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Nakazawa T, Morimoto T, Maeoka R, Yamada K, Matsuda R, Nakamura M, Nishimura F, Yamada S, Park YS, Tsujimura T, Nakagawa I. Characterization of HIF-1α Knockout Primary Human Natural Killer Cells Including Populations in Allogeneic Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5896. [PMID: 38892084 PMCID: PMC11173110 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115896] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing immune cell functions in tumors remains a major challenge in cancer immunotherapy. Natural killer cells (NK) are major innate effector cells with broad cytotoxicity against tumors. Accordingly, NK cells are ideal candidates for cancer immunotherapy, including glioblastoma (GBM). Hypoxia is a common feature of solid tumors, and tumor cells and normal cells adapt to the tumor microenvironment by upregulating the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α, which can be detrimental to anti-tumor effector immune cell function, including that of NK cells. We knocked out HIF-1α in human primary NK cells using clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeat (CRISPR)-associated protein 9 (Cas9). Then, cellular characterizations were conducted in normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Electroporating two HIF-1α-targeting guide RNA-Cas9 protein complexes inhibited HIF-1α expression in expanded NK cells. HIF-1α knockout human NK cells, including populations in hypoxic conditions, enhanced the growth inhibition of allogeneic GBM cells and induced apoptosis in GBM-cell-derived spheroids. RNA-sequencing revealed that the cytotoxicity of HIF-1α knockout NK cells could be related to increased perforin and TNF expression. The results demonstrated that HIF-1α knockout human NK cells, including populations, enhanced cytotoxicity in an environment mimicking the hypoxic conditions of GBM. CRISPR-Cas9-mediated HIF-1α knockout NK cells, including populations, could be a promising immunotherapeutic alternative in patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan;
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
| | - Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
| | - Kengo Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
| | - Mitsutoshi Nakamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan;
| | - Fumihiko Nishimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
| | - Shuichi Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
| | - Young-Soo Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
| | - Takahiro Tsujimura
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan;
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan; (T.M.); (R.M.); (K.Y.); (R.M.); (M.N.); (F.N.); (S.Y.); (Y.-S.P.); (I.N.)
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Lin H, Liu C, Hu A, Zhang D, Yang H, Mao Y. Understanding the immunosuppressive microenvironment of glioma: mechanistic insights and clinical perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2024; 17:31. [PMID: 38720342 PMCID: PMC11077829 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-024-01544-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM), the predominant and primary malignant intracranial tumor, poses a formidable challenge due to its immunosuppressive microenvironment, thereby confounding conventional therapeutic interventions. Despite the established treatment regimen comprising surgical intervention, radiotherapy, temozolomide administration, and the exploration of emerging modalities such as immunotherapy and integration of medicine and engineering technology therapy, the efficacy of these approaches remains constrained, resulting in suboptimal prognostic outcomes. In recent years, intensive scrutiny of the inhibitory and immunosuppressive milieu within GBM has underscored the significance of cellular constituents of the GBM microenvironment and their interactions with malignant cells and neurons. Novel immune and targeted therapy strategies have emerged, offering promising avenues for advancing GBM treatment. One pivotal mechanism orchestrating immunosuppression in GBM involves the aggregation of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), glioma-associated macrophage/microglia (GAM), and regulatory T cells (Tregs). Among these, MDSCs, though constituting a minority (4-8%) of CD45+ cells in GBM, play a central component in fostering immune evasion and propelling tumor progression, angiogenesis, invasion, and metastasis. MDSCs deploy intricate immunosuppressive mechanisms that adapt to the dynamic tumor microenvironment (TME). Understanding the interplay between GBM and MDSCs provides a compelling basis for therapeutic interventions. This review seeks to elucidate the immune regulatory mechanisms inherent in the GBM microenvironment, explore existing therapeutic targets, and consolidate recent insights into MDSC induction and their contribution to GBM immunosuppression. Additionally, the review comprehensively surveys ongoing clinical trials and potential treatment strategies, envisioning a future where targeting MDSCs could reshape the immune landscape of GBM. Through the synergistic integration of immunotherapy with other therapeutic modalities, this approach can establish a multidisciplinary, multi-target paradigm, ultimately improving the prognosis and quality of life in patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Lin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Chaxian Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ankang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Duanwu Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics, International Co-Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology, Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
| | - Ying Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- National Center for Neurological Disorders, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Brain Function Restoration and Neural Regeneration, Shanghai Clinical Medical Center of Neurosurgery, Neurosurgical Institute of Fudan University, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.
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Wang M, Krueger JB, Gilkey AK, Stelljes EM, Kluesner MG, Pomeroy EJ, Skeate JG, Slipek NJ, Lahr WS, Vázquez PNC, Zhao Y, Eaton EJ, Laoharawee K, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Precision Enhancement of CAR-NK Cells through Non-Viral Engineering and Highly Multiplexed Base Editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.582637. [PMID: 38496503 PMCID: PMC10942345 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.582637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells' unique ability to kill transformed cells expressing stress ligands or lacking major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) has prompted their development for immunotherapy. However, NK cells have demonstrated only moderate responses against cancer in clinical trials and likely require advanced genome engineering to reach their full potential as a cancer therapeutic. Multiplex genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 base editors (BE) has been used to enhance T cell function and has already entered clinical trials but has not been reported in human NK cells. Here, we report the first application of BE in primary NK cells to achieve both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations. We observed highly efficient single and multiplex base editing, resulting in significantly enhanced NK cell function. Next, we combined multiplex BE with non-viral TcBuster transposon-based integration to generate IL-15 armored CD19 CAR-NK cells with significantly improved functionality in a highly suppressive model of Burkitt's lymphoma both in vitro and in vivo. The use of concomitant non-viral transposon engineering with multiplex base editing thus represents a highly versatile and efficient platform to generate CAR-NK products for cell-based immunotherapy and affords the flexibility to tailor multiple gene edits to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy for the cancer type being treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joshua B Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexandria K Gilkey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Erin M Stelljes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mitchell G Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph G Skeate
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patricia N Claudio Vázquez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yueting Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ella J Eaton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Begagić E, Bečulić H, Đuzić N, Džidić-Krivić A, Pugonja R, Muharemović A, Jaganjac B, Salković N, Sefo H, Pojskić M. CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Gene Therapy for Glioblastoma: A Scoping Review. Biomedicines 2024; 12:238. [PMID: 38275409 PMCID: PMC10813360 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010238] [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: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/20/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
This scoping review examines the use of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing in glioblastoma (GBM), a predominant and aggressive brain tumor. Categorizing gene targets into distinct groups, this review explores their roles in cell cycle regulation, microenvironmental dynamics, interphase processes, and therapy resistance reduction. The complexity of CRISPR-Cas9 applications in GBM research is highlighted, providing unique insights into apoptosis, cell proliferation, and immune responses within the tumor microenvironment. The studies challenge conventional perspectives on specific genes, emphasizing the potential therapeutic implications of manipulating key molecular players in cell cycle dynamics. Exploring CRISPR/Cas9 gene therapy in GBMs yields significant insights into the regulation of cellular processes, spanning cell interphase, renewal, and migration. Researchers, by precisely targeting specific genes, uncover the molecular orchestration governing cell proliferation, growth, and differentiation during critical phases of the cell cycle. The findings underscore the potential of CRISPR/Cas9 technology in unraveling the complex dynamics of the GBM microenvironment, offering promising avenues for targeted therapies to curb GBM growth. This review also outlines studies addressing therapy resistance in GBM, employing CRISPR/Cas9 to target genes associated with chemotherapy resistance, showcasing its transformative potential in effective GBM treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emir Begagić
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, Travnička 1, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Hakija Bečulić
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Crkvice 67, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, Travnička 1, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Nermin Đuzić
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University Sarajevo, Francuske revolucije BB, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Amina Džidić-Krivić
- Department of Neurology, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Crkvice 67, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Ragib Pugonja
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cantonal Hospital Zenica, Crkvice 67, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Asja Muharemović
- Department of Genetics and Bioengineering, International Burch University Sarajevo, Francuske revolucije BB, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Belma Jaganjac
- Department of Histology, School of Medicine, University of Zenica, Travnička 1, 72000 Zenica, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Naida Salković
- Department of General Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Tuzla, Univerzitetska 1, 75000 Tuzla, Bosnia and Herzegovina;
| | - Haso Sefo
- Clinic of Neurosurgery, University Clinical Center Sarajevo, Bolnička 25, 71000 Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Mirza Pojskić
- Department of Neurosurgery, University Hospital Marburg, Baldingerstr., 35033 Marburg, Germany;
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