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Morel VJ, Rössler J, Bernasconi M. Targeted immunotherapy and nanomedicine for rhabdomyosarcoma: The way of the future. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:2730-2773. [PMID: 38885148 DOI: 10.1002/med.22059] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most common soft tissue sarcoma of childhood. Histology separates two main subtypes: embryonal RMS (eRMS; 60%-70%) and alveolar RMS (aRMS; 20%-30%). The aggressive aRMS carry one of two characteristic chromosomal translocations that result in the expression of a PAX3::FOXO1 or PAX7::FOXO1 fusion transcription factor; therefore, aRMS are now classified as fusion-positive (FP) RMS. Embryonal RMS have a better prognosis and are clinically indistinguishable from fusion-negative (FN) RMS. Next to histology and molecular characteristics, RMS risk groupings are now available defining low risk tumors with excellent outcomes and advanced stage disease with poor prognosis, with an overall survival of about only 20% despite intensified multimodal treatment. Therefore, development of novel effective targeted strategies to increase survival and to decrease long-term side effects is urgently needed. Recently, immunotherapies and nanomedicine have been emerging for potent and effective tumor treatments with minimal side effects, raising hopes for effective and safe cures for RMS patients. This review aims to describe the most relevant preclinical and clinical studies in immunotherapy and targeted nanomedicine performed so far in RMS and to provide an insight in future developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Judith Morel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Jochen Rössler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Michele Bernasconi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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2
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Shi Y, Hao D, Qian H, Tao Z. Natural killer cell-based cancer immunotherapy: from basics to clinical trials. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:101. [PMID: 39415291 PMCID: PMC11484118 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00561-z] [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: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/07/2024] [Indexed: 10/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy exploits the capacity of the human immune system in self-protection and surveillance to achieve the anti-tumor effects. Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of innate immune system and they display a unique inherent ability to identify and eliminate tumor cells. In this review, we first introduce the basic characteristics of NK cells in the physiological and pathological milieus, followed by a discussion of their effector function and immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. Clinical strategies and reports regarding NK cellular therapy are analyzed in the context of tumor treatment, especially against solid tumors. Given the widely studied T-cell therapy in the recent years, particularly the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy, we compare the technical features of NK- and T-cell based tumor therapies at the clinical front. Finally, the technical challenges and potential solutions for both T and NK cell-based immunotherapies in treating tumor malignancies are delineated. By overviewing its clinical applications, we envision the NK-cell based immunotherapy as an up-and-comer in cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinghong Shi
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated With Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China
| | - Donglin Hao
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated With Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hui Qian
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated With Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Zhimin Tao
- Wujin Institute of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Cancer Medicine of Jiangsu University, Wujin Hospital Affiliated With Jiangsu University, Changzhou, 213017, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Medical Science and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212013, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212001, Jiangsu, China.
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3
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Rados M, Landegger A, Schmutzler L, Rabidou K, Taschner-Mandl S, Fetahu IS. Natural killer cells in neuroblastoma: immunological insights and therapeutic perspectives. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10212-8. [PMID: 39294470 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10212-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/20/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have multifaceted roles within the complex tumor milieu. They are pivotal components of innate immunity and shape the dynamic landscape of tumor-immune cell interactions, and thus can be leveraged for use in therapeutic interventions. NK-based immunotherapies have had remarkable success in hematological malignancies, but these therapies are met with many challenges in solid tumors, including neuroblastoma (NB), a childhood tumor arising from the sympathetic nervous system. With a focus on NB, this review outlines the mechanisms employed by NK cells to recognize and eliminate malignant cells, delving into the dynamic relationship between ligand-receptor interactions, cytokines, and other molecules that facilitate the cross talk between NK and NB cells. We discuss the immunomodulatory functions of NK cells and the mechanisms that contribute to loss of this immunosurveillance in NB, with a focus on how this dynamic has been utilized in recent immunotherapy advancements for NB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Rados
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Lukas Schmutzler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Kimberlie Rabidou
- Department of Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, USA
| | | | - Irfete S Fetahu
- Department of Neurology, Division of Neuropathology and Neurochemistry, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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4
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Duléry R, Piccinelli S, Beg MS, Jang JE, Romee R. Haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation as a platform for natural killer cell immunotherapy. Am J Hematol 2024. [PMID: 39248561 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
An innovative approach is crucially needed to manage relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in patients with advanced hematological malignancies. This review explores key aspects of haploidentical HCT with post-transplant cyclophosphamide, highlighting the potential and suitability of this platform for natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy. NK cells, known for their unique abilities to eliminate cancer cells, can also exhibit memory-like features and enhanced cytotoxicity when activated by cytokines. By discussing promising results from clinical trials, the review delves into the recent major advances: donor-derived NK cells can be expanded ex vivo in large numbers, cytokine activation may enhance NK cell persistence and efficacy in vivo, and post-HCT NK cell infusion can improve outcomes in high-risk and/or relapsed myeloid malignancies without increasing the risk of graft-versus-host disease, severe cytokine release syndrome, or neurotoxicity. Looking ahead, cytokine-activated NK cells can be synergized with immunomodulatory agents and/or genetically engineered to enhance their tumor-targeting specificity, cytotoxicity, and persistence while preventing exhaustion. The ongoing exploration of these strategies holds promising preliminary results and could be rapidly translated into clinical applications for the benefit of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rémy Duléry
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sara Piccinelli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Ji Eun Jang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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5
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Wang K, Wang L, Wang Y, Xiao L, Wei J, Hu Y, Wang D, Huang H. Reprogramming natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2024; 32:2835-2855. [PMID: 38273655 PMCID: PMC11403237 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.027] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen rapid development in the field of cellular immunotherapy, particularly in regard to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells. However, challenges, such as severe treatment-related toxicities and inconsistent quality of autologous products, have hindered the broader use of CAR-T cell therapy, highlighting the need to explore alternative immune cells for cancer targeting. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cells have been extensively studied in cellular immunotherapy and were found to exert cytotoxic effects without being restricted by human leukocyte antigen and have a lower risk of causing graft-versus-host disease; making them favorable for the development of readily available "off-the-shelf" products. Clinical trials utilizing unedited NK cells or reprogrammed NK cells have shown early signs of their effectiveness against tumors. However, limitations, including limited in vivo persistence and expansion potential, remained. To enhance the antitumor function of NK cells, advanced gene-editing technologies and combination approaches have been explored. In this review, we summarize current clinical trials of antitumor NK cell therapy, provide an overview of innovative strategies for reprogramming NK cells, which include improvements in persistence, cytotoxicity, trafficking and the ability to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and also discuss some potential combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linqin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jieping Wei
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yongxian Hu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Lin F, Xu L, Han T, Xu Z, Liu J, He Y, Chen Y, Chen H, Han W, Chen Y, Fu H, Zhang Y, Mo X, Wang F, Wang J, Cheng Y, Yan C, Sun H, Wang Y, Zhang X, Huang X. Recent infection with SARS-CoV-2 in donors was associated with a higher incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease in recipients undergoing allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Br J Haematol 2024; 205:452-462. [PMID: 38924065 DOI: 10.1111/bjh.19594] [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: 02/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
The global pandemic has resulted in the common occurrence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the population. In the post-pandemic era, it is imperative to understand the influence of donor SARS-CoV-2 infection on outcomes after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). We retrospectively analysed allo-HSCTs from donors with mild SARS-CoV-2 infection or early recovery stage (ERS) (group 1, n = 65) and late recovery stage (group 2, n = 120). Additionally, we included allo-HSCT from donors without prior SARS-CoV-2 infection as group 0 (n = 194). Transplants from donors with different SARS-CoV-2 infection status had comparable primary engraftment and survival rates. However, group 1 had higher incidences of acute graft-versus-host disease (aGvHD), grade II-IV (41.5% vs. 28.1% in group 0 [p = 0.014] and 30.6% in group 2 [p = 0.067]) and grade III-IV (22.2% vs. 9.6% [p = 0.004] in group 0 and 12.2% in group 2 [p = 0.049]). Conversely, the risk of aGvHD in group 2 was similar to that in group 0 (p > 0.5). Multivariable analysis identified group 1 associated with grade II-IV (hazard ratio [HR] 2.307, p = 0.010) and grade III-IV (HR 2.962, p = 0.001) aGvHD, which yielded no significant risk factors for survival. In conclusion, we preliminarily demonstrated donors in the active infection state or ERS of mild SARS-CoV-2 infection were associated with higher incidences of aGvHD in transplants from related donors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Lin
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Lanping Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengli Xu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Yun He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Huan Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Han
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Chen
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Fu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaodong Mo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Fengrong Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Jingzhi Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Yifei Cheng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Chenhua Yan
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Centre for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, Peking University, Beijing, China
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7
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Iyer K, Ivanov J, Tenchov R, Ralhan K, Rodriguez Y, Sasso JM, Scott S, Zhou QA. Emerging Targets and Therapeutics in Immuno-Oncology: Insights from Landscape Analysis. J Med Chem 2024; 67:8519-8544. [PMID: 38787632 PMCID: PMC11181335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.4c00568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
In the ever-evolving landscape of cancer research, immuno-oncology stands as a beacon of hope, offering novel avenues for treatment. This study capitalizes on the vast repository of immuno-oncology-related scientific documents within the CAS Content Collection, totaling over 350,000, encompassing journals and patents. Through a pioneering approach melding natural language processing with the CAS indexing system, we unveil over 300 emerging concepts, depicted in a comprehensive "Trend Landscape Map". These concepts, spanning therapeutic targets, biomarkers, and types of cancers among others, are hierarchically organized into eight major categories. Delving deeper, our analysis furnishes detailed quantitative metrics showcasing growth trends over the past three years. Our findings not only provide valuable insights for guiding future research endeavors but also underscore the merit of tapping the vast and unparalleled breadth of existing scientific information to derive profound insights.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Ivanov
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Rumiana Tenchov
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | | | - Yacidzohara Rodriguez
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Janet M. Sasso
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
| | - Sabina Scott
- CAS,
A Division of the American Chemical Society, Columbus, Ohio 43210, United States
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Cho MM, Song L, Quamine AE, Szewc F, Shi L, Ebben JD, Turicek DP, Kline JM, Burpee DM, Lafeber EO, Phillips MF, Ceas AS, Erbe AK, Capitini CM. CD155 blockade enhances allogeneic natural killer cell-mediated antitumor response against osteosarcoma. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.07.544144. [PMID: 37333207 PMCID: PMC10274782 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.07.544144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Background Allogeneic bone marrow transplant (alloBMT) is curative for hematologic malignancies through the graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect but has been ineffective for solid tumors like osteosarcoma (OS). OS expresses CD155 which interacts strongly with inhibitory receptors TIGIT and CD96 but also binds to activating receptor DNAM-1 on natural killer (NK) cells. CD155 has never been targeted after alloBMT. Combining adoptively transferred allogeneic NK (alloNK) cells with CD155 blockade after alloBMT may enhance a GVT effect against OS. Methods Murine NK cells were activated and expanded ex vivo with soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα. AlloNK and syngeneic NK (synNK) cell phenotype, cytotoxicity, cytokine production, and degranulation against CD155-expressing murine OS cell line K7M2 were assessed in vitro. Mice bearing pulmonary OS metastases underwent alloBMT and alloNK cell infusion with anti-CD155 either before or after tumor induction, with select groups receiving anti-DNAM-1 pretreated alloNK cells. Tumor growth, GVHD and survival were monitored, and differential gene expression of lung tissue was assessed by RNA microarray. Results AlloNK cells exhibited superior cytotoxicity against CD155-expressing OS compared to synNK cells, and this activity was enhanced by CD155 blockade. CD155 blockade increased alloNK cell degranulation and interferon gamma production through DNAM-1. In vivo, CD155 blockade with alloNK infusion increased survival when treating OS that relapsed after alloBMT. No benefit was seen for treating established OS before alloBMT. Treatment with combination CD155 and anti-DNAM-1 pretreated alloNK ameliorated survival and tumor control benefits seen with CD155 blockade alone. RNA microarray showed mice treated with alloNK and CD155 blockade had increased expression of cytotoxicity genes and the NKG2D ligand H60a, whereas mice treated with anti-DNAM-1 pretreated alloNK cells resulted in upregulation of NK cell inhibitory receptor genes. Whereas blocking DNAM-1 on alloNK abrogated cytotoxicity, blocking NKG2D had no effect, implying DNAM-1:CD155 engagement drives alloNK activation against OS. Conclusions These results demonstrate the safety and efficacy of infusing alloNK cells with CD155 blockade to mount a GVT effect against OS and show benefits are in part through DNAM-1. Defining the hierarchy of receptors that govern alloNK responses is critical to translating alloNK cell infusions and immune checkpoint inhibition for solid tumors treated with alloBMT. WHAT IS ALREADY KNOWN ON THIS TOPIC Allogeneic bone marrow transplant (alloBMT) has yet to show efficacy in treating solid tumors, such as osteosarcoma (OS). CD155 is expressed on OS and interacts with natural killer (NK) cell receptors, such as activating receptor DNAM-1 and inhibitory receptors TIGIT and CD96 and has a dominant inhibitory effect on NK cell activity. Targeting CD155 interactions on allogeneic NK cells could enhance anti-OS responses, but this has not been tested after alloBMT. WHAT THIS STUDY ADDS CD155 blockade enhances allogeneic natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity against OS and improved event-free survival after alloBMT in an in vivo mouse model of metastatic pulmonary OS. Addition of DNAM-1 blockade abrogated CD155 blockade-enhanced allogeneic NK cell antitumor responses. HOW THIS STUDY MIGHT AFFECT RESEARCH PRACTICE OR POLICY These results demonstrate efficacy of allogeneic NK cells combined with CD155 blockade to mount an antitumor response against CD155-expressing OS. Translation of combination adoptive NK cell and CD155 axis modulation offers a platform for alloBMT treatment approaches for pediatric patients with relapsed and refractory solid tumors.
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9
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Qi Y, Li Y, Wang H, Wang A, Liu X, Liang Z, Gao Y, Wei L. Natural killer cell-related anti-tumour adoptive cell immunotherapy. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18362. [PMID: 38837666 PMCID: PMC11151221 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor- (CAR-)modified T cells have been successfully used to treat blood cancer. With the improved research on anti-tumour adoptive cell therapy, researchers have focused on immune cells other than T lymphocytes. Natural killer (NK) cells have received widespread attention as barriers to natural immunity. Compared to T lymphocyte-related adoptive cell therapy, the use of NK cells to treat tumours does not cause graft-versus-host disease, significantly improving immunity. Moreover, NK cells have more sources than T cells, and the related modified cells are less expensive. NK cells function through several pathways in anti-tumour mechanisms. Currently, many anti-tumour clinical trials have used NK cell-related adoptive cell therapies. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress in NK cell-related adoptive cellular immunotherapy for tumour treatment and propose the current challenges faced by CAR-NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuwen Qi
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Ying Li
- Physical Examination CenterRenmin Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Anjin Wang
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Xuelian Liu
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Ziyan Liang
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Gynecological OncologyZhongnan Hospital of Wuhan UniversityWuhanChina
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological BehaviorsWuhanChina
- Hubei Cancer Clinical Study CenterWuhanChina
| | - Liqing Wei
- Wuhan Wuchang HospitalWuhan University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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Perzolli A, Koedijk JB, Zwaan CM, Heidenreich O. Targeting the innate immune system in pediatric and adult AML. Leukemia 2024; 38:1191-1201. [PMID: 38459166 PMCID: PMC11147779 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02217-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
While the introduction of T cell-based immunotherapies has improved outcomes in many cancer types, the development of immunotherapies for both adult and pediatric AML has been relatively slow and limited. In addition to the need to identify suitable target antigens, a better understanding of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is necessary for the design of novel immunotherapy approaches. To date, most immune characterization studies in AML have focused on T cells, while innate immune lineages such as monocytes, granulocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, received less attention. In solid cancers, studies have shown that innate immune cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and neutrophils are highly plastic and may differentiate into immunosuppressive cells depending on signals received in their microenvironment, while NK cells appear to be functionally impaired. Hence, an in-depth characterization of the innate immune compartment in the TME is urgently needed to guide the development of immunotherapeutic interventions for AML. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the innate immune compartment in AML, and we discuss how targeting its components may enhance T cell-based- and other immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Perzolli
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B Koedijk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
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11
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Hadjis AD, McCurdy SR. The role and novel use of natural killer cells in graft-versus-leukemia reactions after allogeneic transplantation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1358668. [PMID: 38817602 PMCID: PMC11137201 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1358668] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has transformed over the past several decades through enhanced supportive care, reduced intensity conditioning (RIC), improved human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, and novel graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-prevention and treatment strategies. Most notably, the implementation of post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has dramatically increased the safety and availability of this life-saving therapy. Given reductions in nonrelapse mortality (NRM) with these advances, the HCT community has placed even greater emphasis on developing ways to reduce relapse - the leading cause of death after HCT. When using RIC HCT, protection from relapse relies predominantly on graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) reactions. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), adoptive cellular therapy, checkpoint inhibition, and post-HCT maintenance strategies represent approaches under study that aim to augment or synergize with the GVL effects of HCT. Optimizing donor selection algorithms to leverage GVL represents another active area of research. Many of these strategies seek to harness the effects of T cells, which for decades were felt to be the primary mediators of GVL and the focus of investigation in relapse reduction. However, there is growing interest in capitalizing on the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to yield potent anti-tumor effects. A potential advantage of NK cell-based approaches over T cell-mediated is the potential to reduce NRM in addition to relapse. By decreasing infection, without increasing the risk of GVHD, NK cells may mitigate NRM, while still yielding relapse reduction through identification and clearance of cancer cells. Most T cell-focused relapse-prevention strategies must weigh the benefits of relapse reduction against the increased risk of NRM from GVHD. In contrast, NK cells have the potential to reduce both, potentially tipping the scales significantly in favor of survival. Here, we will review the role of NK cells in GVL, optimization of NK cell match or mismatch, and burgeoning areas of research in NK cell therapy such as adoptive transfer and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley D. Hadjis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shannon R. McCurdy
- Abramson Cancer Center and the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Polychronopoulos PA, Bedoya-Reina OC, Johnsen JI. The Neuroblastoma Microenvironment, Heterogeneity and Immunotherapeutic Approaches. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1863. [PMID: 38791942 PMCID: PMC11119056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101863] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is a peripheral nervous system tumor that almost exclusively occurs in young children. Although intensified treatment modalities have led to increased patient survival, the prognosis for patients with high-risk disease is still around 50%, signifying neuroblastoma as a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Neuroblastoma is an embryonal tumor and is shaped by its origin from cells within the neural crest. Hence, neuroblastoma usually presents with a low mutational burden and is, in the majority of cases, driven by epigenetically deregulated transcription networks. The recent development of Omic techniques has given us detailed knowledge of neuroblastoma evolution, heterogeneity, and plasticity, as well as intra- and intercellular molecular communication networks within the neuroblastoma microenvironment. Here, we discuss the potential of these recent discoveries with emphasis on new treatment modalities, including immunotherapies which hold promise for better future treatment regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Alkinoos Polychronopoulos
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 11883 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.A.P.); (O.C.B.-R.)
| | - Oscar C. Bedoya-Reina
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 11883 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.A.P.); (O.C.B.-R.)
- School of Medical Sciences, Örebro University, 70182 Örebro, Sweden
| | - John Inge Johnsen
- Childhood Cancer Research Unit, Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 11883 Stockholm, Sweden; (P.A.P.); (O.C.B.-R.)
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13
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Vittayawacharin P, Kongtim P, Chu Y, June CH, Bollard CM, Ciurea SO. Adoptive cellular therapy after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:910-921. [PMID: 38269484 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Effective cellular therapy using CD19 chimeric antigen receptor T-cells for the treatment of advanced B-cell malignancies raises the question of whether the administration of adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) posttransplant could reduce relapse and improve survival. Moreover, several early phase clinical studies have shown the potential beneficial effects of administration of tumor-associated antigen-specific T-cells and natural killer cells posttransplant for high-risk patients, aiming to decrease relapse and possibly improve survival. In this article, we present an in-depth review of ACT after transplantation, which has the potential to significantly improve the efficacy of this procedure and revolutionize this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pongthep Vittayawacharin
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Piyanuch Kongtim
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
| | - Yaya Chu
- Department of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Carl H June
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital and The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Stefan O Ciurea
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Orange, California, USA
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Pei XY, Huang XJ. The role of immune reconstitution in relapse after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2024; 20:513-524. [PMID: 38599237 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2023.2299728] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Leukemia relapse following stem cell transplantation remains a significant barrier to long-term remission. Timely and balanced immune recovery after transplantation is crucial for preventing leukemia relapse. AREAS COVERED After an extensive literature search of PubMed and Web of Science through October 2023, we provide an overview of the dynamics of immune reconstitution and its role in controlling leukemia relapse. We also discuss strategies to promote immune reconstitution and reduce disease recurrence following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. EXPERT OPINION Immune reconstitution after transplantation has substantial potential to prevent relapse and might predict disease recurrence and prognosis. High dimensional cytometry, multi-omics, and T cell repertoire analysis allow for a more comprehensive and detailed understanding of the immune system's dynamics post-transplantation, and contribute to the identification of rare immune cell subsets or potential biomarkers associated with successful immune reconstitution or increased risk of complications. Strategies to enhance the immune system, such as adoptive immunotherapy and cytokine-based therapy, have great potential for reducing leukemia relapse after transplantation. Future research directions should focus on refining patient selection for these therapies, implementing appropriate and timely treatment, investigating combination approaches to maximize therapeutic outcomes, and achieving a robust graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) effect while minimizing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) for optimal results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu-Ying Pei
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing, China
- Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
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15
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Morimoto T, Nakazawa T, Maeoka R, Matsuda R, Nakamura M, Nishimura F, Yamada S, Nakagawa I, Park YS, Tsujimura T. Bulk RNA sequencing reveals the comprehensive genetic characteristics of human cord blood-derived natural killer cells. Regen Ther 2024; 25:367-376. [PMID: 38405180 PMCID: PMC10891285 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Innate immune cells are important in tumor immunotherapy. Natural killer cells (NKCs) are also categorized as innate immune cells and can control tumor growth and metastatic spread. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. NKC-based immunotherapy is a promising treatment strategy against GBM. We previously reported a feeder-free expansion system that yielded large-scale highly purified and cytotoxic NKCs derived from human cord blood (CB). In the present study, we performed comprehensive genomic analyses of NKCs generated from human CB (CBNKCs) as compared those from human peripheral blood (PB) (PBNKCs). Methods Frozen T cell-free CB mononuclear cells were cultured with recombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-18 and rhIL-2 in anti-NKp46 and anti-CD16 antibody immobilization settings. After 14-day expansion, the total RNA of the CBNKCs or PBNKCs was extracted and transcriptomic analyses was performed to determine their similarities and differences. We also examined CBNKC and PBNKC activity against a GBM cell line. Results Differential expression gene analysis revealed that some NK activating and inhibitory receptors were significantly downregulated in the CBNKCs compared to PBNKCs. Furthermore, genes related to anti-apoptosis and proliferation were upregulated in the CBNKCs. Enrichment analysis determined that the gene sets related to immune response and cytokines were enriched in the CBNKCs. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that the immune response pathway was upregulated in the CBNKCs. Cytotoxic assays using impedance-based cell analyzer revealed that the CBNKCs enhanced NKC-mediated cytotoxicity on GBM cells as compared to the PBNKCs. Conclusions We demonstrated the characteristics of human CBNKCs. Cell-based therapy using the CBNKCs is promising for treating GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Nakamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Nishimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Young-Soo Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsujimura
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
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16
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Cai Y, Prochazkova M, Kim YS, Jiang C, Ma J, Moses L, Martin K, Pham V, Zhang N, Highfill SL, Somerville RP, Stroncek DF, Jin P. Assessment and comparison of viability assays for cellular products. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:201-209. [PMID: 38085197 PMCID: PMC10872314 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2023.11.008] [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: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Accurate assessment of cell viability is crucial in cellular product manufacturing, yet selecting the appropriate viability assay presents challenges due to various factors. This study compares and evaluates different viability assays on fresh and cryopreserved cellular products, including peripheral blood stem cell (PBSC) and peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) apheresis products, purified PBMCs and cultured chimeric antigen receptor and T-cell receptor-engineered T-cell products. METHODS Viability assays, including manual Trypan Blue exclusion, flow cytometry-based assays using 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD) or propidium iodide (PI) direct staining or cell surface marker staining in conjunction with 7-AAD, Cellometer (Nexcelom Bioscience LLC, Lawrence, MA, USA) Acridine Orange/PI staining and Vi-CELL BLU Cell Viability Analyzer (Beckman Coulter, Inc, Brea, CA, USA), were evaluated. A viability standard was established using live and dead cell mixtures to assess the accuracy of these assays. Furthermore, precision assessment was conducted to determine the reproducibility of the viability assays. Additionally, the viability of individual cell populations from cryopreserved PBSC and PBMC apheresis products was examined. RESULTS All methods provided accurate viability measurements and generated consistent and reproducible viability data. The assessed viability assays were demonstrated to be reliable alternatives when evaluating the viability of fresh cellular products. However, cryopreserved products exhibited variability among the tested assays. Additionally, analyzing the viability of each subset of the cryopreserved PBSC and PBMC apheresis products revealed that T cells and granulocytes were more susceptible to the freeze-thaw process, showing decreased viability. CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates the importance of careful assay selection, validation and standardization, particularly for assessing the viability of cryopreserved products. Given the complexity of cellular products, choosing a fit-for-purpose viability assay is essential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihua Cai
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Michaela Prochazkova
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Yong-Soo Kim
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Chunjie Jiang
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jinxia Ma
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Larry Moses
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kathryn Martin
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Victoria Pham
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Nan Zhang
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Steven L Highfill
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert P Somerville
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - David F Stroncek
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Ping Jin
- Center for Cellular Engineering, Department of Transfusion Medicine, National Institutes of Health Clinical Center, Bethesda, Maryland, USA.
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Tang HY, Cao YZ, Zhou YW, Ma YS, Jiang H, Zhang H, Jiang L, Yang QX, Tang XM, Yang C, Liu XY, Liu FX, Liu JB, Fu D, Wang YF, Yu H. The power and the promise of CAR-mediated cell immunotherapy for clinical application in pancreatic cancer. J Adv Res 2024:S2090-1232(24)00027-4. [PMID: 38244773 DOI: 10.1016/j.jare.2024.01.014] [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: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer, referred to as the "monarch of malignancies," is a neoplastic growth mostly arising from the epithelial cells of the pancreatic duct and acinar cells. This particular neoplasm has a highly unfavorable prognosis due to its marked malignancy, inconspicuous initial manifestation, challenging early detection, rapid advancement, and limited survival duration. Cellular immunotherapy is the ex vivo culture and expansion of immune effector cells, granting them the capacity to selectively target malignant cells using specialized techniques. Subsequently, these modified cells are reintroduced into the patient's organism with the purpose of eradicating tumor cells and providing therapeutic intervention for cancer. PRESENT SITUATION Presently, the primary cellular therapeutic modalities employed in the treatment of pancreatic cancer encompass CAR T-cell therapy, TCR T-cell therapy, NK-cell therapy, and CAR NK-cell therapy. AIM OF REVIEW This review provides a concise overview of the mechanisms and primary targets associated with various cell therapies. Additionally, we will explore the prospective outlook of cell therapy in the context of treating pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Yu Tang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China; Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu, China; General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Zhi Cao
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Wei Zhou
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Shui Ma
- Cancer Institute, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The 905th Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army Navy, Shanghai 200050, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, Jiangsu 225300, China
| | - Qin-Xin Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Tang
- General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, Shanghai, China
| | - Chun Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Xin-Yun Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fu-Xing Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ji-Bin Liu
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Da Fu
- Institute of Oncology, Affiliated Tumor Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226631, Jiangsu, China; General Surgery, Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yun-Feng Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Pudong New Area People's Hospital, Shanghai 201299, China.
| | - Hong Yu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China; Department of Pathology, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou 225300, Jiangsu, China.
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18
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Esmaeilzadeh A, Hadiloo K, Jabbari M, Elahi R. Current progress of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T versus CAR NK cell for immunotherapy of solid tumors. Life Sci 2024; 337:122381. [PMID: 38145710 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.122381] [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: 10/10/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Equipping cancer-fighting immune cells with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) has gained immense attention for cancer treatment. CAR-engineered T cells (CAR T cells) are the first immune-engineered cells that have achieved brilliant results in anti-cancer therapy. Despite promising anti-cancer features, CAR T cells could also cause fatal side effects and have shown inadequate efficacy in some studies. This has led to the introduction of other candidates for CAR transduction, e.g., Natural killer cells (NK cells). Regarding the better safety profile and anti-cancer properties, CAR-armored NK cells (CAR NK cells) could be a beneficial and suitable alternative to CAR T cells. Since introducing these two cells as anti-cancer structures, several studies have investigated their efficacy and safety, and most of them have focused on hematological malignancies. Solid tumors have unique properties that make them more resistant and less curable cancers than hematological malignancies. In this review article, we conduct a comprehensive review of the structure and properties of CAR NK and CAR T cells, compare the recent experience of immunotherapy with CAR T and CAR NK cells in various solid cancers, and overview current challenges and future solutions to battle solid cancers using CARNK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Kaveh Hadiloo
- Student Research Committee, Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Marjan Jabbari
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Reza Elahi
- School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
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19
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Nakazawa T, Maeoka R, Morimoto T, Matsuda R, Nakamura M, Nishimura F, Yamada S, Nakagawa I, Park YS, Ito T, Nakase H, Tsujimura T. An efficient feeder-free and chemically-defined expansion strategy for highly purified natural killer cells derived from human cord blood. Regen Ther 2023; 24:32-42. [PMID: 37303464 PMCID: PMC10247952 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural killer cells (NKCs) are immune cells that can attack cancer cells through the direct recognition of ligands without prior sensitization. Cord blood-derived NKCs (CBNKCs) represent a promising tool for allogenic NKC-based cancer immunotherapy. Efficient NKC expansion and decreased T cell inclusion are crucial for the success of allogeneic NKC-based immunotherapy without inducing graft-versus-host reactions. We previously established an efficient ex vivo expansion system consisting of highly purified-NKCs derived from human peripheral blood. Herein, we evaluated the performance of the NKC expansion system using CB and characterized the expanded populations. Methods Frozen CB mononuclear cells (CBMCs), with T cells removed, were cultured with recombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-18 and rhIL-2 under conditions where anti-NKp46 and anti-CD16 antibodies were immobilized. Following 7, 14, and 21 days of expansion, the purity, fold-expansion rates of NKCs, and the expression levels of NK activating and inhibitory receptors were assessed. The ability of these NKCs to inhibit the growth of T98G, a glioblastoma (GBM) cell line sensitive to NK activity, was also examined. Results All expanded T cell-depleted CBMCs were included in over 80%, 98%, and 99% of CD3-CD56+ NKCs at 7, 14, and 21 days of expansion, respectively. The NK activating receptors LFA-1, NKG2D, DNAM-1, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, FcγRIII and NK inhibitory receptors TIM-3, TIGIT, TACTILE, NKG2A were expressed on the expanded-CBNKCs. Two out of three of the expanded-CBNKCs weakly expressed PD-1, yet gradually expressed PD-1 according to expansion period. One of the three expanded CBNKCs almost lacked PD-1 expression during the expansion period. LAG-3 expression was variable among donors, and no consistent changes were identified during the expansion period. All of the expanded CBNKCs elicited distinct cytotoxicity-mediated growth inhibition on T98G cells. The level of cytotoxicity was gradually decreased based on the prolonged expansion period. Conclusions Our established feeder-free expansion system yielded large scale highly purified and cytotoxic NKCs derived from human CB. The system provides a stable supply of clinical grade off-the-shelf NKCs and may be feasible for allogeneic NKC-based immunotherapy for cancers, including GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Nakamura
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Nishimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Young-Soo Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Toshihiro Ito
- Department of Immunology, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakase
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsujimura
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
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20
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Kent A, Crump LS, Davila E. Beyond αβ T cells: NK, iNKT, and γδT cell biology in leukemic patients and potential for off-the-shelf adoptive cell therapies for AML. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202950. [PMID: 37654497 PMCID: PMC10465706 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains an elusive disease to treat, let alone cure, even after highly intensive therapies such as stem cell transplants. Adoptive cell therapeutic strategies based on conventional alpha beta (αβ)T cells are an active area of research in myeloid neoplasms given their remarkable success in other hematologic malignancies, particularly B-cell-derived acute lymphoid leukemia, myeloma, and lymphomas. Several limitations have hindered clinical application of adoptive cell therapies in AML including lack of leukemia-specific antigens, on-target-off-leukemic toxicity, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and leukemic stem cell populations elusive to immune recognition and destruction. While there are promising T cell-based therapies including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T designs under development, other cytotoxic lymphocyte cell subsets have unique phenotypes and capabilities that might be of additional benefit in AML treatment. Of particular interest are the natural killer (NK) and unconventional T cells known as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) and gamma delta (γδ) T cells. NK, iNKT, and γδT cells exhibit intrinsic anti-malignant properties, potential for alloreactivity, and human leukocyte-antigen (HLA)-independent function. Here we review the biology of each of these unconventional cytotoxic lymphocyte cell types and compare and contrast their strengths and limitations as the basis for adoptive cell therapies for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kent
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Eduardo Davila
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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21
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Zhou Z, Liu X, Zhang X, Wen S, Hua H, Wang Z, Xu Z, Lu Y, Wang F. Impact of Early Natural Killer Cell Reconstitution on the Outcomes of T Cell-Replete Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:2993-3008. [PMID: 37489148 PMCID: PMC10363384 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s416708] [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: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early immune reconstitution is crucial to successful outcomes after allogeneic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). However, in T cell-replete HSCT, the impact of natural killer (NK) cells on transplantation outcome and the factors influencing early NK cell reconstitution remain unclear. Methods In this retrospective study, we analyzed 128 patients with hematological malignancies who received the first T cell-replete allo-HSCT between May 2019 and September 2021. After application of a conditioning regimen, prophylaxis for graft versus host disease (GVHD), and engraftment, the patients received prevention and treatment procedures for cytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation. NK cells, T lymphocytes and B lymphocytes in peripheral blood were collected and analyzed at 30, 60, 90, 135 and 180 days after transplantation to observe immune cell reconstitution. Overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), minimal residual disease (MRD), relapse, and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were evaluated. SPSS 25.0 and R version 4.2.1 were used for statistical analysis. Results In patients with rapid NK recovery (NK cell count at 30 days post-HSCT [NK30] >165/μL and 60 days post-HSCT [NK60] >265/μL), we observed lower rates of NRM, CMV reactivation and acute GVHD (aGVHD). Multivariate analysis indicated that a lower NK30 (≤165/μL) was an independent factor associated with inferior OS and RFS. The NK30 and NK60 in patients with CMV reactivation and aGVHD after transplantation were significantly lower than those in patients without these complications. In addition, CD107a expression in NK cells was also significantly lower in patients who experienced aGVHD. Correlation analysis did not find an inhibitory effect of T-lymphocyte subset reconstitution on NK cells in the early stage after transplantation. Conclusion Rapid NK cell reconstitution early after allo-HSCT had protective effects on NRM and survival. Promoting early NK cell reconstitution represents a new approach to improving the outcomes of allo-HSCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziwei Zhou
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Hematology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Hematology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuejun Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Hematology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shupeng Wen
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Hematology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Huan Hua
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Hematology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Hematology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zheng Xu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Hematology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Hematology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fuxu Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Hematology, Shijiazhuang, Hebei050000, People’s Republic of China
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22
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Lizana-Vasquez GD, Torres-Lugo M, Dixon R, Powderly JD, Warin RF. The application of autologous cancer immunotherapies in the age of memory-NK cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1167666. [PMID: 37205105 PMCID: PMC10185894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1167666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has revolutionized the oncology field, yielding improved results against hematological and solid malignancies. NK cells have become an attractive alternative due to their capacity to activate upon recognition of "stress" or "danger" signals independently of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) engagement, thus making tumor cells a perfect target for NK cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy even as an allogeneic solution. While this allogeneic use is currently favored, the existence of a characterized memory function for NK cells ("memory-like" NK cells) advocates for an autologous approach, that would benefit from the allogeneic setting discoveries, but with added persistence and specificity. Still, both approaches struggle to exert a sustained and high anticancer effect in-vivo due to the immunosuppressive tumor micro-environment and the logistical challenges of cGMP production or clinical deployment. Novel approaches focused on the quality enhancement and the consistent large-scale production of highly activated therapeutic memory-like NK cells have yielded encouraging but still unconclusive results. This review provides an overview of NK biology as it relates to cancer immunotherapy and the challenge presented by solid tumors for therapeutic NKs. After contrasting the autologous and allogeneic NK approaches for solid cancer immunotherapy, this work will present the current scientific focus for the production of highly persistent and cytotoxic memory-like NK cells as well as the current issues with production methods as they apply to stress-sensitive immune cells. In conclusion, autologous NK cells for cancer immunotherapy appears to be a prime alternative for front line therapeutics but to be successful, it will be critical to establish comprehensives infrastructures allowing the production of extremely potent NK cells while constraining costs of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby D. Lizana-Vasquez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - Madeline Torres-Lugo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - R. Brent Dixon
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - John D. Powderly
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - Renaud F. Warin
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
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23
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Qi Y, Zhao X, Dong Y, Wang M, Wang J, Fan Z, Weng Q, Yu H, Li J. Opportunities and challenges of natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1122585. [PMID: 37064251 PMCID: PMC10102538 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1122585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly recognized as important intermediaries of intercellular communication. They have significant roles in many physiological and pathological processes and show great promise as novel biomarkers of disease, therapeutic agents, and drug delivery tools. Existing studies have shown that natural killer cell-derived EVs (NEVs) can directly kill tumor cells and participate in the crosstalk of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. NEVs own identical cytotoxic proteins, cytotoxic receptors, and cytokines as NK cells, which is the biological basis for their application in antitumor therapy. The nanoscale size and natural targeting property of NEVs enable precisely killing tumor cells. Moreover, endowing NEVs with a variety of fascinating capabilities via common engineering strategies has become a crucial direction for future research. Thus, here we provide a brief overview of the characteristics and physiological functions of the various types of NEVs, focusing on their production, isolation, functional characterization, and engineering strategies for their promising application as a cell-free modality for tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuchen Qi
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Xiang Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Zhao, ; Hua Yu, ; Jianjun Li,
| | - Yan Dong
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junyi Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhichao Fan
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Weng
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Yu
- Department of General Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Zhao, ; Hua Yu, ; Jianjun Li,
| | - Jianjun Li
- Department of Oncology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiang Zhao, ; Hua Yu, ; Jianjun Li,
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24
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The infusion of ex vivo, interleukin-15 and -21-activated donor NK cells after haploidentical HCT in high-risk AML and MDS patients-a randomized trial. Leukemia 2023; 37:807-819. [PMID: 36932165 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01849-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Clinical effect of donor-derived natural killer cell infusion (DNKI) after HLA-haploidentical hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) was evaluated in high-risk myeloid malignancy in phase 2, randomized trial. Seventy-six evaluable patients (aged 21-70 years) were randomized to receive DNKI (N = 40) or not (N = 36) after haploidentical HCT. For the HCT conditioning, busulfan, fludarabine, and anti-thymocyte globulin were administered. DNKI was given twice 13 and 20 days after HCT. Four patients in the DNKI group failed to receive DNKI. In the remaining 36 patients, median DNKI doses were 1.0 × 108/kg and 1.4 × 108/kg on days 13 and 20, respectively. Intention-to-treat analysis showed a lower disease progression for the DNKI group (30-month cumulative incidence, 35% vs 61%, P = 0.040; subdistribution hazard ratio, 0.50). Furthermore, at 3 months after HCT, the DNKI patients showed a 1.8- and 2.6-fold higher median absolute blood count of NK and T cells, respectively. scRNA-sequencing analysis in seven study patients showed that there was a marked increase in memory-like NK cells in DNKI patients which, in turn, expanded the CD8+ effector-memory T cells. In high-risk myeloid malignancy, DNKI after haploidentical HCT reduced disease progression. This enhanced graft-vs-leukemia effect may be related to the DNKI-induced, post-HCT expansion of NK and T cells. Clinical trial number: NCT02477787.
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25
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Allan DS, Wu C, Mortlock RD, Chakraborty M, Rezvani K, Davidson-Moncada JK, Dunbar CE, Childs RW. Expanded NK cells used for adoptive cell therapy maintain diverse clonality and contain long-lived memory-like NK cell populations. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 28:74-87. [PMID: 36699615 PMCID: PMC9842935 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2022.12.006] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple clinical trials exploring the potential of adoptive natural killer (NK) cell therapy for cancer have employed ex vivo expansion using feeder cells to obtain large numbers of NK cells. We have previously utilized the rhesus macaque model to clonally track the NK cell progeny of barcode-transduced CD34+ stem and progenitor cells after transplant. In this study, NK cells from barcoded rhesus macaques were used to study the changes in NK cell clonal patterns that occurred during ex vivo expansion using culture protocols similar to those employed in clinical preparation of human NK cells including irradiated lymphoblastoid cell line (LCL) feeder cells or K562 cells expressing 4-1BBL and membrane-bound interleukin-21 (IL-21). NK expansion cultures resulted in the proliferation of clonally diverse NK cells, which, at day 14 harvest, contained greater than 50% of the starting barcode repertoire. Diversity as measured by Shannon index was maintained after culture. With both LCL and K562 feeders, proliferation of long-lived putative memory-like NK cell clones was observed, with these clones continuing to constitute a mean of 31% of the total repertoire of expanded cells. These experiments provide insight into the clonal makeup of expanded NK cell clinical products.
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Affiliation(s)
- David S.J. Allan
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Chuanfeng Wu
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ryland D. Mortlock
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Mala Chakraborty
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jan K. Davidson-Moncada
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Cynthia E. Dunbar
- Translational Stem Cell Biology Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Richard W. Childs
- Laboratory of Transplantation Immunotherapy, Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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26
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Oh BLZ, Chan LWY, Chai LYA. Manipulating NK cellular therapy from cancer to invasive fungal infection: promises and challenges. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1044946. [PMID: 36969979 PMCID: PMC10034767 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1044946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The ideal strategy to fight an infection involves both (i) weakening the invading pathogen through conventional antimicrobial therapy, and (ii) strengthening defense through the augmentation of host immunity. This is even more pertinent in the context of invasive fungal infections whereby the majority of patients have altered immunity and are unable to mount an appropriate host response against the pathogen. Natural killer (NK) cells fit the requirement of an efficient, innate executioner of both tumour cells and pathogens – their unique, targeted cell killing mechanism, combined with other arms of the immune system, make them potent effectors. These characteristics, together with their ready availability (given the various sources of extrinsic NK cells available for harvesting), make NK cells an attractive choice as adoptive cellular therapy against fungi in invasive infections. Improved techniques in ex vivo NK cell activation with expansion, and more importantly, recent advances in genetic engineering including state-of-the-art chimeric antigen receptor platform development, have presented an opportune moment to harness this novel therapeutic as a key component of a multipronged strategy against invasive fungal infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernice Ling Zhi Oh
- VIVA-University Children’s Cancer Centre, Khoo-Teck Puat-National University Children’s Medical Institute, National University Hospital, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Paediatrics, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louis Wei Yong Chan
- Clinician Scientist Academy, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Louis Yi Ann Chai
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Synthetic Biology for Clinical and Technological Innovation (SynCTI), National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Louis Yi Ann Chai,
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Dhuyser A, Remen T, Pérès M, Chamberlain-Evans V, Nemat-Gorgani N, Campidelli A, Clément S, Rubio MT, Trowsdale J, Aarnink A, Traherne J. Comparison of NK alloreactivity prediction models based on KIR-MHC interactions in haematopoeitic stem cell transplantation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1028162. [PMID: 36936953 PMCID: PMC10017772 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1028162] [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: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The biological processes underlying NK cell alloreactivity in haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remain unclear. Many different models to predict NK alloreactivity through KIR and MHC genotyping exist, raising ambiguities in its utility and application for clinicians. We assessed 27 predictive models, broadly divided into six categories of alloreactivity prediction: ligand-ligand, receptor-ligand, educational, KIR haplotype-based, KIR matching and KIR allelic polymorphism. The models were applied to 78 NGS-typed donor/recipient pairs undergoing allogeneic HSCT in genoidentical (n=43) or haploidentical (n=35) matchings. Correlations between different predictive models differed widely, suggesting that the choice of the model in predicting NK alloreactivity matters. For example, two broadly used models, educational and receptor-ligand, led to opposing predictions especially in the genoidentical cohort. Correlations also depended on the matching fashion, suggesting that this parameter should also be taken into account in the choice of the scoring strategy. The number of centromeric B-motifs was the only model strongly correlated with the incidence of acute graft-versus-host disease in our set of patients in both the genoidentical and the haploidentical cohorts, suggesting that KIR-based alloreactivity, not MHC mismatches, are responsible for it. To our best knowledge, this paper is the first to experimentally compare NK alloreactivity prediction models within a cohort of genoidentical and haploidentical donor-recipient pairs. This study helps to resolve current discrepancies in KIR-based alloreactivity predictions and highlights the need for deeper consideration of the models used in clinical studies as well as in medical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adèle Dhuyser
- Histocompatibility Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
- Ingénieurie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire, team 6 (IMoPA6), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7365 Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
- *Correspondence: James Traherne, ; Adèle Dhuyser,
| | - Thomas Remen
- Direction de la Recherche Clinique et de l’Innovation, Unité de Méthodologie, Datamanagement et Statistiques, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Michaël Pérès
- Histocompatibility Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | | | - Neda Nemat-Gorgani
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Arnaud Campidelli
- Department of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Sandra Clément
- Histocompatibility Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - Marie Thérèse Rubio
- Ingénieurie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire, team 6 (IMoPA6), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7365 Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Department of Hematology, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
| | - John Trowsdale
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Alice Aarnink
- Histocompatibility Laboratory, Centre Hospitalier Régional Universitaire de Nancy, Nancy, France
- Ingénieurie Moléculaire et Physiopathologie Articulaire, team 6 (IMoPA6), Unité Mixte de Recherche 7365 Centre national de la Recherche Scientifique, Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - James Traherne
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: James Traherne, ; Adèle Dhuyser,
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28
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Konova ZV, Parovichnikova EN, Galtseva IV, Khamaganova EG. Impact of natural killer cell’s functional reconstruction on the results of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF HEMATOLOGY AND TRANSFUSIOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.35754/0234-5730-2022-67-4-551-569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Introduction. Currently, more and more attention is being paid to possible strategies for preventing the development of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and reducing the risk of infections while maintaining the antitumor effect — graft-versus-leukemia effect (GVL). In this context, the study of natural killer cells (NK-cells) seems to be quite promising.Aim – to analyze the biological and functional properties of NK-cells after allo-HSCT, their reconstitution after transplantation and factors affecting this process, as well as the mechanisms of alloreactivity of NK cells in patients after allo-HSCT. Main findings. Various types of activating or inhibiting receptors, which are expressed on NK-cells, regulate the functions of NK-cells. Among them, the main role is played by the killer immunoglobin-like receptor (KIR-receptor), which mediates tolerance to one’s own cells and the immune response, both antitumor and directed against infectious agents. NK-cells can play a decisive role in preventing early relapses and infectious complications, as they are among the first to recover after allo-HSCT. They also have the ability to eliminate the recipient’s T-cells and antigen presenting cells (APCs), thereby preventing the development of graft failure and GVHD. There are several models of NK alloreactivity based on KIR; however, the results of studies in this area are contradictory. This review summarizes the available literature data.
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29
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Nakazawa T, Morimoto T, Maeoka R, Matsuda R, Nakamura M, Nishimura F, Yamada S, Nakagawa I, Park YS, Nakase H, Tsujimura T. Establishment of an efficient ex vivo expansion strategy for human natural killer cells stimulated by defined cytokine cocktail and antibodies against natural killer cell activating receptors. Regen Ther 2022; 21:185-191. [PMID: 35919498 PMCID: PMC9309574 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2022.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cell-based immunotherapy is categorized as a regenerative therapy under the Regenerative Medicine Safety Act in Japan. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy is considered a promising strategy for treating cancer, including glioblastoma (GBM). We previously reported an expansion method for highly purified human peripheral blood-derived NK cells using a cytokine cocktail. Here, we aimed to establish a more efficient NK cell expansion method as compared to our previously reported method. Methods T cell-depleted human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from three healthy volunteers. The depleted PBMCs were cultured in the presence of recombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-18 and high-dose rhIL-2 in anti-NKp46 and/or anti-CD16 antibody immobilization settings. After 14 days of expansion, the purity and expansion ratio of CD3-CD56+ NK cells were determined. The cytotoxicity-mediated growth inhibition of T98G cells (an NK activity-sensitive GBM cell line) was evaluated using a non-labeling, impedance-based real-time cell analyzer. Results Anti-NKp46 stimulation increased the NK cell purity and expansion ratio as compared to the non-antibody-stimulated population. Anti-CD16 stimulation weakly enhanced the NK cell expansion ratio of the non-antibody-stimulated population and enhanced the NK cell purity and expansion ratio of anti-NKp46-stimulated populations. All NK cell-containing populations tested distinctly inhibited T98G cell growth. These effects tended to be enhanced in an NK cell purity-dependent manner. In some cases, anti-CD16 stimulation decreased growth inhibition of T98G cell compared to other conditions despite the comparable NK cell purity. Conclusions We established a robust large-scale feeder-free expansion system for highly purified human NK cells using a defined cytokine cocktail and anti-NK cell activating receptor antibodies. The expansion system could be feasible for autologous or allogeneic NK cell-based immunotherapy of GBM. Moreover, it is easily controlled under Japanese law on regenerative medicine.
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Gribkova IV. CAR NK-сells for the treatment of hematological malignancies: A review. JOURNAL OF MODERN ONCOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.26442/18151434.2022.3.201699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Hematological malignant neoplasms include more than a hundred different subtypes and account for about 4.8% of all neoplastic diseases in Russia. Despite significant advances in diagnosis and treatment, many of them remain incurable. In recent years, cell-based therapy appears to be a promising approach to the treatment of these incurable hematologic malignancies, showing striking results in various clinical trials. The most studied and advanced cell therapy is the therapy with T-lymphocytes modified with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR). However, although the US Food and Drug Administration has approved CAR T cells for the treatment of B-cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia, significant problems remain in terms of production, cost, and serious side effects. An alternative to the use of T cells can be the use of innate immune cells, in particular natural killer cells (NK), which have a high antitumor potential. Recent studies have shown the antitumor efficacy of a therapy that uses genetically modified natural killer cells CAR NK cells. The purpose of this review was to describe and systematize the experience of using CAR NK cells for the treatment of hematological neoplasms. The review presents the advantages and disadvantages of this method, as well as the problems that still have to be solved for its widespread introduction into clinical practice.
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Lamers-Kok N, Panella D, Georgoudaki AM, Liu H, Özkazanc D, Kučerová L, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Raimo M. Natural killer cells in clinical development as non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:164. [DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are unique immune effectors able to kill cancer cells by direct recognition of surface ligands, without prior sensitization. Allogeneic NK transfer is a highly valuable treatment option for cancer and has recently emerged with hundreds of clinical trials paving the way to finally achieve market authorization. Advantages of NK cell therapies include the use of allogenic cell sources, off-the-shelf availability, and no risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Allogeneic NK cell therapies have reached the clinical stage as ex vivo expanded and differentiated non-engineered cells, as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered or CD16-engineered products, or as combination therapies with antibodies, priming agents, and other drugs. This review summarizes the recent clinical status of allogeneic NK cell-based therapies for the treatment of hematological and solid tumors, discussing the main characteristics of the different cell sources used for NK product development, their use in cell manufacturing processes, the engineering methods and strategies adopted for genetically modified products, and the chosen approaches for combination therapies. A comparative analysis between NK-based non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies is presented, examining the choices made by product developers regarding the NK cell source and the targeted tumor indications, for both solid and hematological cancers. Clinical trial outcomes are discussed and, when available, assessed in comparison with preclinical data. Regulatory challenges for product approval are reviewed, highlighting the lack of specificity of requirements and standardization between products. Additionally, the competitive landscape and business field is presented. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the effort driven by biotech and pharmaceutical companies and by academic centers to bring NK cell therapies to pivotal clinical trial stages and to market authorization.
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Wang X, Yang X, Yuan X, Wang W, Wang Y. Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK cells: new weapons of cancer immunotherapy with great potential. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:85. [PMID: 36324149 PMCID: PMC9628181 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00341-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T (CAR-T) cells have obtained prominent achievement in the clinical immunotherapy of hematological malignant tumors, leading to a rapid development of cellular immunotherapy in cancer treatment. Scientists are also aware of the prospective advantages of CAR engineering in cellular immunotherapy. Due to various limitations such as the serious side effects of CAR-T therapy, researchers began to investigate other immune cells for CAR modification. Natural killer (NK) cells are critical innate immune cells with the characteristic of non-specifically recognizing target cells and with the potential to become "off-the-shelf" products. In recent years, many preclinical studies on CAR-engineered NK (CAR-NK) cells have shown their remarkable efficacy in cancer therapy and their superiority over autologous CAR-T cells. In this review, we summarize the generation, mechanisms of anti-tumor activity and unique advantages of CAR-NK cells, and then analyze some challenges and recent clinical trials about CAR-NK cells therapy. We believe that CAR-NK therapy is a promising prospect for cancer immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xuejiao Yang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xiang Yuan
- grid.13291.380000 0001 0807 1581Department of Thoracic Oncology, Cancer Center and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041 China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Department of Oncology, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072 China
| | - Yueying Wang
- grid.16821.3c0000 0004 0368 8293Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine at Shanghai, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
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Hosseinalizadeh H, Habibi Roudkenar M, Mohammadi Roushandeh A, Kuwahara Y, Tomita K, Sato T. Natural killer cell immunotherapy in glioblastoma. Discov Oncol 2022; 13:113. [PMID: 36305981 PMCID: PMC9616998 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-022-00567-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most difficult cancers to treat because GBM has the high therapeutic resistance. Recently, immunotherapies for GBM have been used instead of conventional treatments. Among them, Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has the potential to treat GBM due to its properties such as the absence of restriction by antigen-antibody reaction and deep penetration into the tumor microenvironment. Especially, genetically engineered NK cells, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, dual antigen-targeting CAR NK cells, and adapter chimeric antigen receptor NK cells are considered to be an important tool for GBM immunotherapy. Therefore, this review describes the recent efforts of NK cell-based immunotherapy in GBM patients. We also describe key receptors expressing on NK cells such as killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor, CD16, and natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2DL) receptor and discuss the function and importance of these molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamed Hosseinalizadeh
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Mehryar Habibi Roudkenar
- Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, School of Medicine, Velayat Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran.
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Amaneh Mohammadi Roushandeh
- Burn and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, School of Medicine, Velayat Hospital, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
| | - Yoshikazu Kuwahara
- Division of Radiation Biology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kazuo Tomita
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan.
| | - Tomoaki Sato
- Department of Applied Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima, Japan
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Chu J, Gao F, Yan M, Zhao S, Yan Z, Shi B, Liu Y. Natural killer cells: a promising immunotherapy for cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:240. [PMID: 35606854 PMCID: PMC9125849 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a promising alternative platform for cellular immunotherapy, natural killer cells (NK) have recently gained attention as an important type of innate immune regulatory cell. NK cells can rapidly kill multiple adjacent cancer cells through non-MHC-restrictive effects. Although tumors may develop multiple resistance mechanisms to endogenous NK cell attack, in vitro activation, expansion, and genetic modification of NK cells can greatly enhance their anti-tumor activity and give them the ability to overcome drug resistance. Some of these approaches have been translated into clinical applications, and clinical trials of NK cell infusion in patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors have thus far yielded many encouraging clinical results. CAR-T cells have exhibited great success in treating hematological malignancies, but their drawbacks include high manufacturing costs and potentially fatal toxicity, such as cytokine release syndrome. To overcome these issues, CAR-NK cells were generated through genetic engineering and demonstrated significant clinical responses and lower adverse effects compared with CAR-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarize recent advances in NK cell immunotherapy, focusing on NK cell biology and function, the types of NK cell therapy, and clinical trials and future perspectives on NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Fengcai Gao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Meimei Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Bian Shi
- Department of Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
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Dunai C, Ames E, Ochoa MC, Fernandez-Sendin M, Melero I, Simonetta F, Baker J, Alvarez M. Killers on the loose: Immunotherapeutic strategies to improve NK cell-based therapy for cancer treatment. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 370:65-122. [PMID: 35798507 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that control tumor progression by not only directly killing cancer cells, but also by regulating other immune cells, helping to orchestrate a coordinated anti-tumor response. However, despite the tremendous potential that this cell type has, the clinical results obtained from diverse NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies have been, until recent years, rather modest. The intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that are involved in the control of their activation as well as the multiple mechanisms that tumor cells have developed to escape NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity likely account for the unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The current approaches to improve long-term NK cell function are centered on modulating different molecules involved in both the activation and inhibition of NK cells, and the latest data seems to advocate for combining strategies that target multiple aspects of NK cell regulation. In this review, we summarize the different strategies (such as engineered NK cells, CAR-NK, NK cell immune engagers) that are currently being used to take advantage of this potent and complex immune cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Dunai
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Ames
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maria C Ochoa
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; Translational Research Centre in Onco-Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeanette Baker
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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36
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Ramos-Mejia V, Arellano-Galindo J, Mejía-Arangure JM, Cruz-Munoz ME. A NK Cell Odyssey: From Bench to Therapeutics Against Hematological Malignancies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:803995. [PMID: 35493522 PMCID: PMC9046543 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.803995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In 1975 two independent groups noticed the presence of immune cells with a unique ability to recognize and eliminate transformed hematopoietic cells without any prior sensitization or expansion of specific clones. Since then, NK cells have been the axis of thousands of studies that have resulted until June 2021, in more than 70 000 publications indexed in PubMed. As result of this work, which include approaches in vitro, in vivo, and in natura, it has been possible to appreciate the role played by the NK cells, not only as effectors against specific pathogens, but also as regulators of the immune response. Recent advances have revealed previous unidentified attributes of NK cells including the ability to adapt to new conditions under the context of chronic infections, or their ability to develop some memory-like characteristics. In this review, we will discuss significant findings that have rule our understanding of the NK cell biology, the developing of these findings into new concepts in immunology, and how these conceptual platforms are being used in the design of strategies for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Ramos-Mejia
- GENYO: Centro Pfizer, Universidad de Granada, Junta de Andalucía de Genómica e Investigación Oncológica, Granada, Spain
| | - Jose Arellano-Galindo
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Infecciosas, Hospital Infantil de México “Dr. Federico Gomez”, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Juan Manuel Mejía-Arangure
- Genómica del Cancer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica (INMEGEN) & Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Mario Ernesto Cruz-Muñoz, ; Juan Manuel Mejía-Arangure,
| | - Mario Ernesto Cruz-Munoz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Mario Ernesto Cruz-Muñoz, ; Juan Manuel Mejía-Arangure,
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Fang F, Xie S, Chen M, Li Y, Yue J, Ma J, Shu X, He Y, Xiao W, Tian Z. Advances in NK cell production. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:460-481. [PMID: 34983953 PMCID: PMC8975878 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00808-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is a promising approach for treating a variety of cancers. Unlike T cells, NK cells recognize target cells via a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent mechanism and, without being sensitized, kill the cells directly. Several strategies for obtaining large quantities of NK cells with high purity and high cytotoxicity have been developed. These strategies include the use of cytokine-antibody fusions, feeder cells or membrane particles to stimulate the proliferation of NK cells and enhance their cytotoxicity. Various materials, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and NK cell lines, have been used as sources to generate NK cells for immunotherapy. Moreover, genetic modification technologies to improve the proliferation of NK cells have also been developed to enhance the functions of NK cells. Here, we summarize the recent advances in expansion strategies with or without genetic manipulation of NK cells derived from various cellular sources. We also discuss the closed, automated and GMP-controlled large-scale expansion systems used for NK cells and possible future NK cell-based immunotherapy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Siqi Xie
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Minhua Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Yutong Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Jingjing Yue
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xun Shu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Yongge He
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Weihua Xiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Zhigang Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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Smirnov S, Petukhov A, Levchuk K, Kulemzin S, Staliarova A, Lepik K, Shuvalov O, Zaritskey A, Daks A, Fedorova O. Strategies to Circumvent the Side-Effects of Immunotherapy Using Allogeneic CAR-T Cells and Boost Its Efficacy: Results of Recent Clinical Trials. Front Immunol 2022; 12:780145. [PMID: 34975869 PMCID: PMC8714645 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.780145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the outstanding results of treatment using autologous chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T cells) in hematological malignancies, this approach is endowed with several constraints. In particular, profound lymphopenia in some patients and the inability to manufacture products with predefined properties or set of cryopreserved batches of cells directed to different antigens in advance. Allogeneic CAR-T cells have the potential to address these issues but they can cause life-threatening graft-versus-host disease or have shorter persistence due to elimination by the host immune system. Novel strategies to create an “off the shelf” allogeneic product that would circumvent these limitations are an extensive area of research. Here we review CAR-T cell products pioneering an allogeneic approach in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergei Smirnov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexey Petukhov
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Cytology, Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ksenia Levchuk
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey Kulemzin
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Molecular and Cellular Biology SB Russian Academy of Science (RAS), Department of Molecular Immunology, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Alena Staliarova
- Belarusian Research Center for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Immunology, Oncological Department 3, Borovliani, Minsk Region, Belarus
| | - Kirill Lepik
- RM Gorbacheva Research Institute of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Transplantation, Chemotherapy and Bone Marrow Transplantation Department, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Pavlov University, Department of Hematology, Transfusiology and Transplantology, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Oleg Shuvalov
- Institute of Cytology, Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Andrey Zaritskey
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexandra Daks
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Cytology, Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Olga Fedorova
- Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Personalized Medicine Centre, Saint Petersburg, Russia.,Institute of Cytology, Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Russian Academy of Sciences, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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Michel T, Ollert M, Zimmer J. A Hot Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Natural Killer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020797. [PMID: 35054985 PMCID: PMC8776043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in recent years, the therapeutic approach of the multiple different forms of human cancer often remains a challenge. Besides the well-established cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapeutic strategies gain more and more attention, and some of them have already been successfully introduced into the clinic. Among these, immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is considered as one of the most promising options. In the present review, we will expose the different possibilities NK cells offer in this context, compare data about the theoretical background and mechanism(s) of action, report some results of clinical trials and identify several very recent trends. The pharmaceutical industry is quite interested in NK cell immunotherapy, which will benefit the speed of progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Michel
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
| | - Markus Ollert
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
- Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis (ORCA), Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
- Correspondence:
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40
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Tang J, Zhu Q, Li Z, Yang J, Lai Y. Natural killer cell-targeted immunotherapy for cancer. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 17:513-526. [PMID: 34994316 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x17666220107101722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were initially described in the early 1970s as major histocompatibility complex unrestricted killers due to their ability to spontaneously kill certain tumor cells. In the past decade, the field of NK cell-based treatment has been accelerating exponentially, holding a dominant position in cancer immunotherapy innovation. Generally, research on NK cell-mediated antitumor therapies can be categorized into three areas: choosing the optimal source of allogenic NK cells to yield massively amplified "off-the-shelf" products, improving NK cell cytotoxicity and longevity, and engineering NK cells with the ability of tumor-specific recognition. In this review, we focused on NK cell manufacturing techniques, some auxiliary methods to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of NK cells, chimeric antigen receptor NK cells, and monoclonal antibodies targeting inhibitory receptors, which can significantly augment the antitumor activity of NK cells. Notably, emerging evidence suggests that NK cells are a promising constituent of multipronged therapeutic strategies, strengthening immune responses to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiahui Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Lai
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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41
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Michniacki TF, Choi SW, Peltier DC. Immune Suppression in Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2022; 272:209-243. [PMID: 34628553 PMCID: PMC9055779 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_544] [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] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a curative treatment for high-risk hematologic disorders. There are multiple immune-mediated complications following allo-HSCT that are prevented and/or treated by immunosuppressive agents. Principal among these immune-mediated complications is acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), which occurs when the new donor immune system targets host tissue antigens. The immunobiology of aGVHD is complex and involves all aspects of the immune system. Due to the risk of aGVHD, immunosuppressive aGVHD prophylaxis is required for nearly all allogeneic HSCT recipients. Despite prophylaxis, aGVHD remains a major cause of nonrelapse mortality. Here, we discuss the clinical features of aGVHD, the immunobiology of aGVHD, the immunosuppressive therapies used to prevent and treat aGVHD, how to mitigate the side effects of these immunosuppressive therapies, and what additional immune-mediated post-allo-HSCT complications are also treated with immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas F Michniacki
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Sung Won Choi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- University of Michigan Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Daniel C Peltier
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Blood and Marrow Transplantation Program, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
- University of Michigan Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
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42
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Wolfarth AA, Dhar S, Goon JB, Ezeanya UI, Ferrando-Martínez S, Lee BH. Advancements of Common Gamma-Chain Family Cytokines in Cancer Immunotherapy. Immune Netw 2022; 22:e5. [PMID: 35291658 PMCID: PMC8901704 DOI: 10.4110/in.2022.22.e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
| | - Swati Dhar
- NeoImmuneTech, Inc., Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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43
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Niknam MR, Attari F. The Potential Applications of Stem Cells for Cancer Treatment. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 17:26-42. [DOI: 10.2174/1574888x16666210810100858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
:
Scientists encounter many obstacles in traditional cancer therapies, including the side effects
on the healthy cells, drug resistance, tumor relapse, the short half-life of employed drugs in
the blood circulation, and the improper delivery of drugs toward the tumor site. The unique traits of
stem cells (SCs) such as self-renewal, differentiation, tumor tropism, the release of bioactive
molecules, and immunosuppression have opened a new window for utilizing SCs as a novel tool in
cancer treatment. In this regard, engineered SCs can secrete anti-cancer proteins or express enzymes
used in suicide gene therapy which locally induce apoptosis in neoplastic cells via the bystander
effect. These cells also stand as proper candidates to serve as careers for drug-loaded nanoparticles
or to play suitable hosts for oncolytic viruses. Moreover, they harbor great potential to be
employed in immunotherapy and combination therapy. However, tactful strategies should be devised
to allow easier transplantation and protection of SCs from in vivo immune responses. In spite
of the great hope concerning SCs application in cancer therapy, there are shortcomings and challenges
to be addressed. This review tends to elaborate on recent advances on the various applications
of SCs in cancer therapy and existing challenges in this regard.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malikeh Rad Niknam
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Attari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
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Christodoulou I, Ho WJ, Marple A, Ravich JW, Tam A, Rahnama R, Fearnow A, Rietberg C, Yanik S, Solomou EE, Varadhan R, Koldobskiy MA, Bonifant CL. Engineering CAR-NK cells to secrete IL-15 sustains their anti-AML functionality but is associated with systemic toxicities. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003894. [PMID: 34896980 PMCID: PMC8655609 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prognosis of patients with recurrent/refractory acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) remains poor and cell-based immunotherapies hold promise to improve outcomes. Natural Killer (NK) cells can elicit an antileukemic response via a repertoire of activating receptors that bind AML surface ligands. NK-cell adoptive transfer is safe but thus far has shown limited anti-AML efficacy. Here, we aimed to overcome this limitation by engineering NK cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to boost their anti-AML activity and interleukin (IL)-15 to enhance their persistence. Methods We characterized in detail NK-cell populations expressing a panel of AML (CD123)-specific CARs and/or IL-15 in vitro and in AML xenograft models. Results CARs with 2B4.ζ or 4-1BB.ζ signaling domains demonstrated greater cell surface expression and endowed NK cells with improved anti-AML activity in vitro. Initial in vivo testing revealed that only 2B4.ζ Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-NK cells had improved anti-AML activity in comparison to untransduced (UTD) and 4-1BB.ζ CAR-NK cells. However, the benefit was transient due to limited CAR-NK-cell persistence. Transgenic expression of secretory interleukin (sIL)-15 in 2B4.ζ CAR and UTD NK cells improved their effector function in the setting of chronic antigen simulation in vitro. Multiparameter flow analysis after chronic antigen exposure identified the expansion of unique NK-cell subsets. 2B4.ζ/sIL-15 CAR and sIL-15 NK cells maintained an overall activated NK-cell phenotype. This was confirmed by transcriptomic analysis, which revealed a highly proliferative and activated signature in these NK-cell groups. In vivo, 2B4.ζ/sIL-15 CAR-NK cells had potent anti-AML activity in one model, while 2B4.ζ/sIL-15 CAR and sIL-15 NK cells induced lethal toxicity in a second model. Conclusion Transgenic expression of CD123-CARs and sIL-15 enabled NK cells to function in the setting of chronic antigen exposure but was associated with systemic toxicities. Thus, our study provides the impetus to explore inducible and controllable expression systems to provide cytokine signals to AML-specific CAR-NK cells before embarking on early-phase clinical testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Christodoulou
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Western Greece, Greece
| | - Won Jin Ho
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew Marple
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jonas W Ravich
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ada Tam
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Ruyan Rahnama
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam Fearnow
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cambrynne Rietberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Sean Yanik
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Elena E Solomou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras School of Health Sciences, Patras, Western Greece, Greece
| | - Ravi Varadhan
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael A Koldobskiy
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Challice L Bonifant
- Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA .,Department of Pediatrics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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Lechuga LM, Forsberg MH, Walker KL, Ludwig KD, Capitini CM, Fain SB. Detection and viability of murine NK cells in vivo in a lymphoma model using fluorine-19 MRI. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 34:e4600. [PMID: 34409665 PMCID: PMC8635739 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapies are being increasingly used as an adoptive cell therapy for cancer because they can recognize tumor cells in an antigen-independent manner. While promising, the understanding of NK cell persistence, particularly within a harsh tumor microenvironment, is limited. Fluorine-19 (19 F) MRI is a noninvasive imaging modality that has shown promise in longitudinally tracking cell populations in vivo; however, it has not been studied on murine NK cells. In this study, the impact of 19 F labeling on murine NK cell viability and function was assessed in vitro and then used to quantify NK cell persistence in vivo. While there was no noticeable impact on viability, labeling NK cells with 19 F did attenuate cytotoxicity against lymphoma cells in vitro. Fluorescent microscopy verified 19 F labeling in both the cytoplasm and nucleus of NK cells. Lymphoma-bearing mice were given intratumoral injections of 19 F-labeled NK cells in which signal was detectable across the 6 day observation period via 19 F MRI. Quantification from the composite images detected 78-94% of the initially injected NK cells across 6 days, with a significant decrease between Days 3 and 6. Postmortem flow cytometry demonstrated retention of 19 F intracellularly within adoptively transferred NK cells with less than 1% of 19 F-containing cells identified as tumor-associated macrophages that presumably ingested nonviable NK cells. This work demonstrates that 19 F MRI offers a specific imaging platform to track and quantify murine NK cells within tumors noninvasively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lawrence M Lechuga
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Matthew H Forsberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kirsti L Walker
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Kai D Ludwig
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Christian M Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sean B Fain
- Department of Medical Physics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Radiology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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46
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Omer N, Nicholls W, Ruegg B, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F, Rossi GR. Enhancing Natural Killer Cell Targeting of Pediatric Sarcoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:791206. [PMID: 34804076 PMCID: PMC8600077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791206] [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: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma (EWS), and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) are the most common pediatric sarcomas. Conventional therapy for these sarcomas comprises neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapy, surgical resection of the primary tumor and/or radiation therapy. Patients with metastatic, relapsed, or refractory tumors have a dismal prognosis due to resistance to these conventional therapies. Therefore, innovative therapeutic interventions, such as immunotherapy, are urgently needed. Recently, cancer research has focused attention on natural killer (NK) cells due their innate ability to recognize and kill tumor cells. Osteosarcoma, EWS and RMS, are known to be sensitive to NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro. In the clinical setting however, NK cell cytotoxicity against sarcoma cells has been mainly studied in the context of allogeneic stem cell transplantation, where a rapid immune reconstitution of NK cells plays a key role in the control of the disease, known as graft-versus-tumor effect. In this review, we discuss the evidence for the current and future strategies to enhance the NK cell-versus-pediatric sarcoma effect, with a clinical focus. The different approaches encompass enhancing antibody-dependent NK cell cytotoxicity, counteracting the NK cell mechanisms of self-tolerance, and developing adoptive NK cell therapy including chimeric antigen receptor-expressing NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natacha Omer
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute (UQDI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Oncology Services Group, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Wayne Nicholls
- Oncology Services Group, Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, QLD, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Bronte Ruegg
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute (UQDI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Gustavo Rodrigues Rossi
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute (UQDI), The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Gunduz M, Ataca Atilla P, Atilla E. New Orders to an Old Soldier: Optimizing NK Cells for Adoptive Immunotherapy in Hematology. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091201. [PMID: 34572387 PMCID: PMC8466804 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
NK (Natural Killer) cell-mediated adoptive immunotherapy has gained attention in hematology due to the progressing knowledge of NK cell receptor structure, biology and function. Today, challenges related to NK cell expansion and persistence in vivo as well as low cytotoxicity have been mostly overcome by pioneering trials that focused on harnessing NK cell functions. Recent technological advancements in gene delivery, gene editing and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have made it possible to generate genetically modified NK cells that enhance the anti-tumor efficacy and represent suitable “off-the-shelf” products with fewer side effects. In this review, we highlight recent advances in NK cell biology along with current approaches for potentiating NK cell proliferation and activity, redirecting NK cells using CARs and optimizing the procedure to manufacture clinical-grade NK and CAR NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Gunduz
- Department of Hematology, Biruni University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey;
| | - Pinar Ataca Atilla
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Ph.D Program, Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, Ankara 06520, Turkey;
| | - Erden Atilla
- Department of Hematology, Mersin State Hospital, Korukent District, 96015 St., Toroslar 33240, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +9-05-058-213-131
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48
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Zeng Y, Lv X, Du J. Natural killer cell‑based immunotherapy for lung cancer: Challenges and perspectives (Review). Oncol Rep 2021; 46:232. [PMID: 34498710 PMCID: PMC8444189 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.8183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the marked success of molecular targeted therapy in lung cancer in this era of personalized medicine, its efficacy has been limited by the presence of resistance mechanisms. The prognosis of patients with lung cancer remains poor, and there is an unmet need to develop more effective therapies to improve clinical outcomes. The increasing insight into the human immune system has led to breakthroughs in immunotherapy and has prompted research interest in employing immunotherapy to treat lung cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells, which serve as the first line of defense against tumors, can induce the innate and adaptive immune responses. Therefore, the use of NK cells for the development of novel lung-cancer immunotherapy strategies is promising. A growing number of novel approaches that boost NK cell antitumor immunity and expand NK cell populations ex vivo now provide a platform for the development of antitumor immunotherapy. The present review outlined the biology of NK cells, summarized the role of NK cells in lung cancer and the effect of the tumor microenvironment on NK cells, highlighted the potential of NK cell-based immunotherapy as an effective therapeutic strategy for lung cancer and discussed future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqin Zeng
- Department of Nephrology, The Affiliated Hospital Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P.R. China
| | - Xiuzhi Lv
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Guizhou Provincial People's Hospital, Guiyang, Guizhou 550002, P.R. China
| | - Juan Du
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Emerging Infectious Diseases, Institute of Infectious Diseases, Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100015, P.R. China
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Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Natural Killer (CAR NK) Cells in Cancer Treatment; Recent Advances and Future Prospects. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2021; 17:2081-2106. [PMID: 34472037 PMCID: PMC8410173 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-021-10246-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are critical members of the innate immunity lymphocytes and have a critical role in host defense against malignant cells. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirects the specificity of the immune cell against a target-specific antigen. ACT has recently created an outstanding opportunity for cancer treatment. Unlike CAR-armored T cells which hadnsome shortcomings as the CAR-receiving construct, Major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independency, shorter lifespan, the potential to produce an off-the-shelf immune product, and potent anti-tumor properties of the NK cells has introduced NK cells as a potent alternative target for expression of CAR. Here, we aim to provide an updated overview on the current improvements in CAR NK design and immunobiology and describe the potential of CAR-modified NK cells as an alternative “off-the-shelf” carrier of CAR. We also provide lists for the sources of NK cells in the process of CAR NK cell production, different methods for transduction of the CAR genetic sequence to NK cells, the differences between CAR T and CAR NK, and CAR NK-targeted tumor antigens in current studies. Additionally, we provide data on recently published preclinical and clinical studies of CAR NK therapy and a list of finished and ongoing clinical trials. For achieving CAR NK products with higher efficacy and safety, we discuss current challenges in transduction and expansion of CAR NK cells, CAR NK therapy side effects, and challenges that limit the optimal efficacy of CAR NK cells and recommend possible solutions to enhance the persistence, function, safety, and efficacy of CAR NK cells with a special focus on solid tumors.
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50
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Bates PD, Rakhmilevich AL, Cho MM, Bouchlaka MN, Rao SL, Hales JM, Orentas RJ, Fry TJ, Gilles SD, Sondel PM, Capitini CM. Combining Immunocytokine and Ex Vivo Activated NK Cells as a Platform for Enhancing Graft-Versus-Tumor Effects Against GD2 + Murine Neuroblastoma. Front Immunol 2021; 12:668307. [PMID: 34489927 PMCID: PMC8417312 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.668307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Management for high-risk neuroblastoma (NBL) has included autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) and anti-GD2 immunotherapy, but survival remains around 50%. The aim of this study was to determine if allogeneic HSCT could serve as a platform for inducing a graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effect against NBL with combination immunocytokine and NK cells in a murine model. Lethally irradiated C57BL/6 (B6) x A/J recipients were transplanted with B6 bone marrow on Day +0. On day +10, allogeneic HSCT recipients were challenged with NXS2, a GD2+ NBL. On days +14-16, mice were treated with the anti-GD2 immunocytokine hu14.18-IL2. In select groups, hu14.18-IL2 was combined with infusions of B6 NK cells activated with IL-15/IL-15Rα and CD137L ex vivo. Allogeneic HSCT alone was insufficient to control NXS2 tumor growth, but the addition of hu14.18-IL2 controlled tumor growth and improved survival. Adoptive transfer of ex vivo CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells with or without hu14.18-IL2 exacerbated lethality. CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells showed enhanced cytotoxicity and produced high levels of TNF-α in vitro, but induced cytokine release syndrome (CRS) in vivo. Infusing Perforin-/- CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells had no impact on GVT, whereas TNF-α-/- CD137L/IL-15/IL-15Rα activated NK cells improved GVT by decreasing peripheral effector cell subsets while preserving tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Depletion of Ly49H+ NK cells also improved GVT. Using allogeneic HSCT for NBL is a viable platform for immunocytokines and ex vivo activated NK cell infusions, but must be balanced with induction of CRS. Regulation of TNFα or activating NK subsets may be needed to improve GVT effects.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Combined Modality Therapy
- Cytokines/pharmacology
- Female
- Gangliosides/antagonists & inhibitors
- Gangliosides/immunology
- Gangliosides/metabolism
- Graft vs Tumor Effect
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
- Immunotherapy, Adoptive
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Killer Cells, Natural/transplantation
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Neuroblastoma/immunology
- Neuroblastoma/metabolism
- Neuroblastoma/pathology
- Neuroblastoma/therapy
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul D. Bates
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Alexander L. Rakhmilevich
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Monica M. Cho
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Myriam N. Bouchlaka
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Seema L. Rao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Joanna M. Hales
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Rimas J. Orentas
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States
- Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research, Seattle Children’s Research Institute, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Terry J. Fry
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Paul M. Sondel
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
| | - Christian M. Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, United States
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