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Atallah-Yunes SA, Robertson MJ. Cytokine Based Immunotherapy for Cancer and Lymphoma: Biology, Challenges and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2022; 13:872010. [PMID: 35529882 PMCID: PMC9067561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.872010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines regulate both the innate and adaptive immune responses to cancer. Although antitumor activity has been seen for several cytokines in preclinical models, they have had limited success as single therapeutic agents in clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy. However, the possible combinations of cytokines with other immune therapeutics and the advancement in genetic engineering, synthetic biology and cellular and immune therapy has led to the revival of interest in cytokines as anticancer agents. This article will review several immunostimulatory cytokines with anticancer activity, focusing on the those that have been studied in treatment of lymphoma and highlighting recent advances of potential clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suheil Albert Atallah-Yunes
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Michael J Robertson
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Robertson MJ, Stamatkin CW, Pelloso D, Weisenbach J, Prasad NK, Safa AR. A Dose-escalation Study of Recombinant Human Interleukin-18 in Combination With Ofatumumab After Autologous Peripheral Blood Stem Cell Transplantation for Lymphoma. J Immunother 2018; 41:151-157. [PMID: 29517616 PMCID: PMC5847481 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an immunostimulatory cytokine that augments antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity mediated by human natural killer cells against antibody-coated lymphoma cells in vitro and that has antitumor activity in animal models. Ofatumumab is a CD20 monoclonal antibody with activity against human B-cell lymphomas. A phase I study of recombinant human (rh) IL-18 given with ofatumumab was undertaken in patients with CD20 lymphoma who had undergone high-dose chemotherapy and autologous peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Cohorts of 3 patients were given intravenous infusions of ofatumumab 1000 mg weekly for 4 weeks with escalating doses of rhIL-18 as a intravenous infusion weekly for 8 consecutive weeks. Nine male patients with CD20 lymphomas were given ofatumumab in combination with rhIL-18 at doses of 3, 10, and 30 μg/kg. No unexpected or dose-limiting toxicities were observed. The mean reduction from predose levels in the number of peripheral blood natural killer cells after the first rhIL-18 infusion was 91%, 96%, and 97% for the 3, 10, and 30 μg/kg cohorts, respectively. Serum concentrations of interferon-γ and chemokines transiently increased following IL-18 dosing. rhIL-18 can be given in biologically active doses by weekly infusions in combination with ofatumumab after peripheral blood stem cell transplantation to patients with lymphoma. A maximum tolerated dose of rhIL-18 plus ofatumumab was not determined. Further studies of rhIL-18 and CD20 monoclonal antibodies in B-cell malignancies are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Robertson
- Lymphoma Program and Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Christopher W. Stamatkin
- Therapeutic Validation Core, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - David Pelloso
- Lymphoma Program and Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Jill Weisenbach
- Lymphoma Program and Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Nagendra K. Prasad
- Therapeutic Validation Core, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
| | - Ahmad R. Safa
- Therapeutic Validation Core, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN
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Kunert A, Chmielewski M, Wijers R, Berrevoets C, Abken H, Debets R. Intra-tumoral production of IL18, but not IL12, by TCR-engineered T cells is non-toxic and counteracts immune evasion of solid tumors. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1378842. [PMID: 29296541 PMCID: PMC5739571 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1378842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive therapy with engineered T cells shows promising results in treating patients with malignant disease, but is challenged by incomplete responses and tumor recurrences. Here, we aimed to direct the tumor microenvironment in favor of a successful immune response by local secretion of interleukin (IL-) 12 and IL-18 by sadministered T cells. To this end, we engineered T cells with a melanoma-specific T cell receptor (TCR) and murine IL-12 and/or IL-18 under the control of a nuclear-factor of activated T-cell (NFAT)-sensitive promoter. These T cells produced IL-12 or IL-18, and consequently enhanced levels of IFNγ, following exposure to antigen-positive but not negative tumor cells. Adoptive transfer of T cells with a TCR and inducible (i)IL-12 to melanoma-bearing mice resulted in severe, edema-like toxicity that was accompanied by enhanced levels of IFNγ and TNFα in blood, and reduced numbers of peripheral TCR transgene-positive T cells. In contrast, transfer of T cells expressing a TCR and iIL-18 was without side effects, enhanced the presence of therapeutic CD8+ T cells within tumors, reduced tumor burden and prolonged survival. Notably, treatment with TCR+iIL-12 but not iIL-18 T cells resulted in enhanced intra-tumoral accumulation of macrophages, which was accompanied by a decreased frequency of therapeutic T cells, in particular of the CD8 subset. In addition, when administered to mice, iIL-18 but not iIL-12 demonstrated a favorable profile of T cell co-stimulatory and inhibitory receptors. In conclusion, we observed that treatment with T cells engineered with a TCR and iIL18 T cells is safe and able to skew the tumor microenvironment in favor of an improved anti-tumor T cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Kunert
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Chmielewski
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Wijers
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Berrevoets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - H Abken
- Department I of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Cologne and Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R Debets
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Zhang L, Xu K, Liu C, Chen J. Meta-analysis reveals an association between signal transducer and activator of transcription-4 polymorphism and hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Hepatol Res 2017; 47:303-311. [PMID: 27126090 DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 03/14/2016] [Accepted: 03/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) proteins play a multitude of important functions in liver pathophysiology. Recent studies have indicated associations of rs7574865 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the STAT4 gene with various autoimmune diseases. The association between STAT4 polymorphism and the risk of HCC has been analyzed in several studies, but results remain inconsistent. This study used a meta-analysis approach to comprehensively investigate the correlation between STAT4 polymorphism and HCC risk based on previously published reports. METHODS Studies were searched from the databases of PubMed, EMBase, Web of Science, and the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure up to 31 December 2015. The meta-analysis was carried out based on the statement of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. RESULTS Eight published studies, consisting of 7503 HCC patients (cases) and 13 831 individuals without HCC (controls), were included in the present study. Meta-analysis of the included studies revealed that STAT4 rs7574865 polymorphism contributed to the risk of HCC under all four genetic models, consisting of the allelic model (G vs. T: odds ratio [OR], 1.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.19-1.30), the dominant effect model (GG + GT vs. TT: OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.26-1.84), the recessive effect model (GG vs. GT + TT: OR, 1.35; 95% CI, 1.21-1.50), and the co-dominant effect model (GG vs.. TT: OR, 1.72; 95% CI, 1.42-2.10) comparisons. No publication bias was indicated from either visualization of the funnel plot or Egger's test. CONCLUSION A significantly increased risk of HCC associated with the rs7574865 G was found. The rs7574865 polymorphism might be used as one risk factor for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Kuihua Xu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Chuanmiao Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jiasheng Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
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5
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Wang Y, Qu A, Wang H. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 in liver diseases. Int J Biol Sci 2015; 11:448-55. [PMID: 25798064 PMCID: PMC4366643 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.11164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
STAT4 is a member of the signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) family of molecules that localizes to the cytoplasm. STAT4 regulates various genes expression as a transcription factor after it is phosphorylated, dimerizes and translocates to the nucleus. STAT4 activation is detected virtually in the liver of several mouse models of liver injury, as well as the human liver of chronic liver diseases. STAT4 gene polymorphism has been shown to be associated with the antiviral response in chronic hepatitis C and drug-induced liver injury (DILI), primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), HCV-associated liver fibrosis and in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the roles of STAT4 in the pathogeneses of liver diseases are still not understood entirely. This review summarizes the recent advances on the functional roles of STAT4 and its related cytokines in liver diseases, especially in regulating hepatic anti-viral responses, inflammation, proliferation, apoptosis and tumorigenesis. Targeting STAT4 signaling pathway might be a promising strategy in developing therapeutic approaches for treating hepatitis in order to prevent further injury like cirrhosis and liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- 1. Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing 100034
| | - Aijuan Qu
- 3. Institute of Hypoxic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069 ; 4. Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100069, China
| | - Hua Wang
- 2. Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032
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Deng Y, Chu J, Ren Y, Fan Z, Ji X, Mundy-Bosse B, Yuan S, Hughes T, Zhang J, Cheema B, Camardo AT, Xia Y, Wu LC, Wang LS, He X, Kinghorn AD, Li X, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. The natural product phyllanthusmin C enhances IFN-γ production by human NK cells through upregulation of TLR-mediated NF-κB signaling. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2014; 193:2994-3002. [PMID: 25122922 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1302600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural products are a major source for cancer drug development. NK cells are a critical component of innate immunity with the capacity to destroy cancer cells, cancer-initiating cells, and clear viral infections. However, few reports describe a natural product that stimulates NK cell IFN-γ production and unravel a mechanism of action. In this study, through screening, we found that a natural product, phyllanthusmin C (PL-C), alone enhanced IFN-γ production by human NK cells. PL-C also synergized with IL-12, even at the low cytokine concentration of 0.1 ng/ml, and stimulated IFN-γ production in both human CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) NK cell subsets. Mechanistically, TLR1 and/or TLR6 mediated PL-C's activation of the NF-κB p65 subunit that in turn bound to the proximal promoter of IFNG and subsequently resulted in increased IFN-γ production in NK cells. However, IL-12 and IL-15Rs and their related STAT signaling pathways were not responsible for the enhanced IFN-γ secretion by PL-C. PL-C induced little or no T cell IFN-γ production or NK cell cytotoxicity. Collectively, we identify a natural product with the capacity to selectively enhance human NK cell IFN-γ production. Given the role of IFN-γ in immune surveillance, additional studies to understand the role of this natural product in prevention of cancer or infection in select populations are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youcai Deng
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jianhong Chu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Yulin Ren
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Zhijin Fan
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210; State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | - Xiaotian Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Elemento-Organic Chemistry, Nankai University, Tianjin 300071, China
| | | | - Shunzong Yuan
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210; Department of Lymphoma, Affiliated Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100071, China
| | - Tiffany Hughes
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Baljash Cheema
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Andrew T Camardo
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Yong Xia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Lai-Chu Wu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Li-Shu Wang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226; and
| | - Xiaoming He
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - A Douglas Kinghorn
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Xiaohui Li
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China;
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210;
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH 43210;
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A dose-escalation study of recombinant human interleukin-18 in combination with rituximab in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. J Immunother 2014; 36:331-41. [PMID: 23799412 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0b013e31829d7e2e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-18 (IL-18) is an immunostimulatory cytokine with antitumor activity in preclinical models. Rituximab is a CD20 monoclonal antibody with activity against human B-cell lymphomas. A phase I study of recombinant human (rh) IL-18 given with rituximab was performed in patients with CD20+ lymphoma. Cohorts of 3-4 patients were given infusions of rituximab (375 mg/m2) weekly for 4 weeks with escalating doses of rhIL-18 as a 2-hour intravenous infusion weekly for 12 consecutive weeks. Toxicities were graded using standard criteria. Blood samples were obtained for safety, pharmacokinetic, and pharmacodynamic studies. Nineteen patients with CD20+ B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma were given rituximab in combination with rhIL-18 at doses of 1, 3, 10, 20, 30, and 100 μg/kg. Common side effects included chills, fever, headache, and nausea. Common laboratory abnormalities included transient, asymptomatic lymphopenia, hyperglycemia, anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and bilirubin and liver enzyme elevations. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed. Biologic effects of rhIL-18 included transient lymphopenia and increased expression of activation antigens on lymphocytes. Increases in serum concentrations of IFN-γ, GM-CSF, and chemokines were observed after dosing. Objective tumor responses were seen in 5 patients, including 2 complete and 3 partial responses. rhIL-18 can be given in biologically active doses by weekly infusions in combination with rituximab to patients with lymphoma. A maximum tolerated dose of rhIL-18 plus rituximab was not determined. Further studies of rhIL-18 and CD20 monoclonal antibodies in B-cell malignancies are warranted.
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Chang HC, Lewis D, Tung CY, Han L, Henriquez SMP, Voiles L, Lupov IP, Pelloso D, Sinn AL, Pollok KE, de Lumen BO, Li F, Blum JS, Srivastava S, Robertson MJ. Soypeptide lunasin in cytokine immunotherapy for lymphoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 63:283-95. [PMID: 24363024 PMCID: PMC3928510 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1513-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2013] [Accepted: 12/12/2013] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Immunostimulatory cytokines can enhance anti-tumor immunity and are part of the therapeutic armamentarium for cancer treatment. We have previously reported that post-transplant lymphoma patients have an acquired deficiency of signal transducer and activator of transcription 4, which results in defective IFNγ production during clinical immunotherapy. With the goal of further improving cytokine-based immunotherapy, we examined the effects of a soybean peptide called lunasin that synergistically works with cytokines on natural killer (NK) cells. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of healthy donors and post-transplant lymphoma patients were stimulated with or without lunasin in the presence of IL-12 or IL-2. NK activation was evaluated, and its tumoricidal activity was assessed using in vitro and in vivo tumor models. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was performed to evaluate the histone modification of gene loci that are regulated by lunasin and cytokine. Adding lunasin to IL-12- or IL-2-stimulated NK cells demonstrated synergistic effects in the induction of IFNG and GZMB involved in cytotoxicity. The combination of lunasin and cytokines (IL-12 plus IL-2) was capable of restoring IFNγ production by NK cells from post-transplant lymphoma patients. In addition, NK cells stimulated with lunasin plus cytokines displayed higher tumoricidal activity than those stimulated with cytokines alone using in vitro and in vivo tumor models. The underlying mechanism responsible for the effects of lunasin on NK cells is likely due to epigenetic modulation on target gene loci. Lunasin represents a different class of immune modulating agent that may augment the therapeutic responses mediated by cytokine-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Chen Chang
- Department of Biology, School of Science, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, 723 West Michigan Street, SL310, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA,
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9
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Srivastava S, Pelloso D, Feng H, Voiles L, Lewis D, Haskova Z, Whitacre M, Trulli S, Chen YJ, Toso J, Jonak ZL, Chang HC, Robertson MJ. Effects of interleukin-18 on natural killer cells: costimulation of activation through Fc receptors for immunoglobulin. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2013; 62:1073-82. [PMID: 23604103 PMCID: PMC3707624 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-013-1403-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 02/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The antitumor activity of monoclonal antibodies is mediated by effector cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, that express Fc receptors for immunoglobulin. Efficacy of monoclonal antibodies, including the CD20 antibody rituximab, could be improved by agents that augment the function of NK cells. Interleukin (IL)-18 is an immunostimulatory cytokine that has antitumor activity in preclinical models. The effects of IL-18 on NK cell function mediated through Fcγ receptors were examined. Human NK cells stimulated with immobilized IgG in vitro secreted IFN-γ as expected; such IFN-γ production was partially inhibited by blocking CD16 with monoclonal antibodies. IL-18 augmented IFN-γ production by NK cells stimulated with immobilized IgG or CD16 antibodies. NK cell IFN-γ production in response to immobilized IgG and/or IL-18 was inhibited by chemical inhibitors of Syk and several other kinases involved in CD16 signaling pathways. IL-18 augmented antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of human NK cells against rituximab-coated Raji cells in vitro. IL-18 and rituximab acted synergistically to promote regression of human lymphoma xenografts in SCID mice. Inasmuch as IL-18 costimulates IFN-γ production and ADCC of NK cells activated through Fc receptors in vitro and augments antitumor activity of rituximab in vivo, it is an attractive cytokine to combine with monoclonal antibodies for treatment of human cancer.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/administration & dosage
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/drug effects
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/immunology
- Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Humans
- Immunoglobulin G/immunology
- Immunoglobulins/metabolism
- Interferon-gamma/biosynthesis
- Interleukin-18/administration & dosage
- Interleukin-18/pharmacology
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lymphoma/drug therapy
- Lymphoma/immunology
- Mice
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/immunology
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Receptors, Fc/metabolism
- Receptors, IgG/immunology
- Receptors, IgG/metabolism
- Rituximab
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivani Srivastava
- Bone Marrow and Stem Cell Transplantation Program, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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Abstract
Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 4 (STAT4) is a transcription factor that is activated by IL-12 signaling and promotes Th1-cell differentiation and IFN-γ production. Defective IFN-γ production because of STAT4 mRNA and protein deficiency occurs after autologous stem cell transplantation for lymphoma. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of STAT4 deficiency in lymphoma patients. The tumor-bearing state is not responsible, because STAT4 levels were not significantly different in PBMCs obtained from healthy control subjects compared with those from lymphoma patients before treatment. STAT4 protein levels were significantly decreased in PBMCs and T cells obtained from lymphoma patients after standard-dose chemotherapy. Furthermore, treatment of control PBMC cultures or a natural killer cell line with chemotherapy drugs in vitro also resulted in reduced STAT4 protein and diminished, IL-12-induced IFN-γ production. Translation of STAT4 protein was not impaired in chemotherapy-treated cells, whereas the STAT4 protein half-life was significantly reduced. Chemotherapy drugs promoted the ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of STAT4. Treatment with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib reversed chemotherapy-induced STAT4 deficiency and defective IFN-γ production. We conclude that acquired STAT4 deficiency in lymphoma patients is a consequence of treatment with chemotherapy, results that have important implications for the design of optimal immunotherapy for lymphoma.
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11
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Good SR, Thieu VT, Mathur AN, Yu Q, Stritesky GL, Yeh N, O'Malley JT, Perumal NB, Kaplan MH. Temporal induction pattern of STAT4 target genes defines potential for Th1 lineage-specific programming. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 183:3839-47. [PMID: 19710469 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0901411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
STAT4 is a critical component in the development of inflammatory adaptive immune responses. It has been extensively characterized as a lineage-determining factor in Th1 development. However, the genetic program activated by STAT4 that results in an inflammatory cell type is not well defined. In this report, we use DNA isolated from STAT4-chromatin immunoprecipitation to perform chromatin immunoprecipitation-on-chip analysis of over 28,000 mouse gene promoters to identify STAT4 targets. We demonstrate that STAT4 binds multiple gene-sets that program distinct components of the Th1 lineage. Although many STAT4 target genes display STAT4-dependent IL-12-inducible expression, other genes displayed IL-12-induced histone modifications but lack induction, possibly due to high relative basal expression. In the subset of genes that STAT4 programs for expression in Th1 cells, IL-12-induced mRNA levels remain increased for a longer time than mRNA from genes that are not programmed. This suggests that STAT4 binding to target genes, while critical, is not the only determinant for STAT4-dependent gene programming during Th1 differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth R Good
- School of Informatics, Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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12
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Abstract
T follicular helper (Tfh) cells are crucial for generating humoral immune responses. In this issue of Immunity, Schmitt et al. (2009) reveal the differentiation of human Tfh cells is dependent on dendritic cell-derived interleukin-12.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy S Ma
- Immunology Program, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst, NSW 2010, Australia
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13
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Abstract
IL-12 activates STAT4, which is a critical regulator of inflammation and T helper type I (Th1) lineage development in murine systems. The requirement for STAT4 in the generation of human Th1 cells has not been examined thoroughly. Compared with control Th1 cultures, expression of the Th1 genes IFNgamma, IL-12Rbeta2, and TNFalpha is greatly reduced in Th1 cultures of CD4 T cells isolated from lymphoma patients after autologous stem cell transplantation who have acquired STAT4 deficiency. Moreover, IL-4 and IL-5 production is increased in patient Th1 cultures though there are no defects in the development of Th2 cells. Reconstitution of STAT4 in patient T cells allowed recovery of IFNgamma and IL-12Rbeta2 expression, whereas ectopic expression of IL-12Rbeta2 did not rescue STAT4 expression, and increased IFNgamma production only to levels intermediate between control and patient samples. These results demonstrate that, as in murine systems, STAT4 is required for optimal human Th1 lineage development.
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14
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O'Malley JT, Eri RD, Stritesky GL, Mathur AN, Chang HC, Hogenesch H, Srinivasan M, Kaplan MH. STAT4 isoforms differentially regulate Th1 cytokine production and the severity of inflammatory bowel disease. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:5062-70. [PMID: 18802110 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.7.5062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
STAT4, a critical regulator of inflammation in vivo, can be expressed as two alternative splice forms, a full-length STAT4alpha, and a STAT4beta isoform lacking a C-terminal transactivation domain. Each isoform is sufficient to program Th1 development through both common and distinct subsets of target genes. However, the ability of these isoforms to mediate inflammation in vivo has not been examined. Using a model of colitis that develops following transfer of CD4(+) CD45RB(high) T cells expressing either the STAT4alpha or STAT4beta isoform into SCID mice, we determined that although both isoforms mediate inflammation and weight loss, STAT4beta promotes greater colonic inflammation and tissue destruction. This correlates with STAT4 isoform-dependent expression of TNF-alpha and GM-CSF in vitro and in vivo, but not Th1 expression of IFN-gamma or Th17 expression of IL-17, which were similar in STAT4alpha- and STAT4beta-expressing T cells. Thus, higher expression of a subset of inflammatory cytokines from STAT4beta-expressing T cells correlates with the ability of STAT4beta-expressing T cells to mediate more severe inflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T O'Malley
- Department of Pediatrics, HB Wells Center for Pediatric Research and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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Mo C, Chearwae W, O'Malley JT, Adams SM, Kanakasabai S, Walline CC, Stritesky GL, Good SR, Perumal NB, Kaplan MH, Bright JJ. Stat4 isoforms differentially regulate inflammation and demyelination in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2008; 181:5681-90. [PMID: 18832727 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.181.8.5681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease model of multiple sclerosis. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (Stat4) is a transcription factor activated by IL-12 and IL-23, two cytokines known to play important roles in the pathogenesis of EAE by inducing T cells to secrete IFN-gamma and IL-17, respectively. We and others have previously shown that therapeutic intervention or targeted disruption of Stat4 was effective in ameliorating EAE. Recently, a splice variant of Stat4 termed Stat4beta has been characterized that lacks 44 amino acids at the C terminus of the full-length Stat4alpha. In this study we examined whether T cells expressing either isoform could affect the pathogenesis of EAE. We found that transgenic mice expressing Stat4beta on a Stat4-deficient background develop an exacerbated EAE compared with wild-type mice following immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35-55, while Stat4alpha transgenic mice have greatly attenuated disease. The differential development of EAE in transgenic mice correlates with increased IFN-gamma and IL-17 in Stat4beta-expressing cells in situ, contrasting increased IL-10 production by Stat4alpha-expressing cells. This study demonstrates that Stat4 isoforms differentially regulate inflammatory cytokines in association with distinct effects on the onset and severity of EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caiqing Mo
- Neuroscience Research Laboratory, Methodist Research Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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16
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Abstract
Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular and biological aspects of multiple myeloma have opened new horizons in the management and treatment of this hitherto incurable disease. With better understanding of the pathobiological 'web' responsible for triggering plasma cells to develop into myeloma, scientists have been able to develop therapeutic strategies that target not only the myeloma cell, but its microenvironment as well. This article will review novel agents commonly used to treat multiple myeloma, either alone or in combination. The role of these agents as induction therapy in newly diagnosed, relapsed and/or refractory disease will also be evaluated. Finally, an overview of novel therapies moving from the bench to the bedside will be provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edgardo S Santos
- Tulane University Health Sciences Center, Division of Hematology-Medical Oncology, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-78 New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
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17
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Butz NV, Gronostajski RM, Campbell CE. T-box proteins differentially activate the expression of the endogenous interferon γ gene versus transfected reporter genes in non-immune cells. Gene 2006; 377:130-9. [PMID: 16737784 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2006.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2005] [Revised: 03/17/2006] [Accepted: 03/25/2006] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The T-box transcription factor T-bet is expressed in a number of hematopoetic cell types and plays an essential role in the lineage determination of Th1 T-helper cells. In the absence of T-bet, CD4(+) T-cells fail to induce IFNgamma, the cytokine whose expression characterizes Th1 cells. Here we show that, surprisingly, T-bet induces the expression of endogenous IFNgamma in non-immune human cells, including 293 and other cell lines. Thus T-bet can induce IFNgamma expression independently of its role in T-cell lineage determination. In addition, mutations in T-bet, and chimeras of T-bet with other transcription factors including the T-box transcription factor, TBX2, differentially affect the ability of T-bet to activate expression of endogenous IFNgamma versus a T-site regulated reporter gene. A truncated T-betVp16 fusion protein strongly activates the T-site reporter but fails to activate endogenous IFNgamma. Conversely, native T-bet strongly activates endogenous IFNgamma expression but only weakly activates the reporter gene. Fusion of the Vp16 activation domain to full-length T-bet greatly increases its activation of both endogenous IFNgamma and transfected T-site reporter gene expression. In contrast, TBX2Vp16 potently activates the T-site reporter but has a negligible effect on endogenous IFNgamma expression. Butyrate treatment of T-bet expressing cells potentiates the expression of endogenous IFNgamma but weakly represses expression of the T-site reporter gene. These data indicate that induction of endogenous IFNgamma can be uncoupled from differentiation into the Th1 lineage and that the expression of endogenous IFNgamma versus a T-site reporter gene is differentially regulated by T-bet and other T-box proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataliya V Butz
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo, NY 14214, USA
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18
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Zhang Y, Ohyashiki JH, Takaku T, Shimizu N, Ohyashiki K. Transcriptional profiling of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) genes and host cellular genes in nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma and chronic active EBV infection. Br J Cancer 2006; 94:599-608. [PMID: 16449999 PMCID: PMC2361178 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6602968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nasal NK/T-cell lymphoma is an aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) that is closely associated with Epstein–Barr virus (EBV). The clonal expansion of EBV-infected NK or T cells is also seen in patients with chronic active EBV (CAEBV) infection, suggesting that two diseases might share a partially similar mechanism by which EBV affects host cellular gene expression. To understand the pathogenesis of EBV-associated NK/T-cell lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) and design new therapies, we employed a novel EBV DNA microarray to compare patterns of EBV expression in six cell lines established from EBV-associated NK/T-cell LPD. We found that expression of BZLF1, which encodes the immediate-early gene product Zta, was expressed in SNK/T cells and the expression levels were preferentially high in cell lines from CAEBV infection. We also analyzsd the gene expression patterns of host cellular genes using a human oligonucleotide DNA microarray. We identified a subset of pathogenically and clinically relevant host cellular genes, including TNFRSF10D, CDK2, HSPCA, IL12A as a common molecular biological properties of EBV-associated NK/T-cell LPD and a subset of genes, such as PDCD4 as a putative contributor for disease progression. This study describes a novel approach from the aspects of viral and host gene expression, which could identify novel therapeutic targets in EBV-associated NK/T-cell LPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Zhang
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - J H Ohyashiki
- Intractable Immune System Disease Research Center, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan
- ntractable Immune System Disease Research Center, Tokyo Medical University, 6-7-1, Nishi-shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0023, Japan. E-mail:
| | - T Takaku
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - N Shimizu
- Department of Virology, Medical Research Institute, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - K Ohyashiki
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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