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van der Ploeg K, Sottile R, Kontopoulos T, Shaffer BC, Papanicolaou GA, Maloy MA, Cho C, Robinson KS, Perales MA, Le Luduec JB, Hsu KC. Emergence of human CMV-induced NKG2C+ NK cells is associated with CD8+ T-cell recovery after allogeneic HCT. Blood Adv 2023; 7:5784-5798. [PMID: 37196646 PMCID: PMC10561005 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022008952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection is associated with the expansion of a mature NKG2C+FcεR1γ- natural killer (NK) cell population. The exact mechanism underlying the emergence of NKG2C+ NK cells, however, remains unknown. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) provides an opportunity to longitudinally study lymphocyte recovery in the setting of CMV reactivation, particularly in patients receiving T-cell-depleted (TCD) allografts. We analyzed peripheral blood lymphocytes from 119 patients at serial time points after infusion of their TCD allograft and compared immune recovery with that in samples obtained from recipients of T-cell-replete (T-replete) (n = 96) or double umbilical cord blood (DUCB) (n = 52) allografts. NKG2C+ NK cells were detected in 92% (45 of 49) of recipients of TCD HCT who experienced CMV reactivation. Although NKG2A+ cells were routinely identifiable early after HCT, NKG2C+ NK cells were identified only after T cells could be detected. T-cell reconstitution occurred at variable times after HCT among patients and predominantly comprised CD8+ T cells. In patients with CMV reactivation, recipients of TCD HCT expressed significantly higher frequencies of NKG2C+ and CD56neg NK cells compared with patients who received T-replete HCT or DUCB transplantation. NKG2C+ NK cells after TCD HCT were CD57+FcεR1γ+ and degranulated significantly more in response to target cells compared with the adaptive the NKG2C+CD57+FcεR1γ- NK cell population. We conclude that the presence of circulating T cells is associated with the expansion of a CMV-induced NKG2C+ NK cell population, a potentially novel example of developmental cooperation between lymphocyte populations in response to viral infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kattria van der Ploeg
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Rosa Sottile
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Theodota Kontopoulos
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Brian C. Shaffer
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Genovefa A. Papanicolaou
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Molly A. Maloy
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Christina Cho
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Kevin S. Robinson
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
- Adult BMT Service, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Miguel-Angel Perales
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Jean-Benoît Le Luduec
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Katharine C. Hsu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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Kaulfuss M, Mietz J, Fabri A, Vom Berg J, Münz C, Chijioke O. The NK cell checkpoint NKG2A maintains expansion capacity of human NK cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10555. [PMID: 37386090 PMCID: PMC10310841 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37779-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic effector cells that are increasingly harnessed in cancer immunotherapy. NKG2A/CD94 is an inhibitory receptor on NK cells that has established regulatory functions in the direct interaction with target cells when engaged with its ligand, the non-classical HLA class I molecule HLA-E. Here, we confirmed NKG2A as a checkpoint molecule in primary human NK cells and identified a novel role for NKG2A in maintaining NK cell expansion capacity by dampening both proliferative activity and excessive activation-induced cell death. Maintenance of NK cell expansion capacity might contribute to the preferential accumulation of human NKG2A+ NK cells after hematopoietic cell transplantation and enrichment of functionally impaired NK cells in human cancers. Functional silencing of NKG2A for cancer immunotherapy is highly attractive but will need to consider that this might also lead to a reduced survival by driving activation-induced cell death in targeted NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meike Kaulfuss
- Cellular Immunotherapy, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Juliane Mietz
- Cellular Immunotherapy, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Astrid Fabri
- Cellular Immunotherapy, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Immunity & Transplantation, University College London Division of Infection & Immunity, London, UK
| | - Johannes Vom Berg
- Institute of Laboratory Animal Science, University of Zürich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christian Münz
- Viral Immunobiology, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Obinna Chijioke
- Cellular Immunotherapy, Institute of Experimental Immunology, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland.
- Institute of Medical Genetics and Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland.
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3
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Improved Antitumor Effect of NK Cells Activated by Neutrophils in a Bone Marrow Transplant Model. Mediators Inflamm 2023; 2023:6316581. [PMID: 36762286 PMCID: PMC9904906 DOI: 10.1155/2023/6316581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The licensing process mediated by inhibitory receptors of the Ly49 C-type lectin superfamily that recognizes self-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I in mice is essential for the proper antitumor function of natural killer (NK) cells. Several models for NK cell licensing can be exploited for adoptive immunotherapy for cancer. However, the appropriate adoptive transfer setting to induce efficient graft versus tumor/leukemia effects remains elusive, especially after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). In our previous experiment, we showed that intraperitoneal neutrophil administration with their corresponding NK receptor ligand-activated NK cells using congenic mice without HSCT. In this experiment, we demonstrate enhanced antitumor effects of licensed NK cells induced by weekly intraperitoneal injections of irradiated neutrophil-enriched peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) in recipient mice bearing lymphoma. Bone marrow transplantation was performed using BALB/c mice (H-2d) as the recipient and B10 mice (H-2b) as the donor. The tumor was A20, a BALB/c-derived lymphoma cell line, which was injected subcutaneously into the recipient at the same time as the HSCT. Acute graft versus host disease was not exacerbated in this murine MHC class I mismatched HSCT setting. The intraperitoneal injection of PBMNCs activated a transient licensing of NK subsets expressed Ly49G2, its corresponding NK receptor ligand to H-2d, and reduced A20 tumor growth in the recipient after HSCT. Pathological examination revealed that increased donor-oriented NK1.1+NK cells migrated into the recipient tumors, depending on neutrophil counts in the administered PBMNCs. Collectively, our data reveal a pivotal role of neutrophils in promoting NK cell effector functions and adoptive immunotherapy for cancer.
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Konova ZV, Parovichnikova EN, Galtseva IV, Khamaganova EG. Impact of natural killer cell’s functional reconstruction on the results of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY AND TRANSFUSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.35754/0234-5730-2022-67-4-551-569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Currently, more and more attention is being paid to possible strategies for preventing the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and reducing the risk of infections while maintaining the antitumor effect — graft-versus-leukemia effect (GVL). In this context, the study of natural killer cells (NK-cells) seems to be quite promising.Aim – to analyze the biological and functional properties of NK-cells after allo-HSCT, their reconstitution after transplantation and factors affecting this process, as well as the mechanisms of alloreactivity of NK cells in patients after allo-HSCT. Main findings. Various types of activating or inhibiting receptors, which are expressed on NK-cells, regulate the functions of NK-cells. Among them, the main role is played by the killer immunoglobin-like receptor (KIR-receptor), which mediates tolerance to one’s own cells and the immune response, both antitumor and directed against infectious agents. NK-cells can play a decisive role in preventing early relapses and infectious complications, as they are among the first to recover after allo-HSCT. They also have the ability to eliminate the recipient’s T-cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs), thereby preventing the development of graft failure and GVHD. There are several models of NK alloreactivity based on KIR; however, the results of studies in this area are contradictory. This review summarizes the available literature data.
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Hosseinalizadeh H, Habibi Roudkenar M, Mohammadi Roushandeh A, Kuwahara Y, Tomita K, Sato T. Natural killer cell immunotherapy in glioblastoma. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:113. [PMID: 36305981 PMCID: PMC9616998 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most difficult cancers to treat because GBM has the high therapeutic resistance. Recently, immunotherapies for GBM have been used instead of conventional treatments. Among them, Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has the potential to treat GBM due to its properties such as the absence of restriction by antigen-antibody reaction and deep penetration into the tumor microenvironment. Especially, genetically engineered NK cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, dual antigen-targeting CAR NK cells, and adapter chimeric antigen receptor NK cells are considered to be an important tool for GBM immunotherapy. Therefore, this review describes the recent efforts of NK cell-based immunotherapy in GBM patients. We also describe key receptors expressing on NK cells such as killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor, CD16, and natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2DL) receptor and discuss the function and importance of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Hosseinalizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mehryar Habibi Roudkenar
- Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, School of Medicine, Velayat Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Amaneh Mohammadi Roushandeh
- Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, School of Medicine, Velayat Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kuwahara
- Division of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tomita
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Tomoaki Sato
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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6
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Jennifer Zhang Q. Donor selection based on NK alloreactivity for patients with hematological malignancies. Hum Immunol 2022; 83:695-703. [PMID: 35965181 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important defender against infections and tumors. Their function is regulated by the balance of inhibitory and activating receptors. Among all inhibitory NK receptors: killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR) and CD94/NKG2A recognize human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class I molecules, allowing NK cells to be 'licensed' to avoid autoreactivity, but be fully functional at the same time. Licensed NK cells can target malignant cells with altered or downregulated/missing 'self' antigens. NK cell attacking malignant cells is one of the mechanisms of graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect. Numerous studies have demonstrated that NK cells improve hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) survival by reducing relapse mortality through GVL effect. Therapeutic strategies, such as adoptive alloreactive NK cell transfer, CAR-NK cells, antibodies against NKG2A and KIR2DL1-3, have been utilized to treat hematological malignancies in HCT. In this review, NK cell functions, NK cell receptors and ligands, as well as common alloreactive NK donor selection algorithms for patients with hematological malignancies in the setting of HCT are discussed. The goal of this review is to provide insights on the controversial results and provide better understanding and resources on how to perform alloreactive donor NK cell selection in HCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuheng Jennifer Zhang
- UCLA Immunogenetics Center, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90095, USA.
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Keruakous AR, Asch A, Aljumaily R, Zhao D, Yuen C. Prognostic impact of natural killer cell recovery on minimal residual disease after autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma. Transpl Immunol 2022; 71:101544. [PMID: 35093506 PMCID: PMC10434759 DOI: 10.1016/j.trim.2022.101544] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 01/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Natural killer cells are a potent effector lymphocyte subset that can induce cytotoxicity without the need for antigen sensitization or presentation. NK cells are a tempting target -for immune therapy, monoclonal antibody, or genetic engineering-to enhance immune surveillance mechanisms against myeloma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS We hypothesized an association between natural killer cell recovery after autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) and disease outcomes in multiple myeloma patients. We concluded a prospective study that started enrolling patients in January 2020 to identify the association between absolute NK cell count two to three after ASCT and disease outcomes after autologous stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS Natural killer cell recovery was evaluated during the third month after ASCT, day +60 to +90 post-ASCT. Our patients had a mean NK cell count of 90.53, ranging from 14 to 282 Cell/μL (Std Dev 84.64 Cell/μL). The odds of having a minimal residual disease (MRD-positivity) among patients with partial remission before transplantation is four times higher than patients with very good partial response or better (95% confidence interval 0.45-35.79). Our patients were classified into two groups based on MRD status after ASCT, an MRD-negative group of eight participants and an MRD-positive group of seven participants. The mean absolute NK cell count was significantly higher in the MRD-negative cohort, 131.38 Cell/μL, versus 43.86 Cell/μL in the MRD-positive group (p = 0.049). CONCLUSION We conclude that for multiple myeloma patients treated with ASCT, high absolute NK cell counts two to three months after ASCT is an independent predictor for MRD negativity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany R Keruakous
- Georgia Cancer Center at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America.
| | - Adam Asch
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Raid Aljumaily
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Daniel Zhao
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - Carrie Yuen
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, University of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
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8
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Khawar MB, Sun H. CAR-NK Cells: From Natural Basis to Design for Kill. Front Immunol 2022; 12:707542. [PMID: 34970253 PMCID: PMC8712563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.707542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are fusion proteins with an extracellular antigen recognition domain and numerous intracellular signaling domains that have been genetically modified. CAR-engineered T lymphocyte-based therapies have shown great success against blood cancers; however, potential fatal toxicity, such as in cytokine release syndrome, and high costs are some shortcomings that limit the clinical application of CAR-engineered T lymphocytes and remain to overcome. Natural killer (NK) cells are the focal point of current immunological research owing to their receptors that prove to be promising immunotherapeutic candidates for treating cancer. However, to date, manipulation of NK cells to treat malignancies has been moderately successful. Recent progress in the biology of NK cell receptors has greatly transformed our understanding of how NK cells recognize and kill tumor and infected cells. CAR-NK cells may serve as an alternative candidate for retargeting cancer because of their unique recognition mechanisms, powerful cytotoxic effects especially on cancer cells in both CAR-dependent and CAR-independent manners and clinical safety. Moreover, NK cells can serve as an ‘off-the-shelf product’ because NK cells from allogeneic sources can also be used in immunotherapies owing to their reduced risk of alloreactivity. Although ongoing fundamental research is in the beginning stages, this review provides an overview of recent developments implemented to design CAR constructs to stimulate NK activation and manipulate NK receptors for improving the efficiency of immunotherapy against cancer, summarizes the preclinical and clinical advances of CAR-NK cells against both hematological malignancies and solid tumors and confronts current challenges and obstacles of their applications. In addition, this review provides insights into prospective novel approaches that further enhance the efficiency of CAR-NK therapies and highlights potential questions that require to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China.,Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology & Genomics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haibo Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
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9
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Barnes SA, Trew I, de Jong E, Foley B. Making a Killer: Selecting the Optimal Natural Killer Cells for Improved Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2021; 12:765705. [PMID: 34777383 PMCID: PMC8578927 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.765705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past 20 years natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies have emerged as a safe and effective treatment option for patients with relapsed or refractory leukemia. Unlike T cell-based therapies, NK cells harbor an innate capacity to eliminate malignant cells without prior sensitization and can be adoptively transferred between individuals without the need for extensive HLA matching. A wide variety of therapeutic NK cell sources are currently being investigated clinically, including allogeneic donor-derived NK cells, stem cell-derived NK cells and NK cell lines. However, it is becoming increasingly clear that not all NK cells are endowed with the same antitumor potential. Despite advances in techniques to enhance NK cell cytotoxicity and persistence, the initial identification and utilization of highly functional NK cells remains essential to ensure the future success of adoptive NK cell therapies. Indeed, little consideration has been given to the identification and selection of donors who harbor NK cells with potent antitumor activity. In this regard, there is currently no standard donor selection criteria for adoptive NK cell therapy. Here, we review our current understanding of the factors which govern NK cell functional fate, and propose a paradigm shift away from traditional phenotypic characterization of NK cell subsets towards a functional profile based on molecular and metabolic characteristics. We also discuss previous selection models for NK cell-based immunotherapies and highlight important considerations for the selection of optimal NK cell donors for future adoptive cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha A Barnes
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Isabella Trew
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia.,School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Emma de Jong
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Bree Foley
- Telethon Kids Institute, The University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
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10
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Slepicka PF, Yazdanifar M, Bertaina A. Harnessing Mechanisms of Immune Tolerance to Improve Outcomes in Solid Organ Transplantation: A Review. Front Immunol 2021; 12:688460. [PMID: 34177941 PMCID: PMC8222735 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.688460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Survival after solid organ transplantation (SOT) is limited by chronic rejection as well as the need for lifelong immunosuppression and its associated toxicities. Several preclinical and clinical studies have tested methods designed to induce transplantation tolerance without lifelong immune suppression. The limited success of these strategies has led to the development of clinical protocols that combine SOT with other approaches, such as allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). HSCT prior to SOT facilitates engraftment of donor cells that can drive immune tolerance. Recent innovations in graft manipulation strategies and post-HSCT immune therapy provide further advances in promoting tolerance and improving clinical outcomes. In this review, we discuss conventional and unconventional immunological mechanisms underlying the development of immune tolerance in SOT recipients and how they can inform clinical advances. Specifically, we review the most recent mechanistic studies elucidating which immune regulatory cells dampen cytotoxic immune reactivity while fostering a tolerogenic environment. We further discuss how this understanding of regulatory cells can shape graft engineering and other therapeutic strategies to improve long-term outcomes for patients receiving HSCT and SOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Ferreira Slepicka
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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11
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Leserer S, Bayraktar E, Trilling M, Bogdanov R, Arrieta‐Bolaños E, Tsachakis‐Mück N, Crivello P, Koldehoff M, Maaßen F, Ross RS, Fleischhauer K, Beelen DW, Turki AT. Cytomegalovirus kinetics after hematopoietic cell transplantation reveal peak titers with differential impact on mortality, relapse and immune reconstitution. Am J Hematol 2021; 96:436-445. [PMID: 33439488 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.26094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Even in the era of PCR-based monitoring, prophylaxis, and preemptive therapy, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) viremia remains a relevant cause of non-relapse mortality (NRM) after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). However, studies using binary analysis (presence/absence of CMV) reported contradicting data for NRM, overall survival and leukemia relapse. Here, we analyzed CMV replication kinetics in 11 508 whole blood PCR samples of 705 patients with HCT between 2012 and 2017. Using two independent models based on CMV peak titers and on the time point of first CMV reactivation, we stratified patients into risk cohorts. Each cohort had distinct cellular immune reconstitution profiles and differentiated for relevant clinical outcomes. Patients with high CMV peak titers had significantly reduced overall survival (HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.53-2.96; p < .0001), due to high NRM. Early impaired T cell reconstitution was a risk factor for high CMV peak titers, however relevant CMV viremia also related to boosted T cell reconstitution. Importantly, intermediate CMV peak titers associated with a significantly reduced relapse probability (HR 0.53, 95% CI 0.31-0.91; p = .022). In short, CMV kinetics models distinguished relevant clinical outcome cohorts beyond the R+ serostatus with distinct immune reconstitution patterns and resolve in part contradicting results of previous studies exclusively focused on the presence or absence of CMV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saskia Leserer
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- Computational Hematology Workgroup, Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- Institute for Experimental Cellular Therapy, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
| | - Evren Bayraktar
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- Computational Hematology Workgroup, Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- Chair of Applied Mathematics and Numerics III TU Dortmund University Dortmund Germany
| | - Mirko Trilling
- Institute for Virology University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg‐Essen Essen Germany
| | - Rashit Bogdanov
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- Computational Hematology Workgroup, Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
| | - Esteban Arrieta‐Bolaños
- Institute for Experimental Cellular Therapy, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Nikolaos Tsachakis‐Mück
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
| | - Pietro Crivello
- Institute for Experimental Cellular Therapy, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
| | - Michael Koldehoff
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
| | - Fabienne Maaßen
- Institute for Experimental Cellular Therapy, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- Institute for Virology University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg‐Essen Essen Germany
| | - Rudolf Stefan Ross
- Institute for Virology University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg‐Essen Essen Germany
| | - Katharina Fleischhauer
- Institute for Experimental Cellular Therapy, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Heidelberg Germany
| | - Dietrich W. Beelen
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
| | - Amin T. Turki
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- Computational Hematology Workgroup, Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
- Institute for Experimental Cellular Therapy, West‐German Cancer Center University Hospital Essen Essen Germany
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12
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Zhao Y, Gao F, Wu Y, Shi J, Luo Y, Tan Y, Yu J, Lai X, Zhang M, Zhang W, Huang H. Decreased iKIR-HLA C Pair Confers Worse Clinical Outcomes for Patients With Myeloid Disease Receiving Antithymocyte Globulin-Based Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 11:614488. [PMID: 33633734 PMCID: PMC7901980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.614488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative therapy for patients with malignant hematologic diseases. Killer immunoglobin-like receptor (KIR) expressed by NK cells is closely associated with the transplant outcomes, and it has been widely explored and debated for a few decades. Recently published studies have revealed that inhibitory KIRs (iKIRs) are educated by their cognate human lymphocyte antigen (HLA) ligands, and that decreased iKIR-HLA pairs post-transplantation may indicate a reduced NK cell function and impaired control of the primary disease. However, this theory still needs to be validated by additional clinical studies. Here we conducted a retrospective analysis of 246 patients who received haploidentical (haplo)-HSCT at our treatment center between January 2015 and June 2018. Our data suggests that decreased iKIR-HLA C pair post-HSCT correlated with a significantly higher risk of relapse [hazard risk (HR) = 2.95, p = 0.019] and reduced overall survival (OS) (HR = 3.74, p = 0.001) and disease-free survival (DFS) (HR = 4.05, p = 0.0004) in patients with myeloid disease. In conclusion, decreased iKIR-HLA C pair should be avoided during anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG)-based haplo-HSCT, especially for patients with myeloid disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin Zhao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fei Gao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jimin Shi
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Luo
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yamin Tan
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Lai
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mingming Zhang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Zhejiang Blood Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
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13
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Hoerster K, Uhrberg M, Wiek C, Horn PA, Hanenberg H, Heinrichs S. HLA Class I Knockout Converts Allogeneic Primary NK Cells Into Suitable Effectors for "Off-the-Shelf" Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 11:586168. [PMID: 33584651 PMCID: PMC7878547 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.586168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy using chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) so far has almost exclusively used autologous peripheral blood-derived T cells as immune effector cells. However, harvesting sufficient numbers of T cells is often challenging in heavily pre-treated patients with malignancies and perturbed hematopoiesis and perturbed hematopoiesis. Also, such a CAR product will always be specific for the individual patient. In contrast, NK cell infusions can be performed in non-HLA-matched settings due to the absence of alloreactivity of these innate immune cells. Still, the infused NK cells are subject to recognition and rejection by the patient's immune system, thereby limiting their life-span in vivo and undermining the possibility for multiple infusions. Here, we designed genome editing and advanced lentiviral transduction protocols to render primary human NK cells unsusceptible/resistant to an allogeneic response by the recipient's CD8+ T cells. After knocking-out surface expression of HLA class I molecules by targeting the B2M gene via CRISPR/Cas9, we also co-expressed a single-chain HLA-E molecule, thereby preventing NK cell fratricide of B2M-knockout (KO) cells via "missing self"-induced lysis. Importantly, these genetically engineered NK cells were functionally indistinguishable from their unmodified counterparts with regard to their phenotype and their natural cytotoxicity towards different AML cell lines. In co-culture assays, B2M-KO NK cells neither induced immune responses of allogeneic T cells nor re-activated allogeneic T cells which had been expanded/primed using irradiated PBMNCs of the respective NK cell donor. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of genome editing in primary allogeneic NK cells to diminish their recognition and killing by mismatched T cells and is an important prerequisite for using non-HLA-matched primary human NK cells as readily available, "off-the-shelf" immune effectors for a variety of immunotherapy indications in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keven Hoerster
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Markus Uhrberg
- Institute for Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Heinrich-Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Constanze Wiek
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head/Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Peter A. Horn
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Essen, Germany
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology & Head/Neck Surgery, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Heinrich Heine University, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Children’s Hospital of Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stefan Heinrichs
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Essen/Düsseldorf, Essen, Germany
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14
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Donor and host coexpressing KIR ligands promote NK education after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Blood Adv 2020; 3:4312-4325. [PMID: 31869417 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rate and extent of natural killer (NK)-cell education after hematopoietic cell transplantation correlates with leukemia control. To study the effect of donor and host HLA on NK-cell reconstitution, single killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)+ NK cells (exhibiting KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2/KIR2DL3, or KIR3DL1 as their sole receptor) were grouped into 4 groups based on the interaction between donor/host HLA and donor inhibitory KIR in 2 cohorts (n = 114 and n = 276, respectively). On days 90 to 180 after transplantation, the absolute number and responsiveness against K562 cells (CD107a or interferon-γ expression) of single-KIR+ NK cells were higher in pairs where donor and host HLA both expressed ligands for donor inhibitory KIRs than in pairs where 1 or both of the donor and recipient HLA lacked at least 1 KIR ligand. NK-cell responsiveness was tuned commensurate with the number of inhibitory receptors from the donor. When both donor and host expressed the 3 major KIR ligands (HLA-C1, HLA-C2, and HLA-Bw4), NK cells expressing 3 inhibitory receptors (KIR2DL1/2DL3/3DL1) reached the maximum responsiveness against K562 cells compared with those NK cells expressing only 1 or 2 inhibitory receptors. When donor and host HLA both expressed all ligands for donor inhibitory KIRs, patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) showed the lowest recurrence rate after haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that when both donors and hosts present all the KIR ligands for donor KIRs, reconstituted NK cells achieve better functional education and contribute to least relapse among patients. This observation study was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT02978274.
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15
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Gao F, Ye Y, Gao Y, Huang H, Zhao Y. Influence of KIR and NK Cell Reconstitution in the Outcomes of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2022. [PMID: 32983145 PMCID: PMC7493622 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a significant role in immune tolerance and immune surveillance. Killer immunoglobin-like receptors (KIRs), which recognize human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecules, are particularly important for NK cell functions. Previous studies have suggested that, in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), alloreactive NK cells from the donor could efficiently eliminate recipient tumor cells and the residual immune cells. Subsequently, several clinical models were established to determine the optimal donors who would exhibit a graft-vs. -leukemia (GVL) effect without developing graft-vs. -host disease (GVHD). In addition, hypotheses about specific beneficial receptor-ligand pairs and KIR genes have been raised and the favorable effects of alloreactive NK cells are being investigated. Moreover, with a deeper understanding of the process of NK cell reconstitution post-HSCT, new factors involved in this process and the defects of previous models have been observed. In this review, we summarize the most relevant literatures about the impact of NK cell alloreactivity on transplant outcomes and the factors affecting NK cell reconstitution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yishan Ye
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Gao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yanmin Zhao
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.,Zhejiang Engineering Laboratory for Stem Cell and Immunotherapy, Hangzhou, China
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16
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Falco M, Pende D, Munari E, Vacca P, Mingari MC, Moretta L. Natural killer cells: From surface receptors to the cure of high-risk leukemia (Ceppellini Lecture). HLA 2020; 93:185-194. [PMID: 30828978 PMCID: PMC6767140 DOI: 10.1111/tan.13509] [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] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune effector cells involved in the first line of defense against viral infections and malignancies. In the last three decades, the identification of HLA class I‐specific inhibitory killer immunoglobulin‐like receptors (KIR) and of the main activating receptors has strongly improved our understanding of the mechanisms regulating NK cell functions. The increased knowledge on how NK cells discriminate healthy cells from damaged cells has made it possible to transfer basic research notions to clinical applications. Of particular relevance is the strong NK‐mediated anti‐leukemia effect in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation to cure high‐risk leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Falco
- Laboratorio di Immunologia Clinica e Sperimentale, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria C Mingari
- Laboratorio di Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and CEBR, Università di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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17
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Baumeister SHC, Rambaldi B, Shapiro RM, Romee R. Key Aspects of the Immunobiology of Haploidentical Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2020; 11:191. [PMID: 32117310 PMCID: PMC7033970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from a haploidentical donor is increasingly used and has become a standard donor option for patients lacking an appropriately matched sibling or unrelated donor. Historically, prohibitive immunological barriers resulting from the high degree of HLA-mismatch included graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) and graft failure. These were overcome with increasingly sophisticated strategies to manipulate the sensitive balance between donor and recipient immune cells. Three different approaches are currently in clinical use: (a) ex vivo T-cell depletion resulting in grafts with defined immune cell content (b) extensive immunosuppression with a T-cell replete graft consisting of G-CSF primed bone marrow and PBSC (GIAC) (c) T-cell replete grafts with post-transplant cyclophosphamide (PTCy). Intriguing studies have recently elucidated the immunologic mechanisms by which PTCy prevents GVHD. Each approach uniquely affects post-transplant immune reconstitution which is critical for the control of post-transplant infections and relapse. NK-cells play a key role in haplo-HCT since they do not mediate GVHD but can successfully mediate a graft-vs.-leukemia effect. This effect is in part regulated by KIR receptors that inhibit NK cell cytotoxic function when binding to the appropriate HLA-class I ligands. In the context of an HLA-class I mismatch in haplo-HCT, lack of inhibition can contribute to NK-cell alloreactivity leading to enhanced anti-leukemic effect. Emerging work reveals immune evasion phenomena such as copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity of the incompatible HLA alleles as one of the major mechanisms of relapse. Relapse and infectious complications remain the leading causes impacting overall survival and are central to scientific advances seeking to improve haplo-HCT. Given that haploidentical donors can typically be readily approached to collect additional stem- or immune cells for the recipient, haplo-HCT represents a unique platform for cell- and immune-based therapies aimed at further reducing relapse and infections. The rapid advancements in our understanding of the immunobiology of haplo-HCT are therefore poised to lead to iterative innovations resulting in further improvement of outcomes with this compelling transplant modality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne H C Baumeister
- Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Benedetta Rambaldi
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States.,Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Clinical and Experimental Sciences Department, ASST Spedali Civili, University of Pavia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Roman M Shapiro
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Division of Hematologic Malignancies, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, United States
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18
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Zaghi E, Calvi M, Di Vito C, Mavilio D. Innate Immune Responses in the Outcome of Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to Cure Hematologic Malignancies. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2794. [PMID: 31849972 PMCID: PMC6892976 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of allogeneic transplant platforms, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) represents one of the latest and most promising curative strategies for patients affected by high-risk hematologic malignancies. Indeed, this platform ensures a suitable stem cell source immediately available for virtually any patents in need. Moreover, the establishment in recipients of a state of immunologic tolerance toward grafted hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remarkably improves the clinical outcome of this transplant procedure in terms of overall and disease free survival. However, the HLA-mismatch between donors and recipients has not been yet fully exploited in order to optimize the Graft vs. Leukemia effect. Furthermore, the efficacy of haplo-HSCT is currently hampered by several life-threatening side effects including the onset of Graft vs. Host Disease (GvHD) and the occurrence of opportunistic viral infections. In this context, the quality and the kinetic of the immune cell reconstitution (IR) certainly play a major role and several experimental efforts have been greatly endorsed to better understand and accelerate the post-transplant recovery of a fully competent immune system in haplo-HSCT. In particular, the IR of innate immune system is receiving a growing interest, as it recovers much earlier than T and B cells and it is able to rapidly exert protective effects against both tumor relapses, GvHD and the onset of life-threatening opportunistic infections. Herein, we review our current knowledge in regard to the kinetic and clinical impact of Natural Killer (NK), γδ and Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) IRs in both allogeneic and haplo-HSCT. The present paper also provides an overview of those new therapeutic strategies currently being implemented to boost the alloreactivity of the above-mentioned innate immune effectors in order to ameliorate the prognosis of patients affected by hematologic malignancies and undergone transplant procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Calvi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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19
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Stabile H, Nisti P, Fionda C, Pagliara D, Gaspari S, Locatelli F, Santoni A, Gismondi A. NK Cell Reconstitution in Paediatric Leukemic Patients after T-Cell-Depleted HLA-Haploidentical Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Followed by the Reinfusion of iCasp9-Modified Donor T Cells. J Clin Med 2019; 8:jcm8111904. [PMID: 31703320 PMCID: PMC6912839 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8111904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 10/29/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
T-cell-depleted (TCD) human leukocyte antigen (HLA) haploidentical (haplo) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (TCD-haplo-HSCT) has had a huge impact on the treatment of many haematological diseases. The adoptive transfer of a titrated number of T cells genetically modified with a gene suicide can improve immune reconstitution and represents an interesting strategy to enhance the success of haplo-HSCT. Natural killer (NK) cells are the first donor-derived lymphocyte population to reconstitute following transplantation, and play a pivotal role in mediating graft-versus-leukaemia (GvL). We recently described a CD56lowCD16low NK cell subset that mediates both cytotoxic activity and cytokine production. Given the multifunctional properties of this subset, we studied its functional recovery in a cohort of children given α/βT-cell-depleted haplo-HSCT followed by the infusion of a titrated number of iCasp-9-modified T cells (iCasp-9 HSCT). The data obtained indicate that multifunctional CD56lowCD16low NK cell frequency is similar to that of healthy donors (HD) at all time points analysed, showing enrichment in the bone marrow (BM). Interestingly, with regard to functional acquisition, we identified two groups of patients, namely those whose NK cells did (responder) or did not (non responder) degranulate or produce cytokines. Moreover, in patients analysed for both functions, we observed that the acquisition of degranulation capacity was not associated with the ability to produce interferon-gamma (IFN-γ Intriguingly, we found a higher BM and peripheral blood (PB) frequency of iCas9 donor T cells only in patients characterized by the ability of CD56lowCD16low NK cells to degranulate. Collectively, these findings suggest that donor iCasp9-T lymphocytes do not have a significant influence on NK cell reconstitution, even if they may positively affect the acquisition of target-induced degranulation of CD56lowCD16low NK cells in the T-cell-depleted haplo-HSC transplanted patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Stabile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (C.F.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (A.G.)
| | - Paolo Nisti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (C.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Cinzia Fionda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (C.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Daria Pagliara
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (S.G.); (F.L.)
| | - Stefania Gaspari
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (S.G.); (F.L.)
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy; (D.P.); (S.G.); (F.L.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (C.F.); (A.S.)
| | - Angela Gismondi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, 00161 Rome, Italy; (P.N.); (C.F.); (A.S.)
- Correspondence: (H.S.); (A.G.)
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20
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ILCs in hematologic malignancies: Tumor cell killers and tissue healers. Semin Immunol 2019; 41:101279. [PMID: 31200953 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) have attracted considerable attention in the past years. As modulators of epithelial barrier immunology and homeostasis they play important roles in (auto)immunity and inflammation. Here we review the role of ILCs in hematologic malignancies, where ILCs act as efficient killer cells and as tissue healers, in the context of chemotherapy, radiotherapy and after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT).
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21
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Pistoia V, Tumino N, Vacca P, Veneziani I, Moretta A, Locatelli F, Moretta L. Human γδ T-Cells: From Surface Receptors to the Therapy of High-Risk Leukemias. Front Immunol 2018; 9:984. [PMID: 29867961 PMCID: PMC5949323 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T lymphocytes are potent effector cells, capable of efficiently killing tumor and leukemia cells. Their activation is mediated by γδ T-cell receptor (TCR) and by activating receptors shared with NK cells (e.g., NKG2D and DNAM-1). γδ T-cell triggering occurs upon interaction with specific ligands, including phosphoantigens (for Vγ9Vδ2 TCR), MICA-B and UL16 binding protein (for NKG2D), and PVR and Nectin-2 (for DNAM-1). They also respond to cytokines undergoing proliferation and release of cytokines/chemokines. Although at the genomic level γδ T-cells have the potential of an extraordinary TCR diversification, in tissues they display a restricted repertoire. Recent studies have identified various γδ TCR rearrangements following either hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or cytomegalovirus infection, accounting for their “adaptive” potential. In humans, peripheral blood γδ T-cells are primarily composed of Vγ9Vδ2 chains, while a minor proportion express Vδ1. They do not recognize antigens in the context of MHC molecules, thus bypassing tumor escape based on MHC class I downregulation. In view of their potent antileukemia activity and absence of any relevant graft-versus-host disease-inducing effect, γδ T-cells may play an important role in the successful clinical outcome of patients undergoing HLA-haploidentical HSCT depleted of TCR αβ T/CD19+ B lymphocytes to cure high-risk acute leukemias. In this setting, high numbers of both γδ T-cells (Vδ1 and Vδ2) and NK cells are infused together with CD34+ HSC and may contribute to rapid control of infections and leukemia relapse. Notably, zoledronic acid potentiates the cytolytic activity of γδ T-cells in vitro and its infusion in patients strongly promotes γδ T-cell differentiation and cytolytic activity; thus, treatment with this agent may contribute to further improve the patient clinical outcome after HLA-haploidentical HSCT depleted of TCR αβ T/CD19+ B lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito Pistoia
- Immunology Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Irene Veneziani
- Immunology Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale and Centro di Eccellenza per le Ricerche Biomediche, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Onco-Hematology and Cell and Gene Therapy, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy.,Department of Pediatric Science, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital, Rome, Italy
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22
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Song Y, Hu B, Liu Y, Jin Z, Zhang Y, Lin D, Zhu Y, Lei L, Gong H, Mei Y, Teo HY, Wu D, Liu H. IL-12/IL-18-preactivated donor NK cells enhance GVL effects and mitigate GvHD after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Eur J Immunol 2018; 48:670-682. [PMID: 29282719 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201747177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2017] [Revised: 11/25/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of donor NK cells has the potential of mediating graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect while suppressing acute graft-versus-host-disease (aGVHD) during allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, these beneficial effects are limited by the transient function of adoptively transferred NK cells. Previous studies demonstrate that cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells that are preactivated by IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 have enhanced effector functions and long life span in vivo. Here, we investigated the effects of IL-12/18-preactivated and IL-12/15/18-preactivated donor NK cells on GVL and aGVHD in a murine model of allo-HSCT. We found that both IL-12/18- and IL-12/15/18-preactivated NK cells mediated stronger GVL effect than control NK cells mainly due to their elevated activation/cytotoxicity and sustained proliferative potential. Interestingly, we observed that although both IL-12/18- and IL-12/15/18-preactivated NK cells significantly inhibited severe aGVHD, only the IL-12/18-preactivated NK cells maintained the beneficial effect of donor NK cells on mild aGVHD. The IL-12/15/18-preactivated NK cell infusion accelerated aGVHD in the fully-mismatched mild aGVHD model. Our results demonstrated that IL-12/18-preactivated NK cells displayed sustained and enhanced GVL functions, and could mitigate aGVHD despite the severity of the disease. IL-12/18-preactivated donor NK cell infusion may be an effective and safe adoptive therapy after allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Song
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bo Hu
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yonghao Liu
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ziqi Jin
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yinsheng Zhang
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Dandan Lin
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Lei Lei
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Huanle Gong
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yu Mei
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huey Yee Teo
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Depei Wu
- Institute of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Soochow University, China.,Jiangsu Institute of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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23
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Pittari G, Vago L, Festuccia M, Bonini C, Mudawi D, Giaccone L, Bruno B. Restoring Natural Killer Cell Immunity against Multiple Myeloma in the Era of New Drugs. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1444. [PMID: 29163516 PMCID: PMC5682004 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transformed plasma cells in multiple myeloma (MM) are susceptible to natural killer (NK) cell-mediated killing via engagement of tumor ligands for NK activating receptors or “missing-self” recognition. Similar to other cancers, MM targets may elude NK cell immunosurveillance by reprogramming tumor microenvironment and editing cell surface antigen repertoire. Along disease continuum, these effects collectively result in a progressive decline of NK cell immunity, a phenomenon increasingly recognized as a critical determinant of MM progression. In recent years, unprecedented efforts in drug development and experimental research have brought about emergence of novel therapeutic interventions with the potential to override MM-induced NK cell immunosuppression. These NK-cell enhancing treatment strategies may be identified in two major groups: (1) immunomodulatory biologics and small molecules, namely, immune checkpoint inhibitors, therapeutic antibodies, lenalidomide, and indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase inhibitors and (2) NK cell therapy, namely, adoptive transfer of unmanipulated and chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK cells. Here, we summarize the mechanisms responsible for NK cell functional suppression in the context of cancer and, specifically, myeloma. Subsequently, contemporary strategies potentially able to reverse NK dysfunction in MM are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianfranco Pittari
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, HMC, Doha, Qatar
| | - Luca Vago
- Unit of Immunogenetics, Leukemia Genomics and Immunobiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Moreno Festuccia
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Presidio Molinette, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Chiara Bonini
- Experimental Hematology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy.,Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Deena Mudawi
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, HMC, Doha, Qatar
| | - Luisa Giaccone
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Presidio Molinette, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Benedetto Bruno
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Presidio Molinette, Torino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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24
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NK cell recovery after haploidentical HSCT with posttransplant cyclophosphamide: dynamics and clinical implications. Blood 2017; 131:247-262. [PMID: 28986344 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2017-05-780668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy) as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) prophylaxis has revolutionized haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), allowing safe infusion of unmanipulated T cell-replete grafts. PT-Cy selectively eliminates proliferating alloreactive T cells, but whether and how it affects natural killer (NK) cells and their alloreactivity is largely unknown. Here we characterized NK cell dynamics in 17 patients who received unmanipulated haploidentical grafts, containing high numbers of mature NK cells, according to PT-Cy-based protocols in 2 independent centers. In both series, we documented robust proliferation of donor-derived NK cells immediately after HSCT. After infusion of Cy, a marked reduction of proliferating NK cells was evident, suggesting selective purging of dividing cells. Supporting this hypothesis, proliferating NK cells did not express aldehyde dehydrogenase and were killed by Cy in vitro. After ablation of mature NK cells, starting from day 15 after HSCT and favored by the high levels of interleukin-15 present in patients' sera, immature NK cells (CD62L+NKG2A+KIR-) became highly prevalent, possibly directly stemming from infused hematopoietic stem cells. Importantly, also putatively alloreactive single KIR+ NK cells were eliminated by PT-Cy and were thus decreased in numbers and antileukemic potential at day 30 after HSCT. As a consequence, in an extended series of 99 haplo-HSCT with PT-Cy, we found no significant difference in progression-free survival between patients with or without predicted NK alloreactivity (42% vs 52% at 1 year, P = NS). Our data suggest that the majority of mature NK cells infused with unmanipulated grafts are lost upon PT-Cy administration, blunting NK cell alloreactivity in this transplantation setting.
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25
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Rathmann S, Keck C, Kreutz C, Weit N, Müller M, Timmer J, Glatzel S, Follo M, Malkovsky M, Werner M, Handgretinger R, Finke J, Fisch P. Partial break in tolerance of NKG2A−/LIR-1− single KIR+ NK cells early in the course of HLA-matched, KIR-mismatched hematopoietic cell transplantation. Bone Marrow Transplant 2017; 52:1144-1155. [DOI: 10.1038/bmt.2017.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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26
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Sarvaria A, Jawdat D, Madrigal JA, Saudemont A. Umbilical Cord Blood Natural Killer Cells, Their Characteristics, and Potential Clinical Applications. Front Immunol 2017; 8:329. [PMID: 28386260 PMCID: PMC5362597 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 03/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system able to kill different targets such as cancer cells and virally infected cells without prior activation making then attractive candidates for cancer immunotherapy. Umbilical cord blood (UCB) has become a source of hematopoietic stem cells for transplantation but as we gain a better understanding of the characteristics of each immune cell that UCB contains, we will also be able to develop new cell therapies for cancer. In this review, we present what is currently known of the phenotype and functions of UCB NK cells and how these cells could be used in the future for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anushruti Sarvaria
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, London, UK; Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Dunia Jawdat
- King Abdullah International Medical Research Center , Riyadh , Saudi Arabia
| | - J Alejandro Madrigal
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, London, UK; Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Aurore Saudemont
- Anthony Nolan Research Institute, London, UK; Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
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27
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Bone marrow produces sufficient alloreactive natural killer (NK) cells in vivo to cure mice from subcutaneously and intravascularly injected 4T1 breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2016; 161:421-433. [PMID: 27915436 PMCID: PMC5241334 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-016-4067-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Administration of 5 million alloreactive natural killer (NK) cells after low-dose chemo-irradiation cured mice of 4T1 breast cancer, supposedly dose dependent. We now explored the efficacy of bone marrow as alternative in vivo source of NK cells for anti-breast cancer treatment, as methods for in vitro clinical scale NK cell expansion are still in developmental phases. Methods Progression-free survival (PFS) after treatment with different doses of spleen-derived alloreactive NK cells to 4T1-bearing Balb/c mice was measured to determine a dose–response relation. The potential of bone marrow as source of alloreactive NK cells was explored using MHC-mismatched mice as recipients of 4T1. Chemo-irradiation consisted of 2× 2 Gy total body irradiation and 200 mg/kg cyclophosphamide. Antibody-mediated in vivo NK cell depletion was applied to demonstrate the NK cell’s role. Results Administration of 2.5 instead of 5 million alloreactive NK cells significantly reduced PFS, evidencing dose responsiveness. Compared to MHC-matched receivers of subcutaneous 4T1, fewer MHC-mismatched mice developed tumors, which was due to NK cell alloreactivity because in vivo NK cell depletion facilitated tumor growth. Application of low-dose chemo-irradiation increased plasma levels of NK cell-activating cytokines, NK cell activity and enhanced NK cell-dependent elimination of subcutaneous tumors. Intravenously injected 4T1 was eliminated by alloreactive NK cells in MHC-mismatched recipients without the need for chemo-irradiation. Conclusions Bone marrow is a suitable source of sufficient alloreactive NK cells for the cure of 4T1 breast cancer. These results prompt clinical exploration of bone marrow transplantation from NK-alloreactive MHC-mismatched donors in patients with metastasized breast cancer.
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28
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Fewer Circulating Natural Killer Cells 28 Days After Double Cord Blood Transplantation Predicts Inferior Survival and IL-15 Response. Blood Adv 2016; 1:208-218. [PMID: 29188237 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2016000158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cell immune reconstitution after double umbilical cord blood transplantation (dUCBT) is rapid and thought to be involved in graft vs. leukemia (GvL) reactions. To investigate the role of NK cell recovery on clinical outcomes, the absolute number of NK cells at Day 28 after dUCBT was determined and patients with low numbers of NK cells had inferior two year disease-free survival (hazard ratio 1.96; p=0.04). A detailed developmental and functional analysis of the recovering NK cells was performed to link NK recovery and patient survival. The proportion of NK cells in each developmental stage was similar for patients with low, medium, and high Day 28 NK cell numbers. As compared to healthy controls, patients post-transplant showed reduced NK functional responses upon K562 challenge (CD107a, IFN-γ, and TNFα); however, there were no differences based on Day 28 NK cell number. Patients with low NK numbers had 30% less STAT5 phosphorylation in response to exogenous IL-15 (p=0.04) and decreased Eomes expression (p=0.025) compared to patients with high NK numbers. Decreased STAT5 phosphorylation and Eomes expression may be indicative of reduced sensitivity to IL-15 in the low NK cell group. Incubation of patient samples with IL-15 superagonist (ALT803) increased cytotoxicity and cytokine production in all patient groups. Thus, clinical interventions, including administration of IL-15 early after transplantation may increase NK cell number and function and, in turn, improve transplantation outcomes.
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29
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Zhao XY, Zhao XS, Wang YT, Chen YH, Xu LP, Zhang XH, Han W, Chen H, Wang Y, Yan CH, Wang FR, Wang JZ, Liu KY, Chang YJ, Huang XJ. Prophylactic use of low-dose interleukin-2 and the clinical outcomes of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: A randomized study. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1250992. [PMID: 28123892 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1250992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2016] [Revised: 10/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Leukemia relapse and chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) are still major obstacles of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). The numbers and activity of natural killer (NK) and T-regulatory cells can be increased post-transplantation by exposure to interleukin-2 (IL-2). We tested whether administering low-dose IL-2 would decrease leukemia relapse while reducing cGVHD after allotransplantation. This controlled, open-label randomized trial included 90 recipients of allotransplants. Subjects were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either receive or not receive low-dose IL-2 during the early post-transplantation period. Patients in the IL-2 arm received a subcutaneous injection of low-dose IL-2 (1×106 U/d) on day 60 after allo-HSCT. IL-2 was administered daily for 14 d followed by a 14-d hiatus. The primary endpoint was the cumulative incidence of leukemia relapse (CIR). Three-year CIRs for the IL-2 arm and control arm were 23% (range 16-30%) and 11% (range 6-15%; p = 0.20), respectively. Minimal residual disease-positive (MRD+) tests were more common in the IL-2 arm compared to the control arm (36% [range 29-44%] vs. 15% [range 10-20%], p = 0.03). The cumulative incidence of moderate-to-severe chronic GVHD (cGVHD) was lower in the IL-2 arm compared to the control arm (33% [range 26-39%] vs. 57% [range 49-64%), p = 0.02). Therefore, the 3-y GVHD-free and GVHD progression-free survival (GPFS) rates were significantly higher in the IL-2 arm compared to the control arm (47% [range 39-55%] vs. 31% [range 25-38%], p = 0.048). Blood Tregs, NK cells, and NK-cell cytotoxicity were increased in subjects in the IL-2 arm between 3 mo and 6 mo post-transplantation. Administration of low-dose IL-2 during the immediate post-transplantation period was associated with a higher GPFS but did not decrease the CIR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu Zhao
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Su Zhao
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Tong Wang
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Hong Chen
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Ping Xu
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Chen-Hua Yan
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Feng-Rong Wang
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Jing-Zhi Wang
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Kai-Yan Liu
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Jun Chang
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation , Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University Institute of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China; Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
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Faridi RM, Kemp TJ, Dharmani-Khan P, Lewis V, Tripathi G, Rajalingam R, Daly A, Berka N, Storek J, Masood Khan F. Donor-Recipient Matching for KIR Genotypes Reduces Chronic GVHD and Missing Inhibitory KIR Ligands Protect against Relapse after Myeloablative, HLA Matched Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0158242. [PMID: 27341514 PMCID: PMC4920429 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0158242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) can be curative for many hematologic diseases. However, complications such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and relapse of primary malignancy remain significant and are the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Effects of killer Ig-like receptors (KIR)-influenced NK cells on HCT outcomes have been extensively pursued over the last decade. However, the relevance of the reported algorithms on HLA matched myeloablative HCT with rabbit antithymocyte globulin (ATG) is used for GVHD prophylaxis remains elusive. Here we examined the role of KIR and KIR-ligands of donor-recipient pairs in modifying the outcomes of ATG conditioned HLA matched sibling and unrelated donor HCT. METHODS AND FINDINGS The study cohort consisted of 281 HLA matched sibling and unrelated donor-recipient pairs of first allogeneic marrow or blood stem cell transplantation allocated into 'discovery' (135 pairs) and 'validation' (146 pairs) cohorts. High resolution HLA typing was obtained from the medical charts and KIR gene repertoires were obtained by a Luminex® based SSO method. All surviving patients were followed-up for a minimum of two years. KIR and HLA class I distributions of HCT pairs were stratified as per applicable definitions and were tested for their association with cause specific outcomes [acute GVHD grade II-IV (aGVHD), chronic GVHD needing systemic therapy (cGVHD) and relapse] using a multivariate competing risks regression model as well as with survival outcomes [relapse-free survival (RFS), cGVHD & relapse free survival (cGRFS) and overall survival (OS)] by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression model. A significant association between KIR genotype mismatching (KIR-B/x donor into KIR-AA recipient or vice versa) and cGVHD was found in both discovery (p = 0.001; SHR = 2.78; 95%CI: 1.50-5.17) and validation cohorts (p = 0.005; SHR = 2.61; 95%CI: 1.33-5.11). High incidence of cGVHD associated with KIR genotype mismatching was applicable to both sibling and unrelated donors and was specific to recipients who had one or two C1 bearing HLA-C epitopes (HLA-C1/x, p = 0.001; SHR = 2.40; 95%CI: 1.42-4.06). When compared with KIR genotype mismatched transplants, HLA-C1/x patients receiving grafts from KIR genotype matched donors had a significantly improved cGRFS (p = 0.013; HR = 1.62; 95%CI: 1.11-2.39). Although there was no effect of KIR genotype matching on survival outcomes, a significantly reduced incidence of relapse (p = 0.001; SHR = 0.22; 95%CI: 0.10-0.54) and improved relapse-free survival (p = 0.038; HR = 0.40; 95%CI: 0.17-0.95) was observed with one or more missing ligands for donor inhibitory KIR among the recipients of unrelated donor transplants. CONCLUSIONS The present study for the first time presents the beneficial effects of KIR genotype matching in reducing cGVHD in myeloablative transplant setting using HLA matched (sibling and unrelated) donors. The findings offer a clinically applicable donor selection strategy that can help control cGVHD without affecting the risk of relapse and/or identify patients at a high risk of developing cGVHD as potential candidates for preemptive therapy. The findings also affirm the beneficial effect of one or more missing inhibitory KIR ligands in the recipient in reducing relapse and improving a relapse free survival in unrelated donor transplants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehan Mujeeb Faridi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Taylor J. Kemp
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Poonam Dharmani-Khan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Victor Lewis
- Section of Pediatric Oncology, Blood and Marrow Transplant, Department of Oncology and Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Gaurav Tripathi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Raja Rajalingam
- Immunogenetics and Transplantation Laboratory, Department of Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, United States of America
| | - Andrew Daly
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, Foothills Hospital and Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Noureddine Berka
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Calgary Laboratory Services, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jan Storek
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Departments of Medicine and Oncology, Foothills Hospital and Tom Baker Cancer Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Faisal Masood Khan
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Calgary Laboratory Services, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Exploitation of natural killer cells for the treatment of acute leukemia. Blood 2016; 127:3341-9. [PMID: 27207791 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-12-629055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in surveillance and elimination of malignant cells. Their spontaneous cytotoxicity was first demonstrated in vitro against leukemia cell lines, and NK cells might play a crucial role in the therapy of leukemia. NK cell activity is controlled by an array of germ line-encoded activating and inhibitory receptors, as well as modulating coreceptors. This biologic feature can be exploited in allogeneic cell therapy, and the recognition of "missing-self" on target cells is crucial for promoting NK cell-mediated graft-versus-leukemia effects. In this regard, NK cells that express an inhibitory killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (iKIR) for which the respective major histocompatibility complex class I ligand is absent on leukemic target cells can exert alloreactivity in vitro and in vivo. Several models regarding potential donor-patient constellations have been described that have demonstrated the clinical benefit of such alloreactivity of the donor-derived NK cell system in patients with adult acute myeloid leukemia and pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Moreover, adoptive transfer of mature allogeneic NK cells in the nontransplant or transplant setting has been shown to be safe and feasible, whereas its effectivity needs further evaluation. NK cell therapy can be further improved by optimal donor selection based on phenotypic and genotypic properties, by adoptive transfer of NK cells with ex vivo or in vivo cytokine stimulation, by the use of antibodies to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity or to block iKIRs, or by transduction of chimeric antigen receptors.
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32
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Ullah MA, Hill GR, Tey SK. Functional Reconstitution of Natural Killer Cells in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2016; 7:144. [PMID: 27148263 PMCID: PMC4831973 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 04/01/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the first lymphocyte population to reconstitute following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and are important in mediating immunity against both leukemia and pathogens. Although NK cell numbers generally reconstitute within a month, the acquisition of mature NK cell phenotype and full functional competency can take 6 months or more, and is influenced by graft composition, concurrent pharmacologic immunosuppression, graft-versus-host disease, and other clinical factors. In addition, cytomegalovirus infection and reactivation have a dominant effect on NK cell memory imprinting following allogeneic HSCT just as it does in healthy individuals. Our understanding of NK cell education and licensing has evolved in the years since the "missing self" hypothesis for NK-mediated graft-versus-leukemia effect was first put forward. For example, we now know that NK cell "re-education" can occur, and that unlicensed NK cells can be more protective than licensed NK cells in certain settings, thus raising new questions about how best to harness graft-versus-leukemia effect. Here, we review current understanding of the functional reconstitution of NK cells and NK cell education following allogeneic HSCT, highlighting a conceptual framework for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashik Ullah
- Bone Marrow Transplant Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane, QLD , Australia
| | - Geoffrey R Hill
- Bone Marrow Transplant Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Siok-Keen Tey
- Bone Marrow Transplant Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Department of Haematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
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33
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Cruz CR, Bollard CM. T-cell and natural killer cell therapies for hematologic malignancies after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: enhancing the graft-versus-leukemia effect. Haematologica 2016; 100:709-19. [PMID: 26034113 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2014.113860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation has revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies, but infection, graft-versus-host disease and relapse are still important problems. Calcineurin inhibitors, T-cell depletion strategies, and immunomodulators have helped to prevent graft-versus-host disease, but have a negative impact on the graft-versus-leukemia effect. T cells and natural killer cells are both thought to be important in the graft-versus-leukemia effect, and both cell types are amenable to ex vivo manipulation and clinical manufacture, making them versatile immunotherapeutics. We provide an overview of these immunotherapeutic strategies following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with discussions centered on natural killer and T-cell biology. We discuss the contributions of each cell type to graft-versus-leukemia effects, as well as the current research directions in the field as related to adoptive cell therapy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
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34
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Fleischhauer K, Beelen DW. HLA mismatching as a strategy to reduce relapse after alternative donor transplantation. Semin Hematol 2016; 53:57-64. [PMID: 27000727 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) mismatches are targets of alloreactive T cells, mediators of graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) after alternative donor transplantation. Exploitation of HLA mismatching in order to reduce relapse is hampered by necessary interventions aimed at controlling GvHD on the one hand, and by the possibility of immune escape through selective loss of mismatched HLA in relapsing leukemia on the other. Retrospective studies reporting the impact of HLA mismatches on post-transplant relapse need to be interpreted with caution, due to many confounding factors, including disease and use of T-cell depletion, and to be constantly updated to the rapidly changing clinical protocols. Current evidence suggests similar relapse rates for 8/8, 7/8 HLA-matched unrelated, T-cell-replete haploidentical and umbilical cord blood transplantation; however, investigations of locus-specific effects are still scarce in the latter two settings. In unrelated transplantation, a specific role for mismatches at HLA-C and HLA-DPB1, and therein of permissive mismatches defined on the basis of T-cell alloreactivity and/or expression levels, in reducing relapse has been demonstrated in independent studies. This observation suggests new approaches to utilize HLA matching in unrelated donor searches, and the need for further research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Fleischhauer
- Institute for Experimental Cellular Therapy, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Dietrich W Beelen
- Department for Bone Marrow Transplantation, West-German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
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35
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Björklund AT, Clancy T, Goodridge JP, Béziat V, Schaffer M, Hovig E, Ljunggren HG, Ljungman PT, Malmberg KJ. Naive Donor NK Cell Repertoires Associated with Less Leukemia Relapse after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2016; 196:1400-11. [PMID: 26746188 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1501434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Acute and latent human CMV cause profound changes in the NK cell repertoire, with expansion and differentiation of educated NK cells expressing self-specific inhibitory killer cell Ig-like receptors. In this study, we addressed whether such CMV-induced imprints on the donor NK cell repertoire influenced the outcome of allogeneic stem cell transplantation. Hierarchical clustering of high-resolution immunophenotyping data covering key NK cell parameters, including frequencies of CD56(bright), NKG2A(+), NKG2C(+), and CD57(+) NK cell subsets, as well as the size of the educated NK cell subset, was linked to clinical outcomes. Clusters defining naive (NKG2A(+)CD57(-)NKG2C(-)) NK cell repertoires in the donor were associated with decreased risk for relapse in recipients with acute myeloid leukemia and myelodysplastic syndrome (hazard ratio [HR], 0.09; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03-0.27; p < 0.001). Furthermore, recipients with naive repertoires at 9-12 mo after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had increased disease-free survival (HR, 7.2; 95% CI: 1.6-33; p = 0.01) and increased overall survival (HR, 9.3; 95% CI: 1.1-77, p = 0.04). Conversely, patients with a relative increase in differentiated NK cells at 9-12 mo displayed a higher rate of late relapses (HR, 8.41; 95% CI: 6.7-11; p = 0.02), reduced disease-free survival (HR, 0.12; 95% CI: 0.12-0.74; p = 0.02), and reduced overall survival (HR, 0.07; 95% CI: 0.01-0.69; p = 0.02). Thus, our data suggest that naive donor NK cell repertoires are associated with protection against leukemia relapse after allogeneic HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas T Björklund
- Department of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Trevor Clancy
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Jodie P Goodridge
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway
| | - Vivien Béziat
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie Schaffer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eivind Hovig
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; Institute of Cancer Genetics and Informatics, Oslo University Hospital, 3010 Oslo, Norway; Department of Informatics, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway; and
| | | | - Per T Ljungman
- Department of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Department of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden; Center for Infectious Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, 0310 Oslo, Norway; K.G. Jebsen Center for Cancer Immunotherapy, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 0316 Oslo, Norway
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36
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Ueda R, Narumi K, Hashimoto H, Miyakawa R, Okusaka T, Aoki K. Interaction of natural killer cells with neutrophils exerts a significant antitumor immunity in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation recipients. Cancer Med 2015; 5:49-60. [PMID: 26589884 PMCID: PMC4708905 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Revised: 08/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) can induce a strong antitumor immunity by homeostatic proliferation (HP) of T cells and suppression of regulatory T cells following preconditioning‐induced lymphopenia. However, the role of innate immunity including natural killer (NK) cells is still not understood. Here, first, we examined whether NK cells exert an antitumor effect after syngeneic HSCT in a murine colon cancer model. Flow cytometry showed that NK cells as well as T cells rapidly proliferated after HSCT, and the frequency of mature NK cells was increased in tumor during HP. Furthermore, NK cells undergoing HP were highly activated, which contributed to substantial tumor suppression. Then, we found that a large number of neutrophils accumulated in tumor early after syngeneic HSCT. It was recently reported that neutrophil‐derived mediators modulate NK cell effector functions, and so we examined whether the neutrophils infiltrated in tumor are associated with NK cell‐mediated antitumor effect. The depletion of neutrophils significantly impaired an activation of NK cells in tumor and increased the fraction of proliferative NK cells accompanied by a decrease in NK cell survival. The results suggested that neutrophils in tumor prevent NK cells from activation‐induced cell death during HP, thus leading to a significant antitumor effect by NK cells. This study revealed a novel aspect of antitumor immunity induced by HSCT and may contribute to the development of an effective therapeutic strategy for cancer using HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryosuke Ueda
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kenta Narumi
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Hisayoshi Hashimoto
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Reina Miyakawa
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Takuji Okusaka
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
| | - Kazunori Aoki
- Division of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, National Cancer Center Research Institute, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0045, Japan
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37
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Gismondi A, Stabile H, Nisti P, Santoni A. Effector Functions of Natural Killer Cell Subsets in the Control of Hematological Malignancies. Front Immunol 2015; 6:567. [PMID: 26594216 PMCID: PMC4633523 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of hematological malignant disorders has been improved over the last years, but high relapse rate mainly attributable to the presence of minimal residual disease still persists. Therefore, it is of great interest to explore novel therapeutic strategies to obtain long-term remission. Immune effector cells, and especially natural killer (NK) cells, play a crucial role in the control of hematological malignancies. In this regard, the efficiency of allogeneic stem cell transplantation clearly depends on the immune-mediated graft versus leukemia effect without the risk of inducing graft versus host disease. Alloreactive donor NK cells generated following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation ameliorate the outcome of leukemia patients; in addition, in vivo transfer of in vitro expanded NK cells represents a crucial tool for leukemia treatment. To improve NK cell effector functions against resistant leukemia cells, novel immunotherapeutic strategies are oriented to the identification, isolation, expansion, and administration of particular NK cell subsets endowed with multifunctional anti-tumor potential and tropism toward tumor sites. Moreover, the relationship between the emergence and persistence of distinct NK cell subsets during post-graft reconstitution and the maintenance of a remission state is still rather unclear.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Gismondi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy ; Eleonora Lorillard Spencer Cenci Foundation , Rome , Italy
| | - Helena Stabile
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Paolo Nisti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy ; Italian Institute of Technology , Rome , Italy
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38
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Cichocki F, Cooley S, Davis Z, DeFor TE, Schlums H, Zhang B, Brunstein CG, Blazar BR, Wagner J, Diamond DJ, Verneris MR, Bryceson YT, Weisdorf DJ, Miller JS. CD56dimCD57+NKG2C+ NK cell expansion is associated with reduced leukemia relapse after reduced intensity HCT. Leukemia 2015; 30:456-63. [PMID: 26416461 PMCID: PMC4740203 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2015] [Revised: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
We have recently described a specialized subset of human natural killer (NK) cells with a CD56dimCD57+NKG2C+ phenotype that expand specifically in response to cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) recipients and exhibit properties characteristic of adaptive immunity. We hypothesize that these cells mediate relapse protection and improve post-HCT outcomes. In 674 allogeneic HCT recipients, we found that those who reactivated CMV had lower leukemia relapse (26% [17–35%], p=0.05) and superior disease-free survival (DFS) (55% [45–65%] p=0.04) 1 year after reduced intensity conditioning (RIC) compared to CMV seronegative recipients who experienced higher relapse rates (35% [27–43%]) and lower DFS (46% [38–54%]). This protective effect was independent of age and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and was not observed in recipients who received myeloablative (MA) regimens. Analysis of the reconstituting NK cells demonstrated that CMV reactivation is associated with both higher frequencies and greater absolute numbers of CD56dimCD57+NKG2C+ NK cells, particularly after RIC HCT. Furthermore, expansion of these cells at 6 months post-transplant independently trended toward a lower 2-year relapse risk. Together, our data suggest that the protective effect of CMV reactivation on post-transplant relapse is in part driven by adaptive NK cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Cichocki
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - S Cooley
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Z Davis
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - T E DeFor
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - H Schlums
- Centre for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - B Zhang
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - C G Brunstein
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - B R Blazar
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J Wagner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - D J Diamond
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - M R Verneris
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Y T Bryceson
- Centre for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Broeglmann Research Laboratory, Clinical Institute, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - D J Weisdorf
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - J S Miller
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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39
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Park S, Kim K, Jang JH, Kim SJ, Kim WS, Kang ES, Jung CW. KIR alloreactivity based on the receptor-ligand model is associated with improved clinical outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: Result of single center prospective study. Hum Immunol 2015; 76:636-43. [PMID: 26407827 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2015.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2015] [Revised: 09/15/2015] [Accepted: 09/16/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Receptors on natural killer (NK) cells, named killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs), recognize HLA class I alleles. Patients (n=59) who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) from either a related (n=17) or unrelated donor (n=42) in Samsung Medical Center (Seoul, South Korea) were included. KIR mismatch was defined as incompatibility between the donor KIR and recipient KIR ligand (receptor-ligand model), and all cases were classified into the two broad haplotypes of KIR A and B. Patients with acute leukemia (n=51, 86.4%) or myelodysplastic syndrome (n=8, 13.6%) were included. Peripheral blood was used as the source of stem cells in all patients. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), and cumulative incidence of relapse (CIR) favored recipients with a KIR-mismatched donor, although the differences were not statistically significant. In multivariate analysis, KIR mismatch was an independent prognostic indicator of a better OS (P=0.010, HR=0.148, 95% CI 0.034-0.639), DFS (P=0.022, HR=0.237, 95% CI 0.069-0.815), and CIR (P=0.031, HR=0.117, 95% CI 0.017-0.823). OS, DFS, and CIR did not differ significantly between the KIR A and B haplotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Park
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University of School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Kihyun Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University of School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Ho Jang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University of School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok Jin Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University of School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Won Seog Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University of School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Suk Kang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Genetics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University of School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Chul Won Jung
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University of School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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40
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Umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells ameliorate graft-versus-host disease following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation through multiple immunoregulations. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015. [DOI: 10.1007/s11596-015-1456-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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41
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Bastos-Oreiro M, Anguita J, Martínez-Laperche C, Fernández L, Buces E, Navarro A, Pascual C, Pérez-Corral A, Balsalobre P, Muñoz C, Kwon M, Serrano D, Perez-Martinez A, Buño I, Gayoso J, Díez-Martín JL. Inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (iKIR) mismatches improve survival after T-cell-repleted haploidentical transplantation. Eur J Haematol 2015; 96:483-91. [PMID: 26133015 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.12616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alloreactivity triggered by interaction between killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and natural killer (NK) cells plays a role in the graft-versus-tumor effect after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (SCT). Our aim in this study was to evaluate this role in the setting of T-cell-repleted haploidentical SCT with postinfusion high-dose cyclophosphamide (PT-Cy). We included 33 patients. Among patient-donor pairs with at least 1 inhibitory KIR (iKIR) gene mismatch, event-free survival (EFS) and cumulative incidence of relapse 1 year after transplant were significantly better (85% vs. 37% [P = 0.008] and 18% vs. 46% [P = 0.041], respectively). A subanalysis in 12 patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL) showed an improvement in EFS 1 year after transplant in those patients with KIR ligand mismatch (100% vs. 25%, P = 0.012), although overall survival (OS) was not affected (85% vs. 80%, P = 0.2). Eight of 12 patient-donors pairs presented iKIR mismatches. Of note, this outcome was better in the small subgroup, both for EFS (100% vs. 25%, P = 0.012) and for OS (100% vs. 37%, P = 0.004). Our data suggest that in the setting of T-cell-repleted haploidentical SCT with PT-Cy, iKIR mismatch is associated with improved survival, with particularly good results for both iKIR and KIR ligand mismatches in patients with HL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Bastos-Oreiro
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Anguita
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carolina Martínez-Laperche
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía Fernández
- Programa de investigación clínica, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Buces
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena Navarro
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Pascual
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Pérez-Corral
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Pascual Balsalobre
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Muñoz
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mi Kwon
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - David Serrano
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ismael Buño
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jorge Gayoso
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Luís Díez-Martín
- Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain
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42
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Zhang R, Zhao F, Wang J. Research on the clinical effect and in vitro study of HLA-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell infusion for acute myeloid leukemia. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 20:555-60. [PMID: 26067370 DOI: 10.1179/1607845415y.0000000023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The treatment for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains an important clinical problem. Recently, hematopoietic stem cell therapy provides promising outcomes. In this study we examined the clinical effect of HLA-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell infusion combined with chemotherapy as a postremission therapy to improve the survival and reduce the graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). METHOD Thirty patients who achieved complete remission were divided into two groups and received different therapeutic regimes. Patients in combined therapy group received stem cell infusion with the chemotherapy. The patients' clinical indexes were monitored in both groups to evaluate therapy responses. Furthermore, the collected cells used in the therapy were also tested for their tumoricidal activity toward U937 cell lines. RESULTS The combined therapy exhibited an improved effect than conventional chemotherapy. There were no delays in hematopoietic recovery and GVHD after the intense treatment. This method prolonged the 2.5-year disease-free survival as well as overall survival, and increased the therapeutic effect for patients in good/intermediate prognosis. Moreover, the donor microchimerism was detected in four female patients who had male donors. The experimental study revealed that HLA-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell could induce U937 cells death and the tumoricidal activity enhanced proportionally with the increase in effector-target ratio. CONCLUSION HLA-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell infusion combined with chemotherapy improved the clinical outcomes and prevented severe GVHD. This comprehensive treatment can be used as a potential postremission therapy for AML.
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MESH Headings
- Adult
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- HLA Antigens/genetics
- HLA Antigens/immunology
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/immunology
- Hematopoietic Stem Cells/metabolism
- Histocompatibility/genetics
- Histocompatibility/immunology
- Humans
- Immunophenotyping
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/mortality
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Phenotype
- Remission Induction
- Transplantation Chimera
- Treatment Outcome
- Young Adult
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43
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Lim O, Jung MY, Hwang YK, Shin EC. Present and Future of Allogeneic Natural Killer Cell Therapy. Front Immunol 2015; 6:286. [PMID: 26089823 PMCID: PMC4453480 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2015.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that are capable of eliminating tumor cells and are therefore used for cancer therapy. Although many early investigators used autologous NK cells, including lymphokine-activated killer cells, the clinical efficacies were not satisfactory. Meanwhile, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation revealed the antitumor effect of allogeneic NK cells, and HLA-haploidentical, killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor ligand-mismatched allogeneic NK cells are currently used for many protocols requiring NK cells. Moreover, allogeneic NK cells from non-HLA-related healthy donors have been recently used in cancer therapy. The use of allogeneic NK cells from non-HLA-related healthy donors allows the selection of donor NK cells with higher flexibility and to prepare expanded, cryopreserved NK cells for instant administration without delay for ex vivo expansion. In cancer therapy with allogeneic NK cells, optimal matching of donors and recipients is important to maximize the efficacy of the therapy. In this review, we summarize the present state of allogeneic NK cell therapy and its future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Okjae Lim
- Virology and Immunology Team, MOGAM Biotechnology Institute , Yongin , South Korea
| | - Mi Young Jung
- Virology and Immunology Team, MOGAM Biotechnology Institute , Yongin , South Korea
| | - Yu Kyeong Hwang
- Cell Therapy Center, GreenCross LabCell , Yongin , South Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, KAIST , Daejeon , South Korea
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44
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Zhao XY, Chang YJ, Zhao XS, Xu LP, Zhang XH, Liu KY, Li D, Huang XJ. Recipient expression of ligands for donor inhibitory KIRs enhances NK-cell function to control leukemic relapse after haploidentical transplantation. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:2396-408. [PMID: 25952732 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201445057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2014] [Revised: 03/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/05/2015] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells that express self-HLA-specific receptors (where HLA is human leukocyte antigen) are "licensed" and more readily activated than unlicensed cells; therefore, NK-cell licensing could influence the antileukemia effects of NK cells following haploidentical stem cell transplantation (haplo-SCT). In this study, we compared the functionality of reconstituting NK cells, based on CD107α expression and interferon-γsecretion, in a cohort of 29 patients that expressed (n = 8) or lacked (n = 21) class I human leukocyte antigens for donor inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) following T-cell-replete haplo-SCT. We also addressed whether recipient expression of class I ligands for donor inhibitory KIRs could predict relapse occurrence in another cohort of 188 patients. A longitudinal analysis indicated that patients presenting class I for all donor inhibitory KIRs showed more capable functional NK effector cells when tested against class I negative K562 cells and primary leukemic cells within 3 months of transplantation. The lowest 7-year relapse incidence was observed when donor KIRs were ligated by recipient class I (n = 60) compared with donor-host partnerships where donor KIR(+) cells were ligated by donor, but not recipient class I (n = 86, p = 0.026) or KIRs that were ligated by neither donor nor recipient class I (n = 42, p = 0.043). This study suggests that haplo-SCT recipients presenting class I for donor inhibitory KIRs promote NK-cell licensing, leading to decreased relapse rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Jun Chang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Su Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Ping Xu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Zhang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Kai-Yan Liu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Dan Li
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
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45
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Neutrophils induced licensing of natural killer cells. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:747680. [PMID: 25977601 PMCID: PMC4419236 DOI: 10.1155/2015/747680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 03/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells acquire effector function through a licensing process and exert anti-leukemia/tumor effect. However, there is no means to promote a licensing effect of allogeneic NK cells other than cytomegalovirus reactivation-induced licensing in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in human. In mice, a licensing process is mediated by Ly49 receptors which recognize self-major histocompatibility complex class I. The distribution of four Ly49 receptors showed similar pattern in congenic mice, B10, B10.BR, and B10.D2, which have B10 background. Forty Gy-irradiated 2 × 106 B10.D2 cells including splenocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells in untreated mice, or granulocyte colony-stimulating factor treated mice were injected intraperitoneally into B10 mice. We found that murine NK cells were effectively licensed by intraperitoneal injection of donor neutrophils with its corresponding NK receptor ligand in B10 mice as a recipient and B10.D2 as a donor. Mechanistic studies revealed that NK cells showed the upregulation of intracellular interferon-γ and CD107a expression as markers of NK cell activation. Moreover, enriched neutrophils enhanced licensing effect of NK cells; meanwhile, licensing effect was diminished by depletion of neutrophils. Collectively, injection of neutrophils induced NK cell licensing (activation) via NK receptor ligand interaction.
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46
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Hannon M, Beguin Y, Ehx G, Servais S, Seidel L, Graux C, Maertens J, Kerre T, Daulne C, de Bock M, Fillet M, Ory A, Willems E, Gothot A, Humblet-Baron S, Baron F. Immune Recovery after Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Following Flu-TBI versus TLI-ATG Conditioning. Clin Cancer Res 2015; 21:3131-9. [PMID: 25779951 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-3374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Accepted: 03/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE A conditioning regimen for allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) combining total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) plus anti-thymocyte globulin (ATG) has been developed to induce graft-versus-tumor effects without graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We compared immune recovery in 53 patients included in a phase II randomized study comparing nonmyeloablative HCT following either fludarabine plus 2 Gy total body irradiation (TBI arm, n = 28) or 8 Gy TLI plus ATG (TLI arm, n = 25). RESULTS In comparison with TBI patients, TLI patients had a similarly low 6-month incidence of grade II-IV acute GVHD, a lower incidence of moderate/severe chronic GVHD (P = 0.02), a higher incidence of CMV reactivation (P < 0.001), and a higher incidence of relapse (P = 0.01). While recovery of total CD8(+) T cells was similar in the two groups, with median CD8(+) T-cell counts reaching the normal values 40 to 60 days after allo-HCT, TLI patients had lower percentages of naïve CD8 T cells. Median CD4(+) T-cell counts did not reach the lower limit of normal values the first year after allo-HCT in the two groups. Furthermore, CD4(+) T-cell counts were significantly lower in TLI than in TBI patients the first 6 months after transplantation. Interestingly, while median absolute regulatory T-cell (Treg) counts were comparable in TBI and TLI patients, Treg/naïve CD4(+) T-cell ratios were significantly higher in TLI than in TBI patients the 2 first years after transplantation. CONCLUSIONS Immune recovery differs substantially between these two conditioning regimens, possibly explaining the different clinical outcomes observed (NCT00603954).
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Affiliation(s)
- Muriel Hannon
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium.
| | - Yves Beguin
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Grégory Ehx
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Sophie Servais
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Laurence Seidel
- Department of statistics, SIME, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Carlos Graux
- Mont-Godine University Hospital (UCL), Yvoir, Belgium
| | | | | | - Coline Daulne
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Muriel de Bock
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Marianne Fillet
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Aurélie Ory
- Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Evelyne Willems
- Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - André Gothot
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Stéphanie Humblet-Baron
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Frédéric Baron
- Groupe Interdisciplinaire de Génoprotéomique Appliquée (GIGA)-I3, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium. Department of Clinical Hematology, CHU of Liège, Liège, Belgium
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47
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Foley B, Felices M, Cichocki F, Cooley S, Verneris MR, Miller JS. The biology of NK cells and their receptors affects clinical outcomes after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT). Immunol Rev 2015; 258:45-63. [PMID: 24517425 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were first identified for their capacity to reject bone marrow allografts in lethally irradiated mice without prior sensitization. Subsequently, human NK cells were detected and defined by their non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted cytotoxicity toward transformed or virally infected target cells. Karre et al. later proposed 'the missing self hypothesis' to explain the mechanism by which self-tolerant cells could kill targets that had lost self MHC class I. Subsequently, the receptors that recognize MHC class I to mediate tolerance in the host were identified on NK cells. These class I-recognizing receptors contribute to the acquisition of function by a dynamic process known as NK cell education or licensing. In the past, NK cells were assumed to be short lived, but more recently NK cells have been shown to mediate immunologic memory to secondary exposures to cytomegalovirus infection. Because of their ability to lyse tumors with aberrant MHC class I expression and to produce cytokines and chemokines upon activation, NK cells may be primed by many stimuli, including viruses and inflammation, to contribute to a graft-versus-tumor effect. In addition, interactions with other immune cells support the therapeutic potential of NK cells to eradicate tumor and to enhance outcomes after hematopoietic cell transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bree Foley
- Adult, Oncology and Transplantation, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Martin Felices
- Adult, Oncology and Transplantation, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Frank Cichocki
- Adult, Oncology and Transplantation, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Sarah Cooley
- Adult, Oncology and Transplantation, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Michael R Verneris
- Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Adult, Oncology and Transplantation, Blood and Marrow Transplant Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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48
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γδ T-cell reconstitution after HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic transplantation depleted of TCR-αβ+/CD19+ lymphocytes. Blood 2015; 125:2349-58. [PMID: 25612623 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-09-599423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 170] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2014] [Accepted: 01/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We prospectively assessed functional and phenotypic characteristics of γδ T lymphocytes up to 7 months after HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) depleted of αβ(+) T cells and CD19(+) B cells in 27 children with either malignant or nonmalignant disorders. We demonstrate that (1) γδ T cells are the predominant T-cell population in patients during the first weeks after transplantation, being mainly, albeit not only, derived from cells infused with the graft and expanding in vivo; (2) central-memory cells predominated very early posttransplantation for both Vδ1 and Vδ2 subsets; (3) Vδ1 cells are specifically expanded in patients experiencing cytomegalovirus reactivation and are more cytotoxic compared with those of children who did not experience reactivation; (4) these subsets display a cytotoxic phenotype and degranulate when challenged with primary acute myeloid and lymphoid leukemia blasts; and (5) Vδ2 cells are expanded in vitro after exposure to zoledronic acid (ZOL) and efficiently lyse primary lymphoid and myeloid blasts. This is the first detailed characterization of γδ T cells emerging in peripheral blood of children after CD19(+) B-cell and αβ(+) T-cell-depleted haplo-HSCT. Our results can be instrumental to the development of clinical trials using ZOL for improving γδ T-cell killing capacity against leukemia cells. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01810120.
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49
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Acute GVHD in patients receiving IL-15/4-1BBL activated NK cells following T-cell-depleted stem cell transplantation. Blood 2014; 125:784-92. [PMID: 25452614 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-07-592881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 181] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can enhance engraftment and mediate graft-versus-leukemia following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), but the potency of graft-versus-leukemia mediated by naturally reconstituting NK cells following HSCT is limited. Preclinical studies demonstrate that activation of NK cells using interleukin-15 (IL-15) plus 4-1BBL upregulates activating receptor expression and augments killing capacity. In an effort to amplify the beneficial effects of NK cells post-HSCT, we conducted a first-in-human trial of adoptive transfer of donor-derived IL-15/4-1BBL-activated NK cells (aNK-DLI) following HLA-matched, T-cell-depleted (1-2 × 10(4) T cells/kg) nonmyeloablative peripheral blood stem cell transplantation in children and young adults with ultra-high-risk solid tumors. aNK-DLI were CD3(+)-depleted, CD56(+)-selected lymphocytes, cultured for 9 to 11 days with recombinant human IL-15 plus 4-1BBL(+)IL-15Rα(+) artificial antigen-presenting cells. aNK-DLI demonstrated potent killing capacity and displayed high levels of activating receptor expression. Five of 9 transplant recipients experienced acute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) following aNK-DLI, with grade 4 GVHD observed in 3 subjects. GVHD was more common in matched unrelated donor vs matched sibling donor recipients and was associated with higher donor CD3 chimerism. Given that the T-cell dose was below the threshold required for GVHD in this setting, we conclude that aNK-DLI contributed to the acute GVHD observed, likely by augmenting underlying T-cell alloreactivity. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01287104.
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50
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Both mature KIR+ and immature KIR- NK cells control pediatric acute B-cell precursor leukemia in NOD.Cg-Prkdcscid IL2rgtmWjl/Sz mice. Blood 2014; 124:3914-23. [PMID: 25359989 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2014-05-572743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic natural killer (NK)-cell-mediated alloreactivity toward acute myeloid leukemia has largely been attributed to mismatches between killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) on NK cells and their ligands, HLA class I molecules, on target cells. While adult acute B-cell precursor leukemia (BCP-ALL) appears to be resistant to NK-cell-mediated lysis, recent data indicate that pediatric BCP-ALL might yet be a target of NK cells. In this study, we demonstrate in a donor-patient-specific NOD.Cg-Prkdc(scid) IL2rg(tmWjl)/Sz (NSG) xenotransplantation model that NK cells mediate considerable alloreactivity toward pediatric BCP-ALL in vivo. Notably, both adoptively transferred mature KIR(+) NK cells and immature KIR(-) NK cells arising early posttransplantation in humanized NSG mice exerted substantial antileukemic activity. Low-dose and long-term treatment of humanized NSG mice with the DNA-demethylating agent 5-aza-cytidine distinctly enhanced the antitumor response, interestingly without inducing common inhibitory KIR expression but rather by promoting the differentiation of various NK-cell precursor subsets. Collectively, these data indicate that the future design of innovative therapy protocols should consider further exploitation of NK-cell-mediated immune responses for poor prognosis pediatric BCP-ALL patients.
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