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Biały S, Siemaszko J, Sobczyk-Kruszelnicka M, Fidyk W, Solarska I, Nasiłowska-Adamska B, Skowrońska P, Bieniaszewska M, Tomaszewska A, Basak GW, Giebel S, Wróbel T, Bogunia-Kubik K. Unravelling the potential of TIM-3 gene polymorphism in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation - a preliminary study. Transpl Immunol 2024:102084. [PMID: 38992477 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2024.102084] [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: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3 (TIM-3) molecule is a key regulator of the immune response by exerting an inhibitory effect on various types of immune cells. Understanding the role of TIM-3 in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) may improve transplant outcomes. Our study evaluated the potential association between TIM-3 polymorphisms, namely rs1036199 (A > C) or rs10515746 (C > A), changes which are located in exon 3 and the promoter region of the TIM-3 gene, and post-HSCT outcomes. METHODS One-hundred and twenty allogeneic HSCT patients and their respective donors were enrolled and genotyped for TIM-3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using real-time PCR with TaqMan assays. RESULTS We found that the presence of the rare alleles and heterozygous genotypes of studied SNP in recipients tended to protect against or increase the risk for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD). For the rs1036199 polymorphism, recipients with the AC heterozygous genotype (p = 0.0287) or carrying the rarer C allele (p = 0.0334) showed a lower frequency of aGvHD development along all I-IV grades. A similar association was detected for the rs10515746 polymorphism as recipients with the CA genotype (p = 0.0095) or the recessive A allele (p = 0.0117) less frequently developed aGvHD. Furthermore, the rarer A allele of rs10515746 SNP was also associated with a prolonged aGvHD-free survival (p = 0.0424). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection was more common in patients transplanted with TIM-3 rs10515746 mismatched donors (p = 0.0229) and this association was also found to be independent of HLA incompatibility and pre-transplant CMV-IgG status. Multivariate analyses confirmed the role of these recessive alleles and TIM-3 incompatibility as an independent factor in aGvHD and CMV development. CONCLUSIONS Polymorphism of TIM-3 molecule may affect the immune response in HSCT patients. The recessive alleles of rs1036199 and rs10515746 SNPs decreased the risk of developing aGvHD. TIM-3 donor-recipient genetic matching may also affect the risk of post-transplant CMV infection, indicating the potential value of genetic profiling in optimizing transplant strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylwia Biały
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Jagoda Siemaszko
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Sobczyk-Kruszelnicka
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematology-Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Wojciech Fidyk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematology-Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Iwona Solarska
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Maria Bieniaszewska
- Department of Hematology and Transplantology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Tomaszewska
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz W Basak
- Department of Hematology, Transplantation and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sebastian Giebel
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Hematology-Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Gliwice, Poland
| | - Tomasz Wróbel
- Department of Hematology, Blood Neoplasms and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Wroclaw Medical University, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland.
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2
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Huang S, Liu D, Han L, Deng J, Wang Z, Jiang J, Zeng L. Decoding the potential role of regulatory T cells in sepsis-induced immunosuppression. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350730. [PMID: 38430202 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Sepsis, a multiorgan dysfunction with high incidence and mortality, is caused by an imbalanced host-to-infection immune response. Organ-support therapy improves the early survival rate of sepsis patients. In the long term, those who survive the "cytokine storm" and its secondary damage usually show higher susceptibility to secondary infections and sepsis-induced immunosuppression, in which regulatory T cells (Tregs) are evidenced to play an essential role. However, the potential role and mechanism of Tregs in sepsis-induced immunosuppression remains elusive. In this review, we elucidate the role of different functional subpopulations of Tregs during sepsis and then review the mechanism of sepsis-induced immunosuppression from the aspects of regulatory characteristics, epigenetic modification, and immunometabolism of Tregs. Thoroughly understanding how Tregs impact the immune system during sepsis may shed light on preclinical research and help improve the translational value of sepsis immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Huang
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Di Liu
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Han
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jin Deng
- Department of Emergency, the Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianxin Jiang
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ling Zeng
- Department of Trauma Medical Center, Daping Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma and Chemical Poisoning, Army Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Davoudi F, Moradi A, Sadeghirad H, Kulasinghe A. Tissue biomarkers of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy. Immunol Cell Biol 2024; 102:179-193. [PMID: 38228572 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12723] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has been rejuvenated by the growing understanding of the immune system's role in tumor activity over the past two decades. During cancer initiation and progression, tumor cells employ various mechanisms that resemble peripheral immune tolerance to evade the antitumor responses of the immune system. Immune checkpoint molecules are the major mechanism of immune resistance that are exploited by tumor cells to inhibit T-cell activation and suppress immune responses. The targeting of immune checkpoint pathways has led to substantial improvements in survival rates in a number of solid cancers. However, a lack of understanding of the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) has resulted in inefficient therapy responses. A greater understanding of the TME is needed to identify patients likely to respond, and those that will have resistance to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Advancement in spatial single-cell technologies has allowed deeper insight into the phenotypic and functional diversities of cells in the TME. In this review, we provide an overview of ICI biomarkers and highlight how high-dimensional spatially resolved, single-cell approaches provide deep molecular insights into the TME and allow for the discovery of biomarkers of clinical benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Davoudi
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Afshin Moradi
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Habib Sadeghirad
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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4
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Joller N, Anderson AC, Kuchroo VK. LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT: Distinct functions in immune regulation. Immunity 2024; 57:206-222. [PMID: 38354701 PMCID: PMC10919259 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.01.010] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT comprise the next generation of immune checkpoint receptors being harnessed in the clinic. Although initially studied for their roles in restraining T cell responses, intense investigation over the last several years has started to pinpoint the unique functions of these molecules in other immune cell types. Understanding the distinct processes that these receptors regulate across immune cells and tissues will inform the clinical development and application of therapies that either antagonize or agonize these receptors, as well as the profile of potential tissue toxicity associated with their targeting. Here, we discuss the distinct functions of LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT, including their contributions to the regulation of immune cells beyond T cells, their roles in disease, and the implications for their targeting in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Joller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana C Anderson
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vijay K Kuchroo
- Gene Lay Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Ann Romney Center for Neurologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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5
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Mestiri S, El-Ella DMA, Fernandes Q, Bedhiafi T, Almoghrabi S, Akbar S, Inchakalody V, Assami L, Anwar S, Uddin S, Gul ARZ, Al-Muftah M, Merhi M, Raza A, Dermime S. The dynamic role of immune checkpoint molecules in diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of head and neck cancers. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 171:116095. [PMID: 38183744 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.116095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the sixth most common cancer type, accounting for approximately 277,597 deaths worldwide. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) agents targeting programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) as a treatment regimen for head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Studies have reported the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors as targeted therapeutic regimens that unleash the immune response against HNSCC tumors. However, the overall response rates to immunotherapy vary between 14-32% in recurrent or metastatic HNSCC, with clinical response and treatment success being unpredictable. Keeping this perspective in mind, it is imperative to understand the role of T cells, natural killer cells, and antigen-presenting cells in modulating the immune response to immunotherapy. In lieu of this, these immune molecules could serve as prognostic and predictive biomarkers to facilitate longitudinal monitoring and understanding of treatment dynamics. These immune biomarkers could pave the path for personalized monitoring and management of HNSCC. In this review, we aim to provide updated immunological insight on the mechanism of action, expression, and the clinical application of immune cells' stimulatory and inhibitory molecules as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in HNC. The review is focused mainly on CD27 and CD137 (members of the TNF-receptor superfamily), natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member 4 (TNFRSF4 or OX40), S100 proteins, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), lymphocyte-activation gene 3 (LAG-3), indoleamine-pyrrole 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), B and T lymphocyte attenuator (BTLA). It also highlights the importance of T, natural killer, and antigen-presenting cells as robust biomarker tools for understanding immune checkpoint inhibitor-based treatment dynamics. Though a comprehensive review, all aspects of the immune molecules could not be covered as they were beyond the scope of the review; Further review articles can cover other aspects to bridge the knowledge gap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra Mestiri
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Dina Moustafa Abo El-Ella
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Queenie Fernandes
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Takwa Bedhiafi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Salam Almoghrabi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shayista Akbar
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese Inchakalody
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Laila Assami
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shaheena Anwar
- Department of Biosciences, Salim Habib University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Translational Research Institute and Dermatology Institute, Academic Health System, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Laboratory Animal Research Center, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abdul Rehman Zar Gul
- National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Mariam Al-Muftah
- Translational Cancer and Immunity Centre, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar; College of Health and Life Sciences, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Afsheen Raza
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Science, Abu Dhabi University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Said Dermime
- Translational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research/ Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar.
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Santosh Nirmala S, Kayani K, Gliwiński M, Hu Y, Iwaszkiewicz-Grześ D, Piotrowska-Mieczkowska M, Sakowska J, Tomaszewicz M, Marín Morales JM, Lakshmi K, Marek-Trzonkowska NM, Trzonkowski P, Oo YH, Fuchs A. Beyond FOXP3: a 20-year journey unravelling human regulatory T-cell heterogeneity. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1321228. [PMID: 38283365 PMCID: PMC10811018 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1321228] [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: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The initial idea of a distinct group of T-cells responsible for suppressing immune responses was first postulated half a century ago. However, it is only in the last three decades that we have identified what we now term regulatory T-cells (Tregs), and subsequently elucidated and crystallized our understanding of them. Human Tregs have emerged as essential to immune tolerance and the prevention of autoimmune diseases and are typically contemporaneously characterized by their CD3+CD4+CD25high CD127lowFOXP3+ phenotype. It is important to note that FOXP3+ Tregs exhibit substantial diversity in their origin, phenotypic characteristics, and function. Identifying reliable markers is crucial to the accurate identification, quantification, and assessment of Tregs in health and disease, as well as the enrichment and expansion of viable cells for adoptive cell therapy. In our comprehensive review, we address the contributions of various markers identified in the last two decades since the master transcriptional factor FOXP3 was identified in establishing and enriching purity, lineage stability, tissue homing and suppressive proficiency in CD4+ Tregs. Additionally, our review delves into recent breakthroughs in innovative Treg-based therapies, underscoring the significance of distinct markers in their therapeutic utilization. Understanding Treg subsets holds the key to effectively harnessing human Tregs for immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kayani Kayani
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Academic Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Department of Renal Surgery, Queen Elizabeth Hospital Birmingham, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Mateusz Gliwiński
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Yueyuan Hu
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Justyna Sakowska
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Martyna Tomaszewicz
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | | | - Kavitha Lakshmi
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Piotr Trzonkowski
- Department of Medical Immunology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Poland
| | - Ye Htun Oo
- Centre for Liver and Gastrointestinal Research and National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Liver Transplant and Hepatobiliary Unit, University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Birmingham Advanced Cellular Therapy Facility, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
- Centre for Rare Diseases, European Reference Network - Rare Liver Centre, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Anke Fuchs
- Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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7
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Zhao H, Ma Y, Tian F, Li B, Xiao N, Mo X, Aibibula M, Min H, Cai X, Zhang T, Ma X. Expression of Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway and CD8+T cells and related factors in patients with cystic echinococcosis. Exp Parasitol 2023; 254:108623. [PMID: 37793539 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2023.108623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE One of the primary reasons for the successful patriotization of Echinococcus multilocularis in patients is its ability to induce host immune tolerance. This study examined the expression of the immunosuppressive Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway, CD8+T cells, and related factors in AE patients. The aim was to analyze the relationship between the Tim-3/Galectin-9 pathway and CD8+T cells in this disease and further understand the mechanism of immune tolerance induced by cystic echinococcosis. METHODS Using flow cytometry, we evaluated the expression of CTL, CD8+CD28-T cells, CD8+CD28 + IFN-γ + T cells, CD8+CD28+perforin + T cells, CD8+CD28+granzyme B + T cells, CD8+CD28-IL-10 + T cells, CD8+CD28-TGF-β+T cells, and Tim-3 expression on CD8+T cells in the peripheral blood of control (n = 30) and AE patients (n = 33). qRT-PCR was used to measure CD107a and Tim-3/Galectin-9 mRNA levels in PBMCs from the control and AE groups. Immunohistochemistry was employed to detect IL-10, TGF-β, and Tim-3/Galectin-9 expressions in the infected livers of AE patients. RESULTS AE patients exhibited a significant decrease in peripheral blood CTL ratio (P < 0.001) and an increase in CD8+CD28+IFN-γ+T cell ratio (P < 0.001). No significant changes were observed in the ratios of CD8+CD28+perforin + T cells (P = 0.720) and CD8+CD28+granzyme B + T cells (P = 0.051). The proportions of CD8+CD28-T cells (P < 0.001), CD8+CD28-IL-10 + T cells (P < 0.001), and CD8+CD28-TGF-β+T cells (P < 0.001) were notably higher than in the control group. The expression of Tim-3 on CTL and CD8+CD28-T cells in AE patients was significantly upregulated (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). AE patients displayed a substantial decrease in peripheral blood PBMC CD107a mRNA levels (P < 0.001) and significant elevations in Tim-3/Galectin-9 mRNA levels (P < 0.001, P < 0.001). A negative correlation was observed between CD107a mRNA levels and both Tim-3 (r^2 = 0.411, P < 0.001) and Galectin-9 (r2 = 0.180, P = 0.019) mRNA levels. Expressions of IL-10 (P < 0.001), TGF-β (P < 0.001), and Tim-3/Galectin-9 (P < 0.001, P < 0.001) in AE patient-infected livers were significantly higher than in uninfected regions. IL-10 and TGF-β expressions showed a positive correlation with Tim-3/Galectin-9. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the high expression of Tim-3 on CD8+T cell surfaces in AE patients might promote an increase in CD8+CD28-T cells and related factors, while suppressing CTL and related factor expressions. This potentially induces the onset of immune tolerance, which is unfavorable for the clearance of Echinococcus multilocularis in patients, leading to the exacerbation of persistent infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zhao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Medical Testing Center, Xinjiang, China; State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Yuyu Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Fengming Tian
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Bin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Ning Xiao
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Xiaojin Mo
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China
| | - Madinaimu Aibibula
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Hongyue Min
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Xuanlin Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China
| | - Ting Zhang
- National Institute of Parasitic Diseases, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Chinese Center for Tropical Diseases Research), NHC Key Laboratory of Parasite and Vector Biology, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xiumin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis, Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence Diseases in Central Asia, Clinical Laboratory Center, Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang 830011, PR China.
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8
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Del Bello A, Treiner E. Immune Checkpoints in Solid Organ Transplantation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1358. [PMID: 37887068 PMCID: PMC10604300 DOI: 10.3390/biology12101358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Allogenic graft acceptance is only achieved by life-long immunosuppression, which comes at the cost of significant toxicity. Clinicians face the challenge of adapting the patients' treatments over long periods to lower the risks associated with these toxicities, permanently leveraging the risk of excessive versus insufficient immunosuppression. A major goal and challenge in the field of solid organ transplantation (SOT) is to attain a state of stable immune tolerance specifically towards the grafted organ. The immune system is equipped with a set of inhibitory co-receptors known as immune checkpoints (ICs), which physiologically regulate numerous effector functions. Insufficient regulation through these ICs can lead to autoimmunity and/or immune-mediated toxicity, while excessive expression of ICs induces stable hypo-responsiveness, especially in T cells, a state sometimes referred to as exhaustion. IC blockade has emerged in the last decade as a powerful therapeutic tool against cancer. The opposite action, i.e., subverting IC for the benefit of establishing a state of specific hypo-responsiveness against auto- or allo-antigens, is still in its infancy. In this review, we will summarize the available literature on the role of ICs in SOT and the relevance of ICs with graft acceptance. We will also discuss the possible influence of current immunosuppressive medications on IC functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arnaud Del Bello
- Department of Nephrology, University Hospital of Toulouse, 31400 Toulouse, France
- Metabolic and Cardiovascular Research Institute (I2MC), Inserm UMR1297, CEDEX 4, 31432 Toulouse, France
- Faculty of Medicine, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France
| | - Emmanuel Treiner
- Faculty of Medicine, University Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, 31062 Toulouse, France
- Laboratory of Immunology, University Hospital of Toulouse, 31300 Toulouse, France
- Toulouse Institute for Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases (Infinity), Inserm UMR1291, 31024 Toulouse, France
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He X, Peng Y, He G, Ye H, Liu L, Zhou Q, Shi J, Fu S, Wang J, Zhou Z, Li W. Increased co-expression of PD1 and TIM3 is associated with poor prognosis and immune microenvironment heterogeneity in gallbladder cancer. J Transl Med 2023; 21:717. [PMID: 37828574 PMCID: PMC10571407 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04589-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in treating gallbladder cancer (GBC) remains unsatisfactory. Recently, several new immune checkpoints have been identified. However, investigations exploring these immune checkpoints in GBC are limited. In this study, we aim to investigate the expression patterns and clinical implications of various immune checkpoints, and further characterize the spatial and quantitative heterogeneity of immune components in GBC. METHODS We employed single and multiplex immunohistochemistry to evaluate the expression of five immune checkpoint markers and four immune cell markers in the primary tumor core, hepatic invasion margin, and liver metastasis. Subsequently, we analyzed their interrelationships and their prognostic significance. RESULTS We observed a robust positive correlation between PD1/TIM3 expression in GBC (R = 0.614, P < 0.001). The co-expression of PD1/TIM3 exhibited a synergistic effect in predicting poor prognosis among postoperative GBC patients. Further analysis revealed that the prognostic significance of PD1/TIM3 was prominent in the subgroup with high infiltration of CD8 + T cells (P < 0.001). Multiplex immunohistochemistry reveals that PD1 + TIM3 + FOXP3 + cells constitute a significant proportion of FOXP3 + TILs in GBC tissue. Moreover, the co-high expression of PD1 and TIM3 is positively correlated with the accumulation of CD8 + TILs at the hepatic invasion margin. Lastly, our findings indicated reduced expression levels of immune checkpoints and diminished immune cell infiltration in liver metastases compared to primary tumors. CONCLUSIONS Increased co-expression of PD1/TIM3 is associated with poor prognosis in GBC patients and is related to the heterogeneity of immune microenvironment between GBC primary tumor and its hepatic invasion margin or liver metastases, which may be a potential target for future immunotherapy of GBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing He
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.107 Yanjiang West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Yaorong Peng
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.107 Yanjiang West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Gui He
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Huilin Ye
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.107 Yanjiang West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Liqiang Liu
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.107 Yanjiang West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Qixian Zhou
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.107 Yanjiang West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanyi Shi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Sha Fu
- Cellular & Molecular Diagnostics Center, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenyu Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wenbin Li
- Department of Biliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, No.107 Yanjiang West Road, Yuexiu District, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Malignant Tumor Epigenetics and Gene Regulation, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
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10
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Nieves-Rosado HM, Jacobs JL, Naqvi A, Mellors JW, Macatangay BJC, Kane LP. TIM-3 signaling contributes to the suppressive capacity of Tregs from people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:368-372. [PMID: 37350502 PMCID: PMC10882646 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
TIM-3 expression is increased on peripheral regulatory T cells (Tregs) of virally suppressed persons with HIV-1 on antiretroviral therapy (PWH-ART). However, the relevance of TIM-3 expression in this setting is unclear. We used flow cytometry to evaluate the suppressive phenotype and signaling pathways in peripheral TIM-3- vs TIM-3+ Tregs in PWH-ART. TIM-3+ Tregs showed increased expression of IL-10 compared with persons without HIV-1. In addition, TIM-3+ Tregs displayed elevated signaling and activation, relative to TIM-3- Tregs from the same PWH-ART. Dramatically, TIM-3 blockade restrained the in vitro suppressive capacity of peripheral Tregs. Therefore, our data demonstrate not only that TIM-3 expression by Tregs is associated with an immunosuppressive response among PWH-ART, but also that TIM-3 contributes directly to the enhanced suppressive activity of Tregs in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector M Nieves-Rosado
- Program in Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Jana L Jacobs
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Asma Naqvi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - John W Mellors
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Bernard J C Macatangay
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
| | - Lawrence P Kane
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, United States
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11
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Wu M, Wu A, Zhang X, Li Y, Li B, Jin S, Dong Q, Niu X, Zhang L, Zhou X, Du J, Wu Y, Zhai W, Zhou X, Qiu L, Gao Y, Zhao W. Identification of a novel small-molecule inhibitor targeting TIM-3 for cancer immunotherapy. Biochem Pharmacol 2023; 212:115583. [PMID: 37148978 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
PD-1/PD-L1 blockade has achieved substantial clinical results in cancer treatment. However, the expression of other immune checkpoints leads to resistance and hinders the efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3), a non-redundant immune checkpoint, synergizes with PD-1 to mediate T cell dysfunction in tumor microenvironment. Development of small molecules targeting TIM-3 is a promising strategy for cancer immunotherapy. Here, to identify small molecule inhibitors targeting TIM-3, the docking pocket in TIM-3 was analyzed by Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) and the Chemdiv compound database was screened. The small molecule SMI402 could bind to TIM-3 with high affinity and prevent the ligation of PtdSer, HMGB1, and CEACAM1. SMI402 reinvigorated T cell function in vitro. In the MC38-bearing mouse model, SMI402 inhibited tumor growth by increasing CD8+ T and natural killing (NK) cells infiltration at the tumor site, as well as restoring the function of CD8+ T and NK cells. In conclusions, the small molecule SMI402 shows promise as a leading compound which targets TIM-3 for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Aijun Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiangrui Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Beibei Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Shengzhe Jin
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Qingyu Dong
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiaoshuang Niu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Lihan Zhang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University & Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou 450008, China
| | - Xiaowen Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Jiangfeng Du
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Yahong Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Bioactive Macromolecules, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Wenjie Zhai
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; International Joint Laboratory for Protein and Peptide Drugs of Henan Province, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xiuman Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Lu Qiu
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China
| | - Yanfeng Gao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen 518107, China.
| | - Wenshan Zhao
- School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China.
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12
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Lamarche C, Ward-Hartstonge K, Mi T, Lin DTS, Huang Q, Brown A, Edwards K, Novakovsky GE, Qi CN, Kobor MS, Zebley CC, Weber EW, Mackall CL, Levings MK. Tonic-signaling chimeric antigen receptors drive human regulatory T cell exhaustion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219086120. [PMID: 36972454 PMCID: PMC10083618 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219086120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cell (Treg) therapy is a promising approach to improve outcomes in transplantation and autoimmunity. In conventional T cell therapy, chronic stimulation can result in poor in vivo function, a phenomenon termed exhaustion. Whether or not Tregs are also susceptible to exhaustion, and if so, if this would limit their therapeutic effect, was unknown. To "benchmark" exhaustion in human Tregs, we used a method known to induce exhaustion in conventional T cells: expression of a tonic-signaling chimeric antigen receptor (TS-CAR). We found that TS-CAR-expressing Tregs rapidly acquired a phenotype that resembled exhaustion and had major changes in their transcriptome, metabolism, and epigenome. Similar to conventional T cells, TS-CAR Tregs upregulated expression of inhibitory receptors and transcription factors such as PD-1, TIM3, TOX and BLIMP1, and displayed a global increase in chromatin accessibility-enriched AP-1 family transcription factor binding sites. However, they also displayed Treg-specific changes such as high expression of 4-1BB, LAP, and GARP. DNA methylation analysis and comparison to a CD8+ T cell-based multipotency index showed that Tregs naturally exist in a relatively differentiated state, with further TS-CAR-induced changes. Functionally, TS-CAR Tregs remained stable and suppressive in vitro but were nonfunctional in vivo, as tested in a model of xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease. These data are the first comprehensive investigation of exhaustion in Tregs and reveal key similarities and differences with exhausted conventional T cells. The finding that human Tregs are susceptible to chronic stimulation-driven dysfunction has important implications for the design of CAR Treg adoptive immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Lamarche
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont Research Center, Université de Montréal, MontrealH1T 2M4, QC, Canada
| | - Kirsten Ward-Hartstonge
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Otago, Dunedin9016, New Zealand
| | - Tian Mi
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN38105
| | - David T. S. Lin
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Qing Huang
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
| | - Andrew Brown
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Karlie Edwards
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Gherman E. Novakovsky
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Christopher N. Qi
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
| | - Michael S. Kobor
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
| | - Caitlin C. Zebley
- Department of Immunology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN38105
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN38105
| | - Evan W. Weber
- Division of Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA19104
| | - Crystal L. Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
- Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Megan K Levings
- Department of Surgery, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
- BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute, VancouverV5Z 4H4, BC, Canada
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of British Columbia, VancouverV6T 1Z4, BC, Canada
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13
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Immune Checkpoints and targeted agents in relapse and graft-versus-host disease after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:2909-2917. [PMID: 36572760 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-022-08220-4] [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: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a potentially curative therapy for malignant hematologic disorders. Novel anti-infection agents have successfully decreased the risk of fatal infections post-HSCT in recent years, but the relapse of primary disease and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remain the major causes of death for transplant recipients, and significantly deteriorate the quality of life. Thus, it is crucial to maintain the immune homeostasis in transplant recipients and balance the graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect and GVHD. METHODS We reviewed the recently published literatures on immune checkpoint (IC) and targeted agents in relapse and GVHD after allogeneic HSCT RESULTS: Emerging data suggest that IC is an attractive target to modulate immune responses, and accumulating evidences of IC-targeted agents have been published for the treatment of malignancies and autoimmune disorders. The unique mechanism of IC-targeted agents, which affects the immune homeostasis of the transplant recipient by modulating alloreactivity, minimizes the risk of organ toxicity and immunosuppression associated with conventional therapy CONCLUSION: There is an increase in literature reporting the application of immune checkpoint-targeted agents in HSCT settings, and an overview will benefit further exploration in this field.
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14
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Wu B, Shi X, Jiang M, Liu H. Cross-talk between cancer stem cells and immune cells: potential therapeutic targets in the tumor immune microenvironment. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:38. [PMID: 36810098 PMCID: PMC9942413 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01748-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Ongoing research has revealed that the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is one of the biggest obstacles in the current cancer therapy. CSCs make an influential function in tumor progression, recurrence and chemoresistance due to their typical stemness characteristics. CSCs are preferentially distributed in niches, and those niche sites exhibit characteristics typical of the tumor microenvironment (TME). The complex interactions between CSCs and TME illustrate these synergistic effects. The phenotypic heterogeneity within CSCs and the spatial interactions with the surrounding tumor microenvironment led to increased therapeutic challenges. CSCs interact with immune cells to protect themselves against immune clearance by exploiting the immunosuppressive function of multiple immune checkpoint molecules. CSCs also can protect themselves against immune surveillance by excreting extracellular vesicles (EVs), growth factors, metabolites and cytokines into the TME, thereby modulating the composition of the TME. Therefore, these interactions are also being considered for the therapeutic development of anti-tumor agents. We discuss here the immune molecular mechanisms of CSCs and comprehensively review the interplay between CSCs and the immune system. Thus, studies on this topic seem to provide novel ideas for reinvigorating therapeutic approaches to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Wu
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of General Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Xiang Shi
- grid.459742.90000 0004 1798 5889Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042 China
| | - Meixi Jiang
- grid.412644.10000 0004 5909 0696Department of Neurology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, 110032 China
| | - Hongxu Liu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University, Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, 110042, China.
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15
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Combined Immune Checkpoint Blockade Enhances Antiviral Immunity against Bovine Leukemia Virus. J Virol 2023; 97:e0143022. [PMID: 36598199 PMCID: PMC9888214 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.01430-22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is a retrovirus that causes enzootic bovine leukosis (EBL) in cattle and is widespread in many countries, including Japan. Recent studies have revealed that the expression of immunoinhibitory molecules, such as programmed death-1 (PD-1) and PD-ligand 1, plays a critical role in immunosuppression and disease progression during BLV infection. In addition, a preliminary study has suggested that another immunoinhibitory molecule, T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3), is involved in immunosuppression during BLV infection. Therefore, this study was designed to further elucidate the immunoinhibitory role of immune checkpoint molecules in BLV infection. TIM-3 expression was upregulated on peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in BLV-infected cattle. Interestingly, in EBL cattle, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells infiltrating lymphomas expressed TIM-3. TIM-3 and PD-1 were upregulated and coexpressed in peripheral CD4+ and CD8+ T cells from BLV-infected cattle. Blockade by anti-bovine TIM-3 monoclonal antibody increased CD69 expression on T cells and gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from BLV-infected cattle. A syncytium formation assay also demonstrated the antiviral effects of TIM-3 blockade against BLV infection. The combined inhibition of TIM-3 and PD-1 pathways significantly enhanced IFN-γ production and antiviral efficacy compared to inhibition alone. In conclusion, the combined blockade of TIM-3 and PD-1 pathways shows strong immune activation and antiviral effects and has potential as a novel therapeutic method for BLV infection. IMPORTANCE Enzootic bovine leukosis caused by bovine leukemia virus (BLV) is an important viral disease in cattle, causing severe economic losses to the cattle industry worldwide. The molecular mechanisms of BLV-host interactions are complex. Previously, it was found that immune checkpoint molecules, such as PD-1, suppress BLV-specific Th1 responses as the disease progresses. To date, most studies have focused only on how PD-1 facilitates escape from host immunity in BLV-infected cattle and the antiviral effects of the PD-1 blockade. In contrast, how T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain-3 (TIM-3), another immune checkpoint molecule, regulates anti-BLV immune responses is rarely reported. It is also unclear why PD-1 inhibition alone was insufficient to exert anti-BLV effects in previous clinical studies. In this study, the expression profile of TIM-3 in T cells derived from BLV-infected cattle suggested that TIM-3 upregulation is a cause of immunosuppression in infected cattle. Based on these results, anti-TIM-3 antibody was used to experimentally evaluate its function in influencing immunity against BLV. Results indicated that TIM-3 upregulation induced by BLV infection suppressed T-cell activation and antiviral cytokine production. Some T cells coexpressed PD-1 and TIM-3, indicating that simultaneous inhibition of PD-1 and TIM-3 with their respective antibodies synergistically restored antiviral immunity. This study could open new avenues for treating bovine chronic infections.
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16
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Abdeladhim M, Karnell JL, Rieder SA. In or out of control: Modulating regulatory T cell homeostasis and function with immune checkpoint pathways. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1033705. [PMID: 36591244 PMCID: PMC9799097 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1033705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are the master regulators of immunity and they have been implicated in different disease states such as infection, autoimmunity and cancer. Since their discovery, many studies have focused on understanding Treg development, differentiation, and function. While there are many players in the generation and function of truly suppressive Tregs, the role of checkpoint pathways in these processes have been studied extensively. In this paper, we systematically review the role of different checkpoint pathways in Treg homeostasis and function. We describe how co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory pathways modulate Treg homeostasis and function and highlight data from mouse and human studies. Multiple checkpoint pathways are being targeted in cancer and autoimmunity; therefore, we share insights from the clinic and discuss the effect of experimental and approved therapeutics on Treg biology.
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17
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Xie H, Li Z, Zheng G, Yang C, Liu X, Xu X, Ren Y, Wang C, Hu X. Tim-3 downregulation by Toxoplasma gondii infection contributes to decidual dendritic cell dysfunction. Parasit Vectors 2022; 15:393. [PMID: 36303229 PMCID: PMC9615254 DOI: 10.1186/s13071-022-05506-1] [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: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Women in early pregnancy infected by Toxoplasma gondii may have severe adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as spontaneous abortion and fetal malformation. The inhibitory molecule T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) is highly expressed on decidual dendritic cells (dDCs) and plays an important role in maintaining immune tolerance. However, whether T. gondii infection can cause dDC dysfunction by influencing the expression of Tim-3 and further participate in adverse pregnancy outcomes is still unclear. Methods An abnormal pregnancy model in Tim-3-deficient mice and primary human dDCs treated with Tim-3 neutralizing antibodies were used to examine the effect of Tim-3 expression on dDC dysfunction after T. gondii infection. Results Following T. gondii infection, the expression of Tim-3 on dDCs was downregulated, those of the pro-inflammatory functional molecules CD80, CD86, MHC-II, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-12 (IL-12) were increased, while those of the tolerant molecules indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were significantly reduced. Tim-3 downregulation by T. gondii infection was closely associated with an increase in proinflammatory molecules and a decrease in tolerant molecules, which further resulted in dDC dysfunction. Moreover, the changes in Tim-3 induced by T. gondii infection further reduced the secretion of the cytokine IL-10 via the SRC-signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway, which ultimately contributed to abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Conclusions Toxoplasma gondii infection can significantly downregulate the expression of Tim-3 and cause the aberrant expression of functional molecules in dDCs. This leads to dDC dysfunction, which can ultimately contribute to abnormal pregnancy outcomes. Further, the expression of the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-10 was significantly decreased by Tim-3 downregulation, which was mediated by the SRC-STAT3 signaling pathway in dDCs after T. gondii infection. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13071-022-05506-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbing Xie
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhidan Li
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangmei Zheng
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunyan Yang
- Department of Oral Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xianbing Liu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyan Xu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yushan Ren
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Wang
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuemei Hu
- Department of Immunology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, 264003, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Gao YF, Lu YY, Fan XZ, Wang YH, Tian JH, Saed YA, Li RS, Zhou XS. Blockage of TIM-3 relieves lupus nephritis by expanding Treg cells and promoting their suppressive capacity in MRL/lpr mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108971. [PMID: 35777268 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108971] [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: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
T Cell Immunoglobulin and Mucin Containing Protein-3 (TIM-3) is an important immune checkpoint protein that is expressed in Tregs and affects their function. However, the expression and role of TIM-3 in modulating regulatory T cells (Tregs) in lupus nephritis (LN) are still unknown. In this study, we found that the percentage of TIM-3+ cells among spleen lymphocytes, CD4+ T cells and Tregs was higher in MRL/lpr mice than in MpJ mice. TIM-3high CD4+ T cells and TIM-3high Tregs were mainly responsible for the increase. The percentage of Tregs in TIM-3high CD4+ T cells was lower than that in TIM-3low CD4+ T cells, and the expression of CTLA-4 and IL-10 was lower in TIM-3high Tregs than in the TIM-3low Tregs in MRL/lpr mice. Blockade of TIM-3 in vivo significantly increased the Treg population and the expression of CTLA-4 and IL-10 in Tregs, thus relieving the LN symptoms and pathology in MRL/lpr mice. Additionally, bioinformatics analysis indicated that TIM-3 regulates Treg cells in LN mainly through cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, the T cell receptor signaling pathway, Th17 cell differentiation and the FoxO signaling pathway. Together, our study has demonstrated that TIM-3 regulates Tregs in LN and that overexpression of TIM-3 in CD4+ T cells and Tregs leads to Treg quantity and quality deficiency in MRL/lpr mice. Blockade of TIM-3 protects against LN by expanding Tregs and enhancing their suppressive capacity. Finally, TIM-3 might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Fang Gao
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yuan-Yue Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Xiu-Zhao Fan
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yan-Hong Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Ji-Hua Tian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yasin-Abdi Saed
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Rong-Shan Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
| | - Xiao-Shuang Zhou
- Department of Nephrology, The Fifth Clinical Medical College of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China; Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Shanxi Kidney Disease Institute, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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19
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Liu YF, Zhang ZC, Wang SY, Fu SQ, Cheng XF, Chen R, Sun T. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-based therapy for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma: A narrative review. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:108900. [PMID: 35753122 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The prognosis for advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is not satisfactory, even though its treatment has evolved rapidly over the past 20 years. Systemic ccRCC treatment options mainly involve antiangiogenic therapy, immune checkpoint blockade, or a combination of these therapies, and as more clinical evidence becomes available, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are increasingly dominant. Conventional ICIs lead to the restoration of T-cell activation and a reduction in T-cell depletion by specifically blocking programmed cell death 1 (PD-1), programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) or cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4), ultimately enhancing the antitumor immune response. There is no doubt that these therapies have achieved some clinical efficacy in the overall ccRCC population, but response rates and durability remain a great challenge. Therefore, novel immune checkpoints or new combination therapeutic strategies based on ICIs continue to be sought and developed. This review will provide a comprehensive overview of ICI-based therapeutic strategies in advanced ccRCC, including their mechanisms of action and the latest clinical evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fu Liu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhi-Cheng Zhang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Si-Yuan Wang
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Sheng-Qiang Fu
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiao-Feng Cheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ru Chen
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ting Sun
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China; Jiangxi Institute of Urology, Nanchang 330000, Jiangxi Province, China.
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20
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Wang N, Chen Z, Zhang F, Zhang Q, Sun L, Lv H, Wang B, Shen J, Zhou X, Chen F, Zhang B, Meng L, Zhou H, Bai Z, Huang J. Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy Restores the Quantity and Phenotype of Circulating Dendritic Cells and CD4 + T Cells in Children With Acute Kawasaki Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:802690. [PMID: 35222381 PMCID: PMC8866170 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.802690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) showed its therapeutic efficacy on Kawasaki disease (KD). However, the mechanisms by which it reduces systemic inflammation are not completely understood. Dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells play critical roles in the pathogenic processes of immune disorders. Assessing the quantity of DC subsets and T cells and identifying functional molecules present on these cells, which provide information about KD, in the peripheral blood may provide new insights into the mechanisms of immunoglobulin therapy. Methods In total, 54 patients with KD and 27 age-matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. The number, percentage, and phenotype of DC subsets and CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood were analyzed through flow cytometry. Results Patients with KD exhibited fewer peripheral DC subsets and CD4+ T cells than HCs. Human leucocyte antigen-DR (HLA-DR) expression was reduced on CD1c+ myeloid DCs (CD1c+ mDCs), whereas that on plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) did not change significantly. Both pDCs and CD1c+ mDCs displayed significantly reduced expression of co-stimulatory molecules, including CD40, CD86. pDCs and CD1c+ mDCs presented an immature or tolerant phenotype in acute stages of KD. Number of circulating pDC and CD1c+ mDC significantly inversely correlated with plasma interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels in KD patients pre-IVIG treatment. No significant differences were found concerning the DC subsets and CD4+ T cells in patients with KD with and without coronary artery lesions. Importantly, these altered quantity and phenotypes on DC subsets and CD4+ T cells were restored to a great extent post-IVIG treatment. T helper (Th) subsets including Th1 and Th2 among CD4+ T cells did not show alteration pre- and post-IVIG treatment, although the Th1-related cytokine IFN-γ level in plasma increased dramatically in patients with KD pre-IVIG treatment. Conclusions pDCs and CD1c+ mDCs presented an immature or tolerant phenotype in acute stages of KD, IVIG treatment restored the quantity and functional molecules of DCs and CD4+ T cells to distinct levels in vivo, indicating the involvement of DCs and CD4+ T cells in the inflammation in KD. The findings provide insights into the immunomodulatory actions of IVIG in KD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Zhongyue Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Qianwen Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ling Sun
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haitao Lv
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Shen
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xufang Zhou
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Feiyan Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Binwei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lijun Meng
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huiting Zhou
- Pediatric Research Institute of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - ZhenJiang Bai
- Department of Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, Children Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Huang
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
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21
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Lu C, Chen H, Wang C, Yang F, Li J, Liu H, Chen G. An Emerging Role of TIM3 Expression on T Cells in Chronic Kidney Inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 12:798683. [PMID: 35154075 PMCID: PMC8825483 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.798683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM3) was initially identified as an inhibitory molecule on IFNγ-producing T cells. Further research discovered the broad expression of TIM3 on different immune cells binding to multiple ligands. Apart from its suppressive effects on the Th1 cells, recent compelling experiments highlighted the indispensable role of TIM3 in the myeloid cell-mediated inflammatory response, supporting that TIM3 exerts pleiotropic effects on both adaptive and innate immune cells in a context-dependent manner. A large number of studies have been conducted on TIM3 biology in the disease settings of infection, cancer, and autoimmunity. However, there is a lack of clinical evidence to closely evaluate the role of T cell-expressing TIM3 in the pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Here, we reported an intriguing case of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection that was characterized by persistent overexpression of TIM3 on circulating T cells and ongoing kidney tubulointerstitial inflammation for a period of 12 months. In this case, multiple histopathological biopsies revealed a massive accumulation of recruited T cells and macrophages in the enlarged kidney and liver. After standard anti-Mtb treatment, repeated renal biopsy identified a dramatic remission of the infiltrated immune cells in the tubulointerstitial compartment. This is the first clinical report to reveal a time-course expression of TIM3 on the T cells, which is pathologically associated with the progression of severe kidney inflammation in a non-autoimmunity setting. Based on this case, we summarize the recent findings on TIM3 biology and propose a novel model of CKD progression due to the aberrant crosstalk among immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Can Lu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Huihui Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Chang Wang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Hong Liu
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
| | - Guochun Chen
- Department of Nephrology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Kidney Disease and Blood Purification, Changsha, China
- Clinical Immunology Research Center, Central South University, Changsha, China
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22
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Ou K, Hamo D, Schulze A, Roemhild A, Kaiser D, Gasparoni G, Salhab A, Zarrinrad G, Amini L, Schlickeiser S, Streitz M, Walter J, Volk HD, Schmueck-Henneresse M, Reinke P, Polansky JK. Strong Expansion of Human Regulatory T Cells for Adoptive Cell Therapy Results in Epigenetic Changes Which May Impact Their Survival and Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:751590. [PMID: 34869339 PMCID: PMC8639223 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.751590] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of regulatory T cells (Treg) is a promising new therapeutic option to treat detrimental inflammatory conditions after transplantation and during autoimmune disease. To reach sufficient cell yield for treatment, ex vivo isolated autologous or allogenic Tregs need to be expanded extensively in vitro during manufacturing of the Treg product. However, repetitive cycles of restimulation and prolonged culture have been shown to impact T cell phenotypes, functionality and fitness. It is therefore critical to scrutinize the molecular changes which occur during T cell product generation, and reexamine current manufacturing practices. We performed genome-wide DNA methylation profiling of cells throughout the manufacturing process of a polyclonal Treg product that has proven safety and hints of therapeutic efficacy in kidney transplant patients. We found progressive DNA methylation changes over the duration of culture, which were donor-independent and reproducible between manufacturing runs. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) in the final products were significantly enriched at promoters and enhancers of genes implicated in T cell activation. Additionally, significant hypomethylation did also occur in promoters of genes implicated in functional exhaustion in conventional T cells, some of which, however, have been reported to strengthen immunosuppressive effector function in Tregs. At the same time, a set of reported Treg-specific demethylated regions increased methylation levels with culture, indicating a possible destabilization of Treg identity during manufacturing, which was independent of the purity of the starting material. Together, our results indicate that the repetitive TCR-mediated stimulation lead to epigenetic changes that might impact functionality of Treg products in multiple ways, by possibly shifting to an effector Treg phenotype with enhanced functional activity or by risking destabilization of Treg identity and impaired TCR activation. Our analyses also illustrate the value of epigenetic profiling for the evaluation of T cell product manufacturing pipelines, which might open new avenues for the improvement of current adoptive Treg therapies with relevance for conventional effector T cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristy Ou
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dania Hamo
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anne Schulze
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Andy Roemhild
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Kaiser
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Gilles Gasparoni
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Abdulrahman Salhab
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Ghazaleh Zarrinrad
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Leila Amini
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Schlickeiser
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mathias Streitz
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jörn Walter
- Department of Genetics and Epigenetics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Hans-Dieter Volk
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Institute of Medical Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael Schmueck-Henneresse
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Petra Reinke
- Berlin Center for Advanced Therapies (BeCAT), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julia K Polansky
- BIH Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Berlin Institute of Health at Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Rheumatism Research Centre (DRFZ) Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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23
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Tian T, Li Z. Targeting Tim-3 in Cancer With Resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 Blockade. Front Oncol 2021; 11:731175. [PMID: 34631560 PMCID: PMC8492972 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.731175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) or programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking therapy has completely changed the treatment pattern of malignant tumors. It has been tested in a wide range of malignant tumors and achieved clinical success. It might be a promising cancer treatment strategy. However, one of the important disadvantages of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy is that only a few patients have a positive response to it. In addition, primary or acquired drug resistance can also lead to cancer recurrence in patients with clinical response. Therefore, it is very important to overcome the resistance of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy and improve the overall response rate of patients to the immunotherapy. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain molecule 3 (Tim-3) belongs to the co-inhibitory receptor family involved in immune checkpoint function. Due to adaptive resistance, the expression of Tim-3 is up-regulated in PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy resistant tumors. Therefore, blocking the immune checkpoint Tim-3 might antagonize the resistance of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking therapy. This review systematically introduces the preclinical and clinical data of combined blockade of Tim-3 and PD-1/PD-L1 in cancer immunotherapy, and discusses the prospect of overcoming the drug resistance of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade therapy through blockade of Tim-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhaoming Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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24
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Differences in Immune Checkpoints Expression (TIM-3 and PD-1) on T Cells in Women with Recurrent Miscarriages-Preliminary Studies. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184182. [PMID: 34575293 PMCID: PMC8468868 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Immune checkpoints are molecules that regulate the function of immune cells and control inflammation processes. An important role in this regard is played by TIM-3/Gal-9 and PD-1/PDL-1 interactions. Previous research performed in a mouse model of pregnancy loss confirmed that blocking TIM-3 could induce fetal loss. Similarly, the PD-1 molecule maintains protective interactions between the mother’s immune cells and the fetus. The purpose of this study was to assess the expression of these molecules on a range of T lymphocyte subpopulations from non-pregnant women with recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA) versus healthy fertile women. Methods: PBMCs were isolated by gradient centrifugation of blood obtained from 12 healthy women and 24 women with RSA and immediately stained for flow cytometry analysis. Standard immunophenotyping of PBMC was performed with the antibodies against classical lymphocyte markers: CD3, CD4, CD8, and CD56. Immune checkpoints were investigated using antibodies against PD-1(CD279) and TIM-3(CD366). Results: We found that expression of TIM-3 was significantly decreased on CD8+ T lymphocytes in the RSA group, and expression of PD-1 was upregulated on CD4+ T lymphocytes in the RSA group in comparison to the healthy controls. Conclusions: Considering our findings, therapeutic intervention towards immune checkpoints may be a promising treatment option for recurrent spontaneous abortion.
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25
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Expression of Tim-3 drives phenotypic and functional changes in Treg cells in secondary lymphoid organs and the tumor microenvironment. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109699. [PMID: 34525351 PMCID: PMC8482289 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) are critical mediators of self-tolerance, but they can also limit effective anti-tumor immunity. Although under homeostasis a small fraction of Treg cells in lymphoid organs express the putative checkpoint molecule Tim-3, this protein is expressed by a much larger proportion of tumor-infiltrating Treg cells. Using a mouse model that drives cell-type-specific inducible Tim-3 expression, we show that expression of Tim-3 by Treg cells is sufficient to drive Treg cells to a more effector-like phenotype, resulting in increases in suppressive activity, effector T cell exhaustion, and tumor growth. We also show that T-reg-cell-specific inducible deletion of Tim-3 enhances anti-tumor immunity. Enhancement of Treg cell function by Tim-3 is strongly correlated with increased expression of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and a shift to a more glycolytic metabolic phenotype. Our data demonstrate that Tim-3+ Treg cells may be a relevant therapeutic target cell type for the treatment of cancer. Regulatory T cells (Treg cells) limit the immune response to tumors, and tumor-infiltrating Treg cells are especially suppressive. However, the mechanisms underlying enhanced Treg cell function are poorly understood. Banerjee et al. show that Tim-3 expression is linked to increased Treg cell suppressive activity, possibly through the cytokine IL-10, in mouse models and people with cancer.
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26
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Solé P, Santamaria P. Re-Programming Autoreactive T Cells Into T-Regulatory Type 1 Cells for the Treatment of Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:684240. [PMID: 34335585 PMCID: PMC8320845 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.684240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic delivery of peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) class II-based nanomedicines can re-program cognate autoantigen-experienced CD4+ T cells into disease-suppressing T-regulatory type 1 (TR1)-like cells. In turn, these TR1-like cells trigger the formation of complex regulatory cell networks that can effectively suppress organ-specific autoimmunity without impairing normal immunity. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the transcriptional, phenotypic and functional make up of TR1-like cells as described in the literature. The true identity and direct precursors of these cells remain unclear, in particular whether TR1-like cells comprise a single terminally-differentiated lymphocyte population with distinct transcriptional and epigenetic features, or a collection of phenotypically different subsets sharing key regulatory properties. We propose that detailed transcriptional and epigenetic characterization of homogeneous pools of TR1-like cells will unravel this conundrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Solé
- Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Santamaria
- Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain.,Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre (JMDRC) and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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27
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Terenziani R, Zoppi S, Fumarola C, Alfieri R, Bonelli M. Immunotherapeutic Approaches in Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2793. [PMID: 34199722 PMCID: PMC8200040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare and aggressive malignant disease affecting the mesothelium, commonly associated to asbestos exposure. The current therapeutic actions, based on cisplatin/pemetrexed treatment, are limited due to the late stage at which most patients are diagnosed and to the intrinsic chemo-resistance of the tumor. Another relevant point is the absence of approved therapies in the second line setting following progression of MPM after chemotherapy. Considering the poor prognosis of the disease and the fact that the incidence of this tumor is expected to increase in the next decade, novel therapeutic approaches are urgently needed. In the last few years, several studies have investigated the efficacy and safety of immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in the treatment of unresectable advanced MPM, and a number of trials with immunotherapeutic agents are ongoing in both first line and second line settings. In this review, we describe the most promising emerging immunotherapy treatments for MPM (ICIs, engineered T cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), dendritic cells (DCs) vaccines), focusing on the biological and immunological features of this tumor as well as on the issues surrounding clinical trial design.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Roberta Alfieri
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (R.T.); (S.Z.); (C.F.)
| | - Mara Bonelli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy; (R.T.); (S.Z.); (C.F.)
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28
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Hu X, Zhu Q, Wang Y, Wang L, Li Z, Mor G, Liao A. Newly characterized decidual Tim-3+ Treg cells are abundant during early pregnancy and driven by IL-27 coordinately with Gal-9 from trophoblasts. Hum Reprod 2021; 35:2454-2466. [PMID: 33107565 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deaa223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION What is the mechanism of Tim-3+ regulatory T (Treg)-cell accumulation in the decidua during early pregnancy and is its disruption associated with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL)? SUMMARY ANSWER IL-27 and Gal-9 secreted by trophoblasts activate the Tim-3 signaling pathway in CD4+ T cells and Treg cells and so promote accumulation of Tim-3+ Treg cells, the abnormal expression of IL-27 and Gal-9 is associated with impaired immunologic tolerance in RPL patients. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Tim-3+ Treg cells are better suppressors of Teff cell proliferation, and display higher proliferative activity than Tim-3- Treg cells. Tim-3+ Treg cells are tissue-specific promoters of T-cell dysfunction in many tumors. These cells express a unique factor that influences and shapes the tumor microenvironment. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION The animal study included 80 normal pregnant mice. In human study, decidua tissues in the first trimester for flow cytometry analysis were collected from 32 normal pregnant women and 23 RPL patients. Placenta tissues for immunohistochemistry analysis were collected from 15 normal pregnant women. Placenta tissues for western blot analysis were collected from 5 normal pregnant women, 5 RPL patients and 5 women who have experienced one miscarriage. Blood samples for in vitro experiments were collected from 30 normal pregnant women. This study was performed between January 2017 and March 2019. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS In this study, we investigated the kinetics of Tim-3+ CD4+ T-cell accumulation, and the proportions of Tim-3+ Treg cells throughout murine pregnancies using flow cytometry. We compared Tim-3 expression on decidual CD4+ T cells and Treg cells during normal pregnancies with expression on the same cell populations in women suffering from RPL. IL-27 and Gal-9 transcription and protein expression in the placenta were determined by RT-PCR and western blot, respectively. An in vitro co-culture model consisting of peripheral CD4+ T cells and primary trophoblasts from early pregnancy was used to mimic the maternal-fetal environment. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The percentage of Tim-3+ Treg cells present in mouse uteri fluctuates as gestation proceeds but does not change in the spleen. Levels of Tim3+ Treg cells in uteri peaked at pregnancy Day 6.5 (E 6.5), then progressively diminished, and fell to non-pregnant levels by E18.5. In pregnant mice, Tim-3+ Treg cells constituted 40-70% of Treg cells in uteri but were present at much lower abundance in spleens. About 60% of decidual Treg cells were Tim-3 positive at E6.5. Of these decidual Tim3+ Treg cells, nearly 90% were PD-1 positive. However, only about 16% of Tim3- Treg cells expressed PD-1. Blocking the Tim-3 signaling pathway decreased the proportion of Treg cells and led to embryo resorption. Moreover, much lower Tim-3 expression was observed on CD4+ T cells and Treg cells in women who had suffered from RPL at 6-9 gestational weeks compared with those who had normal pregnancies at matched gestations. In a normal pregnancy, Tim-3 expression on decidual CD4+ T cells is induced initially by IL-27. Then Gal-9-Tim-3 interaction promotes differentiation of decidual Tim-3+ CD4+ T cells into Treg cells. IL-27 and Gal-9 cooperatively induced Tim-3+ Treg cells in vitro. LARGE SCALE DATA N/A. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION We did not investigate the kinetics of human decidual Tim-3+ CD4+ T and Tim-3+ Treg cell populations throughout pregnancy due to limited availability of second and third trimester decidua. In addition, functional suppressive data on the decidual Tim-3+ Treg cells are lacking due to limited and low quantities of these cells in decidua. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS These findings might have therapeutic clinical implications in RPL. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) This study was supported by research grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 81871186) and National Key Research & Developmental Program of China (2018YFC1003900, 2018YFC1003904). The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohui Hu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Qian Zhu
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Hubei Province, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Liling Wang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Zhihui Li
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Gil Mor
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Aihua Liao
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
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The TIM3/Gal9 signaling pathway: An emerging target for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2021; 510:67-78. [PMID: 33895262 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade has shown unprecedented and durable clinical response in a wide range of cancers. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3) is an inhibitory checkpoint protein that is highly expressed in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. In various cancers, the interaction of TIM3 and Galectin 9 (Gal9) suppresses anti-tumor immunity mediated by innate as well as adaptive immune cells. Thus, the blockade of the TIM3/Gal9 interaction is a promising therapeutic approach for cancer therapy. In addition, co-blockade of the TIM3/Gal9 pathway along with the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway increases the therapeutic efficacy by overcoming non-redundant immune resistance induced by each checkpoint. Here, we summarize the physiological roles of the TIM3/Gal9 pathway in adaptive and innate immune systems. We highlight the recent clinical and preclinical studies showing the involvement of the TIM3/Gal9 pathway in various solid and blood cancers. In addition, we discuss the potential of using TIM3 and Gal9 as prognostic and predictive biomarkers in different cancers. An in-depth mechanistic understanding of the blockade of the TIM3/Gal9 signaling pathway in cancer could help in identifying patients who respond to this therapy as well as designing combination therapies.
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Zha H, Jiang Y, Wang X, Shang J, Wang N, Yu L, Zhao W, Li Z, An J, Zhang X, Chen H, Zhu B, Li Z. Non-canonical PD-1 signaling in cancer and its potential implications in clinic. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-001230. [PMID: 33593825 PMCID: PMC7888367 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)-based immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment of various cancers. However, only a certain group of patients benefit from PD-1 blockade therapy and many patients succumb to hyperprogressive disease. Although, CD8 T cells and conventional T cells are generally considered to be the primary source of PD-1 in cancer, accumulating evidence suggests that other distinct cell types, including B cells, regulatory T cells, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, tumor-associated macrophages and cancer cells, also express PD-1. Hence, the response of patients with cancer to PD-1 blockade therapy is a cumulative effect of anti-PD-1 antibodies acting on a myriad of cell types. Although, the contribution of CD8 T cells to PD-1 blockade therapy has been well-established, recent studies also suggest the involvement of non-canonical PD-1 signaling in blockade therapy. This review discusses the role of non-canonical PD-1 signaling in distinct cell types and explores how the available knowledge can improve PD-1 blockade immunotherapy, particularly in identifying novel biomarkers and combination treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoran Zha
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Postgraduate Training Base in Rocket Army Special Medical Center of the PLA, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, P.R. China
| | - Xi Wang
- Otorhinolaryngology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jin Shang
- Department of Health Service, Guard Bureau of the Joint Staff Department, Central Military Commission of PLA, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Ning Wang
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Lei Yu
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhihua Li
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Juan An
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xiaochun Zhang
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Huoming Chen
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhu
- Institute of Cancer, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Zhaoxia Li
- Department of Oncology, PLA Rocket Force Characteristic Medical Center, Beijing, P.R. China
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Zeidan AM, Komrokji RS, Brunner AM. TIM-3 pathway dysregulation and targeting in cancer. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2021; 21:523-534. [PMID: 33334180 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1865814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Dysfunction of the immune system is a hallmark of cancer. Through increased understanding of the complex interactions between immunity and cancer, immunotherapy has emerged as a treatment modality for different types of cancer. Promising activity with immunotherapy has been reported in numerous malignancies, but challenges such as limited response rates and treatment resistance remain. Furthermore, outcomes with this therapeutic approach in hematologic malignancies are even more limited than in solid tumors. T-cell immunoglobulin domain and mucin domain 3 (TIM-3) has emerged as a potential immune checkpoint target in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. TIM-3 has been shown to promote immune tolerance, and overexpression of TIM-3 is associated with more aggressive or advanced disease and poor prognosis. AREAS COVERED This review examines what is currently known regarding the biology of TIM-3 and clinical implications of targeting TIM-3 in cancer. Particular focus is given to myeloid malignancies. EXPERT OPINION The targeting of TIM-3 is a promising therapeutic approach in cancers, including hematologic cancers such as myeloid malignancies which have not benefited much from current immunotherapeutic treatment approaches. We anticipate that with further clinical evaluation, TIM-3 blockade will emerge as an important treatment strategy in myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Rami S Komrokji
- Malignant Hematology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Andrew M Brunner
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Dadey RE, Workman CJ, Vignali DAA. Regulatory T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1273:105-134. [PMID: 33119878 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-49270-0_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are an immunosuppressive subpopulation of CD4+ T cells that are endowed with potent suppressive activity and function to limit immune activation and maintain homeostasis. These cells are identified by the hallmark transcription factor FOXP3 and the high-affinity interleukin-2 (IL-2) receptor chain CD25. Tregs can be recruited to and persist within the tumor microenvironment (TME), acting as a potent barrier to effective antitumor immunity. This chapter will discuss [i] the history and hallmarks of Tregs; [ii] the recruitment, development, and persistence of Tregs within the TME; [iii] Treg function within TME; asnd [iv] the therapeutic targeting of Tregs in the clinic. This chapter will conclude with a discussion of likely trends and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebekah E Dadey
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Creg J Workman
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dario A A Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. .,Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Ganjalikhani Hakemi M, Jafarinia M, Azizi M, Rezaeepoor M, Isayev O, Bazhin AV. The Role of TIM-3 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Promising Target for Immunotherapy? Front Oncol 2020; 10:601661. [PMID: 33425759 PMCID: PMC7793963 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.601661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most common tumors in the world is hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and its mortality rates are still on the rise, so addressing it is considered an important challenge for universal health. Despite the various treatments that have been developed over the past decades, the prognosis for advanced liver cancer is still poor. Recently, tumor immunotherapy has opened new opportunities for suppression of tumor progression, recurrence, and metastasis. Besides this, investigation into this malignancy due to high immune checkpoint expression and the change of immunometabolic programming in immune cells and tumor cells is highly considered. Because anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated protein (CTLA)-4 antibodies and anti-programmed cell death protein (PD)-1 antibodies have shown therapeutic effects in various cancers, studies have shown that T cell immunoglobulin mucin-3 (TIM-3), a new immune checkpoint molecule, plays an important role in the development of HCC. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on signal transduction events of TIM-3, its role as a checkpoint target for HCC therapy, and the immunometabolic situation in the progression of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Morteza Jafarinia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahdieh Azizi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mahsa Rezaeepoor
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Hamedan University of Medical Sciences, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Orkhan Isayev
- Department of Cytology, Embryology and Histology, Azerbaijan Medical University, Baku, Azerbaijan.,Genetic Resources Institute, Azerbaijan National Academy of Scince, Baku, Azerbaijan
| | - Alexandr V Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Munich, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
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Nagai K. Co-inhibitory Receptor Signaling in T-Cell-Mediated Autoimmune Glomerulonephritis. Front Med (Lausanne) 2020; 7:584382. [PMID: 33251233 PMCID: PMC7672203 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2020.584382] [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: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autoimmune glomerulonephritis occurs as a consequence of autoantibodies and T-cell effector functions that target autoantigens. Co-signaling through cell surface receptors profoundly influences the optimal activation of T cells. The scope of this review is signaling mechanisms and the functional roles of representative T-cell co-inhibitory receptors in the regulation of autoimmune glomerulonephritis, along with current therapeutic challenges mainly on preclinical trials. Co-inhibitory receptors utilize both shared and unique signaling pathway, suggesting specialized functions that provide the rationale behind therapies for autoimmune glomerulonephritis by targeting these inhibitory receptors. These receptors largely suppress Th1 immunity, modify Th17 and Th2 immune response, and enhance Treg function. Anti-cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA4) immunoglobulin (Ig), which is able to block both activating CD28 and inhibitory CTLA4 signaling, has been shown in preclinical and clinical investigations to have effects on glomerular disease. Other inhibitory receptors for treating glomerulonephritis have not been clinically tested, and efficacy of manipulating these pathways requires further preclinical investigation. While immune checkpoint inhibition using anti-CTLA4 antibodies and anti-programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)/PD-L1 antibodies has been approved for the treatment of several cancers, blockade of CTLA4 and PD-1/PD-L1 is associated with adverse effects that resemble autoimmune disorders, including systemic vasculitis. A renal autoimmune vasculitis model features an initial Th17 dominancy followed later by a Th1-dominant outcome and Treg cells that attenuate autoreactive T-cell function. Toward the development of effective therapies for T-cell-mediated autoimmune glomerulonephritis, it would be preferable to pay attention to the impact of the inhibitory pathways in immunological renal disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nagai
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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35
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Wang S, Li M, Sun F, Chen C, Ye J, Li D, Qian J, Du M. Th17/Treg-cell balance in the peripheral blood of pregnant females with a history of recurrent spontaneous abortion receiving progesterone or cyclosporine A. Exp Ther Med 2020; 21:37. [PMID: 33273967 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2020.9469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A successful pregnancy requires the maternal immune system to accept a fetus expressing allogeneic paternal antigens and provide competent responses to infections. Accordingly, maternal-fetal immune abnormalities may have an important role in the development of recurrent spontaneous abortion (RSA). Ever since the establishment of the association between immunologic abnormalities and RSA, various types of immune therapy to restore normal immune homeostasis have been increasingly developed. Although previous studies have focused on the maternal-fetal interface, non-invasive examination is of great importance in clinical practice. The present study investigated the balance between type-17 T-helper (Th17) and T-regulatory (Treg) cells in the peripheral blood to improve the current understanding of the pathogenesis of RSA. Imbalances in Th17/Treg cells and associated molecular profiles were observed in patients with RSA. Furthermore, it was determined that the immunosuppressant cyclosporine A reduced the proportion of Th17 cells and promoted Treg-cell dominance by upregulating the expression of co-inhibitory molecules in pregnant females with a history of RSA. Progesterone, the traditional maternal-care drug, also had a certain immunomodulatory role through restoring the levels of several co-inhibitory molecules (including T-cell immunoglobulin mucin family member-3, programmed cell death-1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein-4) in the treatment of RSA. Changes in these immune molecules within the maternal peripheral blood may be indicators for monitoring pregnancy and prediction of RSA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songcun Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Mengdie Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Fengrun Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Chunqin Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Jiangfeng Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Dajin Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Jinfeng Qian
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
| | - Meirong Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Reproduction Regulation (Shanghai Institute of Planned Parenthood Research), Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Female Reproductive Endocrine Related Diseases, Hospital of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Fudan University Shanghai Medical College, Shanghai 200080, P.R. China
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D'Arrigo P, Tufano M, Rea A, Vigorito V, Novizio N, Russo S, Romano MF, Romano S. Manipulation of the Immune System for Cancer Defeat: A Focus on the T Cell Inhibitory Checkpoint Molecules. Curr Med Chem 2020; 27:2402-2448. [PMID: 30398102 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666181106114421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 10/15/2018] [Accepted: 10/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The immune system actively counteracts the tumorigenesis process; a breakout of the immune system function, or its ability to recognize transformed cells, can favor cancer development. Cancer becomes able to escape from immune system control by using multiple mechanisms, which are only in part known at a cellular and molecular level. Among these mechanisms, in the last decade, the role played by the so-called "inhibitory immune checkpoints" is emerging as pivotal in preventing the tumor attack by the immune system. Physiologically, the inhibitory immune checkpoints work to maintain the self-tolerance and attenuate the tissue injury caused by pathogenic infections. Cancer cell exploits such immune-inhibitory molecules to contrast the immune intervention and induce tumor tolerance. Molecular agents that target these checkpoints represent the new frontier for cancer treatment. Despite the heterogeneity and multiplicity of molecular alterations among the tumors, the immune checkpoint targeted therapy has been shown to be helpful in selected and even histologically different types of cancer, and are currently being adopted against an increasing variety of tumors. The most frequently used is the moAb-based immunotherapy that targets the Programmed Cell Death 1 protein (PD-1), the PD-1 Ligand (PD-L1) or the cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4). However, new therapeutic approaches are currently in development, along with the discovery of new immune checkpoints exploited by the cancer cell. This article aims to review the inhibitory checkpoints, which are known up to now, along with the mechanisms of cancer immunoediting. An outline of the immune checkpoint targeting approaches, also including combined immunotherapies and the existing trials, is also provided. Notwithstanding the great efforts devoted by researchers in the field of biomarkers of response, to date, no validated FDA-approved immunological biomarkers exist for cancer patients. We highlight relevant studies on predictive biomarkers and attempt to discuss the challenges in this field, due to the complex and largely unknown dynamic mechanisms that drive the tumor immune tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo D'Arrigo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Tufano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Rea
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenza Vigorito
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Nunzia Novizio
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Fiammetta Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Romano
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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Han JW, Joo DJ, Kim JH, Rha MS, Koh JY, Park HJ, Lee JG, Kim MS, Kim SI, Shin EC, Park JY, Park SH. Early reduction of regulatory T cells is associated with acute rejection in liver transplantation under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression with basiliximab induction. Am J Transplant 2020; 20:2058-2069. [PMID: 31965710 DOI: 10.1111/ajt.15789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2019] [Revised: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are important in preventing acute rejection (AR) in solid organ transplantation, but the clinical relevance of the different kinetics early after liver transplantation (LT) in acute rejectors and non-rejectors is unclear. We analyzed peripheral blood samples of 128 LT recipients receiving basiliximab induction plus tacrolimus immunosuppression. Samples were obtained at pretransplant, D7, and D30 after LT. Frequency and phenotype of Tregs were analyzed by flow cytometry. The predictive value of Treg frequency at D7 was assessed for suspected acute rejection (SAR) and was validated for biopsy-proven AR (BPAR). We found that the frequencies of total and activated Tregs at D7 were significantly lower in recipients with SAR and BPAR. Treg was more reduced in BPARs by in vitro tacrolimus treatment in the presence of basiliximab. Moreover, an early reduction of Treg frequency in rejectors was associated with a greater increase in Treg apoptosis and further attenuated IL-2 signaling. D7 Treg frequency was an independent risk factor for SAR, which was also validated for BPAR. In conclusion, first-week peripheral blood Treg frequency correlates with AR after LT under tacrolimus-based immunosuppression, which needs to be proven in larger, geographically and clinically diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Won Han
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Jin Joo
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong Hoon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Dermatology, Cutaneous Biology Research Institute, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Seok Rha
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - June Young Koh
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Jung Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Geun Lee
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Soo Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Il Kim
- Department of Surgery, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Yonsei Liver Center, Severance Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Khosravi N, Mokhtarzadeh A, Baghbanzadeh A, Hajiasgharzadeh K, Shahgoli VK, Hemmat N, Safarzadeh E, Baradaran B. Immune checkpoints in tumor microenvironment and their relevance to the development of cancer stem cells. Life Sci 2020; 256:118005. [PMID: 32593711 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is the second cause of mortality in the world after cardiovascular disease. Various studies attribute the emergence of therapeutic resistance in tumors to the presence of cancer stem cells or cancer-initiating cells (CSC/CIC). These relatively rare cells because of their typical stemness features, are responsible for tumor cell progression and recurrence. Moreover, CSCs have immunomodulatory capabilities and through orchestrating, some immunological profiles can stay safe from host anticancer immunity, and provide immunotherapy resistance in cancer patients. Many studies have shown that CSCs by producing immune system inhibitory factors and interacting with immune checkpoint molecules like CD47, PDL-1, CTLA4, Tim3, and LAG3, are able to communicate with tumor microenvironment (TME) components and protect cancer cells from immune clearance. In this review, we summarize the CSCs immunological mechanisms and comprehensively discuss interactions between these cells and factors that are present in the TME to repress immune system responses and enhance tumor survival. Therefore, it seems that further studies on this topic will open new doors to improve the therapeutic approaches of malignant cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Khosravi
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ahad Mokhtarzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amir Baghbanzadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Vahid Khaze Shahgoli
- Department of Cancer and Inflammation Research, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Nima Hemmat
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Safarzadeh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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Tim-3: A co-receptor with diverse roles in T cell exhaustion and tolerance. Semin Immunol 2020; 42:101302. [PMID: 31604535 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.101302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
T cell inhibitory co-receptors play a crucial role in maintaining the balance between physiologic immune responses and maladaptive ones. T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing-3 (Tim-3) is a unique inhibitory co-receptor in that its expression is chiefly restricted to interferon (IFN)γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Early reports firmly established its importance in maintaining peripheral tolerance in transplantation and autoimmunity. However, it has become increasingly clear that Tim-3 expression on T cells, together with other check-point molecules, in chronic infections and cancers can hinder productive immune responses. In this review, we outline what is currently known about the regulation of Tim-3 expression, its ligands and signaling. We discuss both its salutary and deleterious function in immune disorders, as well as the T cell-extrinsic and -intrinsic factors that regulate its function.
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The Role of Decidual PD-1 + Treg Cells in Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes due to Toxoplasma gondii Infection. Inflammation 2020; 42:2119-2128. [PMID: 31468303 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-019-01075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii infection during pregnancy can result in adverse pregnancy outcomes. Previously, we have reported that these outcomes are associated with the impaired function of decidual Treg cells; however, the detailed mechanisms involved were unclear. It has been reported that the suppressive capacity of Treg cells is dependent on PD-1 expression. The present study explored the role of decidual PD-1+ Treg cell function in adverse pregnancy outcomes due to T. gondii infection. Toxoplasma gondii-infected pregnant mice were sacrificed on gestational day 14 and their pregnancy outcomes were observed. The expression of PD-1 on decidual Treg cells and expressions of Foxp3, CTLA-4, TGF-β, and IL-10 on decidual PD-1+ and PD-1- Treg cells were determined using flow cytometry. The results showed that the expression of PD-1 on decidual Treg cells was clearly higher in the T. gondii-infected mice than in the normal mice. Meanwhile, the expressions of Foxp3, CTLA-4, TGF-β, and IL-10 on decidual PD-1+ Treg cells were higher in the infected mice than in the normal mice. The expressions were higher in decidual PD1+ Treg cells than in PD-1- Treg cells in the infected mice. However, these expressions on PD-1- Treg cells did not significantly differ between the infected and normal mice. Nonetheless, the absolute percentages of decidual PD-1+ Treg cells decreased significantly in the infected mice compared with those in the normal mice. These results suggest that T. gondii infection mainly influences the function of decidual PD-1+ Treg cells, which would result in an insufficiently immunotolerant microenvironment and consequently in adverse pregnancy outcomes.
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Zhang YH, Sun HX. Immune checkpoint molecules in pregnancy: Focus on regulatory T cells. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:160-169. [PMID: 31953958 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2019] [Revised: 11/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a specialized subpopulation of T cells that plays critical roles in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Although efforts have been done, their role in human pregnancy is not fully understood. Numerous studies reported the presence of Treg cells throughout gestation by promoting maternal-fetal tolerance and fetal development. Furthermore, Treg population is heterogeneous as it is expressing different immune checkpoint molecules favoring immune suppressive function. Therefore, better understanding of the heterogeneity and function of Treg cells during pregnancy is critical for an effective immune intervention. Latest evidence has shown that several immune checkpoint molecules are closely associated with pregnancy outcome via multiple inhibitory mechanisms. Majority of these studies demonstrated the modulatory effects of immune checkpoint molecules on effector T-cell immunity, but their effects on Treg activation and function are still an enigma. In this review, we emphasize the potential influence of multiple immune checkpoint molecules, including CTLA-4, PD-1, Tim-3, LAG-3, and TIGIT, either in membrane or soluble form, on the function of decidual and peripheral Treg cells during pregnancy. Additionally, we discuss the promising future of targeting Treg cells via immune checkpoint molecules for pregnancy maintenance and prevention of complicated pregnancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Hong Zhang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Hai-Xiang Sun
- Reproductive Medicine Center, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
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42
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Zhang AB, Peng YF, Jia JJ, Nie Y, Zhang SY, Xie HY, Zhou L, Zheng SS. Exosome-derived galectin-9 may be a novel predictor of rejection and prognosis after liver transplantation. J Zhejiang Univ Sci B 2020; 20:605-612. [PMID: 31168974 DOI: 10.1631/jzus.b1900051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acute cellular rejection (ACR) remains a major concern after liver transplantation. Predicting and monitoring acute rejection by non-invasive methods are very important for guiding the use of immunosuppressive drugs. Many studies have shown that exosomes and their contents are potential biomarkers for various liver diseases. Here, we identify and validate the role of exosomes and galectin-9 in ACR after liver transplantation. Exosomes were isolated from three sets of paired patients, with and without ACR, and the proteins within the exosomes were isolated and identified. Candidate proteins were then validated using a tissue microarray containing resected liver samples from 73 ACR and 63 non-rejection patients. Finally, protein expression and clinical manifestations were included in Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses. Circulating exosomes were isolated from ACR and non-rejection patients and characterized using transmission electron microscopy and western blotting for CD63/CD81. Western blotting experiments revealed higher levels of galectin-9 protein in circulating exosomes from ACR recipients. Immunohistochemical analysis of the tissue microarray showed that the expression of galectin-9 in resected liver was significantly higher in the ACR group than in the non-rejection group (P<0.05). Higher levels of galectin-9 expression in resected livers were associated with poorer prognosis (P<0.05). Exosome-derived galectin-9 may be a novel predictor of rejection and prognosis after liver transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Bin Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yi-Fan Peng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Jun-Jun Jia
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Yu Nie
- Organ Transplant Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Shi-Yu Zhang
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Hai-Yang Xie
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Lin Zhou
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Shu-Sen Zheng
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China.,NHFPC Key Laboratory of Combined Multi-organ Transplantation, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310003, China
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Yap XZ, McCall MBB, Sauerwein RW. Fast and fierce versus slow and smooth: Heterogeneity in immune responses to Plasmodium in the controlled human malaria infection model. Immunol Rev 2020; 293:253-269. [PMID: 31605396 PMCID: PMC6973142 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Controlled human malaria infection (CHMI) is an established model in clinical malaria research. Upon exposure to Plasmodium falciparum parasites, malaria-naive volunteers differ in dynamics and composition of their immune profiles and subsequent capacity to generate protective immunity. CHMI volunteers are either inflammatory responders who have prominent cellular IFN-γ production primarily driven by adaptive T cells, or tempered responders who skew toward antibody-mediated humoral immunity. When exposed to consecutive CHMIs under antimalarial chemoprophylaxis, individuals who can control parasitemia after a single immunization (fast responders) are more likely to be protected against a subsequent challenge infection. Fast responders tend to be inflammatory responders who can rapidly induce long-lived IFN-γ+ T cell responses. Slow responders or even non-responders can also be protected, but via a more diverse range of responses that take a longer time to reach full protective efficacy, in part due to their tempered phenotype. The latter group can be identified at baseline before CHMI by higher expression of inhibitory ligands CTLA-4 and TIM-3 on CD4+ T cells. Delineating heterogeneity in human immune responses to P. falciparum will facilitate rational design and strategy towards effective malaria vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zen Yap
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious DiseasesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Matthew B. B. McCall
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious DiseasesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
| | - Robert W. Sauerwein
- Department of Medical MicrobiologyRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
- Radboud Center for Infectious DiseasesRadboud University Medical CenterNijmegenThe Netherlands
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Yeung MY, Grimmig T, Sayegh MH. Costimulation Blockade in Transplantation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1189:267-312. [PMID: 31758538 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-32-9717-3_10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
T cells play a pivotal role in orchestrating immune responses directed against a foreign (allogeneic) graft. For T cells to become fully activated, the T-cell receptor (TCR) must interact with the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) plus peptide complex on antigen-presenting cells (APCs), followed by a second "positive" costimulatory signal. In the absence of this second signal, T cells become anergic or undergo deletion. By blocking positive costimulatory signaling, T-cell allo-responses can be aborted, thus preventing graft rejection and promoting long-term allograft survival and possibly tolerance (Alegre ML, Najafian N, Curr Mol Med 6:843-857, 2006; Li XC, Rothstein DM, Sayegh MH, Immunol Rev 229:271-293, 2009). In addition, costimulatory molecules can provide negative "coinhibitory" signals that inhibit T-cell activation and terminate immune responses; strategies to promote these pathways can also lead to graft tolerance (Boenisch O, Sayegh MH, Najafian N, Curr Opin Organ Transplant 13:373-378, 2008). However, T-cell costimulation involves an incredibly complex array of interactions that may act simultaneously or at different times in the immune response and whose relative importance varies depending on the different T-cell subsets and activation status. In transplantation, the presence of foreign alloantigen incites not only destructive T effector cells but also protective regulatory T cells, the balance of which ultimately determines the fate of the allograft (Lechler RI, Garden OA, Turka LA, Nat Rev Immunol 3:147-158, 2003). Since the processes of alloantigen-specific rejection and regulation both require activation of T cells, costimulatory interactions may have opposing or synergistic roles depending on the cell being targeted. Such complexities present both challenges and opportunities in targeting T-cell costimulatory pathways for therapeutic purposes. In this chapter, we summarize our current knowledge of the various costimulatory pathways in transplantation and review the current state and challenges of harnessing these pathways to promote graft tolerance (summarized in Table 10.1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Y Yeung
- Department of Medicine, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Tanja Grimmig
- Department of Surgery, Molecular Oncology and Immunology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - Mohamed H Sayegh
- Department of Medicine, Renal Division, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medicine and Immunology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon
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45
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Solinas C, De Silva P, Bron D, Willard-Gallo K, Sangiolo D. Significance of TIM3 expression in cancer: From biology to the clinic. Semin Oncol 2019; 46:372-379. [PMID: 31733828 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2019.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2018] [Revised: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Targeting inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules has dramatically changed treatment paradigms in medical oncology. Understanding the best strategies to unleash a pre-existing immune response or to induce an efficient immune response against tumors has emerged as a research priority. In this work, we focus on a novel target for cancer immunotherapy, the inhibitory receptor T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (TIM3). This narrative review describes TIM3 biology in different (tumor-infiltrating) immune cells, particularly in the immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and dysfunctional/exhausted cytotoxic T lymphocytes, but also in cells that confer innate immunity - natural killer and dendritic cells. We discuss the functional role of TIM3, its expression and its clinical significance in a variety of tumors, and confront the heterogeneous results emerging from different studies, including clinical trials of immunotherapy. Finally, this work summarizes the principal early-phase clinical trials exploring TIM3 blockade and discusses some future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Solinas
- Regional Hospital of Valle d'Aosta, Azienda USL Valle d'Aosta, Aosta, Italy; Molecular Immunology Unit, Institut Jules Bordet, Universitè Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Pushpamali De Silva
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Institut Jules Bordet, Universitè Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; Clinical and Experimental Hematology, Institute Jules Bordet, Universitè Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Dominique Bron
- Clinical and Experimental Hematology, Institute Jules Bordet, Universitè Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Karen Willard-Gallo
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Institut Jules Bordet, Universitè Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy; Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
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46
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Abstract
T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 3 (TIM3), a member of the TIM family, was originally identified as a receptor expressed on interferon-γ-producing CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Initial data indicated that TIM3 functioned as a 'co-inhibitory' or 'checkpoint' receptor, but due to the lack of a definable inhibitory signalling motif, it was also suggested that TIM3 might act as a co-stimulatory receptor. Recent studies have shown that TIM3 is part of a module that contains multiple co-inhibitory receptors (checkpoint receptors), which are co-expressed and co-regulated on dysfunctional or 'exhausted' T cells in chronic viral infections and cancer. Furthermore, co-blockade of TIM3 and programmed cell death 1 (PD1) can result in tumour regression in preclinical models and can improve anticancer T cell responses in patients with advanced cancers. Here, we highlight the developments in understanding TIM3 biology, including novel ligand identification and the discovery of loss-of-function mutations associated with human disease. In addition, we summarize emerging data from human clinical trials showing that TIM3 indeed acts as a 'checkpoint' receptor and that inhibition of TIM3 enhances the antitumour effect of PD1 blockade.
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47
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Targeting the mTOR pathway uncouples the efficacy and toxicity of PD-1 blockade in renal transplantation. Nat Commun 2019; 10:4712. [PMID: 31624262 PMCID: PMC6797722 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-12628-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) use remains a challenge in patients with solid organ allografts as most would undergo rejection. In a melanoma patient in whom programmed-death 1 (PD-1) blockade resulted in organ rejection and colitis, the addition of the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus resulted in ongoing anti-tumor efficacy while promoting allograft tolerance. Strong granzyme B+, interferon (IFN)-γ+ CD8+ cytotoxic T cell and circulating regulatory T (Treg) cell responses were noted during allograft rejection, along with significant eosinophilia and elevated serum IL-5 and eotaxin levels. Co-treatment with sirolimus abated cytotoxic T cell numbers and eosinophilia, while elevated Treg cell numbers in the peripheral blood were maintained. Interestingly, numbers of IFN-γ+ CD4+ T cells and serum IFN-γ levels increased with the addition of sirolimus treatment likely promoting ongoing anti-PD-1 efficacy. Thus, our results indicate that sirolimus has the potential to uncouple anti-PD-1 therapy toxicity and efficacy. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) in cancer patients with solid organ allografts is hampered due to potential organ rejection. Here, the authors present a case report of a patient with kidney allograft and show that treatment with the mTOR inhibitor sirolimus preserves peripheral tolerance and anti-tumour efficacy of ICI therapy.
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48
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Balancing cancer immunotherapy and immune-related adverse events: The emerging role of regulatory T cells. J Autoimmun 2019; 104:102310. [PMID: 31421963 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2019.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Advances in our understanding οf tumor immunity have prompted a paradigm shift in oncology, with the emergence of immunotherapy, where therapeutic agents are used to target immune cells rather than cancer cells. A real breakthrough in the field of immunotherapy came with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), namely antagonistic antibodies that block key immune regulatory molecules (checkpoint molecules), such as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4), programmed cell death protein (PD-1) and its ligand PD-L1, that under physiologic conditions suppress T cell effector function. However, despite the enormous success, a significant proportion of patients do not respond, while responses are frequently accompanied by life-threatening autoimmune related adverse events (irAEs). A major impediment in the effectiveness of ICI immunotherapy is the tumoral resistance, which is dependent on the immunosuppressive nature of tumor microenvironment (TME). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are among the most abundant suppressive cells in the TME and their presence has been correlated with tumor progression, invasiveness as well as metastasis. Tregs are characterized by the expression of the transcription factor Foxp3 and various mechanisms ranging from cell-to-cell contact to secretion of inhibitory molecules have been implicated in their function. Notably, Tregs amply express most of the checkpoint molecules such as CTLA4, PD1 and LAG3 and therefore represent a direct target of ICI immunotherapy. Taking into consideration the critical role of Tregs in maintenance of immune homeostasis and avoidance of autoimmunity it is plausible that targeting of Tregs by ICI immunotherapy results in the development of irAEs. Since the use of ICI becomes common, and new immune checkpoint molecules are currently under clinical trials for the treatment of cancer, the occurrence of irAEs is expected to dramatically rise. Herein we review the current literature focusing on the role of Tregs in cancer evolution, ICI response and development of irAEs. Unraveling the complex mechanisms that hinder the tumor immune surveillance and in particular how ICI immunotherapy imprint on Treg activities to promote cancer regression while avoid development of irAEs, will empower the design of novel immunotherapeutic modalities in cancer with increased efficacy and diminished adverse events.
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Li YM, Li Y, Yan L, Tang JT, Wu XJ, Bai YJ, An YF, Dai B, Yang CL, Wang LL, Shi YY. Assessment of serum Tim-3 and Gal-9 levels in predicting the risk of infection after kidney transplantation. Int Immunopharmacol 2019; 75:105803. [PMID: 31401383 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.105803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2019] [Revised: 07/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Infection remains a major cause of morbidity and mortality after kidney transplantation (KT). Reliable biomarkers to predict post-transplant infection are lacking. We investigated the predictive performance of pre- and post-transplant levels of T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (Tim-3) and Galectin-9 (Gal-9), two pleiotropic immunomodulatory molecules, in early identification of infection. Serum Tim-3 and Gal-9 were paired measured before and 30 days after transplantation (PTD 30) in 95 KT recipients (KTRs). The decline rates of Tim-3 and Gal-9 were calculated relative to pre-transplant levels. KTRs with infection history had significantly higher levels of PTD 30 Tim-3 and Gal-9, and slower decrease rates of Gal-9 compared to non-infected recipients, while no difference was observed between two groups regarding pre-transplant levels. The AUCs for predicting 1-year post-transplant infection were 0.653 and 0.711 for post-transplant Tim-3 and Gal-9, 0.664 and 0.670 for relative Tim-3 and Gal-9, respectively. After adjusting for potential confounders, PTD 30 Tim-3, Gal-9 and relative Gal-9 remained as independent risk factors for post-transplant infection. Our results suggested that PTD 30 Tim-3 and Gal-9 and relative decrease of Gal-9 were promising predictors for identifying KTRs with high risk of infection, while pre-transplant Tim-3 and Gal-9 showed no predictive power to infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya Mei Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Yan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiang Tao Tang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Juan Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Juan Bai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Fei An
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bo Dai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cui Li Yang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lan Lan Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine/Research Centre of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun Ying Shi
- Department of Nephrology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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50
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Expression of costimulatory and inhibitory receptors in FoxP3 + regulatory T cells within the tumor microenvironment: Implications for combination immunotherapy approaches. Adv Cancer Res 2019; 144:193-261. [PMID: 31349899 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The unprecedented success of immune checkpoint inhibitors has given rise to a rapidly growing number of immuno-oncology agents undergoing preclinical and clinical development and an exponential increase in possible combinations. Defining a clear rationale for combinations by identifying synergies between immunomodulatory pathways has therefore become a high priority. Immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Tregs) within the tumor microenvironment (TME) represent a major roadblock to endogenous and therapeutic tumor immunity. However, Tregs are also essential for the maintenance of immunological self-tolerance, and share many molecular pathways with conventional T cells including cytotoxic T cells, the primary mediators of tumor immunity. Hence the inability to specifically target and neutralize Tregs within the TME of cancer patients without globally compromising self-tolerance poses a significant challenge. Here we review recent advances in the characterization of tumor-infiltrating Tregs with a focus on costimulatory and inhibitory receptors. We discuss receptor expression patterns, their functional role in Treg biology and mechanistic insights gained from targeting these receptors in preclinical models to evaluate their potential as clinical targets. We further outline a framework of parameters that could be used to refine the assessment of Tregs in cancer patients and increase their value as predictive biomarkers. Finally, we propose modalities to integrate our increasing knowledge on Treg phenotype and function for the rational design of checkpoint inhibitor-based combination therapies. Such combinations have great potential for synergy, as they could concomitantly enhance cytotoxic T cells and inhibit Tregs within the TME, thereby increasing the efficacy of current cancer immunotherapies.
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