the long-term prognosis in patients with LF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiao-Chun Cheng
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hong Xue
- Department of Liver Diseases, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Han Li
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi-Cun Liu
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Jun Tian
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhao-Lian Bian
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China
- *Correspondence: Zhao-Lian Bian, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, 60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China (e-mail: )
| | - Feng-Song Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Haimen People’s Hospital, Nantong 226100, Jiangsu Province, China
- *Correspondence: Zhao-Lian Bian, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Nantong University, 60 Middle Qingnian Road, Nantong 226006, Jiangsu Province, China (e-mail: )
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Gao MG, Zhao XS. Mining the multifunction of mucosal-associated invariant T cells in hematological malignancies and transplantation immunity: A promising hexagon soldier in immunomodulatory. Front Immunol 2022; 13:931764. [PMID: 36052080 PMCID: PMC9427077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.931764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are evolutionarily conserved innate-like T cells capable of recognizing bacterial and fungal ligands derived from vitamin B biosynthesis. Under different stimulation conditions, MAIT cells can display different immune effector phenotypes, exerting immune regulation and anti-/protumor responses. Based on basic biological characteristics, including the enrichment of mucosal tissue, the secretion of mucosal repair protective factors (interleukin-17, etc.), and the activation of riboflavin metabolites by intestinal flora, MAIT cells may play an important role in the immune regulation effect of mucosal lesions or inflammation. At the same time, activated MAIT cells secrete granzyme B, perforin, interferon γ, and other toxic cytokines, which can mediate anti-tumor effects. In addition, since a variety of hematological malignancies express the targets of MAIT cell-specific effector molecules, MAIT cells are also a potentially attractive target for cell therapy or immunotherapy for hematological malignancies. In this review, we will provide an overview of MAIT research related to blood system diseases and discuss the possible immunomodulatory or anti-tumor roles that unique biological characteristics or effector phenotypes may play in hematological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ge Gao
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Su Zhao
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Su Zhao,
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Marsh-Wakefield F, Ferguson AL, Liu K, Santhakumar C, McCaughan G, Palendira U. Approaches to spatially resolving the tumour immune microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2022; 14:17588359221113270. [PMID: 35898965 PMCID: PMC9310213 DOI: 10.1177/17588359221113270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common and deadly cancer worldwide. Many factors contribute to mortality and place an individual at high risk of developing HCC, including viral infection, alcohol intake, metabolic-associated disease, autoimmunity and genetic liver disorders. Although there are many therapeutics available, much about this disease remains to be understood. This is most evident when investigating the tumour microenvironment (TME). Both innate and adaptive immune cells have been associated with carcinogenesis within the TME of HCC patients. The ability to interrogate the TME more thoroughly with spatial technologies continues to improve, both at the experimental and analytical stages. This review provides insight into technologies available to investigate the TME, and how such technologies are beneficial for improving our understanding of HCC carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Marsh-Wakefield
- Liver Injury & Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Sydney, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Angela L Ferguson
- Liver Injury & Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ken Liu
- Liver Injury & Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Geoffrey McCaughan
- Liver Injury & Cancer Program, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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MAIT cells and their implication in human oral diseases. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:1041-1054. [PMID: 35781343 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01600-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are unique innate-like T cells that are abundant in humans, accounting for 1-10% of circulating T cells and about 2% of total T cells in human oral cavity. MAIT cells can mount a strong immune response quickly without exogenous antigens and undergo a phenotypic transformation in the development of diseases. They produce cytokines involved in the Th1 and Th17 immune response and cytotoxic proteins, promote the dysfunction of autoreactive B cell and inhibit the function of NK cells. MAIT cells have been widely explored in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and tumors, and these mechanisms may also be involved in the pathogenesis of some oral diseases, while MAIT cells have not been systematically discussed in oral diseases. METHODS We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Microsoft Bing databases to review and analyze relevant literatures on the impact of MAIT cells in the pathogenesis of human oral diseases. CONCLUSION Collected evidence elucidated the characteristics of MAIT cells and emphasized the potential roles of MAIT cells in oral lichen planus (OLP), chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), apical periodontitis (AP) and primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS).
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Zimmer CL, Filipovic I, Cornillet M, O'Rourke CJ, Berglin L, Jansson H, Sun D, Strauss O, Hertwig L, Johansson H, von Seth E, Sparrelid E, Dias J, Glaumann H, Melum E, Ellis EC, Sandberg JK, Andersen JB, Bergquist A, Björkström NK. Mucosal-associated invariant T-cell tumor infiltration predicts long-term survival in cholangiocarcinoma. Hepatology 2022; 75:1154-1168. [PMID: 34719787 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a malignancy arising from biliary epithelial cells of intra- and extrahepatic bile ducts with dismal prognosis and few nonsurgical treatments available. Despite recent success in the immunotherapy-based treatment of many tumor types, this has not been successfully translated to CCA. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are cytotoxic innate-like T cells highly enriched in the human liver, where they are located in close proximity to the biliary epithelium. Here, we aimed to comprehensively characterize MAIT cells in intrahepatic (iCCA) and perihilar CCA (pCCA). APPROACH AND RESULTS Liver tissue from patients with CCA was used to study immune cells, including MAIT cells, in tumor-affected and surrounding tissue by immunohistochemistry, RNA-sequencing, and multicolor flow cytometry. The iCCA and pCCA tumor microenvironment was characterized by the presence of both cytotoxic T cells and high numbers of regulatory T cells. In contrast, MAIT cells were heterogenously lost from tumors compared to the surrounding liver tissue. This loss possibly occurred in response to increased bacterial burden within tumors. The residual intratumoral MAIT cell population exhibited phenotypic and transcriptomic alterations, but a preserved receptor repertoire for interaction with tumor cells. Finally, the high presence of MAIT cells in livers of iCCA patients predicted long-term survival in two independent cohorts and was associated with a favorable antitumor immune signature. CONCLUSIONS MAIT cell tumor infiltration associates with favorable immunological fitness and predicts survival in CCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine L Zimmer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Iva Filipovic
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Martin Cornillet
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Colm J O'Rourke
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC)Department of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lena Berglin
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Hannes Jansson
- Division of SurgeryDepartment of Clinical Science, Intervention and TechnologyKarolinska InstitutetKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Dan Sun
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Otto Strauss
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Laura Hertwig
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Helene Johansson
- Division of Transplantation SurgeryCLINTECKarolinka Institutet and Department of TransplantationKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Erik von Seth
- Division of Upper GI DiseasesKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden.,Unit of Gastroenterology and RheumatologyDepartment of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska InstitutetKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Ernesto Sparrelid
- Division of SurgeryDepartment of Clinical Science, Intervention and TechnologyKarolinska InstitutetKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Joana Dias
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Hans Glaumann
- Department of MedicineClinical Pathology and CytologyKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Espen Melum
- Norwegian PSC Research CenterDepartment of Transplantation MedicineDivision of SurgeryInflammatory Diseases and TransplantationOslo University Hospital RikshospitaletOsloNorway.,Research Institute of Internal MedicineDivision of SurgeryInflammatory Diseases and TransplantationOslo University HospitalOsloNorway.,Institute of Clinical MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway.,Section of GastroenterologyDepartment of Transplantation MedicineDivision of SurgeryInflammatory Diseases and TransplantationOslo University Hospital RikshospitaletOsloNorway.,Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of ExcellenceInstitute of Basic Medical SciencesFaculty of MedicineUniversity of OsloOsloNorway
| | - Ewa C Ellis
- Division of Transplantation SurgeryCLINTECKarolinka Institutet and Department of TransplantationKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Johan K Sandberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC)Department of Health and Medical SciencesUniversity of CopenhagenCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Annika Bergquist
- Division of Upper GI DiseasesKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden.,Unit of Gastroenterology and RheumatologyDepartment of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska InstitutetKarolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine HuddingeKarolinska Institutet, Karolinska University HospitalStockholmSweden
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Engineering-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092266. [PMID: 35565395 PMCID: PMC9100203 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) that can be genetically engineered and differentiated into different types of immune cells, providing an unlimited resource for developing off-the-shelf cell therapies. Here, we present a comprehensive review that describes the current stages of iPSC-based cell therapies, including iPSC-derived T, nature killer (NK), invariant natural killer T (iNKT), gamma delta T (γδ T), mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and macrophages (Mφs). Abstract Cell-based immunotherapy, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, has revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies, especially in patients who are refractory to other therapies. However, there are critical obstacles that hinder the widespread clinical applications of current autologous therapies, such as high cost, challenging large-scale manufacturing, and inaccessibility to the therapy for lymphopenia patients. Therefore, it is in great demand to generate the universal off-the-shelf cell products with significant scalability. Human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) provide an “unlimited supply” for cell therapy because of their unique self-renewal properties and the capacity to be genetically engineered. iPSCs can be differentiated into different immune cells, such as T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, gamma delta T (γδ T), mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and macrophages (Mφs). In this review, we describe iPSC-based allogeneic cell therapy, the different culture methods of generating iPSC-derived immune cells (e.g., iPSC-T, iPSC-NK, iPSC-iNKT, iPSC-γδT, iPSC-MAIT and iPSC-Mφ), as well as the recent advances in iPSC-T and iPSC-NK cell therapies, particularly in combinations with CAR-engineering. We also discuss the current challenges and the future perspectives in this field towards the foreseeable applications of iPSC-based immune therapy.
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Valestrand L, Zheng F, Hansen SH, Øgaard J, Hov JR, Björkström NK, Karlsen TH, Jiang X, Melum E. Bile from Patients with Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis Contains Mucosal-Associated Invariant T-Cell Antigens. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 192:629-641. [PMID: 35063408 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is associated with altered microbiota of the gut and bile. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, enriched in human liver, uniquely recognize microbial-derived metabolites. This study aimed to determine whether bile from patients with PSC contains antigens activating MAIT cells. Bile was collected at the time of liver transplantation from patients with PSC (n = 28). The bile samples were either directly incubated with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy donors or with antigen-presenting cells followed by co-culture with peripheral blood mononuclear cells. MAIT cell activation was assessed by flow cytometry. An anti-MR1 antibody was used to determine whether the activation was major histocompatibility complex class I-related protein (MR1) restricted. Biliary microbiota profiles were generated using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing, and the abundance of the bacterial gene ribD was predicted. Eight of 28 bile samples could activate MAIT cells. This activation was partly MR1-dependent in five of eight bile samples. Microbial DNA was detected in 15 of 28 bile samples, including the five bile samples leading to MR1-dependent activation. A higher abundance of the ribD gene expression in the group of bile samples that could activate MAIT cells was predicted on the basis of the 16S sequencing. In co-culture experiments, cholangiocytes could take up and present biliary antigens to MAIT cells. These findings suggest a pathophysiological pathway in PSC connecting the immune system and the microbiome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Valestrand
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Section of Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Fei Zheng
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Simen H Hansen
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonas Øgaard
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Johannes R Hov
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Section of Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Niklas K Björkström
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tom H Karlsen
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Section of Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Xiaojun Jiang
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Espen Melum
- Norwegian PSC Research Center, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Research Institute of Internal Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Section of Gastroenterology, Division of Surgery, Inflammatory Diseases and Transplantation, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Hybrid Technology Hub-Centre of Excellence, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
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Li XY, Shen Y, Zhang L, Guo X, Wu J. Understanding initiation and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through single cell sequencing. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188720. [PMID: 35304295 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Unsatisfied clinical outcome drives to better understand hepatic carcinogenesis, microenvironment and escape of immune surveillance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) has generated enormous data to pinpoint pathophysiologic alterations in tumor microenvironment (TME) or trace lineage development in cancer stem cells (CSCs), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and subsets of immune cells, such as exhausting T cells, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), dendritic cells or other lineages. New insights have significantly advanced current understanding in progression, poor responses to molecular-targeted therapeutics or immune checkpoint inhibitors, metastasis in both basic research and clinical practice. The present review intends to cover a basic workflow of the scRNA-seq technology, existing limitations and improvement areas. Moreover, in-depth understanding in TME, exhausting T cells, CSCs, CTCs, tumor-associated macrophages, dendritic cells in HCC facilitates implementation of personalized and precise therapy in an era of availability with an array of systemic regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yue Li
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yue Shen
- Dept. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xiao Guo
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China; Pathogenic Research Core Facility, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Dept. of Medical Microbiology & Parasitology, MOE/NHC/CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Virology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China; Dept. of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Shanghai Institute of Liver Diseases, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200032, China.
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Wu W, Liang X, Li H, Huang X, Wan C, Xie Q, Liu Z. Landscape of T Cells in NK-AML(M4/M5) Revealed by Single-Cell Sequencing. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:745-758. [PMID: 35258858 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5a0721-396rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (NK-AML) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy that resides within a complex immune microenvironment, complicating efforts to reveal the interaction between leukemia cells and immune cells. Understanding tumor-infiltrating T cells is crucial to the advancement of immune therapies and the improvement of the prognosis for NK-AML patients. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on bone marrow cells from 5 NK-AML (M4/M5) patients and 1 normal donor and paired single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on single T cells. As a result, we identified 8 T cell clusters based on the gene expression characteristics of each subset in NK-AML and described their developmental trajectories. In NK-AML patients, specific clusters, such as mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs), were preferentially enriched and potentially clonally expanded. These transcriptome and TCR data analyses provide valuable insights and rich resources for understanding the immune environment of NK-AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaolin Liang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Huiqun Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoke Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chengyao Wan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiongni Xie
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhenfang Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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Vorkas CK, Krishna C, Li K, Aubé J, Fitzgerald DW, Mazutis L, Leslie CS, Glickman MS. Single-Cell Transcriptional Profiling Reveals Signatures of Helper, Effector, and Regulatory MAIT Cells during Homeostasis and Activation. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1042-1056. [PMID: 35149530 PMCID: PMC9012082 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate-like lymphocytes that recognize microbial vitamin B metabolites and have emerging roles in infectious disease, autoimmunity, and cancer. Although MAIT cells are identified by a semi-invariant TCR, their phenotypic and functional heterogeneity is not well understood. Here we present an integrated single cell transcriptomic analysis of over 76,000 human MAIT cells during early and prolonged Ag-specific activation with the MR1 ligand 5-OP-RU and nonspecific TCR stimulation. We show that MAIT cells span a broad range of homeostatic, effector, helper, tissue-infiltrating, regulatory, and exhausted phenotypes, with distinct gene expression programs associated with CD4+ or CD8+ coexpression. During early activation, MAIT cells rapidly adopt a cytotoxic phenotype characterized by high expression of GZMB, IFNG and TNF In contrast, prolonged stimulation induces heterogeneous states defined by proliferation, cytotoxicity, immune modulation, and exhaustion. We further demonstrate a FOXP3 expressing MAIT cell subset that phenotypically resembles conventional regulatory T cells. Moreover, scRNAseq-defined MAIT cell subpopulations were also detected in individuals recently exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, confirming their presence during human infection. To our knowledge, our study provides the first comprehensive atlas of human MAIT cells in activation conditions and defines substantial functional heterogeneity, suggesting complex roles in health and disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Kyriakos Vorkas
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY;,Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Chirag Krishna
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Kelin Li
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Daniel W. Fitzgerald
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY;,Center for Global Health, Weill Cornell Medicine, Cornell University, New York, NY
| | - Linas Mazutis
- Single Cell Research Initiative, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; and
| | - Christina S. Leslie
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Michael S. Glickman
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY;,Division of Infectious Diseases, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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Jiang H, Yu D, Yang P, Guo R, Kong M, Gao Y, Yu X, Lu X, Fan X. Revealing the transcriptional heterogeneity of organ‐specific metastasis in human gastric cancer using single‐cell RNA Sequencing. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e730. [PMID: 35184420 PMCID: PMC8858624 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 01/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Deciphering intra‐ and inter‐tumoural heterogeneity is essential for understanding the biology of gastric cancer (GC) and its metastasis and identifying effective therapeutic targets. However, the characteristics of different organ‐tropism metastases of GC are largely unknown. Methods Ten fresh human tissue samples from six patients, including primary tumour and adjacent non‐tumoural samples and six metastases from different organs or tissues (liver, peritoneum, ovary, lymph node) were evaluated using single‐cell RNA sequencing. Validation experiments were performed using histological assays and bulk transcriptomic datasets. Results Malignant epithelial subclusters associated with invasion features, intraperitoneal metastasis propensity, epithelial–mesenchymal transition‐induced tumour stem cell phenotypes, or dormancy‐like characteristics were discovered. High expression of the first three subcluster‐associated genes displayed worse overall survival than those with low expression in a GC cohort containing 407 samples. Immune and stromal cells exhibited cellular heterogeneity and created a pro‐tumoural and immunosuppressive microenvironment. Furthermore, a 20‐gene signature of lymph node‐derived exhausted CD8+ T cells was acquired to forecast lymph node metastasis and validated in GC cohorts. Additionally, although anti‐NKG2A (KLRC1) antibody have not been used to treat GC patients even in clinical trials, we uncovered not only malignant tumour cells but one endothelial subcluster, mucosal‐associated invariant T cells, T cell‐like B cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, and neutrophils may contribute to HLA‐E‐KLRC1/KLRC2 interaction with cytotoxic/exhausted CD8+ T cells and/or natural killer (NK) cells, suggesting novel clinical therapeutic opportunities in GC. Additionally, our findings suggested that PD‐1 expression in CD8+ T cells might predict clinical responses to PD‐1 blockade therapy in GC. Conclusions This study provided insights into heterogeneous microenvironment of GC primary tumours and organ‐specific metastases and provide support for precise diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiping Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology The First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou China
| | - Dingyi Yu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Penghui Yang
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Rongfang Guo
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Mei Kong
- Department of Pathology The First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou China
| | - Yuan Gao
- Department of Gastro‐Intestinal Surgery The First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou China
| | - Xiongfei Yu
- Department of Surgical Oncology The First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University School of Medicine Hangzhou China
| | - Xiaoyan Lu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- State Key Laboratory of Component‐Based Chinese Medicine Innovation Center in Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
| | - Xiaohui Fan
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute College of Pharmaceutical Sciences Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- State Key Laboratory of Component‐Based Chinese Medicine Innovation Center in Zhejiang University Hangzhou China
- Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine Hangzhou China
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43
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Singh P, Szaraz-Szeles M, Mezei Z, Barath S, Hevessy Z. Age-dependent frequency of unconventional T cells in a healthy adult Caucasian population: a combinational study of invariant natural killer T cells, γδ T cells, and mucosa-associated invariant T cells. GeroScience 2022; 44:2047-2060. [PMID: 35038082 PMCID: PMC8763133 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-022-00515-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells show distinct and unique features during antigen recognition as well as other immune responses. Their decrease in frequency is associated with various autoimmune disorders, allergy, inflammation, and cancer. The landscape frequency of the unconventional T cells altogether (iNKT, γδ T, and MAIT) is largely unestablished leading to various challenges affecting diagnosis and research in this field. In this study, we have established the age group–wise frequency of iNKT, γδ T, and MAIT cells altogether on a total of 203 healthy adult samples of the Caucasian population. The results revealed that iNKT cells were 0.095%, γδ T cells were 2.175%, and MAIT cells were 2.99% of the total T cell population. γδ and MAIT cell frequency is higher in younger age groups than elderly; however, there is no statistically significant difference in the frequency of iNKT cells. Furthermore, γδ and MAIT cells were negatively correlating with age, supporting immunosenescence, unlike iNKT cells. Our finding could be used for further age-wise investigation of various pathological conditions such as cancer and their prognosis, autoimmune diseases and their pathogenicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parvind Singh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Marianna Szaraz-Szeles
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltan Mezei
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Sandor Barath
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Hevessy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Nagyerdei krt. 98, 4032, Debrecen, Hungary.
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44
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Vorwald VM, Davis DM, Van Gulick RJ, Torphy RJ, Borgers JS, Klarquist J, Couts KL, Amato CM, Cogswell DT, Fujita M, Castleman MJ, Davis T, Lozupone C, Medina TM, Robinson WA, Gapin L, McCarter MD, Tobin RP. Circulating CD8 + mucosal-associated invariant T cells correlate with improved treatment responses and overall survival in anti-PD-1-treated melanoma patients. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1367. [PMID: 35028137 PMCID: PMC8743567 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives While much of the research concerning factors associated with responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has focussed on the contributions of conventional peptide‐specific T cells, the role of unconventional T cells, such as mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, in human melanoma remains largely unknown. MAIT cells are an abundant population of innate‐like T cells expressing a semi‐invariant T‐cell receptor restricted to the MHC class I‐like molecule, MR1, presenting vitamin B metabolites derived from bacteria. We sought to characterise MAIT cells in melanoma patients and determined their association with treatment responses and clinical outcomes. Methods In this prospective clinical study, we analysed the frequency and functional profile of circulating and tumor‐infiltrating MAIT cells in human melanoma patients. Using flow cytometry, we compared these across metastatic sites and between ICI responders vs. non‐responders as well as healthy donors. Results We identified tumor‐infiltrating MAIT cells in melanomas across metastatic sites and found that the number of circulating MAIT cells is reduced in melanoma patients compared to healthy donors. However, circulating MAIT cell frequencies are restored by ICI treatment in responding patients, correlating with treatment responses, in which patients with high frequencies of MAIT cells exhibited significantly improved overall survival. Conclusion Our results suggest that MAIT cells may be a potential predictive marker of responses to immunotherapies and provide rationale for testing MAIT cell‐directed therapies in combination with current and next‐generation ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M Vorwald
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Dana M Davis
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Robert J Van Gulick
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Robert J Torphy
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Jessica Sw Borgers
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA.,The Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Jared Klarquist
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Kasey L Couts
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Carol M Amato
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Dasha T Cogswell
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA.,Department of Dermatology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Moriah J Castleman
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Timothy Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics School of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Catherine Lozupone
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Theresa M Medina
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - William A Robinson
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Martin D McCarter
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Richard P Tobin
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
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45
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Li YR, Dunn ZS, Zhou Y, Lee D, Yang L. Development of Stem Cell-Derived Immune Cells for Off-the-Shelf Cancer Immunotherapies. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123497. [PMID: 34944002 PMCID: PMC8700013 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell-based cancer immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of hematological malignancies. Specifically, autologous chimeric antigen receptor-engineered T (CAR-T) cell therapies have received approvals for treating leukemias, lymphomas, and multiple myeloma following unprecedented clinical response rates. A critical barrier to the widespread usage of current CAR-T cell products is their autologous nature, which renders these cellular products patient-selective, costly, and challenging to manufacture. Allogeneic cell products can be scalable and readily administrable but face critical concerns of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD), a life-threatening adverse event in which therapeutic cells attack host tissues, and allorejection, in which host immune cells eliminate therapeutic cells, thereby limiting their antitumor efficacy. In this review, we discuss recent advances in developing stem cell-engineered allogeneic cell therapies that aim to overcome the limitations of current autologous and allogeneic cell therapies, with a special focus on stem cell-engineered conventional αβ T cells, unconventional T (iNKT, MAIT, and γδ T) cells, and natural killer (NK) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (Y.-R.L.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Zachary Spencer Dunn
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA;
| | - Yang Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (Y.-R.L.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Derek Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (Y.-R.L.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.)
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (Y.-R.L.); (Y.Z.); (D.L.)
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
- Correspondence:
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46
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Tian W, Liu Y, Cao C, Zeng Y, Pan Y, Liu X, Peng Y, Wu F. Chronic Stress: Impacts on Tumor Microenvironment and Implications for Anti-Cancer Treatments. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:777018. [PMID: 34869378 PMCID: PMC8640341 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.777018] [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: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress is common among cancer patients due to the psychological, operative, or pharmaceutical stressors at the time of diagnosis or during the treatment of cancers. The continuous activations of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), as results of chronic stress, have been demonstrated to take part in several cancer-promoting processes, such as tumorigenesis, progression, metastasis, and multi-drug resistance, by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). Stressed TME is generally characterized by the increased proportion of cancer-promoting cells and cytokines, the reduction and malfunction of immune-supportive cells and cytokines, augmented angiogenesis, enhanced epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and damaged extracellular matrix. For the negative effects that these alterations can cause in terms of the efficacies of anti-cancer treatments and prognosis of patients, supplementary pharmacological or psychotherapeutic strategies targeting HPA, SNS, or psychological stress may be effective in improving the prognosis of cancer patients. Here, we review the characteristics and mechanisms of TME alterations under chronic stress, their influences on anti-cancer therapies, and accessory interventions and therapies for stressed cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yi Liu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chenghui Cao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yue Pan
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaohan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yurong Peng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Huang W, Ye D, He W, He X, Shi X, Gao Y. Activated but impaired IFN-γ production of mucosal-associated invariant T cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003685. [PMID: 34789552 PMCID: PMC8601081 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003685] [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] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are innate T cells with immunoregulatory activity and were recently found to be associated with various tumor types. The role of intrasinusoidal MAIT cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been fully characterized. Design Peripheral blood samples were obtained from patients with HCC and healthy controls. Liver-associated mononuclear cells (LMCs) were collected from liver perfusions of donors and patients with HCC undergoing liver transplantation. Blood and liver perfusates from patients with HCC were analyzed by flow cytometry for CD3 +CD161+Vα7.2+MAIT cell frequency, phenotype, and function. Results There were fewer MAIT cells in the peripheral blood and liver of patients with HCC than in the healthy controls. Interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production by these cells was also reduced. Peripheral MAIT cells showed upregulation of HLA-DR (Human Leukocyte Antigen DR) and the inhibitory molecule PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death Protein 1), but no significant differences in upregulation were found in intrasinusoidal MAIT cells. MAIT cells were significantly enriched in the liver relative to that in the peripheral blood of patients with HCC. High levels of activation markers and exhaustion markers including HLA-DR, CD69, and PD-1 were observed in LMCs of patients with HCC but not in the peripheral blood. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that intrasinusoidal MAIT cells exhibited distinct features in patients with HCC and the controls. Conclusion Our study showed that alterations in MAIT cells are associated with HCC. The distinct activity and function of MAIT cells in the peripheral blood and liver of patients with HCC might suggest a potential role of these cells in disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyong Huang
- Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongmei Ye
- Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjing He
- Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoshun He
- Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaomin Shi
- Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yifang Gao
- Organ Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China .,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Organ Donation and Transplant Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Guangdong Provincial International Cooperation Base of Science and Technology (Organ Transplantation), The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
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Jarvis EM, Collings S, Authier-Hall A, Dasyam N, Luey B, Nacey J, Painter GF, Delahunt B, Hermans IF, Weinkove R. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cell Dysfunction and PD-1 Expression in Prostate Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:748741. [PMID: 34737749 PMCID: PMC8560687 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.748741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Despite an abundance of prostate-specific antigens, immunotherapies have yet to become a standard of care, potentially limited by T-cell dysfunction. Up to 10% of human circulating T-cells, and a significant fraction in the urogenital tract, are mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. MAIT cells express stereotyped T-cell receptors that recognize riboflavin metabolites derived from microbes presented by MR-1. We evaluated the number, phenotype and function of circulating MAIT cells, alongside two other innate-like T (ILT) -cell subsets, in men with prostate cancer and age- and sex-matched controls. MAIT cells in men with prostate cancer circulated at similar frequencies to controls, but their cytokine production and proliferation was impaired. In contrast, the function of two other ILT-cell populations (natural killer T-cells and Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells) was not impaired. In both patients and controls, MAIT cells expressed high levels of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-1 at rest, while upregulation of PD-1 in response to the MR-1 ligand 5-amino-6D-ribitylaminouracil (5-A-RU) was greater in patients. 5-A-RU also induced upregulation of PD-L1 and -L2 RNA in primary mononuclear cells. We confirmed that circulating MAIT cell number and function were preserved before and during anti-PD1 therapy with pembrolizumab in a cohort of patients with melanoma. In vitro, 5-A-RU enhanced mononuclear cell cytotoxicity against the PD-L1 positive prostate cancer cell line PC3 in an MR-1-dependent manner. Addition of pembrolizumab enhanced this cytotoxicity, and was associated with increased MAIT cell expression of CD107a and IFN-γ. We conclude that prostate cancer is associated with MAIT-cell dysfunction, and that this might be overcome through the application of potent MR-1 ligands with PD-1 blockade. These findings may have implications for the development of cancer immunotherapies that exploit MAIT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie-May Jarvis
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Shaun Collings
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Astrid Authier-Hall
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Nathaniel Dasyam
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Brendan Luey
- Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - John Nacey
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gavin F Painter
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.,Immuno-oncology Programme, Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brett Delahunt
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ian F Hermans
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.,Immuno-oncology Programme, Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Robert Weinkove
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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49
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Catafal-Tardos E, Baglioni MV, Bekiaris V. Inhibiting the Unconventionals: Importance of Immune Checkpoint Receptors in γδ T, MAIT, and NKT Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184647. [PMID: 34572874 PMCID: PMC8467786 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary All conventional major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T cells transiently express immune checkpoint/inhibitory receptors (ICRs) following activation as a means to counter-regulate overactivation. However, tumors promote chronic ICR expression rendering T cells chronically unresponsive or “exhausted”. Checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy targets and blocks ICRs, restoring T cell activation and anti-tumor immunity. However, CPI therapy often fails, partly because of the tumor’s many abilities to inhibit MHC-driven T cell responses. In this regard, our immune system contains an arsenal of unconventional non-MHC-restricted T cells, whose importance in anti-tumor immunity is rapidly gaining momentum. There is currently little knowledge as to whether unconventional T cells can get exhausted and how CPI therapy affects them. In this article we review the current understanding of the role of ICRs in unconventional T cell biology and discuss the importance of targeting these unique immune cell populations for CPI therapy. Abstract In recent years, checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy has shown promising clinical responses across a broad range of cancers. However, many patients remain unresponsive and there is need for improvement. CPI therapy relies on antibody-mediated neutralization of immune inhibitory or checkpoint receptors (ICRs) that constitutively suppress leukocytes. In this regard, the clinical outcome of CPI therapy has primarily been attributed to modulating classical MHC-restricted αβ T cell responses, yet, it will inevitably target most lymphoid (and many myeloid) populations. As such, unconventional non-MHC-restricted gamma delta (γδ) T, mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) and natural killer T (NKT) cells express ICRs at steady-state and after activation and may thus be affected by CPI therapies. To which extent, however, remains unclear. These unconventional T cells are polyfunctional innate-like lymphocytes that play a key role in tumor immune surveillance and have a plethora of protective and pathogenic immune responses. The robust anti-tumor potential of γδ T, MAIT, and NKT cells has been established in a variety of preclinical cancer models and in clinical reports. In contrast, recent studies have documented a pro-tumor effect of innate-like T cell subsets that secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms that regulate such T cells and their response to CPI is critical in designing effective cancer immunotherapies that favor anti-tumor immunity. In this Review, we will discuss the current understanding regarding the role of immune checkpoint regulation in γδ T, MAIT, and NKT cells and its importance in anti-cancer immunity.
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50
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Comont T, Nicolau-Travers ML, Bertoli S, Recher C, Vergez F, Treiner E. MAIT cells numbers and frequencies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia at diagnosis: association with cytogenetic profile and gene mutations. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:875-887. [PMID: 34477901 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing or monitoring immune cells is actually a major topic in pre-clinical and clinical studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT) constitute one of the largest subset of innate-like, cytotoxic T cell subsets in humans. Despite some papers suggesting a role for MAIT cells in cancer, their specific involvement remains unclear, especially in myeloid malignancies. This prospective monocentric study included 216 patients with a newly diagnosed AML. Circulating MAIT cells were quantified by flow cytometry at diagnosis and during intensive chemotherapy. We observed that circulating MAIT cells show a specific decline in AML patients at diagnosis compared to healthy donors. Post-induction monitored patients presented with a drastic drop in MAIT cell numbers, with recovery after one month. We also found correlation between decrease in MAIT cells number and adverse cytogenetic profile. FLT3-ITD and IDH ½ mutations were associated with higher MAIT cell numbers. Patients with high level of activated MAIT cells are under-represented within patients with a favorable cytogenetic profile, and over-represented among patients with IDH1 mutations or bi-allelic CEBPA mutations. We show for the first time that circulating MAIT cells are affected in newly diagnosed AML patients, suggesting a link between MAIT cells and AML progression. Our work fosters new studies to deepen our knowledge about the role of MAIT cells in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Comont
- Department of Internal Medicine, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Laboratory of Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Sarah Bertoli
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- Department of Clinical Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Christian Recher
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- Department of Clinical Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Francois Vergez
- Laboratory of Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Emmanuel Treiner
- Laboratory of Immunology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France.
- Infinity, Inserm UMR1291, 330 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31000, Toulouse, France.
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