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Santagata S, Trotta AM, D'Alterio C, Napolitano M, Rea G, Di Napoli M, Portella L, Ieranò C, Guardascione G, Coppola E, Caux C, Dubois B, Boyle HJ, Carles J, Rossetti S, Azzaro R, Feroce F, Perdonà S, Fordellone M, Bello AM, Califano D, Chiodini P, Pignata S, Scala S. KIR2DL2/DL3+NKs and Helios+Tregs in Peripheral Blood Predict Nivolumab Response in Patients with Metastatic Renal Cell Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:4755-4767. [PMID: 39167621 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-24-0729] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify predictive factors of nivolumab sensitivity, peripheral blood NKs and regulatory T-cell (Treg) were evaluated in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) enrolled in the REVOLUTION trial. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Fifty-seven mRCCs being treated with nivolumab, as at least second-line of therapy, and 62 healthy donors were longitudinally evaluated (0-1-3-6-12 months) for peripheral NKs and Tregs, phenotype, and function. Multivariable logistic regression was conducted to identify the independent predictors. The 0.632+ internal cross-validation was used to avoid overfitting. The best cutoff value based on a 3-month clinical response was applied to progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). Kaplan-Meier curves for PFS and OS were produced. RESULTS At pretreatment, mRCCs displayed high frequency of NKp46+NKs, NKp30+NKs, KIR2DL1+NKs, KIR2DL2/DL3+NKs, and PD1+NKs with reduced NK degranulation as well as high frequency of Tregs, PD1+Tregs, Helios+Tregs, and ENTPD1+Tregs. Responder patients, identified as a clinical response after 3 months of treatment, presented at pretreatment significantly low CD3+, high KIR2DL2/DL3+NKs, high PD1+Tregs, and high Helios+Tregs. Upon multivariate analysis, only KIR2DL2/DL3NKs and Helios+Tregs held as independent predictors of nivolumab responsiveness. The KIR2DL2/DL3+NKs >35.3% identified patients with longer OS, whereas the Helios+Tregs >34.3% displayed significantly longer PFS. After 1-month of nivolumab, responder patients showed low CD3+, high NKs, KIR2DL2/DL3+NKs, and ICOS+Tregs. Among these subpopulations, CD3+ and KIR2DL2/DL3+NKs held as independent predictors of nivolumab efficacy. Low CD3+ (≤71%) was significantly associated with longer PFS, whereas high KIR2DL2/DL3+NKs (>23.3%) were associated with both PFS and OS. CONCLUSIONS Pretreatment evaluation of Helios+Tregs/KIR2DL2/DL3+NKs and 1-month posttreatment CD3+/ KIR2DL2/DL3+NKs will predict nivolumab response in mRCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Santagata
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Trotta
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Crescenzo D'Alterio
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Napolitano
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Rea
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Marilena Di Napoli
- Uro-Gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Portella
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Caterina Ieranò
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Guardascione
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Coppola
- Uro-Gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Christophe Caux
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U-1052, CNRS 5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Lyon Immunotherapy for Cancer Laboratory (LICL), Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Bertrand Dubois
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM U-1052, CNRS 5286, Cancer Research Center of Lyon, Lyon, France
- Lyon Immunotherapy for Cancer Laboratory (LICL), Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Helen J Boyle
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Joan Carles
- Oncology Department, Val d'Hebron University, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sabrina Rossetti
- Uro-Gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Azzaro
- Transfusion Medicine Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Florinda Feroce
- Department of Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Sisto Perdonà
- Department of Urology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Mario Fordellone
- Unità di Statistica Medica Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Fisica e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Bello
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Daniela Califano
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Paolo Chiodini
- Unità di Statistica Medica Dipartimento di Salute Mentale e Fisica e Medicina Preventiva, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Sandro Pignata
- Uro-Gynecological Oncology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
| | - Stefania Scala
- Microenvironment Molecular Targets, Istituto Nazionale Tumori - IRCCS - Fondazione G. Pascale, Naples, Italy
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Liu YT, Wu HL, Su YD, Wang Y, Li Y. Development in the Study of Natural Killer Cells for Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment. Cancer Biother Radiopharm 2024; 39:551-561. [PMID: 39093850 DOI: 10.1089/cbr.2024.0078] [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] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPeM) is a rare primary malignant tumor originating from peritoneal mesothelial cells. Insufficient specificity of the symptoms and their frequent reappearance following surgery make it challenging to diagnose, creating a need for more efficient treatment options. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are part of the innate immune system and are classified as lymphoid cells. Under the regulation of activating and inhibiting receptors, NK cells secrete various cytokines to exert cytotoxic effects and participate in antiforeign body, antiviral, and antitumor activities. This review provides a comprehensive summary of the specific alterations observed in NK cells following MPeM treatment, including changes in cell number, subpopulation distribution, active receptors, and cytotoxicity. In addition, we summarize the impact of various therapeutic interventions, such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy, on NK cell function post-MPeM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Tong Liu
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - He-Liang Wu
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Peking University Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Dong Su
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of Hematology, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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3
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Greppi M, De Franco F, Obino V, Rebaudi F, Goda R, Frumento D, Vita G, Baronti C, Melaiu O, Bozzo M, Candiani S, Vellone VG, Papaccio F, Pesce S, Marcenaro E. NK Cell Receptors in Anti-Tumor and Healthy Tissue Protection: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Advances. Immunol Lett 2024:106932. [PMID: 39303993 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are integral to the innate immune system, renowned for their ability to target and eliminate cancer cells without the need for antigen presentation, sparing normal tissues. These cells are crucial in cancer immunosurveillance due to their diverse array of activating and inhibitory receptors that modulate their cytotoxic activity. However, the tumor microenvironment can suppress NK cell function through various mechanisms. Over recent decades, research has focused on overcoming these tumor escape mechanisms. Initially, efforts concentrated on enhancing T cell activity, leading to impressive results with immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at boosting T cell responses. Nevertheless, a substantial number of patients do not benefit from these treatments and continue to seek effective alternatives. In this context, NK cells present a promising avenue for developing new treatments, given their potent cytotoxic capabilities, safety profile, and activity against T cell-resistant tumors, such as those lacking HLA-I expression. Recent advancements in immunotherapy include strategies to restore and amplify NK cell activity through immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, adoptive NK cell therapy, and CAR-NK cell technology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of NK cell receptors, the tumor escape mechanisms that hinder NK cell function, and the evolving field of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy, highlighting ongoing efforts to develop more effective and targeted cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabiana De Franco
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Rebaudi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rayan Goda
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Davide Frumento
- Department of Education Sciences, University of Rome Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Vita
- Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Camilla Baronti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova
| | - Valerio G Vellone
- Department of Integrated Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Papaccio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova.
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova.
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Shin SK, Oh S, Chun SK, Ahn MJ, Lee SM, Kim K, Kang H, Lee J, Shin SP, Lee J, Jung YK. Immune signature and therapeutic approach of natural killer cell in chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2024; 39:1717-1727. [PMID: 38800890 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.16584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the key members of innate immunity that predominantly reside in the liver, potentiating immune responses against viral infections or malignant tumors. It has been reported that changes in cell numbers and function of NK cells are associated with the development and progression of chronic liver diseases (CLDs) including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, and chronic viral hepatitis. Also, it is known that the crosstalk between NK cells and hepatic stellate cells plays an important role in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. In particular, the impaired functions of NK cells observed in CLDs consequently contribute to occurrence and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Chronic infections by hepatitis B or C viruses counteract the anti-tumor immunity of the host by producing the sheddases. Soluble major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A (sMICA), released from the cell surfaces by sheddases, disrupts the interaction and affects the function of NK cells. Recently, the MICA/B-NK stimulatory receptor NK group 2 member D (NKG2D) axis has been extensively studied in HCC. HCC patients with low membrane-bound MICA or high sMICA concentration have been associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, reversing the sMICA-mediated downregulation of NKG2D has been proposed as an attractive strategy to enhance both innate and adaptive immune responses against HCC. This review aims to summarize recent studies on NK cell immune signatures and its roles in CLD and hepatocellular carcinogenesis and discusses the therapeutic approaches of MICA/B-NKG2D-based or NK cell-based immunotherapy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Kak Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, College of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Sooyeon Oh
- Chaum Life Center, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Su-Kyung Chun
- Chaum Life Center, School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Min-Ji Ahn
- Center for Research and Development, CHA Advanced Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Min Lee
- Center for Research and Development, CHA Advanced Research Institute, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Kayun Kim
- School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hogyeong Kang
- School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeongwoo Lee
- School of Medicine, CHA University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Suk Pyo Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Jooho Lee
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, South Korea
| | - Young Kul Jung
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University Ansan Hospital, Ansan, South Korea
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5
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Dong S, Zhao M, Zhu J, Li T, Yan M, Xing K, Liu P, Yu S, Ma J, He H. Natural killer cells: a future star for immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1442673. [PMID: 39234249 PMCID: PMC11371580 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1442673] [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: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 07/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The interplay between immune components and the epithelium plays a crucial role in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Natural killer (NK) cells, one of the main tumor-killing immune cell populations, have received increasing attention in HNSCC immunotherapy. In this review, we explore the mechanism underlying the interplay between NK cells and HNSCC. A series of immune evasion strategies utilized by cancer cells restrict HNSCC infiltration of NK cells. Overcoming these limitations can fully exploit the antineoplastic potential of NK cells. We also investigated the tumor-killing efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapies, immunotherapeutic strategies, and new results from clinical trials. Notably, cetuximab, the most essential component of NK cell-based immunotherapy, inhibits the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathway and activates the immune system in conjunction with NK cells, inducing innate effector functions and improving patient prognosis. In addition, we compiled information on other areas for the improvement of patient prognosis using anti-EGFR receptor-based monoclonal antibody drugs and the underlying mechanisms and prognoses of new immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyan Dong
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Ming Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Medical College and the First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Jin Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Xi'an Daxing Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ting Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Mingze Yan
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Kaixun Xing
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Peng Liu
- Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shan Yu
- Department of Pathology, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Department of General Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
- Department of Immunology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongjiang He
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
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Zhang Y, Xie J, Wu H, Huang J, Zheng D, Wang S, Jia X, He Z, Gong Y, Ju L, Sun Q. NK cell based immunotherapy against oral squamous cell carcinoma. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1440764. [PMID: 39192980 PMCID: PMC11347299 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1440764] [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: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), a major subtype of head and neck cancers, presents significant challenges due to its aggressive feature and limited therapeutic efficacy of conventional treatments. In response to these challenges, Natural Killer (NK) cells, a vital component of the innate immune system, are being explored for their therapeutic potential in OSCC due to their inherent ability to target and eliminate cancer cells without prior sensitization. This review uniquely focuses on the evolving role of NK cells specifically in OSCC, incorporating recent advancements in CAR-NK cell engineering and personalized therapy approaches that have not been comprehensively covered in previous reviews. The mechanisms through which NK cells exert cytotoxic effects on tumor cells include direct killing through the engagement of natural cytotoxic receptors and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), making them promising agents in cancer immunotherapy. Additionally, the article explores recent advancements in engineering NK cells to enhance their antitumor activity, such as the modification with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to target specific tumor antigens. Clinical implications of NK cell-based therapies, including the challenges of integrating these treatments with existing protocols and the potential for personalized therapy, are examined. The review highlights the promise of NK cell therapies in improving outcomes for OSCC patients and outlines future directions for research in this dynamic field of oncological immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Zhang
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianming Xie
- Department of Otolaryngology & Head and Neck Surgery, Anyuan People’s hospital, Ganzhou, China
| | - Haoran Wu
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jinhui Huang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Danna Zheng
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaotong Wang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueqiang Jia
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zongzhong He
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, General Hospital of Southern Theatre Command, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Linling Ju
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong Third People’s Hospital, Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Qiurong Sun
- Department of Stomatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, Jiangxi, China
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Pesini C, Artal L, Paúl Bernal J, Sánchez Martinez D, Pardo J, Ramírez-Labrada A. In-depth analysis of the interplay between oncogenic mutations and NK cell-mediated cancer surveillance in solid tumors. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2379062. [PMID: 39036370 PMCID: PMC11259085 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2379062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in antitumoral and antiviral responses. Yet, cancer cells can alter themselves or the microenvironment through the secretion of cytokines or other factors, hindering NK cell activation and promoting a less cytotoxic phenotype. These resistance mechanisms, often referred to as the "hallmarks of cancer" are significantly influenced by the activation of oncogenes, impacting most, if not all, of the described hallmarks. Along with oncogenes, other types of genes, the tumor suppressor genes are frequently mutated or modified during cancer. Traditionally, these genes have been associated with uncontrollable tumor growth and apoptosis resistance. Recent evidence suggests oncogenic mutations extend beyond modulating cell death/proliferation programs, influencing cancer immunosurveillance. While T cells have been more studied, the results obtained highlight NK cells as emerging key protagonists for enhancing tumor cell elimination by modulating oncogenic activity. A few recent studies highlight the crucial role of oncogenic mutations in NK cell-mediated cancer recognition, impacting angiogenesis, stress ligands, and signaling balance within the tumor microenvironment. This review will critically examine recent discoveries correlating oncogenic mutations to NK cell-mediated cancer immunosurveillance, a relatively underexplored area, particularly in the era dominated by immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR-T cells. Building on these insights, we will explore opportunities to improve NK cell-based immunotherapies, which are increasingly recognized as promising alternatives for treating low-antigenic tumors, offering significant advantages in terms of safety and manufacturing suitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pesini
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Laura Artal
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Institute of Carbochemistry (ICB-CSIC), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Jorge Paúl Bernal
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Diego Sánchez Martinez
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Aragón I + D Foundation (ARAID), Government of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatry and Public Health, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ariel Ramírez-Labrada
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Center for Biomedical Research in the Network of Infectious Diseases (CIBERINFEC), Carlos III Health Institute, Zaragoza, Spain
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8
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Morecroft R, Phillipps J, Zhou A, Butt O, Khaddour K, Johanns T, Ansstas G. Case report: Increased efficacy of cetuximab after pembrolizumab failure in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1385094. [PMID: 38779101 PMCID: PMC11109434 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1385094] [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: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is the first-line option for treating advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). However, up to half of patients experience no benefit and treatment resistance, warranting newer therapeutic approaches. Combinatory approaches, including cetuximab, may help overcome immunotherapy resistance and improve response rates in advanced cSCC. We report three cases of metastatic cSCC that achieved significant clinical responses after cetuximab therapy following initial progression on pembrolizumab. We have retrospectively reviewed these cases at a single academic center between 2018 and 2023. All patients initially progressed on pembrolizumab, after which cetuximab (mono- or combination therapy) was added with two complete responses and one partial response. Initial responses were noted within 2 to 7 months of starting cetuximab. While the benefit of cetuximab and immunotherapy in head-and-neck squamous cell carcinoma has growing evidence, information regarding cSCC remains limited. This study adds three cases to the underreported literature on treating advanced cSCC with cetuximab after initially failing immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renee Morecroft
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Jordan Phillipps
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Alice Zhou
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Omar Butt
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Karam Khaddour
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Tanner Johanns
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - George Ansstas
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
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9
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Ten A, Kumeiko V, Farniev V, Gao H, Shevtsov M. Tumor Microenvironment Modulation by Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Cells 2024; 13:682. [PMID: 38667297 PMCID: PMC11049026 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080682] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays an important role in the process of tumorigenesis, regulating the growth, metabolism, proliferation, and invasion of cancer cells, as well as contributing to tumor resistance to the conventional chemoradiotherapies. Several types of cells with relatively stable phenotypes have been identified within the TME, including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), neutrophils, and natural killer (NK) cells, which have been shown to modulate cancer cell proliferation, metastasis, and interaction with the immune system, thus promoting tumor heterogeneity. Growing evidence suggests that tumor-cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), via the transfer of various molecules (e.g., RNA, proteins, peptides, and lipids), play a pivotal role in the transformation of normal cells in the TME into their tumor-associated protumorigenic counterparts. This review article focuses on the functions of EVs in the modulation of the TME with a view to how exosomes contribute to the transformation of normal cells, as well as their importance for cancer diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Artem Ten
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
| | - Vadim Kumeiko
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
| | - Vladislav Farniev
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
| | - Huile Gao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China;
| | - Maxim Shevtsov
- School of Medicine and Life Sciences, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia; (A.T.); (V.K.); (V.F.)
- Laboratory of Biomedical Nanotechnologies, Institute of Cytology of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave., 4, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Personalized Medicine Centre, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Akkuratova Str., 2, 197341 St. Petersburg, Russia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Technishe Universität München (TUM), Klinikum Rechts der Isar, Ismaninger Str., 22, 81675 Munich, Germany
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10
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Perrino M, Voulaz E, Balin S, Cazzato G, Fontana E, Franzese S, Defendi M, De Vincenzo F, Cordua N, Tamma R, Borea F, Aliprandi M, Airoldi M, Cecchi LG, Fazio R, Alloisio M, Marulli G, Santoro A, Di Tommaso L, Ingravallo G, Russo L, Da Rin G, Villa A, Della Bella S, Zucali PA, Mavilio D. Autoimmunity in thymic epithelial tumors: a not yet clarified pathologic paradigm associated with several unmet clinical needs. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1288045. [PMID: 38629065 PMCID: PMC11018877 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1288045] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Thymic epithelial tumors (TETs) are rare mediastinal cancers originating from the thymus, classified in two main histotypes: thymoma and thymic carcinoma (TC). TETs affect a primary lymphoid organ playing a critical role in keeping T-cell homeostasis and ensuring an adequate immunological tolerance against "self". In particular, thymomas and not TC are frequently associated with autoimmune diseases (ADs), with Myasthenia Gravis being the most common AD present in 30% of patients with thymoma. This comorbidity, in addition to negatively affecting the quality and duration of patients' life, reduces the spectrum of the available therapeutic options. Indeed, the presence of autoimmunity represents an exclusion criteria for the administration of the newest immunotherapeutic treatments with checkpoint inhibitors. The pathophysiological correlation between TETs and autoimmunity remains a mystery. Several studies have demonstrated the presence of a residual and active thymopoiesis in adult patients affected by thymomas, especially in mixed and lymphocytic-rich thymomas, currently known as type AB and B thymomas. The aim of this review is to provide the state of art in regard to the histological features of the different TET histotype, to the role of the different immune cells infiltrating tumor microenvironments and their impact in the break of central immunologic thymic tolerance in thymomas. We discuss here both cellular and molecular immunologic mechanisms inducing the onset of autoimmunity in TETs, limiting the portfolio of therapeutic strategies against TETs and greatly impacting the prognosis of associated autoimmune diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Perrino
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Voulaz
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Simone Balin
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Gerardo Cazzato
- Section of Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Fontana
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- Human Genome and Biomedical Technologies Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Franzese
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Martina Defendi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio De Vincenzo
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Nadia Cordua
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Tamma
- Section of Human Anatomy and Histology, Department of Translational Biomedicine and Neurosciences (DiBraiN), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Federica Borea
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Aliprandi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Airoldi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Giovanni Cecchi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta Fazio
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Alloisio
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marulli
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Luca Di Tommaso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Ingravallo
- Section of Pathology, Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Ionian Area (DiMePRe-J), University of Bari “Aldo Moro”, Bari, Italy
| | - Laura Russo
- Clinical Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgio Da Rin
- Clinical Laboratory, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), Milan, Italy
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Della Bella
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Andrea Zucali
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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11
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Li J, Hu H, Lian K, Zhang D, Hu P, He Z, Zhang Z, Wang Y. CAR-NK cells in combination therapy against cancer: A potential paradigm. Heliyon 2024; 10:e27196. [PMID: 38486782 PMCID: PMC10937699 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e27196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Various preclinical and a limited number of clinical studies of CAR-NK cells have shown promising results: efficient elimination of target cells without side effects similar to CAR-T therapy. However, the homing and infiltration abilities of CAR-NK cells are poor due to the inhibitory tumor microenvironment. From the perspective of clinical treatment strategies, combined with the biological and tumor microenvironment characteristics of NK cells, CAR-NK combination therapy strategies with anti-PD-1/PD-L1, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, kinase inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, STING agonist, oncolytic virus, photothermal therapy, can greatly promote the proliferation, migration and cytotoxicity of the NK cells. In this review, we will summarize the targets selection, structure constructions and combinational therapies of CAR-NK cells for tumors to provide feasible combination strategies for overcoming the inhibitory tumor microenvironment and improving the efficacy of CAR-NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junping Li
- Department of Radiology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441000, China
| | - Hong Hu
- Department of Radiology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441000, China
| | - Kai Lian
- Department of Orthopedics, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441000, China
| | - Dongdong Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441000, China
| | - Pengchao Hu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441000, China
| | - Zhibing He
- Department of Radiology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441000, China
| | - Zhenfeng Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Translational Medicine Center, Guangzhou Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Nano-Biomedical Technology for Diagnosis and Therapy & Guangdong Provincial Education Department Key Laboratory of Nano-Immunoregulation Tumour Microenvironment, Central Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Department of Radiology, Xiangyang No. 1 People's Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Xiangyang, Hubei, 441000, China
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12
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Stenger TD, Miller JS. Therapeutic approaches to enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356666. [PMID: 38545115 PMCID: PMC10966407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356666] [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: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells has emerged as a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy, due to their pivotal role in immune surveillance and tumor clearance. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of therapeutic approaches designed to augment NK cell cytotoxicity. We analyze a wide range of strategies, including cytokine-based treatment, monoclonal antibodies, and NK cell engagers, and discuss criteria that must be considered when selecting an NK cell product to combine with these strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and limitations associated with each therapeutic strategy, as well as the potential for combination therapies to maximize NK cell cytotoxicity while minimizing adverse effects. By exploring the wealth of research on this topic, this literature review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to develop and implement novel therapeutic strategies that harness the full potential of NK cells in the fight against cancer. Enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity holds great promise in the evolving landscape of immunotherapy, and this review serves as a roadmap for understanding the current state of the field and the future directions in NK cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terran D. Stenger
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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13
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Maia A, Tarannum M, Lérias JR, Piccinelli S, Borrego LM, Maeurer M, Romee R, Castillo-Martin M. Building a Better Defense: Expanding and Improving Natural Killer Cells for Adoptive Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:451. [PMID: 38474415 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050451] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have gained attention as a promising adoptive cell therapy platform for their potential to improve cancer treatments. NK cells offer distinct advantages over T-cells, including major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-independent tumor recognition and low risk of toxicity, even in an allogeneic setting. Despite this tremendous potential, challenges persist, such as limited in vivo persistence, reduced tumor infiltration, and low absolute NK cell numbers. This review outlines several strategies aiming to overcome these challenges. The developed strategies include optimizing NK cell expansion methods and improving NK cell antitumor responses by cytokine stimulation and genetic manipulations. Using K562 cells expressing membrane IL-15 or IL-21 with or without additional activating ligands like 4-1BBL allows "massive" NK cell expansion and makes multiple cell dosing and "off-the-shelf" efforts feasible. Further improvements in NK cell function can be reached by inducing memory-like NK cells, developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, or isolating NK-cell-based tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Memory-like NK cells demonstrate higher in vivo persistence and cytotoxicity, with early clinical trials demonstrating safety and promising efficacy. Recent trials using CAR-NK cells have also demonstrated a lack of any major toxicity, including cytokine release syndrome, and, yet, promising clinical activity. Recent data support that the presence of TIL-NK cells is associated with improved overall patient survival in different types of solid tumors such as head and neck, colorectal, breast, and gastric carcinomas, among the most significant. In conclusion, this review presents insights into the diverse strategies available for NK cell expansion, including the roles played by various cytokines, feeder cells, and culture material in influencing the activation phenotype, telomere length, and cytotoxic potential of expanded NK cells. Notably, genetically modified K562 cells have demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting NK cell expansion. Furthermore, culturing NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15 has been shown to improve expansion rates, while the presence of IL-12 and IL-21 has been linked to enhanced cytotoxic function. Overall, this review provides an overview of NK cell expansion methodologies, highlighting the current landscape of clinical trials and the key advancements to enhance NK-cell-based adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Maia
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mubin Tarannum
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joana R Lérias
- ImmunoTherapy/ImmunoSurgery, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Piccinelli
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luis Miguel Borrego
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), NOVA University of Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
- Immunoallergy Department, Hospital da Luz, 1600-209 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoTherapy/ImmunoSurgery, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- I Medical Clinic, University of Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rizwan Romee
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mireia Castillo-Martin
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- Pathology Service, Champalimaud Clinical Center, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
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14
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Mestiri S, El-Ella DMA, Fernandes Q, Bedhiafi T, Almoghrabi S, Akbar S, Inchakalody V, Assami L, Anwar S, Uddin S, Gul ARZ, Al-Muftah M, Merhi M, Raza A, Dermime S. The dynamic role of immune checkpoint molecules in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of head and neck cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116095. [PMID: 38183744 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116095] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer type, accounting for approximately 277,597 deaths worldwide. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) agents targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) as a treatment regimen for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Studies have reported the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors as targeted therapeutic regimens that unleash the immune response against HNSCC tumors. However, the overall response rates to immunotherapy vary between 14-32% in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, with clinical response and treatment success being unpredictable. Keeping this perspective in mind, it is imperative to understand the role of T cells, natural killer cells, and antigen-presenting cells in modulating the immune response to immunotherapy. In lieu of this, these immune molecules could serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers to facilitate longitudinal monitoring and understanding of treatment dynamics. These immune biomarkers could pave the path for personalized monitoring and management of HNSCC. In this review, we aim to provide updated immunological insight on the mechanism of action, expression, and the clinical application of immune cells' stimulatory and inhibitory molecules as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in HNC. The review is focused mainly on CD27 and CD137 (members of the TNF-receptor superfamily), natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4 or OX40), S100 proteins, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA). It also highlights the importance of T, natural killer, and antigen-presenting cells as robust biomarker tools for understanding immune checkpoint inhibitor-based treatment dynamics. Though a comprehensive review, all aspects of the immune molecules could not be covered as they were beyond the scope of the review; Further review articles can cover other aspects to bridge the knowledge gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra Mestiri
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Moustafa Abo El-Ella
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Takwa Bedhiafi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salam Almoghrabi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shayista Akbar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laila Assami
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaheena Anwar
- Department of Biosciences, Salim Habib University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul Rehman Zar Gul
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mariam Al-Muftah
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Centre, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afsheen Raza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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15
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Saoudi González N, Ros J, Baraibar I, Salvà F, Rodríguez-Castells M, Alcaraz A, García A, Tabernero J, Élez E. Cetuximab as a Key Partner in Personalized Targeted Therapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:412. [PMID: 38254903 PMCID: PMC10814823 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020412] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Cetuximab, a chimeric IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), has revolutionized personalized treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. This review highlights the mechanism of action, characteristics, and optimal indications for cetuximab in mCRC. Cetuximab has emerged as a pivotal partner for novel therapies in specific molecular subgroups, including BRAF V600E, KRAS G12C, and HER2-altered mCRC. Combining cetuximab with immunotherapy and other targeted agents further expands the therapeutic landscape, offering renewed hope for mCRC patients who face the development of resistance to conventional therapies. Ongoing clinical trials have continued to uncover innovative cetuximab-based treatment strategies, promising a brighter future for mCRC patients. This review provides a comprehensive overview of cetuximab's role and its evolving importance in personalized targeted therapy of mCRC patients, offering valuable insights into the evolving landscape of colorectal cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadia Saoudi González
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Javier Ros
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Iosune Baraibar
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Salvà
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Rodríguez-Castells
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adriana Alcaraz
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna García
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Élez
- Vall d’Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain; (N.S.G.); (F.S.)
- Vall d’Hebron Hospital Campus, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
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16
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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17
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Jia H, Yang H, Xiong H, Luo KQ. NK cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1303605. [PMID: 38022646 PMCID: PMC10653587 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1303605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells kill mutant cells through death receptors and cytotoxic granules, playing an essential role in controlling cancer progression. However, in the tumor microenvironment (TME), NK cells frequently exhibit an exhausted status, which impairs their immunosurveillance function and contributes to tumor immune evasion. Emerging studies are ongoing to reveal the properties and mechanisms of NK cell exhaustion in the TME. In this review, we will briefly introduce the maturation, localization, homeostasis, and cytotoxicity of NK cells. We will then summarize the current understanding of the main mechanisms underlying NK cell exhaustion in the TME in four aspects: dysregulation of inhibitory and activating signaling, tumor cell-derived factors, immunosuppressive cells, and metabolism and exhaustion. We will also discuss the therapeutic approaches currently being developed to reverse NK cell exhaustion and enhance NK cell cytotoxicity in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Huaxing Xiong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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18
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Huang S, Xiong C, Tan K. Neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Am J Otolaryngol 2023; 44:103985. [PMID: 37442083 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2023.103985] [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: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a common type of cancer, and approximately 64 % are in a locally advanced stage at diagnosis. Therefore, neoadjuvant therapy is of great importance. However, traditional neoadjuvant strategies for HNSCC have shown limited efficacy and high complications. And it is urgent to explore new neoadjuvant approaches. With the breakthrough progress of PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade in recurrent/metastatic HNSCC, neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade is gradually showing positive prospects for HNSCC. This study found that the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade and chemotherapy or radiotherapy are potential with the overall response rate (ORR) of 45.0 %-96.7 % and 47.6 %-56.7 %, the pathological complete response (pCR) of 16.7 %-42.3 % and 33.3 %-100.0 %, and the main pathological response (MPR) of 26.9 %-74.1 % and 60.0 %-100.0 %, respectively. But the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade and CTLA-4 blockade is worth questioning. And we also found pCR and MPR can be early indicators for long-term prognosis and provide five directions for neoadjuvant PD-1/PD-L1 axis blockade in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Huang
- Department of Stomatology, The Affiliated Shapingba Hospital of Chongqing University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Chuang Xiong
- Department of Bone and Soft Tissue Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Kui Tan
- Department of Stomatology, Chongqing University Jiangjin Hospital, Chongqing, China
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19
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Shin E, Bak SH, Park T, Kim JW, Yoon SR, Jung H, Noh JY. Understanding NK cell biology for harnessing NK cell therapies: targeting cancer and beyond. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1192907. [PMID: 37539051 PMCID: PMC10395517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1192907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-engineered immune cell therapies have partially transformed cancer treatment, as exemplified by the use of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells in certain hematologic malignancies. However, there are several limitations that need to be addressed to target more cancer types. Natural killer (NK) cells are a type of innate immune cells that represent a unique biology in cancer immune surveillance. In particular, NK cells obtained from heathy donors can serve as a source for genetically engineered immune cell therapies. Therefore, NK-based therapies, including NK cells, CAR-NK cells, and antibodies that induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity of NK cells, have emerged. With recent advances in genetic engineering and cell biology techniques, NK cell-based therapies have become promising approaches for a wide range of cancers, viral infections, and senescence. This review provides a brief overview of NK cell characteristics and summarizes diseases that could benefit from NK-based therapies. In addition, we discuss recent preclinical and clinical investigations on the use of adoptive NK cell transfer and agents that can modulate NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunju Shin
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Ho Bak
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Taeho Park
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Woo Kim
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Suk-Ran Yoon
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Haiyoung Jung
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yoon Noh
- Aging Convergence Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, Korea University of Science & Technology (UST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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20
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Liu S, Wang H, Shao X, Chen H, Chao S, Zhang Y, Gao Z, Yao Q, Zhang P. Advances in PD-1 signaling inhibition-based nano-delivery systems for tumor therapy. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:207. [PMID: 37403095 PMCID: PMC10318732 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-01966-4] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, cancer immunotherapy has emerged as an exciting cancer treatment. Immune checkpoint blockade brings new opportunities for more researchers and clinicians. Programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) is a widely studied immune checkpoint, and PD-1 blockade therapy has shown promising results in a variety of tumors, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer and renal cell carcinoma, which greatly improves patient overall survival and becomes a promising tool for the eradication of metastatic or inoperable tumors. However, low responsiveness and immune-related adverse effects currently limit its clinical application. Overcoming these difficulties is a major challenge to improve PD-1 blockade therapies. Nanomaterials have unique properties that enable targeted drug delivery, combination therapy through multidrug co-delivery strategies, and controlled drug release through sensitive bonds construction. In recent years, combining nanomaterials with PD-1 blockade therapy to construct novel single-drug-based or combination therapy-based nano-delivery systems has become an effective mean to address the limitations of PD-1 blockade therapy. In this study, the application of nanomaterial carriers in individual delivery of PD-1 inhibitors, combined delivery of PD-1 inhibitors and other immunomodulators, chemotherapeutic drugs, photothermal reagents were reviewed, which provides effective references for designing new PD-1 blockade therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songlin Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drugs of National Health Commission (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Haiyang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drugs of National Health Commission (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
- Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266042, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinzhe Shao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drugs of National Health Commission (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Haonan Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drugs of National Health Commission (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Shushu Chao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drugs of National Health Commission (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Yanyan Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drugs of National Health Commission (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Zhaoju Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drugs of National Health Commission (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Qingqiang Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drugs of National Health Commission (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China
| | - Pingping Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Institute of Materia Medica, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, National Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Delivery System, Key Laboratory for Biotechnology Drugs of National Health Commission (Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences), Key Lab for Rare & Uncommon Diseases of Shandong Province, Jinan, 250117, Shandong, China.
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21
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Zhao L, Ma Y, Song X, Wu Y, Jin P, Chen G. PD-1: A New Candidate Target for Analgesic Peptide Design. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:1142-1150. [PMID: 36781089 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a common health problem in humans. The unique properties and valuable clinical applications of analgesic peptides make them attractive pharmacotherapy options for pain control. Numerous targets for pain modulation processes are currently known, including opioid receptors, transient receptor potential (TRP) channels, voltage-gated ion channels, neuronal nicotinic receptors, and neurotensin receptors. However, these targets are not able to address the development needs of peptide-based drugs. Recent studies revealed that programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is widely expressed in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), spinal cord, and cerebral cortex. PD-1 signaling in neurons is involved in the regulation of neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission, and synaptic plasticity. PD-1 is able to silence nociceptive neurons upon activation. Consistently, Pd1 deficiency or blockade increases the pain sensitivity in naïve mice. PD-1 agonists, including PD-L1 and H-20, evoke Src homology 2 domain-containing tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1) phosphorylation, modulate neuronal excitability, and attenuate acute and chronic pain with minimal opioid-related adverse effects, suggesting a superior therapeutic index and a sound strategy for the development novel nonopioid analgesics. In addition, PD-1 signaling in non-neuronal cells could alleviate chronic pain by regulating neuroinflammation. Here, we review the potential and challenges of PD-1 as a candidate target for the development of analgesic peptides. PERSPECTIVE: This review paper aims to review recent advances in research on PD-1 in the domain of pain interference, explore how to obtain more promising PD-1 receptor-targeting analgesic peptides based on PD-L1 and analgesic peptide H-20 for relieving pathological pain, and offer potential optimization strategies for follow-up work of H-20.
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Affiliation(s)
- Long Zhao
- Center for Basic Medical Research, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yu Ma
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaofei Song
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yongjiang Wu
- Center for Basic Medical Research, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Pengjie Jin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Center for Basic Medical Research, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China; Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and the Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.
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22
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Portale F, Di Mitri D. NK Cells in Cancer: Mechanisms of Dysfunction and Therapeutic Potential. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119521. [PMID: 37298470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NK) are innate lymphocytes endowed with the ability to recognize and kill cancer cells. Consequently, adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic NK cells represents a novel opportunity in cancer treatment that is currently under clinical investigation. However, cancer renders NK cells dysfunctional, thus restraining the efficacy of cell therapies. Importantly, extensive effort has been employed to investigate the mechanisms that restrain NK cell anti-tumor function, and the results have offered forthcoming solutions to improve the efficiency of NK cell-based therapies. The present review will introduce the origin and features of NK cells, summarize the mechanisms of action and causes of dysfunction of NK cells in cancer, and frame NK cells in the tumoral microenvironment and in the context of immunotherapies. Finally, we will discuss therapeutic potential and current limitations of NK cell adoptive transfer in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Portale
- Tumor Microenviroment Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Diletta Di Mitri
- Tumor Microenviroment Unit, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20072 Milan, Italy
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23
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Okuyama K, Naruse T, Yanamoto S. Tumor microenvironmental modification by the current target therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:114. [PMID: 37143088 PMCID: PMC10161653 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02691-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Current clinical and observational evidence supports the EXTREME regimen as one of the standards of care for patients with recurrent or metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) followed by the administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). In addition to the inhibition of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway, cetuximab-mediated EGFR blockade has been shown to modulate tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics, such as antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) infiltration into the tumor, anti-angiogenesis activity, and cytokine secretion via associated natural killer (NK) cells, etc.. On the other hand, there are reports that nivolumab affects the TME via Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibition, Interleukin-10 upregulation via T-cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cell-mediated immune escape induction, and tumor vessel perfusion by promoting CD8 + T-cell accumulation and Interferon-γ production in treatment-sensitive tumor cells. Actually, nivolumab administration can give T cells in the TME both immune superiority and inferiority. HNSCC treatment using cetuximab increases the frequency of FoxP3 + intratumoral effector regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing CTL associated antigen (CTLA)-4, and targeting CTLA-4 + Tregs using ipilimumab restores the cytolytic function of NK cells, which mediate ADCC activity. Treg-mediated immune suppression also contributes to clinical response to cetuximab treatment, suggesting the possibility of the addition of ipilimumab or the use of other Treg ablation strategies to promote antitumor immunity. Moreover, also in hyper progression disease (HPD), intratumoral frequency of FoxP3 + effector Tregs expressing CTLA-4 is increased. Therefore, combination treatment with cetuximab plus anti-CTLA-4 antibody ipilimumab for HNSCC and this combination therapy after nivolumab administration for HPD may be expected to result in a higher tumor-control response. Based on the above evidence, we here suggest the efficacy of using these therapeutic strategies for patients with local-advanced, recurrent, and metastatic HNSCC and patients who do not respond well to nivolumab administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kohei Okuyama
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, 1600 Huron Parkway, Ann Arbor, MI, 48105, USA.
- University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgical Oncology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Tomofumi Naruse
- Department of Clinical Oral Oncology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Souichi Yanamoto
- Department of Oral Oncology, Graduate School of Biomedical and Health Sciences, Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
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24
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Ziranu P, Pretta A, Pozzari M, Maccioni A, Badiali M, Fanni D, Lai E, Donisi C, Persano M, Gerosa C, Puzzoni M, Bardanzellu F, Ambu R, Pusceddu V, Dubois M, Cerrone G, Migliari M, Murgia S, Spanu D, Pretta G, Aimola V, Balconi F, Murru S, Faa G, Scartozzi M. CDX-2 expression correlates with clinical outcomes in MSI-H metastatic colorectal cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4397. [PMID: 36928082 PMCID: PMC10020482 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31538-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) showed efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) with mismatch-repair deficiency or high microsatellite instability (dMMR-MSI-H). Unfortunately, a patient's subgroup did not benefit from immunotherapy. Caudal-related homeobox transcription factor 2 (CDX-2) would seem to influence immunotherapy's sensitivity, promoting the chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 14 (CXCL14) expression. Therefore, we investigated CDX-2 role as a prognostic-predictive marker in patients with mCRC MSI-H. We retrospectively collected data from 14 MSI-H mCRC patients treated with ICIs between 2019 and 2021. The primary endpoint was the 12-month progression-free-survival (PFS) rate. The secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), PFS, objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR). The PFS rate at 12 months was 81% in CDX-2 positive patients vs 0% in CDX-2 negative patients (p = 0.0011). The median PFS was not reached (NR) in the CDX-2 positive group versus 2.07 months (95%CI 2.07-10.8) in CDX-2 negative patients (p = 0.0011). Median OS was NR in CDX-2-positive patients versus 2.17 months (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 2.17-18.7) in CDX2-negative patients (p = 0.026). All CDX-2-positive patients achieved a disease response, one of them a complete response. Among CDX-2-negative patients, one achieved stable disease, while the other progressed rapidly (ORR: 100% vs 0%, p = 0.0005; DCR: 100% vs 50%, p = 0.02). Twelve patients received 1st-line pembrolizumab (11 CDX-2 positive and 1 CDX-2 negative) not reaching median PFS, while two patients (1 CDX-2 positive and 1 CDX-2 negative) received 3rd-line pembrolizumab reaching a median PFS of 10.8 months (95% CI, 10.8-12.1; p = 0.036). Although our study reports results on a small population, the prognostic role of CDX-2 in CRC seems confirmed and could drive a promising predictive role in defining the population more sensitive to immunotherapy treatment. Modulating the CDX-2/CXCL14 axis in CDX-2-negative patients could help overcome primary resistance to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pina Ziranu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Andrea Pretta
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marta Pozzari
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Antonio Maccioni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Manuela Badiali
- Genetic and Genomic Laboratory, Pediatric Children Hospital A. Cao ASL8, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Daniela Fanni
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Eleonora Lai
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Clelia Donisi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mara Persano
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Clara Gerosa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Puzzoni
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Fabio Bardanzellu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Rossano Ambu
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Valeria Pusceddu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Dubois
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Giulia Cerrone
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Marco Migliari
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Murgia
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Dario Spanu
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gianluca Pretta
- Science Department, King's School Hove, Hangleton Way, Hove, BN3 8BN, UK
| | - Valentina Aimola
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Francesca Balconi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Stefania Murru
- Genetic and Genomic Laboratory, Pediatric Children Hospital A. Cao ASL8, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Gavino Faa
- Division of Pathology, Department of Medical Sciences and Public Health, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Mario Scartozzi
- Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital and University of Cagliari, SS 554 km 4500 Bivio Per Sestu, 09042, Monserrato, Cagliari, Italy.
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25
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Starska-Kowarska K. The Role of Different Immunocompetent Cell Populations in the Pathogenesis of Head and Neck Cancer-Regulatory Mechanisms of Pro- and Anti-Cancer Activity and Their Impact on Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1642. [PMID: 36980527 PMCID: PMC10046400 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most aggressive and heterogeneous groups of human neoplasms. HNSCC is characterized by high morbidity, accounting for 3% of all cancers, and high mortality with ~1.5% of all cancer deaths. It was the most common cancer worldwide in 2020, according to the latest GLOBOCAN data, representing the seventh most prevalent human malignancy. Despite great advances in surgical techniques and the application of modern combinations and cytotoxic therapies, HNSCC remains a leading cause of death worldwide with a low overall survival rate not exceeding 40-60% of the patient population. The most common causes of death in patients are its frequent nodal metastases and local neoplastic recurrences, as well as the relatively low response to treatment and severe drug resistance. Much evidence suggests that the tumour microenvironment (TME), tumour infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) and circulating various subpopulations of immunocompetent cells, such regulatory T cells (CD4+CD25+Foxp3+Tregs), cytotoxic CD3+CD8+ T cells (CTLs) and CD3+CD4+ T helper type 1/2/9/17 (Th1/Th2/Th9/Th17) lymphocytes, T follicular helper cells (Tfh) and CD56dim/CD16bright activated natural killer cells (NK), carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumour-associated neutrophils (N1/N2 TANs), as well as tumour-associated macrophages (M1/M2 phenotype TAMs) can affect initiation, progression and spread of HNSCC and determine the response to immunotherapy. Rapid advances in the field of immuno-oncology and the constantly growing knowledge of the immunosuppressive mechanisms and effects of tumour cancer have allowed for the use of effective and personalized immunotherapy as a first-line therapeutic procedure or an essential component of a combination therapy for primary, relapsed and metastatic HNSCC. This review presents the latest reports and molecular studies regarding the anti-tumour role of selected subpopulations of immunocompetent cells in the pathogenesis of HNSCC, including HPV+ve (HPV+) and HPV-ve (HPV-) tumours. The article focuses on the crucial regulatory mechanisms of pro- and anti-tumour activity, key genetic or epigenetic changes that favour tumour immune escape, and the strategies that the tumour employs to avoid recognition by immunocompetent cells, as well as resistance mechanisms to T and NK cell-based immunotherapy in HNSCC. The present review also provides an overview of the pre- and clinical early trials (I/II phase) and phase-III clinical trials published in this arena, which highlight the unprecedented effectiveness and limitations of immunotherapy in HNSCC, and the emerging issues facing the field of HNSCC immuno-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Starska-Kowarska
- Department of Physiology, Pathophysiology and Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical Physiology, Medical University of Lodz, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Lodz, Poland; ; Tel.: +48-604-541-412
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, EnelMed Center Expert, Drewnowska 58, 91-001 Lodz, Poland
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26
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Ruffin AT, Li H, Vujanovic L, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL, Bruno TC. Improving head and neck cancer therapies by immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:173-188. [PMID: 36456755 PMCID: PMC9992112 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Targeted immunotherapy has improved patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20% of patients produce a durable response to these treatments. Thus, new immunotherapies that consider all key players of the complex HNSCC tumour microenvironment (TME) are necessary to further enhance tumour-specific T cell responses in patients. HNSCC is an ideal tumour type in which to evaluate immune and non-immune cell differences because of two distinct TME aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative disease), multiple anatomic sites for tumour growth, and clear distinctions between patients with locally advanced disease and those with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Recent technological and scientific advancements have provided a more complete picture of all cellular constituents within this complex TME and have evaluated the interplay of both immune and non-immune cells within HNSCC. Here, we include a comprehensive analysis of the complete ecosystem of the HNSCC TME, performed utilizing data-rich resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, and cutting-edge techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional flow cytometry and spatial multispectral imaging, to generate improved treatment strategies for this diverse disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Housaiyin Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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27
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Development and Validation of a Prognostic Risk Model Based on Nature Killer Cells for Serous Ovarian Cancer. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13030403. [PMID: 36983585 PMCID: PMC10055736 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13030403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nature killer (NK) cells are increasingly considered important in tumor microenvironment, but their role in predicting the prognosis of ovarian cancer has not been revealed. This study aimed to develop a prognostic risk model for ovarian cancer based on NK cells. Firstly, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of NK cells were found by single-cell RNA-sequencing dataset analysis. Based on six NK-cell DEGs identified by univariable, Lasso and multivariable Cox regression analyses, a prognostic risk model for serous ovarian cancer was developed in the TCGA cohort. This model was then validated in three external cohorts, and evaluated as an independent prognostic factor by multivariable Cox regression analysis together with clinical characteristics. With the investigation of the underlying mechanism, a relation between a higher risk score of this model and more immune activities in tumor microenvironment was revealed. Furthermore, a detailed inspection of infiltrated immunocytes indicated that not only quantity, but also the functional state of these immunocytes might affect prognostic risk. Additionally, the potential of this model to predict immunotherapeutic response was exhibited by evaluating the functional state of cytotoxic T lymphocytes. To conclude, this study introduced a novel prognostic risk model based on NK-cell DEGs, which might provide assistance for the personalized management of serous ovarian cancer patients.
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28
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Radiomics Applications in Head and Neck Tumor Imaging: A Narrative Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041174. [PMID: 36831517 PMCID: PMC9954362 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041174] [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: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in machine learning and artificial intelligence technology have ensured automated evaluation of medical images. As a result, quantifiable diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers have been created. We discuss radiomics applications for the head and neck region in this paper. Molecular characterization, categorization, prognosis and therapy recommendation are given special consideration. In a narrative manner, we outline the fundamental technological principles, the overall idea and usual workflow of radiomic analysis and what seem to be the present and potential challenges in normal clinical practice. Clinical oncology intends for all of this to ensure informed decision support for personalized and useful cancer treatment. Head and neck cancers present a unique set of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. These challenges are brought on by the complicated anatomy and heterogeneity of the area under investigation. Radiomics has the potential to address these barriers. Future research must be interdisciplinary and focus on the study of certain oncologic functions and outcomes, with external validation and multi-institutional cooperation in order to achieve this.
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29
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Roles of natural killer cells in immunity to cancer, and applications to immunotherapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2023; 23:90-105. [PMID: 35637393 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-022-00732-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 166.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Great strides have been made in recent years towards understanding the roles of natural killer (NK) cells in immunity to tumours and viruses. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that produce inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. By lysing transformed or infected cells, they limit tumour growth and viral infections. Whereas T cells recognize peptides presented by MHC molecules, NK cells display receptors that recognize stress-induced autologous proteins on cancer cells. At the same time, their functional activity is inhibited by MHC molecules displayed on such cells. The enormous potential of NK cells for immunotherapy for cancer is illustrated by their broad recognition of stressed cells regardless of neoantigen presentation, and enhanced activity against tumours that have lost expression of MHC class I owing to acquired resistance mechanisms. As a result, many efforts are under way to mobilize endogenous NK cells with therapeutics, or to provide populations of ex vivo-expanded NK cells as a cellular therapy, in some cases by equipping the NK cells with chimeric antigen receptors. Here we consider the key features that underlie why NK cells are emerging as important new additions to the cancer therapeutic arsenal.
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30
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Whalen KA, Rakhra K, Mehta NK, Steinle A, Michaelson JS, Baeuerle PA. Engaging natural killer cells for cancer therapy via NKG2D, CD16A and other receptors. MAbs 2023; 15:2208697. [PMID: 37165468 PMCID: PMC10173799 DOI: 10.1080/19420862.2023.2208697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The field of immuno-oncology has revolutionized cancer patient care and improved survival and quality of life for patients. Much of the focus in the field has been on exploiting the power of the adaptive immune response through therapeutic targeting of T cells. While these approaches have markedly advanced the field, some challenges remain, and the clinical benefit of T cell therapies does not extend to all patients or tumor indications. Alternative strategies, such as engaging the innate immune system, have become an intense area of focus in the field. In particular, the engagement of natural killer (NK) cells as potent effectors of the innate immune response has emerged as a promising modality in immunotherapy. Here, we review therapeutic approaches for selective engagement of NK cells for cancer therapy, with a particular focus on targeting the key activating receptors NK Group 2D (NKG2D) and cluster of differentiation 16A (CD16A).
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerry A. Whalen
- Preclinical and Early Development, Cullinan Oncology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kavya Rakhra
- Preclinical and Early Development, Cullinan Oncology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Naveen K. Mehta
- Preclinical and Early Development, Cullinan Oncology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Steinle
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Preclinical and Early Development, Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | - Patrick A. Baeuerle
- Preclinical and Early Development, Cullinan Oncology, Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Institute for Immunology, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
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31
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Darvishi M, Tosan F, Nakhaei P, Manjili DA, Kharkouei SA, Alizadeh A, Ilkhani S, Khalafi F, Zadeh FA, Shafagh SG. Recent progress in cancer immunotherapy: Overview of current status and challenges. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 241:154241. [PMID: 36543080 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.154241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cancer treatment is presently one of the most important challenges in medical science. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or combining these methods is used to eliminate the tumor. Hormone therapy, bone marrow transplantation, stem cell therapy as well as immunotherapy are other well-known therapeutic modalities. Immunotherapy, as the most important complementary method, uses the immune system for treating cancer followed by surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. This method is systematically used to prevent malignancies development mainly via potentiating antitumor immune cells activation and conversely compromising their exhaustion with the lowest negative effects on healthy cells. Active immunotherapy can be employed for cancer immunotherapy by directly using the ingredients of the immune system and activating immune responses. On the other hand, inactive immunotherapy is utilized by indirect induction and using immune cell-based products consisting of monoclonal antibodies. It has strongly been proved that combination therapy with immunotherapies and other therapeutic means, such as anti-angiogenic agents, could be a rational plan to treat cancer. Herein, we have focused on recent findings concerning the therapeutic merits of cancer therapy using immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and cancer vaccine alone or in combination with other approaches. Also, we offer a glimpse into the current challenges in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Darvishi
- Infectious Diseases and Tropical Medicine Research Center (IDTMRC), Department of Aerospace and Subaquatic Medicine, AJA University of Medicinal Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Foad Tosan
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | - Pooria Nakhaei
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Danial Amiri Manjili
- Department of Infectious Disease, School of Medicine, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran.
| | | | - Ali Alizadeh
- Department of Digital Health, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Saba Ilkhani
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Farima Khalafi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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32
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Kang JJ, Ko A, Kil SH, Mallen-St Clair J, Shin DS, Wang MB, Srivatsan ES. EGFR pathway targeting drugs in head and neck cancer in the era of immunotherapy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188827. [PMID: 36309124 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are cell surface receptors that bind growth factor ligands and initiate cellular signaling. Of the 20 classes of RTKs, 7 classes, I-V, VIII, and X, are linked to head and neck cancers (HNCs). We focus on the first class of RTK, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as it is the most thoroughly studied class. EGFR overexpression is observed in 20% of tumors, and expression of EGFR variant III is seen in 15% of aggressive chemoradiotherapy resistant HNCs. Currently, the EGFR monoclonal antibody (mAb) cetuximab is the only FDA approved RTK-targeting drug for the treatment of HNCs. Clinical trials have also included EGFR mAbs, with tyrosine kinase inhibitors, and small molecule inhibitors targeting the EGFR, MAPK, and mTOR pathways. Additionally, Immunotherapy has been found to be effective in 15 to 20% of patients with recurrent or metastatic HNC as a monotherapy. Thus, attempts are underway for the combinatorial treatment of immunotherapy and EGFR mAbs to determine if the recruitment of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment can overcome EGFR resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- James J Kang
- Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Albert Ko
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Sang Hoon Kil
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jon Mallen-St Clair
- Department of Otolaryngology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel Sanghoon Shin
- Department of Medicine, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Marilene B Wang
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Department of Head and Neck Surgery, UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eri S Srivatsan
- Department of Surgery, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System/UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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33
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Ghaedrahmati F, Esmaeil N, Abbaspour M. Targeting immune checkpoints: how to use natural killer cells for fighting against solid tumors. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 43:177-213. [PMID: 36585761 PMCID: PMC9926962 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique innate immune cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses. Thus, they might hold great potential for cancer immunotherapy. NK cell adoptive immunotherapy in humans has shown modest efficacy. In particular, it has failed to demonstrate therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of solid tumors, possibly due in part to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which reduces NK cell immunotherapy's efficiencies. It is known that immune checkpoints play a prominent role in creating an immunosuppressive TME, leading to NK cell exhaustion and tumor immune escape. Therefore, NK cells must be reversed from their dysfunctional status and increased in their effector roles in order to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Blockade of immune checkpoints can not only rescue NK cells from exhaustion but also augment their robust anti-tumor activity. In this review, we discussed immune checkpoint blockade strategies with a focus on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells to redirect NK cells to cancer cells in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhoodeh Ghaedrahmati
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran,Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non‐Communicable DiseaseIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Maryam Abbaspour
- Department of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyFaculty of PharmacyIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
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34
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Ng WL, Ansell SM, Mondello P. Insights into the tumor microenvironment of B cell lymphoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2022; 41:362. [PMID: 36578079 PMCID: PMC9798587 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02579-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The standard therapies in lymphoma have predominantly focused on targeting tumor cells with less of a focus on the tumor microenvironment (TME), which plays a critical role in favoring tumor growth and survival. Such an approach may result in increasingly refractory disease with progressively reduced responses to subsequent treatments. To overcome this hurdle, targeting the TME has emerged as a new therapeutic strategy. The TME consists of T and B lymphocytes, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), and other components. Understanding the TME can lead to a comprehensive approach to managing lymphoma, resulting in therapeutic strategies that target not only cancer cells, but also the supportive environment and thereby ultimately improve survival of lymphoma patients. Here, we review the normal function of different components of the TME, the impact of their aberrant behavior in B cell lymphoma and the current TME-direct therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wern Lynn Ng
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Stephen M. Ansell
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
| | - Patrizia Mondello
- grid.66875.3a0000 0004 0459 167XDivision of Hematology, Mayo Clinic, 200 1st St SW, Rochester, MN 55905 USA
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35
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Chen X, Chen Y, Xin Z, Lin M, Hao Z, Chen D, He T, Zhao L, Wu D, Wu P, Chai Y. Tissue-resident CD69 + CXCR6 + Natural Killer cells with exhausted phenotype accumulate in human non-small cell lung cancer. Eur J Immunol 2022; 52:1993-2005. [PMID: 36205624 PMCID: PMC10098621 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells with tissue-residency features (trNK cells) are a new subpopulation of NK cells, which plays an important role in tissue homeostasis. However, the characteristics of trNK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of human cancers remain unclear. Using multicolor flow cytometry, we investigated the quantity, phenotype, and function of trNK cells in biospecimens freshly resected from 60 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We successfully identified a new CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK subset with an immunomodulatory-like and exhausted phenotype, specifically accumulated in the TME of NSCLC. In vitro experiments showed that CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cells more readily secreted IFN-γ and TNF-α spontaneously. Furthermore, the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α by tumor-infiltrating CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cells was not induced by their reactivation in vitro, which is analogous to T-cell exhaustion. Finally, we demonstrated that the dysfunction of CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cells could be partly ameliorated by PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade. In summary, we identified a new dysfunctional CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cell subset that specifically accumulates in the TME of NSCLC. Our findings suggest that CD69+ CXCR6+ trNK cells are a promising target for immune checkpoint inhibitors in the treatment of NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoke Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yongyuan Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhongwei Xin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingjie Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhixing Hao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Di Chen
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Teng He
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lufeng Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Dang Wu
- Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immune Therapy of Zhejiang Province, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Pin Wu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ying Chai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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36
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Susek KH, Schwietzer YA, Karvouni M, Gilljam M, Keszei M, Hussain A, Lund J, Kashif M, Lundqvist A, Ljunggren HG, Nahi H, Wagner AK, Alici E. Generation of NK cells with chimeric-switch receptors to overcome PD1-mediated inhibition in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 72:1153-1167. [PMID: 36355079 PMCID: PMC10110653 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03317-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractMultiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable hematological cancer, in which immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has failed due to uncontrollable immune responses in combination therapies and lack of efficacy in monotherapies. Although NK cell-specific checkpoint targets such as NKG2A and KIRs are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, the clinical impact of NK cells on the PD1 cascade is less well understood compared to T cells. Furthermore, while NK cells have effector activity within the TME, under continuous ligand exposure, NK cell dysfunctionality may occur due to interaction of PD1 and its ligand PD-L1. Due to above-mentioned factors, we designed novel NK cell specific PD1-based chimeric switch receptors (PD1-CSR) by employing signaling domains of DAP10, DAP12 and CD3ζ to revert NK cell inhibition and retarget ICI. PD1-CSR modified NK cells showed increased degranulation, cytokine secretion and cytotoxicity upon recognition of PD-L1+ target cells. Additionally, PD1-CSR+ NK cells infiltrated and killed tumor spheroids. While primary NK cells (pNK), expressing native PD1, showed decreased degranulation and cytokine production against PD-L1+ target cells by twofold, PD1-CSR+ pNK cells demonstrated increased activity upon PD-L1+ target cell recognition and enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. PD1-CSR+ pNK cells from patients with MM increased degranulation and cytokine expression against autologous CD138+PD-L1+ malignant plasma cells. Taken together, the present results demonstrate that PD1-CSR+ NK cells enhance and sustain potent anti-tumor activity in a PD-L1+ microenvironment and thus represent a promising strategy to advance adoptive NK cell-based immunotherapies toward PD-L1+ cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina H Susek
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ysabel A Schwietzer
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Karvouni
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mari Gilljam
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marton Keszei
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alamdar Hussain
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Lund
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Muhammad Kashif
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hareth Nahi
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arnika K Wagner
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Department of Medicine Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Laba S, Mallett G, Amarnath S. The depths of PD-1 function within the tumor microenvironment beyond CD8 + T cells. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:1045-1055. [PMID: 34048897 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death-1 (PD-1; CD279) is a cell surface receptor that is expressed in both innate and adaptive immune cells. The role of PD-1 in adaptive immune cells, specifically in CD8+ T cells, has been thoroughly investigated but its significance in other immune cells is yet to be well established. This review will address the role of PD-1 based therapies in enhancing non-CD8+ T cell immune responses within cancer. Specifically, the expression and function of PD-1 in non-CD8+ immune cell compartments such as CD4+ T helper cell subsets, myeloid cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) will be discussed. By understanding the immune cell specific function of PD-1 within tissue resident innate and adaptive immune cells, it will be possible to stratify patients for PD-1 based therapies for both immunogeneic and non-immunogeneic neoplastic disorders. With this knowledge from fundamental and translational studies, PD-1 based therapies can be utilized to enhance T cell independent immune responses in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Laba
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
| | - Grace Mallett
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom
| | - Shoba Amarnath
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE2 4HH, United Kingdom.
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Demery-Poulos C, Romero R, Xu Y, Arenas-Hernandez M, Miller D, Tao L, Galaz J, Farias-Jofre M, Bhatti G, Garcia-Flores V, Seyerle M, Tarca AL, Gomez-Lopez N. Pregnancy imparts distinct systemic adaptive immune function. Am J Reprod Immunol 2022; 88:e13606. [PMID: 35989229 PMCID: PMC9648024 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Pregnancy represents a state of systemic immune activation that is primarily driven by alterations in circulating innate immune cells. Recent studies have suggested that cellular adaptive immune components, T cells and B cells, also undergo changes throughout gestation. However, the phenotypes and functions of such adaptive immune cells are poorly understood. Herein, we utilized high-dimensional flow cytometry and functional assays to characterize T-cell and B-cell responses in pregnant and non-pregnant women. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from pregnant (n = 20) and non-pregnant (n = 25) women were used for phenotyping of T-cell and B-cell subsets. T-cell proliferation and B-cell activation were assessed by flow cytometry after in vitro stimulation, and lymphocyte cytotoxicity was evaluated by using a cell-based assay. Statistical comparisons were performed with linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS Pregnancy was associated with modestly enhanced basal activation of peripheral CD4+ T cells. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from pregnant women showed increased activation-induced proliferation; yet, a reduced proportion of these cells expressed activation markers compared to non-pregnant women. There were no differences in peripheral lymphocyte cytotoxicity between study groups. A greater proportion of B cells from pregnant women displayed memory-like and activated phenotypes, and such cells exhibited higher activation following stimulation. CONCLUSION Maternal circulating T cells and B cells display distinct responses during pregnancy. The former may reflect the unique capacity of T cells to respond to potential threats without undergoing aberrant activation, thereby preventing systemic inflammatory responses that can lead to adverse perinatal consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Demery-Poulos
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Roberto Romero
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Centerfor Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Detroit Medical Center, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Yi Xu
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Marcia Arenas-Hernandez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Derek Miller
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Li Tao
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Jose Galaz
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcelo Farias-Jofre
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gaurav Bhatti
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Valeria Garcia-Flores
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Megan Seyerle
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Adi L. Tarca
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Computer Science, Wayne State University College of Engineering, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Nardhy Gomez-Lopez
- Perinatology Research Branch, Division of Obstetrics and Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Division of Intramural Research, Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (NICHD/NIH/DHHS), Bethesda, Maryland, and Detroit, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology, and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan, USA
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Zhan M, Guo Y, Shen M, Shi X. Nanomaterial‐Boosted Tumor Immunotherapy Through Natural Killer Cells. ADVANCED NANOBIOMED RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/anbr.202200096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Mengsi Zhan
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Donghua University Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
| | - Yunqi Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Donghua University Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
| | - Mingwu Shen
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Donghua University Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
| | - Xiangyang Shi
- State Key Laboratory for Modification of Chemical Fibers and Polymer Materials Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Nano-Biomaterials and Regenerative Medicine College of Biological Science and Medical Engineering Donghua University Shanghai 201620 P.R. China
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Ren J, Jo Y, Picton LK, Su LL, Raulet DH, Garcia KC. Induced CD45 Proximity Potentiates Natural Killer Cell Receptor Antagonism. ACS Synth Biol 2022; 11:3426-3439. [PMID: 36169352 PMCID: PMC9594326 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.2c00337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a major subset of innate immune cells that are essential for host defense against pathogens and cancer. Two main classes of inhibitory NK receptors (NKR), KIR and CD94/NKG2A, play a key role in suppressing NK activity upon engagement with tumor cells or virus-infected cells, limiting their antitumor and antiviral activities. Here, we find that single-chain NKR antagonists linked to a VHH that binds the cell surface phosphatase CD45 potentiate NK and T activities to a greater extent than NKR blocking antibodies alone in vitro. We also uncovered crosstalk between NKG2A and Ly49 that collectively inhibit NK cell activation, such that CD45-NKG2A and CD45-Ly49 bispecific molecules show synergistic effects in their ability to enhance NK cell activation. The basis of the activity enhancement by CD45 ligation may reflect greater antagonism of inhibitory signaling from engagement of MHC I on target cells, combined with other mechanisms, including avidity effects, tonic signaling, antagonism of weak inhibition from engagement of MHC I on non-target cells, and possible CD45 segregation within the NK cell-target cell synapse. These results uncover a strategy for enhancing the activity of NK and T cells that may improve cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junming Ren
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford
University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University
School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Yeara Jo
- Division
of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and
Cell Biology, University of California,
Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - Lora K. Picton
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford
University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University
School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - Leon L. Su
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford
University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University
School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
| | - David H. Raulet
- Division
of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Department of Molecular and
Cell Biology, University of California,
Berkeley, Berkeley, California 94720, United States
| | - K. Christopher Garcia
- Department
of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, Stanford
University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
- Howard
Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University
School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, United States
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Mele D, Pessino G, Trisolini G, Luchena A, Benazzo M, Morbini P, Mantovani S, Oliviero B, Mondelli MU, Varchetta S. Impaired intratumoral natural killer cell function in head and neck carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997806. [PMID: 36341402 PMCID: PMC9630640 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are emerging as unique players in the immune response against cancer; however, only limited data are available on tumor infiltrating NK cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), one of the most common cancer. Occurrence of HNSCC is closely related to the immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy is increasingly being applied to this setting. However, the limited success of this type of treatment in this tumor calls for further investigation in the field. Surgical HNSSC specimens of 32 consecutive patients were mechanically and enzymatically dissociated. Tumor cells were separated from infiltrating cells by short centrifugation and infiltrating NK cells were phenotypically and functionally characterized by multiple antibody staining and flow cytometry. Tumor infiltrating NK cells in HNSCC showed a peculiar phenotype predominantly characterized by increased NKG2A and reduced Siglec-7, NKG2D, NKp30 and CD16 expression. This phenotype was associated with a decreased ability to perform antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). However, NK, CD4 and CD8 shared an increment of glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor-related (GITR) costimulatory receptor which could be exploited for immunotherapy with agonistic anti-GITR antibodies combined with checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Greta Pessino
- Unit of Immunology and General Pathology, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Trisolini
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alberto Luchena
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marco Benazzo
- Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Patrizia Morbini
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Pathology, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Mario U. Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefania Varchetta, ; Mario U. Mondelli,
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Fondazione Istituto di Ricovero e Cura Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Stefania Varchetta, ; Mario U. Mondelli,
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Cord Blood-Derived Natural Killer Cell Exploitation in Immunotherapy Protocols: More Than a Promise? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184439. [PMID: 36139598 PMCID: PMC9496735 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary NK cell anti-tumor activity against hematological malignancies is well-established and many studies support their role in the control of solid tumor growth and metastasis generation. However, tumor microenvironment may affect NK cell function. Ongoing studies are aimed to design novel immunotherapeutic protocols to combine NK cell-based immunotherapy with other therapeutic strategies to improve the anti-tumor NK cell response. In this context, UCB is one of the main sources of both mature NK cells and of CD34+ HSPC that can generate NK cells, both in-vivo and in-vitro. UCB-derived NK cells represent a valuable tool to perform in-vitro and preclinical analyses and are already used in several clinical settings, particularly against hematological malignancies. The present review describes the characteristics of different types of UCB-derived NK cells and the in-vitro models to expand them, both for research and clinical purposes in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Abstract In the last 20 years, Natural Killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has become a promising approach to target various types of cancer. Indeed, NK cells play a pivotal role in the first-line defense against tumors through major histocompatibility complex-independent immunosurveillance. Their role in the control of leukemia relapse has been clearly established and, moreover, the presence of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) generally correlates with good prognosis. However, it has also been observed that, often, NK cells poorly infiltrate the tumor tissue, and, in TME, their functions may be compromised by immunosuppressive factors that contribute to the failure of anti-cancer immune response. Currently, studies are focused on the design of effective strategies to expand NK cells and enhance their cytotoxic activity, exploiting different cell sources, such as peripheral blood (PB), umbilical cord blood (UCB) and NK cell lines. Among them, UCB represents an important source of mature NK cells and CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs), as precursors of NK cells. In this review, we summarize the UCB-derived NK cell activity in the tumor context, review the different in-vitro models to expand NK cells from UCB, and discuss the importance of their exploitation in anti-tumor immunotherapy protocols.
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Ren X, Li Y, Nishimura C, Zang X. Crosstalk between the B7/CD28 and EGFR pathways: Mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Genes Dis 2022; 9:1181-1193. [PMID: 35873032 PMCID: PMC9293717 DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2021.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Somatic activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are one of the most common oncogenic drivers in cancers such as non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), metastatic colorectal cancer, glioblastoma, head and neck cancer, pancreatic cancer, and breast cancer. Molecular-targeted agents against EGFR signaling pathways have shown robust clinical efficacy, but patients inevitably experience acquired resistance. Although immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) targeting PD-1/PD-L1 have exhibited durable anti-tumor responses in a subset of patients across multiple cancer types, their efficacy is limited in cancers harboring activating gene alterations of EGFR. Increasing studies have demonstrated that upregulation of new B7/CD28 family members such as B7-H3, B7x and HHLA2, is associated with EGFR signaling and may contribute to resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies by creating an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). In this review, we discuss the regulatory effect of EGFR signaling on the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway and new B7/CD28 family member pathways. Understanding these interactions may inform combination therapeutic strategies and potentially overcome the current challenge of resistance to EGFR-targeted therapies. We also summarize clinical data of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies in EGFR-mutated cancers, as well as ongoing clinical trials of combination of EGFR-targeted therapies and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxin Ren
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yixian Li
- Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology/Transplant and Cellular Therapy, Children's Hospital at Montefiore, Bronx, NY 10467, USA
| | - Christopher Nishimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA.,Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA.,Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, NY 10461, USA
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Talaat IM, Elemam NM, Zaher S, Saber-Ayad M. Checkpoint molecules on infiltrating immune cells in colorectal tumor microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:955599. [PMID: 36072957 PMCID: PMC9441912 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.955599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with a high mortality rate due to metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains multiple interactions between the tumor and the host, thus determining CRC initiation and progression. Various immune cells exist within the TME, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). The immunotherapy approach provides novel opportunities to treat solid tumors, especially toward immune checkpoints. Despite the advances in the immunotherapy of CRC, there are still obstacles to successful treatment. In this review, we highlighted the role of these immune cells in CRC, with a particular emphasis on immune checkpoint molecules involved in CRC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman M. Talaat
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Elemam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Noha M. Elemam,
| | - Shroque Zaher
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Maha Saber-Ayad,
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45
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Podojil JR, Cogswell AC, Chiang MY, Eaton V, Ifergan I, Neef T, Xu D, Meghani KA, Yu Y, Orbach SM, Murthy T, Boyne MT, Elhofy A, Shea LD, Meeks JJ, Miller SD. Biodegradable nanoparticles induce cGAS/STING-dependent reprogramming of myeloid cells to promote tumor immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887649. [PMID: 36059473 PMCID: PMC9433741 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer treatment utilizing infusion therapies to enhance the patient's own immune response against the tumor have shown significant functionality in a small subpopulation of patients. Additionally, advances have been made in the utilization of nanotechnology for the treatment of disease. We have previously reported the potent effects of 3-4 daily intravenous infusions of immune modifying poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (IMPs; named ONP-302) for the amelioration of acute inflammatory diseases by targeting myeloid cells. The present studies describe a novel use for ONP-302, employing an altered dosing scheme to reprogram myeloid cells resulting in significant enhancement of tumor immunity. ONP-302 infusion decreased tumor growth via the activation of the cGAS/STING pathway within myeloid cells, and subsequently increased NK cell activation via an IL-15-dependent mechanism. Additionally, ONP-302 treatment increased PD-1/PD-L1 expression in the tumor microenvironment, thereby allowing for functionality of anti-PD-1 for treatment in the B16.F10 melanoma tumor model which is normally unresponsive to monotherapy with anti-PD-1. These findings indicate that ONP-302 allows for tumor control via reprogramming myeloid cells via activation of the STING/IL-15/NK cell mechanism, as well as increasing anti-PD-1 response rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R. Podojil
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,Cour Pharmaceutical Development Company, Northbrook, IL, United States
| | - Andrew C. Cogswell
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Ming-Yi Chiang
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Valerie Eaton
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Igal Ifergan
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tobias Neef
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Khyati A. Meghani
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yanni Yu
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,Immunobiology Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Sophia M. Orbach
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Tushar Murthy
- Cour Pharmaceutical Development Company, Northbrook, IL, United States
| | - Michael T. Boyne
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,Cour Pharmaceutical Development Company, Northbrook, IL, United States
| | - Adam Elhofy
- Cour Pharmaceutical Development Company, Northbrook, IL, United States
| | - Lonnie D. Shea
- Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Joshua J. Meeks
- Department of Urology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Stephen D. Miller
- Department of Microbiology-Immunology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,Immunobiology Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States,*Correspondence: Stephen D. Miller,
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46
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Functional crosstalk and regulation of natural killer cells in tumor microenvironment: Significance and potential therapeutic strategies. Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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47
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Chen X, Jiang L, Liu X. Natural killer cells: the next wave in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:954804. [PMID: 35967421 PMCID: PMC9364606 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.954804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies focusing on rejuvenating T cell activities, like PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade, have unprecedentedly revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment. Yet a previously underexplored component of the immune system - natural killer (NK) cell, is coming to the forefront of immunotherapeutic attempts. In this review, we discuss the contributions of NK cells in the success of current immunotherapies, provide an overview of the current preclinical and clinical strategies at harnessing NK cells for cancer treatment, and highlight that NK cell-mediated therapies emerge as a major target in the next wave of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
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48
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Electroacupuncture at Zusanli (ST36), Guanyuan (CV4), and Qihai (CV6) Acupoints Regulates Immune Function in Patients with Sepsis via the PD-1 Pathway. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:7037497. [PMID: 35860804 PMCID: PMC9293513 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7037497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective The present study is aimed at investigating the biochemical and clinical effects of electroacupuncture in patients with sepsis. Methods Patients with sepsis treated at Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine from July 2019 to December 2020 were included. Patients were randomly assigned to treatment with routine Western medicine (WM group) or treatment with Western medicine plus electroacupuncture based on Western medicine (EA group). Indices associated with immune function and clinical efficacy were determined before and at 3 and 5 days after treatment. Indicators of immune function included the percentage of T lymphocyte subsets, natural killer (NK) cells, and soluble programmed death protein 1 (sPD-1) levels. Indicators of clinical efficacy included infection-related indicators in whole blood; levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), and interferon-γ (INF-γ); and assessments using acute physiology and chronic health evaluation-II (APACHE-II) and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) scores. Results Baseline data were not different between WM (N = 30) and EA groups (N = 30). At day 5 following treatment, the level of sPD-1 in the EA group was lower than that in the WM group. Proportions of CD3 + T lymphocytes, CD4 + T lymphocytes, and NK cells, the percentage of lymphocytes, and INF-γ levels in the EA group were significantly higher than those in the WM group. Compared with the WM group, the white blood cell count (WBC), percentage and count of neutrophils, ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes, and levels of CRP and TNF-α were significantly decreased in the EA group 5 days after treatment. The APACHE-II score of the EA group was significantly lower than that of the WM group 5 days after treatment. Conclusion Electroacupuncture may regulate the immune function of patients with sepsis through the PD-1 pathway to achieve an anti-inflammatory state and improve clinical symptoms.
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49
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Pesini C, Hidalgo S, Arias MA, Santiago L, Calvo C, Ocariz-Díez M, Isla D, Lanuza PM, Agustín MJ, Galvez EM, Ramírez-Labrada A, Pardo J. PD-1 is expressed in cytotoxic granules of NK cells and rapidly mobilized to the cell membrane following recognition of tumor cells. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2096359. [PMID: 35813574 PMCID: PMC9262365 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2096359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of the T cell-related inhibitory checkpoint PD-1 to the regulation of NK cell activity is still not clear with contradictory results concerning its expression and role in the modulation of NK cell cytotoxicity. We provide novel key findings on the mechanism involved in the regulation of PD-1 expression on NK cell membrane and its functional consequences for the elimination of cancer cells. In contrast to freshly isolated NK cells from cancer patients, those from healthy donors did not express PD-1 on the cell membrane. However, when healthy NK cells were incubated with tumor target cells, membrane PD-1 expression increased, concurrent with the CD107a surface mobilization. This finding suggested that PD-1 was translocated to the cell membrane during NK cell degranulation after contact with target cells. Indeed, cytosolic PD-1 was expressed in freshly-isolated-NK cells and partly co-localized with CD107a and GzmB, confirming that membrane PD-1 corresponded to a pool of preformed PD-1. Moreover, NK cells that had mobilized PD-1 to the cell membrane presented a significantly reduced anti-tumor activity on PD-L1-expressing-tumor cells in vitro and in vivo, which was partly reversed by using anti-PD-1 blocking antibodies. Our results indicate that NK cells from healthy individuals express cytotoxic granule-associated PD-1, which is rapidly mobilized to the cell membrane after interaction with tumor target cells. This novel finding helps to understand how PD-1 expression is regulated on NK cell membrane and the functional consequences of this expression during the elimination of tumor cells, which will help to design more efficient NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pesini
- Immunotherapy, Inflammation and Cancer, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Sandra Hidalgo
- Immunotherapy, Inflammation and Cancer, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatrics and Public Health, ARAID Foundation/University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maykel A. Arias
- Immunotherapy, Inflammation and Cancer, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatrics and Public Health, ARAID Foundation/University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Llipsy Santiago
- Immunotherapy, Inflammation and Cancer, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatrics and Public Health, ARAID Foundation/University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlota Calvo
- Immunotherapy, Inflammation and Cancer, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Medical Oncopediatry Department, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Maitane Ocariz-Díez
- Medical Oncology Department, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Hospital Clinico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Dolores Isla
- Medical Oncology Department, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Hospital Clinico Universitario Lozano Blesa, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Pilar M. Lanuza
- Immunotherapy, Inflammation and Cancer, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - M José Agustín
- Pharmacy Department, Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Eva M Galvez
- CSIC, Instituto de Carboquimica (ICB), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Ariel Ramírez-Labrada
- Immunotherapy, Inflammation and Cancer, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Unidad de Nanotoxicología e Inmunotoxicología (UNATI), Biomedical Research Center of Aragón (CIBA), Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Julián Pardo
- Immunotherapy, Inflammation and Cancer, Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Biomedical Research Centre of Aragón (CIBA), Zaragoza, Spain
- Department of Microbiology, Radiology, Pediatrics and Public Health, ARAID Foundation/University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
- CIBER Enfermedades Infecciosas, Madrid, Spain
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50
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Witalisz-Siepracka A, Klein K, Zdársky B, Stoiber D. The Multifaceted Role of STAT3 in NK-Cell Tumor Surveillance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:947568. [PMID: 35865518 PMCID: PMC9294167 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.947568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) is a member of the Janus kinase (JAK)-STAT pathway, which is one of the key pathways contributing to cancer. STAT3 regulates transcription downstream of many cytokines including interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10. In cancer, STAT3 is mainly described as a tumor promoter driving tumor cell proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, angiogenesis and metastasis and aberrant activation of STAT3 is associated with poor prognosis. STAT3 is also an important driver of immune evasion. Among many other immunosuppressive mechanisms, STAT3 aids tumor cells to escape natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune surveillance. NK cells are innate lymphocytes, which can directly kill malignant cells but also regulate adaptive immune responses and contribute to the composition of the tumor microenvironment. The inborn ability to lyse transformed cells renders NK cells an attractive tool for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we provide an overview of the role of STAT3 in the dynamic interplay between NK cells and tumor cells. On the one hand, we summarize the current knowledge on how tumor cell-intrinsic STAT3 drives the evasion from NK cells. On the other hand, we describe the multiple functions of STAT3 in regulating NK-cell cytotoxicity, cytokine production and their anti-tumor responses in vivo. In light of the ongoing research on STAT3 inhibitors, we also discuss how targeting STAT3 would affect the two arms of STAT3-dependent regulation of NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Understanding the complexity of this interplay in the tumor microenvironment is crucial for future implementation of NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Witalisz-Siepracka
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Klara Klein
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bernhard Zdársky
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
| | - Dagmar Stoiber
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Microbiology, Division Pharmacology, Karl Landsteiner University of Health Sciences, Krems, Austria
- *Correspondence: Dagmar Stoiber,
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