1
|
Zhao J, Wang X, Zhu H, Wei S, Zhang H, Ma L, Zhu W. Exploring natural killer cell-related biomarkers in multiple myeloma: a novel nature killer cell-related model predicting prognosis and immunotherapy response using single-cell study. Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:79. [PMID: 38634972 PMCID: PMC11026209 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01322-2] [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: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer cells (NKs) may be involved in multiple myeloma (MM) progression. The present study elucidated the correlation between NKs and the progression of MM using single-cell binding transcriptome probes to identify NK cell-related biomarkers. METHODS Single-cell analysis was performed including cell and subtype annotation, cell communication, and pseudotime analysis. Hallmark pathway enrichment analysis of NKs and NKs-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were conducted using Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks. Then, a risk model was structured based on biomarkers identified through univariate Cox regression analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression analysis and subsequently validated. Additionally, correlation of clinical characteristics, gene set enrichment analysis, immune analysis, regulatory network, and drug forecasting were explored. RESULTS A total of 13 cell clusters were obtained and annotated, including 8 cell populations that consisted of NKs. Utilizing 123 PPI network node genes, 8 NK-related DEGs were selected to construct a prognostic model. Immune cell infiltration results suggested that 11 immune cells exhibited marked differences in the high and low-risk groups. Finally, the model was used to screen potential drug targets to enhance immunotherapy efficacy. CONCLUSION A new prognostic model for MM associated with NKs was constructed and validated. This model provides a fresh perspective for predicting patient outcomes, immunotherapeutic response, and candidate drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaoning Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Huachao Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Suhua Wei
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Hailing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Le Ma
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjuan Zhu
- Department of Medical, Xi'an Gem Flower Changqing Hospital, No. 20 Changqing West Road, Xi'an, 710201, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Fetzko SL, Timothy LD, Parihar R. NK Cell Therapeutics for Hematologic Malignancies: from Potential to Fruition. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2023; 18:264-272. [PMID: 37751103 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-023-00711-w] [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] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review focuses on the preclinical development and clinical advances of natural killer (NK) cell therapeutics for hematologic malignancies and offers perspective on the unmet challenges that will direct future discovery in the field. RECENT FINDINGS Approaches to improve or re-direct NK cell anti-tumor functions against hematologic malignancies have included transgenic expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), administration of NK cell engagers including BiKEs and TriKEs that enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by co-engaging NK cell CD16 and antigens on tumors, incorporation of a non-cleavable CD16 that results in enhanced ADCC, use of induced memory-like NK cells alone or in combination with CARs, and blockade of NK immune checkpoints to enhance NK cytotoxicity. Recently reported and ongoing clinical trials support the feasibility and safety of these approaches. NK cell-based therapeutic strategies hold great promise as cost-effective, off-the-shelf cell therapies for patients with relapsed and refractory hematologic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Fetzko
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leander D Timothy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robin Parihar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Bakhtiyari M, Liaghat M, Aziziyan F, Shapourian H, Yahyazadeh S, Alipour M, Shahveh S, Maleki-Sheikhabadi F, Halimi H, Forghaniesfidvajani R, Zalpoor H, Nabi-Afjadi M, Pornour M. The role of bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) progression: immune checkpoints, metabolic checkpoints, and signaling pathways. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:252. [PMID: 37735675 PMCID: PMC10512514 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01282-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) comprises a multifarious and heterogeneous array of illnesses characterized by the anomalous proliferation of myeloid cells in the bone marrow microenvironment (BMM). The BMM plays a pivotal role in promoting AML progression, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The immune checkpoints (ICs) and metabolic processes are the key players in this process. In this review, we delineate the metabolic and immune checkpoint characteristics of the AML BMM, with a focus on the roles of BMM cells e.g. tumor-associated macrophages, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, metabolic profiles and related signaling pathways. We also discuss the signaling pathways stimulated in AML cells by BMM factors that lead to AML progression. We then delve into the roles of immune checkpoints in AML angiogenesis, metastasis, and cell proliferation, including co-stimulatory and inhibitory ICs. Lastly, we discuss the potential therapeutic approaches and future directions for AML treatment, emphasizing the potential of targeting metabolic and immune checkpoints in AML BMM as prognostic and therapeutic targets. In conclusion, the modulation of these processes through the use of directed drugs opens up new promising avenues in combating AML. Thereby, a comprehensive elucidation of the significance of these AML BMM cells' metabolic and immune checkpoints and signaling pathways on leukemic cells can be undertaken in the future investigations. Additionally, these checkpoints and cells should be considered plausible multi-targeted therapies for AML in combination with other conventional treatments in AML. Video Abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Liaghat
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Kazerun Branch, Islamic Azad University, Kazerun, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hooriyeh Shapourian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Sheida Yahyazadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maedeh Alipour
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Research Center, Health Research Institute, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Shaghayegh Shahveh
- American Association of Naturopath Physician (AANP), Washington, DC, USA
| | - Fahimeh Maleki-Sheikhabadi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Halimi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Razieh Forghaniesfidvajani
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Pornour
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhou Y, Zhu H, Han J, Xu Y, Wang D, Jin W, Zhu R, Qiao L. miR-125b-5p Suppresses Leukemia Cell Proliferation by Regulating MCL1. J Environ Pathol Toxicol Oncol 2023; 42:17-26. [PMID: 36734950 DOI: 10.1615/jenvironpatholtoxicoloncol.2022041924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukemia threatens children's health, and leukemia cell proliferation and apoptosis participate in the regulation of leukemia. The current study aims to probe into the miR-125b-5p biological function in regulating leukemia cell proliferation and apoptosis by myeloid cell leukemia 1 (MCL1). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was conducted to quantify miR-125b-5p expression in leukemia cells. Cell transfection, cell-counting assay 8, Western blot, and flow cytometry assays were applied to assess the miR-125b-5p function in leukemia. A dual-luciferase reporter gene assay was applied to investigate the mechanism. miR-125b-5p was lessened in leukemia cells, and the increased miR-125b-5p repressed leukemia cell proliferation and boosted apoptosis. Further, miR-125b-5p could bound with the MCL1 3'-untranslated region and regulated its expression. Furthermore, the elevated expression of miR-125b-5p repressed leukemia cell proliferation and boosted apoptosis through downregulating MCL1. miR-125b-5p inhibited leukemia cell proliferation and boosted apoptosis through decreasing MCL1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huan Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinan Han
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ruyuan Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lixing Qiao
- Department of Pediatrics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aru B, Pehlivanoğlu C, Dal Z, Dereli-Çalışkan NN, Gürlü E, Yanıkkaya-Demirel G. A potential area of use for immune checkpoint inhibitors: Targeting bone marrow microenvironment in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1108200. [PMID: 36742324 PMCID: PMC9895857 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1108200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) arises from the cells of myeloid lineage and is the most frequent leukemia type in adulthood accounting for about 80% of all cases. The most common treatment strategy for the treatment of AML includes chemotherapy, in rare cases radiotherapy and stem cell and bone marrow transplantation are considered. Immune checkpoint proteins involve in the negative regulation of immune cells, leading to an escape from immune surveillance, in turn, causing failure of tumor cell elimination. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) target the negative regulation of the immune cells and support the immune system in terms of anti-tumor immunity. Bone marrow microenvironment (BMM) bears various blood cell lineages and the interactions between these lineages and the noncellular components of BMM are considered important for AML development and progression. Administration of ICIs for the AML treatment may be a promising option by regulating BMM. In this review, we summarize the current treatment options in AML treatment and discuss the possible application of ICIs in AML treatment from the perspective of the regulation of BMM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Başak Aru
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Cemil Pehlivanoğlu
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Zeynep Dal
- School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | | | - Ege Gürlü
- School of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gülderen Yanıkkaya-Demirel
- Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Yeditepe University, Istanbul, Türkiye,*Correspondence: Gülderen Yanıkkaya-Demirel,
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li P, Li J, Wen F, Cao Y, Luo Z, Zuo J, Wu F, Li Z, Li W, Wang F. A novel cuproptosis-related LncRNA signature: Prognostic and therapeutic value for acute myeloid leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:966920. [PMID: 36276132 PMCID: PMC9585311 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.966920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cuproptosis is a type of programmed cell death that is involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes, including cancer. We constructed a prognostic cuproptosis-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) signature for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Methods RNA-seq and clinical data for AML patients were acquired from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The cuproptosis-related prognostic lncRNAs were identified by co-expression and univariate Cox regression analysis. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) was performed to construct a cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature, after which the AML patients were classified into two risk groups based on the risk model. Kaplan-Meier, ROC, univariate and multivariate Cox regression, nomogram, and calibration curves analyses were used to evaluate the prognostic value of the model. Then, expression levels of the lncRNAs in the signature were investigated in AML samples by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). KEGG functional analysis, single-sample GSEA (ssGSEA), and the ESTIMATE algorithm were used to analyze the mechanisms and immune status between the different risk groups. The sensitivities for potential therapeutic drugs for AML were also investigated. Results Five hundred and three lncRNAs related to 19 CRGs in AML samples from the TCGA database were obtained, and 21 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified based on the 2-year overall survival (OS) outcomes of AML patients. A 4-cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature for survival was constructed by LASSO Cox regression. High-risk AML patients exhibited worse outcomes. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses demonstrated the independent prognostic value of the model. ROC, nomogram, and calibration curves analyses revealed the predictive power of the signature. KEGG pathway and ssGSEA analyses showed that the high-risk group had higher immune activities. Lastly, AML patients from different risk groups showed differential responses to various agents. Conclusion A cuproptosis-related lncRNA signature was established to predict the prognosis and inform on potential therapeutic strategies for AML patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pian Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Oncology Radiotherapy, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Junjun Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hematology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Feng Wen
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hematology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Yixiong Cao
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hematology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zeyu Luo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hematology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Juan Zuo
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hematology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Fei Wu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hematology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Zhiqin Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hematology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Wenlu Li
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hematology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
| | - Fujue Wang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Department of Hematology, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, China
- Department of Hematology, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Fujue Wang,
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Särchen V, Shanmugalingam S, Kehr S, Reindl LM, Greze V, Wiedemann S, Boedicker C, Jacob M, Bankov K, Becker N, Wehner S, Theilen TM, Gretser S, Gradhand E, Kummerow C, Ullrich E, Vogler M. Pediatric multicellular tumor spheroid models illustrate a therapeutic potential by combining BH3 mimetics with Natural Killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:11. [PMID: 35013156 PMCID: PMC8748928 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-021-00812-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The induction of apoptosis is a direct way to eliminate tumor cells and improve cancer therapy. Apoptosis is tightly controlled by the balance of pro- and antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins. BH3 mimetics neutralize the antiapoptotic function of Bcl-2 proteins and are highly promising compounds inducing apoptosis in several cancer entities including pediatric malignancies. However, the clinical application of BH3 mimetics in solid tumors is impeded by the frequent resistance to single BH3 mimetics and the anticipated toxicity of high concentrations or combination treatments. One potential avenue to increase the potency of BH3 mimetics is the development of immune cell-based therapies to counteract the intrinsic apoptosis resistance of tumor cells and sensitize them to immune attack. Here, we describe spheroid cultures of pediatric cancer cells that can serve as models for drug testing. In these 3D models, we were able to demonstrate that activated allogeneic Natural Killer (NK) cells migrated into tumor spheroids and displayed cytotoxicity against a wide range of pediatric cancer spheroids, highlighting their potential as anti-tumor effector cells. Next, we investigated whether treatment of tumor spheroids with subtoxic concentrations of BH3 mimetics can increase the cytotoxicity of NK cells. Notably, the cytotoxic effects of NK cells were enhanced by the addition of BH3 mimetics. Treatment with either the Bcl-XL inhibitor A1331852 or the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845 increased the cytotoxicity of NK cells and reduced spheroid size, while the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199 had no effect on NK cell-mediated killing. Taken together, this is the first study to describe the combination of BH3 mimetics targeting Bcl-XL or Mcl-1 with NK cell-based immunotherapy, highlighting the potential of BH3 mimetics in immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vinzenz Särchen
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Senthan Shanmugalingam
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sarah Kehr
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Reindl
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Victoria Greze
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sara Wiedemann
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Cathinka Boedicker
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Maureen Jacob
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katrin Bankov
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nina Becker
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Sibylle Wehner
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Till M Theilen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Steffen Gretser
- Department of Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elise Gradhand
- Department of Pediatric and Perinatal Pathology, Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Pathology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Carsten Kummerow
- Department of Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Saarland, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Meike Vogler
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research in Pediatrics, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany. .,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) partner site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang P, He B, Cai Q, Tu G, Peng X, Zhao Z, Peng W, Yu F, Wang M, Tao Y, Wang X. Decreased IL-6 and NK Cells in Early-Stage Lung Adenocarcinoma Presenting as Ground-Glass Opacity. Front Oncol 2021; 11:705888. [PMID: 34568032 PMCID: PMC8457009 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.705888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lung ground-glass opacities (GGOs) are an early manifestation of lung adenocarcinoma. It is of great value to study the changes in the immune microenvironment of GGO to elucidate the occurrence and evolution of early lung adenocarcinoma. Although the changes of IL-6 and NK cells in lung adenocarcinoma have caught global attention, we have little appreciation for how IL-6 and NK cells in the lung GGO affect the progression of early lung adenocarcinoma. Methods We analyzed the RNA sequencing data of surgical specimens from 21 patients with GGO-featured primary lung adenocarcinoma and verified the changes in the expression of IL-6 and other important immune molecules in the TCGA and GEO databases. Next, we used flow cytometry to detect the protein expression levels of important Th1/Th2 cytokines in GGO and normal lung tissues and the changes in the composition ratio of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Then, we analyzed the effect of IL-6 on NK cells through organoid culture and immunofluorescence. Finally, we explored the changes of related molecules and pathway might be involved. Results IL-6 may play an important role in the tumor microenvironment of early lung adenocarcinoma. Further research confirmed that the decrease of IL-6 in GGO tissue is consistent with the changes in NK cells, and there seems to be a correlation between these two phenomena. Conclusion The IL-6 expression status and NK cell levels of early lung adenocarcinoma as GGO are significantly reduced, and the stimulation of IL-6 can up-regulate or activate NK cells in GGO, providing new insights into the diagnosis and pathogenesis of early lung cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Boxue He
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qidong Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guangxu Tu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiong Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenyu Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Weilin Peng
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Fenglei Yu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China (NHC), Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis (Central South University), Cancer Research Institute and School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Unleashing the power of NK cells in anticancer immunotherapy. J Mol Med (Berl) 2021; 100:337-349. [PMID: 34374809 PMCID: PMC8843917 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-021-02120-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Due to their physiological role in removing damaged cells, natural killer (NK) cells represent ideal candidates for cellular immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer. Thereby, the cytotoxicity of NK cells is regulated by signals on both, the NK cells as well as the targeted tumor cells, and the interplay and balance of these signals determine the killing capacity of NK cells. One promising avenue in cancer treatment is therefore the combination of NK cell therapy with agents that either help to increase the killing capacity of NK cells or sensitize tumor cells to an NK cell-mediated attack. In this mini-review, we present different strategies that can be explored to unleash the potential of NK cell immunotherapy. In particular, we summarize how modulation of apoptosis signaling within tumor cells can be exploited to sensitize tumor cells to NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity.
Collapse
|
10
|
Yang L, Feng Y, Wang S, Jiang S, Tao L, Li J, Wang X. Siglec-7 is an indicator of natural killer cell function in acute myeloid leukemia. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107965. [PMID: 34273636 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Immune dysfunction is an established risk factor in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells is greatly impaired in AML, and the profile of NK cell receptors is markedly altered in AML; however, this is not yet well characterized. In this study, we found the downregulation of Siglec-7 could be utilized as a potential marker of NK cell dysfunction in AML. The absolute numbers and percentages of NK cells were declined in the peripheral blood of patients with AML, and the levels of activating receptors NKG2D, NKp46, and NKp30 were reduced in NK cells from patients with AML compared with healthy controls. In contrast, the levels of inhibitory receptors TIM-3, ILT-4, ILT-5, and PD-1 were increased in NK cells from patients with AML. Of note, the level of Siglec-7 in NK cells from patients with AML was significantly lower than that in NK cells from healthy controls, and Siglec-7+ NK cells displayed higher levels of activating receptors and stronger cytotoxicity when compared with Siglec-7- NK cells. Our data indicate that decreased Siglec-7 level may predict NK cell dysfunction in AML, and NK cells may be promising targets of immunotherapy for AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Feng
- Department of Hematology, Anhui Provincial Cancer Hospital, Hefei 230031, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shanyue Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Longxiang Tao
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
| | - Xuefu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kaweme NM, Zhou F. Optimizing NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Myeloid Leukemia: Abrogating an Immunosuppressive Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:683381. [PMID: 34220833 PMCID: PMC8247591 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.683381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are prominent cytotoxic and cytokine-producing components of the innate immune system representing crucial effector cells in cancer immunotherapy. Presently, various NK cell-based immunotherapies have contributed to the substantial improvement in the reconstitution of NK cells against advanced-staged and high-risk AML. Various NK cell sources, including haploidentical NK cells, adaptive NK cells, umbilical cord blood NK cells, stem cell-derived NK cells, chimeric antigen receptor NK cells, cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells, and NK cell lines have been identified. Devising innovative approaches to improve the generation of therapeutic NK cells from the aforementioned sources is likely to enhance NK cell expansion and activation, stimulate ex vivo and in vivo persistence of NK cells and improve conventional treatment response of myeloid leukemia. The tumor-promoting properties of the tumor microenvironment and downmodulation of NK cellular metabolic activity in solid tumors and hematological malignancies constitute a significant impediment in enhancing the anti-tumor effects of NK cells. In this review, we discuss the current NK cell sources, highlight ongoing interventions in enhancing NK cell function, and outline novel strategies to circumvent immunosuppressive factors in the tumor microenvironment to improve the efficacy of NK cell-based immunotherapy and expand their future success in treating myeloid leukemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Fuling Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|