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Perzolli A, Koedijk JB, Zwaan CM, Heidenreich O. Targeting the innate immune system in pediatric and adult AML. Leukemia 2024; 38:1191-1201. [PMID: 38459166 PMCID: PMC11147779 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02217-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
While the introduction of T cell-based immunotherapies has improved outcomes in many cancer types, the development of immunotherapies for both adult and pediatric AML has been relatively slow and limited. In addition to the need to identify suitable target antigens, a better understanding of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is necessary for the design of novel immunotherapy approaches. To date, most immune characterization studies in AML have focused on T cells, while innate immune lineages such as monocytes, granulocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, received less attention. In solid cancers, studies have shown that innate immune cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and neutrophils are highly plastic and may differentiate into immunosuppressive cells depending on signals received in their microenvironment, while NK cells appear to be functionally impaired. Hence, an in-depth characterization of the innate immune compartment in the TME is urgently needed to guide the development of immunotherapeutic interventions for AML. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the innate immune compartment in AML, and we discuss how targeting its components may enhance T cell-based- and other immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Perzolli
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B Koedijk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
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2
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Zhu G, Lang W, Fu W, Xu L, Cai J, Zhong H. Single-cell sequencing unveils T-cell characteristic in acute myeloid leukemia. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 132:111927. [PMID: 38555820 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents as a remarkably heterogeneous disease, and the intricate role of various T cell subtypes, including T helper (Th) cells and regulatory T (Treg) cells, in immune dysregulation and the promotion of leukemia cell proliferation and survival is not yet fully understood. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of transcriptome profiles in T cells derived from bone marrow samples of three leukemia patients, both before and after treatment, as well as from a relapse sample. This analysis was facilitated through the utilization of single-cell RNA sequencing. The T cell population was subcategorized into CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells. Intriguingly, the composition of CD8 + T cells exhibited a relatively stable pattern before and after treatment, while a substantial difference in composition was observed in CD4 + T cells, notably in Th17 and Treg cell populations. Pseudotime trajectory analysis of CD4 + T cell clusters provided further insights into the augmented transition between Th17-like and Treg cells in AML. This transition was characterized by changes in the expression of key genes, including STAT3, CCR6, IL23R, FOXP3, and CTLA4, along their developmental path. An increased cell-to-cell interaction between AML blast cells and all types of T cells appeared to contribute to the restoration of normal T cell proportions. Notably, the LGALS9-CD45 and LGALS9-CD44 pathways emerged as pivotal interactions between blast cells and Treg cells. Our findings unveil an imbalanced differentiation pattern in CD4 + T cells and elucidate the immunosuppressive profiles linked to leukemia cells, thereby enhancing our understanding of CD4 + T cell functionality in the context of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gelan Zhu
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wenjing Lang
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Wanbin Fu
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Lan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Jiayi Cai
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
| | - Hua Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Ren Ji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China.
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Aikins ME, Sun X, Dobson H, Zhou X, Xu Y, Lei YL, Moon JJ. STING-activating cyclic dinucleotide-manganese nanoparticles evoke robust immunity against acute myeloid leukemia. J Control Release 2024; 368:768-779. [PMID: 38492861 PMCID: PMC11032129 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.022] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is one of the most common types of leukemia in adults with a 5-year survival rate of 30.5%. These poor patient outcomes are attributed to tumor relapse, stemming from ineffective innate immune activation, T cell tolerance, and a lack of immunological memory. Thus, new strategies are needed to activate innate and effector immune cells and evoke long-term immunity against AML. One approach to address these issues is through Stimulator of Interferon Genes (STING) pathway activation, which produces Type I Interferons (Type I IFN) critical for innate and adaptive immune activation. Here, we report that systemic immunotherapy with a lipid-based nanoparticle platform (CMP) carrying Mn2+ and STING agonist c-di-AMP (CDA) exhibited robust anti-tumor efficacy in a mouse model of disseminated AML. Moreover, CMP immunotherapy combined with immune checkpoint blockade against cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (anti-CTLA-4) elicited robust innate and adaptive immune activation with enhanced cytotoxic potential against AML, leading to extended animal survival after re-challenge with AML. Overall, this CMP combination immunotherapy may be a promising approach against AML and other disseminated cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marisa E Aikins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
| | - Xiaoqi Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
| | - Hannah Dobson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
| | - Xingwu Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
| | - Yao Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA
| | - Yu Leo Lei
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - James J Moon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor 48109, USA; Rogel Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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4
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Pospiech M, Tamizharasan M, Wei YC, Kumar AMS, Lou M, Milstein J, Alachkar H. Features of the TCR repertoire associate with patients' clinical and molecular characteristics in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1236514. [PMID: 37928542 PMCID: PMC10620936 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1236514] [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: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant remains the most effective strategy for patients with high-risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Leukemia-specific neoantigens presented by the major histocompatibility complexes (MHCs) are recognized by the T cell receptors (TCR) triggering the graft-versus-leukemia effect. A unique TCR signature is generated by a complex V(D)J rearrangement process to form TCR capable of binding to the peptide-MHC. The generated TCR repertoire undergoes dynamic changes with disease progression and treatment. Method Here we applied two different computational tools (TRUST4 and MIXCR) to extract the TCR sequences from RNA-seq data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and examine the association between features of the TCR repertoire in adult patients with AML and their clinical and molecular characteristics. Results We found that only ~30% of identified TCR CDR3s were shared by the two computational tools. Yet, patterns of TCR associations with patients' clinical and molecular characteristics based on data obtained from either tool were similar. The numbers of unique TCR clones were highly correlated with patients' white blood cell counts, bone marrow blast percentage, and peripheral blood blast percentage. Multivariable regressions of TCRA and TCRB median normalized number of unique clones with mutational status of AML patients using TRUST4 showed significant association of TCRA or TCRB with WT1 mutations, WBC count, %BM blast, and sex (adjusted in TCRB model). We observed a correlation between TCRA/B number of unique clones and the expression of T cells inhibitory signal genes (TIGIT, LAG3, CTLA-4) and foxp3, but not IL2RA, CD69 and TNFRSF9 suggestive of exhausted T cell phenotypes in AML. Conclusion Benchmarking of computational tools is needed to increase the accuracy of the identified clones. The utilization of RNA-seq data enables identification of highly abundant TCRs and correlating these clones with patients' clinical and molecular characteristics. This study further supports the value of high-resolution TCR-Seq analyses to characterize the TCR repertoire in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Pospiech
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mukund Tamizharasan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Yu-Chun Wei
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Advaith Maya Sanjeev Kumar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Department of Computer Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Mimi Lou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Joshua Milstein
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Houda Alachkar
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
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Cao H, Wu T, Zhou X, Xie S, Sun H, Sun Y, Li Y. Progress of research on PD-1/PD-L1 in leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1265299. [PMID: 37822924 PMCID: PMC10562551 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1265299] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia cells prevent immune system from clearing tumor cells by inducing the immunosuppression of the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. In recent years, further understanding of the BM microenvironment and immune landscape of leukemia has resulted in the introduction of several immunotherapies, including checkpoint inhibitors, T-cell engager, antibody drug conjugates, and cellular therapies in clinical trials. Among them, the programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis is a significant checkpoint for controlling immune responses, the PD-1 receptor on tumor-infiltrating T cells is bound by PD-L1 on leukemia cells. Consequently, the activation of tumor reactive T cells is inhibited and their apoptosis is promoted, preventing the rejection of the tumor by immune system and thus resulting in the occurrence of immune tolerance. The PD-1/PD-L1 axis serves as a significant mechanism by which tumor cells evade immune surveillance, and PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitors have been approved for the treatment of lymphomas and varieties of solid tumors. However, the development of drugs targeting PD-1/PD-L1 in leukemia remains in the clinical-trial stage. In this review, we tally up the basic research and clinical trials on PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in leukemia, as well as discuss the relevant toxicity and impacts of PD-1/PD-L1 on other immunotherapies such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, bi-specific T-cell engager, chimeric antigen receptor T-cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huizhen Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Tianyu Wu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Shuyang Xie
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Hongfang Sun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Yunxiao Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Youjie Li
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
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The prognostic signature based on glycolysis-immune related genes for acute myeloid leukemia patients. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152355. [PMID: 36868006 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152355] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is widely considered an immunoresponsive malignancy. However, potential association between glycolysis-immune related genes and AML patients' prognosis has been seldom studied. AML-related data was downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. We grouped patients according to Glycolysis status, Immune Score and combination analysis, basing on which overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The Risk Score model was then established. The results showed that totally 142 overlapped genes were probably correlated with glycolysis-immunity in AML patients, among which 6 optimal genes were screened to construct Risk Score. High Risk Score was an independent poor prognostic factor for AML. In conclusion, we established a relatively reliable prognostic signature of AML based on glycolysis-immunity related genes, including METTL7B, HTR7, ITGAX, TNNI2, SIX3 and PURG.
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7
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Aru B, Pehlivanoğlu C, Dal Z, Dereli-Çalışkan NN, Gürlü E, Yanıkkaya-Demirel G. A potential area of use for immune checkpoint inhibitors: Targeting bone marrow microenvironment in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1108200. [PMID: 36742324 PMCID: PMC9895857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1108200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) arises from the cells of myeloid lineage and is the most frequent leukemia type in adulthood accounting for about 80% of all cases. The most common treatment strategy for the treatment of AML includes chemotherapy, in rare cases radiotherapy and stem cell and bone marrow transplantation are considered. Immune checkpoint proteins involve in the negative regulation of immune cells, leading to an escape from immune surveillance, in turn, causing failure of tumor cell elimination. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) target the negative regulation of the immune cells and support the immune system in terms of anti-tumor immunity. Bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) bears various blood cell lineages and the interactions between these lineages and the noncellular components of BMM are considered important for AML development and progression. Administration of ICIs for the AML treatment may be a promising option by regulating BMM. In this review, we summarize the current treatment options in AML treatment and discuss the possible application of ICIs in AML treatment from the perspective of the regulation of BMM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Başak Aru
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cemil Pehlivanoğlu
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Zeynep Dal
- School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | | | - Ege Gürlü
- School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gülderen Yanıkkaya-Demirel
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye,*Correspondence: Gülderen Yanıkkaya-Demirel,
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8
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The stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonists for treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML): current knowledge and future outlook. CLINICAL & TRANSLATIONAL ONCOLOGY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE FEDERATION OF SPANISH ONCOLOGY SOCIETIES AND OF THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE OF MEXICO 2022; 25:1545-1553. [PMID: 36587109 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03065-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic cancer in adults. Some patients exhibit restricted T cell infiltration and do not respond to routine treatments. This may be prevented by enhancing adaptive immunity by stimulating innate immune cells inside the tumor microenvironment (TME). To activate the adaptive immunological reaction against tumors, type I interferons (IFNs) can promote the presentation of tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) cell recruitment. During the activation of innate immunity, cyclic di-nucleotides (CDNs) bind to and stimulate the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), a protein localized inside the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane, resulting in the expression of type I IFNs. The efficacy of STING agonists as effective stimulators of the anti-tumor response in AML is being investigated in numerous clinical studies. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to thoroughly review existing knowledge in this field and provide perspective into the clinical potential of STING agonists in AML.
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Bin T, Lin C, Liu FJ, Wang Y, Xu XJ, Lin DJ, Tang J, Lu B. Establishment of a risk model correlated with metabolism based on RNA-binding proteins associated with cell pyroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1059978. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1059978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundRNA-binding protein (RBP) regulates acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by participating in mRNA editing and modification. Pyroptosis also plays an immunomodulatory function in AML. Therefore, this study aimed to identify pyroptosis-related RBP genes that could predict the prognosis of AML patients.MethodsAML related expression data were downloaded from the UCSC website and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Pyroptosis-RPB-related differentially expressed genes (PRBP-DEGs) were conducted with a protein-protein interactions (PPI) network to screen out the key PRBP-DEGs, based on which a risk model was constructed by Cox analysis, and evaluated by plotting Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and survival curves. Independent prognostic analysis was performed and a nomogram was constructed. Finally, enrichment analysis was performed for high and low risk groups.ReusltsA total of 71 PRBP-DEGs were obtained and a pyroptosis-RPB-related risk model was constructed based on IFIT5, MRPL14, MRPL21, MRPL39, MVP, and PUSL1 acquired from Cox analysis. RiskScore, age, and cytogenetics risk category were identified as independent prognostic factors, and the nomogram based on these independent prognostic factors could accurately predict 1-, 3- and 5-year survival of AML patients. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the high-risk and low-risk groups were mainly enriched in metabolic- and immune-related processes and pathways.ConclusionIn this study, a risk score model correlated with metabolism based on RNA-binding proteins associated with cell pyroptosis in acute myeloid leukemia was established, which provided a theoretical basis and reference value for therapeutic studies and prognosis of AML.
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Chen H, Wu M, Xia H, Du S, Zhou G, Long G, Zhu Y, Huang X, Yang D. FLT3LG and IFITM3P6 consolidate T cell activity in the bone marrow microenvironment and are prognostic factors in acute myelocytic leukemia. Front Immunol 2022; 13:980911. [PMID: 36081495 PMCID: PMC9445253 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myelocytic leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of the stem cell precursors of the myeloid lineage. CD4+ and CD8+ T cells play pivotal roles in influencing AML progression but are functionally suppressed in the bone marrow microenvironment. We aimed to find hub genes related to T cell exhaustion and suppression, thereby providing evidence for immunotherapy. In this study, gene transcriptome expression data from TCGA and TARGET databases were utilized to find key genes. Firstly, CIBERSORT immune cell infiltration algorithm and WGCNA method were used to identify CD4+ and CD8+ T cells-related genes. Univariate and multivariate cox regression analyses were then introduced to construct the overall survival prognosis model and included hub genes. The ESTIMATE and ssGSEA scoring methods were used to analyze the correlation between the hub genes and immune activity. Single-cell transcriptome analysis was applied to detect the immune cells expressing hub genes, hence, to detect exact mechanisms. Consequently, FLT3LG and IFITM3P6 were determined to be positively correlated with patients’ overall survival and microenvironment immune activity. Further study suggested FLT3-FLT3LG and IFITM3P6-miR-6748-3p-CBX7 signaling axes were involved in CD4+ and CD8+ T cells activation. This may be one of the mechanisms of T cells suppression in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Chen
- Institute for Cancer Research, School of Basic Medical Science of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Meng Wu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongping Xia
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences & Key Laboratory of Antibody Technique of National Health Commission, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Songjie Du
- Department of Medical Genetics, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Guoren Zhou
- Jiangsu Cancer Hospital & The Affifiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University & Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Guangfeng Long
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanan Zhu
- Translational Medicine Institute, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, China
| | - Xu Huang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Daheng Yang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Children’s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Daheng Yang,
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MacNabb BW, Tumuluru S, Chen X, Godfrey J, Kasal DN, Yu J, Jongsma MLM, Spaapen RM, Kline DE, Kline J. Dendritic cells can prime anti-tumor CD8 + T cell responses through major histocompatibility complex cross-dressing. Immunity 2022; 55:982-997.e8. [PMID: 35617964 PMCID: PMC9883788 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Antigen cross-presentation, wherein dendritic cells (DCs) present exogenous antigen on major histocompatibility class I (MHC-I) molecules, is considered the primary mechanism by which DCs initiate tumor-specific CD8+ T cell responses. Here, we demonstrate that MHC-I cross-dressing, an antigen presentation pathway in which DCs acquire and display intact tumor-derived peptide:MHC-I molecules, is also important in orchestrating anti-tumor immunity. Cancer cell MHC-I expression was required for optimal CD8+ T cell activation in two subcutaneous tumor models. In vivo acquisition of tumor-derived peptide:MHC-I molecules by DCs was sufficient to induce antigen-specific CD8+ T cell priming. Transfer of tumor-derived human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules to myeloid cells was detected in vitro and in human tumor xenografts. In conclusion, MHC-I cross-dressing is crucial for anti-tumor CD8+ T cell priming by DCs. In addition to quantitatively enhancing tumor antigen presentation, MHC cross-dressing might also enable DCs to more faithfully and efficiently mirror the cancer cell peptidome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan W MacNabb
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Sravya Tumuluru
- Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xiufen Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - James Godfrey
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Darshan N Kasal
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Jovian Yu
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Marlieke L M Jongsma
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Robbert M Spaapen
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Douglas E Kline
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Justin Kline
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Committee on Cancer Biology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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12
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Su Y, Xu B, Shen Q, Lei Z, Zhang W, Hu T. LIMK2 Is a Novel Prognostic Biomarker and Correlates With Tumor Immune Cell Infiltration in Lung Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Front Immunol 2022; 13:788375. [PMID: 35273591 PMCID: PMC8902256 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.788375] [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: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous research found that LIM domain kinase 2 (LIMK2) expression correlated with a poor prognosis in many cancers. However, its role in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has not yet been clarified. Our study aimed to clarify the role of LIMK2 in LUSC prognosis prediction and explore the relationship between LIMK2 and immune infiltration in LUSC. In this study, we first analyzed the expression level and prognostic value of LIMK2 across cancers. Subsequently, we explored the association of LIMK2 expression with immune infiltrating cells and immune checkpoints. our study found that LIMK2 was highly expressed and positively associated with the overall survival of LUSC. Moreover, our study further indicated that LIMK2 expression was significantly negatively correlated with immune cell infiltration and immune checkpoints in LUSC. Finally, we confirmed upstream regulatory noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) of LIMK2, and the PVT1 and DHRS4-AS1/miR-423-5p/LIMK2 regulatory axes were successfully constructed in LUSC. Put together, LIMK2 is a novel prognostic biomarker and correlates with tumor immune cell infiltration in LUSC, and the expression of LIMK2 is regulated by the PVT1 and DHRS4-AS1/miR-423-5p axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongcheng Su
- Cancer Research Center, Xiamen University School of Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Beibei Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Qianwen Shen
- Cancer Research Center, Xiamen University School of Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Ziyu Lei
- Cancer Research Center, Xiamen University School of Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenqing Zhang
- Cancer Research Center, Xiamen University School of Medicine, Xiamen, China
| | - Tianhui Hu
- Cancer Research Center, Xiamen University School of Medicine, Xiamen, China.,Shenzhen Research Institute of Xiamen University, Shenzhen, China
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13
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Acute myeloid leukemia cell membrane-coated nanoparticles for cancer vaccination immunotherapy. Leukemia 2022; 36:994-1005. [PMID: 34845316 PMCID: PMC8979812 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-021-01432-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Cancer vaccines are promising treatments to prevent relapse after chemotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients, particularly for those who cannot tolerate intensive consolidation therapies. Here, we report the development of an AML cell membrane-coated nanoparticle (AMCNP) vaccine platform, in which immune-stimulatory adjuvant-loaded nanoparticles are coated with leukemic cell membrane material. This AMCNP vaccination strategy stimulates leukemia-specific immune responses by co-delivering membrane-associated antigens along with adjuvants to antigen-presenting cells. To demonstrate that this AMCNP vaccine enhances leukemia-specific antigen presentation and T cell responses, we modified a murine AML cell line to express membrane-bound chicken ovalbumin as a model antigen. AMCNPs were efficiently acquired by antigen-presenting cells in vitro and in vivo and stimulated antigen cross-presentation. Vaccination with AMCNPs significantly enhanced antigen-specific T cell expansion and effector function compared with control vaccines. Prophylactic vaccination with AMCNPs enhanced cellular immunity and protected against AML challenge. Moreover, in an AML post-remission vaccination model, AMCNP vaccination significantly enhanced survival in comparison to vaccination with whole leukemia cell lysates. Collectively, AMCNPs retained AML-specific antigens, elicited enhanced antigen-specific immune responses, and provided therapeutic benefit against AML challenge.
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14
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CD40 stimulation as a molecular adjuvant for cancer vaccines and other immunotherapies. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:14-22. [PMID: 34282297 PMCID: PMC8752810 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00734-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [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: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The substantial advances attained by checkpoint blockade immunotherapies have driven an expansion in the approaches used to promote T cell access to the tumor microenvironment to provide targets for checkpoint immunotherapy. Inherent in any T cell response to a tumor antigen is the capacity of dendritic cells to initiate and support such responses. Here, the rationale and early immunobiology of CD40 as a master regulator of dendritic cell activation is reviewed, with further contextualization and appreciation for the role of CD40 stimulation not only in cancer vaccines but also in other contemporary immune-oncology approaches.
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15
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Chen X, MacNabb BW, Flood B, Blazar BR, Kline J. Divergent fates of antigen-specific CD8 + T cell clones in mice with acute leukemia. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109991. [PMID: 34758311 PMCID: PMC8656370 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The existence of a dysfunctional CD8+ T cell state in cancer is well established. However, the degree to which CD8+ T cell fates are influenced by the context in which they encounter cognate tumor antigen is less clear. We previously demonstrated that CD8+ T cells reactive to a model leukemia antigen were deleted by antigen cross-presenting type 1 conventional dendritic cells (cDC1s). Here, through a study of T cell receptor (TCR) transgenic CD8+ T cells (TCRTg101) reactive to a native C1498 leukemia cell antigen, we uncover a different mode of T cell tolerance in which TCRTg101 undergo progressive expansion and differentiation into an exhausted state. Antigen encounter by TCRTg101 requires leukemia cell major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-I expression and is independent of DCs, implying that leukemia cells directly mediate the exhausted TCRTg101 phenotype. Collectively, our data reveal that leukemia antigens are presented to CD8+ T cells via discrete pathways, leading to distinct tolerant states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufen Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | | | - Blake Flood
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Justin Kline
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA.
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16
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Liu H, Meng S, Yang N, Chen J, Yao H, Zhang Y, Zhang H, Lei B, Wang X, Chen S, Wang T, Wang Y, Wang J, Zhang W. Identification and functional study of novel oligonucleotides: CpG Seq 13 and CpG Seq 19. Immunotherapy 2021; 13:571-585. [PMID: 33781095 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0197] [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: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: This study explored new immunoadjuvants with stronger immune activity to enhance therapeutic effects against leukemia. Materials & methods: Whole blood and bone marrow of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and healthy volunteers were collected. Isolated mononuclear cells were treated with two newly designed CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, CpG sequence 13 and 19, and known CpG oligodeoxynucleotides and analyzed via flow cytometry. Results: CpG Seq 13 and 19 possess strong immune activation and enhance the proliferation, degranulation and cytotoxicity of T cells. They also inhibit AML cell proliferation. When CpG Seq 13/19 are combined with anti-OX40 antibodies, the cytotoxicity of T cells on AML cells are further enhanced. Conclusion: CpG Seq 13 and 19 are strong immune adjuvant candidates for AML treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailing Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Shan Meng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Jinqiu Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Huan Yao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Bo Lei
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Xugeng Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Sheping Chen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Yueli Wang
- Department of Hematology, South Hospital, Tongchuan People's Hospital, Tongchuan, 727000, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
| | - Wanggang Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China
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Jimbu L, Mesaros O, Popescu C, Neaga A, Berceanu I, Dima D, Gaman M, Zdrenghea M. Is There a Place for PD-1-PD-L Blockade in Acute Myeloid Leukemia? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:288. [PMID: 33804850 PMCID: PMC8063836 DOI: 10.3390/ph14040288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint inhibitors were a major breakthrough in the field of oncology. In September 2014, based on the KEYNOTE-001 study, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pembrolizumab, a programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, for advanced or unresectable melanoma. Up until now, seven PD-1/PD-ligand(L)-1 inhibitors are approved in various solid cancers and hundreds of clinical studies are currently ongoing. In hematology, PD-1 inhibitors nivolumab and pembrolizumab were approved for the treatment of relapsed/refractory (R/R) classic Hodgkin lymphoma, and later pembrolizumab was approved for R/R primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the combination of hypomethylating agents and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors has shown promising results, worth of further investigation, while other combinations or single agent therapy have disappointing results. On the other hand, rather than in first line, these therapies could be useful in the consolidation or maintenance setting, for achieving minimal residual disease negativity. Furthermore, an interesting application could be the use of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors in the post allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation relapse. There are several reasons why checkpoint inhibitors are not very effective in treating AML, including the characteristics of the disease (systemic, rapidly progressive, and high tumor burden disease), low mutational burden, and dysregulation of the immune system. We here review the results of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition in AML and discuss their potential future in the management of this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Jimbu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Oana Mesaros
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Cristian Popescu
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Infectious Diseases, County Emergency Hospital Alba Iulia, 20 Decebal Str., 510093 Alba-Iulia, Romania
| | - Alexandra Neaga
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
| | - Iulia Berceanu
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Delia Dima
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
| | - Mihaela Gaman
- Department of Hematology, Carol Davila University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 050474 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Mihnea Zdrenghea
- Department of Hematology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Babes Str., 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (O.M.); (C.P.); (A.N.); (M.Z.)
- Department of Hematology, Ion Chiricuta Oncology Institute, 34-36 Republicii Str., 400015 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (I.B.); (D.D.)
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18
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Guo R, Lü M, Cao F, Wu G, Gao F, Pang H, Li Y, Zhang Y, Xing H, Liang C, Lyu T, Du C, Li Y, Guo R, Xie X, Li W, Liu D, Song Y, Jiang Z. Single-cell map of diverse immune phenotypes in the acute myeloid leukemia microenvironment. Biomark Res 2021; 9:15. [PMID: 33648605 PMCID: PMC7919996 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-021-00265-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Knowledge of immune cell phenotypes, function, and developmental trajectory in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) microenvironment is essential for understanding mechanisms of evading immune surveillance and immunotherapy response of targeting special microenvironment components. METHODS Using a single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) dataset, we analyzed the immune cell phenotypes, function, and developmental trajectory of bone marrow (BM) samples from 16 AML patients and 4 healthy donors, but not AML blasts. RESULTS We observed a significant difference between normal and AML BM immune cells. Here, we defined the diversity of dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages in different AML patients. We also identified several unique immune cell types including T helper cell 17 (TH17)-like intermediate population, cytotoxic CD4+ T subset, T cell: erythrocyte complexes, activated regulatory T cells (Treg), and CD8+ memory-like subset. Emerging AML cells remodels the BM immune microenvironment powerfully, leads to immunosuppression by accumulating exhausted/dysfunctional immune effectors, expending immune-activated types, and promoting the formation of suppressive subsets. CONCLUSION Our results provide a comprehensive AML BM immune cell census, which can help to select pinpoint targeted drug and predict efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongqun Guo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Mengdie Lü
- Joint National Laboratory for Antibody Drug Engineering, Key Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology of Henan Province, Institute of Translational Medicine, School of Basic Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Fujiao Cao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Guanghua Wu
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Fengcai Gao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Haili Pang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yadan Li
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yinyin Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Haizhou Xing
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chunyan Liang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Tianxin Lyu
- The Academy of Medical Science, College of Medical, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Chunyan Du
- Laboratory Animal Center, School of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yingmei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Rong Guo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xinsheng Xie
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Delong Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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Hematopoietic versus Solid Cancers and T Cell Dysfunction: Looking for Similarities and Distinctions. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020284. [PMID: 33466674 PMCID: PMC7828769 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Dysfunction of the immune T cell compartment occurs in many hematopoietic as well as solid cancers and hampers successful application of new immunotherapeutic approaches. A complete understanding of T cell dysfunction might improve the outcome of such therapies, but an overview in the various cancers is still lacking. We aim to map areas of similarities and differences in solid versus hematopoietic malignancies, providing a high-level rather than a detailed perspective on T cell dysfunction in those tumors. Abstract Cancer cells escape, suppress and exploit the host immune system to sustain themselves, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) actively dampens T cell function by various mechanisms. Over the last years, new immunotherapeutic approaches, such as adoptive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors, have been successfully applied for refractory malignancies that could only be treated in a palliative manner previously. Engaging the anti-tumor activity of the immune system, including CAR T cell therapy to target the CD19 B cell antigen, proved to be effective in acute lymphocytic leukemia. In low-grade hematopoietic B cell malignancies, such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, clinical outcomes have been tempered by cancer-induced T cell dysfunction characterized in part by a state of metabolic lethargy. In multiple myeloma, novel antigens such as BCMA and CD38 are being explored for CAR T cells. In solid cancers, T cell-based immunotherapies have been applied successfully to melanoma and lung cancers, whereas application in e.g., breast cancer lags behind and is modestly effective as yet. The main hurdles for CAR T cell immunotherapy in solid tumors are the lack of suitable antigens, anatomical inaccessibility, and T cell anergy due to immunosuppressive TME. Given the wide range of success and failure of immunotherapies in various cancer types, it is crucial to comprehend the underlying similarities and distinctions in T cell dysfunction. Hence, this review aims at comparing selected, distinct B cell-derived versus solid cancer types and at describing means by which malignant cells and TME might dampen T cell anti-tumor activity, with special focus on immunometabolism. Drawing a meaningful parallel between the efficacy of immunotherapy and the extent of T cell dysfunction will shed light on areas where we can improve immune function to battle cancer.
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20
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Shin AR, Lee SE, Choi H, Sohn HJ, Cho HI, Kim TG. An effective peptide vaccine strategy circumventing clonal MHC heterogeneity of murine myeloid leukaemia. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:919-931. [PMID: 32595211 PMCID: PMC7492404 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-0955-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Therapeutic cancer vaccines are an attractive approach for treating malignant tumours, and successful tumour eradication depends primarily on controlling tumour immunosuppression status as well as heterogeneity of tumour cells driven by epigenetic alterations. METHODS Peptide-loaded dendritic cell (DC) prime and non-infectious peptide booster heterologous immunisations were assessed for the immunogenicity of polo-like kinase-1 (PLK1)-derived peptides. Heterologous vaccination regimen targeting multiple shared tumour antigens simultaneously with PD-L1 blockade was assessed against murine myeloid leukaemia. RESULTS A synthetic PLK1122 (DSDFVFVVL)-based heterologous vaccination generated large numbers of long-lasting antigen-specific CD8 T-cells eliciting therapeutic effects against various established tumours. The therapeutic efficacy of single antigen-targeting PLK1122-based vaccine with sufficient endurance of PD-L1 blockade toward C1498 leukaemia relied on the heterogeneous clonal levels of MHC-I and PD-L1 expression. A novel multi-peptide-based vaccination targeting PLK1 and survivin simultaneously along with PD1 blockade led to complete tumour eradication and long-term survival in mice with clonally heterologous C1498 myeloid leukaemia. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that PLK1 could be an attractive immunotherapeutic target antigen for cancer immunotherapy, and that similar strategies would be applicable for the optimisation of cancer vaccines for the treatment of numerous viral diseases and malignant tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-Ri Shin
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Sang-Eun Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Haeyoun Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Jung Sohn
- Translational and Clinical Division, ViGenCell Inc., Seoul, 06591, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Il Cho
- Translational and Clinical Division, ViGenCell Inc., Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
- Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
| | - Tai-Gyu Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
- Catholic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Bank, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, 06591, South Korea.
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21
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Hoong BYD, Gan YH, Liu H, Chen ES. cGAS-STING pathway in oncogenesis and cancer therapeutics. Oncotarget 2020; 11:2930-2955. [PMID: 32774773 PMCID: PMC7392626 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The host innate immunity offers the first line of defense against infection. However, recent evidence shows that the host innate immunity is also critical in sensing the presence of cytoplasmic DNA derived from genomic instability events, such as DNA damage and defective cell cycle progression. This is achieved through the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS)/Stimulator of interferon (IFN) genes (STING) pathway. Here we discuss recent insights into the regulation of this pathway in cancer immunosurveillance, and the downstream signaling cascades that coordinate immune cell recruitment to the tumor microenvironment to destroy transformed cells through cellular senescence or cell death programs. Its central role in immunosurveillance positions the cGAS-STING pathway as an attractive anti-cancer immunotherapeutic drug target for chemical agonists or vaccine adjuvants and suggests a key node to be targeted in a synthetic lethal approach. We also discuss adaptive mechanisms used by cancer cells to circumvent cGAS-STING signaling and present evidence linking chronic cGAS-STING activation to inflammation-induced carcinogenesis, cautioning against the use of activating the cGAS-STING pathway as an anti-tumor immunotherapy. A deeper mechanistic understanding of the cGAS-STING pathway will aid in the identification of potentially efficacious anti-cancer therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Yi Da Hoong
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore
- Wong Hock Boon Society, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yunn Hwen Gan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore
- NUS Graduate School of Integrative Sciences & Engineering (NGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Haiyan Liu
- National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ee Sin Chen
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore
- National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore
- NUS Graduate School of Integrative Sciences & Engineering (NGS), National University of Singapore, Singapore
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22
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Abstract
In spite of the recent approval of new promising targeted therapies, the clinical outcome of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains suboptimal, prompting the search for additional and synergistic therapeutic rationales. It is increasingly evident that the bone marrow immune environment of AML patients is profoundly altered, contributing to the severity of the disease but also providing several windows of opportunity to prompt or rewire a proficient antitumor immune surveillance. In this Review, we present current evidence on immune defects in AML, discuss the challenges with selective targeting of AML cells, and summarize the clinical results and immunologic insights from studies that are testing the latest immunotherapy approaches to specifically target AML cells (antibodies, cellular therapies) or more broadly reactivate antileukemia immunity (vaccines, checkpoint blockade). Given the complex interactions between AML cells and the many components of their environment, it is reasonable to surmise that the future of immunotherapy in AML lies in the rational combination of complementary immunotherapeutic strategies with chemotherapeutics or other oncogenic pathway inhibitors. Identifying reliable biomarkers of response to improve patient selection and avoid toxicities will be critical in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Vago
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Disease, and
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Ivana Gojo
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Li Z, Philip M, Ferrell PB. Alterations of T-cell-mediated immunity in acute myeloid leukemia. Oncogene 2020; 39:3611-3619. [PMID: 32127646 PMCID: PMC7234277 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-1239-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a systemic, heterogeneous hematologic malignancy with poor overall survival. While some malignancies have seen improvements in clinical outcomes with immunotherapy, success of these agents in AML remains elusive. Despite limited progress, stem cell transplantation and donor lymphocyte infusions show that modulation of the immune system can improve overall survival of AML patients. Understanding the causes of immune evasion and disease progression will identify potential immune-mediated targets in AML. This review explores immunosuppressive mechanisms that alter T-cell-mediated immunity in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuoyan Li
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Mary Philip
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - P. Brent Ferrell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
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24
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Antohe I, Dǎscǎlescu A, Dǎnǎilǎ C, Titieanu A, Zlei M, Ivanov I, Sireteanu A, Pavel M, Cianga P. B7-Positive and B7-Negative Acute Myeloid Leukemias Display Distinct T Cell Maturation Profiles, Immune Checkpoint Receptor Expression, and European Leukemia Net Risk Profiles. Front Oncol 2020; 10:264. [PMID: 32231996 PMCID: PMC7082324 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is generally considered a poorly immunogenic malignancy, displaying a “non-inflamed” leukemia microenvironment (LME), leading to T cell tolerance. However, the immune landscape of AML is much more heterogeneous. Since B7 expression is regarded as a consequence of an interferon-mediated “inflammatory” phenotype, we have investigated by flow cytometry the B7 checkpoint ligands B7.1, B7.2, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), PD-L2, ICOS-L, B7-H3, and B7-H4 on the AML blasts of 30 newly diagnosed patients and their corresponding receptors [cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA-4), programmed death 1 (PD-1), and inducible T cell costimulator (ICOS)] on bone marrow (BM) T cell maturation populations. We could thus evidence B7-negative and B7-positive leukemias either with an isolated expression or part of eight different checkpoint ligand “signatures” that always included an inhibitory B7 molecule. B7-positive AMLs encompassed intermediate and adverse European Leukemia Net (ELN) risk cases and displayed mainly central memory CD4+ T cells with high ICOS levels and effector CD8+ T cells with high PD-1 expression. B7-negative cases were rather classified as AML with recurrent genetic anomalies and displayed predominantly naive T cells, with the exception of NPM1 mutated AMLs, which expressed B7-H3. These different B7 immune profiles suggest that specific immunotherapies are required to target the distinct immune evasion strategies of this genetically heterogeneous disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ion Antohe
- Hematology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania.,Hematology Department, Regional Oncology Institute, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Angela Dǎscǎlescu
- Hematology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania.,Hematology Department, Regional Oncology Institute, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Cǎtǎlin Dǎnǎilǎ
- Hematology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania.,Hematology Department, Regional Oncology Institute, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Amalia Titieanu
- Hematology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania.,Hematology Department, Regional Oncology Institute, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Mihaela Zlei
- Immunophenotyping Department, Regional Oncology Institute, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Iuliu Ivanov
- Molecular Diagnostic Department, Regional Oncology Institute, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Adriana Sireteanu
- Molecular Diagnostic Department, Regional Oncology Institute, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Mariana Pavel
- Immunology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
| | - Petru Cianga
- Immunology Department, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Iaşi, Romania
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25
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mTOR and STAT3 Pathway Hyper-Activation is Associated with Elevated Interleukin-6 Levels in Patients with Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome: Further Evidence of Lymphoid Lineage Impairment. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12030597. [PMID: 32150944 PMCID: PMC7139896 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12030597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Shwachman–Diamond syndrome (SDS) is a rare inherited bone marrow failure syndrome, resulting in neutropenia and a risk of myeloid neoplasia. A mutation in a ribosome maturation factor accounts for almost all of the cases. Lymphoid involvement in SDS has not been well characterized. We recently reported that lymphocyte subpopulations are reduced in SDS patients. We have also shown that the mTOR-STAT3 pathway is hyper-activated in SDS myeloid cell populations. Here we show that mTOR-STAT3 signaling is markedly upregulated in the lymphoid compartment of SDS patients. Furthermore, our data reveal elevated IL-6 levels in cellular supernatants obtained from lymphoblasts, bone marrow mononuclear and mesenchymal stromal cells, and plasma samples obtained from a cohort of 10 patients. Of note, everolimus-mediated inhibition of mTOR signaling is associated with basal state of phosphorylated STAT3. Finally, inhibition of mTOR-STAT3 pathway activation leads to normalization of IL-6 expression in SDS cells. Altogether, our data strengthen the hypothesis that SDS affects both lymphoid and myeloid blood compartment and suggest everolimus as a potential therapeutic agent to reduce excessive mTOR-STAT3 activation in SDS.
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26
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Knorr DA, Goldberg AD, Stein EM, Tallman MS. Immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia: from allogeneic stem cell transplant to novel therapeutics. Leuk Lymphoma 2019; 60:3350-3362. [PMID: 31335250 PMCID: PMC6928392 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2019.1639167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy in the form of allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) plays an instrumental role in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), with non-transplant modalities of immunotherapy including checkpoint blockade now being actively explored. Here, we provide an overview of the graft versus leukemia (GVL) effect in AML as a window into understanding the prospects of AML immunotherapy. We explore the roles of various cell types in orchestrating anti-leukemic immunity, as well as those contributing to the unique immune suppressive state of myeloid diseases. We discuss specific approaches to engage the immune system, while noting the challenges of the AML antigen landscape and the barriers to immune modulation. We review the potential for immunomodulatory agents in combination with cellular therapies, donor lymphocyte infusion, and following SCT. Finally, to address the challenge of minimal residual disease (MRD) following chemotherapy, we propose combination epigenetic and immunotherapy for the eradication of MRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A. Knorr
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Genetics and Immunology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aaron D. Goldberg
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eytan M. Stein
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Martin S. Tallman
- Leukemia Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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27
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Gusdon AM, Nyquist PA, Torres-Lopez VM, Leasure AC, Falcone GJ, Sheth KN, Sansing LH, Hanley DF, Malani R. Perihematomal Edema After Intracerebral Hemorrhage in Patients With Active Malignancy. Stroke 2019; 51:129-136. [PMID: 31744426 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.119.027085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Background and Purpose- Patients with active malignancy are at risk for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We aimed to characterize perihematomal edema (PHE) and hematoma volumes after spontaneous nontraumatic ICH in patients with cancer without central nervous system involvement. Methods- Patients with active malignancy who developed ICH were retrospectively identified through automated searches of institutional databases. Control patients were identified with ICH and without active cancer. Demographic and cancer-specific data were obtained by chart review. Hematoma and PHE volumes were determined using semiautomated methodology. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were created to assess which variables were associated with hematoma and PHE expansion. Results- Patients with cancer (N=80) and controls (N=136) had similar demographics (all P>0.20), although hypertension was more prevalent among controls (P=0.004). Most patients with cancer had received recent chemotherapy (n=45, 56%) and had recurrence of malignancy (n=43, 54%). Patients with cancer were thrombocytopenic (median platelet count 90 000 [interquartile range, 17 500-211 500]), and most had undergone blood product transfusion (n=41, 51%), predominantly platelets (n=38, 48%). Thirty-day mortality was 36% (n=29). Patients with cancer had significantly increased PHE volumes (23.67 versus 8.61 mL; P=1.88×10-9) and PHE-to-ICH volume ratios (2.26 versus 0.99; P=2.20×10-16). In multivariate analyses, variables associated with PHE growth among patients with cancer were ICH volume (β=1.29 [95% CI, 1.58-1.30] P=1.30×10-5) and platelet transfusion (β=15.67 [95% CI, 3.61-27.74] P=0.014). Variables associated with 30-day mortality were ICH volume (odds ratio, 1.06 [95% CI, 1.03-1.10] P=6.76×10-5), PHE volume (odds ratio, 1.07 [95% CI, 1.04-1.09] P=7.40×10-6), PHE growth (odds ratio, 1.05 [95% CI, 1.01-1.10] P=0.01), and platelet transfusion (odds ratio, 1.48 [95% CI, 1.22-1.79] P=0.0001). Conclusions- Patients with active cancer who develop ICH have increased PHE volumes. PHE growth was independent of thrombocytopenia but associated with blood product transfusion. Thirty-day mortality was associated with PHE and ICH volumes and blood product transfusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron M Gusdon
- From the Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (A.M.G., P.A.N.)
| | - Paul A Nyquist
- From the Division of Neurocritical Care, Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (A.M.G., P.A.N.).,Division of Brain Injury Outcomes (BIOS), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (P.A.N., D.F.H.)
| | - Victor M Torres-Lopez
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (V.M.T.-L., A.C.L., G.J.F., K.N.S., L.H.S.)
| | - Audrey C Leasure
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (V.M.T.-L., A.C.L., G.J.F., K.N.S., L.H.S.)
| | - Guido J Falcone
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (V.M.T.-L., A.C.L., G.J.F., K.N.S., L.H.S.)
| | - Kevin N Sheth
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (V.M.T.-L., A.C.L., G.J.F., K.N.S., L.H.S.)
| | - Lauren H Sansing
- Department of Neurology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT (V.M.T.-L., A.C.L., G.J.F., K.N.S., L.H.S.)
| | - Daniel F Hanley
- Division of Brain Injury Outcomes (BIOS), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD (P.A.N., D.F.H.)
| | - Rachna Malani
- Department of Neurology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY (R.M.)
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28
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The ST2/Interleukin-33 Axis in Hematologic Malignancies: The IL-33 Paradox. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205226. [PMID: 31652497 PMCID: PMC6834139 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-33 is a chromatin-related nuclear interleukin that is a component of IL-1 family. IL-33 production augments the course of inflammation after cell damage or death. It is discharged into the extracellular space. IL-33 is regarded as an “alarmin” able to stimulate several effectors of the immune system, regulating numerous immune responses comprising cancer immune reactions. IL-33 has been demonstrated to influence tumorigenesis. However, as far as this cytokine is concerned, we are faced with what has sometimes been defined as the IL-33 paradox. Several studies have demonstrated a relevant role of IL-33 to numerous malignancies, where it may have pro- and—less frequently—antitumorigenic actions. In the field of hematological malignancies, the role of IL-33 seems even more complex. Although we can affirm the existence of a negative role of IL-33 in Chronic myelogenos leukemia (CML) and in lymphoproliferative diseases and a positive role in pathologies such as Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the action of IL-33 seems to be multiple and sometimes contradictory within the same pathology. In the future, we will have to learn to govern the negative aspects of activating the IL-33/ST2 axis and exploit the positive ones.
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29
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Rabe JL, Gardner L, Hunter R, Fonseca JA, Dougan J, Gearheart CM, Leibowitz MS, Lee-Miller C, Baturin D, Fosmire SP, Zelasko SE, Jones CL, Slansky JE, Rupji M, Dwivedi B, Henry CJ, Porter CC. IL12 Abrogates Calcineurin-Dependent Immune Evasion during Leukemia Progression. Cancer Res 2019; 79:3702-3713. [PMID: 31142509 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-3800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Exploitation of the immune system has emerged as an important therapeutic strategy for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). However, the mechanisms of immune evasion during leukemia progression remain poorly understood. We sought to understand the role of calcineurin in ALL and observed that depletion of calcineurin B (CnB) in leukemia cells dramatically prolongs survival in immune-competent but not immune-deficient recipients. Immune-competent recipients were protected from challenge with leukemia if they were first immunized with CnB-deficient leukemia, suggesting robust adaptive immunity. In the bone marrow (BM), recipients of CnB-deficient leukemia harbored expanded T-cell populations as compared with controls. Gene expression analyses of leukemia cells extracted from the BM identified Cn-dependent significant changes in the expression of immunoregulatory genes. Increased secretion of IL12 from CnB-deficient leukemia cells was sufficient to induce T-cell activation ex vivo, an effect that was abolished when IL12 was neutralized. Strikingly, recombinant IL12 prolonged survival of mice challenged with highly aggressive B-ALL. Moreover, gene expression analyses from children with ALL showed that patients with higher expression of either IL12A or IL12B exhibited prolonged survival. These data suggest that leukemia cells are dependent upon calcineurin for immune evasion by restricting the regulation of proinflammatory genes, particularly IL12. SIGNIFICANCE: This report implicates calcineurin as an intracellular signaling molecule responsible for immune evasion during leukemia progression and raises the prospect of re-examining IL12 as a therapeutic in leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer L Rabe
- Molecular Biology Program, University of Colorado Denver, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Lori Gardner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Rae Hunter
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jairo A Fonseca
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Jodi Dougan
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| | | | | | - Cathy Lee-Miller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Dmitry Baturin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Susan P Fosmire
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Susan E Zelasko
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Courtney L Jones
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jill E Slansky
- Integrated Department of Immunology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Manali Rupji
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Bhakti Dwivedi
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Curtis J Henry
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Christopher C Porter
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia.
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
- Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, Georgia
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30
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Alfayez M, Borthakur G. Checkpoint inhibitors and acute myelogenous leukemia: promises and challenges. Expert Rev Hematol 2019; 11:373-389. [PMID: 29589969 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2018.1459184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Immunity, for treatment of acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), has been leveraged historically in the form of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) as positive modulators of immune response have been recent major breakthroughs in solid tumors. Areas covered: Emerging concepts and clinical data with CPIs in acute Myeloid Leukemia - the focus of this review- will be discussed. CPIs can potentially be effective in absence of 'actionable' mutations and are expected to be effective against poor-risk AML. Immune inhibitory checkpoint molecules are upregulated in both de novo and relapsed AML. Similar data also suggest role of checkpoint molecules in mediating resistance particularly to hypomethylating agent (HMA) therapy, which can potentially be reversed by using checkpoint inhibitors. Expert commentary: Ongoing clinical trials in combination with HMAs are showing early promise, with doubling of response than that seen in historic controls. The optimal combinations of CPIs and the optimal space that they will fit in the continuum of AML therapies need lot of in depth work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mansour Alfayez
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Gautam Borthakur
- a Department of Leukemia , University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
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31
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Kline DE, MacNabb BW, Chen X, Chan WC, Fosco D, Kline J. CD8α + Dendritic Cells Dictate Leukemia-Specific CD8 + T Cell Fates. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2018; 201:3759-3769. [PMID: 30420437 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1801184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/15/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
APCs are essential for the orchestration of antitumor T cell responses. Batf3-lineage CD8α+ and CD103+ dendritic cells (DCs), in particular, are required for the spontaneous initiation of CD8+ T cell priming against solid tumors. In contrast, little is known about the APCs that regulate CD8+ T cell responses against hematological malignancies. Using an unbiased approach, we aimed to characterize the APCs responsible for regulating CD8+ T cell responses in a syngeneic murine leukemia model. We show with single-cell resolution that CD8α+ DCs alone acquire and cross-present leukemia Ags in vivo, culminating in the induction of leukemia-specific CD8+ T cell tolerance. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the mere acquisition of leukemia cell cargo is associated with a unique transcriptional program that may be important in regulating tolerogenic CD8α+ DC functions in mice with leukemia. Finally, we show that systemic CD8α+ DC activation with a TLR3 agonist completely prevents their ability to generate leukemia-specific CD8+ T cell tolerance in vivo, resulting instead in the induction of potent antileukemia T cell immunity and prolonged survival of leukemia-bearing mice. Together, our data reveal that Batf3-lineage DCs imprint disparate CD8+ T cell fates in hosts with solid tumors versus systemic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas E Kline
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637.,Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637; and
| | | | - Xiufen Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637; and
| | - Wen-Ching Chan
- Center for Research Informatics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637
| | - Dominick Fosco
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637; and
| | - Justin Kline
- Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637; .,Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637; and
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32
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Jitschin R, Saul D, Braun M, Tohumeken S, Völkl S, Kischel R, Lutteropp M, Dos Santos C, Mackensen A, Mougiakakos D. CD33/CD3-bispecific T-cell engaging (BiTE®) antibody construct targets monocytic AML myeloid-derived suppressor cells. J Immunother Cancer 2018; 6:116. [PMID: 30396365 PMCID: PMC6217777 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-018-0432-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 10/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia amongst adults with a 5-year overall survival lower than 30%. Emerging evidence suggest that immune alterations favor leukemogenesis and/or AML relapse thereby negatively impacting disease outcome. Over the last years myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) have been gaining momentum in the field of cancer research. MDSCs are a heterogeneous cell population morphologically resembling either monocytes or granulocytes and sharing some key features including myeloid origin, aberrant (immature) phenotype, and immunosuppressive activity. Increasing evidence suggests that accumulating MDSCs are involved in hampering anti-tumor immune responses and immune-based therapies. Here, we demonstrate increased frequencies of CD14+ monocytic MDSCs in newly diagnosed AML that co-express CD33 but lack HLA-DR (HLA-DRlo). AML-blasts induce HLA-DRlo cells from healthy donor-derived monocytes in vitro that suppress T-cells and express indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO). We investigated whether a CD33/CD3-bispecific BiTE® antibody construct (AMG 330) with pre-clinical activity against AML-blasts by redirection of T-cells can eradicate CD33+ MDSCs. In fact, T-cells eliminate IDO+CD33+ MDSCs in the presence of AMG 330. Depletion of total CD14+ cells (including MDSCs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from AML patients did not enhance AMG 330-triggered T-cell activation and expansion, but boosted AML-blast lysis. This finding was corroborated in experiments showing that adding MDSCs into co-cultures of T- and AML-cells reduced AML-blast killing, while IDO inhibition promotes AMG 330-mediated clearance of AML-blasts. Taken together, our results suggest that AMG 330 may achieve anti-leukemic efficacy not only through T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity against AML-blasts but also against CD33+ MDSCs, suggesting that it is worth exploring the predictive role of MDSCs for responsiveness towards an AMG 330-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Jitschin
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Domenica Saul
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Martina Braun
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sehmus Tohumeken
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Simon Völkl
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | | | - Cedric Dos Santos
- Clinical Biomarkers and Diagnostics, Amgen Inc., South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Andreas Mackensen
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Dimitrios Mougiakakos
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Ulmenweg 18, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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33
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Knaus HA, Berglund S, Hackl H, Blackford AL, Zeidner JF, Montiel-Esparza R, Mukhopadhyay R, Vanura K, Blazar BR, Karp JE, Luznik L, Gojo I. Signatures of CD8+ T cell dysfunction in AML patients and their reversibility with response to chemotherapy. JCI Insight 2018; 3:120974. [PMID: 30385732 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.120974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our understanding of phenotypic and functional signatures of CD8+ T cell dysfunction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is limited. Deciphering these deranged T cell functional states and how they are impacted by induction chemotherapy is essential for incorporation of novel immune-based strategies to restore and maintain antileukemia immunity. METHODS We utilized high-dimensional immunophenotyping, gene expression, and functional studies to characterize peripheral blood and bone marrow CD8+ T cells in 72 AML patients at diagnosis and after induction chemotherapy. RESULTS Our data suggest that multiple aspects of deranged T cell function are operative in AML at diagnosis, with exhaustion and senescence being the dominant processes. Following treatment, the phenotypic and transcriptional profile of CD8+ T cells diverged between responders and nonresponders. Response to therapy correlated with upregulation of costimulatory, and downregulation of apoptotic and inhibitory, T cell signaling pathways, indicative of restoration of T cell function. In functional studies, AML blasts directly altered CD8+ T cell viability, expansion, co-signaling and senescence marker expression. This CD8+ T cell dysfunction was in part reversible upon PD-1 blockade or OX40 costimulation in vitro. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the uniqueness of AML in sculpting CD8+ T cell responses and the plasticity of their signatures upon chemotherapy response, providing a compelling rationale for integration of novel immunotherapies to augment antileukemia immunity. FUNDING This work was supported by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society grant no. 6449-13; NIH grants UM1-CA186691 and R01-HL110907-01; the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation New Investigator Award/Gabrielle's Angel Foundation; the Vienna Fund for Innovative Cancer Research; and by fellowships from the Wenner-Gren Foundation and the Swedish Society for Medical Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna A Knaus
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sofia Berglund
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Division of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Amanda L Blackford
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua F Zeidner
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Raúl Montiel-Esparza
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rupkatha Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Katrina Vanura
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Judith E Karp
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Leo Luznik
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ivana Gojo
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Knaus HA, Berglund S, Hackl H, Blackford AL, Zeidner JF, Montiel-Esparza R, Mukhopadhyay R, Vanura K, Blazar BR, Karp JE, Luznik L, Gojo I. Signatures of CD8+ T cell dysfunction in AML patients and their reversibility with response to chemotherapy. JCI Insight 2018. [PMID: 30385732 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.120974:e120974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our understanding of phenotypic and functional signatures of CD8+ T cell dysfunction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is limited. Deciphering these deranged T cell functional states and how they are impacted by induction chemotherapy is essential for incorporation of novel immune-based strategies to restore and maintain antileukemia immunity. METHODS We utilized high-dimensional immunophenotyping, gene expression, and functional studies to characterize peripheral blood and bone marrow CD8+ T cells in 72 AML patients at diagnosis and after induction chemotherapy. RESULTS Our data suggest that multiple aspects of deranged T cell function are operative in AML at diagnosis, with exhaustion and senescence being the dominant processes. Following treatment, the phenotypic and transcriptional profile of CD8+ T cells diverged between responders and nonresponders. Response to therapy correlated with upregulation of costimulatory, and downregulation of apoptotic and inhibitory, T cell signaling pathways, indicative of restoration of T cell function. In functional studies, AML blasts directly altered CD8+ T cell viability, expansion, co-signaling and senescence marker expression. This CD8+ T cell dysfunction was in part reversible upon PD-1 blockade or OX40 costimulation in vitro. CONCLUSION Our findings highlight the uniqueness of AML in sculpting CD8+ T cell responses and the plasticity of their signatures upon chemotherapy response, providing a compelling rationale for integration of novel immunotherapies to augment antileukemia immunity. FUNDING This work was supported by the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society grant no. 6449-13; NIH grants UM1-CA186691 and R01-HL110907-01; the American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation New Investigator Award/Gabrielle's Angel Foundation; the Vienna Fund for Innovative Cancer Research; and by fellowships from the Wenner-Gren Foundation and the Swedish Society for Medical Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna A Knaus
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sofia Berglund
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hubert Hackl
- Division of Bioinformatics, Biocenter, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Amanda L Blackford
- Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Joshua F Zeidner
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Raúl Montiel-Esparza
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rupkatha Mukhopadhyay
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Katrina Vanura
- Division of Hematology and Hemostaseology, Department of Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Bruce R Blazar
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Judith E Karp
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Leo Luznik
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ivana Gojo
- Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Horton BL, Williams JB, Cabanov A, Spranger S, Gajewski TF. Intratumoral CD8 + T-cell Apoptosis Is a Major Component of T-cell Dysfunction and Impedes Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:14-24. [PMID: 29097422 PMCID: PMC5754226 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Subsets of human tumors are infiltrated with tumor antigen-specific CD8+ T cells [tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs)] despite tumor progression. These TILs are thought to be inactivated by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, through the engagement of inhibitory receptors such as CTLA-4 and PD-1. However, antigen-specific CD8+ TILs are not functionally inert but are undergoing activation in situ Here, we show that antigen-specific CD8+ TILs are actively proliferating, yet also undergo high rates of apoptosis, leading to a vicious cycle of activation and death that limits immune efficacy. Preventing CD8+ TIL apoptosis by Bcl-xL overexpression enabled accumulation and improved tumor control. Effective combination immunotherapy with an agonist 4-1BB mAb plus either CTLA-4 or PD-L1 neutralization led to a marked accumulation of specific CD8+ TILs through decreased apoptosis rather than increased T-cell entry or proliferation. Our data suggest that antigen-driven apoptosis of CD8+ TILs is a barrier to effective spontaneous antitumor immunity and should be considered as a critical factor in the development of cancer immunotherapies. Cancer Immunol Res; 6(1); 14-24. ©2017 AACR.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Apoptosis/genetics
- Apoptosis/immunology
- Biomarkers
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- DNA Damage
- Disease Models, Animal
- Disease Progression
- Gene Expression Profiling
- Humans
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/pathology
- Melanoma, Experimental
- Mice
- Mice, Knockout
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Neoplasms/pathology
- T-Cell Antigen Receptor Specificity
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- Tumor Microenvironment/genetics
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
- Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor Superfamily, Member 9/antagonists & inhibitors
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Horton
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Jason B Williams
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Alexandra Cabanov
- The Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Stefani Spranger
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Thomas F Gajewski
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois.
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology/Oncology, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
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36
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Miller ML, Chong AS, Alegre ML. Fifty Shades of Tolerance: Beyond a Binary Tolerant/Non-Tolerant Paradigm. CURRENT TRANSPLANTATION REPORTS 2017; 4:262-269. [PMID: 31098340 DOI: 10.1007/s40472-017-0166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Purpose of review It has long been considered that tolerance in a transplant recipient is a binary all-or-none state: either the graft is accepted without immunosuppression identifying the recipient as tolerant, or the recipient rejects the graft and is not tolerant. This tolerance paradigm, however, does not accurately reflect data emerging from animal models and patients and requires revision. Recent Findings It is becoming appreciated that there may be different gradations in the quality of tolerance based on underlying cellular mechanisms of immunological tolerance, and that individuals may enhance their tolerance by strengthening or combining different cellular mechanisms. Furthermore, evidence suggests that even if tolerance is lost, the loss may be only temporary, and in some circumstances tolerance can be restored. Summary Shifting our focus from an all-or-nothing tolerance paradigm to one with many shades may help us better understand how tolerance operates, and how this state may be tracked and enhanced for better patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle L Miller
- Department of Medicine, Section of Rheumatology, University of Chicago
| | - Anita S Chong
- Department of Surgery, Section of Transplantation, University of Chicago
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37
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Jing W, Gershan JA, Holzhauer S, Weber J, Palen K, McOlash L, Pulakanti K, Wesley E, Rao S, Johnson BD, Riese MJ. T Cells Deficient in Diacylglycerol Kinase ζ Are Resistant to PD-1 Inhibition and Help Create Persistent Host Immunity to Leukemia. Cancer Res 2017; 77:5676-5686. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2017] [Revised: 07/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/23/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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38
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Knaus HA, Kanakry CG, Luznik L, Gojo I. Immunomodulatory Drugs: Immune Checkpoint Agents in Acute Leukemia. Curr Drug Targets 2017; 18:315-331. [PMID: 25981611 DOI: 10.2174/1389450116666150518095346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2015] [Revised: 01/15/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Intrinsic immune responses to acute leukemia are inhibited by a variety of mechanisms, such as aberrant antigen expression by leukemia cells, secretion of immunosuppressive cytokines and expression of inhibitory enzymes in the tumor microenvironment, expansion of immunoregulatory cells, and activation of immune checkpoint pathways, all leading to T cell dysfunction and/or exhaustion. Leukemic cells, similar to other tumor cells, hijack these inhibitory pathways to evade immune recognition and destruction by cytotoxic T lymphocytes. Thus, blockade of immune checkpoints has emerged as a highly promising approach to augment innate anti-tumor immunity in order to treat malignancies. Most evidence for the clinical efficacy of this immunotherapeutic strategy has been seen in patients with metastatic melanoma, where anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1 antibodies have recently revolutionized treatment of this lethal disease with otherwise limited treatment options. To meet the high demand for new treatment strategies in acute leukemia, clinical testing of these promising therapies is commencing. Herein, we review the biology of multiple inhibitory checkpoints (including CTLA-4, PD-1, TIM-3, LAG-3, BTLA, and CD200R) and their contribution to immune evasion by acute leukemias. In addition, we discuss the current state of preclinical and clinical studies of immune checkpoint inhibition in acute leukemia, which seek to harness the body's own immune system to fight leukemic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ivana Gojo
- Cancer Research Building I, Room 346, 1650 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287, United States
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39
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Boddu P, Kantarjian H, Garcia-Manero G, Allison J, Sharma P, Daver N. The emerging role of immune checkpoint based approaches in AML and MDS. Leuk Lymphoma 2017; 59:790-802. [PMID: 28679300 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2017.1344905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors represents a major breakthrough in the field of cancer therapeutics. Pursuant to their success in melanoma and numerous solid tumor malignancies, these agents are being investigated in hematological malignancies including acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Although AML/MDS have traditionally been considered to be less immunogenic than solid tumor malignancies, recent pre-clinical models suggest a therapeutic role for immune checkpoint inhibition in these diseases. CTLA-4 inhibition may be especially effective in treating late post-allogeneic stem cell transplant relapse of AML in patients with limited or no graft versus host disease. Immune checkpoint inhibition, specifically PD-1 inhibition, demonstrated limited single agent efficacy in patients with relapsed AML and with MDS post-hypomethylating therapy. Rationally designed combinations of PD-1 inhibitors with standard anti-leukemic therapy are needed. Hypomethylating agents such as azacitidine, up-regulate PD-1, PD-L1, and PD-L2 in patients with AML/MDS and up-regulation of these genes was associated with the emergence of resistance. The combination of azacitidine and PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition may be a potential mechanism to prevent or overcome resistance to 5-azacitidine. A number of such combinations are being evaluated in clinical trials with early encouraging results. Immune checkpoint inhibition is also an attractive option to improve relapse-free survival or eliminate minimal residual disease post induction and consolidation by enhancing T-cell surveillance in patients with high-risk AML. The ongoing clinical trials with checkpoint inhibitors in AML/MDS will improve our understanding of the immunobiology of these diseases and guide us to the most appropriate application of these agents in the therapy of AML/MDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prajwal Boddu
- a Department of Leukemia , The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- a Department of Leukemia , The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Guillermo Garcia-Manero
- a Department of Leukemia , The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - James Allison
- a Department of Leukemia , The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Padmanee Sharma
- b Immunotherapy Platform , The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
| | - Naval Daver
- a Department of Leukemia , The University of Texas M. D. Anderson Cancer Center , Houston , TX , USA
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40
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Chretien AS, Fauriat C, Orlanducci F, Galseran C, Rey J, Bouvier Borg G, Gautherot E, Granjeaud S, Hamel-Broza JF, Demerle C, Ifrah N, Lacombe C, Cornillet-Lefebvre P, Delaunay J, Toubert A, Gregori E, Luche H, Malissen M, Arnoulet C, Nunes JA, Vey N, Olive D. Natural Killer Defective Maturation Is Associated with Adverse Clinical Outcome in Patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Immunol 2017; 8:573. [PMID: 28611767 PMCID: PMC5447002 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence highlights natural killer (NK) cell parameters as potential prognostic factors in cancer patients, which provides a strong rationale for developing therapeutic strategies aiming at restoring NK cell. However, reaching this point warrants better characterization of tumor-induced NK cell alterations. Our group recently reported heterogeneous NK maturation in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. However, the clinical significance of such observations remained to be assessed on a larger cohort of patients. NK maturation based on expression of CD56, CD57, and KIR was assessed by flow cytometry in newly diagnosed AML patients (N = 87 patients from GOELAMS-LAM-IR-2006 multicenter trial). Clinical outcome was evaluated with regard to NK maturation profiles. Unsupervised integrated analysis of NK maturation markers confirmed the existence of three distinct groups of patients [hypomaturation (24.1%), intermediate maturation (66.7%), and hypermaturation (9.2%)]. In univariate analysis, significant differences in overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0006) and relapse-free survival (RFS) (P < 0.0001) were observed among these different groups. Patients with hypomaturation profile had reduced OS, with 3-year OS rates of 12.5 vs 57.1 and 57.4% for patients with intermediate and hypermaturation, respectively. Consistently, patients with hypomaturation profile had reduced RFS, with 3-year RFS rates of 0 vs 52.6 and 73.3% for patients with intermediate and hypermaturation, respectively. In multivariate Cox regression models, NK hypomaturation remained significantly associated with reduced OS and RFS, independent of other factors [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.15, P = 0.004 and HR = 8.23, P = 0.003, respectively]. NK maturation defects were further explored by mass cytometry and revealed that NK hypomaturation profile is associated with a reduced frequency of memory-like NK cells. In conclusion, besides classical alterations of NK triggering and inhibitory receptors expression in AML, we confirm that the homeostasis of NK maturation can be modified in the context of AML, notably with a deep maturation blockade in almost 10% patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sophie Chretien
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Cyril Fauriat
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Claire Galseran
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Jerome Rey
- Hematology Department, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | | | | | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Systems Biology Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | | | - Clemence Demerle
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | | | - Catherine Lacombe
- GOELAMStheque, FILO (French Innovative Leukemia Organization), Cochin Hospital, APHP, Paris, France
| | | | - Jacques Delaunay
- Service d'Hématologie, Centre Catherine de Sienne, Nantes, France
| | - Antoine Toubert
- INSERM UMRS-1160, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Institut Universitaire d'Hématologie, Immunology and Histocompatibility department, Hôpital Saint-Louis, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Emilie Gregori
- Centre d'Immunophénomique - CIPHE (PHENOMIN), Aix Marseille University, UMS3367; Inserm US012; CNRS, UMS3367, Marseille, France
| | - Herve Luche
- Centre d'Immunophénomique - CIPHE (PHENOMIN), Aix Marseille University, UMS3367; Inserm US012; CNRS, UMS3367, Marseille, France
| | - Marie Malissen
- Centre d'Immunophénomique - CIPHE (PHENOMIN), Aix Marseille University, UMS3367; Inserm US012; CNRS, UMS3367, Marseille, France.,Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Aix Marseille Université UM2, Inserm U1104, CNRS UMR7280, F-13288, Marseille, France
| | - Christine Arnoulet
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Biopathology Department, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Jacques A Nunes
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Norbert Vey
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Hematology Department, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Team Immunity and Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068; CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes; Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, Marseille, France.,Immunomonitoring platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
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41
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Curran EK, Godfrey J, Kline J. Mechanisms of Immune Tolerance in Leukemia and Lymphoma. Trends Immunol 2017; 38:513-525. [PMID: 28511816 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2017.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mechanisms through which immune responses are generated against solid cancers are well characterized and knowledge of the immune evasion pathways exploited by these malignancies has grown considerably. However, for hematological cancers, which develop and disseminate quite differently than solid tumors, the pathways that regulate immune activation or tolerance are less clear. Growing evidence suggests that, while numerous immune escape pathways are shared between hematological and solid malignancies, several unique pathways are exploited by leukemia and lymphoma. Below we discuss immune evasion mechanisms in leukemia and lymphoma, highlighting key differences from solid tumors. A more complete characterization of the mechanisms of immune tolerance in hematological malignancies is critical to inform the development of future immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily K Curran
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacogenomics, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - James Godfrey
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Justin Kline
- Department of Medicine, Section of Hematology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
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42
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Chen X, Fosco D, Kline DE, Kline J. Calreticulin promotes immunity and type I interferon-dependent survival in mice with acute myeloid leukemia. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1278332. [PMID: 28507789 PMCID: PMC5414882 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1278332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure of cancer cells to particular chemotherapeutic agents or γ-irradiation induces a form of cell death that stimulates an immune response in mice. This “immunogenic cell death” requires calreticulin (CRT) translocation to the plasma membrane, which has been shown to promote cancer cell phagocytosis. However, it remains unclear whether the effect of CRT on cancer cell phagocytosis is alone sufficient to affect tumor immunity. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells expressing cell-surface CRT were generated in order to characterize the mechanism(s) through which CRT activates tumor immune responses. Potent immune-mediated control or rejection of AML was observed in mice with CRT-expressing leukemia. The “CRT effect” was ultimately T-cell dependent, but dendritic cells (DCs), and CD8α+ DCs in particular, were also necessary, indicating that CRT might act directly on these DCs. CRT-expressing AML cells were slightly more susceptible to phagocytosis by DCs in vivo, but this effect was unlikely to explain the potent immunity observed. CRT did not affect classical DC maturation markers, but induced expression of type I interferon (IFN), which was critical for its positive effect on survival. In conclusion, CRT functions as a “danger signal” that promotes a host type I IFN response associated with the induction of potent leukemia-specific T-cell immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufen Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dominick Fosco
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Douglas E Kline
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Justin Kline
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.,University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, IL, USA
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43
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Qin L, Dominguez D, Chen S, Fan J, Long A, Zhang M, Fang D, Zhang Y, Kuzel TM, Zhang B. Exogenous IL-33 overcomes T cell tolerance in murine acute myeloid leukemia. Oncotarget 2016; 7:61069-61080. [PMID: 27517629 PMCID: PMC5308636 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies suggest that dominant peripheral tolerance is a major mechanism of immune escape in disseminated leukemia. Using an established murine acute myeloid leukemia (AML) model, we here show that systemic administration of recombinant IL-33 dramatically inhibits the leukemia growth and prolongs the survival of leukemia-bearing mice in a CD8+ T cell dependent manner. Exogenous IL-33 treatment enhanced anti-leukemia activity by increasing the expansion and IFN-γ production of leukemia-reactive CD8+ T cells. Moreover, IL-33 promoted dendritic cell (DC) maturation and activation in favor of its cross presentation ability to evoke a vigorous anti-leukemia immune response. Finally, we found that the combination of PD-1 blockade with IL-33 further prolonged the survival, with half of the mice achieving complete regression. Our data establish a role of exogenous IL-33 in reversing T cell tolerance, and suggest its potential clinical implication into leukemia immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Qin
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Donye Dominguez
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Siqi Chen
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Jie Fan
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Alan Long
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Minghui Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Timothy M. Kuzel
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Bin Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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44
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Curran E, Chen X, Corrales L, Kline DE, Dubensky TW, Duttagupta P, Kortylewski M, Kline J. STING Pathway Activation Stimulates Potent Immunity against Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cell Rep 2016; 15:2357-66. [PMID: 27264175 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2016.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 05/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Type I interferon (IFN), essential for spontaneous T cell priming against solid tumors, is generated through recognition of tumor DNA by STING. Interestingly, we observe that type I IFN is not elicited in animals with disseminated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Further, survival of leukemia-bearing animals is not diminished in the absence of type I IFN signaling, suggesting that STING may not be triggered by AML. However, the STING agonist, DMXAA, induces expression of IFN-β and other inflammatory cytokines, promotes dendritic cell (DC) maturation, and results in the striking expansion of leukemia-specific T cells. Systemic DMXAA administration significantly extends survival in two AML models. The therapeutic effect of DMXAA is only partially dependent on host type I IFN signaling, suggesting that other cytokines are important. A synthetic cyclic dinucleotide that also activates human STING provided a similar anti-leukemic effect. These data demonstrate that STING is a promising immunotherapeutic target in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Curran
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Xiufen Chen
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Leticia Corrales
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | - Douglas E Kline
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
| | | | - Priyanka Duttagupta
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Marcin Kortylewski
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute at City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Justin Kline
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA.
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45
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Serum-resistant CpG-STAT3 decoy for targeting survival and immune checkpoint signaling in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2016; 127:1687-700. [PMID: 26796361 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-08-665604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 01/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Targeting oncogenic transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) can reduce blast survival and tumor immune evasion. Decoy oligodeoxynucleotides (dODNs), which comprise STAT3-specific DNA sequences are competitive inhibition of STAT3 transcriptional activity. To deliver STAT3dODN specifically to myeloid cells, we linked STAT3dODN to the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) ligand, cytosine guanine dinucleotide (CpG). The CpG-STAT3dODN conjugates are quickly internalized by human and mouse TLR9(+)immune cells (dendritic cells, B cells) and the majority of patients' derived AML blasts, including leukemia stem/progenitor cells. Following uptake, CpG-STAT3dODNs are released from endosomes, and bind and sequester cytoplasmic STAT3, thereby inhibiting downstream gene expression in target cells. STAT3 inhibition in patients' AML cells limits their immunosuppressive potential by reduced arginase expression, thereby partly restoring T-cell proliferation. Partly chemically modified CpG-STAT3dODNs have >60 hours serum half-life which allows for IV administration to leukemia-bearing mice (50% effective dose ∼ 2.5 mg/kg). Repeated administration of CpG-STAT3dODN resulted in regression of human MV4-11 AML in mice. The antitumor efficacy of this strategy is further enhanced in immunocompetent mice by combining direct leukemia-specific cytotoxicity with immunogenic effects of STAT3 blocking/TLR9 triggering. CpG-STAT3dODN effectively reducedCbfb/MYH11/MplAML burden in various organs and eliminated leukemia stem/progenitor cells, mainly through CD8/CD4 T-cell-mediated immune responses. In contrast, small-molecule Janus kinase 2/STAT3 inhibitor failed to reproduce therapeutic effects of cell-selective CpG-STAT3dODN strategy. These results demonstrate therapeutic potential of CpG-STAT3dODN inhibitors with broad implications for treatment of AML and potentially other hematologic malignancies.
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46
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Bandyopadhyay S, Quinn TJ, Scandiuzzi L, Basu I, Partanen A, Tomé WA, Macian F, Guha C. Low-Intensity Focused Ultrasound Induces Reversal of Tumor-Induced T Cell Tolerance and Prevents Immune Escape. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:1964-76. [PMID: 26755821 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1500541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 12/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Immune responses against cancer cells are often hindered by immunosuppressive mechanisms that are developed in the tumor microenvironment. Induction of a hyporesponsive state in tumor Ag-specific T cells is one of the major events responsible for the inability of the adaptive immune system to mount an efficient antitumor response and frequently contributes to lessen the efficacy of immunotherapeutic approaches. Treatment of localized tumors by focused ultrasound (FUS) is a minimally invasive therapy that uses a range of input energy for in situ tumor ablation through the generation of thermal and cavitation effect. Using a murine B16 melanoma tumor model, we show that a variant of FUS that delivers a reduced level of energy at the focal point and generates mild mechanical and thermal stress in target cells has the ability to increase immunogenic presentation of tumor Ags, which results in reversal of tumor-induced T cell tolerance. Furthermore, we show that the combination of nonablative low-energy FUS with an ablative hypofractionated radiation therapy results in synergistic control of primary tumors and leads to a dramatic reduction in spontaneous pulmonary metastases while prolonging recurrence-free survival only in immunocompetent mice.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas J Quinn
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461; and
| | - Lisa Scandiuzzi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461; and
| | - Indranil Basu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461; and
| | | | - Wolfgang A Tomé
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461; and
| | - Fernando Macian
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461; Philips Healthcare, Bethesda, MD 20817
| | - Chandan Guha
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461; Department of Radiation Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461; and Philips Healthcare, Bethesda, MD 20817
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47
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Hasegawa K, Tanaka S, Fujiki F, Morimoto S, Nakajima H, Tatsumi N, Nakata J, Takashima S, Nishida S, Tsuboi A, Oka Y, Oji Y, Kumanogoh A, Sugiyama H, Hosen N. An Immunocompetent Mouse Model for MLL/AF9 Leukemia Reveals the Potential of Spontaneous Cytotoxic T-Cell Response to an Antigen Expressed in Leukemia Cells. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0144594. [PMID: 26658107 PMCID: PMC4684241 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0144594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia differs substantially with respect to stromal milieu from tumors that progress locally as solid masses, and the physiological importance of immunosurveillance in leukemia remains unclear. However, currently available mouse leukemia models have critical limitations in the context of analyzing immunological regulation of leukemia development. In this study, we transferred mouse MLL/AF9 leukemia-initiating cells into immunocompetent recipient mice without any pre-conditioning such as irradiation, and then analyzed the spontaneous T cell response to an immunogenic antigen expressed in leukemia cells. When the minimum numbers of leukemia-initiating cells for engraftment were transferred, leukemia cells were eradicated by the adaptive immune response in most, if not all, wild-type mice, but not in Rag2-/- recipient mice, which lack adaptive immunity. By contrast, mice transplanted with larger numbers of leukemia cells always developed leukemia. In mice with advanced leukemia, antigen-specific CTLs were also expanded, but were unresponsive to antigen stimulation and expressed high levels of PD-1 and LAG-3. These results provide the first clear demonstration that the spontaneous CTL response to a tumor-cell antigen has the potential to eradicate leukemia, whereas antigen-specific CTLs are exhausted in animals with advanced leukemia. This immunocompetent mouse leukemia model provides a useful platform for developing effective immunotherapies against leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kana Hasegawa
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satomi Tanaka
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Fumihiro Fujiki
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Soyoko Morimoto
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nakajima
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Tatsumi
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jun Nakata
- Department of Cancer Immunotherapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takashima
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatic Disease, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Sumiyuki Nishida
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatic Disease, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Akihiro Tsuboi
- Department of Cancer Immunotherapy, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Oka
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatic Disease, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunopathology, WP1 Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yusuke Oji
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kumanogoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Allergy and Rheumatic Disease, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Department of Immunopathology, WP1 Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Haruo Sugiyama
- Department of Functional Diagnostic Science, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoki Hosen
- Department of Cancer Stem Cell Biology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- * E-mail:
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48
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Jackson SR, Yuan J, Teague RM. Targeting CD8+ T-cell tolerance for cancer immunotherapy. Immunotherapy 2015; 6:833-52. [PMID: 25290416 DOI: 10.2217/imt.14.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In the final issue of Science in 2013, the American Association of Science recognized progress in the field of cancer immunotherapy as the 'Breakthrough of the Year.' The achievements were actually twofold, owing to the early success of genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) and to the mounting clinical triumphs achieved with checkpoint blockade antibodies. While fundamentally very different, the common thread of these independent strategies is the ability to prevent or overcome mechanisms of CD8(+) T-cell tolerance for improved tumor immunity. Here we discuss how circumventing T-cell tolerance has provided experimental insights that have guided the field of clinical cancer immunotherapy to a place where real breakthroughs can finally be claimed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie R Jackson
- Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, 1100 South Grand Blvd, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
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49
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Curran E, Corrales L, Kline J. Targeting the innate immune system as immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Front Oncol 2015; 5:83. [PMID: 25914882 PMCID: PMC4391043 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2015.00083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Because of its disseminated nature and lack of tumor-draining lymph nodes, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) likely employs unique immune evasion strategies as compared to solid malignancies. Targeting these unique mechanisms may result in improved immunotherapeutic approaches. Emerging data suggest that a specific dendritic cell (DC) subset, CD8α DCs, may be responsible for mediating tolerance in AML and thus targeting the innate immune system may be of benefit in this disease. Promising immune targets include the toll-like receptors, calreticulin/CD47, the stimulator of interferon genes pathway, and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3). However, it is becoming clear that compensatory mechanisms may limit the efficacy of these agents alone and thus rationale combinations of immunotherapies are warranted. This review discusses the potential immune evasion strategies in AML, as well as discussion of the promising innate immune targets, both alone and in combination, for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Curran
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago , Chicago, IL , USA
| | - Leticia Corrales
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago , Chicago, IL , USA ; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago , Chicago, IL , USA
| | - Justin Kline
- Department of Medicine, University of Chicago , Chicago, IL , USA ; Committee on Immunology, University of Chicago , Chicago, IL , USA ; University of Chicago Comprehensive Cancer Center , Chicago, IL , USA
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50
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Younos IH, Abe F, Talmadge JE. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells: their role in the pathophysiology of hematologic malignancies and potential as therapeutic targets. Leuk Lymphoma 2015; 56:2251-63. [PMID: 25407654 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2014.987141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a heterogeneous population of immature myeloid cells at various stages of differentiation/maturation that have a role in cancer induction and progression. They function as vasculogenic and immunosuppressive cells, utilizing multiple mechanisms to block both innate and adaptive anti-tumor immunity. Recently, their mechanism of action and clinical importance have been defined, and the cross-talk between myeloid cells and cancer cells has been shown to contribute to tumor induction, progression, metastasis and tolerance. In this review, we focus on the role of MDSCs in hematologic malignancies and the therapeutic approaches targeting MDSCs that are currently in clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim H Younos
- a Department of Clinical Pharmacology , Menoufia University , Al-Minufya , Egypt.,b Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy , College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University , Muscat , Oman
| | - Fuminori Abe
- c SBI Pharmaceuticals Co., Ltd. , Tokyo 106-6020 , Japan
| | - James E Talmadge
- d Department of Pathology and Microbiology , Nebraska Medical Center , Omaha , NE , USA
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