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Cloutier M, Variya B, Akbari SA, Rexhepi F, Ilangumaran S, Ramanathan S. Profibrogenic role of IL-15 through IL-15 receptor alpha-mediated trans-presentation in the carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis model. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1404891. [PMID: 38919611 PMCID: PMC11196400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1404891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammatory cytokines play key pathogenic roles in liver fibrosis. IL-15 is a proinflammatory cytokine produced by myeloid cells. IL-15 promotes pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. However, increased liver fibrosis has been reported in mice lacking IL-15 receptor alpha chain (IL-15Rα), suggesting an anti-fibrogenic role for IL-15. As myeloid cells are key players in liver fibrosis and IL-15 signaling can occur independently of IL-15Rα, we investigated the requirement of IL-15 and IL-15Rα in liver fibrosis. Methods We induced liver fibrosis in Il15-/- , Il15ra-/- and wildtype C57BL/6 mice by the administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Liver fibrosis was evaluated by Sirius red and Mason's trichrome staining and α-smooth muscle acting immunostaining of myofibroblasts. Gene expression of collagens, matrix modifying enzymes, cytokines and chemokines was quantified by RT-qPCR. The phenotype and the numbers of intrahepatic lymphoid and myeloid cell subsets were evaluated by flow cytometry. Results Both Il15-/- and Il15ra-/- mice developed markedly reduced liver fibrosis compared to wildtype control mice, as revealed by reduced collagen deposition and myofibroblast content. Il15ra-/- mice showed further reduction in collagen deposition compared to Il15-/- mice. However, Col1a1 and Col1a3 genes were similarly induced in the fibrotic livers of wildtype, Il15-/- and Il15ra-/- mice, although notable variations were observed in the expression of matrix remodeling enzymes and chemokines. As expected, Il15-/- and Il15ra-/- mice showed markedly reduced numbers of NK cells compared to wildtype mice. They also showed markedly less staining of CD45+ immune cells and CD68+ macrophages, and significantly reduced inflammatory cell infiltration into the liver, with fewer pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory monocyte subsets compared to wildtype mice. Conclusion Our findings indicate that IL-15 exerts its profibrogenic role in the liver by promoting macrophage activation and that this requires trans-presentation of IL-15 by IL-15Rα.
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Lee H, Park SH, Shin EC. IL-15 in T-Cell Responses and Immunopathogenesis. Immune Netw 2024; 24:e11. [PMID: 38455459 PMCID: PMC10917573 DOI: 10.4110/in.2024.24.e11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
IL-15 belongs to the common gamma chain cytokine family and has pleiotropic immunological functions. IL-15 is a homeostatic cytokine essential for the development and maintenance of NK cells and memory CD8+ T cells. In addition, IL-15 plays a critical role in the activation, effector functions, tissue residency, and senescence of CD8+ T cells. IL-15 also activates virtual memory T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T cells and γδ T cells. Recently, IL-15 has been highlighted as a major trigger of TCR-independent activation of T cells. This mechanism is involved in T cell-mediated immunopathogenesis in diverse diseases, including viral infections and chronic inflammatory diseases. Deeper understanding of IL-15-mediated T-cell responses and their underlying mechanisms could optimize therapeutic strategies to ameliorate host injury by T cell-mediated immunopathogenesis. This review highlights recent advancements in comprehending the role of IL-15 in relation to T cell responses and immunopathogenesis under various host conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoyoung Lee
- The Center for Viral Immunology, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- The Center for Viral Immunology, Korea Virus Research Institute, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Daejeon 34126, Korea
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
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3
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Skariah N, James OJ, Swamy M. Signalling mechanisms driving homeostatic and inflammatory effects of interleukin-15 on tissue lymphocytes. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2024; 3:kyae002. [PMID: 38405398 PMCID: PMC10883678 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyae002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
There is an intriguing dichotomy in the function of cytokine interleukin-15-at low levels, it is required for the homeostasis of the immune system, yet when it is upregulated in response to pathogenic infections or in autoimmunity, IL-15 drives inflammation. IL-15 associates with the IL-15Rα within both myeloid and non-haematopoietic cells, where IL-15Rα trans-presents IL-15 in a membrane-bound form to neighboring cells. Alongside homeostatic maintenance of select lymphocyte populations such as NK cells and tissue-resident T cells, when upregulated, IL-15 also promotes inflammatory outcomes by driving effector function and cytotoxicity in NK cells and T cells. As chronic over-expression of IL-15 can lead to autoimmunity, IL-15 expression is tightly regulated. Thus, blocking dysregulated IL-15 and its downstream signalling pathways are avenues for immunotherapy. In this review we discuss the molecular pathways involved in IL-15 signalling and how these pathways contribute to both homeostatic and inflammatory functions in IL-15-dependent mature lymphoid populations, focusing on innate, and innate-like lymphocytes in tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neema Skariah
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Olivia J James
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Mahima Swamy
- MRC Protein Phosphorylation and Ubiquitylation Unit, School of Life Sciences, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 5EH, UK
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Di Ianni M, Liberatore C, Santoro N, Ranalli P, Guardalupi F, Corradi G, Villanova I, Di Francesco B, Lattanzio S, Passeri C, Lanuti P, Accorsi P. Cellular Strategies for Separating GvHD from GvL in Haploidentical Transplantation. Cells 2024; 13:134. [PMID: 38247827 PMCID: PMC10814899 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
GvHD still remains, despite the continuous improvement of transplantation platforms, a fearful complication of transplantation from allogeneic donors. Being able to separate GvHD from GvL represents the greatest challenge in the allogeneic transplant setting. This may be possible through continuous improvement of cell therapy techniques. In this review, current cell therapies are taken into consideration, which are based on the use of TCR alpha/beta depletion, CD45RA depletion, T regulatory cell enrichment, NK-cell-based immunotherapies, and suicide gene therapies in order to prevent GvHD and maximally amplify the GvL effect in the setting of haploidentical transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Di Ianni
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Carmine Liberatore
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Nicole Santoro
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Paola Ranalli
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Guardalupi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Corradi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ida Villanova
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Barbara Di Francesco
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Stefano Lattanzio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cecilia Passeri
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Accorsi
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
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Rosati M, Terpos E, Homan P, Bergamaschi C, Karaliota S, Ntanasis-Stathopoulos I, Devasundaram S, Bear J, Burns R, Bagratuni T, Trougakos IP, Dimopoulos MA, Pavlakis GN, Felber BK. Rapid transient and longer-lasting innate cytokine changes associated with adaptive immunity after repeated SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccinations. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1292568. [PMID: 38090597 PMCID: PMC10711274 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1292568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cytokines and chemokines play an important role in shaping innate and adaptive immunity in response to infection and vaccination. Systems serology identified immunological parameters predictive of beneficial response to the BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine in COVID-19 infection-naïve volunteers, COVID-19 convalescent patients and transplant patients with hematological malignancies. Here, we examined the dynamics of the serum cytokine/chemokine responses after the 3rd BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination in a cohort of COVID-19 infection-naïve volunteers. Methods We measured serum cytokine and chemokine responses after the 3rd dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNtech) vaccine in COVID-19 infection-naïve individuals by a chemiluminescent assay and ELISA. Anti-Spike binding antibodies were measured by ELISA. Anti-Spike neutralizing antibodies were measured by a pseudotype assay. Results Comparison to responses found after the 1st and 2nd vaccinations showed persistence of the coordinated responses of several cytokine/chemokines including the previously identified rapid and transient IL-15, IFN-γ, CXCL10/IP-10, TNF-α, IL-6 signature. In contrast to the transient (24hrs) effect of the IL-15 signature, an inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine signature (CCL2/MCP-1, CCL3/MIP-1α, CCL4/MIP-1β, CXCL8/IL-8, IL-1Ra) remained at higher levels up to one month after the 2nd and 3rd booster vaccinations, indicative of a state of longer-lasting innate immune change. We also identified a systemic transient increase of CXCL13 only after the 3rd vaccination, supporting stronger germinal center activity and the higher anti-Spike antibody responses. Changes of the IL-15 signature, and the inflammatory/anti-inflammatory cytokine profile correlated with neutralizing antibody levels also after the 3rd vaccination supporting their role as immune biomarkers for effective development of vaccine-induced humoral responses. Conclusion These data revealed that repeated SARS-Cov-2 BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination induces both rapid transient as well as longer-lasting systemic serum cytokine changes associated with innate and adaptive immune responses. Clinical trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04743388.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Rosati
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Philip Homan
- Center for Cancer Research Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Sevasti Karaliota
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
- Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Ioannis Ntanasis-Stathopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Santhi Devasundaram
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Jenifer Bear
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Robert Burns
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Tina Bagratuni
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis P. Trougakos
- Department of Cell Biology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Meletios A. Dimopoulos
- Department of Clinical Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George N. Pavlakis
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Barbara K. Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
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Hegewisch-Solloa E, Nalin AP, Freud AG, Mace EM. Deciphering the localization and trajectory of human natural killer cell development. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:487-506. [PMID: 36869821 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immune cells represent the first line of cellular immunity, comprised of both circulating and tissue-resident natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells. These innate lymphocytes arise from a common CD34+ progenitor that differentiates into mature natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells. The successive stages in natural killer cell maturation are characterized by increased lineage restriction and changes to phenotype and function. Mechanisms of human natural killer cell development have not been fully elucidated, especially the role of signals that drive the spatial localization and maturation of natural killer cells. Cytokines, extracellular matrix components, and chemokines provide maturation signals and influence the trafficking of natural killer cell progenitors to peripheral sites of differentiation. Here we present the latest advances in our understanding of natural killer and innate lymphoid cell development in peripheral sites, including secondary lymphoid tissues (i.e. tonsil). Recent work in the field has provided a model for the spatial distribution of natural killer cell and innate lymphoid cell developmental intermediates in tissue and generated further insights into the developmental niche. In support of this model, future studies using multifaceted approaches seek to fully map the developmental trajectory of human natural killer cells and innate lymphoid cells in secondary lymphoid tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Everardo Hegewisch-Solloa
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St. New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Ansel P Nalin
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, Medical Scientist Training Program, Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 460 W 10th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Aharon G Freud
- Department of Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Center and The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, The Ohio State University, 460 W 12th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 630 W 168th St. New York, NY 10032, USA
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7
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Leidner R, Conlon K, McNeel DG, Wang-Gillam A, Gupta S, Wesolowski R, Chaudhari M, Hassounah N, Lee JB, Ho Lee L, O'Keeffe JA, Lewis N, Pavlakis GN, Thompson JA. First-in-human phase I/Ib study of NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimer of IL-15 and IL-15Rα, as a single agent and in combination with spartalizumab in patients with advanced and metastatic solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007725. [PMID: 37907221 PMCID: PMC10619015 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinically, interleukin-15 (IL-15) monotherapy promotes antitumor immune responses, which are enhanced when IL-15 is used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This first-in-human study investigated NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimer comprising physiologically active IL-15 and IL-15 receptor α, as monotherapy and in combination with spartalizumab, an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS This phase I/Ib study had two dose-escalation arms: single-agent NIZ985 administered subcutaneously thrice weekly (TIW, 2 weeks on/2 weeks off) or once weekly (QW, 3 weeks on/1 week off), and NIZ985 TIW or QW administered subcutaneously plus spartalizumab (400 mg intravenously every 4 weeks (Q4W)). The dose-expansion phase investigated NIZ985 1 µg/kg TIW/spartalizumab 400 mg Q4W in patients with anti-PD-1-sensitive or anti-PD-1-resistant tumor types stratified according to approved indications. The primary objectives were the safety, tolerability, and the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) and/or recommended dose for expansion (RDE) of NIZ985 for the dose-expansion phase. RESULTS As of February 17, 2020, 83 patients (median age: 63 years; range: 28-85) were treated in dose escalation (N=47; single-agent NIZ985: n=27; NIZ985/spartalizumab n=20) and dose expansion (N=36). No dose-limiting toxicities occurred nor was the MTD identified. The most common treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) was injection site reaction (primarily grades 1-2; single-agent NIZ985: 85% (23/27)); NIZ985/spartalizumab: 89% [50/56]). The most common grade 3-4 TRAE was decreased lymphocyte count (single-agent NIZ985: 7% [2/27]; NIZ985/spartalizumab: 5% [3/56]). The best overall response was stable disease in the single-agent arm (30% (8/27)) and partial response in the NIZ985/spartalizumab arm (5% [3/56]; melanoma, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer). In dose expansion, the disease control rate was 45% (5/11) in the anti-PD-1-sensitive and 20% (5/25) in the anti-PD-1-resistant tumor type cohorts. Pharmacokinetic parameters were similar across arms. The transient increase in CD8+ T cell and natural killer cell proliferation and induction of several cytokines occurred in response to the single-agent and combination treatments. CONCLUSIONS NIZ985 was well tolerated in the single-agent and NIZ985/spartalizumab regimens. The RDE was established at 1 µg/kg TIW. Antitumor activity of the combination was observed against tumor types known to have a poor response to ICIs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02452268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rom Leidner
- EACRI, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kevin Conlon
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Douglas G McNeel
- Department of Medicine, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sumati Gupta
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Robert Wesolowski
- Division of Medical Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Nadia Hassounah
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jong Bong Lee
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lang Ho Lee
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica A O'Keeffe
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nancy Lewis
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Silvestre RN, Eitler J, de Azevedo JTC, Tirapelle MC, Fantacini DMC, de Souza LEB, Swiech K, Covas DT, Calado RT, Montero PO, Malmegrim KCR, Figueiredo ML, Tonn T, Picanço-Castro V. Engineering NK-CAR.19 cells with the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex improved proliferation and anti-tumor effect in vivo. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1226518. [PMID: 37818365 PMCID: PMC10561086 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1226518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural killer 92 (NK-92) cells are an attractive therapeutic approach as alternative chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) carriers, different from T cells, once they can be used in the allogeneic setting. The modest in vivo outcomes observed with NK-92 cells continue to present hurdles in successfully translating NK-92 cell therapies into clinical applications. Adoptive transfer of CAR-NK-92 cells holds out the promise of therapeutic benefit at a lower rate of adverse events due to the absence of GvHD and cytokine release syndrome. However, it has not achieved breakthrough clinical results yet, and further improvement of CAR-NK-92 cells is necessary. Methods In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis between CD19-targeted CAR (CAR.19) co-expressing IL-15 (CAR.19-IL15) with IL-15/IL-15Rα (CAR.19-IL15/IL15Rα) to promote NK cell proliferation, activation, and cytotoxic activity against B-cell leukemia. CAR constructs were cloned into lentiviral vector and transduced into NK-92 cell line. Potency of CAR-NK cells were assessed against CD19-expressing cell lines NALM-6 or Raji in vitro and in vivo in a murine model. Tumor burden was measured by bioluminescence. Results We demonstrated that a fourth- generation CD19-targeted CAR (CAR.19) co-expressing IL-15 linked to its receptor IL-15/IL-15Rα (CAR.19-IL-15/IL-15Rα) significantly enhanced NK-92 cell proliferation, proinflammatory cytokine secretion, and cytotoxic activity against B-cell cancer cell lines in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. Conclusion Together with the results of the systematic analysis of the transcriptome of activated NK-92 CAR variants, this supports the notion that IL-15/IL-15Rα comprising fourth-generation CARs may overcome the limitations of NK-92 cell-based targeted tumor therapies in vivo by providing the necessary growth and activation signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renata Nacasaki Silvestre
- Center for Cell-based Therapy CTC, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jiri Eitler
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Mariane Cariati Tirapelle
- Center for Cell-based Therapy CTC, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Lucas Eduardo Botelho de Souza
- Center for Cell-based Therapy CTC, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Kamilla Swiech
- Center for Cell-based Therapy CTC, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Center for Cell-based Therapy CTC, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo T. Calado
- Center for Cell-based Therapy CTC, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Paola Ortiz Montero
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Kelen Cristina Ribeiro Malmegrim
- Center for Cell-based Therapy CTC, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Analyses, Toxicology and Food Science, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Marxa L. Figueiredo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Torsten Tonn
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Virginia Picanço-Castro
- Center for Cell-based Therapy CTC, Regional Blood Center of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
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9
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Lui G, Minnar CM, Soon-Shiong P, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Exploiting an Interleukin-15 Heterodimeric Agonist (N803) for Effective Immunotherapy of Solid Malignancies. Cells 2023; 12:1611. [PMID: 37371081 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying effective immunotherapies for solid tumors remains challenging despite the significant clinical responses observed in subsets of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a promising cytokine for the treatment of cancer as it stimulates NK and CD8+ lymphocytes. However, unfavorable pharmacokinetics and safety concerns render recombinant IL-15 (rIL-15) a less attractive modality. These shortcomings were addressed by the clinical development of heterodimeric IL-15 agonists, including N803. In preclinical tumor models, N803 elicited significant Th1 immune activation and tumor suppressive effects, primarily mediated by NK and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In addition, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated N803 to be safe for the treatment of cancer patients. The combination of N803 with the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab demonstrated encouraging clinical responses in nivolumab-naïve and nivolumab-refractory patients with non-small cell lung cancer. In a recent Phase II/III clinical study, most Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-refractory bladder cancer patients treated with N803 plus BCG experienced durable complete responses. Currently, N803 is being evaluated preclinically and clinically in combination with various agents, including chemotherapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and other immuno-oncology agents. This report will review the mechanism(s) of action of N803 and how it relates to the preclinical and clinical studies of N803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Lui
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine M Minnar
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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10
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Di Matteo S, Munari E, Fiore PF, Santopolo S, Sampaoli C, Pelosi A, Chouaib S, Tumino N, Vacca P, Mariotti FR, Ebert S, Machwirth M, Haas D, Pezzullo M, Pietra G, Grottoli M, Buart S, Mortier E, Maggi E, Moretta L, Caruana I, Azzarone B. The roles of different forms of IL-15 in human melanoma progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183668. [PMID: 37334356 PMCID: PMC10272795 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma is a lethal skin cancer, and the risk of developing it is increased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The production of cytokines such as interleukin-15 (IL-15), induced by the exposure of skin cells to UV rays, could also promote melanoma development. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible role of Interleukin-15/Interleukin-15 Receptor α (IL-15/IL-15Rα) complexes in melanoma development. Methods The expression of IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes by melanoma cells was evaluated both ex vivo and in vitro by tissue microarray, PCR, and flow cytometry. The presence of the soluble complex (sIL-15/IL-15Rα) in the plasma of metastatic melanoma patients was detected using an ELISA assay. Subsequently, we investigated the impact of natural killer (NK) cell activation after rIL-2 starvation followed by exposure to the sIL-15/IL-15Rα complex. Finally, by analyzing public datasets, we studied the correlation between IL-15 and IL-15Rα expressions and melanoma stage, NK and T-cell markers, and overall survival (OS). Results Analysis of a melanoma tissue microarray shows a significant increase in the number of IL-15+ tumor cells from the benign nevi to metastatic melanoma stages. Metastatic melanoma cell lines express a phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-cleavable membrane-bound IL-15 (mbIL-15), whereas cultures from primary melanomas express a PMA-resistant isoform. Further analysis revealed that 26% of metastatic patients present with consistently high plasmatic levels of sIL-15/IL-15Rα. When the recombinant soluble human IL-15/IL-15Rα complex is added to briefly starved rIL-2-expanded NK cells, these cells exhibit strongly reduced proliferation and levels of cytotoxic activity against K-562 and NALM-18 target cells. The analysis of public gene expression datasets revealed that high IL-15 and IL-15Rα intra-tumoral production correlates with the high levels of expression of CD5+ and NKp46+ (T and NK markers) and significantly correlates with a better OS in stages II and III, but not in stage IV. Conclusions Membrane-bound and secreted IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes are continuously present during progression in melanoma. It is notable that, although IL-15/IL-15Rα initially promoted the production of cytotoxic T and NK cells, at stage IV promotion of the development of anergic and dysfunctional cytotoxic NK cells was observed. In a subgroup of melanoma metastatic patients, the continuous secretion of high amounts of the soluble complex could represent a novel NK cell immune escape mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Di Matteo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Piera Filomena Fiore
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Santopolo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Sampaoli
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pelosi
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Unitè Mixte Rechercce (INSERM UMR) 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Faculty De Médecine Univ. Paris-Sud, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Mariotti
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefan Ebert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Machwirth
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Haas
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marco Pezzullo
- Core Facility, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Melania Grottoli
- Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stephanie Buart
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Unitè Mixte Rechercce (INSERM UMR) 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Faculty De Médecine Univ. Paris-Sud, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Erwan Mortier
- Nantes Université, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO, Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology, Nantes, France
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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11
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Stellas D, Karaliota S, Stravokefalou V, Angel M, Nagy BA, Goldfarbmuren KC, Bergamaschi C, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Tumor eradication by hetIL-15 locoregional therapy correlates with an induced intratumoral CD103 intCD11b + dendritic cell population. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112501. [PMID: 37178117 PMCID: PMC10758290 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Locoregional monotherapy with heterodimeric interleukin (IL)-15 (hetIL-15) in a triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) orthotopic mouse model resulted in tumor eradication in 40% of treated mice, reduction of metastasis, and induction of immunological memory against breast cancer cells. hetIL-15 re-shaped the tumor microenvironment by promoting the intratumoral accumulation of cytotoxic lymphocytes, conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1s), and a dendritic cell (DC) population expressing both CD103 and CD11b markers. These CD103intCD11b+DCs share phenotypic and gene expression characteristics with both cDC1s and cDC2s, have transcriptomic profiles more similar to monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs), and correlate with tumor regression. Therefore, hetIL-15, a cytokine directly affecting lymphocytes and inducing cytotoxic cells, also has an indirect rapid and significant effect on the recruitment of myeloid cells, initiating a cascade for tumor elimination through innate and adoptive immune mechanisms. The intratumoral CD103intCD11b+DC population induced by hetIL-15 may be targeted for the development of additional cancer immunotherapy approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Stellas
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 11635 Athens, Greece.
| | - Sevasti Karaliota
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Vasiliki Stravokefalou
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, 41500 Larissa, Greece
| | - Matthew Angel
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Bethany A Nagy
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Katherine C Goldfarbmuren
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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12
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Badeński A, Badeńska M, Świętochowska E, Janek A, Gliwińska A, Morawiec-Knysak A, Szczepańska M. Assessment of Interleukin-15 (IL-15) Concentration in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086993. [PMID: 37108157 PMCID: PMC10139059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is a chronic glomerular disease in children, characterized by severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and/or presence of edema and hyperlipidemia. The pathogenesis, however, has not been yet established. The clinical course of the disease is characterized by frequent relapses. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, that apart from its involvement in the immune system, was found to be playing a vital role in various cells' functioning, including renal tissue. It is desirable to look for new predictors of INS. Our study aimed to evaluate IL-15 as a potential marker in the early diagnosis of the disease. The cohort participating in the study consisted of patients hospitalized in Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Zabrze, from December 2019 to December 2021, including study group with INS (n = 30) and control group (n = 44). Results: The concentration of IL-15 in both serum and urine was significantly elevated in patients with INS, compared to healthy controls. The cytokine might serve as a marker of the disease, however, further research on larger study groups is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Badeński
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Marta Badeńska
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Świętochowska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze-Rokitnica, Poland
| | - Artur Janek
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gliwińska
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aurelia Morawiec-Knysak
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology with Dialysis Division for Children, Public Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Zabrze, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Maria Szczepańska
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
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13
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Zannikou M, Duffy JT, Levine RN, Seblani M, Liu Q, Presser A, Arrieta VA, Chen CJ, Sonabend AM, Horbinski CM, Lee-Chang C, Miska J, Lesniak MS, Gottschalk S, Balyasnikova IV. IL15 modification enables CAR T cells to act as a dual targeting agent against tumor cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells in GBM. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006239. [PMID: 36759014 PMCID: PMC9923337 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) is a major barrier to the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) in glioblastoma (GBM). Transgenic expression of IL15 is one attractive strategy to modulate the TME. However, at present, it is unclear if IL15 could be used to directly target myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), a major cellular component of the GBM TME. Here, we explored if MDSC express IL15Rα and the feasibility of exploiting its expression as an immunotherapeutic target. METHODS RNA-seq, RT-qPCR, and flow cytometry were used to determine IL15Rα expression in paired peripheral and tumor-infiltrating immune cells of GBM patients and two syngeneic murine GBM models. We generated murine T cells expressing IL13Rα2-CARs and secretory IL15 (CAR.IL15s) or IL13Rα2-CARs in which IL15 was fused to the CAR to serve as an IL15Rα-targeting moiety (CAR.IL15f), and characterized their effector function in vitro and in syngeneic IL13Rα2+glioma models. RESULTS IL15Rα was preferentially expressed in myeloid, B, and dendritic cells in patients' and syngeneic GBMs. In vitro, CAR.IL15s and CAR.IL15f T cells depleted MDSC and decreased their secretion of immunosuppressive molecules with CAR.IL15f T cells being more efficacious. Similarly, CAR.IL15f T cells significantly improved the survival of mice in two GBM models. TME analysis showed that treatment with CAR.IL15f T cells resulted in higher frequencies of CD8+T cells, NK, and B cells, but a decrease in CD11b+cells in tumors compared with therapy with CAR T cells. CONCLUSIONS We demonstrate that MDSC of the glioma TME express IL15Ra and that these cells can be targeted with secretory IL15 or an IL15Rα-targeting moiety incorporated into the CAR. Thus, IL15-modified CAR T cells act as a dual targeting agent against tumor cells and MDSC in GBM, warranting their future evaluation in early-phase clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markella Zannikou
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Joseph T Duffy
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Rebecca N Levine
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Maggie Seblani
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplant, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Qianli Liu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Aaron Presser
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Victor A Arrieta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher J Chen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Adam M Sonabend
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Craig M Horbinski
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Catalina Lee-Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Jason Miska
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Stephen Gottschalk
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplant and Cellular Therapy, St Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Irina V Balyasnikova
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute of the Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Stravokefalou V, Stellas D, Karaliota S, Nagy BA, Valentin A, Bergamaschi C, Dimas K, Pavlakis GN. Heterodimeric IL-15 (hetIL-15) reduces circulating tumor cells and metastasis formation improving chemotherapy and surgery in 4T1 mouse model of TNBC. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1014802. [PMID: 36713398 PMCID: PMC9880212 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1014802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a viable approach in cancer therapy, with cytokines being of great interest. Interleukin IL-15 (IL-15), a cytokine that supports cytotoxic immune cells, has been successfully tested as an anti-cancer and anti-metastatic agent, but combinations with conventional chemotherapy and surgery protocols have not been extensively studied. We have produced heterodimeric IL-15 (hetIL-15), which has shown anti-tumor efficacy in several murine cancer models and is being evaluated in clinical trials for metastatic cancers. In this study, we examined the therapeutic effects of hetIL-15 in combination with chemotherapy and surgery in the 4T1 mouse model of metastatic triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). hetIL-15 monotherapy exhibited potent anti-metastatic effects by diminishing the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and by controlling tumor cells colonization of the lungs. hetIL-15 treatment in combination with doxorubicin resulted in enhanced anti-metastatic activity and extended animal survival. Systemic immune phenotype analysis showed that the chemoimmunotherapeutic regimen shifted the tumor-induced imbalance of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) in favor of cytotoxic effector cells, by simultaneously decreasing PMN-MDSCs and increasing the frequency and activation of effector (CD8+T and NK) cells. Tumor resection supported by neoadjuvant and adjuvant administration of hetIL-15, either alone or in combination with doxorubicin, resulted in the cure of approximately half of the treated animals and the development of anti-4T1 tumor immunity. Our findings demonstrate a significant anti-metastatic potential of hetIL-15 in combination with chemotherapy and surgery and suggest exploring the use of this regimen for the treatment of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Stravokefalou
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,Department of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Sevasti Karaliota
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Bethany A. Nagy
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States
| | - Konstantinos Dimas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece,*Correspondence: Konstantinos Dimas, ; George N. Pavlakis,
| | - George N. Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Konstantinos Dimas, ; George N. Pavlakis,
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15
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Sindaco P, Pandey H, Isabelle C, Chakravarti N, Brammer JE, Porcu P, Mishra A. The role of interleukin-15 in the development and treatment of hematological malignancies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1141208. [PMID: 37153603 PMCID: PMC10157481 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1141208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are a vital component of the immune system that controls the activation and growth of blood cells. However, chronic overexpression of cytokines can trigger cellular events leading to malignant transformation. The cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15) is of particular interest, which has been shown to contribute to the development and progression of various hematological malignancies. This review will provide an overview of the impact of the immunopathogenic function of IL-15 by studying its role in cell survival, proliferation, inflammation, and treatment resistance. We will also review therapeutic approaches for inhibiting IL-15 in blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Sindaco
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Hritisha Pandey
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Colleen Isabelle
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Nitin Chakravarti
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Pierluigi Porcu
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Anjali Mishra
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Oncology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Cancer Biology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Anjali Mishra,
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16
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Zhou Y, Quan G, Liu Y, Shi N, Wu Y, Zhang R, Gao X, Luo L. The application of Interleukin-2 family cytokines in tumor immunotherapy research. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1090311. [PMID: 36936961 PMCID: PMC10018032 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1090311] [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: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Interleukin-2 Family contains six kinds of cytokines, namely IL-2, IL-15, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-21, all of which share a common γ chain. Many cytokines of the IL-2 family have been reported to be a driving force in immune cells activation. Therefore, researchers have tried various methods to study the anti-tumor effect of cytokines for a long time. However, due to the short half-life, poor stability, easy to lead to inflammatory storms and narrow safety treatment window of cytokines, this field has been tepid. In recent years, with the rapid development of protein engineering technology, some engineered cytokines have a significant effect in tumor immunotherapy, showing an irresistible trend of development. In this review, we will discuss the current researches of the IL-2 family and mainly focus on the application and achievements of engineered cytokines in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangyihua Zhou
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Guiqi Quan
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yujun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Department of Neurosurgery, School of Basic Medical Science, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yahui Wu
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ran Zhang
- Department of Medical Laboratory, School of Medicine, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- *Correspondence: Ran Zhang, ; Xiang Gao, ; Longlong Luo,
| | - Xiang Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ran Zhang, ; Xiang Gao, ; Longlong Luo,
| | - Longlong Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Ran Zhang, ; Xiang Gao, ; Longlong Luo,
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17
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Caruso S, De Angelis B, Del Bufalo F, Ciccone R, Donsante S, Volpe G, Manni S, Guercio M, Pezzella M, Iaffaldano L, Silvestris DA, Sinibaldi M, Di Cecca S, Pitisci A, Velardi E, Merli P, Algeri M, Lodi M, Paganelli V, Serafini M, Riminucci M, Locatelli F, Quintarelli C. Safe and effective off-the-shelf immunotherapy based on CAR.CD123-NK cells for the treatment of acute myeloid leukaemia. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:163. [PMID: 36335396 PMCID: PMC9636687 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01376-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Paediatric acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is characterized by poor outcomes in patients with relapsed/refractory disease, despite the improvements in intensive standard therapy. The leukaemic cells of paediatric AML patients show high expression of the CD123 antigen, and this finding provides the biological basis to target CD123 with the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). However, CAR.CD123 therapy in AML is hampered by on-target off-tumour toxicity and a long “vein-to-vein” time.
Methods We developed an off-the-shelf product based on allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells derived from the peripheral blood of healthy donors and engineered them to express a second-generation CAR targeting CD123 (CAR.CD123). Results CAR.CD123-NK cells showed significant anti-leukaemia activity not only in vitro against CD123+ AML cell lines and CD123+ primary blasts but also in two animal models of human AML-bearing immune-deficient mice. Data on anti-leukaemia activity were also corroborated by the quantification of inflammatory cytokines, namely granzyme B (Granz B), interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), both in vitro and in the plasma of mice treated with CAR.CD123-NK cells.
To evaluate and compare the on-target off-tumour effects of CAR.CD123-T and NK cells, we engrafted human haematopoietic cells (hHCs) in an immune-deficient mouse model. All mice infused with CAR.CD123-T cells died by Day 5, developing toxicity against primary human bone marrow (BM) cells with a decreased number of total hCD45+ cells and, in particular, of hCD34+CD38− stem cells. In contrast, treatment with CAR.CD123-NK cells was not associated with toxicity, and all mice were alive at the end of the experiments. Finally, in a mouse model engrafted with human endothelial tissues, we demonstrated that CAR.CD123-NK cells were characterized by negligible endothelial toxicity when compared to CAR.CD123-T cells.
Conclusions Our data indicate the feasibility of an innovative off-the-shelf therapeutic strategy based on CAR.CD123-NK cells, characterized by remarkable efficacy and an improved safety profile compared to CAR.CD123-T cells. These findings open a novel intriguing scenario not only for the treatment of refractory/resistant AML patients but also to further investigate the use of CAR-NK cells in other cancers characterized by highly difficult targeting with the most conventional T effector cells.
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13045-022-01376-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Caruso
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio De Angelis
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Del Bufalo
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Roselia Ciccone
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Samantha Donsante
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriele Volpe
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Manni
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marika Guercio
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Michele Pezzella
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Laura Iaffaldano
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alessandro Silvestris
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Matilde Sinibaldi
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Cecca
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Pitisci
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Velardi
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Pietro Merli
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mattia Algeri
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mariachiara Lodi
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Paganelli
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Serafini
- grid.7563.70000 0001 2174 1754Department of Pediatrics, Tettamanti Research Center, Fondazione MBBM/San Gerardo Hospital, University of Milano-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Mara Riminucci
- grid.7841.aDepartment of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy ,grid.8142.f0000 0001 0941 3192Department of Life Science and Public Health, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Concetta Quintarelli
- grid.414125.70000 0001 0727 6809Department of Oncology-Haematology, and Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy ,grid.4691.a0000 0001 0790 385XDepartment of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
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A homodimeric IL-15 superagonist F4RLI with easy preparation, improved half-life, and potent antitumor activities. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 106:7039-7050. [PMID: 36184689 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-022-12209-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy due to its potent immune-activating effects. There are several IL-15 molecules currently in clinical trials but facing shortages of poor half-life, circulation instability, or complicated production and quality control processes. The aim of this study is to design a novel IL-15 superagonist to set out the above difficulties, and we constructed F4RLI consisting of the GS-linker spaced IgG4 Fc fragment, soluble IL-15 Rα (sIL-15Rα), and IL-15(N72D). Using a single plasmid transient transfection in HEK293E cells, the matured F4RLI was secreted in the form of homodimer and got purified by an easy step of protein A affinity chromatography. The F4RLI product can significantly stimulate the proliferation of human CD3+CD8+ T cells and NK cells in vitro. Meanwhile, F4RLI greatly extended the half-life and prolonged the exposure of IL-15 in mice nearly by 28- and 200-fold, respectively, in comparison with that of the IL-15 monomer. In vivo, F4RLI vastly expanded mouse splenic CD8+ T lymphocytes, illustrating its potential in tumor immunotherapy. Further studies showed that the combination of F4RLI with the immune checkpoint blocker atezolizumab played a synergistic effect in treating MC38 mouse tumor by increasing the percentage of CD8+ T cells in tumor tissue. Moreover, the combination therapy of F4RLI with the angiogenesis inhibitor bevacizumab resulted in significant tumor growth suppression in a xenograft human HT-29 mouse model. Overall, our results demonstrate a homodimeric IL-15 superagonist F4RLI with advances in manufacturing processes and biopharmaceutical applications for cancer immunotherapy. KEY POINTS: • The homodimeric structure of F4RLI facilitates its easy production processes and quality control. • The fusion with Fc and sIL-15Rα extends the plasma half-life of IL-15 by about 28-fold. • F4RLI can play synergistic antitumor activity with the PD-1/PD-L1 checkpoint inhibitor or angiogenesis inhibitor.
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19
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Ma S, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Harnessing IL-15 signaling to potentiate NK cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:833-847. [PMID: 36058806 PMCID: PMC9612852 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a crucial component of the innate immune system, have long been of clinical interest for their antitumor properties. Almost every aspect of NK cell immunity is regulated by interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine in the common γ-chain family. Several current clinical trials are using IL-15 or its analogs to treat various cancers. Moreover, NK cells are being genetically modified to produce membrane-bound or secretory IL-15. Here, we discuss the key role of IL-15 signaling in NK cell immunity and provide an up-to-date overview of IL-15 in NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA.
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20
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Harnessing natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy: dispatching the first responders. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:559-577. [PMID: 35314852 PMCID: PMC10019065 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have crucial roles in the innate immunosurveillance of cancer and viral infections. They are 'first responders' that can spontaneously recognize abnormal cells in the body, rapidly eliminate them through focused cytotoxicity mechanisms and potently produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that recruit and activate other immune cells to initiate an adaptive response. From the initial discovery of the diverse cell surface receptors on NK cells to the characterization of regulatory events that control their function, our understanding of the basic biology of NK cells has improved dramatically in the past three decades. This advanced knowledge has revealed increased mechanistic complexity, which has opened the doors to the development of a plethora of exciting new therapeutics that can effectively manipulate and target NK cell functional responses, particularly in cancer patients. Here, we summarize the basic mechanisms that regulate NK cell biology, review a wide variety of drugs, cytokines and antibodies currently being developed and used to stimulate NK cell responses, and outline evolving NK cell adoptive transfer approaches to treat cancer.
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21
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Peng Y, Fu S, Zhao Q. 2022 update on the scientific premise and clinical trials for IL-15 agonists as cancer immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:823-834. [PMID: 35616357 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr0422-506r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse cytokines and their receptors on immune cells constitute a highly complex network in the immune system. Some therapeutic cytokines and their derivatives have been approved for cancer treatment. IL-15 is an immune-regulating cytokine with multiple functions, among which the function of activating the immunity of cancer patients has great potential in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we introduce the functions of IL-15 and discuss its role in regulating the immune system in different immune cells. Meanwhile, we will address the applications of IL-15 agonists in cancer immunotherapy and provide prospects for the next generation of therapeutic designs. Although many challenges remain, IL-15 agonists offer a new therapeutic option in the future direction of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Peng
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Shengyu Fu
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
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22
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Meghnem D, Maillasson M, Barbieux I, Morisseau S, Keita D, Jacques Y, Quéméner A, Mortier E. Selective Targeting of IL-15Rα Is Sufficient to Reduce Inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886213. [PMID: 35592318 PMCID: PMC9110858 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are crucial molecules for maintaining the proper functioning of the immune system. Nevertheless, a dysregulation of cytokine expression could be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Interleukin (IL)-15 is a key factor for natural killer cells (NK) and CD8 T cells homeostasis, necessary to fight cancer and infections but could also be considered as a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in autoimmune inflammatory disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, along with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-1β. The molecular mechanisms by which IL-15 exerts its inflammatory function in these diseases are still unclear. In this study, we generated an IL-15-derived molecule called NANTIL-15 (New ANTagonist of IL-15), designed to selectively inhibit the action of IL-15 through the high-affinity trimeric IL-15Rα/IL-2Rβ/γc receptor while leaving IL-15 signaling through the dimeric IL-2Rβ/γc receptor unaffected. Administrating of NANTIL-15 in healthy mice did not affect the IL-15-dependent cell populations such as NK and CD8 T cells. In contrast, we found that NANTIL-15 efficiently reduced signs of inflammation in a collagen-induced arthritis model. These observations demonstrate that the inflammatory properties of IL-15 are linked to its action through the trimeric IL-15Rα/IL-2Rβ/γc receptor, highlighting the interest of selectively targeting this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dihia Meghnem
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Mike Maillasson
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.,Nantes University, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, SFR Bonamy, UMS BioCore, IMPACT Platform, Nantes, France
| | - Isabelle Barbieux
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Sébastien Morisseau
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.,Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU), Nantes Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Dalloba Keita
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Yannick Jacques
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Agnès Quéméner
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Erwan Mortier
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.,Nantes University, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, SFR Bonamy, UMS BioCore, IMPACT Platform, Nantes, France
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23
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Kim TS, Rha MS, Shin EC. IFN-γ Induces IL-15 Trans-Presentation by Epithelial Cells via IRF1. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:338-346. [PMID: 34893528 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IL-15 exhibits pleiotropic effects on NK and CD8+ T cells and contributes to host protection or immunopathology during infection. Although both type I IFNs and IFN-γ upregulate IL-15 expression, their effects on IL-15 upregulation and underlying mechanisms have not been compared comprehensively. In addition, little is known about trans-presentation of IL-15 by epithelial cells to lymphocytes. In this study, we analyzed the expression of IL-15 and IL-15Rα in the human hepatocyte-derived Huh-7 cell line after stimulation with IFN-α, IFN-β, or IFN-γ using RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy. We also performed knockdown experiments to investigate the signaling pathway involved in IL-15 upregulation. IFN-γ more potently upregulated IL-15 expression in Huh-7 cells than IFN-α and IFN-β. Knockdown experiments revealed that IFN-γ- and IFN-β-induced IL-15 expression relied on IFN regulatory factor 1 (IRF1), which is upregulated by STAT1 and IFN-stimulated gene factor 3, respectively. Inhibitor of κB kinase α/β was also involved in IFN-γ-induced upregulation of IL-15. Furthermore, human NK cells were activated by coculture with IFN-γ-treated Huh-7 cells, which was abrogated by knocking down IL-15Rα in IFN-γ-treated Huh-7 cells, indicating that IFN-γ-induced IL-15 on Huh-7 cells activates NK cells via trans-presentation. In summary, our data demonstrate that IFN-γ potently elicits IL-15 trans-presentation by epithelial cells via IRF1. These data also suggest that the IFN-γ-IRF1-IL-15 axis may be a regulatory target for the treatment of diseases with IL-15 dysregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Shin Kim
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Seok Rha
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; and
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Laboratory of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea; .,The Center for Epidemic Preparedness, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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24
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He Y, Bo Q, Mao Z, Yang J, Liu M, Wang H, Kastin AJ, Pan W, Wang C, Sun Z. Reduced Serum Levels of Soluble Interleukin-15 Receptor α in Schizophrenia and Its Relationship to the Excited Phenotype. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:842003. [PMID: 35356722 PMCID: PMC8959406 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.842003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies documented that interleukin-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα) knockout (KO) mice exhibited hyperactivity, memory impairment, and desperate behavior, which are core features of schizophrenia and depression. Due to the overlapping symptomology and pathogenesis observed for schizophrenia and depression, the present study attempted to determine whether IL-15Rα was associated with the risk of schizophrenia or depression. One hundred fifty-six participants, including 63 schizophrenia patients, 29 depressive patients, and 64 age-matched healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. We investigated the circulating levels of soluble IL-15Rα and analyzed potential links between the IL-15Rα levels and clinical symptoms present in schizophrenia or depressive patients. We observed reduced serum IL-15Rα levels in schizophrenia patients, but not depressive patients compared with controls. Moreover, a significant negative association was observed between the circulating IL-15Rα levels and excited phenotypes in the schizophrenia patients. The IL-15Rα KO mice displayed pronounced pre-pulse inhibition impairment, which was a typical symptom of schizophrenia. Interestingly, the IL-15Rα KO mice exhibited a remarkable elevation in the startle amplitude in the startle reflex test compared to wild type mice. These results demonstrated that serum levels of soluble IL-15Rα were reduced in schizophrenia and highlighted the relationship of IL-15Rα and the excited phenotype in schizophrenia patients and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qijing Bo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Mao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Abba J Kastin
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Weihong Pan
- BioPotentials Consult, Sedona, AZ, United States
| | - Chuanyue Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zuoli Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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25
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Sobkowiak MJ, Paquin-Proulx D, Bosnjak L, Moll M, Sällberg Chen M, Sandberg JK. Dynamics of IL-15/IL-15R-α expression in response to HSV-1 infection reveal a novel mode of viral immune evasion counteracted by iNKT cells. Eur J Immunol 2021; 52:462-471. [PMID: 34910820 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infects and persists in most of the human population. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has an important role in the activation of cell-mediated immune responses and acts in complex with IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15R-α) through cell surface transpresentation. Here, we have examined the IL-15/IL-15R-α complex response dynamics during HSV-1 infection in human keratinocytes. Surface expression of the IL-15/IL-15R-α complex rapidly increased in response to HSV-1, reaching a peak around 12 h after infection. This response was dependent on detection of viral replication by TLR3, and enhancement of IL15 and IL15RA gene expression. Beyond the peak of expression, levels of IL-15 and IL-15R-α gradually declined, reaching a profound loss of surface expression beyond 24 h of infection. This involved the loss of IL15 and IL15RA transcription. Interestingly, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells inhibited the viral interference with IL-15/IL-15R-α complex expression in an IFNγ-dependent manner. These results indicate that rapid upregulation of the IL-15/IL-15R-α complex occurs in HSV-1 infected keratinocytes, and that this response is targeted by viral interference. Shutdown of the IL-15 axis represents a novel mode of HSV-1 immune evasion, which can be inhibited by the host iNKT cell response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał J Sobkowiak
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Dental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dominic Paquin-Proulx
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lidija Bosnjak
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Markus Moll
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Johan K Sandberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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26
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Conlon K, Watson DC, Waldmann TA, Valentin A, Bergamaschi C, Felber BK, Peer CJ, Figg WD, Potter EL, Roederer M, McNeel DG, Thompson JA, Gupta S, Leidner R, Wang-Gillam A, Parikh NS, Long D, Kurtulus S, Ho Lee L, Chowdhury NR, Bender F, Pavlakis GN. Phase I study of single agent NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimeric IL-15 agonist, in adult patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003388. [PMID: 34799399 PMCID: PMC8606766 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NIZ985 is a recombinant heterodimer of physiologically active interleukin (IL-)15 and IL-15 receptor alpha. In preclinical models, NIZ985 promotes cytotoxic lymphocyte proliferation, killing function, and organ/tumor infiltration, with resultant anticancer effects. In this first-in-human study, we assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and immune effects of NIZ985 in patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors. Methods Single agent NIZ985 dose escalation data are reported from a phase I dose escalation/expansion study of NIZ985 as monotherapy. Adult patients (N=14) received 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 µg/kg subcutaneous NIZ985 three times weekly (TIW) for the first 2 weeks of each 28-day cycle, in an accelerated 3+3 dose escalation trial design. IL-15 and endogenous cytokines were monitored by ELISA and multiplexed electrochemiluminescent assays. Multiparameter flow cytometry assessed the frequency, phenotype and proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Preliminary antitumor activity was assessed by overall response rate (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1). Results As of March 2, 2020, median treatment duration was 7.5 weeks (range 1.1–77.1). Thirteen patients had discontinued and one (uveal melanoma) remains on treatment with stable disease. Best clinical response was stable disease (3 of 14 patients; 21%). The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were circular erythematous injection site reactions (100%), chills (71%), fatigue (57%), and fever (50%). Treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs occurred in six participants (43%); treatment-related serious AEs (SAEs) in three (21%). The per-protocol maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Pharmacokinetic accumulation of serum IL-15 in the first week was followed by significantly lower levels in week 2, likely due to more rapid cytokine consumption by an expanding lymphocyte pool. NIZ985 treatment was associated with increases in several cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-18, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, and tumor necrosis factor-β, plus significant induction of cytotoxic lymphocyte proliferation (including natural killer and CD8+ T cells), increased CD16+ monocytes, and increased CD163+ macrophages at injection sites. Conclusions Subcutaneous NIZ985 TIW was generally well tolerated in patients with advanced cancer and produced immune activation paralleling preclinical observations, with induction of IFN-γ and proliferation of cytotoxic lymphocytes. Due to delayed SAEs at the two highest dose levels, administration is being changed to once-weekly in a revised protocol, as monotherapy and combined with checkpoint inhibitor spartalizumab. These alterations are expected to maximize the potential of NIZ985 as a novel immunotherapy. Trial registration number NCT02452268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dionysios C Watson
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - E Lake Potter
- Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Douglas G McNeel
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Sumati Gupta
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Rom Leidner
- Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nehal S Parikh
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Debby Long
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sema Kurtulus
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lang Ho Lee
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Florent Bender
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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27
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Kenesei Á, Volkó J, Szalóki N, Mocsár G, Jambrovics K, Balajthy Z, Bodnár A, Tóth K, Waldmann TA, Vámosi G. IL-15 Trans-Presentation Is an Autonomous, Antigen-Independent Process. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:2489-2500. [PMID: 34654688 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IL-15 plays a pivotal role in the long-term survival of T cells and immunological memory. Its receptor consists of three subunits (IL-15Rα, IL-2/15Rβ, and γc). IL-15 functions mainly via trans-presentation (TP), during which an APC expressing IL-15 bound to IL-15Rα presents the ligand to the βγc receptor-heterodimer on a neighboring T/NK cell. To date, no direct biophysical evidence for the intercellular assembly of the IL-15R heterotrimer exists. Ag presentation (AP), the initial step of T cell activation, is also based on APC-T cell interaction. We were compelled to ask whether AP has any effect on IL-15 TP or whether they are independent processes. In our human Raji B cell-Jurkat T cell model system, we monitored inter-/intracellular protein interactions upon formation of IL-15 TP and AP receptor complexes by Förster resonance energy transfer measurements. We detected enrichment of IL-15Rα and IL-2/15Rβ at the synapse and positive Förster resonance energy transfer efficiency if Raji cells were pretreated with IL-15, giving direct biophysical evidence for IL-15 TP. IL-15Rα and MHC class II interacted and translocated jointly to the immunological synapse when either ligand was present, whereas IL-2/15Rβ and CD3 moved independently of each other. IL-15 TP initiated STAT5 phosphorylation in Jurkat cells, which was not further enhanced by AP. Conversely, IL-15 treatment slightly attenuated Ag-induced phosphorylation of the CD3ζ chain. Our studies prove that in our model system, IL-15 TP and AP can occur independently, and although AP enhances IL-15R assembly, it has no significant effect on IL-15 signaling during TP. Thus, IL-15 TP can be considered an autonomous, Ag-independent process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ádám Kenesei
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Julianna Volkó
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Nikoletta Szalóki
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Gábor Mocsár
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Károly Jambrovics
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Balajthy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Andrea Bodnár
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Katalin Tóth
- Division of Biophysics of Macromolecules, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany; and
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD
| | - György Vámosi
- Department of Biophysics and Cell Biology, Doctoral School of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary;
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28
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Gerbino A, Forleo C, Milano S, Piccapane F, Procino G, Pepe M, Piccolo M, Guida P, Resta N, Favale S, Svelto M, Carmosino M. Pro-inflammatory cytokines as emerging molecular determinants in cardiolaminopathies. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:10902-10915. [PMID: 34773379 PMCID: PMC8642682 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16975] [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: 07/22/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in Lamin A/C gene (lmna) cause a wide spectrum of cardiolaminopathies strictly associated with significant deterioration of the electrical and contractile function of the heart. Despite the continuous flow of biomedical evidence, linking cardiac inflammation to heart remodelling in patients harbouring lmna mutations is puzzling. Therefore, we profiled 30 serum cytokines/chemokines in patients belonging to four different families carrying pathogenic lmna mutations segregating with cardiac phenotypes at different stages of severity (n = 19) and in healthy subjects (n = 11). Regardless lmna mutation subtype, high levels of circulating granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) and interleukin 6 (IL‐6) were found in all affected patients’ sera. In addition, elevated levels of Interleukins (IL) IL‐1Ra, IL‐1β IL‐4, IL‐5 and IL‐8 and the granulocyte‐macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) were measured in a large subset of patients associated with more aggressive clinical manifestations. Finally, the expression of the pro‐inflammatory 70 kDa heat shock protein (Hsp70) was significantly increased in serum exosomes of patients harbouring the lmna mutation associated with the more severe phenotype. Overall, the identification of patient subsets with overactive or dysregulated myocardial inflammatory responses could represent an innovative diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic tool against Lamin A/C cardiomyopathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gerbino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Cinzia Forleo
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Cardiology Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Serena Milano
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Piccapane
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Procino
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Martino Pepe
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Cardiology Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Mara Piccolo
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Cardiology Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Piero Guida
- Regional General Hospital "F. Miulli", Acquaviva delle Fonti, Italy
| | - Nicoletta Resta
- Division of Medical Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Stefano Favale
- Department of Emergency and Organ Transplantation, Cardiology Unit, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Svelto
- Department of Biosciences, Biotechnologies and Biopharmaceutics, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Monica Carmosino
- Department of Sciences, University of Basilicata, Potenza, Italy
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29
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Fiore PF, Di Matteo S, Tumino N, Mariotti FR, Pietra G, Ottonello S, Negrini S, Bottazzi B, Moretta L, Mortier E, Azzarone B. Interleukin-15 and cancer: some solved and many unsolved questions. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-001428. [PMID: 33203664 PMCID: PMC7674108 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble interleukin (IL)-15 exists under two forms: as monomer (sIL-15) or as heterodimeric complex in association with sIL-15Rα (sIL-15/IL-15Rα). Both forms have been successfully tested in experimental tumor murine models and are currently undergoing investigation in phase I/II clinical trials. Despite more than 20 years research on IL-15, some controversial issues remain to be addressed. A first point concerns the detection of the sIL-15/IL-15Rα in plasma of healthy donors or patients with cancer and its biological significance. The second and third unsolved question regards the protumorigenic role of the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex in human cancer and the detrimental immunological consequences associated to prolonged exposure of natural killer (NK) cells to both forms of soluble IL-15, respectively. Data suggest that in vivo prolonged or repeated exposure to monomeric sIL-15 or the soluble complex may lead to NK hypo-responsiveness through the expansion of the CD8+/CD44+ T cell subset that would suppress NK cell functions. In vitro experiments indicate that soluble complex and monomeric IL-15 may cause NK hyporesponsiveness through a direct effect caused by their prolonged stimulation, suggesting that this mechanism could also be effective in vivo. Therefore, a better knowledge of IL-15 and a more appropriate use of both its soluble forms, in terms of concentrations and time of exposure, are essential in order to improve their therapeutic use. In cancer, the overproduction of sIL-15/IL-15Rα could represent a novel mechanism of immune escape. The soluble complex may act as a decoy cytokine unable to efficiently foster NK cells, or could induce NK hyporesponsiveness through an excessive and prolonged stimulation depending on the type of IL-15Rα isoforms associated. All these unsolved questions are not merely limited to the knowledge of IL-15 pathophysiology, but are crucial also for the therapeutic use of this cytokine. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss key unanswered issues on the heterogeneity and biological significance of IL-15 isoforms, analyzing both their cancer-related biological functions and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabina Di Matteo
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Pietra
- Immuology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Selene Ottonello
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Bottazzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Erwan Mortier
- University of Nantes, CNRS, Inserm, CRCINA, University of Nantes, Nantes, France .,Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology, LabEx IGO, Nantes, France
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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30
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Natural Killer Cells and Type 1 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Current Knowledge and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22169044. [PMID: 34445750 PMCID: PMC8396475 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22169044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1) are specific innate lymphoid cell subsets that are key for the detection and elimination of pathogens and cancer cells. In liver, while they share a number of characteristics, they differ in many features. These include their developmental pathways, tissue distribution, phenotype and functions. NK cells and ILC1 contribute to organ homeostasis through the production of key cytokines and chemokines and the elimination of potential harmful bacteria and viruses. In addition, they are equipped with a wide range of receptors, allowing them to detect “stressed cells’ such as cancer cells. Our understanding of the role of innate lymphoid cells in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is growing owing to the development of mouse models, the progress in immunotherapeutic treatment and the recent use of scRNA sequencing analyses. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of NK cells and ILC1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss future strategies to take advantage of these innate immune cells in anti-tumor immunity. Immunotherapies hold great promise in HCC, and a better understanding of the role and function of NK cells and ILC1 in liver cancer could pave the way for new NK cell and/or ILC1-targeted treatment.
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31
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Robinson TO, Hegde SM, Chang AJ, Gangadharan A, Rivas S, Madakamutil L, Zalevsky J, Miyazaki T, Schluns KS. NKTR-255, a polymer-conjugated IL-15 with unique mechanisms of action on T and natural killer cells. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e144365. [PMID: 34375310 DOI: 10.1172/jci144365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NKTR-255 is a novel polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugate of recombinant human IL-15 (rhIL-15) being examined as a potential cancer immunotherapeutic. Since IL-15 responses can be mediated by trans- or cis-presentation via IL-15Rα or soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes, we investigated the role of IL-15Rα in driving NKTR-255 responses using defined naïve and memory ovalbumin-specific CD8 T cells (OT-I) CD8 T and NK cells in mice. NKTR-255 induced a 2.5 and 2.0-fold expansion of CD8 T and NK cells, respectively in WT mice. In adoptive transfer studies, proliferation of naïve and memory Wt OT-I T cells in response to NKTR-255 was not impaired in IL-15Rα-/- mice, suggesting trans-presentation was not utilized by NKTR-255. Interestingly, naïve IL-15Rα-/- OT-I cells had deficient responses to NKTR-255 while memory IL-15Rα-/- OT-I cell responses were partially impaired, suggesting that naive CD8 T cells are more dependent on cis-presentation of NKTR-255 than memory CD8 T cells. In bone marrow chimeras studies, IL-15Rα-/- and WT NK cells present in WT recipients had similar responses to NKTR-255, suggesting that cis-presentation is not utilized by NK cells. NKTR-255 could form soluble complexes with IL-15Rα; binding to murine IL-15Rα generated superagonists that preferentially stimulated NK cells showing that conversion to IL-15Rβ agonist biases the response towards NK cells. These findings highlight the ability of NKTR-255 to utilize IL-15Rα for cis-presentation and act as an IL-15Rαβ agonist on CD8 T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya O Robinson
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Shweta M Hegde
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Allison J Chang
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, United States of America
| | - Achintyan Gangadharan
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Sarai Rivas
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Loui Madakamutil
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Zalevsky
- Research and Development, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Takahiro Miyazaki
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Kimberly S Schluns
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
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32
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Koritzinsky EH, Tsuda H, Fairchild RL. Endogenous memory T cells with donor-reactivity: early post-transplant mediators of acute graft injury in unsensitized recipients. Transpl Int 2021; 34:1360-1373. [PMID: 33963616 PMCID: PMC8389524 DOI: 10.1111/tri.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The pretransplant presence of endogenous donor-reactive memory T cells is an established risk factor for acute rejection and poorer transplant outcomes. A major source of these memory T cells in unsensitized recipients is heterologously generated memory T cells expressing reactivity to donor allogeneic MHC molecules. Multiple clinical studies have shown that the pretransplant presence of high numbers of circulating endogenous donor-reactive memory T cells correlates with higher incidence of acute rejection and decreased graft function during the first-year post-transplant. These findings have spurred investigation in preclinical models to better understand mechanisms underlying endogenous donor-reactive memory T-cell-mediated allograft injury in unsensitized graft recipients. These studies have led to the identification of unique mechanisms underlying the activation of these memory T cells within allografts at early times after transplant. In particular, optimal activation to mediate acute allograft injury is dependent on the intensity of ischaemia-reperfusion injury. Therapeutic strategies directed at the recruitment and activation of endogenous donor-reactive memory T cells are effective in attenuating acute injury in allografts experiencing increased ischaemia-reperfusion injury in preclinical models and should be translatable to clinical transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erik H. Koritzinsky
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
| | - Hidetoshi Tsuda
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
| | - Robert L. Fairchild
- Department of Inflammation and Immunity, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Transplant Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH
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33
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Systemic IL-15, IFN-γ, and IP-10/CXCL10 signature associated with effective immune response to SARS-CoV-2 in BNT162b2 mRNA vaccine recipients. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109504. [PMID: 34352226 PMCID: PMC8299183 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Early responses to vaccination are important for shaping both humoral and cellular protective immunity. Dissecting innate vaccine signatures may predict immunogenicity to help optimize the efficacy of mRNA and other vaccine strategies. Here, we characterize the cytokine and chemokine responses to the 1st and 2nd dose of the BNT162b2 mRNA (Pfizer/BioNtech) vaccine in antigen-naive and in previously coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-infected individuals (NCT04743388). Transient increases in interleukin-15 (IL-15) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ) levels early after boost correlate with Spike antibody levels, supporting their use as biomarkers of effective humoral immunity development in response to vaccination. We identify a systemic signature including increases in IL-15, IFN-γ, and IP-10/CXCL10 after the 1st vaccination, which were enriched by tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and IL-6 after the 2nd vaccination. In previously COVID-19-infected individuals, a single vaccination results in both strong cytokine induction and antibody titers similar to the ones observed upon booster vaccination in antigen-naive individuals, a result with potential implication for future public health recommendations.
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34
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Barrenäs F, Hansen SG, Law L, Driscoll C, Green RR, Smith E, Chang J, Golez I, Urion T, Peng X, Whitmore L, Newhouse D, Hughes CM, Morrow D, Randall KT, Selseth AN, Ford JC, Gilbride RM, Randall BE, Ainslie E, Oswald K, Shoemaker R, Fast R, Bosche WJ, Axthelm MK, Fukazawa Y, Pavlakis GN, Felber BK, Fourati S, Sekaly RP, Lifson JD, Komorowski J, Kosmider E, Shao D, Song W, Edlefsen PT, Picker LJ, Gale M. Interleukin-15 response signature predicts RhCMV/SIV vaccine efficacy. PLoS Pathog 2021; 17:e1009278. [PMID: 34228762 PMCID: PMC8284654 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1009278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) challenge of rhesus macaques (RMs) vaccinated with strain 68-1 Rhesus Cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) vectors expressing SIV proteins (RhCMV/SIV) results in a binary outcome: stringent control and subsequent clearance of highly pathogenic SIV in ~55% of vaccinated RMs with no protection in the remaining 45%. Although previous work indicates that unconventionally restricted, SIV-specific, effector-memory (EM)-biased CD8+ T cell responses are necessary for efficacy, the magnitude of these responses does not predict efficacy, and the basis of protection vs. non-protection in 68-1 RhCMV/SIV vector-vaccinated RMs has not been elucidated. Here, we report that 68-1 RhCMV/SIV vector administration strikingly alters the whole blood transcriptome of vaccinated RMs, with the sustained induction of specific immune-related pathways, including immune cell, toll-like receptor (TLR), inflammasome/cell death, and interleukin-15 (IL-15) signaling, significantly correlating with subsequent vaccine efficacy. Treatment of a separate RM cohort with IL-15 confirmed the central involvement of this cytokine in the protection signature, linking the major innate and adaptive immune gene expression networks that correlate with RhCMV/SIV vaccine efficacy. This change-from-baseline IL-15 response signature was also demonstrated to significantly correlate with vaccine efficacy in an independent validation cohort of vaccinated and challenged RMs. The differential IL-15 gene set response to vaccination strongly correlated with the pre-vaccination activity of this pathway, with reduced baseline expression of IL-15 response genes significantly correlating with higher vaccine-induced induction of IL-15 signaling and subsequent vaccine protection, suggesting that a robust de novo vaccine-induced IL-15 signaling response is needed to program vaccine efficacy. Thus, the RhCMV/SIV vaccine imparts a coordinated and persistent induction of innate and adaptive immune pathways featuring IL-15, a known regulator of CD8+ T cell function, that support the ability of vaccine-elicited unconventionally restricted CD8+ T cells to mediate protection against SIV challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fredrik Barrenäs
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Scott G. Hansen
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Lynn Law
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Connor Driscoll
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Richard R. Green
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Elise Smith
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jean Chang
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Inah Golez
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Taryn Urion
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Xinxia Peng
- Department of Molecular Biomedical Sciences and Bioinformatics Research Center, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, United States of America
| | - Leanne Whitmore
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Daniel Newhouse
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Colette M. Hughes
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - David Morrow
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kurt T. Randall
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Andrea N. Selseth
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Julia C. Ford
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Roxanne M. Gilbride
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Bryan E. Randall
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Emily Ainslie
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Kelli Oswald
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, SAIC Frederick, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Shoemaker
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, SAIC Frederick, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Randy Fast
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, SAIC Frederick, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - William J. Bosche
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, SAIC Frederick, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Michael K. Axthelm
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Yoshinori Fukazawa
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - George N. Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Barbara K. Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Slim Fourati
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Rafick-Pierre Sekaly
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey D. Lifson
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, SAIC Frederick, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jan Komorowski
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ewelina Kosmider
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Danica Shao
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Wenjun Song
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Paul T. Edlefsen
- Statistical Center for HIV/AIDS Research and Prevention, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Louis J. Picker
- Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute and Oregon National Primate Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Beaverton, Oregon, United States of America
| | - Michael Gale
- Center for Innate Immunity and Immune Disease, Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
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Miyazaki T, Maiti M, Hennessy M, Chang T, Kuo P, Addepalli M, Obalapur P, Sheibani S, Wilczek J, Pena R, Quach P, Cetz J, Moffett A, Tang Y, Kirk P, Huang J, Sheng D, Zhang P, Rubas W, Madakamutil L, Kivimäe S, Zalevsky J. NKTR-255, a novel polymer-conjugated rhIL-15 with potent antitumor efficacy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002024. [PMID: 34001523 PMCID: PMC8130760 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NKTR-255 is a novel polyethylene glycol-conjugate of recombinant human interleukin-15 (rhIL-15), which was designed to retain all known receptor binding interactions of the IL-15 molecule. We explored the biologic and pharmacologic differences between endogenous IL-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα)-dependent (NKTR-255 and rhIL-15) and IL-15Rα-independent (precomplexed rhIL-15/IL-15Rα) cytokines. METHODS In vitro pharmacological properties of rhIL-15, NKTR-255 and precomplex cytokines (rhIL-15/IL-15Rα and rhIL-15 N72D/IL-15Rα Fc) were investigated in receptor binding, signaling and cell function. In vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic profile of the cytokines were evaluated in normal mice. Finally, immunomodulatory effect and antitumor activity were assessed in a Daudi lymphoma model. RESULTS NKTR-255 and rhIL-15 exhibited similar in vitro properties in receptor affinity, signaling and leukocyte degranulation, which collectively differed from precomplexed cytokines. Notably, NKTR-255 and rhIL-15 stimulated greater granzyme B secretion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells versus precomplexed cytokines. In vivo, NKTR-255 exhibited a PK profile with reduced clearance and a longer half-life relative to rhIL-15 and demonstrated prolonged IL-15R engagement in lymphocytes compared with only transient engagement observed for rhIL-15 and precomplexed rhIL-15 N72D/IL-15Rα Fc. As a consequent, NKTR-255 provided a durable and sustained proliferation and activation of natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells. Importantly, NKTR-255 is more effective than the precomplexed cytokine at inducing functionally competent, cytotoxic NK cells in the tumor microenvironment and the properties of NKTR-255 translated into superior antitumor activity in a B-cell lymphoma model versus the precomplexed cytokine. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the novel immunotherapeutic, NKTR-255, retains the full spectrum of IL-15 biology, but with improved PK properties, over rhIL-15. These findings support the ongoing phase 1 first-in-human trial (NCT04136756) of NKTR-255 in participants with relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies, potentially advancing rhIL-15-based immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Miyazaki
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mekhala Maiti
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Marlene Hennessy
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Thomas Chang
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Peiwen Kuo
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Sara Sheibani
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joanna Wilczek
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rhoneil Pena
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Phi Quach
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Janet Cetz
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrew Moffett
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yinyan Tang
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Peter Kirk
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jicai Huang
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Dawei Sheng
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ping Zhang
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Werner Rubas
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Loui Madakamutil
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Saul Kivimäe
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Zalevsky
- Research and Development, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
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Iwamoto N, Patel B, Song K, Mason R, Bolivar-Wagers S, Bergamaschi C, Pavlakis GN, Berger E, Roederer M. Evaluation of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy in non-human primates infected with SHIV or SIV. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0248973. [PMID: 33752225 PMCID: PMC7984852 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0248973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Achieving a functional cure is an important goal in the development of HIV therapy. Eliciting HIV-specific cellular immune responses has not been sufficient to achieve durable removal of HIV-infected cells due to the restriction on effective immune responses by mutation and establishment of latent reservoirs. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells are an avenue to potentially develop more potent redirected cellular responses against infected T cells. We developed and tested a range of HIV- and SIV-specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell reagents based on Env-binding proteins. In general, SHIV/SIV CAR T cells showed potent viral suppression in vitro, and adding additional CAR molecules in the same transduction resulted in more potent viral suppression than single CAR transduction. Importantly, the primary determinant of virus suppression potency by CAR was the accessibility to the Env epitope, and not the neutralization potency of the binding moiety. However, upon transduction of autologous T cells followed by infusion in vivo, none of these CAR T cells impacted either acquisition as a test of prevention, or viremia as a test of treatment. Our study illustrates limitations of the CAR T cells as possible antiviral therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nami Iwamoto
- ImmunoTechnology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Bhavik Patel
- ImmunoTechnology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kaimei Song
- ImmunoTechnology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Rosemarie Mason
- ImmunoTechnology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Sara Bolivar-Wagers
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - George N. Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Edward Berger
- Laboratory of Viral Diseases, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Mario Roederer
- ImmunoTechnology Section, Vaccine Research Center, National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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37
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Wang X, Zhao XY. Transcription Factors Associated With IL-15 Cytokine Signaling During NK Cell Development. Front Immunol 2021; 12:610789. [PMID: 33815365 PMCID: PMC8013977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.610789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes primarily involved in innate immunity and possess important functional properties in anti-viral and anti-tumor responses; thus, these cells have broad potential for clinical utilization. NK cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) through the following two independent and continuous processes: early commitment from HSCs to IL-15-responsive NK cell progenitors (NKPs) and subsequent differentiation into mature NK cells in response to IL-15. IL-15 is the most important cytokine for NK cell development, is produced by both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells, and functions through a distinct delivery process termed transpresentation. Upon being transpresented to NK cells, IL-15 contributes to NK cell development via the activation of several downstream signaling pathways, including the Ras-MEK-MAPK, JAK-STAT5, and PI3K-ATK-mTOR pathways. Nonetheless, the exact role of IL-15 in NK cell development has not been discussed in a consecutive and comprehensive manner. Here, we review current knowledge about the indispensable role of IL-15 in NK cell development and address which cells produce IL-15 to support NK cell development and when IL-15 exerts its function during multiple developmental stages. Specifically, we highlight how IL-15 supports NK cell development by elucidating the distinct transpresentation of IL-15 to NK cells and revealing the downstream target of IL-15 signaling during NK cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Laboratory for Cellular Therapy, Beijing, China
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38
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Bergamaschi C, Pandit H, Nagy BA, Stellas D, Jensen SM, Bear J, Cam M, Valentin A, Fox BA, Felber BK, Pavlakis GN. Heterodimeric IL-15 delays tumor growth and promotes intratumoral CTL and dendritic cell accumulation by a cytokine network involving XCL1, IFN-γ, CXCL9 and CXCL10. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000599. [PMID: 32461349 PMCID: PMC7254133 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes growth and activation of cytotoxic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells. Bioactive IL-15 is produced in the body as a heterodimeric cytokine, comprising the IL-15 and IL-15 receptor alpha chains (hetIL-15). Several preclinical models support the antitumor activity of hetIL-15 promoting its application in clinical trials. METHODS The antitumor activity of hetIL-15 produced from mammalian cells was tested in mouse tumor models (MC38 colon carcinoma and TC-1 epithelial carcinoma). The functional diversity of the immune infiltrate and the cytokine/chemokine network within the tumor was evaluated by flow cytometry, multicolor immunohistochemistry (IHC), gene expression profiling by Nanostring Technologies, and protein analysis by electrochemiluminescence and ELISA assays. RESULTS hetIL-15 treatment resulted in delayed primary tumor growth. Increased NK and CD8+ T cell tumoral infiltration with an increased CD8+/Treg ratio were found by flow cytometry and IHC in hetIL-15 treated animals. Intratumoral NK and CD8+ T cells showed activation features with enhanced interferon-γ (IFN-γ) production, proliferation (Ki67+), cytotoxic potential (Granzyme B+) and expression of the survival factor Bcl-2. Transcriptomics and proteomics analyses revealed complex effects on the tumor microenvironment triggered by hetIL-15 therapy, including increased levels of IFN-γ and XCL1 with intratumoral accumulation of XCR1+IRF8+CD103+ conventional type 1 dendritic cells (cDC1). Concomitantly, the production of the chemokines CXCL9 and CXCL10 by tumor-localized myeloid cells, including cDC1, was boosted by hetIL-15 in an IFN-γ-dependent manner. An increased frequency of circulating CXCR3+ NK and CD8+ T cells was found, suggesting their ability to migrate toward the tumors following the CXCL9 and CXCL10 chemokine gradient. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that hetIL-15 administration enhances T cell entry into tumors, increasing the success rate of immunotherapy interventions. Our study further supports the incorporation of hetIL-15 in tumor immunotherapy approaches to promote the development of antitumor responses by favoring effector over regulatory cells and by promoting lymphocyte and DC localization into tumors through the modification of the tumor chemokine and cytokine milieu.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Hrishikesh Pandit
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bethany A Nagy
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Dimitris Stellas
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Shawn M Jensen
- Robert W Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Jenifer Bear
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Maggie Cam
- Office of Science and Technology Resources, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernard A Fox
- Robert W Franz Cancer Research Center, Providence Portland Medical Center, Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Heterodimeric IL-15 in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040837. [PMID: 33671252 PMCID: PMC7922495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The rapidly expanding field of cancer immunotherapy uses diverse technologies, including cytokines, T cells, and antibody administration, with the aim to induce effective immune responses leading to tumor control. Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine discovered in 1994, supports the homeostasis of cytotoxic immune cells and shows promise as an anti-tumor agent. Many studies have elucidated IL-15 synthesis, regulation and biological function and explored its therapeutic efficacy in preclinical cancer models. Escherichia coli-derived single-chain IL-15 was tested in the first in-human trial in cancer patients. Its effects were limited by the biology of IL-15, which in vivo comprises a complex of the IL-15 chain with the IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) chain, together forming the IL-15 heterodimer (hetIL-15). Currently, single-chain IL-15 and several heterodimeric IL-15:IL-15Rα variants (hetIL-15, N-803 and RLI) are being tested in clinical trials. This review presents a summary of contemporary preclinical and clinical research on IL-15. Abstract Immunotherapy has emerged as a valuable strategy for the treatment of many cancer types. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes the growth and function of cytotoxic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells. It also enhances leukocyte trafficking and stimulates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes expansion and activity. Bioactive IL-15 is produced in the body as a heterodimeric cytokine, comprising the IL-15 and the so-called IL-15 receptor alpha chain that are together termed “heterodimeric IL-15” (hetIL-15). hetIL-15, closely resembling the natural form of the cytokine produced in vivo, and IL-15:IL-15Rα complex variants, such as hetIL-15Fc, N-803 and RLI, are the currently available IL-15 agents. These molecules have showed favorable pharmacokinetics and biological function in vivo in comparison to single-chain recombinant IL-15. Preclinical animal studies have supported their anti-tumor activity, suggesting IL-15 as a general method to convert “cold” tumors into “hot”, by promoting tumor lymphocyte infiltration. In clinical trials, IL-15-based therapies are overall well-tolerated and result in the expansion and activation of NK and memory CD8+ T cells. Combinations with other immunotherapies are being investigated to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of IL-15 agents in the clinic.
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Laurent C, Deblois G, Clénet ML, Carmena Moratalla A, Farzam-Kia N, Girard M, Duquette P, Prat A, Larochelle C, Arbour N. Interleukin-15 enhances proinflammatory T-cell responses in patients with MS and EAE. NEUROLOGY-NEUROIMMUNOLOGY & NEUROINFLAMMATION 2020; 8:8/1/e931. [PMID: 33323466 PMCID: PMC7745728 DOI: 10.1212/nxi.0000000000000931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Objective We posit that interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a relevant contributor to MS pathobiology as this cytokine is elevated in the CNS and periphery of patients with MS. We aim to investigate (1) the impact of IL-15 on T lymphocytes from patients with MS and (2) the in vivo role of IL-15 using the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. Methods We compared the impact of IL-15 on T lymphocytes obtained from untreated patients with MS (relapsing-remitting, secondary progressive, and primary progressive) to cells from age/sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) using multiparametric flow cytometry and in vitro assays. We tested the effects of peripheral IL-15 administration after EAE disease onset in C57BL/6 mice. Results IL-15 triggered STAT5 signaling in an elevated proportion of T cells from patients with MS compared with HCs. This cytokine also enhanced the production of key proinflammatory cytokines (interferon γ, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor [GM-CSF], IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor) by T cells from both MS and controls, but these effects were more robust for the production of IL-17 and GM-CSF in T-cell subsets from patients with MS. At the peak of EAE disease, the proportion of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells expressing CD122+, the key signaling IL-15 receptor chain, was enriched in the CNS compared with the spleen. Finally, peripheral administration of IL-15 into EAE mice after disease onset significantly aggravated clinical scores and increased the number of inflammatory CNS-infiltrating T cells long term after stopping IL-15 administration. Conclusions Our results underscore that IL-15 contributes to the amplification of T-cell inflammatory properties after disease onset in both MS and EAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Laurent
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Gabrielle Deblois
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Marie-Laure Clénet
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Ana Carmena Moratalla
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Negar Farzam-Kia
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Marc Girard
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Pierre Duquette
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Alexandre Prat
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Catherine Larochelle
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada
| | - Nathalie Arbour
- From the Department of Neurosciences (C. Laurent, G.D., M.-L.C., A.C.M., N.F.-k., M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle, N.A.), Université de Montréal and CRCHUM; and MS-CHUM Clinic (M.G., P.D., A.P., C. Larochelle), Québec, Canada.
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Abstract
Tumors represent a hostile environment for the effector cells of cancer immunosurveillance. Immunosuppressive receptors and soluble or membrane-bound ligands are abundantly exposed and released by malignant entities and their stromal accomplices. As a consequence, executioners of antitumor immunity inefficiently navigate across cancer tissues and fail to eliminate malignant targets. By inducing immunogenic cancer cell death, oncolytic viruses profoundly reshape the tumor microenvironment. They trigger the local spread of danger signals and tumor-associated (as well as viral) antigens, thus attracting antigen-presenting cells, promoting the activation and expansion of lymphocytic populations, facilitating their infiltration in the tumor bed, and reinvigorating cytotoxic immune activity. The present review recapitulates key chemokines, growth factors and other cytokines that orchestrate this ballet of antitumoral leukocytes upon oncolytic virotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan G Pol
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France; Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Villejuif, France.
| | - Samuel T Workenhe
- Department of Pathobiology, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Prathyusha Konda
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Shashi Gujar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Department of Biology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada; Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe 11 labellisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, INSERM, Sorbonne Université, Université de Paris, Paris, France; Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Villejuif, France; Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France; Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, China; Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Yamaguchi T, Chang CJ, Karger A, Keller M, Pfaff F, Wangkahart E, Wang T, Secombes CJ, Kimoto A, Furihata M, Hashimoto K, Fischer U, Dijkstra JM. Ancient Cytokine Interleukin 15-Like (IL-15L) Induces a Type 2 Immune Response. Front Immunol 2020; 11:549319. [PMID: 33193315 PMCID: PMC7658486 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.549319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Related interleukin-2, -15, and -15-like (IL-2, -15, and -15L) are ancient cytokines, with all three genes surviving in extant fish and some mammals. The present study is the first to identify IL-15L functions, namely in rainbow trout. In isolated trout splenocytes, and in vivo, purified recombinant IL-15L+IL-15Rα molecules induced expression of IL-4 and IL-13 homologs, which are markers of type 2 immunity. In contrast, trout IL-15 stimulated type 1 immunity markers, thus IL-15 and IL-15L can have opposing functions. Trout IL-15L was more dependent on "in trans" presentation by the receptor chain IL-15Rα than IL-15, and stimulated CD4-CD8-(IgM-) lymphocytes from thymus and spleen. We propose an important role for IL-15L early in the type 2 immunity cytokine cascade. Trout IL-2 and IL-15 exhibited features reminiscent of their mechanistic and functional dichotomy observed in mammals; for example, IL-15 but not IL-2 required a receptor alpha chain (only IL-15Rα in the case of fish) for its stability, and only IL-15 was efficient in stimulating lymphocytes from mucosal tissues. Data suggest that IL-15L and IL-15 may be particularly effective in stimulating innate lymphocyte type 2 cells (ILC2) and natural killer (NK) cells, respectively, but further identification of the cell types is needed. An interesting finding different from in mammals was the efficient stimulation of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes by IL-2. In short, this study presents fundamental information on the evolution of the IL-2/15/15L cytokine family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Yamaguchi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Chia Jung Chang
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Axel Karger
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Florian Pfaff
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Eakapol Wangkahart
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Tiehui Wang
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Secombes
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Azusa Kimoto
- Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Furihata
- Nagano Prefectural Fisheries Experimental Station, Nagano, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Hashimoto
- Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Uwe Fischer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Johannes M Dijkstra
- Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
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Shirley SA, Lundberg CG, Heller R. Electrotransfer of IL-15/IL-15Rα Complex for the Treatment of Established Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103072. [PMID: 33096755 PMCID: PMC7589551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The stimulation of the immune system through the administration of immunomodulatory agents such as cytokines has the potential to be an effective anti-cancer therapy. Obtaining the correct dose is an important aspect with respect to minimizing toxicity and obtaining the desired effect. A method to decrease the toxicity of this type of treatment is to replace the high-dose recombinant protein injections by using DNA expressing genes for one or more of these anti-cancer agents. In this current study, we have evaluated the delivery of interleukin-15 and its receptor in the form of plasmid DNA in a mouse melanoma model. We utilize a delivery approach that can deliver plasmid DNA in a manner that results in the desired level of expression being produced and induces a potent anti-tumor response as well as an immune memory response. Abstract Gene electrotransfer (GET) is a safe, reliable, and effective method of delivering plasmid DNA (pDNA) to solid tumors. GET has been previously used to deliver interleukin-15 (IL-15) to mouse melanoma, resulting in long-term tumor regression and the survival of a percentage of treated animals after challenge. To enhance this effect, we evaluated modulating the expression levels of IL-15 and co-expressing its receptor, IL-15Rα. GET was used to deliver plasmids encoding IL-15 and IL-15Rα to established B16.F10 tumors on days 0, 4, and 7. Two delivery protocols that yielded different expression profiles were utilized. Mice that were tumor-free for 50 days were then challenged with B16.F10 cells on the opposite flank and monitored for an additional 50 days. The amount of IL-15 expressed and the presence or absence of IL-15Rα in the treated tumors did not significantly affect the tumor regression and long-term survival. Upon challenge, however, low levels of IL-15 were more protective and resulted in a greater production of anti-tumor cytokines such as IFN-γ and MIP-1β and a greater amount of CD11b+ and CD3e+ cells infiltrating tumors. While mice with high levels of IL-15 showed CD11b+ and CD3e+ cell infiltrate, there was a substantial presence of NK cells that was absent in other treated groups. We can conclude that the level of IL-15 expressed in tumors after GET is an important determinant of the therapeutic outcome, a finding that will help us finetune this type of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna A. Shirley
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Cathryn G. Lundberg
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33512, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +01-813-974-1221
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44
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system that are capable of killing virally infected and/or cancerous cells. Nearly 20 years ago, NK cell-mediated immunotherapy emerged as a safe and effective treatment approach for patients with advanced-stage leukaemia. Subsequently, the field of NK cell-based cancer therapy has grown exponentially and currently constitutes a major area of immunotherapy innovation. In general, the development of NK cell-directed therapies has two main focal points: optimizing the source of therapeutic NK cells for adoptive transfer and enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity and persistence in vivo. A wide variety of sources of therapeutic NK cells are currently being tested clinically, including haploidentical NK cells, umbilical cord blood NK cells, stem cell-derived NK cells, NK cell lines, adaptive NK cells, cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells and chimeric antigen receptor NK cells. A plethora of methods to augment the cytotoxicity and longevity of NK cells are also under clinical investigation, including cytokine-based agents, NK cell-engager molecules and immune-checkpoint inhibitors. In this Review, we highlight the variety of ways in which diverse NK cell products and their auxiliary therapeutics are being leveraged to target human cancers. We also identify future avenues for NK cell therapy research.
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Allard-Chamard H, Mishra HK, Nandi M, Mayhue M, Menendez A, Ilangumaran S, Ramanathan S. Interleukin-15 in autoimmunity. Cytokine 2020; 136:155258. [PMID: 32919253 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a member of the IL-2 family of cytokines, which use receptor complexes containing the common gamma (γc) chain for signaling. IL-15 plays important roles in innate and adaptative immune responses and is implicated in the pathogenesis of several immune diseases. The IL-15 receptor consists of 3 subunits namely, the ligand-binding IL-15Rα chain, the β chain (also used by IL-2) and the γc chain. IL-15 uses a unique signaling pathway whereby IL-15 associates with IL-15Rα during biosynthesis, and this complex is 'trans-presented' to responder cells that expresses the IL-2/15Rβγc receptor complex. IL-15 is subject to post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation, and evidence also suggests that IL-15 cis-signaling can occur under certain conditions. IL-15 has been implicated in the pathology of various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease and psoriasis. Studies with pre-clinical models have shown the beneficial effects of targeting IL-15 signaling in autoimmunity. Unlike therapies targeting other cytokines, anti-IL-15 therapies have not yet been successful in humans. We discuss the complexities of IL-15 signaling in autoimmunity and explore potential immunotherapeutic approaches to target the IL-15 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Allard-Chamard
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Hemant K Mishra
- Vet & Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Madhuparna Nandi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Marian Mayhue
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Alfredo Menendez
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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46
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Waldmann TA, Miljkovic MD, Conlon KC. Interleukin-15 (dys)regulation of lymphoid homeostasis: Implications for therapy of autoimmunity and cancer. J Exp Med 2020; 217:132622. [PMID: 31821442 PMCID: PMC7037239 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 08/30/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-15 supports NK, NK-T, γδ, ILC1, and memory CD8 T cell function, and dysregulated IL-15 is associated with many autoimmune diseases. Striking IL-15–driven increases in NK and CD8 T cells in patients highlight the potential for combination therapy of cancers. IL-15, a pleiotropic cytokine, stimulates generation of NK, NK-T, γδ, ILC1, and memory CD8 T cells. IL-15 disorders play pathogenetic roles in organ-specific autoimmune diseases including celiac disease. Diverse approaches are developed to block IL-15 action. IL-15 administered to patients with malignancy yielded dramatic increases in NK numbers and modest increases in CD8 T cells. Due to immunological checkpoints, to achieve major cancer therapeutic efficacy, IL-15 will be used in combination therapy, and combination trials with checkpoint inhibitors, with anti-CD40 to yield tumor-specific CD8 T cells, and with anticancer monoclonal antibodies to increase ADCC and antitumor efficacy, have been initiated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Milos D Miljkovic
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
| | - Kevin C Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD
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47
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First-in-human trial of rhIL-15 and haploidentical natural killer cell therapy for advanced acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2020; 3:1970-1980. [PMID: 31266741 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018028332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo expansion of haploidentical natural killer (NK) cell infusions with interleukin-2 (IL-2) can induce remission of refractory acute myeloid leukemia, but efficacy may be hampered by concurrent stimulation of host regulatory T cells. To overcome this limitation, we substituted the NK homeostatic factor IL-15 in 2 phase 1/2 trials. Forty-two patients received either intravenous (IV) (NCT01385423) or subcutaneous (SC) (NCT02395822) recombinant human IL-15 (rhIL-15) after lymphodepleting chemotherapy and haploidentical NK cells. Escalating doses of rhIL-15 (0.3-1.0 μg/kg) were given on 12 consecutive days in a phase 1 trial. Of 26 patients, 36% had robust in vivo NK-cell expansion at day 14, and 32% achieved complete remission. Hypothesizing that SC dosing of rhIL-15 would be safer and better tolerated, 16 patients received 10 once per day doses of SC rhIL-15 at 2.0 μg/kg on a phase 2 trial. NK-cell expansion at day 14 was seen in 27% of the patients, and 40% achieved remission. rhIL-15 induced better rates of in vivo NK-cell expansion and remission compared with previous trials with IL-2, but it was associated with previously unreported cytokine release syndrome (CRS) after SC but not IV dosing. CRS was observed in 56% of patients given SC rhIL-15 (with concurrent neurologic toxicity in 5 of 9 patients) and was responsive to steroids and tocilizumab. SC administration was associated with slower pharmacokinetic clearance and higher levels of IL-6 than IV dosing. These novel trials testing the use of IL-15 to potentiate cell therapy suggest that dosing schedules based on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics will preserve the therapeutic benefits of IL-15 and minimize CRS. These trials were registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01385423 and #NCT02395822.
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48
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Waldmann TA, Dubois S, Miljkovic MD, Conlon KC. IL-15 in the Combination Immunotherapy of Cancer. Front Immunol 2020; 11:868. [PMID: 32508818 PMCID: PMC7248178 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We completed clinical trials of rhIL-15 by bolus, subcutaneous, and continuous intravenous infusions (CIV). IL-15 administered by CIV at 2 mcg/kg/day yielded a 38-fold increase in 10- day number of circulating NK cells, a 358-fold increase in CD56bright NK cells and a 5.8-fold increase in CD8 T cells. However, IL-15 preparations administered as monotherapy were ineffective, due to actions of immunological checkpoints and due to the lack of tumor specific targeting by NK cells. To circumvent checkpoints, trials of IL-15 in combination with other anticancer agents were initiated. Tumor-bearing mice receiving IL-15 with antibodies to CTLA-4 and PD-L1 manifested marked prolongation of survival compared to mice receiving IL-15 with either agent alone. In translation, a phase I trial was initiated involving IL-15 (rhIL-15), nivolumab and ipilimumab in patients with malignancy (NCT03388632). In rhesus macaques CIV IL-15 at 20 μg/kg/day for 10 days led to an 80-fold increase in number of circulating effector memory CD8 T cells. However, administration of γc cytokines such as IL-15 led to paralysis/depression of CD4 T-cells that was mediated through transient expression of SOCS3 that inhibited the STAT5 signaling pathway. This lost CD4 helper role could be restored alternatively by CD40 agonists. In the TRAMP-C2 prostate tumor model the combination of IL-15 with agonistic anti-CD40 produced additive effects in terms of numbers of TRAMP-C2 tumor specific Spas/SCNC/9H tetramer positive CD8 T cells expressed and tumor responses. A clinical trial is being initiated for patients with cancer using an intralesional anti-CD40 in combination with CIV rhIL-15. To translate IL-15-mediated increases in NK cells, we investigated combination therapy of IL-15 with anticancer monoclonal antibodies including rituximab in mouse models of EL-4 lymphoma transfected with human CD20 and with alemtuzumab (CAMPATH-1H) in a xenograft model of adult T cell leukemia (ATL). IL-15 enhanced the ADCC and therapeutic efficacy of both antibodies. These results provided the scientific basis for trials of IL-15 combined with alemtuzumab (anti-CD52) for patients with ATL (NCT02689453), with obinutuzumab (anti-CD20) for patients with CLL (NCT03759184), and with avelumab (anti-PD-L1) in patients with T-cell lymphoma (NCT03905135) and renal cancer (NCT04150562). In the first trial, there was elimination of circulating ATL and CLL leukemic cells in select patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sigrid Dubois
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Milos D Miljkovic
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Kevin C Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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49
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Donovan LK, Delaidelli A, Joseph SK, Bielamowicz K, Fousek K, Holgado BL, Manno A, Srikanthan D, Gad AZ, Van Ommeren R, Przelicki D, Richman C, Ramaswamy V, Daniels C, Pallota JG, Douglas T, Joynt ACM, Haapasalo J, Nor C, Vladoiu MC, Kuzan-Fischer CM, Garzia L, Mack SC, Varadharajan S, Baker ML, Hendrikse L, Ly M, Kharas K, Balin P, Wu X, Qin L, Huang N, Stucklin AG, Morrissy AS, Cavalli FMG, Luu B, Suarez R, De Antonellis P, Michealraj A, Rastan A, Hegde M, Komosa M, Sirbu O, Kumar SA, Abdullaev Z, Faria CC, Yip S, Hukin J, Tabori U, Hawkins C, Aldape K, Daugaard M, Maris JM, Sorensen PH, Ahmed N, Taylor MD. Locoregional delivery of CAR T cells to the cerebrospinal fluid for treatment of metastatic medulloblastoma and ependymoma. Nat Med 2020; 26:720-731. [PMID: 32341580 PMCID: PMC8815773 DOI: 10.1038/s41591-020-0827-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recurrent medulloblastoma and ependymoma are universally lethal, with no approved targeted therapies and few candidates presently under clinical evaluation. Nearly all recurrent medulloblastomas and posterior fossa group A (PFA) ependymomas are located adjacent to and bathed by the cerebrospinal fluid, presenting an opportunity for locoregional therapy, bypassing the blood-brain barrier. We identify three cell-surface targets, EPHA2, HER2 and interleukin 13 receptor α2, expressed on medulloblastomas and ependymomas, but not expressed in the normal developing brain. We validate intrathecal delivery of EPHA2, HER2 and interleukin 13 receptor α2 chimeric antigen receptor T cells as an effective treatment for primary, metastatic and recurrent group 3 medulloblastoma and PFA ependymoma xenografts in mouse models. Finally, we demonstrate that administration of these chimeric antigen receptor T cells into the cerebrospinal fluid, alone or in combination with azacytidine, is a highly effective therapy for multiple metastatic mouse models of group 3 medulloblastoma and PFA ependymoma, thereby providing a rationale for clinical trials of these approaches in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura K Donovan
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alberto Delaidelli
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Sujith K Joseph
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kevin Bielamowicz
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kristen Fousek
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Borja L Holgado
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alex Manno
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dilakshan Srikanthan
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ahmed Z Gad
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Randy Van Ommeren
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Przelicki
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cory Richman
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Vijay Ramaswamy
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Haematology/Oncology, Department of Paediatrics, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Craig Daniels
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonelle G Pallota
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tajana Douglas
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alyssa C M Joynt
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joonas Haapasalo
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Carolina Nor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Maria C Vladoiu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Claudia M Kuzan-Fischer
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Livia Garzia
- Cancer Research Program, McGill University Health Centre Research Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Stephen C Mack
- Brain Tumour Program, Children's Cancer Centre and Department of Paediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Srinidhi Varadharajan
- Brain Tumour Program, Children's Cancer Centre and Department of Paediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Matthew L Baker
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Liam Hendrikse
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michelle Ly
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kaitlin Kharas
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Polina Balin
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Xiaochong Wu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lei Qin
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ning Huang
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana Guerreiro Stucklin
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - A Sorana Morrissy
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Charbonneau Cancer Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Florence M G Cavalli
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Betty Luu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raul Suarez
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Pasqualino De Antonellis
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Antony Michealraj
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Avesta Rastan
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Meenakshi Hegde
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Martin Komosa
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Olga Sirbu
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sachin A Kumar
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Zied Abdullaev
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute Centre for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Claudia C Faria
- Division of Neurosurgery, Centro Hospitalar Lisboa Norte, Hospital de Santa Maria, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Stephen Yip
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Juliette Hukin
- Division of Neurology, British Columbia Children's Hospital, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Uri Tabori
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Cynthia Hawkins
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ken Aldape
- Laboratory of Pathology, National Cancer Institute Centre for Cancer Research, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Mads Daugaard
- Department of Urologic Sciences, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Vancouver Prostate Centre, Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - John M Maris
- Division of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Centre for Childhood Cancer Research, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nabil Ahmed
- Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Centre for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Michael D Taylor
- The Arthur and Sonia Labatt Brain Tumour Research Centre, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Developmental & Stem Cell Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
- Department of Surgery, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, and Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
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Lokau J, Garbers C. Biological functions and therapeutic opportunities of soluble cytokine receptors. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2020; 55:94-108. [PMID: 32386776 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2020.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines control the immune system by regulating the proliferation, differentiation and function of immune cells. They activate their target cells through binding to specific receptors, which either are transmembrane proteins or attached to the cell-surface via a GPI-anchor. Different tissues and individual cell types have unique expression profiles of cytokine receptors, and consequently this expression pattern dictates to which cytokines a given cell can respond. Furthermore, soluble variants of several cytokine receptors exist, which are generated by different molecular mechanisms, namely differential mRNA splicing, proteolytic cleavage of the membrane-tethered precursors, and release on extracellular vesicles. These soluble receptors shape the function of cytokines in different ways: they can serve as antagonistic decoy receptors which compete with their membrane-bound counterparts for the ligand, or they can form functional receptor/cytokine complexes which act as agonists and can even activate cells that would usually not respond to the ligand alone. In this review, we focus on the IL-2 and IL-6 families of cytokines and the so-called Th2 cytokines. We summarize for each cytokine which soluble receptors exist, were they originate from, how they are generated, and what their biological functions are. Furthermore, we give an outlook on how these soluble receptors can be exploited for therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Lokau
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Garbers
- Department of Pathology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Medical Faculty, Magdeburg, Germany.
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