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Huang S, Qin Z, Wang F, Kang Y, Ren B. A potential mechanism of tumor immune escape: Regulation and application of soluble natural killer group 2 member D ligands (Review). Oncol Rep 2024; 52:137. [PMID: 39155864 PMCID: PMC11358674 DOI: 10.3892/or.2024.8796] [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: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune system is integral to the surveillance and eradication of tumor cells. Interactions between the natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor and its ligands (NKG2DLs) are vital for activating NKG2D receptor‑positive immune cells, such as natural killer cells. This activation enables these cells to identify and destroy tumor cells presenting with NKG2DLs, which is an essential aspect of tumor immunity. However, tumor immune escape is facilitated by soluble NKG2DL (sNKG2DL) shed from the surface of tumor cells. The production of sNKG2DL is predominantly regulated by metalloproteinases [a disintegrin and metalloproteinases (ADAM) and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) families] and exosomes. sNKG2DL not only diminish immune recognition on the tumor cell surface but also suppress the function of immune cells, such as NK cells, and reduce the expression of the NKG2D receptor. This process promotes immune evasion, progression, and metastasis of tumors. In this review, an in‑depth summary of the mechanisms and factors that influence sNKG2DL production and their contribution to immune suppression within the tumor microenvironment are provided. Furthermore, due to the significant link between sNKG2DLs and tumor progression and metastasis, they have great potential as novel biomarkers. Detectable via liquid biopsies, sNKG2DLs could assess tumor malignancy and prognosis, and act as pivotal targets for immunotherapy. This could lead to the discovery of new drugs or the enhancement of existing treatments. Thus, the application of sNKG2DLs in clinical oncology was explored, offering substantial theoretical support for the development of innovative immunotherapeutic strategies for sNKG2DLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuhao Huang
- Hunan Center for Clinical Laboratory, Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Zihao Qin
- Hunan Center for Clinical Laboratory, Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Feiyang Wang
- Hunan Center for Clinical Laboratory, Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Yiping Kang
- Hunan Center for Clinical Laboratory, Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Biqiong Ren
- Hunan Center for Clinical Laboratory, Second People's Hospital of Hunan Province, Changsha, Hunan 410007, P.R. China
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Chen L, Chao Y, Li W, Wu Z, Wang Q. Soluble immune checkpoint molecules in cancer risk, outcomes prediction, and therapeutic applications. Biomark Res 2024; 12:95. [PMID: 39218939 PMCID: PMC11368031 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00647-0] [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: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 08/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal modality in cancer treatment, with immune checkpoint inhibitors effectively combating malignancies by impeding crucial pathways within the immune system and stimulating patients' immune responses. Soluble forms of immune checkpoints exhibit a remarkable diversity and can be readily tracked in circulation, holding immense potential as biomarkers for cancer treatment. An increasing number of studies focused on soluble immune checkpoints in cancer have emerged thanks to technological advancements. In this systematic review, we comprehensively summarized the recent studies on soluble immune checkpoints in human cancer risk prediction, outcome prediction, therapeutic applications, and potential molecular mechanisms, which demonstrated the promising future of soluble immune checkpoints in clinical applications. The clinical relevance of soluble immune checkpoints has been recognized in multiple cancers, yet the therapeutic applications and mechanisms remain obscure. Interpreting the impacts and mechanisms of soluble immune checkpoints could shed a light on the novel strategies of cancer screening, treatments, and outcome prediction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310009, Zhejiang, PR China
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuqing Chao
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310009, Zhejiang, PR China
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenjing Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310009, Zhejiang, PR China
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhixia Wu
- Department of Service and Purchase, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qinchuan Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Affiliated Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, 310009, Zhejiang, PR China.
- School of Public Health, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Wang D, Dou L, Sui L, Xue Y, Xu S. Natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e626. [PMID: 38882209 PMCID: PMC11179524 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as innate lymphocytes, possess cytotoxic capabilities and engage target cells through a repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. Particularly, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on NK cells recognizes stress-induced ligands-the MHC class I chain-related molecules A and B (MICA/B) presented on tumor cells and is key to trigger the cytolytic response of NK cells. However, tumors have developed sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell surveillance, which lead to failure of tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarized these immune escaping strategies, including the downregulation of ligands for activating receptors, upregulation of ligands for inhibitory receptors, secretion of immunosuppressive compounds, and the development of apoptosis resistance. Then, we focus on recent advancements in NK cell immune therapies, which include engaging activating NK cell receptors, upregulating NKG2D ligand MICA/B expression, blocking inhibitory NK cell receptors, adoptive NK cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK), and NKG2D CAR-T cells, especially several vaccines targeting MICA/B. This review will inspire the research in NK cell biology in tumor and provide significant hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- DanRu Wang
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LingYun Dou
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LiHao Sui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Yiquan Xue
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation Dongfang Hospital Shanghai China
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Lopez DC, Fabian KP, Padget MR, Robbins YL, Kowalczyk JT, Lassoued W, Pastor DM, Allen CT, Gallia GL, Gulley JL, Hodge JW, London NR. Chordoma cancer stem cell subpopulation characterization may guide targeted immunotherapy approaches to reduce disease recurrence. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1376622. [PMID: 38741774 PMCID: PMC11089222 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1376622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a group of tumor-initiating and tumor-maintaining cells, may be major players in the treatment resistance and recurrence distinctive of chordoma. Characterizing CSCs is crucial to better targeting this subpopulation. Methods Using flow cytometry, six chordoma cell lines were evaluated for CSC composition. In vitro, cell lines were stained for B7H6, HER2, MICA-B, ULBP1, EGFR, and PD-L1 surface markers. Eighteen resected chordomas were stained using a multispectral immunofluorescence (mIF) antibody panel to identify CSCs in vivo. HALO software was used for quantitative CSC density and spatial analysis. Results In vitro, chordoma CSCs express more B7H6, MICA-B, and ULBP1, assessed by percent positivity and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI), as compared to non-CSCs in all cell lines. PD- L1 percent positivity is increased by >20% in CSCs compared to non-CSCs in all cell lines except CH22. In vivo, CSCs comprise 1.39% of chordoma cells and most are PD-L1+ (75.18%). A spatial analysis suggests that chordoma CSCs cluster at an average distance of 71.51 mm (SD 73.40 mm) from stroma. Discussion To our knowledge, this study is the first to identify individual chordoma CSCs and describe their surface phenotypes using in vitro and in vivo methods. PD-L1 is overexpressed on CSCs in chordoma human cell lines and operative tumor samples. Similarly, potential immunotherapeutic targets on CSCs, including B7H6, MICA-B, ULBP1, EGFR, and HER2 are overexpressed across cell lines. Targeting these markers may have a preferential role in combating CSCs, an aggressive subpopulation likely consequential to chordoma's high recurrence rate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana C. Lopez
- Sinonasal and Skull Base Tumor Program, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kellsye P. Fabian
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Michelle R. Padget
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Yvette L. Robbins
- Head and Neck Section, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Joshua T. Kowalczyk
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Wiem Lassoued
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Danielle M. Pastor
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Clint T. Allen
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Head and Neck Section, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Gary L. Gallia
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine;, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - James L. Gulley
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - James W. Hodge
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nyall R. London
- Sinonasal and Skull Base Tumor Program, Surgical Oncology Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
- Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Department of Neurosurgery, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine;, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Geng S, Yu X, Yu S. Efficacy and safety of natural killer cells injection combined with XELOX chemotherapy in postoperative patients with stage III colorectal cancer in China: a prospective randomised controlled clinical trial study protocol. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080377. [PMID: 38531576 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080377] [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] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequently diagnosed cancer and the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in China. However, resistance to multiple chemotherapeutics after surgery leads to failure of the main therapy to CRC. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes that exhibit strong cytotoxic activity against tumour cells. NK cell-based therapy, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy, has achieved favourable results and holds promise for addressing recurrence and metastasis in CRC patients after surgery. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a prospective, randomised controlled clinical trial to evaluate efficacy and safety of interleukin 2 activated NK cells injection combined with XELOX (capecitabine plus oxaliplatin)-based chemotherapy for postoperative CRC patients. Participants will be randomly divided into treatment group and control group, and every group includes 40 patients. The treatment group will also receive NK cells (5×109) with+XELOX-based chemotherapy, while the control group will receive only XELOX-based chemotherapy. This treatment will be repeated for eight cycles (6 months). The follow-up period lasts about 3 years, during which CEA, CA19-9, CA125, enhancement CT and colonoscopy will be conducted. The primary endpoints of this study are progression-free survival and overall survival, while the secondary endpoint is safety (number and severity of adverse events). Additionally, we aim to identify cancer stem cells in peripheral blood and predictive biomarkers (cytokines secreted by NK cells and activated markers of NK cells) that indicate patients who achieve an effective response. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study has been approved by the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of our hospital (approval number 2023LLSC006) and the Chinese Clinical Trials. It will be conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants. The study findings will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals for publication. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2300075861).
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan Geng
- Department of Endocrinology, The People's Hospital of Dazu Chongqing, Chongqing, China
| | - Xingrui Yu
- Department of Computer Science, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Shaohong Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The People's Hospital of Dazu Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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Serritella AV, Saenz-Lopez Larrocha P, Dhar P, Liu S, Medd MM, Jia S, Cao Q, Wu JD. The Human Soluble NKG2D Ligand Differentially Impacts Tumorigenicity and Progression in Temporal and Model-Dependent Modes. Biomedicines 2024; 12:196. [PMID: 38255301 PMCID: PMC10812945 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010196] [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: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
NKG2D is an activating receptor expressed by all human NK cells and CD8 T cells. Harnessing the NKG2D/NKG2D ligand axis has emerged as a viable avenue for cancer immunotherapy. However, there is a long-standing controversy over whether soluble NKG2D ligands are immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory, originating from conflicting data generated from different scopes of pre-clinical investigations. Using multiple pre-clinical tumor models, we demonstrated that the impact of the most characterized human solid tumor-associated soluble NKG2D ligand, the soluble MHC I chain-related molecule (sMIC), on tumorigenesis depended on the tumor model being studied and whether the tumor cells possessed stemness-like properties. We demonstrated that the potential of tumor formation or establishment depended upon tumor cell stem-like properties irrespective of tumor cells secreting the soluble NKG2D ligand sMIC. Specifically, tumor formation was delayed or failed if sMIC-expressing tumor cells expressed low stem-cell markers; tumor formation was rapid if sMIC-expressing tumor cells expressed high stem-like cell markers. However, once tumors were formed, overexpression of sMIC unequivocally suppressed tumoral NK and CD8 T cell immunity and facilitated tumor growth. Our study distinguished the differential impacts of soluble NKG2D ligands in tumor formation and tumor progression, cleared the outstanding controversy over soluble NKG2D ligands in modulating tumor immunity, and re-enforced the viability of targeting soluble NKG2D ligands for cancer immunotherapy for established tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony V. Serritella
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA;
| | - Pablo Saenz-Lopez Larrocha
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (P.S.-L.L.); (P.D.); (S.L.); (M.M.M.); (S.J.); (Q.C.)
| | - Payal Dhar
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (P.S.-L.L.); (P.D.); (S.L.); (M.M.M.); (S.J.); (Q.C.)
| | - Sizhe Liu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (P.S.-L.L.); (P.D.); (S.L.); (M.M.M.); (S.J.); (Q.C.)
| | - Milan M. Medd
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (P.S.-L.L.); (P.D.); (S.L.); (M.M.M.); (S.J.); (Q.C.)
| | - Shengxian Jia
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (P.S.-L.L.); (P.D.); (S.L.); (M.M.M.); (S.J.); (Q.C.)
| | - Qi Cao
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (P.S.-L.L.); (P.D.); (S.L.); (M.M.M.); (S.J.); (Q.C.)
| | - Jennifer D. Wu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (P.S.-L.L.); (P.D.); (S.L.); (M.M.M.); (S.J.); (Q.C.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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Kim S, Chung H, Kwak JE, Kim YR, Park CH, Kim Y, Cheong JW, Wu J, Shin EC, Cho H, Kim JS. Clearing soluble MIC reverses the impaired function of natural killer cells from patients with multiple myeloma. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e007886. [PMID: 38191242 PMCID: PMC10806558 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related protein (MIC) is a stress-induced ligand released from multiple myeloma (MM) cells during progression, and soluble MIC impairs natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) activating receptor-mediated recognition and function of natural killer (NK) cells. However, whether clearing soluble MIC with a monoclonal antibody (mAb) can restore NK cell activity of MM patients remains undetermined. METHODS We analyzed The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) CoMMpass data set to examine the prognostic significance of MIC expression in MM. We examined the level of soluble MIC in paired peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) plasma of patients with MM at diagnosis by ELISA. We evaluated the correlation between the level of soluble MIC and immunophenotype of NK cells from MM patients by multicolor flow cytometry. We also generated MIC-overexpressing MM cell line and characterized the cytotoxic function of patient NK cells in the presence of soluble MIC, and examined the impact of clearing soluble MIC with a humanized mAb (huB10G5). RESULTS We characterize the importance of MICA in MM by revealing the significantly better overall survival of patients with high MICA expression from TCGA MMRF CoMMpass data set. The level of soluble MICA is more highly elevated in MM than in precursor stages, and the concentration of soluble MICA is higher in BM plasma than in PB. The concentration of soluble MICA in BM was correlated with myeloma burden, while it was negatively correlated with the frequency of NKG2D+ NK cells in diagnostic BM aspirates of MM patients. Soluble MICA downregulated NKG2D expression and decreased cytotoxicity of MM patient NK cells ex vivo, which were reversed by a humanized soluble MIC-clearing mAb (huB10G5) with enhanced degranulation of NK cells. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate targeting soluble MIC with huB10G5 might be a viable therapeutic approach to promote NKG2D-dependent cellular immunotherapy outcome in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sojeong Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Haerim Chung
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jeong-Eun Kwak
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yu Ri Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Chung Hyun Park
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yeonhee Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - June-Won Cheong
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jennifer Wu
- Department of Urology and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Hyunsoo Cho
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jin Seok Kim
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
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Yin JY, Zhou Y, Ding XM, Gong RZ, Zhou Y, Hu HY, Liu Y, Lv XB, Zhang B. UCA1 Inhibits NKG2D-mediated Cytotoxicity of NK Cells to Breast Cancer. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2024; 24:204-219. [PMID: 37076962 DOI: 10.2174/1568009623666230418134253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer cells play important roles in tumor immune surveillance, and cancer cells must resist this surveillance in order to progress and metastasise. INTRODUCTION The study aimed to explore the mechanism of how breast cancer cells become resistant to the cytotoxicity of NK cells. METHODS We established NK-resistant breast cancer cells by exposing MDA-MB-231 cells and MCF-7 cells to NK92 cells. Profiles of lncRNA were compared between the NK-resistant and parental cell lines. Primary NK cells were isolated by MACS, and the NK attacking effect was tested by non-radioactive cytotoxicity. The change in lncRNAs was analyzed by Gene-chip. The interaction between lncRNA and miRNA was displayed by Luciferase assay. The regulation of the gene was verified by QRT-PCR and WB. The clinical indicators were detected by ISH, IH, and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS UCA1 was found to be significantly up-regulated in both NK-resistant cell lines, and we confirmed such up-regulation on its own to be sufficient to render parental cell lines resistant to NK92 cells. We found that UCA1 up-regulated ULBP2 via the transcription factor CREB1, while it up-regulated ADAM17 by "sponging" the miR-26b-5p. ADAM17 facilitated the shedding of soluble ULBP2 from the surface of breast cancer cells, rendering them resistant to killing by NK cells. UCA1, ADAM17, and ULBP2 were found to be expressed at higher levels in bone metastases of breast cancer than in primary tumors. CONCLUSION Our data strongly suggest that UCA1 up-regulates ULBP2 expression and shedding, rendering breast cancer cells resistant to killing by NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Yi Yin
- Orthopaedic Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 445 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
- Oncology Department of Tongji Hospital of Tongji University, No. 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Yao Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, the Third hospital of Nanchang, No. 2, Xiangshan Road, Xihu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330009, China
| | - Xiao-Ming Ding
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, No. 600 Yishan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Run-Ze Gong
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, No. 600 Yishan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, No. 600 Yishan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Hai-Yan Hu
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, No. 600 Yishan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Oncology Department of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, No. 600 Yishan Road, Xuhui District, Shanghai, 200233, China
| | - Xiao-Bin Lv
- Central Laboratory of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, No. 128 Xiangshan N Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330008, China
| | - Bing Zhang
- Orthopaedic Department of the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 445 Bayi Road, Donghu District, Nanchang, Jiangxi, 330006, China
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Zhang Y, Luo F, Dong K. Soluble NKG2D ligands impair CD8 + T cell antitumor function dependent of NKG2D downregulation in neuroblastoma. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:297. [PMID: 37274476 PMCID: PMC10236264 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13883] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapy has achieved remarkable beneficial clinical outcomes. Tumor-derived NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) allow tumors to escape immunologic surveillance. However, the mechanism underlying NKG2DL-mediated immune escape in neuroblastoma (NB) remains incompletely understood. In the present study, first soluble NKG2DL, soluble major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I-related chain A and soluble UL-16 binding proteins expression levels were determined in both the serum from patients with NB and in NB cell line culture supernatants. NB cell-derived sNKG2DL was initially cleaved by ADAM10 and ADAM17. Furthermore, sNKG2DL expression levels were positively correlated with the immunosuppressive microenvironment and poor prognosis. Tumor-derived sNKG2DL induced degradation of NKG2D on CD8+ T cells and impaired CD8+ T cell proliferation, IFN-γ production, and CD107a translocation. More importantly, blockage of sNKG2DL increased the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells. Thus, the results showed that NB-induced immunosuppression was achieved through tumor-derived sMICA and sULBP-2, and blockage of the tumor-derived sNKG2DLs with sNKG2DL neutralizing antibodies was a novel strategy to recover T-cell function and enhance antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, P.R. China
| | - Feifei Luo
- Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Kuiran Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, P.R. China
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10
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Zhao Z, Ding Y, Tran LJ, Chai G, Lin L. Innovative breakthroughs facilitated by single-cell multi-omics: manipulating natural killer cell functionality correlates with a novel subcategory of melanoma cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1196892. [PMID: 37435067 PMCID: PMC10332463 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1196892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma is typically regarded as the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Although surgical removal of in situ lesions can be used to effectively treat metastatic disease, this condition is still difficult to cure. Melanoma cells are removed in great part due to the action of natural killer (NK) and T cells on the immune system. Still, not much is known about how the activity of NK cell-related pathways changes in melanoma tissue. Thus, we performed a single-cell multi-omics analysis on human melanoma cells in this study to explore the modulation of NK cell activity. Materials and methods Cells in which mitochondrial genes comprised > 20% of the total number of expressed genes were removed. Gene ontology (GO), gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), gene set variation analysis (GSVA), and AUCcell analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in melanoma subtypes were performed. The CellChat package was used to predict cell-cell contact between NK cell and melanoma cell subtypes. Monocle program analyzed the pseudotime trajectories of melanoma cells. In addition, CytoTRACE was used to determine the recommended time order of melanoma cells. InferCNV was utilized to calculate the CNV level of melanoma cell subtypes. Python package pySCENIC was used to assess the enrichment of transcription factors and the activity of regulons in melanoma cell subtypes. Furthermore, the cell function experiment was used to confirm the function of TBX21 in both A375 and WM-115 melanoma cell lines. Results Following batch effect correction, 26,161 cells were separated into 28 clusters and designated as melanoma cells, neural cells, fibroblasts, endothelial cells, NK cells, CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B cells, plasma cells, monocytes and macrophages, and dendritic cells. A total of 10137 melanoma cells were further grouped into seven subtypes, i.e., C0 Melanoma BIRC7, C1 Melanoma CDH19, C2 Melanoma EDNRB, C3 Melanoma BIRC5, C4 Melanoma CORO1A, C5 Melanoma MAGEA4, and C6 Melanoma GJB2. The results of AUCell, GSEA, and GSVA suggested that C4 Melanoma CORO1A may be more sensitive to NK and T cells through positive regulation of NK and T cell-mediated immunity, while other subtypes of melanoma may be more resistant to NK cells. This suggests that the intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) of melanoma-induced activity and the difference in NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity may have caused NK cell defects. Transcription factor enrichment analysis indicated that TBX21 was the most important TF in C4 Melanoma CORO1A and was also associated with M1 modules. In vitro experiments further showed that TBX21 knockdown dramatically decreases melanoma cells' proliferation, invasion, and migration. Conclusion The differences in NK and T cell-mediated immunity and cytotoxicity between C4 Melanoma CORO1A and other melanoma cell subtypes may offer a new perspective on the ITH of melanoma-induced metastatic activity. In addition, the protective factors of skin melanoma, STAT1, IRF1, and FLI1, may modulate melanoma cell responses to NK or T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhijie Zhao
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yantao Ding
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Institute of Dermatology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- China Key Laboratory of Dermatology, Ministry of Education, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lisa Jia Tran
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gang Chai
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Lin
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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11
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Functional crosstalk and regulation of natural killer cells in tumor microenvironment: Significance and potential therapeutic strategies. Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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12
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Yang L, Sun L, Cao Y, Wang Q, Song A, Zhu R, Liu W, Lu S. MULT1-Encoding DNA Alleviates Schistosomiasis-Associated Hepatic Fibrosis via Modulating Cellular Immune Response. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:4027-4045. [PMID: 35873385 PMCID: PMC9301018 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s354224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose In schistosomiasis-associated hepatic fibrosis, the role of murine UL16-binding protein-like transcript 1 (MULT1), the strongest ligand of natural killer group 2-member D receptor (NKG2D), remains unclear. Here, Schistosoma japonicum-infected mice administered with MULT1-encoding DNA were used to test MULT1 as a potential therapy for schistosomiasis-associated hepatic fibrosis and explore relevant mechanisms. Materials and Methods A recombinant plasmid encoding MULT1 (p-rMULT1) was constructed and administered to Schistosoma japonicum-infected BALB/c mice via hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Egg granulomas in liver, hepatic fibrosis biomarkers and levels of cytokines were investigated. Comparisons of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, NK and NKT proportions as well as their phenotype were performed not only between Schistosoma infected, p-rMULT1 treated group and Schistosoma infected, backbone plasmid pEGFP-N1 treated group but also between infected, nontreated group and health control group. Results Reduced area of granuloma formation and fibrosis around single eggs, downregulated expression of collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin, TGF-β and IL-10, and upregulated expression of IFN-γ, were observed in the livers of p-rMULT1 treated mice. p-rMULT1 treatment improved Schistosoma infection impacted immune microenvironment by modulating proportion of CD4+ T CD8+ T, natural killer (NK) and NKT cells, enhancing expression of NKG2D, in lymphocytes, and augmenting IFN-γ secretion by CD4+ T, CD8+ T, NK and NKT cells, as well as partially reversing some other phenotype changes of lymphocytes. Conclusion To the best of our knowledge, we provided the first in vivo evidence that MULT1 is a favorable anti-fibrosis factor in the context of schistosomiasis. The inhibitory effect of MULT1 overexpression on schistosomiasis associated with hepatic fibrosis may result from augmenting the proportion and function of NKG2D-expressing immune cells, and from enhancing NK- and T-cell activation, as well as regulating the helper T (Th)1/Th2 balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Sun
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yalan Cao
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China.,Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, People's Republic of China
| | - Anni Song
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ru Zhu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqi Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengjun Lu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, People's Republic of China
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13
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Franklin M, Connolly E, Hussell T. Recruited and Tissue-Resident Natural Killer Cells in the Lung During Infection and Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887503. [PMID: 35844626 PMCID: PMC9284027 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important component of the innate immune system, and have a key role in host defense against infection and in tumor surveillance. Tumors and viruses employ remarkably similar strategies to avoid recognition and killing by NK cells and so much can be learnt by comparing NK cells in these disparate diseases. The lung is a unique tissue environment and immune cells in this organ, including NK cells, exist in a hypofunctional state to prevent activation against innocuous stimuli. Upon infection, rapid NK cell infiltration into the lung occurs, the amplitude of which is determined by the extent of inflammation and damage. Activated NK cells kill infected cells and produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines to recruit cells of the adaptive immune system. More recent evidence has shown that NK cells also play an additional role in resolution of inflammation. In lung cancer however, NK cell recruitment is impaired and those that are present have reduced functionality. The majority of lung NK cells are circulatory, however recently a small population of tissue-resident lung NK cells has been described. The specific role of this subset is yet to be determined, but they show similarity to resident memory T cell subsets. Whether resident or recruited, NK cells are important in the control of pulmonary infections, but equally, can drive excessive inflammation if not regulated. In this review we discuss how NK cells are recruited, controlled and retained in the specific environment of the lung in health and disease. Understanding these mechanisms in the context of infection may provide opportunities to promote NK cell recruitment and function in the lung tumor setting.
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14
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Swamydas M, Murphy EV, Ignatz-Hoover JJ, Malek E, Driscoll JJ. Deciphering mechanisms of immune escape to inform immunotherapeutic strategies in multiple myeloma. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:17. [PMID: 35172851 PMCID: PMC8848665 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01234-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma is an incurable cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of malignant plasma cells nurtured within a permissive bone marrow microenvironment. While patients mount numerous adaptive immune responses directed against their disease, emerging data demonstrate that tumor intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms allow myeloma cells to subvert host immunosurveillance and resist current therapeutic strategies. Myeloma downregulates antigens recognized by cellular immunity and modulates the bone marrow microenvironment to promote uncontrolled tumor proliferation, apoptotic resistance, and further hamper anti-tumor immunity. Additional resistance often develops after an initial clinical response to small molecules, immune-targeting antibodies, immune checkpoint blockade or cellular immunotherapy. Profound quantitative and qualitative dysfunction of numerous immune effector cell types that confer anti-myeloma immunity further supports myelomagenesis, disease progression and the emergence of drug resistance. Identification of tumor intrinsic and extrinsic resistance mechanisms may direct the design of rationally-designed drug combinations that prevent or overcome drug resistance to improve patient survival. Here, we summarize various mechanisms of immune escape as a means to inform novel strategies that may restore and improve host anti-myeloma immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena V Murphy
- Department of Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James J Ignatz-Hoover
- Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hematopoietic and Immune Cancer Biology Program, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ehsan Malek
- Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hematopoietic and Immune Cancer Biology Program, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - James J Driscoll
- Seidman Cancer Center, University Hospitals, Cleveland, OH, USA. .,Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Hematopoietic and Immune Cancer Biology Program, Cleveland, OH, USA.
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15
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Campos-Silva C, López-Borrego S, Felgueres MJ, Esteso G, Vales-Gomez M. NKG2D Ligands in Liquid Biopsy: The Importance of Soluble and Vesicle-Bound Proteins for Immune Modulation. Crit Rev Immunol 2022; 42:21-40. [PMID: 36374819 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2022045263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
The identification of biomarkers allowing diagnostics, prognostics and patient classification is still a challenge in oncological research for patient management. Improvements in patient survival achieved with immunotherapies substantiate that biomarker studies rely not only on cellular pathways contributing to the pathology, but also on the immune competence of the patient. If these immune molecules can be studied in a non-invasive manner, the benefit for patients and clinicians is obvious. The immune receptor Natural Killer Group 2 Member D (NKG2D) represents one of the main systems involved in direct recognition of tumor cells by effector lymphocytes (T and Natural Killer cells), and in immune evasion. The biology of NKG2D and its ligands comprises a complex network of cellular pathways leading to the expression of these tumor-associated ligands on the cell surface or to their release either as soluble proteins, or in extracellular vesicles that potently inhibit NKG2D-mediated responses. Increased levels of NKG2D-ligands in patient serum correlate with tumor progression and poor prognosis; however, most studies did not test the biochemical form of these molecules. Here we review the biology of the NKG2D receptor and ligands, their role in cancer and in patient response to immunotherapies, as well as the changes provoked in this system by non-immune cancer therapies. Further, we discuss the use of NKG2D-L in liquid biopsy, including methods to analyse vesicle-associated proteins. We propose that the evaluation in cancer patients of the whole NKG2D system can provide crucial information about patient immune competence and risk of tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Campos-Silva
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Silvia López-Borrego
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Felgueres
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Esteso
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Vales-Gomez
- Department of Immunology and Oncology, National Centre for Biotechnology, Spanish National Research Council (CNB-CSIC), Madrid, Spain
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16
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Terrén I, Borrego F. Role of NK Cells in Tumor Progression. EXPERIENTIA SUPPLEMENTUM (2012) 2022; 113:169-187. [PMID: 35165864 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-91311-3_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are effector lymphocytes with the ability to generate an antitumor response. NK cells encompass a diverse group of subsets with different properties and have the capacity to kill cancer cells by different means. However, tumor cells have developed several mechanisms to evade NK cell-mediated killing. In this chapter, we summarize some aspects of NK cell biology with the aim to understand the competence of these cells and explore some of the challenges that NK cells have to face in different malignancies. Moreover, we will review the current knowledge about the role of NK cells in tumor progression and describe their phenotype and effector functions in tumor tissues and peripheral blood from cancer patients. Finally, we will recapitulate several findings from different studies focused on determining the prognostic value of NK cells in distinct cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Terrén
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain.
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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17
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Zhu S, Zhang T, Zheng L, Liu H, Song W, Liu D, Li Z, Pan CX. Combination strategies to maximize the benefits of cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:156. [PMID: 34579759 PMCID: PMC8475356 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01164-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 232] [Impact Index Per Article: 77.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) have revolutionized cancer treatment, especially in patients whose disease was otherwise considered incurable. However, primary and secondary resistance to single agent immunotherapy often results in treatment failure, and only a minority of patients experience long-term benefits. This review article will discuss the relationship between cancer immune response and mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy. It will also provide a comprehensive review on the latest clinical status of combination therapies (e.g., immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy), and discuss combination therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It will provide an overview of therapies targeting cytokines and other soluble immunoregulatory factors, ACT, virotherapy, innate immune modifiers and cancer vaccines, as well as combination therapies that exploit alternative immune targets and other therapeutic modalities. Finally, this review will include the stimulating insights from the 2020 China Immuno-Oncology Workshop co-organized by the Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network (CAHON), the China National Medical Product Administration (NMPA) and Tsinghua University School of Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoming Zhu
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, DUMC 103861, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,The Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wenru Song
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,Kira Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Delong Liu
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA. .,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Chong-Xian Pan
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, MA, 02132, USA.
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18
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The construction, expression, and enhanced anti-tumor activity of YM101: a bispecific antibody simultaneously targeting TGF-β and PD-L1. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:27. [PMID: 33593403 PMCID: PMC7885589 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01045-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Therapeutic antibodies targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) axis induce potent and durable anti-tumor responses in multiple types of cancers. However, only a subset of patients benefits from anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies. As a negative regulator of anti-tumor immunity, TGF-β impairs the efficacy of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and induces drug resistance. Developing a novel treatment strategy to simultaneously block PD-1/PD-L1 and TGF-β would be valuable to enhance the effect of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 and relieve drug resistance. Methods Based on the Check-BODY™ technology platform, we developed an anti-TGF-β/PD-L1 bispecific antibody YM101. The bioactivity of the anti-TGF-β moiety was determined by Smad-luciferase reporter assay, transwell assay, western blotting, CCK-8, and flow cytometry. The bioactivity of the anti-PD-L1 moiety was measured by T cell activation assays. EMT-6, CT26, and 3LL tumor models were used to investigate the anti-tumor activity of YM101 in vivo. RNA-seq, immunohistochemical staining, and flow cytometry were utilized to analyze the effect of YM101 on the tumor microenvironment. Results YM101 could bind to TGF-β and PD-L1 specifically. In vitro experiments showed that YM101 effectively counteracted the biological effects of TGF-β and PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, including activating Smad signaling, inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and immunosuppression. Besides, in vivo experiments indicated the anti-tumor activity of YM101 was superior to anti-TGF-β and anti-PD-L1 monotherapies. Mechanistically, YM101 promoted the formation of ‘hot tumor’: increasing the numbers of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes and dendritic cells, elevating the ratio of M1/M2, and enhancing cytokine production in T cells. This normalized tumor immune microenvironment and enhanced anti-tumor immune response might contribute to the robust anti-tumor effect of YM101. Conclusion Our results demonstrated that YM101 could simultaneously block TGF-β and PD-L1 pathways and had a superior anti-tumor effect compared to the monotherapies.
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Wu SY, Fu T, Jiang YZ, Shao ZM. Natural killer cells in cancer biology and therapy. Mol Cancer 2020; 19:120. [PMID: 32762681 PMCID: PMC7409673 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01238-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 342] [Impact Index Per Article: 85.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is highly complex, and immune escape is currently considered an important hallmark of cancer, largely contributing to tumor progression and metastasis. Named for their capability of killing target cells autonomously, natural killer (NK) cells serve as the main effector cells toward cancer in innate immunity and are highly heterogeneous in the microenvironment. Most current treatment options harnessing the tumor microenvironment focus on T cell-immunity, either by promoting activating signals or suppressing inhibitory ones. The limited success achieved by T cell immunotherapy highlights the importance of developing new-generation immunotherapeutics, for example utilizing previously ignored NK cells. Although tumors also evolve to resist NK cell-induced cytotoxicity, cytokine supplement, blockade of suppressive molecules and genetic engineering of NK cells may overcome such resistance with great promise in both solid and hematological malignancies. In this review, we summarized the fundamental characteristics and recent advances of NK cells within tumor immunometabolic microenvironment, and discussed potential application and limitations of emerging NK cell-based therapeutic strategies in the era of presicion medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song-Yang Wu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Tong Fu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Department of Breast Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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