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Mohseni R, Mahdavi Sharif P, Behfar M, Shojaei S, Shoae-Hassani A, Jafari L, Khosravi A, Nikfetrat Z, Hamidieh AA. Phase I study of safety and efficacy of allogeneic natural killer cell therapy in relapsed/refractory neuroblastomas post autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20971. [PMID: 39251669 PMCID: PMC11385932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70958-7] [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: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite low incidence, neuroblastoma, an immunologically cold tumor, is the most common extracranial solid neoplasm in pediatrics. In relapsed/refractory cases, the benefits of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) and other therapies are limited. Natural killer (NK) cells apply cytotoxicity against tumor cells independently of antigen-presenting cells and the adaptive immune system. The primary endpoint of this trial was to assess the safety of the injection of allogenic, ex vivo-expanded and primed NK cells in relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma patients after auto-HSCT. The secondary endpoint included the efficacy of this intervention in controlling tumors. NK cells were isolated and primed ex vivo (by adding interleukin [IL]-2, IL-15, and IL-21) in a GMP-compliant CliniMACS system and administered to four patients with relapsed/refractory MYCN-positive neuroblastoma. NK cell injections (1 and 5 × 107 cells/kg in the first and second injections, respectively) were safe, and no acute or sub-acute adverse events were observed. During the follow-up period, one complete response (CR) and one partial response (PR) were observed, while two cases exhibited progressive disease (PD). In follow-up evaluations, two died due to disease progression, including the case with a PR. The patient with CR had regular growth at the 31-month follow-up, and another patient with PD is still alive and receiving chemotherapies 20 months after therapy. This therapy is an appealing and feasible approach for managing refractory neuroblastomas post-HSCT. Further studies are needed to explore its efficacy with higher doses and more frequent administrations for high-risk neuroblastomas and other immunologically cold tumors.Trial registration number: irct.behdasht.gov.ir (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, No. IRCT20201202049568N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashin Mohseni
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Pouya Mahdavi Sharif
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Maryam Behfar
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Sahar Shojaei
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shoae-Hassani
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Jafari
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Abbas Khosravi
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Zeynab Nikfetrat
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Hamidieh
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
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2
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Kaur K, Jewett A. Osteoclasts and Probiotics Mediate Significant Expansion, Functional Activation and Supercharging in NK, γδ T, and CD3+ T Cells: Use in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2024; 13:213. [PMID: 38334605 PMCID: PMC10854567 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030213] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies have introduced osteoclasts (OCs) as major activators of NK cells. It was found that OCs exhibit the capabilities of inducing cell expansion as well as increasing the cytotoxic activity of NK cells by granule release and increasing the secretion of TNF-α and TRAIL, leading to increased lysis of tumors in short-term as well as long-term periods, respectively. OC- induced expanded NK cells were named supercharged NK cells (sNK) due to their significantly high functional activity as well as their significantly higher cell expansion rate. It is, however, unclear whether the OC-mediated effect in NK cells is specific or whether other cytotoxic immune cells can also be expanded and activated by OCs. We chose to focus on γδ T cells and pan T cells, which also include CD8+ T cells. In this paper, we report that OCs are capable of expanding and functionally activating both γδ T cells and pan T cells. Expanded γδ T and pan T cells were capable of secreting high levels of INF-γ, albeit with different dynamics to those of NK cells, and, moreover, they are unable to kill NK-specific targets. Since we used humanized-BLT (hu-BLT) mice as a model of human disease, we next determined whether NK and T cell activation through OCs is also evident in cells obtained from hu-BLT mice. Similar to humans, OCs were capable of increasing the cell expansion and secretion of IFN-γ in the culture of either NK or T cells from hu-BLT mice, providing yet further evidence that these mice are appropriate models to study human disease. Therefore, these studies indicated that CD3+ T or γδ T cells can proliferate and be supercharged by OCs similar to the NK cells; thus, they can be used individually or in combination in the cell therapy of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, School of Dentistry and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
- The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, School of Dentistry and Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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3
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Kaur K, Jewett A. Role of Natural Killer Cells as Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Oral Tumor Eradication and Differentiation Both In Vivo and In Vitro. Crit Rev Immunol 2024; 44:87-98. [PMID: 38618731 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2024052389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Despite advancements in the field of cancer therapeutics, the five-year survival rate remains low in oral cancer patients. Therefore, the effective therapeutics are needed against oral cancer. Also, several studies including ours, have shown severely suppressed function and number of NK cells in oral cancer patients. In this review, we discuss the approach to inhibit the tumor growth and metastasis by direct killing or NK cell-mediated tumor differentiation. This review also provides an overview on supercharging NK cells using osteoclasts and probiotic bacteria, and their efficacy as cancer immunotherapeutic in humanized-BLT mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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4
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Yu Y. The Function of NK Cells in Tumor Metastasis and NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082323. [PMID: 37190251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumors cause the most deaths in cancer patients. Treating metastasis remains the primary goal of current cancer research. Although the immune system prevents and kills the tumor cells, the function of the immune system in metastatic cancer has been unappreciated for decades because tumors are able to develop complex signaling pathways to suppress immune responses, leading them to escape detection and elimination. Studies showed NK cell-based therapies have many advantages and promise for fighting metastatic cancers. We here review the function of the immune system in tumor progression, specifically focusing on the ability of NK cells in antimetastasis, how metastatic tumors escape the NK cell attack, as well as the recent development of effective antimetastatic immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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5
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Berrien-Elliott MM, Jacobs MT, Fehniger TA. Allogeneic natural killer cell therapy. Blood 2023; 141:856-868. [PMID: 36416736 PMCID: PMC10023727 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in adoptive cell therapy for treating cancer is exploding owing to early clinical successes of autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocyte therapy. However, limitations using T cells and autologous cell products are apparent as they (1) take weeks to generate, (2) utilize a 1:1 donor-to-patient model, (3) are expensive, and (4) are prone to heterogeneity and manufacturing failures. CAR T cells are also associated with significant toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and prolonged cytopenias. To overcome these issues, natural killer (NK) cells are being explored as an alternative cell source for allogeneic cell therapies. NK cells have an inherent ability to recognize cancers, mediate immune functions of killing and communication, and do not induce graft-versus-host disease, cytokine release syndrome, or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. NK cells can be obtained from blood or cord blood or be derived from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, and can be expanded and cryopreserved for off-the-shelf availability. The first wave of point-of-care NK cell therapies led to the current allogeneic NK cell products being investigated in clinical trials with promising preliminary results. Basic advances in NK cell biology and cellular engineering have led to new translational strategies to block inhibition, enhance and broaden target cell recognition, optimize functional persistence, and provide stealth from patients' immunity. This review details NK cell biology, as well as NK cell product manufacturing, engineering, and combination therapies explored in the clinic leading to the next generation of potent, off-the-shelf cellular therapies for blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam T. Jacobs
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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6
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Kaur K, Jewett A. Supercharged NK Cell-Based Immuotherapy in Humanized Bone Marrow Liver and Thymus (Hu-BLT) Mice Model of Oral, Pancreatic, Glioblastoma, Hepatic, Melanoma and Ovarian Cancers. Crit Rev Immunol 2023; 43:13-25. [PMID: 37938193 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2023050618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Abstract
In this paper, we review a number of in vitro and in vivo studies regarding the efficacy of supercharged NK (sNK) cell therapy in elimination or treatment of cancer. We have performed studies using six different types of cancer models of oral, pancreatic, glioblastoma, melanoma, hepatic and ovarian cancers using hu-BLT mice. Our in vitro studies demonstrated that primary NK cells preferentially target cancer stem-like cells (CSCs)/poorly differentiated tumors whereas sNK cells target both CSCs/poorly-differentiated and well-differentiated tumors significantly higher than primary activated NK cells. Our in vivo studies in humanized-BLT mice showed that sNK cells alone or in combination with other cancer therapeutics prevented tumor growth and metastasis. In addition, sNK cells were able to increase IFN-γ secretion and cytotoxic function by the immune cells in bone marrow, spleen, gingiva, pancreas and peripheral blood. Furthermore, sNK cells were able to increase the expansion and function of CD8+ T cells both in in vitro and in vivo studies. Overall, our studies demonstrated that sNK cells alone or in combination with other cancer therapeutics were not only effective against eliminating aggressive cancers, but were also able to increase the expansion and function of CD8+ T cells to further target cancer cells, providing a successful approach to eradicate and cure cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, 90095 Los Angeles, CA, USA; The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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7
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Xiao J, Zhang T, Gao F, Zhou Z, Shu G, Zou Y, Yin G. Natural Killer Cells: A Promising Kit in the Adoptive Cell Therapy Toolbox. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225657. [PMID: 36428748 PMCID: PMC9688567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
As an important component of the innate immune system, natural killer (NK) cells have gained increasing attention in adoptive cell therapy for their safety and efficacious tumor-killing effect. Unlike T cells which rely on the interaction between TCRs and specific peptide-MHC complexes, NK cells are more prone to be served as "off-the-shelf" cell therapy products due to their rapid recognition and killing of tumor cells without MHC restriction. In recent years, constantly emerging sources of therapeutic NK cells have provided flexible options for cancer immunotherapy. Advanced genetic engineering techniques, especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modification, have yielded exciting effectiveness in enhancing NK cell specificity and cytotoxicity, improving in vivo persistence, and overcoming immunosuppressive factors derived from tumors. In this review, we highlight current advances in NK-based adoptive cell therapy, including alternative sources of NK cells for adoptive infusion, various CAR modifications that confer different targeting specificity to NK cells, multiple genetic engineering strategies to enhance NK cell function, as well as the latest clinical research on adoptive NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiani Xiao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Fei Gao
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Guang Shu
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
| | - Yizhou Zou
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (G.Y.)
| | - Gang Yin
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410000, China
- Correspondence: (Y.Z.); (G.Y.)
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8
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Yusubalieva GM, Dashinimaev EB, Gorchakov AA, Kulemzin SV, Brovkina OA, Kalinkin AA, Vinokurov AG, Shirmanova MV, Taranin AV, Baklaushev VP. Enhanced Natural Killers with CISH and B2M Gene Knockouts Reveal Increased Cytotoxicity in Glioblastoma Primary Cultures. Mol Biol 2022. [DOI: 10.1134/s0026893322050156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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9
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Barisic S, Childs RW. Graft-Versus-Solid-Tumor Effect: From Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to Adoptive Cell Therapies. Stem Cells 2022; 40:556-563. [PMID: 35325242 PMCID: PMC9216497 DOI: 10.1093/stmcls/sxac021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
After allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), donor lymphocytes may contribute to the regression of hematological malignancies and select solid tumors, a phenomenon referred to as the graft-versus-tumor effect (GVT). However, this immunologic reaction is frequently limited by either poor specificity resulting in graft-versus-host disease or the frequency of tumor-specific T cells being too low to induce a complete and sustained anti-tumor response. Over the past 2 decades, it has become clear that the driver of GVT following allogeneic HSCT is T-cell-mediated recognition of antigens presented on tumor cells. With that regard, even though the excitement for using HSCT in solid tumors has declined, clinical trials of HSCT in solid tumors provided proof of concept and valuable insights leading to the discovery of tumor antigens and the development of targeted adoptive cell therapies for cancer. In this article, we review the results of clinical trials of allogeneic HSCT in solid tumors. We focus on lessons learned from correlative studies of these trials that hold the potential for the creation of tumor-specific immunotherapies with greater efficacy and safety for the treatment of malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Barisic
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Richard W Childs
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Corresponding author: Richard W. Childs, MD, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 3-5330, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA. Tel: +1 301 451 7128;
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Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, Dimova T. Immunity at maternal-fetal interface: KIR/HLA (Allo)recognition. Immunol Rev 2022; 308:55-76. [PMID: 35610960 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Both KIR and HLA are the most variable gene families in the human genome. The recognition of the semi-allogeneic embryo-derived trophoblasts by maternal decidual NK (dNK) cells is essential for the establishment of the functional placenta. This recognition is based on the KIR-HLA interactions and trophoblast expresses a specific HLA profile that constitutes classical polymorphic HLA-C and non-classical oligomorphic HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G molecules. This review highlights some features of the KIR/HLA-C (allo)recognition by decidual NK (dNK) cells as a main immune cell population specifically enriched at maternal-fetal interface during human early pregnancy. How KIR/HLA-C axis operates in pregnancy disorders and in the context of transplacental infections is discussed as well. We summarized old and new data on dNK-cell functional plasticity, their selective expression of KIR and fetal maternal/paternal HLA-C haplotypes present. Results showed that KIR-HLA-C combinations and the corresponding axis operate differently in each pregnancy, determined by the variability of both maternal KIR haplotypes and fetus' maternal/paternal HLA-C allotype combinations. Moreover, the maturation of NK cells strongly depends on if or not HLA allotypes for certain KIR are present. We suggest that the unique KIR/HLA combinations reached in each pregnancy (normal and pathological) should be studied according to well-defined guidelines and unified methodologies to have comparable results ease to interpret and use in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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11
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Abstract
The discovery of immune checkpoints (ICs) and the development of specific blockers to relieve immune effector cells from this inhibiting mechanism has changed the view of anti-cancer therapy. In addition to cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA4) and programmed death 1 (PD1), classical ICs of T lymphocytes and recently described also on a fraction of natural killer (NK) cells, several NK cell receptors, including killer immunoglobulin-like inhibitory receptors (KIRs) and NGK2A, have been recognized as checkpoint members typical of the NK cell population. This offers the opportunity of a dual-checkpoint inhibition approach, targeting classical and non-classical ICs and leading to a synergistic therapeutic effect. In this review, we will overview and discuss this new perspective, focusing on the most relevant candidates for this role among the variety of potential NK ICs. Beside listing and defining classical ICs expressed also by NK cells, or non-classical ICs either on T or on NK cells, we will address their role in NK cell survival, chronic stimulation or functional exhaustion, and the potential relevance of this phenomenon on anti-tumor immune response. Furthermore, NK ICs will be proposed as possible new targets for the development of efficient combined immunotherapy, not forgetting the relevant concerns that may be raised on NK IC blockade. Finally, the impact of epigenetic drugs in such a complex therapeutic picture will be briefly addressed.
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12
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Johnson CDL, Zale NE, Frary ED, Lomakin JA. Feeder-Cell-Free and Serum-Free Expansion of Natural Killer Cells Using Cloudz Microspheres, G-Rex6M, and Human Platelet Lysate. Front Immunol 2022; 13:803380. [PMID: 35320938 PMCID: PMC8934851 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.803380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The versatility of natural killer cells has ignited growing interest in their therapeutic use for cancer and other immunotherapy treatments. However, NK cells compose a small portion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (5%–20% of PBMCs) and clinical doses require billions of cells. Manufacturing suitable doses of NK cells remains a major challenge for NK immunotherapy. The current standard for expanding NK cells relies on feeder cells and fetal bovine serum to achieve large expansion, but both encounter regulatory concerns. We developed NK Cloudz, a dissolvable polymer-based microsphere platform, as an alternative to a feeder cell approach to expand NK cells. We demonstrated that a combination of NK Cloudz, a G-Rex6M culture vessel, and GMP Human Platelet Lysate expanded NK cells 387 ± 100-fold in 10 days from a PBMC starting population. The NK purity, viability, and cytotoxicity were similar to both a feeder cell protocol and an FBS-based protocol. Additionally, we found no significant differences between FBS and GMP Human Platelet Lysate and concluded that platelet lysate is a good xeno-free alternative to FBS for NK expansion. Overall, we demonstrated a feeder-cell-free and FBS-free protocol that leverages NK Cloudz as a promising step toward a commercial GMP manufacturing method to expand NK cells for therapeutic use.
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13
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Gurney M, Kundu S, Pandey S, O’Dwyer M. Feeder Cells at the Interface of Natural Killer Cell Activation, Expansion and Gene Editing. Front Immunol 2022; 13:802906. [PMID: 35222382 PMCID: PMC8873083 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.802906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome engineered natural killer (NK) cell therapies are emerging as a promising cancer immunotherapy platform with potential advantages and remaining uncertainties. Feeder cells induce activation and proliferation of NK cells via cell surface receptor-ligand interactions, supported by cytokines. Feeder cell expanded NK cell products have supported several NK cell adoptive transfer clinical trials over the past decade. Genome engineered NK cell therapies, including CAR-NK cells, seek to combine innate and alloreactive NK cell anti-tumor activity with antigen specific targeting or additional modifications aimed at improving NK cell persistence, homing or effector function. The profound activating and expansion stimulus provided by feeder cells is integral to current applications of clinical-scale genome engineering approaches in donor-derived, primary NK cells. Herein we explore the complex interactions that exist between feeder cells and both viral and emerging non-viral genome editing technologies in NK cell engineering. We focus on two established clinical-grade feeder systems; Epstein-Barr virus transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines and genetically engineered K562.mbIL21.4-1BBL feeder cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gurney
- Department: Apoptosis Research Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
| | - Soumyadipta Kundu
- Department: Apoptosis Research Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- ONK Therapeutics, Galway, Ireland
| | | | - Michael O’Dwyer
- Department: Apoptosis Research Centre, National University of Ireland Galway, Galway, Ireland
- ONK Therapeutics, Galway, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Michael O’Dwyer,
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14
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Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Immunotherapy for Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030843. [PMID: 35159109 PMCID: PMC8833963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation in leukemia increase infection susceptibility, adverse side effects and immune cell inactivation. Natural killer (NK) cells are the first line of defense against cancer and are critical in the recognition and cytolysis of rapidly dividing and abnormal cell populations. In this review, we describe NK cells and NK cell receptors, functional impairment of NK cells in leukemia, NK cell immunotherapies currently under investigation including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-NKs (CAR-NKs), bi-specific/tri-specific killer engagers (BiKEs/TriKEs) and potential targets of NK cell-mediated immunotherapy for leukemia in the future. Abstract Leukemia is a malignancy of the bone marrow and blood resulting from the abnormal differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). There are four main types of leukemia including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While chemotherapy and radiation have been conventional forms of treatment for leukemia, these therapies increase infection susceptibility, adverse side effects and immune cell inactivation. Immunotherapies are becoming promising treatment options for leukemia, with natural killer (NK) cell-mediated therapy providing a specific direction of interest. The role of NK cells is critical for cancer cell elimination as these immune cells are the first line of defense against cancer proliferation and are involved in both recognition and cytolysis of rapidly dividing and abnormal cell populations. NK cells possess various activating and inhibitory receptors, which regulate NK cell function, signaling either inhibition and continued surveillance, or activation and subsequent cytotoxic activity. In this review, we describe NK cells and NK cell receptors, functional impairment of NK cells in leukemia, NK cell immunotherapies currently under investigation, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-NKs (CAR-NKs), bi-specific/tri-specific killer engagers (BiKEs/TriKEs) and future potential targets of NK cell-based immunotherapy for leukemia.
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15
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Abdolahi S, Ghazvinian Z, Muhammadnejad S, Ahmadvand M, Aghdaei HA, Ebrahimi-Barough S, Ai J, Zali MR, Verdi J, Baghaei K. Adaptive NK Cell Therapy Modulated by Anti-PD-1 Antibody in Gastric Cancer Model. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:733075. [PMID: 34588986 PMCID: PMC8473695 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.733075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, adaptive NK cell therapy has become a promising treatment but has limited efficacy as a monotherapy. The identification of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) molecules has opened a new horizon of immunotherapy. Herein, we aimed to demonstrate the cytotoxic effects of a polytherapy consisting of ex vivo expanded IL-2-activated NK cells combined with human anti-PD-1 antibody as an important checkpoint molecule in a xenograft gastric cancer mouse model. EBV-LCL cell is used as a feeder to promote NK cell proliferation with a purity of 93.4%. Mice (NOG, female, 6–8 weeks old) with xenograft gastric tumors were treated with PBS, ex vivo IL-2-activated NK cells, IL-2-activated NK cell along with human anti-PD-1 (Nivolumab), and IL-2-activated pretreated NK cells with anti-PD-1 antibody. The cytotoxicity of ex vivo expanded NK cells against MKN-45 cells was assessed by a lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. Tumor volume was evaluated for morphometric properties, and tumor-infiltrating NK cells were assessed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantified by flow cytometry. Pathologic responses were considered by H and E staining. Ex vivo LDH evaluation showed the cytotoxic potential of treated NK cells against gastric cancer cell line. We indicated that the adoptive transfer of ex vivo IL-2-activated NK cells combined with anti-PD-1 resulted in tumor growth inhibition in a xenograft gastric cancer model. Mitotic count was significantly decreased (*p < 0.05), and the tumor was associated with improved infiltration of NK cells in the NK-anti-PD-1 pretreated group (*p < 0.05). In conclusion, the combination approach of activated NK cells and anti-PD-1 therapy results in tumor growth inhibition, accompanied by tumor immune cell infiltration in the gastric tumor model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahrokh Abdolahi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Ghazvinian
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samad Muhammadnejad
- Cell-Based Therapies Research Center, Digestive Diseases Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ahmadvand
- Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Hematology and Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Asadzadeh Aghdaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Ebrahimi-Barough
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jafar Ai
- Department of Tissue Engineering, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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16
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Fregni G, Perier A, Avril MF, Caignard A. NK cells sense tumors, course of disease and treatments: Consequences for NK-based therapies. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:38-47. [PMID: 22720210 PMCID: PMC3376977 DOI: 10.4161/onci.1.1.18312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent findings on NK activation indicate that these cells are important antitumor effectors. NK cells participate in the graft-vs.-leukemia effect to control the relapse in leukemic patients transplanted with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells. In various tumors, correlation between NK cell infiltrates and prognosis were reported. However, tumor-infiltrating NK cells are yet poorly characterized. We here summarize our results and the recent studies of the literature on tumor-infiltrating NK cells, and discuss the impact of these novel insights into NK cell responses against tumors for the design of NK cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Fregni
- Institut Cochin-INSERM U06; CNRS UMR 804; Université Paris Descartes; Paris, France
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17
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Recent progress in and challenges in cellular therapy using NK cells for hematological malignancies. Blood Rev 2020; 44:100678. [PMID: 32229065 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
NK cells have killing activity against leukemic cells and solid cancer cells that escape from T cell recognition because of the low expression level of HLA class I molecules. This characteristic feature of NK cell recognition of target cells in contrast to T cells provides a strategy to overcome tolerance in cancer and leukemia patients. A strong alloreactive NK cell-mediated anti-leukemia effect can be induced in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Also, NK cells can be expanded by several methods for adoptive immunotherapy for hematological malignancies and other malignant diseases. We review the historical role of NK cells and recent approaches to enhance the functions of NK cells, including ex vivo expansion of autologous and allogenic NK cells, checkpoint receptor blockade, and the use of memory-like NK cells and CAR-NK cells, for treatment of hematological malignancies.
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18
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Subrakova VG, Kulemzin SV, Belovezhets TN, Chikaev AN, Chikaev NA, Koval OA, Gorchakov AA, Taranin AV. shp-2 gene knockout upregulates CAR-driven cytotoxicity of YT NK cells. Vavilovskii Zhurnal Genet Selektsii 2020; 24:80-86. [PMID: 33659784 PMCID: PMC7716529 DOI: 10.18699/vj20.598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In Russia, cancer is the second leading cause of death following cardiovascular diseases. Adoptive transfer of NK cells is a promising approach to fight cancer; however, for their successful use in cancer treatment, it is necessary to ensure their robust accumulation at tumor foci, provide resistance to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and to engineer them with higher cytotoxic activity. NK lymphocytes are known to kill cancer cells expressing a number of stress ligands; and the balance of signals from inhibitory and activating receptors on the surface of the NK cell determines whether a cytotoxic reaction is triggered. We hypothesized that stronger cytotoxicity of NK cells could be achieved via gene editing aimed at enhancing the activating signaling cascades and/or weakening the inhibitory ones, thereby shifting the balance of signals towards NK cell activation and target cell lysis. Here, we took advantage of the CRISPR/Cas9 system to introduce mutations in the coding sequence of the shp-2 (PTPN11) gene encoding the signaling molecule of inhibitory pathways in NK cells. These shp-2 knock-out
NK cells were additionally transduced to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that selectively recognized the antigen of interest on the target cell surface and generated an activating signal. We demonstrate that the combination of shp-2 gene knockout and CAR expression increases the cytotoxicity of effector NK-like YT cells against human prostate cancer cell line Du-145 with ectopic expression of PSMA protein, which is specifically targeted by the CAR.
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Affiliation(s)
- V G Subrakova
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - S V Kulemzin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - T N Belovezhets
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A N Chikaev
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - N A Chikaev
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - O A Koval
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A A Gorchakov
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - A V Taranin
- Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology of Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia Novosibirsk State University, Novosibirsk, Russia
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19
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Shin MH, Kim J, Lim SA, Kim J, Kim SJ, Lee KM. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapies in Cancer. Immune Netw 2020; 20:e14. [PMID: 32395366 PMCID: PMC7192832 DOI: 10.4110/in.2020.20.e14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
With the development of technologies that can transform immune cells into therapeutic modalities, immunotherapy has remarkably changed the current paradigm of cancer treatment in recent years. NK cells are components of the innate immune system that act as key regulators and exhibit a potent tumor cytolytic function. Unlike T cells, NK cells exhibit tumor cytotoxicity by recognizing non-self, without deliberate immunization or activation. Currently, researchers have developed various approaches to improve the number and anti-tumor function of NK cells. These approaches include the use of cytokines and Abs to stimulate the efficacy of NK cell function, adoptive transfer of autologous or allogeneic ex vivo expanded NK cells, establishment of homogeneous NK cell lines using the NK cells of patients with cancer or healthy donors, derivation of NK cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and modification of NK cells with cutting-edge genetic engineering technologies to generate chimeric Ag receptor (CAR)-NK cells. Such NK cell-based immunotherapies are currently reported as being promising anti-tumor strategies that have shown enhanced functional specificity in several clinical trials investigating malignant tumors. Here, we summarize the recent advances in NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies that have focused on providing improved function through the use of the latest genetic engineering technologies. We also discuss the different types of NK cells developed for cancer immunotherapy and present the clinical trials being conducted to test their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hwa Shin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Junghee Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Siyoung A Lim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Jungwon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Seong-Jin Kim
- Precision Medicine Research Center, Advanced Institutes of Convergence Technology, Seoul National University, Suwon 16229, Korea
| | - Kyung-Mi Lee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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20
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Ghaemdoust F, Keshavarz-Fathi M, Rezaei N. Natural killer cells and cancer therapy, what we know and where we are going. Immunotherapy 2019; 11:1231-1251. [DOI: 10.2217/imt-2019-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are among the significant components of innate immune system and they have come to the first line of defense against tumor cells developing inside the body. CD56lo/CD16+ NK cells are highly cytotoxic and CD56hi NK cells can produce cytokines and perform a regulatory function. Specific features of NK cells have made them a unique choice for cancer immunotherapy. Simple interventions like cytokine-injection to boost the internal NK cells were the first trials to target these cells. Nowadays, many other types of intervention are under investigation, such as adoptive NK cell immunotherapy. In this paper, we will discuss the biology and function of NK cells in cancer immunosurveillance and therapeutic approaches against cancer via using NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Ghaemdoust
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
| | - Mahsa Keshavarz-Fathi
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
- Cancer Immunology Project (CIP), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1419733151, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 1416753955, Iran
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21
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State of the Art of Natural Killer Cell Imaging: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070967. [PMID: 31324064 PMCID: PMC6678345 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapy is a promising alternative to conventional T cell-based treatments, although there is a lack of diagnostic tools to predict and evaluate therapeutic outcomes. Molecular imaging can offer several approaches to non-invasively address this issue. In this study, we systematically reviewed the literature to evaluate the state of the art of NK cell imaging and its translational potential. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for published articles on the imaging of NK cells in humans and preclinical models. Study quality was evaluated following Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) criteria. We pooled studies as follows: Optical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and nuclear medicine imaging with a total of 21 studies (n = 5, n = 8 and n = 8, respectively). Considering the limitation of comparing different imaging modalities, it appears that optical imaging (OI) of NK cells is very useful in a preclinical setting, but has the least translational potential. MRI provides high quality images without ionizing radiations with lower sensitivity. Nuclear medicine is the only imaging technique that has been applied in humans (four papers), but results were not outstanding due to a limited number of enrolled patients. At present, no technique emerged as superior over the others and more standardization is required in conducting human and animal studies.
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22
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Nayyar G, Chu Y, Cairo MS. Overcoming Resistance to Natural Killer Cell Based Immunotherapies for Solid Tumors. Front Oncol 2019; 9:51. [PMID: 30805309 PMCID: PMC6378304 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, the prognosis of several solid tumor malignancies remains poor. Different factors associated with solid tumors including a varied genetic signature, complex molecular signaling pathways, defective cross talk between the tumor cells and immune cells, hypoxic and immunosuppressive effects of tumor microenvironment result in a treatment resistant and metastatic phenotype. Over the past several years, immunotherapy has emerged as an attractive therapeutic option against multiple malignancies. The unique ability of natural killer (NK) cells to target cancer cells without antigen specificity makes them an ideal candidate for use against solid tumors. However, the outcomes of adoptive NK cell infusions into patients with solid tumors have been disappointing. Extensive studies have been done to investigate different strategies to improve the NK cell function, trafficking and tumor targeting. Use of cytokines and cytokine analogs has been well described and utilized to enhance the proliferation, stimulation and persistence of NK cells. Other techniques like blocking the human leukocyte antigen-killer cell receptors (KIR) interactions with anti-KIR monoclonal antibodies, preventing CD16 receptor shedding, increasing the expression of activating NK cell receptors like NKG2D, and use of immunocytokines and immune checkpoint inhibitors can enhance NK cell mediated cytotoxicity. Using genetically modified NK cells with chimeric antigen receptors and bispecific and trispecific NK cell engagers, NK cells can be effectively redirected to the tumor cells improving their cytotoxic potential. In this review, we have described these strategies and highlighted the need to further optimize these strategies to improve the clinical outcome of NK cell based immunotherapy against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaurav Nayyar
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Yaya Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
| | - Mitchell S Cairo
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Department of Microbiology & Immunology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Department of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States.,Department of Pathology, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, United States
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23
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Koh EM, Lee EK, Song J, Kim SJ, Song CH, Seo Y, Chae CH, Jung KJ. Anticancer activity and mechanism of action of fermented wheat germ extract against ovarian cancer. J Food Biochem 2018. [DOI: 10.1111/jfbc.12688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Mi Koh
- Bioanalytical and Immunoanalytical Research Group Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Korea
| | - Eun Kyeong Lee
- Bioanalytical and Immunoanalytical Research Group Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Korea
| | - Jeongah Song
- Animal Model Research Center Korea Institute of Toxicology Jeongeup Korea
| | - Su Jin Kim
- Bioanalytical and Immunoanalytical Research Group Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Korea
| | - Chi Hun Song
- Bioanalytical and Immunoanalytical Research Group Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Korea
| | - Youjin Seo
- Chemical Analysis Research Group Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Korea
| | - Chang Hoon Chae
- Celldi Co., Ltd., AntiCancer Research Institute Jeollabuk-do Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Jin Jung
- Bioanalytical and Immunoanalytical Research Group Korea Institute of Toxicology Daejeon Korea
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24
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Xu C, Liu D, Chen Z, Zhuo F, Sun H, Hu J, Li T. Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Natural Killer Cells Combined with Bevacizumab for Colorectal Cancer Treatment. Hum Gene Ther 2018; 30:459-470. [PMID: 29914273 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2018.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is among the cancers with the highest incidence globally, and it currently ranks as the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Novel strategies for the treatment of advanced CRC are urgently needed, and adoptive transfer of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells represents an attractive option. In this study, we successfully expanded NK cells from umbilical cord blood (UCB) with membrane-bound interleukin (IL)-21, termed eUCB-NK cells. eUCB-NK cells efficiently lysed CRC cell lines in vitro and secreted significantly higher levels of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor, and chemokine ligand 3 compared with IL-2-stimulated NK cells. Adoptive transfer of these NK cells significantly inhibited the growth of HT29 xenografts, whereas LoVo tumors were not effectively controlled with eUCB-NK cells. Higher numbers of NK cells inside HT29 tumors, not seen in LoVo tumors, might contribute to the differences in response to eUCB-NK cells. Bevacizumab increased extravasation of adoptively transferred NK cells into LoVo tumors and improved the therapeutic activity of eUCB-NK cells. These results justify clinical translation of UCB-derived NK cell-based therapeutics, used alone or in combination with bevacizumab, as a novel treatment option for patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Xu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University , Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongning Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University , Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhixin Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University , Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Zhuo
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University , Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Huankui Sun
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University , Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaping Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University , Nanchang, People's Republic of China
| | - Taiyuan Li
- Department of General Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University , Nanchang, People's Republic of China
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25
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Two class I genes of the chicken MHC have different functions: BF1 is recognized by NK cells while BF2 is recognized by CTLs. Immunogenetics 2018; 70:599-611. [DOI: 10.1007/s00251-018-1066-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 05/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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26
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Vey N, Karlin L, Sadot-Lebouvier S, Broussais F, Berton-Rigaud D, Rey J, Charbonnier A, Marie D, André P, Paturel C, Zerbib R, Bennouna J, Salles G, Gonçalves A. A phase 1 study of lirilumab (antibody against killer immunoglobulin-like receptor antibody KIR2D; IPH2102) in patients with solid tumors and hematologic malignancies. Oncotarget 2018; 9:17675-17688. [PMID: 29707140 PMCID: PMC5915148 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.24832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Anti-KIR monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) can enhance the antitumor responses of natural killer (NK) cells. We evaluated the safety of the anti-KIR2D mAb lirilumab in patients with various cancers. Experimental design Thirty-seven patients with hematological malignancies (n = 22) or solid tumors (n = 15) were included in the study. Dose escalation (0.015 to 10 mg/kg) was conducted following a 3 + 3 design. Patients were scheduled to receive four cycles of treatment. In a second (extension) phase 17 patients were treated at 0.015 (n = 9) or 3 mg/kg (n = 8). Results No dose-limiting toxicity was recorded. The most frequent lirilumab-related adverse events were pruritus (19%), asthenia (16%), fatigue (14%), infusion-related reaction (14%), and headache (11%), mostly mild or moderate. Pharmacokinetics was dose-dependent and linear, with minimal accumulation resulting from the 4-weekly repeated administrations. Full KIR occupancy (>95%) was achieved with all dosages, and the duration of occupancy was dose-related. No significant changes were observed in the number or distribution of lymphocyte subpopulations, nor was any reduction in the distribution of KIR2D-positive NK cells. Conclusions This phase 1 trial demonstrated the satisfactory safety profile of lirilumab up to doses that enable full and sustained blockade of KIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Vey
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
| | - Lionel Karlin
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lyon Sud, Service d'Hématologie, Pierre Bénite, France
| | | | | | | | - Jérôme Rey
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jaafar Bennouna
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest-Site René Gauducheau, St Herblain, France
| | - Gilles Salles
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Lyon Sud, Service d'Hématologie, Pierre Bénite, France
| | - Anthony Gonçalves
- Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille Université, Marseille, France
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27
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Lanuza PM, Vigueras A, Olivan S, Prats AC, Costas S, Llamazares G, Sanchez-Martinez D, Ayuso JM, Fernandez L, Ochoa I, Pardo J. Activated human primary NK cells efficiently kill colorectal cancer cells in 3D spheroid cultures irrespectively of the level of PD-L1 expression. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1395123. [PMID: 29632716 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1395123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Haploidentical Natural Killer (NK) cells have been shown as an effective and safe alternative for the treatment of haematological malignancies with poor prognosis for which traditional therapies are ineffective. In contrast to haematological cancer cells, that mainly grow as single suspension cells, solid carcinomas are characterised by a tridimensional (3D) architecture that provide specific surviving advantages and resistance against chemo- and radiotherapy. However, little is known about the impact of 3D growth on solid cancer immunotherapy especially adoptive NK cell transfer. We have recently developed a protocol to activate ex vivo human primary NK cells using B lymphoblastic cell lines, which generates NK cells able to overcome chemoresistance in haematological cancer cells. Here we have analysed the activity of these allogeneic NK cells against colorectal (CRC) human cell lines growing in 3D spheroid culture and correlated with the expression of some of the main ligands regulating NK cell activity. Our results indicate that activated NK cells efficiently kill colorectal tumour cell spheroids in both 2D and 3D cultures. Notably, although 3D CRC cell cultures favoured the expression of the inhibitory immune checkpoint PD-L1, it did not correlate with increased resistance to NK cells. Finally, we have analysed in detail the infiltration of NK cells in 3D spheroids by microscopy and found that at low NK cell density, cell death is not observed although NK cells are able to infiltrate into the spheroid. In contrast, higher densities promote tumoural cell death before infiltration can be detected. These findings show that highly dense activated human primary NK cells efficiently kill colorectal carcinoma cells growing in 3D cultures independently of PD-L1 expression and suggest that the use of allogeneic activated NK cells could be beneficial for the treatment of colorectal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pilar M Lanuza
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Alan Vigueras
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Group of Applied Mechanics and Bioengineering (AMB); Instituto de Investigación en Ingeniería de Aragón (I3A), Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro Investigacion Biomedica en Red. Bioingenieria, biomateriales y nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN)
| | - Sara Olivan
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Group of Applied Mechanics and Bioengineering (AMB); Instituto de Investigación en Ingeniería de Aragón (I3A), Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro Investigacion Biomedica en Red. Bioingenieria, biomateriales y nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN)
| | - Anne C Prats
- Inserm, U1037, F-31432 Toulouse, France, Université de Toulouse, UPS, Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, F-31432 Toulouse, France
| | - Santiago Costas
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain
| | - Guillermo Llamazares
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Group of Applied Mechanics and Bioengineering (AMB); Instituto de Investigación en Ingeniería de Aragón (I3A), Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro Investigacion Biomedica en Red. Bioingenieria, biomateriales y nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN)
| | | | - José María Ayuso
- Medical Engineering, Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.,The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Luis Fernandez
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Group of Applied Mechanics and Bioengineering (AMB); Instituto de Investigación en Ingeniería de Aragón (I3A), Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro Investigacion Biomedica en Red. Bioingenieria, biomateriales y nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN)
| | - Ignacio Ochoa
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Group of Applied Mechanics and Bioengineering (AMB); Instituto de Investigación en Ingeniería de Aragón (I3A), Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain.,Centro Investigacion Biomedica en Red. Bioingenieria, biomateriales y nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN)
| | - Julián Pardo
- Aragón Health Research Institute (IIS Aragón), Zaragoza, Spain.,Dpt. Microbiology, Preventive Medicine and Public Health and Dpt. Biochemistry and Molecular and Cell Biology, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain.,Aragón I+D Foundation (ARAID), Government of Aragon, Zaragoza, Spain Nanoscience Institute of Aragon (INA), University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Spain
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Alhajjat AM, Durkin ET, Shaaban AF. Regulation of the earliest immune response to in utero hematopoietic cellular transplantation. CHIMERISM 2017; 1:61-3. [PMID: 21327049 DOI: 10.4161/chim.1.2.13147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Revised: 07/22/2010] [Accepted: 07/26/2010] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
In Utero Hematopoietic Cellular Transplantation (IUHCT) is a promising intervention to treat a wide range of congenital disease. Through the presentation of donor cells to the immature immune system, mixed hematopoietic chimerism and donor-specific tolerance can be achieved. However, the failure of engraftment in prenatal recipients in which no immunodeficiency exists suggests the existence of a fetal immune barrier to transplantation. Although the possible barriers include effectors of the adaptive and innate immune system, our recent findings and ongoing investigations indicate that the barrier most likely resides in the developing NK cells. A chimerism level above a certain threshold during NK cell development is necessary to overcome rejection. Clinically, this transplantation barrier might also exist in early human fetal NK cells. Understanding the fetal immune barrier to allotransplantation is essential in advancing clinical application of IUHCT. Herein, we provide a short summary and new evidence for the earliest immune response to prenatal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir M Alhajjat
- Department of Surgery; University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine; Iowa City, IA USA
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29
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Natural killer cells in hepatocellular carcinoma: current status and perspectives for future immunotherapeutic approaches. Front Med 2017; 11:509-521. [DOI: 10.1007/s11684-017-0546-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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30
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Preethy S, Dedeepiya VD, Senthilkumar R, Rajmohan M, Karthick R, Terunuma H, Abraham SJK. Natural killer cells as a promising tool to tackle cancer-A review of sources, methodologies, and potentials. Int Rev Immunol 2017; 36:220-232. [PMID: 28471248 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2017.1284209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Immune cell-based therapies are emerging as a promising tool to tackle malignancies, both solid tumors and selected hematological tumors. Vast experiences in literature have documented their safety and added survival benefits when such cell-based therapies are combined with the existing treatment options. Numerous methodologies of processing and in vitro expansion protocols of immune cells, such as the dendritic cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, αβ T cells, so-called activated T lymphocytes, γδ T cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, and lymphokine-activated killer cells, have been reported for use in cell-based therapies. Among this handful of immune cells of significance, the NK cells stand apart from the rest for not only their direct cytotoxic ability against cancer cells but also their added advantage, which includes their capability of (i) action through both innate and adaptive immune mechanism, (ii) tackling viruses too, giving benefits in conditions where viral infections culminate in cancer, and (iii) destroying cancer stem cells, thereby preventing resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. This review thoroughly analyses the sources of such NK cells, methods for expansion, and the future potentials of taking the in vitro expanded allogeneic NK cells with good cytotoxic ability as a drug for treating cancer and/or viral infection and even as a prophylactic tool for prevention of cancer after initial remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthilkumar Preethy
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India.,b Hope Foundation (Trust) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Vidyasagar Devaprasad Dedeepiya
- d The Mary-Yoshio Translational Hexagon (MYTH) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Rajappa Senthilkumar
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Mathaiyan Rajmohan
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | - Ramalingam Karthick
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India
| | | | - Samuel J K Abraham
- a The Fujio-Eiji Academic Terrain (FEAT) , Nichi-In Centre for Regenerative Medicine (NCRM) , Chennai , Tamil Nadu , India.,e II Department of Surgery, School of Medicine , Yamanashi University , Chuo , Japan
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31
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Goebel S, Kehlen A, Bluemke K, Altermann W, Schlaf G, Fischer K, Fornara P, Wullich B, Wach S, Taubert H. Differences in the frequencies of HLA-class I and II alleles between German patients with renal cell carcinoma and healthy controls. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2017; 66:565-571. [PMID: 28184970 PMCID: PMC11029131 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-017-1957-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system is a major part of the human immune system and has an impact on tumor initiation, tumor progression, and immunosurveillance. Renal cell carcinoma tumors are considered to be immunogenic. Therefore, we studied the allele frequencies of four gene loci (HLA-A, -B, -C, and HLA-DR) in a cohort of German renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients and in healthy controls. HLA-A-C were determined using serological methods, whereas HLA-C12, C14, C16, C18, and HLA-DR were characterized through the use of standard molecular biological methods. The occurrence of the HLA-C*12 allele was significantly increased in German RCC patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.005; Fisher's exact test), whereas the occurrence of the HLA-DRB1*04 allele was significantly reduced in RCC patients compared with healthy controls (P < 0.05; Fisher's exact test). However, the presence of allele HLA-C*12 was not significantly associated with 10 year overall survival. We suggest that the frequency of HLA alleles can affect development of RCC and could add knowledge as predictive marker for future immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffen Goebel
- Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Astrid Kehlen
- Institute of Medical Microbiology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Karen Bluemke
- Institute of Legal Medicine, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Altermann
- HLA-Laboratory, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Gerald Schlaf
- HLA-Laboratory, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Kersten Fischer
- Clinic of Urology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Paolo Fornara
- Clinic of Urology, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Bernd Wullich
- Division Molecular Urology, Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstr. 14, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sven Wach
- Division Molecular Urology, Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstr. 14, 91054, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Helge Taubert
- Division Molecular Urology, Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Hartmannstr. 14, 91054, Erlangen, Germany.
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Kaur K, Cook J, Park SH, Topchyan P, Kozlowska A, Ohanian N, Fang C, Nishimura I, Jewett A. Novel Strategy to Expand Super-Charged NK Cells with Significant Potential to Lyse and Differentiate Cancer Stem Cells: Differences in NK Expansion and Function between Healthy and Cancer Patients. Front Immunol 2017; 8:297. [PMID: 28424683 PMCID: PMC5380683 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2016] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are known to target cancer stem cells and undifferentiated tumors. In this paper, we provide a novel strategy for expanding large numbers of super-charged NK cells with significant potential to lyse and differentiate cancer stem cells and demonstrate the differences in the dynamics of NK cell expansion between healthy donors and cancer patients. Decline in cytotoxicity and lower interferon (IFN)-γ secretion by osteoclast (OC)-expanded NK cells from cancer patients correlates with faster expansion of residual contaminating T cells within purified NK cells, whereas healthy donors’ OCs continue expanding super-charged NK cells while limiting T cell expansion for up to 60 days. Similar to patient NK cells, NK cells from tumor-bearing BLT-humanized mice promote faster expansion of residual T cells resulting in decreased numbers and function of NK cells, whereas NK cells from mice with no tumor continue expanding NK cells and retain their cytotoxicity. In addition, dendritic cells (DCs) in contrast to OCs are found to promote faster expansion of residual T cells within purified NK cells resulting in the decline in NK cell numbers from healthy individuals. Addition of anti-CD3 mAb inhibits T cell proliferation while enhancing NK cell expansion; however, expanding NK cells have lower cytotoxicity but higher secretion of IFN-γ. Expansion and functional activation of super-charged NK cells by OCs is dependent on interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-15. Thus, in this report, we not only provide a novel strategy to expand super-charged NK cells, but also demonstrate that rapid and sustained expansion of residual T cells within the purified NK cells during expansion with DCs or OCs could be a potential mechanism by which the numbers and function of NK cells decline in cancer patients and in BLT-humanized mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kawaljit Kaur
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica Cook
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - So-Hyun Park
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Paytsar Topchyan
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anna Kozlowska
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Department of Tumor Immunology, Chair of Medical Biotechnology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Nick Ohanian
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Changge Fang
- Pingan Advanced Personalized Diagnostics, Biomed Co. (USA and Beijing), Beijing, China
| | - Ichiro Nishimura
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Division of Advanced Prosthodontics, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Oral Medicine, School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, UCLA School of Dentistry, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,The Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Heidenreich S, Kröger N. Reduction of Relapse after Unrelated Donor Stem Cell Transplantation by KIR-Based Graft Selection. Front Immunol 2017; 8:41. [PMID: 28228753 PMCID: PMC5296332 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides donor T cells, natural killer (NK) cells are considered to have a major role in preventing relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). After T-cell-depleted haploidentical HSCT, a strong NK alloreactivity has been described. These effects have been attributed to killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). Abundant reports suggest a major role of KIR not only on outcome after haploidentical HSCT but also in the unrelated donor setting. In this review, we give a brief overview of the mechanism of NK cell activation, nomenclature of KIR haplotypes, human leukocyte antigen (HLA) groups, and distinct models for prediction of NK cell alloreactivity. It can be concluded that KIR-ligand mismatch seems to provoke adverse effects in unrelated donor HSCT with reduced overall survival and increased risk for high-grade acute graft-versus-host disease. The presence of activating KIR, as seen in KIR haplotype B, as well as the patient’s HLA C1/x haplotype might reduce relapse in myeloid malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silke Heidenreich
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
| | - Nicolaus Kröger
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf , Hamburg , Germany
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34
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Mehta RS, Rezvani K. Can we make a better match or mismatch with KIR genotyping? HEMATOLOGY. AMERICAN SOCIETY OF HEMATOLOGY. EDUCATION PROGRAM 2016; 2016:106-118. [PMID: 27913469 PMCID: PMC6142490 DOI: 10.1182/asheducation-2016.1.106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell function is regulated by a fine balance between numerous activating and inhibitory receptors, of which killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are among the most polymorphic and comprehensively studied. KIRs allow NK cells to recognize downregulation or the absence of HLA class I molecules on target cells (known as missing-self), a phenomenon that is commonly observed in virally infected cells or cancer cells. Because KIR and HLA genes are located on different chromosomes, in an allogeneic environment such as after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, donor NK cells that express an inhibitory KIR for an HLA class I molecule that is absent on recipient targets (KIR/KIR-ligand mismatch), can recognize and react to this missing self and mediate cytotoxicity. Accumulating data indicate that epistatic interactions between KIR and HLA influence outcomes in several clinical conditions. Herein, we discuss the genetic and functional features of KIR/KIR-ligand interactions in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and how these data can guide donor selection. We will also review clinical studies of adoptive NK cell therapy in leukemia and emerging data on the use of genetically modified NK cells that could broaden the scope of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rohtesh S Mehta
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
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35
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Sohlberg E, Pfefferle A, Andersson S, Baumann BC, Hellström-Lindberg E, Malmberg KJ. Imprint of 5-azacytidine on the natural killer cell repertoire during systemic treatment for high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome. Oncotarget 2016; 6:34178-90. [PMID: 26497557 PMCID: PMC4741444 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
5-azacytidine (5-aza) is a hypomethylating agent approved for the treatment of high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). It is assumed to act by demethylating tumor suppressor genes and via direct cytotoxic effects on malignant cells. In vitro treatment with hypomethylating agents has profound effects on the expression of killer-cell immunoglobulin-like (KIR) receptors on natural killer (NK) cells, as these receptors are epigenetically regulated via methylation of the promoters. Here we investigated the influence of 5-aza on the NK-cell repertoire during cytokine-induced proliferation in vitro and homeostatic proliferation in vivo in patients with high-risk MDS. In vitro treatment of NK cells from both healthy donors and MDS patients with low doses of 5-aza led to a significant increase in expression of multiple KIRs, but only in cells that had undergone several rounds of cell division. Proliferating 5-aza exposed NK cells exhibited increased IFN-γ production and degranulation towards tumor target cells. MDS patients had lower proportions of educated KIR-expressing NK cells than healthy controls but after systemic treatment with 5-aza, an increased proportion of Ki-67+ NK cells expressed multiple KIRs suggesting uptake of 5-aza in cycling cells in vivo. Hence, these results suggest that systemic treatment with 5-aza may shape the NK cell repertoire, in particular during homeostatic proliferation, thereby boosting NK cell-mediated recognition of malignant cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebba Sohlberg
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aline Pfefferle
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sandra Andersson
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bettina C Baumann
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Hellström-Lindberg
- Department of Medicine, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Department of Medicine, Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway.,The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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36
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Guo M, Wu T, Wan L. Cytotoxic activity of allogeneic natural killer cells on U251 glioma cells in vitro. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:583-9. [PMID: 27175912 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to observe the cytotoxic activity of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells on U251 glioma cells and to investigate their mechanism of action to establish an effective treatment strategy for neuroglioma. Cell survival curves, colony formation assays and karyotype analysis were performed to investigate the characteristics of U251 glioma cells. The present study demonstrated that natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D)‑major histocompatibility complex class I‑related chain A/B (MICA/B) interactions contributed to the cytotoxic effect of NK cells on K562 and U251 cells. In antibody‑blocking assays to inhibit NKG2D ligands, the cytotoxic activity was not completely attenuated, which suggested that other signaling pathways contribute to the cytotoxic activity of NK cells on tumor cells in addition to the NKG2D‑mediated activity. The present study identified that the expression levels of NKG2D ligands on the surface of target cells influenced the strength of the NK cell immune response. Furthermore, allogeneic NK cells were observed to kill glioma cells in vitro, and this anticancer activity is associated with the rate of NKG2D expression on the surface of glioma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nanyang Central Hospital of Henan, Nanyang, Henan 473009, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nanyang Central Hospital of Henan, Nanyang, Henan 473009, P.R. China
| | - Lixin Wan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Nanyang Central Hospital of Henan, Nanyang, Henan 473009, P.R. China
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Vick E, Mahadevan D. Programming the immune checkpoint to treat hematologic malignancies. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2016; 25:755-70. [PMID: 27070269 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2016.1175433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hematologic malignancies manipulate the immune suppressive pathways involving CTLA-4, PD-1, and others to promote immune tolerance of cancer. New monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints are showing meaningful responses in the treatment of relapsed and refractory Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The basis for success of anti-PD-1 therapy appears to be expression of PD-L1 on tumor cells and cells of the tumor microenvironment (TME). While adverse events associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors are capable of generating auto-immune phenomena, in general these therapies are well tolerated. AREAS COVERED In this review, the authors discuss the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and activators which hold promise as useful therapies in malignancies of hematologic origin, since many exploit endogenous pathways to induce tolerance. By programming the immune response to attack hematologic malignancies, unique regimens can be developed to optimally treat patients with curative potential. EXPERT OPINION The utilization of immune checkpoint targeting agents to boost the innate and acquired immune systems to eradicate human malignancies represents a unique opportunity to develop novel therapies with increased clinical efficacy. Side effects of these therapies come with the price of auto-immune phenomena that require appropriate management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vick
- a Department of Hematology and Oncology , University of Tennessee Health Science Center/West Cancer Center , Memphis , TN , USA
| | - Daruka Mahadevan
- b Department of Hematology and Oncology , University of Arizona Cancer Center , Tucson , AZ , USA
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38
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Singh KK, Qin M, Brummel SS, Angelidou K, Trout RN, Fenton T, Spector SA. Killer Cell Immunoglobulin-Like Receptor Alleles Alter HIV Disease in Children. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0151364. [PMID: 26983081 PMCID: PMC4794224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0151364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HLA class I molecules are ligands for killer cell immunoglobin like receptors (KIR) that control the antiviral response of natural killer (NK) cells. However, the effects of KIR and HLA (KIR/HLA) alleles on HIV disease of children have not been studied. METHODS 993 antiretroviral naïve children with symptomatic HIV infection from PACTG protocols P152 and P300 were genotyped for KIR and HLA alleles using the Luminex platform. Linear regression was used to test the association between genotypes and baseline pre-ART HIV RNA, CD4+ lymphocyte count, and cognitive score, adjusting for age, race/ethnicity and study. The interaction between genetic markers and age was investigated. To account for multiple testing the false discovery rate (FDR) was controlled at 0.05. RESULTS Children with the KIR2DS4*ALL FULL LENGTH (KIR2DS4*AFL) allele had higher CD4+ lymphocyte counts. Among children ≤2 years of age, the KIR2DS4*AFL was associated with lower plasma HIV RNA and higher cognitive index scores. KIR Cent2DS3/5_1 had lower CD4+ lymphocyte counts in children ≤2 years of age, while the presence of Tel1, Tel2DS4_2, Tel2DS4_4, Tel8, Tel2DS4_6 had higher CD4+ lymphocyte counts in all children. Presence of Cent2, Cent4 and Cent8 was associated with increased HIV RNA load in children ≤2 years. Presence of KIR3DL1+Bw4 was associated with higher CD4+ lymphocyte counts in all children. Among children >2 years old, KIR3DS1+Bw4-80I was associated with higher plasma HIV RNA, and Bw6/Bw6 was associated with lower plasma HIV RNA compared to children with KIR3DS1+Bw4-80I. CONCLUSIONS Presented data show for the first time that specific KIR alleles independently or combined with HLA ligands are associated with HIV RNA and CD4+ lymphocyte counts in infected, antiretroviral naive children; and many of these effect estimates appear to be age dependent. These data support a role for specific KIR alleles in HIV pathogenesis in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kumud K. Singh
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Min Qin
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Sean S. Brummel
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Konstantia Angelidou
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Rodney N. Trout
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Terence Fenton
- Center for Biostatistics in AIDS Research, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Stephen A. Spector
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, California, United States of America
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39
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Liu LL, Pfefferle A, Yi Sheng VO, Björklund AT, Béziat V, Goodridge JP, Malmberg KJ. Harnessing adaptive natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. Mol Oncol 2015; 9:1904-17. [PMID: 26604011 PMCID: PMC5528731 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 09/28/2015] [Accepted: 10/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes with a refined ability to recognize transformed cells through a broad array of activating receptors in combination with stochastically expressed inhibitory receptors that recognize MHC-class I. Recent advances in NK cell biology have revealed a high degree of functional plasticity that can be attributed to dynamic cell-to-cell interactions in concert with transcriptional and epigenetic reprogramming. Here, we discuss how new insights into the adaptive behavior of NK cells pave the way for next generation cell therapy based on guided differentiation and selective expansion of particularly cytotoxic NK cell subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa L Liu
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Aline Pfefferle
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vincent Oei Yi Sheng
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Andreas T Björklund
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vivien Béziat
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Infectious Diseases, Necker Branch, INSERM U1163, Paris, France; University Paris Descartes, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Jodie P Goodridge
- The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; The KG Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway; Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, Norway.
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Christakou AE, Ohlin M, Önfelt B, Wiklund M. Ultrasonic three-dimensional on-chip cell culture for dynamic studies of tumor immune surveillance by natural killer cells. LAB ON A CHIP 2015; 15:3222-31. [PMID: 26126574 DOI: 10.1039/c5lc00436e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
We demonstrate a simple method for three-dimensional (3D) cell culture controlled by ultrasonic standing waves in a multi-well microplate. The method gently arranges cells in a suspension into a single aggregate in each well of the microplate and, by this, nucleates 3D tissue-like cell growth for culture times between two and seven days. The microplate device is compatible with both high-resolution optical microscopy and maintenance in a standard cell incubator. The result is a scaffold- and coating-free method for 3D cell culture that can be used for controlling the cellular architecture, as well as the cellular and molecular composition of the microenvironment in and around the formed cell structures. We demonstrate the parallel production of one hundred synthetic 3D solid tumors comprising up to thousands of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) HepG2 cells, we characterize the tumor structure by high-resolution optical microscopy, and we monitor the functional behavior of natural killer (NK) cells migrating, docking and interacting with the tumor model during culture. Our results show that the method can be used for determining the collective ability of a given number of NK cells to defeat a solid tumor having a certain size, shape and composition. The ultrasound-based method itself is generic and can meet any demand from applications where it is advantageous to monitor cell culture from production to analysis of 3D tissue or tumor models using microscopy in one single microplate device.
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Willems L, Waer M, Billiau AD. The graft-versus-neuroblastoma effect of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, a review of clinical and experimental evidence and a perspective on mechanisms. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014; 61:2151-7. [PMID: 25156335 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.25169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2014] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Despite aggressive treatment, patients with high-risk neuroblastoma face high relapse rates and bleak prognoses. Increasing evidence that neuroblastoma cells are or can become immunogenic has stimulated research into novel therapies based on triggering or enhancing tumor immunity. Here we review clinical and experimental studies on this subject, the underlying immune mechanisms and perspectives for clinical application. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has proven to be of substantial benefit in the treatment of certain leukemias through the generation of a graft-versus-leukemia-effect and has become of interest as a possible treatment for patients with solid tumors, including neuroblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Willems
- Laboratory of Experimental Transplantation, KULeuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Gras Navarro A, Kmiecik J, Leiss L, Zelkowski M, Engelsen A, Bruserud Ø, Zimmer J, Enger PØ, Chekenya M. NK cells with KIR2DS2 immunogenotype have a functional activation advantage to efficiently kill glioblastoma and prolong animal survival. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:6192-206. [PMID: 25381437 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1400859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBMs) are lethal brain cancers that are resistant to current therapies. We investigated the cytotoxicity of human allogeneic NK cells against patient-derived GBM in vitro and in vivo, as well as mechanisms mediating their efficacy. We demonstrate that KIR2DS2 immunogenotype NK cells were more potent killers, notwithstanding the absence of inhibitory killer Ig-like receptor (KIR)-HLA ligand mismatch. FACS-sorted and enriched KIR2DS2(+) NK cell subpopulations retained significantly high levels of CD69 and CD16 when in contact with GBM cells at a 1:1 ratio and highly expressed CD107a and secreted more soluble CD137 and granzyme A. In contrast, KIR2DS2(-) immunogenotype donor NK cells were less cytotoxic against GBM and K562, and, similar to FACS-sorted or gated KIR2DS2(-) NK cells, significantly diminished CD16, CD107a, granzyme A, and CD69 when in contact with GBM cells. Furthermore, NK cell-mediated GBM killing in vitro depended upon the expression of ligands for the activating receptor NKG2D and was partially abrogated by Ab blockade. Treatment of GBM xenografts in NOD/SCID mice with NK cells from a KIR2DS2(+) donor lacking inhibitory KIR-HLA ligand mismatch significantly prolonged the median survival to 163 d compared with vehicle controls (log-rank test, p = 0.0001), in contrast to 117.5 d (log-rank test, p = 0.0005) for NK cells with several inhibitory KIR-HLA ligand mismatches but lacking KIR2DS2 genotype. Significantly more CD56(+)CD16(+) NK cells from a KIR2DS2(+) donor survived in nontumor-bearing brains 3 wk after infusion compared with KIR2DS2(-) NK cells, independent of their proliferative capacity. In conclusion, KIR2DS2 identifies potent alloreactive NK cells against GBM that are mediated by commensurate, but dominant, activating signals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Justyna Kmiecik
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Lina Leiss
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Mateusz Zelkowski
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Agnete Engelsen
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway
| | - Øystein Bruserud
- Department of Haematology, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway; and
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Laboratory of Immunogenetics and Allergology, Public Research Centre for Health, L-1445, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Per Øyvind Enger
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway; Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Haukeland University Hospital, 5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Martha Chekenya
- Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, 5009 Bergen, Norway;
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Kim EK, Ahn YO, Kim S, Kim TM, Keam B, Heo DS. Ex vivo activation and expansion of natural killer cells from patients with advanced cancer with feeder cells from healthy volunteers. Cytotherapy 2013; 15:231-241.e1. [PMID: 23321334 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2012.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Revised: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 10/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Culturing natural killer (NK) cells from patients with advanced cancer is difficult and has restricted the generation of sufficient cell numbers for autologous adoptive NK-cell therapy. The aim of this study was to establish a novel method for ex vivo NK-cell expansion from patients with cancer. METHODS NK cells (CD3(-)CD56(+)) were isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy volunteers and cancer patients, and NK(-) fractions were used as feeder cells. Purified NK cells were co-cultured with feeder cells in AIM-V medium (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, CA, USA) supplemented with 5% human serum and 1000 units/mL human interleukin-2. RESULTS NK cells co-cultured with feeder cells from healthy volunteers (feeder-HV) expanded more than NK cells co-cultured with feeder cells from cancer patients (feeder-CP). During the 14-day culture period, NK cells from patients with advanced cancer co-cultivated with feeder-HV expanded on average 300-fold. NK cells co-cultivated with feeder-CP expanded on average 169.4-fold. Cultures grown in the presence of feeder-HV contained 93.8 ± 7.0% (mean ± standard deviation; n = 6) CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cells, and cultures grown in the presence of feeder-CP contained 83.6 ± 15.9% CD3(-)CD56(+) NK cells. Feeder-HV caused a relative increase in CD3(+)CD4(+) T cells, whereas feeder-CP did not induce changes. Interleukin-15, a cytokine that induces NK-cell proliferation, was detected in the culture supernatants of feeder-HV but not in those of feeder-CP. CONCLUSIONS Feeder cells obtained from healthy volunteers have the potential to expand and activate NK cells from patients with advanced cancer. The novel NK-cell expansion method described here provides a technique for acquiring the large numbers of highly active NK cells from patients with cancer for autologous adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Kyung Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine and Hospital, Seoul, Korea
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Prakash S, Alam S, Sharma RK, Sonawane A, Imran M, Agrawal S. Distribution of Killer cell immunoglobulin like receptor genes in end stage renal disease among North Indian population. Hum Immunol 2013; 74:1339-45. [PMID: 23777934 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2013.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 05/01/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION NK cell function is regulated by cell surface inhibitory and activating receptors including the C-type lectin receptors and Killer Immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). The effect of immune modulating cytokines produced by NK cells in the pathogenesis of end stage renal disease (ESRD) remained intriguing. In this regard the present study assesses the combinatorial association of KIR gene content and KIR receptor-HLA ligand in the North Indian ESRD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS KIR gene polymorphism as a susceptible marker in ESRD among 512 patients and 512 ethnically matched controls was analyzed. PCR-SSP based genotyping for KIR gene content and HLA-A, B, C typing was carried out. RESULTS Significant difference in frequencies of KIR2DS1-HLA-C2 (p≤0.0001, OR=1.98, CI=1.50-2.61), KIR2DS2-HLAC1 (p≤0.0001, OR=1.87, CI=1.42-2.46), KIR3DS1-HLA-Bw4 (p=0.0038, OR=1.46, CI=1.13-1.88) combinations for ESRD was found. In the combinatorial analysis Bw4(+)/3DL1(-)/3DS1(+) (p≤0.0001, OR=4.90, CI=2.75-8.71) and C1(+)/2DL2(-)/2DL3(-)/2DS2(+)/2DS3(+) (p=0.0037, OR=2.50, CI=1.35-4.63) showed risk association. KIR3DS1 was observed to be susceptible for all four primary kidney disease groups. CONCLUSION NK cell de-regulation due to HLA ligand binding KIR receptors may be involved in the patho-physiology of ESRD. Upon analyzing the data in this context it was found that C2/C2 donor might improve the clinical outcome of patients having C2 ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swayam Prakash
- Department of Medical Genetics, Sanjay Gandhi Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, India; School of Biotechnology, KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, India
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Besser MJ, Shoham T, Harari-Steinberg O, Zabari N, Ortenberg R, Yakirevitch A, Nagler A, Loewenthal R, Schachter J, Markel G. Development of allogeneic NK cell adoptive transfer therapy in metastatic melanoma patients: in vitro preclinical optimization studies. PLoS One 2013; 8:e57922. [PMID: 23483943 PMCID: PMC3587427 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have long been considered as potential agents for adoptive cell therapy for solid cancer patients. Until today most studies utilized autologous NK cells and yielded disappointing results. Here we analyze various modular strategies to employ allogeneic NK cells for adoptive cell transfer, including donor-recipient HLA-C mismatching, selective activation and induction of melanoma-recognizing lysis receptors, and co-administration of antibodies to elicit antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). We show that NK cell activation and induction of the relevant lysis receptors, as well as co-administration of antibodies yield substantial anti-cancer effects, which are functionally superior to HLA-C mismatching. Combination of the various strategies yielded improved effects. In addition, we developed various clinically-compatible ex vivo expansion protocols that were optimized according to fold expansion, purity and expression of lysis receptors. The main advantages of employing allogeneic NK cells are accessibility, the ability to use a single donor for many patients, combination with various strategies associated with the mechanism of action, e.g. antibodies and specific activation, as well as donor selection according to HLA or CD16 genotypes. This study rationalizes a clinical trial that combines adoptive transfer of highly potent allogeneic NK cells and antibody therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal J. Besser
- Ella Institute of Melanoma, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, GreenOnyx, Israel
| | | | - Orit Harari-Steinberg
- Ella Institute of Melanoma, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Pediatric Stem Cell Research Institute, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Naama Zabari
- Ella Institute of Melanoma, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, GreenOnyx, Israel
| | - Rona Ortenberg
- Ella Institute of Melanoma, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, GreenOnyx, Israel
| | - Arkadi Yakirevitch
- Department of Otolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Arnon Nagler
- Division of Hematology, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Ron Loewenthal
- Tissue Typing Laboratory, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Jacob Schachter
- Ella Institute of Melanoma, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Gal Markel
- Ella Institute of Melanoma, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- Department of Clinical Microbiology and Immunology, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, GreenOnyx, Israel
- Talpiot Medical Leadership Program, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
- * E-mail:
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Massa C, Seliger B. Fast dendritic cells stimulated with alternative maturation mixtures induce polyfunctional and long-lasting activation of innate and adaptive effector cells with tumor-killing capabilities. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2013; 190:3328-37. [PMID: 23447683 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1202024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The clinical usage of dendritic cells (DC) for tumor immunotherapy still requires improvements. In this study, three alternative maturation mixtures were compared with the cytokine-based gold standard, and the overall interaction of the resulting DC with effector cells from the innate as well as the adaptive immunity was evaluated in healthy donors. Stimulation with the TLR-4 ligand monophosphoryl lipid A together with IFN-γ (alt-2 DC) resulted in DC with the highest levels of costimulatory molecule expression and IL-12p70/IL-10 ratio. Whereas all alternative DC were able to induce NK and γδ T cells to acquire cytotoxic properties and secrete type 1 and proinflammatory cytokines, after both short (20-h)- and long (5-8 d)-time coculture, secretion of IFN-γ by the innate populations was induced in response to alt-2 and alt-1 DC (TNF-α, IFN-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, poly IC), but not to alt-3 DC (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, CL097). Regarding CD8(+) T cell-mediated Ag-specific immune responses, a heterogeneous pattern of responses was obtained among the healthy donors, suggesting rather a competition than a synergy among the different effector cells. Our data promote further evaluation of alt-2 fast DC for translatability into clinical immunotherapy trials, while also fostering the need to identify biomarkers for immune cell responsiveness and tumor susceptibility to be able to select for each patient the best possible DC-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Massa
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle, Saale, Germany
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Haploidentical hematopoietic SCT increases graft-versus-tumor effect against renal cell carcinoma. Bone Marrow Transplant 2013; 48:1084-90. [PMID: 23435516 DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2013.9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2012] [Revised: 01/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic SCT (HSCT) has been shown to be an effective treatment option for advanced renal cell cancer (RCC). However, tumor resistance/relapse remains as the main post transplant issue. Therefore, enhancing graft-versus-tumor (GVT) activity without increasing GVHD is critical for improving the outcome of HSCT. We explored the GVT effect of haploidentical-SCT (haplo-SCT) against RCC in murine models. Lethally irradiated CB6F1 (H2K(b/d)) recipients were transplanted with T-cell-depleted BM cells from B6CBAF1 (H2K(b/k)) mice. Haplo-SCT combined with a low-dose haploidentical (HI) T-cell infusion (1 × 10(5)) successfully provided GVT activity without incurring GVHD. This effect elicited murine RCC growth control and consequently displayed a comparative survival advantage of haplo-SCT recipients when compared with MHC-matched (B6D2F1CB6F1) and parent-F1 (B6CB6F1) transplant recipients. Recipients of haplo-SCT had an increase in donor-derived splenic T-cell numbers, T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ-secreting donor-derived T-cells, a critical aspect for anti-tumor activity. The splenocytes from B6CBAF1 mice had a higher cytotoxicity against RENCA cells than the splenocytes from B6 and B6D2F1 donors after tumor challenge. These findings suggest that haplo-SCT might be an innovative immunotherapeutic platform for solid tumors, particularly for renal cell carcinoma.
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Lim O, Lee Y, Chung H, Her JH, Kang SM, Jung MY, Min B, Shin H, Kim TM, Heo DS, Hwang YK, Shin EC. GMP-compliant, large-scale expanded allogeneic natural killer cells have potent cytolytic activity against cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53611. [PMID: 23326467 PMCID: PMC3543306 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Ex vivo-expanded, allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells can be used for the treatment of various types of cancer. In allogeneic NK cell therapy, NK cells from healthy donors must be expanded in order to obtain a sufficient number of highly purified, activated NK cells. In the present study, we established a simplified and efficient method for the large-scale expansion and activation of NK cells from healthy donors under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions. After a single step of magnetic depletion of CD3(+) T cells, the depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated and expanded with irradiated autologous PBMCs in the presence of OKT3 and IL-2 for 14 days, resulting in a highly pure population of CD3(-)CD16(+)CD56(+) NK cells which is desired for allogeneic purpose. Compared with freshly isolated NK cells, these expanded NK cells showed robust cytokine production and potent cytolytic activity against various cancer cell lines. Of note, expanded NK cells selectively killed cancer cells without demonstrating cytotoxicity against allogeneic non-tumor cells in coculture assays. The anti-tumor activity of expanded human NK cells was examined in SCID mice injected with human lymphoma cells. In this model, expanded NK cells efficiently controlled lymphoma progression. In conclusion, allogeneic NK cells were efficiently expanded in a GMP-compliant facility and demonstrated potent anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okjae Lim
- BioMedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Cell Therapy Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yuna Lee
- Cell Therapy Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Chung
- Cell Therapy Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Hyun Her
- Cell Therapy Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Mi Kang
- Cell Therapy Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-young Jung
- Cell Therapy Division, Green Cross LabCell Corp., Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Bokyung Min
- Cell Therapy Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Shin
- Cell Therapy Division, Green Cross LabCell Corp., Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Min Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Seog Heo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Kyeong Hwang
- Cell Therapy Team, Mogam Biotechnology Research Institute, Yongin, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- BioMedical Science and Engineering Interdisciplinary Program, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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The effect of alloferon on the enhancement of NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer via the up-regulation of perforin/granzyme B secretion. Immunobiology 2013; 218:1026-33. [PMID: 23434435 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Revised: 12/28/2012] [Accepted: 12/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Alloferon is a novel immunomodulatory peptide originally isolated from infected insects. It has anti-viral and anti-tumor effects via the activation of NK cells. However, specific mechanisms leading to NK cell activation and anti-tumor responses yet to be clarified. In this study, we demonstrate that alloferon increases killing activity of NK cells to cancer cells via the up-regulation of the expression of NK-activating receptors, 2B4. In addition, the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α and granule exocytosis from NK cells against cancer cell were increased by alloferon. Lastly, the anti-tumor effect of alloferon was confirmed in vivo to demonstrate effective retardation of tumor growth in the human-to-mouse xenograft model. All taken together, these results suggest that alloferon has anti-tumor effects through up-regulation of NK-activating receptor 2B4 and the enhancement of granule exocytosis from NK cells.
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are emerging as a new tool for cell therapy of cancer. However, some cancer subtypes are relatively resistant to NK cell cytotoxicity. Expression of anti-CD19 chimeric signaling receptors can enhance NK-cell reactivity against CD19+ leukemia and lymphoma cells. Here we describe a method to enforce expression of such receptors in human NK cells relying on electroporation of mRNA and compare it to retroviral transduction of cDNA. These methods are applicable to the reprogramming of NK cells with chimeric receptors specific for other antigens expressed on cancer cells as well as with molecules that can modulate NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Shimasaki
- Department of Paediatrics, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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