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Peris Sempere V, Luo G, Muñiz-Castrillo S, Pinto AL, Picard G, Rogemond V, Titulaer MJ, Finke C, Leypoldt F, Kuhlenbäumer G, Jones HF, Dale RC, Binks S, Irani SR, Bastiaansen AE, de Vries JM, de Bruijn MAAM, Roelen DL, Kim TJ, Chu K, Lee ST, Kanbayashi T, Pollock NR, Kichula KM, Mumme-Monheit A, Honnorat J, Norman PJ, Mignot E. HLA and KIR genetic association and NK cells in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1423149. [PMID: 39050850 PMCID: PMC11266021 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1423149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Genetic predisposition to autoimmune encephalitis with antibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is poorly understood. Given the diversity of associated environmental factors (tumors, infections), we hypothesized that human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR), two extremely polymorphic gene complexes key to the immune system, might be relevant for the genetic predisposition to anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Notably, KIR are chiefly expressed by Natural Killer (NK) cells, recognize distinct HLA class I allotypes and play a major role in anti-tumor and anti-infection responses. Methods We conducted a Genome Wide Association Study (GWAS) with subsequent control-matching using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and HLA imputation, in a multi-ethnic cohort of anti-NMDAR encephalitis (n=479); KIR and HLA were further sequenced in a large subsample (n=323). PCA-controlled logistic regression was then conducted for carrier frequencies (HLA and KIR) and copy number variation (KIR). HLA-KIR interaction associations were also modeled. Additionally, single cell sequencing was conducted in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 16 cases and 16 controls, NK cells were sorted and phenotyped. Results Anti-NMDAR encephalitis showed a weak HLA association with DRB1*01:01~DQA1*01:01~DQB1*05:01 (OR=1.57, 1.51, 1.45; respectively), and DRB1*11:01 (OR=1.60); these effects were stronger in European descendants and in patients without an underlying ovarian teratoma. More interestingly, we found increased copy number variation of KIR2DL5B (OR=1.72), principally due to an overrepresentation of KIR2DL5B*00201. Further, we identified two allele associations in framework genes, KIR2DL4*00103 (25.4% vs. 12.5% in controls, OR=1.98) and KIR3DL3*00302 (5.3% vs. 1.3%, OR=4.44). Notably, the ligands of these KIR2DL4 and KIR3DL3, respectively, HLA-G and HHLA2, are known to act as immune checkpoint with immunosuppressive functions. However, we did not find differences in specific KIR-HLA ligand interactions or HLA-G polymorphisms between cases and controls. Similarly, gene expression of CD56dim or CD56bright NK cells did not differ between cases and controls. Discussion Our observations for the first time suggest that the HLA-KIR axis might be involved in anti-NMDAR encephalitis. While the genetic risk conferred by the identified polymorphisms appears small, a role of this axis in the pathophysiology of this disease appears highly plausible and should be analyzed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vicente Peris Sempere
- Stanford Center for Sleep Science and Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Guo Luo
- Stanford Center for Sleep Science and Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Sergio Muñiz-Castrillo
- Stanford Center for Sleep Science and Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | - Anne-Laurie Pinto
- French Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Institut MeLiS INSERM U1314/CNRS UMR 5284, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Géraldine Picard
- French Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Institut MeLiS INSERM U1314/CNRS UMR 5284, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Véronique Rogemond
- French Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Institut MeLiS INSERM U1314/CNRS UMR 5284, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | | | - Carsten Finke
- Department of Neurology and Experimental Neurology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Leypoldt
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-University/University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
- Neuroimmunology, Institute of Clinical Chemistry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Kiel/Lübeck, Kiel, Germany
| | - Gregor Kuhlenbäumer
- Department of Neurology, Christian-Albrechts-University/University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Hannah F. Jones
- Starship Hospital, Centre for Brain Research, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Russell C. Dale
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, Children’s Hospital at Westmead clinical school, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sophie Binks
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Department of Neurology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Sarosh R. Irani
- Oxford Autoimmune Neurology Group, Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
- Departments of Neurology and Neurosciences, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, FL, United States
| | | | - Juna M. de Vries
- Department of Neurology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Dave L. Roelen
- Department of Immunogenetics and Transplantation Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Tae-Joon Kim
- Department of Neurology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kon Chu
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon-Tae Lee
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Nicholas R. Pollock
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Katherine M. Kichula
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Abigail Mumme-Monheit
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jérôme Honnorat
- French Reference Center on Paraneoplastic Neurological Syndrome and Autoimmune Encephalitis, Hospices Civils de Lyon, Lyon, France
- Institut MeLiS INSERM U1314/CNRS UMR 5284, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Emmanuel Mignot
- Stanford Center for Sleep Science and Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, United States
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Li Y, Wu X, Sheng C, Liu H, Liu H, Tang Y, Liu C, Ding Q, Xie B, Xiao X, Zheng R, Yu Q, Guo Z, Ma J, Wang J, Gao J, Tian M, Wang W, Zhou J, Jiang L, Gu M, Shi S, Paull M, Yang G, Yang W, Landau S, Bao X, Hu X, Liu XS, Xiao T. IGSF8 is an innate immune checkpoint and cancer immunotherapy target. Cell 2024; 187:2703-2716.e23. [PMID: 38657602 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Antigen presentation defects in tumors are prevalent mechanisms of adaptive immune evasion and resistance to cancer immunotherapy, whereas how tumors evade innate immunity is less clear. Using CRISPR screens, we discovered that IGSF8 expressed on tumors suppresses NK cell function by interacting with human KIR3DL2 and mouse Klra9 receptors on NK cells. IGSF8 is normally expressed in neuronal tissues and is not required for cell survival in vitro or in vivo. It is overexpressed and associated with low antigen presentation, low immune infiltration, and worse clinical outcomes in many tumors. An antibody that blocks IGSF8-NK receptor interaction enhances NK cell killing of malignant cells in vitro and upregulates antigen presentation, NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and T cell signaling in vivo. In syngeneic tumor models, anti-IGSF8 alone, or in combination with anti-PD1, inhibits tumor growth. Our results indicate that IGSF8 is an innate immune checkpoint that could be exploited as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Li
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xiangyang Wu
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Caibin Sheng
- GV20 Therapeutics LLC, 237 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Hailing Liu
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Huizhu Liu
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yixuan Tang
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chao Liu
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Qingyang Ding
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Bin Xie
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xi Xiao
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Rongbin Zheng
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Quan Yu
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zengdan Guo
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jian Ma
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jinghong Gao
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Mei Tian
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jia Zhou
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Li Jiang
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Mengmeng Gu
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Sailing Shi
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Michael Paull
- GV20 Therapeutics LLC, 237 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Guanhua Yang
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Wei Yang
- GV20 Therapeutics LLC, 237 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Steve Landau
- GV20 Therapeutics LLC, 237 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Xingfeng Bao
- GV20 Therapeutics LLC, 237 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Xihao Hu
- GV20 Therapeutics LLC, 237 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - X Shirley Liu
- GV20 Therapeutics LLC, 237 Putnam Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Tengfei Xiao
- Shanghai Xunbaihui Biotechnology Co., Ltd., 3rd floor of Building 4, No. 3728, Jinke Road, Pudong New Area, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Nishimura CD, Corrigan D, Zheng XY, Galbo PM, Wang S, Liu Y, Wei Y, Suo L, Cui W, Mercado N, Zheng D, Zhang CC, Zang X. TOP CAR with TMIGD2 as a safe and effective costimulatory domain in CAR cells treating human solid tumors. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadk1857. [PMID: 38718110 PMCID: PMC11078193 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adk1857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy shows impressive efficacy treating hematologic malignancies but requires further optimization in solid tumors. Here, we developed a TMIGD2 optimized potent/persistent (TOP) CAR that incorporated the costimulatory domain of TMIGD2, a T and NK cell costimulator, and monoclonal antibodies targeting the IgV domain of B7-H3, an immune checkpoint expressed on solid tumors and tumor vasculature. Comparing second- and third-generation B7-H3 CARs containing TMIGD2, CD28, and/or 4-1BB costimulatory domains revealed superior antitumor responses in B7-H3.TMIGD2 and B7-H3.CD28.4-1BB CAR-T cells in vitro. Comparing these two constructs using in vivo orthotopic human cancer models demonstrated that B7-H3.TMIGD2 CAR-T cells had equivalent or superior antitumor activity, survival, expansion, and persistence. Mechanistically, B7-H3.TMIGD2 CAR-T cells maintained mitochondrial metabolism; produced less cytokines; and established fewer exhausted cells, more central memory cells, and a larger CD8/CD4 T cell ratio. These studies demonstrate that the TOP CAR with TMIGD2 costimulation offered distinct benefits from CD28.41BB costimulation and is effective against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher D. Nishimura
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Institute for Immunotherapy of Cancer, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Devin Corrigan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Institute for Immunotherapy of Cancer, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Xiang Yu Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Phillip M. Galbo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yao Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Yao Wei
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Linna Suo
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Wei Cui
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Nadia Mercado
- Department of Biostatistics, Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Deyou Zheng
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Cheng Cheng Zhang
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xingxing Zang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Institute for Immunotherapy of Cancer, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Urology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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4
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Wei Q, Luo S, He G. Mechanism study of tyrosine phosphatase shp-1 in inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma progression by regulating the SHP2/GM-CSF pathway in TAMs. Sci Rep 2024; 14:9128. [PMID: 38644382 PMCID: PMC11033275 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59725-w] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide. Macrophage-mediated innate immune responses play a crucial role in tumor development. This study revealed the mechanism of SHP-1 in regulating HCC progression. SHP-1 inhibits tumour development in vivo. Increasing SHP-1 expression in macrophages promotes the expression of p-SHP-1, SHP2, and p-SHP-2. In macrophages GM-CSF recruits SHP-2 to the GM-CSF receptor GM-CSFR induces p-SHP-2 dephosphorylation. GM-CSF recruits p-SHP-2 for dephosphorylation by up-regulating HoxA10HOXA10 activates the transcription of TGFβ2 by interacting with tandem cis-elements in the promoter thereby regulating the proliferation and migration of liver cancer cells. GM-CSF inhibits SHP-1 regulation of p-SHP-1, SHP2, and p-SHP-2 in macrophages. Detailed studies have shown that SHP-1 regulates SHP2 expression, and SHP-1 and SHP2 are involved in macrophage M2 polarisation. SHP-1 inhibits HOXA10 and TGFβ2 which in turn regulates the expression of the migration-associated proteins, MMP2/9, and the migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Overexpression of SHP-1 inhibits macrophage M2 polarisation via the p-STAT3/6 signalling pathway Classical markers arginase-1, CD206, CD163 and regulate the expression of M2 polarisation cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. In addition, hypoxia-induced ROS inhibited SHP-1 regulation by suppressing the expression of p-SHP-1. The combined effect of GM-CSF and ROS significantly increased p-HOXA10/TGFβ2 and macrophage M2 polarisation, and the regulatory effect of ROS was significantly suppressed by GM-CSF knockdown. These findings suggest that increasing the expression of tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 can inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating the SHP2/GM-CSF pathway in TAM and thus inhibit the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Wei
- Bethune International Peace Hospital of PLA Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shijiazhuang, 050082, China
| | - ShuBin Luo
- Department of General Surgery (Section 1), The First People's Hospital of Jinghong, Jinghong, 666100, China
| | - Gang He
- Bethune International Peace Hospital of PLA ICU, No. 398 West Zhongshan Road, Shijiazhuang, 050082, China.
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Wu JW, Liu Y, Dai XJ, Liu HM, Zheng YC, Liu HM. CD155 as an emerging target in tumor immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 131:111896. [PMID: 38518596 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
CD155 is an immunoglobulin-like protein overexpressed in almost all the tumor cells, which not only promotes proliferation, adhesion, invasion, and migration of tumor cells, but also regulates immune responses by interacting with TIGIT, CD226 or CD96 receptors expressed on several immune cells, thereby modulating the functionality of these cellular subsets. As a novel immune checkpoint, the inhibition of CD155/TIGIT, either as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with other immune checkpoint inhibitors, has demonstrated efficacy in managing advanced solid malignancies. In this review, we summarize the intricate relationship between on tumor surface CD155 and its receptors, with further discussion on how they regulate the occurrence of tumor immune escape. In addition, novel therapeutic strategies and clinical trials targeting CD155 and its receptors are summarized, providing a strong rationale and way forward for the development of next-generation immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang-Wan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Henan Engineering Research Center for Application & Translation of Precision Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 1 Jianshe East Road, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Xing-Jie Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Hong-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China
| | - Yi-Chao Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
| | - Hui-Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Key Laboratory of Advanced Drug Preparation Technologies, Ministry of Education of China, Key Laboratory of Henan Province for Drug Quality and Evaluation, XNA Platform, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, 100 Kexue Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan 450001, China.
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6
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Zhang Q, Lin J, Yang M, Li Z, Zhang M, Bu B. Therapeutic potential of natural killer cells in neuroimmunological diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 173:116371. [PMID: 38430631 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a major component of the innate immune system, have prominent immunoregulatory, antitumor proliferation, and antiviral activities. NK cells act as a double-edged sword with therapeutic potential in neurological autoimmunity. Emerging evidence has identified NK cells are involved in the development and progression of neuroimmunological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, autoimmune encephalitis, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, myasthenia gravis, and idiopathic inflammatory myopathy. However, the regulatory mechanisms and functional roles of NK cells are highly variable in different clinical states of neuroimmunological diseases and need to be further determined. In this review, we summarize the evidence for the heterogenic involvement of NK cells in the above conditions. Further, we describe cutting-edge NK-cell-based immunotherapy for neuroimmunological diseases in preclinical and clinical development and highlight challenges that must be overcome to fully realize the therapeutic potential of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jing Lin
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Mengge Yang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Zhijun Li
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Min Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Bitao Bu
- Department of Neurology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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7
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Noel ODV, Hassouneh Z, Svatek RS, Mukherjee N. Innate Lymphoid Cells in Bladder Cancer: From Mechanisms of Action to Immune Therapies. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:149-160. [PMID: 38060011 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0414] [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: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Bladder tumors have a high mutational burden and tend to be responsive to immune therapies; however, response rates remain modest. To date, immunotherapy in bladder cancer has largely focused on enhancing T-cell immune responses in the bladder tumor microenvironment. It is anticipated that other immune cells, including innate lymphoid cells (ILC), which play an important role in bladder oncogenesis and tumor suppression, could be targeted to improve response to existing therapies. ILCs are classified into five groups: natural killer cells, ILC1s, ILC2s, ILC3s, and lymphoid tissue inducer cells. ILCs are pleiotropic and play dual and sometimes paradoxical roles in cancer development and progression. Here, a comprehensive discussion of the current knowledge and recent advancements in understanding the role of ILCs in bladder cancer is provided. We discuss the multifaceted roles that ILCs play in bladder immune surveillance, tumor protection, and immunopathology of bladder cancer. This review provides a rationale for targeting ILCs in bladder cancer, which is relevant for other solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onika D V Noel
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Zaineb Hassouneh
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Robert S Svatek
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Neelam Mukherjee
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
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Wang F, Zhang G, Xu T, Ma J, Wang J, Liu S, Tang Y, Jin S, Li J, Xing N. High and selective cytotoxicity of ex vivo expanded allogeneic human natural killer cells from peripheral blood against bladder cancer: implications for natural killer cell instillation after transurethral resection of bladder tumor. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2024; 43:24. [PMID: 38245792 PMCID: PMC10799482 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-024-02955-7] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is treated with transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT) followed by intravesical instillation of chemotherapy or Bacillus Calmette-Guérin therapy. However, these treatments have a high recurrence rate and side effects, emphasizing the need for alternative instillations. Previously, we revealed that expanded allogeneic human natural killer (NK) cells from peripheral blood are a promising cellular therapy for prostate cancer. However, whether NK cells exhibit a similar killing effect in bladder cancer (BCa) remains unknown. METHODS Expansion, activation, and cryopreservation of allogeneic human NK cells obtained from peripheral blood were performed as we previously described. In vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated using the cell counting kit-8. The levels of perforin, granzyme B, interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and chemokines (C-C-motif ligand [CCL]1, CCL2, CCL20, CCL3L1, and CCL4; C-X-C-motif ligand [CXCL]1, CXCL16, CXCL2, CXCL3, and CXCL8; and X-motif ligand 1 and 2) were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression of CD107a, major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I), MHC-I polypeptide-related sequences A and B (MICA/B), cytomegalovirus UL16-binding protein-2/5/6 (ULBP-2/5/6), B7-H6, CD56, CD69, CD25, killer cell Ig-like receptors (KIR)2DL1, KIRD3DL1, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp46, and CD16 of NK cells or BCa and normal urothelial cells were detected using flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity was evaluated using lactate dehydrogenase assay in patient-derived organoid models. BCa growth was monitored in vivo using calipers in male NOD-scid IL2rg-/- mice subcutaneously injected with 5637 and NK cells. Differential gene expressions were investigated using RNA sequence analysis. The chemotaxis of T cells was evaluated using transwell migration assays. RESULTS We revealed that the NK cells possess higher cytotoxicity against BCa lines with more production of cytokines than normal urothelial cells counterparts in vitro, demonstrated by upregulation of degranulation marker CD107a and increased interferon-γ secretion, by MICA/B/NKG2D and B7H6/NKp30-mediated activation. Furthermore, NK cells demonstrated antitumor effects against BCa in patient-derived organoids and BCa xenograft mouse models. NK cells secreted chemokines, including CCL1/2/20, to induce T-cell chemotaxis when encountering BCa cells. CONCLUSIONS The expanded NK cells exhibit potent cytotoxicity against BCa cells, with few toxic side effects on normal urothelial cells. In addition, NK cells recruit T cells by secreting a panel of chemokines, which supports the translational application of NK cell intravesical instillation after TURBT from bench to bedside for NMIBC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangming Wang
- Department of Urology, Tsinghua University Affiliated Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University Clinical Institute, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Gang Zhang
- Department of Urology, Tsinghua University Affiliated Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University Clinical Institute, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Tianli Xu
- BOE Regenerative Medicine Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Jianlin Ma
- BOE Regenerative Medicine Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Jing Wang
- BOE Regenerative Medicine Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- BOE Regenerative Medicine Technology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100015, China
| | - Yuzhe Tang
- Department of Urology, Tsinghua University Affiliated Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University Clinical Institute, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Song Jin
- Department of Urology, Tsinghua University Affiliated Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University Clinical Institute, Beijing, 102218, China
| | - Jianxing Li
- Department of Urology, Tsinghua University Affiliated Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, Tsinghua University Clinical Institute, Beijing, 102218, China.
| | - Nianzeng Xing
- Department of Urology, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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9
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Fan Z, Han D, Fan X, Zhao L. Ovarian cancer treatment and natural killer cell-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308143. [PMID: 38187402 PMCID: PMC10768003 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the malignant tumors that poses a serious threat to women's health. Natural killer (NK) cells are an integral part of the immune system and have the ability to kill tumor cells directly or participate indirectly in the anti-tumor immune response. In recent years, NK cell-based immunotherapy for OC has shown remarkable potential. However, its mechanisms and effects remain unclear when compared to standard treatment. Methods To explore the value of NK cell-based immunotherapy in the treatment of OC, we conducted a literature review. In comparison to standard treatment, our focus was primarily on the current anti-tumor mechanisms, the clinical effect of NK cells against OC, factors affecting the structure and function of NK cells, and strategies to enhance the effectiveness of NK cells. Results We found that NK cells exert their therapeutic effects in OC through mechanisms such as antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity, perforin release, and granule enzyme secretion. They also secrete IFN-γ and TNF-α or engage in Fas/FasL and TRAIL/TRAILR pathways, mediating the death of OC cells. In clinical trials, the majority of patients experienced disease stability with mild side effects after receiving NK cell-based immunotherapy, but there is still a lack of high-quality research evidence regarding its clinical effectiveness. OC and prior experience with standard treatments have an effect on NK cells, and it may be considered to maximize NK cell effects through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment or combination with other therapies. Conclusions In this review, we have summarized the current evidence of NK cell applications in the treatment of OC. Furthermore, factors and strategies that influence and enhance the role of NK cell immunotherapy are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongru Fan
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dongyu Han
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Meddical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xin Fan
- Department of Radiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Suzhou Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Meddical School, Nanjing University, Suzhou, China
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10
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de Groot NG, Heijmans CM, van der Wiel MK, Bruijnesteijn J, Bontrop RE. The KIR repertoire of a West African chimpanzee population is characterized by limited gene, allele, and haplotype variation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1308316. [PMID: 38149259 PMCID: PMC10750417 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1308316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) play a pivotal role in modulating the NK cell responses, for instance, through interaction with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules. Both gene systems map to different chromosomes but co-evolved during evolution. The human KIR gene family is characterized by abundant allelic polymorphism and copy number variation. In contrast, our knowledge of the KIR repertoire in chimpanzees is limited to 39 reported alleles, with no available population data. Only three genomic KIR region configurations have been mapped, and seventeen additional ones were deduced by genotyping. Methods Previously, we documented that the chimpanzee MHC class I repertoire has been skewed due to an ancient selective sweep. To understand the depth of the sweep, we set out to determine the full-length KIR transcriptome - in our MHC characterized pedigreed West African chimpanzee cohort - using SMRT sequencing (PacBio). In addition, the genomic organization of 14 KIR haplotypes was characterized by applying a Cas9-mediated enrichment approach in concert with long-read sequencing by Oxford Nanopore Technologies. Results In the cohort, we discovered 35 undescribed and 15 already recorded Patr-KIR alleles, and a novel hybrid KIR gene. Some KIR transcripts are subject to evolutionary conserved alternative splicing events. A detailed insight on the KIR region dynamics (location and order of genes) was obtained, however, only five new KIR region configurations were detected. The population data allowed to investigate the distribution of the MHC-C1 and C2-epitope specificity of the inhibitory lineage III KIR repertoire, and appears to be skewed towards C2. Discussion Although the KIR region is known to evolve fast, as observed in other primate species, our overall conclusion is that the genomic architecture and repertoire in West African chimpanzees exhibit only limited to moderate levels of variation. Hence, the ancient selective sweep that affected the chimpanzee MHC class I region may also have impacted the KIR system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasja G. de Groot
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Corrine M.C. Heijmans
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Marit K.H. van der Wiel
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Jesse Bruijnesteijn
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
| | - Ronald E. Bontrop
- Comparative Genetics and Refinement, Biomedical Primate Research Centre, Rijswijk, Netherlands
- Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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11
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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12
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Ma S, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Harnessing Natural Killer Cells for Lung Cancer Therapy. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3327-3339. [PMID: 37531223 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although natural killer (NK) cells are garnering interest as a potential anticancer therapy because they selectively recognize and eliminate cancer cells, their use in treating solid tumors, including lung cancer, has been limited due to impediments to their efficacy, such as their limited ability to reach tumor tissues, the reduced antitumor activity of tumor-infiltrating NK cells, and the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the cross-talk between the lung cancer TME and NK cells. We highlight the various mechanisms used by the TME to modulate NK-cell phenotypes and limit infiltration, explore the role of the TME in limiting the antitumor activity of NK cells, and discuss the current challenges and obstacles that hinder the success of NK-cell-based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Potential opportunities and promising strategies to address these challenges have been implemented or are being developed to optimize NK-cell-based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Through critical evaluation of existing literature and emerging trends, this review provides a comprehensive outlook on the future of NK-cell-based immunotherapy for treating lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
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13
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Paolini R, Molfetta R. Dysregulation of DNAM-1-Mediated NK Cell Anti-Cancer Responses in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4616. [PMID: 37760586 PMCID: PMC10527063 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a pivotal role in anti-cancer immune responses, thanks to the expression of a wide array of inhibitory and activating receptors that regulate their cytotoxicity against transformed cells while preserving healthy cells from lysis. However, NK cells exhibit severe dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment, mainly due to the reduction of activating receptors and the induction or increased expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptors. An activating receptor that plays a central role in tumor recognition is the DNAM-1 receptor. It recognizes PVR and Nectin2 adhesion molecules, which are frequently overexpressed on the surface of cancerous cells. These ligands are also able to trigger inhibitory signals via immune checkpoint receptors that are upregulated in the tumor microenvironment and can counteract DNAM-1 activation. Among them, TIGIT has recently gained significant attention, since its targeting results in improved anti-tumor immune responses. This review aims to summarize how the recognition of PVR and Nectin2 by paired co-stimulatory/inhibitory receptors regulates NK cell-mediated clearance of transformed cells. Therapeutic approaches with the potential to reverse DNAM-1 dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Molfetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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14
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Hasan MF, Croom-Perez TJ, Oyer JL, Dieffenthaller TA, Robles-Carrillo LD, Eloriaga JE, Kumar S, Andersen BW, Copik AJ. TIGIT Expression on Activated NK Cells Correlates with Greater Anti-Tumor Activity but Promotes Functional Decline upon Lung Cancer Exposure: Implications for Adoptive Cell Therapy and TIGIT-Targeted Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2712. [PMID: 37345049 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatments targeting TIGIT have gained a lot of attention due to strong preclinical and early clinical results, particularly with anti-PD-(L)1 therapeutics. However, this combination has failed to meet progression-free survival endpoints in phase III trials. Most of our understanding of TIGIT comes from studies of T cell function. Yet, this inhibitory receptor is often upregulated to the same, or higher, extent on NK cells in cancers. Studies in murine models have demonstrated that TIGIT inhibits NK cells and promotes exhaustion, with its effects on tumor control also being dependent on NK cells. However, there are limited studies assessing the role of TIGIT on the function of human NK cells (hNK), particularly in lung cancer. Most studies used NK cell lines or tested TIGIT blockade to reactivate exhausted cells obtained from cancer patients. For therapeutic advancement, a better understanding of TIGIT in the context of activated hNK cells is crucial, which is different than exhausted NK cells, and critical in the context of adoptive NK cell therapeutics that may be combined with TIGIT blockade. In this study, the effect of TIGIT blockade on the anti-tumor activities of human ex vivo-expanded NK cells was evaluated in vitro in the context of lung cancer. TIGIT expression was higher on activated and/or expanded NK cells compared to resting NK cells. More TIGIT+ NK cells expressed major activating receptors and exerted anti-tumor response as compared to TIGIT- cells, indicating that NK cells with greater anti-tumor function express more TIGIT. However, long-term TIGIT engagement upon exposure to PVR+ tumors downregulated the cytotoxic function of expanded NK cells while the inclusion of TIGIT blockade increased cytotoxicity, restored the effector functions against PVR-positive targets, and upregulated immune inflammation-related gene sets. These combined results indicate that TIGIT blockade can preserve the activation state of NK cells during exposure to PVR+ tumors. These results support the notion that a functional NK cell compartment is critical for anti-tumor response and anti-TIGIT/adoptive NK cell combinations have the potential to improve outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Faqrul Hasan
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Jeremiah L Oyer
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Thomas A Dieffenthaller
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Liza D Robles-Carrillo
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Jonathan E Eloriaga
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Sanjana Kumar
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Brendan W Andersen
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32827, USA
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15
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Guo D, Jin C, Gao Y, Lin H, Zhang L, Zhou Y, Yao J, Duan Y, Ren Y, Hui X, Ge Y, Yang R, Jiang W. GPR116 receptor regulates the antitumor function of NK cells via Gαq/HIF1α/NF-κB signaling pathway as a potential immune checkpoint. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:51. [PMID: 36895027 PMCID: PMC9999509 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01005-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NK cell is one of innate immune cells and can protect the body from cancer-initiating cells. It has been reported that GPR116 receptor is involved in inflammation and tumors. However, the effect of GPR116 receptor on the NK cells remains largely unclear. RESULTS We discovered that GPR116-/- mice could efficiently eliminate pancreatic cancer through enhancing the proportion and function of NK cells in tumor. Moreover, the expression of GPR116 receptor was decreased upon the activation of the NK cells. Besides, GPR116-/- NK cells showed higher cytotoxicity and antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo by producing more GzmB and IFNγ than wild-type (WT) NK cells. Mechanistically, GPR116 receptor regulated the function of NK cells via Gαq/HIF1α/NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, downregulation of GPR116 receptor promoted the antitumor activity of NKG2D-CAR-NK92 cells against pancreatic cancer both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicated that GPR116 receptor had a negatively effect on NK cell function and downregulation of GPR116 receptor in NKG2D-CAR-NK92 cells could enhance the antitumor activity, which provides a new idea to enhance the antitumor efficiency of CAR NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Chenxu Jin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yaoxin Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Haizhen Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yixin Duan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yaojun Ren
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Xinhui Hui
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Yujia Ge
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Renzheng Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China
| | - Wenzheng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 500 Dongchuan Rood, Shanghai, 200241, China.
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16
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Dutta S, Ganguly A, Chatterjee K, Spada S, Mukherjee S. Targets of Immune Escape Mechanisms in Cancer: Basis for Development and Evolution of Cancer Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:biology12020218. [PMID: 36829496 PMCID: PMC9952779 DOI: 10.3390/biology12020218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) has emerged as a novel therapeutic tool for cancer therapy in the last decade. Unfortunately, a small number of patients benefit from approved immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Therefore, multiple studies are being conducted to find new ICIs and combination strategies to improve the current ICIs. In this review, we discuss some approved immune checkpoints, such as PD-L1, PD-1, and CTLA-4, and also highlight newer emerging ICIs. For instance, HLA-E, overexpressed by tumor cells, represents an immune-suppressive feature by binding CD94/NKG2A, on NK and T cells. NKG2A blockade recruits CD8+ T cells and activates NK cells to decrease the tumor burden. NKG2D acts as an NK cell activating receptor that can also be a potential ICI. The adenosine A2A and A2B receptors, CD47-SIRPα, TIM-3, LAG-3, TIGIT, and VISTA are targets that also contribute to cancer immunoresistance and have been considered for clinical trials. Their antitumor immunosuppressive functions can be used to develop blocking antibodies. PARPs, mARTs, and B7-H3 are also other potential targets for immunosuppression. Additionally, miRNA, mRNA, and CRISPR-Cas9-mediated immunotherapeutic approaches are being investigated with great interest. Pre-clinical and clinical studies project these targets as potential immunotherapeutic candidates in different cancer types for their robust antitumor modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shovan Dutta
- The Center for Immunotherapy & Precision Immuno-Oncology (CITI), Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar 814152, India
| | | | - Sheila Spada
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
| | - Sumit Mukherjee
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.); (S.M.)
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17
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Soldi LR, Silva VLC, Rabelo DH, Uehara IA, Silva MJB. Reactivation of natural killer cells with monoclonal antibodies in the microenvironment of malignant neoplasms. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04575-8. [PMID: 36633682 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04575-8] [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: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer cells are critical players in the antitumor immune response due to their ability to destroy target cells through cytotoxic activity and other means. However, this response is inhibited in the tumor microenvironment, where a crippling hypoxic environment and several inhibitory molecules bind to NK cells to trigger an anergic state. Inhibitory receptors such as PD-1, NK2GA, KIR, TIGIT, and LAG-3 have been associated with inhibition of NK cells in multiple cancer types. Binding to these receptors leads to loss of cytotoxicity, lower proliferation and metabolic rates, and even apoptosis. While these receptors are important for avoiding auto-immunity, in a pathological setting like malignant neoplasms they are disadvantageous for the individual's immune system to combat cancer cells. The use of monoclonal antibodies to block these receptors contributes to cancer therapy by preventing the inhibition of NK cells. In this review, the impact of NK cell inhibition and activation on cancer therapy was summarized and an overview of the blockade of inhibitory pathways by monoclonal antibodies was provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiz Ricardo Soldi
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Applied Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Victor Luigi Costa Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Diogo Henrique Rabelo
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Applied Immunology and Parasitology, Universidade Federal de Uberlândia, Uberlândia, Brazil
| | - Isadora Akemi Uehara
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil
| | - Marcelo José Barbosa Silva
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Uberlândia, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil. .,Tumor Biomarkers and Osteoimmunology Laboratory, Av. Pará - 1720 - Block 6T, Room 07 - District Umuarama, Uberlândia, MG, Brazil.
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