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Baiu DC, Sharma A, Schehr JL, Basu J, Smith KA, Ohashi M, Johannsen EC, Kenney SC, Gumperz JE. Human CD4 + iNKT cell adoptive immunotherapy induces anti-tumour responses against CD1d-negative EBV-driven B lymphoma. Immunology 2024; 172:627-640. [PMID: 38736328 PMCID: PMC11223969 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13799] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a conserved population of innate T lymphocytes that are uniquely suitable as off-the-shelf cellular immunotherapies due to their lack of alloreactivity. Two major subpopulations of human iNKT cells have been delineated, a CD4- subset that has a TH1/cytolytic profile, and a CD4+ subset that appears polyfunctional and can produce both regulatory and immunostimulatory cytokines. Whether these two subsets differ in anti-tumour effects is not known. Using live cell imaging, we found that CD4- iNKT cells limited growth of CD1d+ Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected B-lymphoblastoid spheroids in vitro, whereas CD4+ iNKT cells showed little or no direct anti-tumour activity. However, the effects of the two subsets were reversed when we tested them as adoptive immunotherapies in vivo using a xenograft model of EBV-driven human B cell lymphoma. We found that EBV-infected B cells down-regulated CD1d in vivo, and administering CD4- iNKT cells had no discernable impact on tumour mass. In contrast, xenotransplanted mice bearing lymphomas showed rapid reduction in tumour mass after administering CD4+ iNKT cells. Immunotherapeutic CD4+ iNKT cells trafficked to both spleen and tumour and were associated with subsequently enhanced responses of xenotransplanted human T cells against EBV. CD4+ iNKT cells also had adjuvant-like effects on monocyte-derived DCs and promoted antigen-dependent responses of human T cells in vitro. These results show that allogeneic CD4+ iNKT cellular immunotherapy leads to marked anti-tumour activity through indirect pathways that do not require tumour cell CD1d expression and that are associated with enhanced activity of antigen-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C. Baiu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Akshat Sharma
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jennifer L. Schehr
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jayati Basu
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kelsey A. Smith
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Makoto Ohashi
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Eric C. Johannsen
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Shannon C. Kenney
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jenny E. Gumperz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Thomas P, Paris P, Pecqueur C. Arming Vδ2 T Cells with Chimeric Antigen Receptors to Combat Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:3105-3116. [PMID: 38747974 PMCID: PMC11292201 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-3495] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach in the field of cancer treatment, with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy demonstrating remarkable success. However, challenges such as tumor antigen heterogeneity, immune evasion, and the limited persistence of CAR-T cells have prompted the exploration of alternative cell types for CAR-based strategies. Gamma delta T cells, a unique subset of lymphocytes with inherent tumor recognition capabilities and versatile immune functions, have garnered increasing attention in recent years. In this review, we present how arming Vδ2-T cells might be the basis for next-generation immunotherapies against solid tumors. Following a comprehensive overview of γδ T-cell biology and innovative CAR engineering strategies, we discuss the clinical potential of Vδ2 CAR-T cells in overcoming the current limitations of immunotherapy in solid tumors. Although the applications of Vδ2 CAR-T cells in cancer research are relatively in their infancy and many challenges are yet to be identified, Vδ2 CAR-T cells represent a promising breakthrough in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Thomas
- Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, INSERM, CNRS, Nantes, France
| | - Pierre Paris
- Nantes Université, CRCI2NA, INSERM, CNRS, Nantes, France
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3
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Liu J, Wu M, Yang Y, Wang Z, He S, Tian X, Wang H. γδ T cells and the PD-1/PD-L1 axis: a love-hate relationship in the tumor microenvironment. J Transl Med 2024; 22:553. [PMID: 38858763 PMCID: PMC11163710 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05327-z] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells demonstrate strong cytotoxicity against diverse cancer cell types in an MHC-independent manner, rendering them promising contenders for cancer therapy. Although amplification and adoptive transfer of γδ T cells are being evaluated in the clinic, their therapeutic efficacy remains unsatisfactory, primarily due to the influence of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Currently, the utilization of targeted therapeutic antibodies against inhibitory immune checkpoint (ICP) molecules is a viable approach to counteract the immunosuppressive consequences of the TME. Notably, PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors are considered primary treatment options for diverse malignancies, with the objective of preserving the response of αβ T cells. However, γδ T cells also infiltrate various human cancers and are important participants in cancer immunity, thereby influencing patient prognosis. Hence, it is imperative to comprehend the reciprocal impact of the PD-1/PD-L1 axis on γδ T cells. This understanding can serve as a therapeutic foundation for improving γδ T cells adoptive transfer therapy and may offer a novel avenue for future combined immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yifan Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zixuan Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shan He
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xun Tian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Academician Expert Workstation, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, Hubei, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Cancer Biology Research Center (Key Laboratory of the Ministry of Education), Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Therapy for Major Gynecological Diseases, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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4
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Bharadwaj NS, Zumwalde NA, Kapur A, Patankar M, Gumperz JE. Human CD4 + memory phenotype T cells use mitochondrial metabolism to generate sensitive IFN-γ responses. iScience 2024; 27:109775. [PMID: 38726371 PMCID: PMC11079467 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109775] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The transition of naive T lymphocytes into antigenically activated effector cells is associated with a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis. This shift facilitates production of the key anti-tumor cytokine interferon (IFN)-γ; however, an associated loss of mitochondrial efficiency in effector T cells ultimately limits anti-tumor immunity. Memory phenotype (MP) T cells are a newly recognized subset that arises through homeostatic activation signals following hematopoietic transplantation. We show here that human CD4+ MP cell differentiation is associated with increased glycolytic and oxidative metabolic activity, but MP cells retain less compromised mitochondria compared to effector CD4+ T cells, and their IFN-γ response is less dependent on glucose and more reliant on glutamine. MP cells also produced IFN-γ more efficiently in response to weak T cell receptor (TCR) agonism than effectors and mediated stronger responses to transformed B cells. MP cells may thus be particularly well suited to carry out sustained immunosurveillance against neoplastic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikhila S. Bharadwaj
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Nicholas A. Zumwalde
- Department of Genetics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Arvinder Kapur
- QIAGEN Sciences Inc., 19300 Germantown Road, Germantown, MD 20874, USA
| | - Manish Patankar
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Jenny E. Gumperz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health; Madison, WI 53706, USA
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Wang Y, Han J, Wang D, Cai M, Xu Y, Hu Y, Chen H, He W, Zhang J. Anti-PD-1 antibody armored γδ T cells enhance anti-tumor efficacy in ovarian cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:399. [PMID: 37857598 PMCID: PMC10587135 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01646-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells have the unique ability to detect a wide range of tumors with low mutation burdens, making them attractive candidates for CAR-T-cell therapy. Unlike αβ T cells and other immune cells, γδ T cells are superior in MHC non-restriction, selective cell recruitment, and rapid activation. However, clinical trials have shown limited clinical benefits, and the adoptive transplantation of γδ T cells has often fallen short of expectations. We hypothesized that the limited effectiveness of γδ T cells in eradicating tumor cells may be attributed to the inhibitory tumor microenvironment induced by the suppressive PD-1/PD-L1 axis. Herein, we constructed novel armored γδ T cells capable of secreting humanized anti-PD-1 antibodies, referred to as "Lv-PD1-γδ T cells. Lv-PD1-γδ T cells showed improved proliferation and enhanced cytotoxicity against tumor cells, resulting in augmented therapeutic effects and survival benefits in ovarian tumor-bearing mice. These engineered cells demonstrated a prolonged in vivo survival of more than 29 days, without any potential for tumorigenicity in immunodeficient NOD/SCID/γ null mice. We also found that Lv-PD1-γδ T cells exhibited excellent tolerance and safety in humanized NOD/SCID/γ null mice. With attenuated or eliminated immunosuppression and maximized cytotoxicity efficacy by the local secretion of anti-PD1 antibodies in tumors, Lv-PD1-γδ T cells can serve as a promising "off-the-shelf" cell therapy against cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Wang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Jingyi Han
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Menghua Cai
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yu Hu
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China
- Changzhou Xitaihu Institute for Frontier Technology of Cell Therapy, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Immunology, CAMS Key Laboratory of T-cell and Immunotherapy, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Beijing, 100005, China.
- Haihe Laboratory of Cell Ecosystem, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 288 Nanjing Road, Tianjin, 300020, China.
- Changzhou Xitaihu Institute for Frontier Technology of Cell Therapy, Changzhou, 213000, China.
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6
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Wu SJ, Lin CT, Liao CH, Lin CM. Immunotherapeutic potential of blinatumomab-secreting γ9δ2 T Cells. Transl Oncol 2023; 31:101650. [PMID: 36917873 PMCID: PMC10024132 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101650] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have explored the use of engineered blinatumomab-secreting autologous αβ T cells for CD19-targeted cancer therapy. To create a more flexible allogeneic delivery system, we utilized γ9δ2 T cells rather than αβ T cells in a similar application. First, we showed that γ9δ2 T cells could serve as effector cells for blinatumomab, and these effector memory cells could survive for at least 7 days after infusion. The genetically modified blinatumomab-secreting γ9δ2 T cells induced significant cytotoxicity in CD19+ tumor cell lines and primary cells from chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Of note, blinatumomab-secreting γ9δ2 T cells might also exhibit dual-targeting of CD19 and isopentenyl pyrophosphate, a universal tumor-associated antigen. Furthermore, blinatumomab-secreting γ9δ2 T cells killed CD19-transfected adherent cells, suggesting that the γ9δ2 T cells might be effective for treating solid tumors with appropriate cancer antigens. Together, these results demonstrate the promise of blinatumomab-secreting γ9δ2 T cells as a cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Ju Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Hematological Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Chien-Ting Lin
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Hematological Oncology, National Taiwan University Cancer Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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7
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Assy L, Khalil SM, Attia M, Salem ML. IL-12 conditioning of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from breast cancer patients promotes the zoledronate-induced expansion of γδ T cells in vitro and enhances their cytotoxic activity and cytokine production. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 114:109402. [PMID: 36481526 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109402] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In a series of our preclinical studies, we have reported that conditioning of α/β CD8+ T cells in vitro with interleukin-12 (IL-12) during their expansion improves their homing phenotype and anti-tumor cytolytic function upon their adoptive transfer in vivo. Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells can also be expanded in vitro with amino bisphosphonates such as zoledronate (ZOL) for the purpose of adoptive therapy. AIM We aimed in this study to use IL-12 to enhance the expansion and cytotoxic functions of ZOL-expanded Vγ9+Vδ2+T cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were separated from healthy donors and stage II breast cancer patients. PBMCs (1 × 106 cells/mL) were cultured and treated with ZOL/IL2, ZOL/IL2/IL12, or IL2/IL12. Cultured cells were harvested on days 7 and 14 of culture and their numbers, phenotype, and cytolytic activity were assessed. The levels of pro- and inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in the plasma and supernatants of the cultured cells were analyzed by Luminex. RESULTS In healthy subjects, the addition of IL-12 to ZOL/IL2-stimulated PBMCs increased the expansion and the cytotoxic activity of Vγ9+Vδ2+ T cells on days 7 and 14 of culture. The latter was measured by the expression level of the cytolytic molecules granzyme B (GZB) and perforin (PER). Of note, αβ CD8 + T cells were also activated under the same condition but with a lesser extent addition of IL-12 to ZOL/IL2-stimulated PBMCs from cancer patients also induced similar effects but were lower than in control subjects. Interestingly, ZOL/IL2/IL12-treated PBMCs showed higher levels of cytokines/chemokines, in particular, CCL, CCL4, GM-CSF, IL-1rα; IL-12, IL-13, TNF, and IFNγ measured on days 7 and 14. CONCLUSION The addition of IL12 at the start of the expansion protocol can enhance the activity of γδ T cells which might be mediated in part by the activation of αβ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lobna Assy
- Immunology and Biotechnology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, New Tanta University Teaching Hospital, Tanta, University, Egypt
| | - Sohaila M Khalil
- Immunology and Biotechnology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, New Tanta University Teaching Hospital, Tanta, University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Attia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed L Salem
- Immunology and Biotechnology Unit, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt; Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, New Tanta University Teaching Hospital, Tanta, University, Egypt.
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Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous human lymphotropic herpesvirus with a well-established causal role in several cancers. Recent studies have provided compelling epidemiological and mechanistic evidence for a causal role of EBV in multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is the most prevalent chronic inflammatory and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system and is thought to be triggered in genetically predisposed individuals by an infectious agent, with EBV as the lead candidate. How a ubiquitous virus that typically leads to benign latent infections can promote cancer and autoimmune disease in at-risk populations is not fully understood. Here we review the evidence that EBV is a causal agent for MS and how various risk factors may affect EBV infection and immune control. We focus on EBV contributing to MS through reprogramming of latently infected B lymphocytes and the chronic presentation of viral antigens as a potential source of autoreactivity through molecular mimicry. We consider how knowledge of EBV-associated cancers may be instructive for understanding the role of EBV in MS and discuss the potential for therapies that target EBV to treat MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha S. Soldan
- grid.251075.40000 0001 1956 6678The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA USA
| | - Paul M. Lieberman
- grid.251075.40000 0001 1956 6678The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA USA
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9
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Human Vδ2 T Cells and Their Versatility for Immunotherapeutic Approaches. Cells 2022; 11:cells11223572. [PMID: 36429001 PMCID: PMC9688761 DOI: 10.3390/cells11223572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma/delta (γδ) T cells are innate-like immune effectors that are a critical component linking innate and adaptive immune responses. They are recognized for their contribution to tumor surveillance and fight against infectious diseases. γδ T cells are excellent candidates for cellular immunotherapy due to their unique properties to recognize and destroy tumors or infected cells. They do not depend on the recognition of a single antigen but rather a broad-spectrum of diverse ligands through expression of various cytotoxic receptors. In this manuscript, we review major characteristics of the most abundant circulating γδ subpopulation, Vδ2 T cells, their immunotherapeutic potential, recent advances in expansion protocols, their preclinical and clinical applications for several infectious diseases and malignancies, and how additional modulation could enhance their therapeutic potential.
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Chan KF, Duarte JDG, Ostrouska S, Behren A. γδ T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment-Interactions With Other Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894315. [PMID: 35880177 PMCID: PMC9307934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have shown that γδ T cells play a pivotal role in mediating the clearance of tumors and pathogen-infected cells with their potent cytotoxic, cytolytic, and unique immune-modulating functions. Unlike the more abundant αβ T cells, γδ T cells can recognize a broad range of tumors and infected cells without the requirement of antigen presentation via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Our group has recently demonstrated parts of the mechanisms of T-cell receptor (TCR)-dependent activation of Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells by tumors following the presentation of phosphoantigens, intermediates of the mevalonate pathway. This process is mediated through the B7 immunoglobulin family-like butyrophilin 2A1 (BTN2A1) and BTN3A1 complexes. Such recognition results in activation, a robust immunosurveillance process, and elicits rapid γδ T-cell immune responses. These include targeted cell killing, and the ability to produce copious quantities of cytokines and chemokines to exert immune-modulating properties and to interact with other immune cells. This immune cell network includes αβ T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, natural killer cells, and neutrophils, hence heavily influencing the outcome of immune responses. This key role in orchestrating immune cells and their natural tropism for tumor microenvironment makes γδ T cells an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the current understanding of these important interactions and highlight the implications of the crosstalk between γδ T cells and other immune cells in the context of anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kok Fei Chan
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica Da Gama Duarte
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Simone Ostrouska
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Behren
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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11
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Nong C, Guan P, Li L, Zhang H, Hu H. Tumor immunotherapy: Mechanisms and clinical applications. MEDCOMM – ONCOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/mog2.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Nong
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Pengbo Guan
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Li Li
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Huiyuan Zhang
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Hongbo Hu
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Chongqing International Institution for Immunology Chongqing China
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12
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Münz C. Co-Stimulatory Molecules during Immune Control of Epstein Barr Virus Infection. Biomolecules 2021; 12:biom12010038. [PMID: 35053187 PMCID: PMC8774114 DOI: 10.3390/biom12010038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is one of the prominent human tumor viruses, and it is efficiently immune-controlled in most virus carriers. Cytotoxic lymphocytes strongly expand during symptomatic primary EBV infection and in preclinical in vivo models of this tumor virus infection. In these models and patients with primary immunodeficiencies, antibody blockade or deficiencies in certain molecular pathways lead to EBV-associated pathologies. In addition to T, NK, and NKT cell development, as well as their cytotoxic machinery, a set of co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules was found to be required for EBV-specific immune control. The role of CD27/CD70, 4-1BB, SLAMs, NKG2D, CD16A/CD2, CTLA-4, and PD-1 will be discussed in this review. Some of these have just been recently identified as crucial for EBV-specific immune control, and for others, their important functions during protection were characterized in in vivo models of EBV infection and its immune control. These insights into the phenotype of cytotoxic lymphocytes that mediate the near-perfect immune control of EBV-associated malignancies might also guide immunotherapies against other tumors in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Münz
- Department of Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
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13
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Schönefeldt S, Wais T, Herling M, Mustjoki S, Bekiaris V, Moriggl R, Neubauer HA. The Diverse Roles of γδ T Cells in Cancer: From Rapid Immunity to Aggressive Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6212. [PMID: 34944832 PMCID: PMC8699114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are unique players in shaping immune responses, lying at the intersection between innate and adaptive immunity. Unlike conventional αβ T cells, γδ T cells largely populate non-lymphoid peripheral tissues, demonstrating tissue specificity, and they respond to ligands in an MHC-independent manner. γδ T cells display rapid activation and effector functions, with a capacity for cytotoxic anti-tumour responses and production of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ or IL-17. Their rapid cytotoxic nature makes them attractive cells for use in anti-cancer immunotherapies. However, upon transformation, γδ T cells can give rise to highly aggressive lymphomas. These rare malignancies often display poor patient survival, and no curative therapies exist. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of γδ T cells in immune surveillance and response, with a particular focus on cancer immunity. We summarise the intriguing dichotomy between pro- and anti-tumour functions of γδ T cells in solid and haematological cancers, highlighting the key subsets involved. Finally, we discuss potential drivers of γδ T-cell transformation, summarising the main γδ T-cell lymphoma/leukaemia entities, their clinical features, recent advances in mapping their molecular and genomic landscapes, current treatment strategies and potential future targeting options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Schönefeldt
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
| | - Tamara Wais
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
| | - Marco Herling
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vasileios Bekiaris
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
| | - Heidi A. Neubauer
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
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14
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Martini F, Champagne E. The Contribution of Human Herpes Viruses to γδ T Cell Mobilisation in Co-Infections. Viruses 2021; 13:v13122372. [PMID: 34960641 PMCID: PMC8704314 DOI: 10.3390/v13122372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are activated in viral, bacterial and parasitic infections. Among viruses that promote γδ T cell mobilisation in humans, herpes viruses (HHVs) occupy a particular place since they infect the majority of the human population and persist indefinitely in the organism in a latent state. Thus, other infections should, in most instances, be considered co-infections, and the reactivation of HHV is a serious confounding factor in attributing γδ T cell alterations to a particular pathogen in human diseases. We review here the literature data on γδ T cell mobilisation in HHV infections and co-infections, and discuss the possible contribution of HHVs to γδ alterations observed in various infectious settings. As multiple infections seemingly mobilise overlapping γδ subsets, we also address the concept of possible cross-protection.
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15
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Nada MH, Wang H, Hussein AJ, Tanaka Y, Morita CT. PD-1 checkpoint blockade enhances adoptive immunotherapy by human Vγ2Vδ2 T cells against human prostate cancer. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1989789. [PMID: 34712512 PMCID: PMC8547840 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1989789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Vγ2Vδ2 (also termed Vγ9Vδ2) T cells play important roles in microbial and tumor immunity by monitoring foreign- and self-prenyl pyrophosphate metabolites in isoprenoid biosynthesis. Accumulation of isoprenoid metabolites after bisphosphonate treatment allows Vγ2Vδ2 T cells to recognize and kill tumors independently of their MHC expression or burden of non-synonymous mutations. Clinical trials with more than 400 patients show that adoptive immunotherapy with Vγ2Vδ2 T cells has few side effects but has resulted in only a few partial and complete remissions. Here, we have tested Vγ2Vδ2 T cells for expression of inhibitory receptors and determined whether adding PD-1 checkpoint blockade to adoptively transferred Vγ2Vδ2 T cells enhances immunity to human PC-3 prostate tumors in an NSG mouse model. We find that Vγ2Vδ2 T cells express PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and TIM-3 inhibitory receptors during the 14-day ex vivo expansion period, and PD-1, LAG-3, and TIM-3 upon subsequent stimulation by pamidronate-treated tumor cells. Expression of PD-L1 on PC-3 prostate cancer cells was increased by co-culture with activated Vγ2Vδ2 T cells. Importantly, anti-PD-1 mAb treatment enhanced Vγ2Vδ2 T cell immunity to PC-3 tumors in immunodeficient NSG mice, reducing tumor volume nearly to zero after 5 weeks. These results demonstrate that PD-1 checkpoint blockade can enhance the effectiveness of adoptive immunotherapy with human γδ T cells in treating prostate tumors in a preclinical model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohanad H Nada
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City Veterans Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Division of Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Tikrit University, Tikrit, Iraq.,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani, Sulaymaniah, Iraq
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City Veterans Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Division of Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
| | - Auter J Hussein
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City Veterans Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Salah Al-Din Directorate of Health, Ministry of Health, Iraq
| | - Yoshimasa Tanaka
- Center for Medical Innovation, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki Japan
| | - Craig T Morita
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Iowa City Veterans Health Care System, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Division of Immunology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA.,Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Immunology,University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
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16
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Tomogane M, Sano Y, Shimizu D, Shimizu T, Miyashita M, Toda Y, Hosogi S, Tanaka Y, Kimura S, Ashihara E. Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells exert anti-tumor activity independently of PD-L1 expression in tumor cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 573:132-139. [PMID: 34407491 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Human γδ T cells expressing Vγ9Vδ2 T cell receptors play a crucial role in the innate immune system and have an attracted interest as effector cells in adoptive cellular immunotherapy. However, the efficacy of adoptive cellular immunotherapy for the treatment of tumors requires overcoming the immunosuppressive microenvironment. αβ T cell inhibition in the tumor microenvironment is associated with programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression level. Vγ9Vδ2 T cells (abbreviated as γδ T cells here) exert potent cytotoxic effects in various cancers; however, γδ T cell activity in relation to the level of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells remains unclear, and the association between the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and γδ T cell cytotoxicity needs to be investigated. In this study, PD-1 blockade did not increase the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells against PD-L1high cancer cells. However, the anti-PD-L1 monoclonal antibody (mAb) enhanced the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells against a subset of cancer cells, whereas PD-L1 knockdown did not increase the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells. We also found that the expression levels of PD-L1 were positively correlated with the changes of γδ T cells cytotoxicity induced by anti-PD-L1 mAb. These observations suggest that anti-PD-L1 mAb treatment adds ADCC activity to the cytotoxicity of γδ T cells itself against PD-L1high cancer cells. The present results suggest that ex vivo expanded γδ T cells have antitumor activity independently of PD-L1 expression and may be promising effector cells for γδ T cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mako Tomogane
- Department of Clinical and Translational Physiology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sano
- Department of Clinical and Translational Physiology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Daiki Shimizu
- Department of Clinical and Translational Physiology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Teruki Shimizu
- Department of Urology, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Miyashita
- Department of Urology, Japanese Red Cross Society Kyoto Daini Hospital, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yuki Toda
- Department of Clinical and Translational Physiology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Shigekuni Hosogi
- Department of Clinical and Translational Physiology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Yoshimasa Tanaka
- Center for Medical Innnovation, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki, Japan
| | - Shinya Kimura
- Division of Hematology, Respiratory Medicine and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, Nabeshima 5-1-1, Saga, Japan
| | - Eishi Ashihara
- Department of Clinical and Translational Physiology, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Kyoto, Japan.
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17
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Barros MDS, de Araújo ND, Magalhães-Gama F, Pereira Ribeiro TL, Alves Hanna FS, Tarragô AM, Malheiro A, Costa AG. γδ T Cells for Leukemia Immunotherapy: New and Expanding Trends. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729085. [PMID: 34630403 PMCID: PMC8493128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, many discoveries have elucidated the cellular and molecular diversity in the leukemic microenvironment and improved our knowledge regarding their complex nature. This has allowed the development of new therapeutic strategies against leukemia. Advances in biotechnology and the current understanding of T cell-engineering have led to new approaches in this fight, thus improving cell-mediated immune response against cancer. However, most of the investigations focus only on conventional cytotoxic cells, while ignoring the potential of unconventional T cells that until now have been little studied. γδ T cells are a unique lymphocyte subpopulation that has an extensive repertoire of tumor sensing and may have new immunotherapeutic applications in a wide range of tumors. The ability to respond regardless of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression, the secretion of antitumor mediators and high functional plasticity are hallmarks of γδ T cells, and are ones that make them a promising alternative in the field of cell therapy. Despite this situation, in particular cases, the leukemic microenvironment can adopt strategies to circumvent the antitumor response of these lymphocytes, causing their exhaustion or polarization to a tumor-promoting phenotype. Intervening in this crosstalk can improve their capabilities and clinical applications and can make them key components in new therapeutic antileukemic approaches. In this review, we highlight several characteristics of γδ T cells and their interactions in leukemia. Furthermore, we explore strategies for maximizing their antitumor functions, aiming to illustrate the findings destined for a better mobilization of γδ T cells against the tumor. Finally, we outline our perspectives on their therapeutic applicability and indicate outstanding issues for future basic and clinical leukemia research, in the hope of contributing to the advancement of studies on γδ T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus de Souza Barros
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Nilberto Dias de Araújo
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fábio Magalhães-Gama
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Instituto René Rachou - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thaís Lohana Pereira Ribeiro
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fabíola Silva Alves Hanna
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Andréa Monteiro Tarragô
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Hematologia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Adriana Malheiro
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Hematologia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Allyson Guimarães Costa
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Hematologia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, UEA, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Escola de Enfermagem de Manaus, UFAM, Manaus, Brazil
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18
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Münz C. Immune Escape by Non-coding RNAs of the Epstein Barr Virus. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:657387. [PMID: 34234755 PMCID: PMC8257079 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.657387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most successful pathogens of humans, persistently colonizing more than 95% of the adult human population. At the same time EBV encodes oncogenes that can readily transform human B cells in culture and threaten healthy virus carriers with lymphomagenesis. Cytotoxic lymphocytes have been identified in experimental models and by primary immunodeficiencies as the main protective immune compartments controlling EBV. EBV has reached a stalemate with these cytotoxic T and innate lymphocytes to ensure persistence in most infected humans. Recent evidence suggests that the non-coding RNAs of the virus contribute to viral immune escape to prevent immune eradication. This knowledge might be used in the future to attenuate EBV for vaccine development against this human tumor virus that was discovered more than 55 years ago.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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19
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The potential of adoptive transfer of γ9δ2 T cells to enhance blinatumomab's antitumor activity against B-cell malignancy. Sci Rep 2021; 11:12398. [PMID: 34117317 PMCID: PMC8195997 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-91784-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Blinatumomab, a bispecific T cell engager (BiTE) antibody targeting CD19 and CD3ε, can redirect T cells toward CD19-positive tumor cells and has been approved to treat relapsed/refractory B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (R/R B-ALL). However, chemotherapeutic regimens can severely reduce T cells' number and cytotoxic function, leading to an inadequate response to blinatumomab treatment in patients. In addition, it was reported that a substantial portion of R/R B-ALL patients failing blinatumomab treatment had the extramedullary disease, indicating the poor ability of blinatumomab in treating extramedullary disease. In this study, we investigated whether the adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded γ9δ2 T cells could act as the effector of blinatumomab to enhance blinatumomab's antitumor activity against B-cell malignancies in vivo. Repeated infusion of blinatumomab and human γ9δ2 T cells led to more prolonged survival than that of blinatumomab or human γ9δ2 T cells alone in the mice xenografted with Raji cells. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of γ9δ2 T cells reduced tumor mass outside the bone marrow, indicating the potential of γ9δ2 T cells to eradicate the extramedullary disease. Our results suggest that the addition of γ9δ2 T cells to the blinatumomab treatment regimens could be an effective approach to enhancing blinatumomab's therapeutic efficacy. The concept of this strategy may also be applied to other antigen-specific BiTE therapies for other malignancies.
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20
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Deng Y, Münz C. Roles of Lytic Viral Replication and Co-Infections in the Oncogenesis and Immune Control of the Epstein-Barr Virus. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2275. [PMID: 34068598 PMCID: PMC8126045 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is the prototypic human tumor virus whose continuous lifelong immune control is required to prevent lymphomagenesis in the more than 90% of the human adult population that are healthy carriers of the virus. Here, we review recent evidence that this immune control has not only to target latent oncogenes, but also lytic replication of EBV. Furthermore, genetic variations identify the molecular machinery of cytotoxic lymphocytes as essential for this immune control and recent studies in mice with reconstituted human immune system components (humanized mice) have begun to provide insights into the mechanistic role of these molecules during EBV infection. Finally, EBV often does not act in isolation to cause disease. Some of EBV infection-modulating co-infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV), have been modeled in humanized mice. These preclinical in vivo models for EBV infection, lymphomagenesis, and cell-mediated immune control do not only promise a better understanding of the biology of this human tumor virus, but also the possibility to explore vaccine candidates against it.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland;
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21
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Ou L, Wang H, Liu Q, Zhang J, Lu H, Luo L, Shi C, Lin S, Dong L, Guo Y, Huang L, Zhu J, Yin X, Huang AC, Karakousis G, Schuchter L, Amaravadi R, Zheng C, Fan Y, Guo W, Xu X. Dichotomous and stable gamma delta T-cell number and function in healthy individuals. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002274. [PMID: 34011536 PMCID: PMC8137237 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gamma-delta (γδ) T lymphocytes are primed to potently respond to pathogens and transformed cells by recognizing a broad range of antigens. However, adoptive immunotherapy with γδT cells has exhibited mixed treatment responses. Better understanding of γδT cell biology and stratifying healthy donors for allogeneic adoptive therapy is clinically needed to fully realize the therapeutic potential of γδT cells. METHODS We examine 98 blood samples from healthy donors and measure their expansion capacity after zoledronate stimulation, and test the migration and cytotoxic effector function of expanded γδT cells in 2D culture, 3D tumor spheroid and patient-derived melanoma organoid assays. RESULTS We find that γδT cell expansion capacity is independent of expansion methods, gender, age and HLA type. Basal γδT cell levels in Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) correlate well with their expansion, migration and cytotoxic effector capacity in vitro. Circulating γδT cells with lower expression of PD-1, CTLA-4, Eomes, T-bet and CD69, or higher IFN-γ production expand better. γδT cells with central memory and effector memory phenotypes are significantly more abundant in good expanders. A cut-off level of 0.82% γδT cells in PBMC stratifies good versus poor γδT cell expansion with a sensitivity of 97.78%, specificity of 90.48% and area under the curve of 0.968 in a healthy individual. Donors with higher Vδ2 Index Score in PBMC have greater anti-tumor functions including migratory function and cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrate that the interindividual γδT cell functions correlate with their circulating levels in healthy donors. Examination of circulating γδT cell level may be used to select healthy donors to participate in γδT-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Ou
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Department of Stomatology, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Huaishan Wang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Qin Liu
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Computer Science, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Hezhe Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liangping Luo
- Department of Stomatology, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Changzheng Shi
- Department of Stomatology, Jinan University First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shaoqiang Lin
- Integrated Traditional and Western Medicine Research Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liyun Dong
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yeye Guo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lili Huang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jinjin Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiangfan Yin
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Alexander C Huang
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Giorgos Karakousis
- Department of Surgery, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Lynn Schuchter
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Ravi Amaravadi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Cathy Zheng
- Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Wei Guo
- Department of Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Xiaowei Xu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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22
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Schuhmachers P, Münz C. Modification of EBV Associated Lymphomagenesis and Its Immune Control by Co-Infections and Genetics in Humanized Mice. Front Immunol 2021; 12:640918. [PMID: 33833760 PMCID: PMC8021763 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.640918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is one of the most successful pathogens in humans with more than 95% of the human adult population persistently infected. EBV infects only humans and threatens these with its potent growth transforming ability that readily allows for immortalization of human B cells in culture. Accordingly, it is also found in around 1-2% of human tumors, primarily lymphomas and epithelial cell carcinomas. Fortunately, however, our immune system has learned to control this most transforming human tumor virus in most EBV carriers, and it requires modification of EBV associated lymphomagenesis and its immune control by either co-infections, such as malaria, Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or genetic predispositions for EBV positive tumors to emerge. Some of these can be modelled in humanized mice that, therefore, provide a valuable platform to test curative immunotherapies and prophylactic vaccines against these EBV associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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23
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Guil-Luna S, Sedlik C, Piaggio E. Humanized Mouse Models to Evaluate Cancer Immunotherapeutics. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY-SERIES 2021. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-050520-100526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy is at the forefront of cancer treatment. The advent of numerous novel approaches to cancer immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint antibodies, adoptive transfer of CAR (chimeric antigen receptor) T cells and TCR (T cell receptor) T cells, NK (natural killer) cells, T cell engagers, oncolytic viruses, and vaccines, is revolutionizing the treatment for different tumor types. Some are already in the clinic, and many others are underway. However, not all patients respond, resistance develops, and as available therapies multiply there is a need to further understand how they work, how to prioritize their clinical evaluation, and how to combine them. For this, animal models have been highly instrumental, and humanized mice models (i.e., immunodeficient mice engrafted with human immune and cancer cells) represent a step forward, although they have several limitations. Here, we review the different humanized models available today, the approaches to overcome their flaws, their use for the evaluation of cancer immunotherapies, and their anticipated evolution as tools to help personalized clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Guil-Luna
- Maimónides Institute for Biomedical Research of Córdoba (IMIBIC), 14004 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Christine Sedlik
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie Research Center, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, 75248 Paris, France;,
| | - Eliane Piaggio
- Translational Research Department, Institut Curie Research Center, INSERM U932, PSL Research University, 75248 Paris, France;,
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T-Cell Dysfunction as a Limitation of Adoptive Immunotherapy: Current Concepts and Mitigation Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040598. [PMID: 33546277 PMCID: PMC7913380 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary T cells are immune cells that can be used to target infections or cancers. Adoptive T-cell immunotherapy leverages these properties and/or confers new features to T cells through ex vivo manipulations prior to their use in patients. However, as a “living drug,” the function of these cells can be hampered by several built-in physiological constraints and external factors that limit their efficacy. Manipulating T cells ex vivo can impart dysfunctional features to T cells through repeated stimulations and expansion, but it also offers many opportunities to improve the therapeutic potential of these cells, including emerging interventions to prevent or reverse T-cell dysfunction developing ex vivo or after transfer in patients. This review outlines the various forms of T-cell dysfunction, emphasizes how it affects various types of T-cell immunotherapy approaches, and describes current and anticipated strategies to limit T-cell dysfunction. Abstract Over the last decades, cellular immunotherapy has revealed its curative potential. However, inherent physiological characteristics of immune cells can limit the potency of this approach. Best defined in T cells, dysfunction associated with terminal differentiation, exhaustion, senescence, and activation-induced cell death, undermine adoptive cell therapies. In this review, we concentrate on how the multiple mechanisms that articulate the various forms of immune dysfunction impact cellular therapies primarily involving conventional T cells, but also other lymphoid subtypes. The repercussions of immune cell dysfunction across the full life cycle of cell therapy, from the source material, during manufacturing, and after adoptive transfer, are discussed, with an emphasis on strategies used during ex vivo manipulations to limit T-cell dysfunction. Applicable to cellular products prepared from native and unmodified immune cells, as well as genetically engineered therapeutics, the understanding and potential modulation of dysfunctional features are key to the development of improved cellular immunotherapies.
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Preillon J, Cuende J, Rabolli V, Garnero L, Mercier M, Wald N, Pappalardo A, Denies S, Jamart D, Michaux AC, Pirson R, Pitard V, Bagot M, Prasad S, Houthuys E, Brouwer M, Marillier R, Lambolez F, Marchante JR, Nyawouame F, Carter MJ, Baron-Bodo V, Marie-Cardine A, Cragg M, Déchanet-Merville J, Driessens G, Hoofd C. Restoration of T-cell Effector Function, Depletion of Tregs, and Direct Killing of Tumor Cells: The Multiple Mechanisms of Action of a-TIGIT Antagonist Antibodies. Mol Cancer Ther 2021; 20:121-131. [PMID: 33277440 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-20-0464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
TIGIT is an immune checkpoint inhibitor expressed by effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells, NK cells, and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Inhibition of TIGIT-ligand binding using antagonistic anti-TIGIT mAbs has shown in vitro potential to restore T-cell function and therapeutic efficacy in murine tumor models when combined with an anti-PD(L)-1 antibody. In the current work, we demonstrate broader TIGIT expression than previously reported in healthy donors and patients with cancer with expression on γδ T cells, particularly in CMV-seropositive donors, and on tumor cells from hematologic malignancies. Quantification of TIGIT density revealed tumor-infiltrating Tregs as the population expressing the highest receptor density. Consequently, the therapeutic potential of anti-TIGIT mAbs might be wider than the previously described anti-PD(L)-1-like restoration of αβ T-cell function. CD155 also mediated inhibition of γδ T cells, an immune population not previously described to be sensitive to TIGIT inhibition, which could be fully prevented via use of an antagonistic anti-TIGIT mAb (EOS-448). In PBMCs from patients with cancer, as well as in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes from mice, the higher TIGIT expression in Tregs correlated with strong antibody-dependent killing and preferential depletion of this highly immunosuppressive population. Accordingly, the ADCC/ADCP-enabling format of the anti-TIGIT mAb had superior antitumor activity, which was dependent upon Fcγ receptor engagement. In addition, the anti-TIGIT mAb was able to induce direct killing of TIGIT-expressing tumor cells both in human patient material and in animal models, providing strong rationale for therapeutic intervention in hematologic malignancies. These findings reveal multiple therapeutic opportunities for anti-TIGIT mAbs in cancer therapeutics.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antibodies, Neoplasm/pharmacology
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/drug effects
- Antigens, CD/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Female
- Healthy Volunteers
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin G/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Depletion
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Receptors, IgG/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/drug effects
- T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory/immunology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Preillon
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Julia Cuende
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Virginie Rabolli
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Lucile Garnero
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Marjorie Mercier
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Noémie Wald
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Angela Pappalardo
- ImmunoConcEpT, UMR 5164, Bordeaux University, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Sofie Denies
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Diane Jamart
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Romain Pirson
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Vincent Pitard
- ImmunoConcEpT, UMR 5164, Bordeaux University, CNRS, Bordeaux, France
| | - Martine Bagot
- INSERM U976, Université de Paris, Hôpital Saint Louis, Paris, France
| | - Shruthi Prasad
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Erica Houthuys
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Margreet Brouwer
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Reece Marillier
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Joäo R Marchante
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Mathew J Carter
- Antibody & Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences Unit, Southampton University Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Mark Cragg
- Antibody & Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Cancer Sciences Unit, Southampton University Faculty of Medicine, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Gregory Driessens
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts.
| | - Catherine Hoofd
- iTeos Therapeutics, Gosselies, Belgium and Cambridge, Massachusetts
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26
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Rühl J, Leung CS, Münz C. Vaccination against the Epstein-Barr virus. Cell Mol Life Sci 2020; 77:4315-4324. [PMID: 32367191 PMCID: PMC7223886 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-020-03538-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) was the first human tumor virus being discovered and remains to date the only human pathogen that can transform cells in vitro. 55 years of EBV research have now brought us to the brink of an EBV vaccine. For this purpose, recombinant viral vectors and their heterologous prime-boost vaccinations, EBV-derived virus-like particles and viral envelope glycoprotein formulations are explored and are discussed in this review. Even so, cell-mediated immune control by cytotoxic lymphocytes protects healthy virus carriers from EBV-associated malignancies, antibodies might be able to prevent symptomatic primary infection, the most likely EBV-associated pathology against which EBV vaccines will be initially tested. Thus, the variety of EBV vaccines reflects the sophisticated life cycle of this human tumor virus and only vaccination in humans will finally be able to reveal the efficacy of these candidates. Nevertheless, the recently renewed efforts to develop an EBV vaccine and the long history of safe adoptive T cell transfer to treat EBV-associated malignancies suggest that this oncogenic γ-herpesvirus can be targeted by immunotherapies. Such vaccination should ideally implement the very same immune control that protects healthy EBV carriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Rühl
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Carol S Leung
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Winterthurerstrasse 190, CH-8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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Potent double prodrug forms of synthetic phosphoantigens. Bioorg Med Chem 2020; 28:115666. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2020.115666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 07/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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28
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Münz C. Probing Reconstituted Human Immune Systems in Mice With Oncogenic γ-Herpesvirus Infections. Front Immunol 2020; 11:581419. [PMID: 33013936 PMCID: PMC7509489 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.581419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice with reconstituted human immune systems can mount cell-mediated immune responses against the human tumor viruses Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Primarily cytotoxic lymphocytes protect the vast majority of persistently infected carriers of these tumor viruses from the respective malignancies for life. Thus, EBV and KSHV infection can teach us how this potent immune control is induced, what phenotype and functions characterize the protective lymphocyte compartments and if similar immune responses could be induced by vaccination. This review will summarize similarities and differences between EBV and KSHV associated pathologies and their immune control in patients and mice with reconstituted human immune systems. Furthermore, it will high-light which aspects of the near perfect immune control can be modeled in the latter preclinical animal models and discuss their relevance for cancer immunology in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, Zurich, Switzerland
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29
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Aehnlich P, Carnaz Simões AM, Skadborg SK, Holmen Olofsson G, thor Straten P. Expansion With IL-15 Increases Cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells and Is Associated With Higher Levels of Cytotoxic Molecules and T-bet. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1868. [PMID: 32983105 PMCID: PMC7485111 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has shown great advances during recent years, but it has yet to reach its full potential in all cancer types. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is now an approved treatment option for certain hematological cancers and has also shown success for some solid cancers. Still, benefit and eligibility do not extend to all patients. ACT with Vγ9Vδ2 T cells is a promising approach to overcome this hurdle. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of different cytokine conditions on the expansion of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in vitro. We could show that Vγ9Vδ2 T cell expansion is feasible with two different cytokine conditions: (a) 1,000 U/ml interleukin (IL)-2 and (b) 100 U/ml IL-2 + 100 U/ml IL-15. We did not observe differences in expansion rate or Vγ9Vδ2 T cell purity between the conditions; however, IL-2/IL-15-expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells displayed enhanced cytotoxicity against tumor cells, also in hypoxia. While this increase in killing capacity was not reflected in natural killer (NK) cell marker or activation marker expression, we demonstrated that IL-2/IL-15-expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were characterized by an increased expression of perforin, granzyme B, and granulysin compared to IL-2-expanded cells. These cytotoxic molecules were not only increased in a resting state, but also released to a greater extent upon target recognition. In contrast, CD107a and cytokine expression did not differ between expansion conditions. However, IL-2/IL-15-expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells showed higher levels of transcription factor T-bet expression, which could indicate that T-bet and cytotoxic molecule levels confer the increased cytotoxicity. These results advocate the inclusion of IL-15 into ex vivo Vγ9Vδ2 T cell expansion protocols in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Aehnlich
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Ana Micaela Carnaz Simões
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Signe Koggersbøl Skadborg
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Gitte Holmen Olofsson
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Per thor Straten
- Department of Oncology, National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT-DK), Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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30
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Cytotoxicity in Epstein Barr virus specific immune control. Curr Opin Virol 2020; 46:1-8. [PMID: 32771660 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2020.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is the most common human tumor virus, persistently infecting more than 95% of the human adult population and readily transforming human B cell in culture. Fortunately, only a small minority of EBV carriers develops virus associated malignancies. The majority controls persistent EBV infection with cytotoxic lymphocytes, mainly NK, γδ and CD8+ T cells and the characteristics of the required immune responses get more and more defined by primary immunodeficiencies that affect molecules of these cytotoxic lymphocytes and their investigation in mice with reconstituted human immune system components (humanized mice) that are susceptible to EBV infection and associated lymphomagenesis. The gained information should be able to guide us to develop immunotherapies against EBV and tumors in general.
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31
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Münz C. Redirecting T Cells against Epstein-Barr Virus Infection and Associated Oncogenesis. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061400. [PMID: 32512847 PMCID: PMC7349826 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with lymphomas and carcinomas. For some of these, the adoptive transfer of EBV specific T cells has been therapeutically explored, with clinical success. In order to avoid naturally occurring EBV specific autologous T cell selection from every patient, the transgenic expression of latent and early lytic viral antigen specific T cell receptors (TCRs) to redirect T cells, to target the respective tumors, is being developed. Recent evidence suggests that not only TCRs against transforming latent EBV antigens, but also against early lytic viral gene products, might be protective for the control of EBV infection and associated oncogenesis. At the same time, these approaches might be more selective and cause less collateral damage than targeting general B cell markers with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Thus, EBV specific TCR transgenic T cells constitute a promising therapeutic strategy against EBV associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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32
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Yazdanifar M, Barbarito G, Bertaina A, Airoldi I. γδ T Cells: The Ideal Tool for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2020; 9:E1305. [PMID: 32456316 PMCID: PMC7290982 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2020] [Revised: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells have recently gained considerable attention as an attractive tool for cancer adoptive immunotherapy due to their potent anti-tumor activity and unique role in immunosurveillance. The remarkable success of engineered T cells for the treatment of hematological malignancies has revolutionized the field of adoptive cell immunotherapy. Accordingly, major efforts are underway to translate this exciting technology to the treatment of solid tumors and the development of allogeneic therapies. The unique features of γδ T cells, including their major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent anti-cancer activity, tissue tropism, and multivalent response against a broad spectrum of the tumors, render them ideal for designing universal 'third-party' cell products, with the potential to overcome the challenges of allogeneic cell therapy. In this review, we describe the crucial role of γδ T cells in anti-tumor immunosurveillance and we summarize the different approaches used for the ex vivo and in vivo expansion of γδ T cells suitable for the development of novel strategies for cancer therapy. We further discuss the different transduction strategies aiming at redirecting or improving the function of γδ T cells, as well as, the considerations for the clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (M.Y.); (G.B.)
| | - Giulia Barbarito
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (M.Y.); (G.B.)
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 94305, USA; (M.Y.); (G.B.)
| | - Irma Airoldi
- Laboratorio Cellule Staminali post-natali e Terapie Cellulari, IRCCS G. Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini 5, 16147 Genova, Italy
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33
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Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells: Can We Re-Purpose a Potent Anti-Infection Mechanism for Cancer Therapy? Cells 2020; 9:cells9040829. [PMID: 32235616 PMCID: PMC7226769 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer therapies based on in vivo stimulation, or on adoptive T cell transfer of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, have been tested in the past decades but have failed to provide consistent clinical efficacy. New, promising concepts such as γδ Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) -T cells and γδ T-cell engagers are currently under preclinical evaluation. Since the impact of factors, such as the relatively low abundance of γδ T cells within tumor tissue is still under investigation, it remains to be shown whether these effector T cells can provide significant efficacy against solid tumors. Here, we highlight key learnings from the natural role of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in the elimination of host cells bearing intracellular bacterial agents and we translate these into the setting of tumor therapy. We discuss the availability and relevance of preclinical models as well as currently available tools and knowledge from a drug development perspective. Finally, we compare advantages and disadvantages of existing therapeutic concepts and propose a role for Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in immune-oncology next to Cluster of Differentiation (CD) 3 activating therapies.
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McHugh D, Caduff N, Murer A, Engelmann C, Deng Y, Zdimerova H, Zens K, Chijioke O, Münz C. Infection and immune control of human oncogenic γ-herpesviruses in humanized mice. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 374:20180296. [PMID: 30955487 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2018.0296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) comprise the oncogenic human γ-herpesvirus family and are responsible for 2-3% of all tumours in man. With their prominent growth-transforming abilities and high prevalence in the human population, these pathogens have probably shaped the human immune system throughout evolution for near perfect immune control of the respective chronic infections in the vast majority of healthy pathogen carriers. The exclusive tropism of EBV and KSHV for humans has, however, made it difficult in the past to study their infection, tumourigenesis and immune control in vivo. Mice with reconstituted human immune system components (humanized mice) support replication of both viruses with both persisting latent and productive lytic infection. Moreover, B-cell lymphomas can be induced by EBV alone and KSHV co-infection with gene expression hallmarks of human malignancies that are associated with both viruses. Furthermore, cell-mediated immune control by primarily cytotoxic lymphocytes is induced upon infection and can be probed for its functional characteristics as well as putative requirements for its priming. Insights that have been gained from this model and remaining questions will be discussed in this review. This article is part of the theme issue 'Silent cancer agents: multi-disciplinary modelling of human DNA oncoviruses'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donal McHugh
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Nicole Caduff
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Anita Murer
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Christine Engelmann
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Yun Deng
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Hana Zdimerova
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Kyra Zens
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Obinna Chijioke
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich , Switzerland
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich , Switzerland
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35
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Spodzieja M, Kuncewicz K, Sieradzan A, Karczyńska A, Iwaszkiewicz J, Cesson V, Węgrzyn K, Zhukov I, Maszota-Zieleniak M, Michielin O, Speiser DE, Zoete V, Derré L, Rodziewicz-Motowidło S. Disulfide-Linked Peptides for Blocking BTLA/HVEM Binding. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21020636. [PMID: 31963646 PMCID: PMC7013932 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21020636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints are crucial in the maintenance of antitumor immune responses. The activation or blockade of immune checkpoints is dependent on the interactions between receptors and ligands; such interactions can provide inhibitory or stimulatory signals, including the enhancement or suppression of T-cell proliferation, differentiation, and/or cytokine secretion. B-and T-lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA) is a lymphoid-specific cell surface receptor which is present on T-cells and interacts with herpes virus entry mediator (HVEM), which is present on tumor cells. The binding of HVEM to BTLA triggers an inhibitory signal which attenuates the immune response. This feature is interesting for studying the molecular interactions between HVEM and BTLA, as they may be targeted for novel immunotherapies. This work was based on the crystal structure of the BTLA/HVEM complex showing that BTLA binds the N-terminal cysteine-rich domain of HVEM. We investigated the amino acid sequence of HVEM and used molecular modeling methods to develop inhibitors of the BTLA/HVEM interaction. We synthesized novel compounds and determined their ability to interact with the BTLA protein and inhibit the formation of the BTLA/HVEM complex. Our results suggest that the HVEM (14-39) peptide is a potent inhibitor of the formation of the BTLA/HVEM protein complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Spodzieja
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Katarzyna Kuncewicz
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Adam Sieradzan
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Agnieszka Karczyńska
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Justyna Iwaszkiewicz
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge, Bâtiment Amphipole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.I.); (O.M.); (V.Z.)
| | - Valérie Cesson
- Urology Research Unit, Urology Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Katarzyna Węgrzyn
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology UG&MUG, University of Gdansk, Abrahama 58, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland;
| | - Igor Zhukov
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Polish Academy of Sciences, Pawińskiego 5a, 02–106 Warszawa, Poland;
- NanoBioMedical Center, Adam Mickiewicz University, Umultowska 85, 61–614 Poznań, Poland
| | - Martyna Maszota-Zieleniak
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
| | - Olivier Michielin
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge, Bâtiment Amphipole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.I.); (O.M.); (V.Z.)
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), Ludwig Cancer Research—Lausanne Branch, CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Daniel E. Speiser
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, CH-1066 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Vincent Zoete
- SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Quartier Sorge, Bâtiment Amphipole, CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland; (J.I.); (O.M.); (V.Z.)
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, Lausanne University, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Route de la Corniche 9A, CH-1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Laurent Derré
- Urology Research Unit, Urology Department, University Hospital of Lausanne (CHUV), CH-1011 Lausanne, Switzerland;
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (S.R.-M.)
| | - Sylwia Rodziewicz-Motowidło
- Faculty of Chemistry, University of Gdansk, Wita Stwosza 63, 80–308 Gdańsk, Poland; (M.S.); (K.K.); (A.S.); (A.K.); (M.M.-Z.)
- Correspondence: (L.D.); (S.R.-M.)
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Immune Control and Vaccination against the Epstein-Barr Virus in Humanized Mice. Vaccines (Basel) 2019; 7:vaccines7040217. [PMID: 31861045 PMCID: PMC6963577 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines7040217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mice with reconstituted human immune system components (humanized mice) offer the unique opportunity to test vaccines preclinically in the context of vaccine adjuvant sensing by human antigen presenting cells and priming of human cytotoxic lymphocyte populations. These features are particularly attractive for immune control of the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), which represents the most potent growth-transforming pathogen in man and exclusively relies on cytotoxic lymphocytes for its asymptomatic persistence in the vast majority of healthy virus carriers. This immune control is particularly impressive because EBV infects more than 95% of the human adult population and persists without pathology for more than 50 years in most of them. This review will discuss the pathologies that EBV elicits in humanized mice, which immune responses control it in this model, as well as which passive and active vaccination schemes with adoptive T cell transfer and with virus-like particles or individual antigens, respectively, have been explored in this model so far. EBV-specific CD8+ T cell priming in humanized mice could provide crucial insights into how cytotoxic lymphocytes against other viruses and tumors might be elicited by vaccination in humans.
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Chai LF, Prince E, Pillarisetty VG, Katz SC. Challenges in assessing solid tumor responses to immunotherapy. Cancer Gene Ther 2019; 27:528-538. [PMID: 31822814 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-019-0155-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
With the advent of immunotherapy as an integral component of multidisciplinary solid tumor treatment, we are confronted by an unfamiliar and novel pattern of radiographic responses to treatment. Enlargement of tumors or even new lesions may not represent progression, but rather reflect what will ultimately evolve into a clinically beneficial response. In addition, the kinetics of radiographic changes in response to immunotherapy treatments may be distinct from what has been observed with cytotoxic chemotherapy and radiation. The phenomenon of pseudoprogression has been documented in patients receiving immunotherapeutic agents, such as checkpoint inhibitors and cellular therapies. Currently, there are no clinical response guidelines that adequately account for pseudoprogression and solid tumor responses to immunotherapy in general. Even so, response criteria have evolved to account for the radiographic manifestations of novel therapies. The evolution of World Health Organization (WHO) criteria and Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), along with the emergence of immune-related response criteria (irRC) and the immune Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (iRECIST) reflect the need for new frameworks. This review evaluates the relationship between pseudoprogression, clinical outcomes, and our current understanding of the biology of pseudoprogression. To achieve our goal, we discuss unusual response patterns in patients receiving immunotherapy. We seek to develop a deeper understanding of radiographic responses to immunotherapy such that clinical benefit is not underappreciated in individual patients and during clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis F Chai
- Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA.,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ethan Prince
- Department of Radiology, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Steven C Katz
- Department of Surgery, Roger Williams Medical Center, Providence, RI, USA. .,Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
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Li J, Lentini NA, Wiemer DF, Wiemer AJ. A luciferase lysis assay reveals in vivo malignant cell sensitization by phosphoantigen prodrugs. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 170:113668. [PMID: 31628909 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.113668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human Vγ9Vδ2 T cells respond to small phosphorus-containing compounds, often called phosphoantigens, which are now known to be intracellular ligands of the immune receptor butyrophilin 3A1 (BTN3A1). In order to compare the efficiency of butyrophilin ligands, we developed a luciferase-based lysis assay that measures the direct cytolysis by Vγ9Vδ2 T cells of luciferase-expressing K562 leukemia cells sensitized by phosphoantigen prodrugs. Our results show that the luciferase-based lysis assay allows in vitro and in vivo assessment of phosphoantigen activity in a way that does not require the extensive processing of flow cytometry or ELISA based approaches. In cellular assays, the structure activity relationships of phosphoantigen prodrugs correlate with ELISA-based activation assays, though phosphoantigen induced target cell lysis occurs at lower concentrations relative to T cell interferon γ production measured by ELISA. In mice dosed with phosphoantigens, a racemic aryl phosphonamidate prodrug, methyl 2-[[[(E)-5-hydroxy-4-methyl-pent-3-enyl]-(1-naphthyloxy)phosphoryl]amino]acetate (1-Nap/GlyOMe C-HMBP, 5), sensitized subcutaneous K562 tumors within minutes, and this effect was maintained at least four hours after treatment. In vivo activity of compound 5 was stronger than that of an equivalent dose of zoledronate. This luciferase lysis assay can be used for evaluation of phosphoantigens due to its time efficiency, high sensitivity, and in vivo compatibility and demonstrates rapid in vitro and in vivo sensitization of tumor cells by phosphoantigen prodrugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA
| | - Nicholas A Lentini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1294, USA
| | - David F Wiemer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1294, USA; Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242-1109, USA
| | - Andrew J Wiemer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA; Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269-3092, USA.
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Long HM, Meckiff BJ, Taylor GS. The T-cell Response to Epstein-Barr Virus-New Tricks From an Old Dog. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2193. [PMID: 31620125 PMCID: PMC6759930 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infects most people and establishes life-long infection controlled by the host's immune system. The genetic stability of the virus, deep understanding of the viral antigens and immune epitopes recognized by the host's T-cell system and the fact that recent infection can be identified by the development of symptomatic infectious mononucleosis makes EBV a powerful system in which to study human immunology. The association between EBV and multiple cancers also means that the lessons learned have strong translational potential. Increasing evidence of a role for resident memory T-cells and non-conventional γδ T-cells in controlling EBV infection suggests new opportunities for research and means the virus will continue to provide exciting new insights into human biology and immunology into the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M. Long
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Graham S. Taylor
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
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40
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Lentini NA, Hsiao CHC, Crull GB, Wiemer AJ, Wiemer DF. Synthesis and Bioactivity of the Alanyl Phosphonamidate Stereoisomers Derived from a Butyrophilin Ligand. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:1284-1289. [PMID: 31531198 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aryloxy phosphonamidate derivatives of a butyrophilin 3A1 ligand are stimulants of Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells. However, when bonded to an aryl ester and an amine, the phosphorus is stereogenic, and past compounds were studied as racemates. To determine the impact of stereochemistry on the activity, we now have prepared phosphonate derivatives of l- and d-alanine ethyl ester, separated the diastereomers, and evaluated their biological activity as single stereoisomers. The results demonstrate that phosphonamidates substituted with l-alanine stimulate Vγ9 Vδ2 T cells at lower concentrations than the racemic glycine counterpart, while those derived from d-alanine require higher concentrations. All four diastereomers are more active than charged phosphoantigens such as HMBPP. Surprisingly, only a 2-fold difference was observed between the l-alanine phosphorus isomers, with the R P isomer more potent. This suggests that the small phosphoantigen scaffold reduces but does not eliminate dependence upon phosphorus stereochemistry for cellular activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A. Lentini
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1294, United States
| | - Chia-Hung Christine Hsiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092, United States
| | - George B. Crull
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1294, United States
| | - Andrew J. Wiemer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092, United States
- Institute for Systems Genomics, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3092, United States
| | - David F. Wiemer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1294, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242-1109, United States
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41
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Foust BJ, Li J, Hsiao CHC, Wiemer DF, Wiemer AJ. Stability and Efficiency of Mixed Aryl Phosphonate Prodrugs. ChemMedChem 2019; 14:1597-1603. [PMID: 31226236 PMCID: PMC6726502 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.201900344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
A set of phosphonate prodrugs of a butyrophilin ligand was synthesized and evaluated for plasma stability and cellular activity. The mixed aryl acyloxy esters were prepared either via a standard sequence through the phosphonic acid chloride, or through the more recently reported, and more facile, triflate activation. In the best of cases, this class of prodrugs shows cellular potency similar to that of bis-acyloxyalkyl phosphonate prodrugs and plasma stability similar to that of aryl phosphonamidates. For example, {[((3E)-5-hydroxy-4-methylpent-3-en-1-yl) (naphthalen-2-yloxy)phosphoryl]oxy}methyl 2,2-dimethylpropanoate can activate BTN3A1 in K562 cells after just 15 minutes of exposure (at an EC50 value of 31 nm) and is only partially metabolized (60 % remaining) after 20 hours in human plasma. Other related novel analogues showed similar potency/stability profiles. Therefore, mixed aryl acyloxyalkyl phosphonate prodrugs are an exciting new strategy for the delivery of phosphonate-containing drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin J Foust
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, E531 Chemistry Building, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - Chia-Hung Christine Hsiao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
| | - David F Wiemer
- Department of Chemistry, University of Iowa, E531 Chemistry Building, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Andrew J Wiemer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, 69 North Eagleville Road, Unit 3092, Storrs, CT, 06269, USA
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Silva-Santos B, Mensurado S, Coffelt SB. γδ T cells: pleiotropic immune effectors with therapeutic potential in cancer. Nat Rev Cancer 2019; 19:392-404. [PMID: 31209264 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0153-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The potential of cancer immunotherapy relies on the mobilization of immune cells capable of producing antitumour cytokines and effectively killing tumour cells. These are major attributes of γδ T cells, a lymphoid lineage that is often underestimated despite its major role in tumour immune surveillance, which has been established in a variety of preclinical cancer models. This situation notwithstanding, in particular instances the tumour microenvironment seemingly mobilizes γδ T cells with immunosuppressive or tumour-promoting functions, thus emphasizing the importance of regulating γδ T cell responses in order to realize their translation into effective cancer immunotherapies. In this Review we outline both seminal work and recent advances in our understanding of how γδ T cells participate in tumour immunity and how their functions are regulated in experimental models of cancer. We also discuss the current strategies aimed at maximizing the therapeutic potential of human γδ T cells, on the eve of their exploration in cancer clinical trials that may position them as key players in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Silva-Santos
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
| | - Sofia Mensurado
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Seth B Coffelt
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow and Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK.
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43
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Damania B, Münz C. Immunodeficiencies that predispose to pathologies by human oncogenic γ-herpesviruses. FEMS Microbiol Rev 2019; 43:181-192. [PMID: 30649299 PMCID: PMC6435449 DOI: 10.1093/femsre/fuy044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human γ-herpesviruses include the closely related tumor viruses Epstein Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). EBV is the most growth-transforming pathogen known and is linked to at least seven human malignancies. KSHV is also associated with three human cancers. Most EBV- and KSHV-infected individuals fortunately remain disease-free despite persistent infection and this is likely due to the robustness of the immune control that they mount against these tumor viruses. However, upon immune suppression EBV- and KSHV-associated malignancies emerge at increased frequencies. Moreover, primary immunodeficiencies with individual mutations that predispose to EBV or KSHV disease allow us to gain insights into a catalog of molecules that are required for the immune control of these tumor viruses. Curiously, there is little overlap between the mutation targets that predispose individuals to EBV versus KSHV disease, even so both viruses can infect the same host cell, human B cells. These differences will be discussed in this review. A better understanding of the crucial components in the near-perfect life-long immune control of EBV and KSHV should allow us to target malignancies that are associated with these viruses, but also induce similar immune responses against other tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blossom Damania
- Lineberger Cancer Research Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27514, USA
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, 8057 Zürich, Switzerland
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44
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Expansion and Adoptive Transfer of Human Vδ2 + T Cells to Assess Antitumor Effects In Vivo. Methods Mol Biol 2019; 1884:57-72. [PMID: 30465195 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-8885-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent clinical trials have yielded promising results suggesting that γδ T cell62-based immunotherapies can be effective against hematological malignancies. Human T cells expressing Vγ9Vδ2+ receptors are particularly attractive candidates for this application, since they can be readily expanded in vitro in large quantities for adoptive transfer and do not require HLA-matching of donors and recipients. While it is well established that Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells are potently cytolytic against many human cancers and it has been shown that they can control transplanted human tumors in xenogeneic model systems, little is known about the parameters that determine the antitumor efficacy of adoptively transferred Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells in physiologically relevant scenarios. In particular, it may be important to separate their immunosurveillance functions from those employed in the context of an established tumor. Moreover, it is critical to understand how the presence of an immunosuppressive environment, such as one where tumor-infiltrating T cells are held in check by inhibitory ligands, affects the functions of Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells. This chapter describes how to establish Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection of human umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMCs) within immunodeficient mice, so as to drive the in vivo formation of human B cell lymphomas that contain an immunosuppressive environment. Details are provided on how to expand human Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), administer them to the mice, and evaluate tumors and other tissues.
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45
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Xia X, Zhou W, Guo C, Fu Z, Zhu L, Li P, Xu Y, Zheng L, Zhang H, Shan C, Gao Y. Glutaminolysis Mediated by MALT1 Protease Activity Facilitates PD-L1 Expression on ABC-DLBCL Cells and Contributes to Their Immune Evasion. Front Oncol 2018; 8:632. [PMID: 30619766 PMCID: PMC6305595 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that programmed death-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) expressed in an aggressive activated B-cell (ABC)/non-germinal center B cell–like (GCB) subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is associated with inhibition of the tumor-associated T cell response. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PD-L1 expression in ABC-DLBCL remains unclear. Here, we report that MALT1 protease activity is required for ABC-DLBCL cells to evade cytotoxity of Vγ9Vδ2 T lymphocytes by generating substantial PD-L1+ ABC-DLBCL cells. While, NF-κB was dispensable for the PD-L1 expression induced by MALT1 protease activity in ABC-DLBCL cells. Furthermore, we showed that GLS1 expression was profoundly reduced by MALT1 protease activity inhibition, which resulted in insufficiency of glutaminolysis-derived mitochondrial bioenergetics. Activation of the PD-L1 transcription factor STAT3, which was strongly suppressed by glutaminolysis blockade, was rescued in a TCA (tricarboxylic acid) cycle-dependent manner by glutamate addition. Collectively, MALT1 protease activity coupled with glutaminolysis-derived mitochondrial bioenergetics plays an essential role in PD-L1 expression on ABC-DLBCL cells under immunosurveillance stress. Thus, our research sheds light on a mechanism underlying PD-L1 expression and highlights a potential therapeutic target to vanquish immune evasion by ABC-DLBCL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xichun Xia
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengbin Guo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhen Fu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Leqing Zhu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Peng Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Liangyan Zheng
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Changliang Shan
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunfei Gao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translational Research Institute and Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Antibody Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
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Hoeres T, Holzmann E, Smetak M, Birkmann J, Wilhelm M. PD-1 signaling modulates interferon-γ production by Gamma Delta (γδ) T-Cells in response to leukemia. Oncoimmunology 2018; 8:1550618. [PMID: 30723581 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1550618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma delta (γδ) T-cell based immunotherapy is a promising concept for the treatment of hematologic malignancies. Not only in vitro but also in early phase clinical trials, zoledronic acid (Zol) and interleukin-2 (IL-2) have been successfully used to activate human γδ T-cells and to induce clinical anti-tumor effects. Aiming to improve the effectiveness of future γδ T-cell based immunotherapies against leukemia, we analyzed the impact of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) signaling, on the different phases of γδ T-cell activation, of proliferation, production of anti-tumor cytokines and cytotoxic function in vitro. PD-1 expression was found significantly upregulated between day 2 and day 4 following stimulation with Zol and IL-2. However, proliferation or expression of activation markers of γδ, αβ and NK-cells are not altered by additional PD-1 blockade. Pembrolizumab increases interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production in γδ T-cells upon direct stimulation with Zol and in response to Zol treated primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells by approximately 57% and 30%, respectively. Zol sensitized primary AML cells also induce PD-1 expression in co-cultured γδ T-cells and such PD-1(+) cells contain more IFN-γ. In contrast, PD-1 blockade does not have a significant effect on direct cell dependent lysis of leukemia cells by γδ T-cells. This study demonstrates that PD-1 blockade impacts cell dependent cytotoxicity and cytokine production in response to leukemia cells differently. While Pembrolizumab did not increase cell lysis of stimulated and expanded γδ T-cells, it induces significant upregulation of the potent pro-inflammatory and anti-tumor cytokine IFN-γ, which might facilitate anti-leukemia effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timm Hoeres
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Holzmann
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Manfred Smetak
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Josef Birkmann
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
| | - Martin Wilhelm
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Paracelsus Medical University, Nuremberg, Germany
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Zhao Y, Lin L, Xiao Z, Li M, Wu X, Li W, Li X, Zhao Q, Wu Y, Zhang H, Yin J, Zhang L, Cho CH, Shen J. Protective Role of γδ T Cells in Different Pathogen Infections and Its Potential Clinical Application. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:5081634. [PMID: 30116753 PMCID: PMC6079409 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5081634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 06/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells, a subgroup of T cells based on the γδ TCR, when compared with conventional T cells (αβ T cells), make up a very small proportion of T cells. However, its various subgroups are widely distributed in different parts of the human body and are attractive effectors for infectious disease immunity. γδ T cells are activated and expanded by nonpeptidic antigens (P-Ags), major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, and lipids which are associated with different kinds of pathogen infections. Activation and proliferation of γδ T cells play a significant role in diverse infectious diseases induced by viruses, bacteria, and parasites and exert their potential effector function to effectively eliminate infection. It is well known that many types of infectious diseases are detrimental to human life and health and give rise to high incidence of illnesses and death rate all over the world. To date, there is no comprehensive understanding of the correlation between γδ T cells and infectious diseases. In this review, we will focus on the various subgroups of γδ T cells (mainly Vδ1 T cells and Vδ2 T cells) which can induce multiple immune responses or effective functions to fight against common pathogen infections, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Listeria monocytogenes, influenza viruses, HIV, EBV, and HBV. Hopefully, the gamma-delta T cell study will provide a novel effective way to treat infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueshui Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Ling Lin
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhangang Xiao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Mingxing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xu Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Wanping Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaobing Li
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Qijie Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuanlin Wu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Jianhua Yin
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingling Zhang
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Chi Hin Cho
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Jing Shen
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
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48
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Castella B, Foglietta M, Riganti C, Massaia M. Vγ9Vδ2 T Cells in the Bone Marrow of Myeloma Patients: A Paradigm of Microenvironment-Induced Immune Suppression. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1492. [PMID: 30013559 PMCID: PMC6036291 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are non-conventional T cells with a natural inclination to recognize and kill cancer cells. Malignant B cells, including myeloma cells, are privileged targets of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in vitro. However, this inclination is often lost in vivo due to multiple mechanisms mediated by tumor cells and local microenvironment. Multiple myeloma (MM) is a paradigm disease in which antitumor immunity is selectively impaired at the tumor site. By interrogating the immune reactivity of bone marrow (BM) Vγ9Vδ2 T cells to phosphoantigens, we have revealed a very early and long-lasting impairment of Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell immune functions which is already detectable in monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) and not fully reverted even in clinical remission after autologous stem cell transplantation. Multiple cell subsets [MM cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells, and BM-derived stromal cells (BMSC)] are involved in Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell inhibition via several immune suppressive mechanisms including the redundant expression of multiple immune checkpoints (ICPs). This review will address some aspects related to the dynamics of ICP expression in the BM of MM patients in relationship to the disease status (MGUS, diagnosis, remission, and relapse) and how this multifaceted ICP expression impairs Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell function. We will also provide some suggestions how to rescue Vγ9Vδ2 T cells from the immune suppression operated by ICP and to recover their antimyeloma immune effector functions at the tumor site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Castella
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue (LITS), Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Biologia Molecolare (CIRBM), Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy.,SC Ematologia, AO S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Myriam Foglietta
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue (LITS), Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Biologia Molecolare (CIRBM), Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy.,SC Ematologia, AO S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Chiara Riganti
- Dipartimento di Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Massaia
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue (LITS), Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Biologia Molecolare (CIRBM), Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy.,SC Ematologia, AO S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
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Lo Presti E, Pizzolato G, Corsale AM, Caccamo N, Sireci G, Dieli F, Meraviglia S. γδ T Cells and Tumor Microenvironment: From Immunosurveillance to Tumor Evasion. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1395. [PMID: 29963061 PMCID: PMC6013569 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells possess cytotoxic antitumor activity mediated by production of proinflammatory cytokines, direct cytotoxic activity, and regulation of the biological functions of other cell types. Hence, these features have prompted the development of therapeutic strategies in which γδ T cells agonists or ex vivo-expanded γδ T cells are administered to tumor patients. Several studies have shown that γδ T cells are an important component of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in patients affected by different types of cancer and a recent analysis of ~18,000 transcriptomes from 39 human tumors identified tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells as the most significant favorable cancer-wide prognostic signature. However, the complex and intricate interactions between tumor cells, tumor microenvironment (TME), and tumor-infiltrating immune cells results in a balance between tumor-promoting and tumor-controlling effects, and γδ T cells functions are often diverted or impaired by immunosuppressive signals originating from the TME. This review focuses on the dangerous liason between γδ T cells and tumoral microenvironment and raises the possibility that strategies capable to reduce the immunosuppressive environment and increase the cytotoxic ability of γδ T cells may be the key factor to improve their utilization in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lo Presti
- Department of Biopathology, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzolato
- Department of Biopathology, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas Università, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Corsale
- Department of Biopathology, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Nadia Caccamo
- Department of Biopathology, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Guido Sireci
- Department of Biopathology, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Department of Biopathology, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Serena Meraviglia
- Department of Biopathology, Università degli Studi di Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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Pauza CD, Liou ML, Lahusen T, Xiao L, Lapidus RG, Cairo C, Li H. Gamma Delta T Cell Therapy for Cancer: It Is Good to be Local. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1305. [PMID: 29937769 PMCID: PMC6003257 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Human gamma delta T cells have extraordinary properties including the capacity for tumor cell killing. The major gamma delta T cell subset in human beings is designated Vγ9Vδ2 and is activated by intermediates of isoprenoid biosynthesis or aminobisphosphonate inhibitors of farnesyldiphosphate synthase. Activated cells are potent for killing a broad range of tumor cells and demonstrated the capacity for tumor reduction in murine xenotransplant tumor models. Translating these findings to the clinic produced promising initial results but greater potency is needed. Here, we review the literature on gamma delta T cells in cancer therapy with emphasis on the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell subset. Our goal was to examine obstacles preventing effective Vγ9Vδ2 T cell therapy and strategies for overcoming them. We focus on the potential for local activation of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells within the tumor environment to increase potency and achieve objective responses during cancer therapy. The gamma delta T cells and especially the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell subset, have the potential to overcome many problems in cancer therapy especially for tumors with no known treatment, lacking tumor-specific antigens for targeting by antibodies and CAR-T, or unresponsive to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Translation of amazing work from many laboratories studying gamma delta T cells is needed to fulfill the promise of effective and safe cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- C David Pauza
- American Gene Technologies International Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Mei-Ling Liou
- American Gene Technologies International Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Tyler Lahusen
- American Gene Technologies International Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Lingzhi Xiao
- American Gene Technologies International Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
| | - Rena G Lapidus
- Department of Medicine, Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Cristiana Cairo
- Institute of Human Virology, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Haishan Li
- American Gene Technologies International Inc., Rockville, MD, United States
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