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Sanz-Ortega L, Leijonhufvud C, Schoutens L, Lambert M, Levy E, Andersson A, Wahlin BE, Carlsten M. Redirecting NK cells to the lymph nodes to augment their lymphoma-targeting capacity. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:108. [PMID: 38769377 PMCID: PMC11106342 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00595-w] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
CAR-NK cells can induce remission in lymphoma patients. We speculate that the full potential of adoptive NK cell immunotherapy against lymphoma is restricted by their poor lymph node (LN) homing capacity. Here, we have utilized a clinically approved transfection method with the aim of redirecting NK cells to LNs. Electroporation of ex vivo expanded NK cells with mRNAs coding for CCR7, CXCR5, and CD62L resulted in increased in vitro migration towards chemokines and mouse LN-derived supernatant. Following infusion into SCID/Beige mice, modified NK cells showed enhanced LN homing. Importantly, lymphoma patient-derived NK cells were equally well expanded and engineered as healthy donor NK cells, highlighting their translational potential. Additionally, the introduction of high-affinity CD16, together with the homing molecules, also augmented their ADCC capacity against autologous lymphoma cells. Hence, genetic engineering can be utilized to enhance NK cell LN homing. The homing concept may synergize with CAR- or monoclonal/bi-/tri-specific antibody-based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Sanz-Ortega
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Leijonhufvud
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisanne Schoutens
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mélanie Lambert
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Université Sorbonne Paris Nord, INSERM, Paris, France
| | - Emily Levy
- Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Agneta Andersson
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn E Wahlin
- Unit of Haematology, Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Carlsten
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Center for Cell Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Leijonhufvud C, Sanz-Ortega L, Schlums H, Gaballa A, Andersson A, Eriksson C, Segerberg F, Uhlin M, Bryceson YT, Carlsten M. KIR2DS1 and KIR2DL1-C245 Dominantly Repress NK Cell Degranulation Triggered by Monoclonal or Bispecific Antibodies, whereas Education by Uptuning Inhibitory Killer Ig-related Receptors Exerts No Advantage in Ab-dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:868-880. [PMID: 38240527 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
NK cell responsiveness to target cells is tuned by interactions between inhibitory NK cell receptors and their cognate HLA class I ligands in a process termed "NK cell education." Previous studies addressing the role for NK cell education in Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) show ambiguous results and do not encompass full educational resolution. In this study, we systematically characterized human NK cell CD16-triggered degranulation toward defined human tumor cell lines in the presence of either the mAb rituximab or a recently developed CD34xCD16 bispecific killer engager. Despite positive correlation between killer Ig-related receptor (KIR)-mediated education and CD16 expression, NK cells educated by one or even two inhibitory KIRs did not perform better in terms of ADCC than uneducated NK cells in either missing-self or KIR-ligand matched settings at saturating Ab concentrations. Instead, NKG2A+ NK cells consistently showed more potent ADCC in the missing-self context despite lower levels of CD16 expression. KIR2DS1+ NK cells demonstrated dampened ADCC in both the missing-self and KIR-ligand matched settings, even in the presence of its ligand HLA C2. The lower response by KIR2DS1+ NK cells was also observed when stimulated with a bispecific killer engager. Surprisingly, repression of ADCC was also observed by NKG2A+ NK cells coexpressing the inhibitory KIR2DL1-C245 receptor that confers weak education. In conclusion, our study suggests that NK cell education by inhibitory KIRs does not augment ADCC per se, whereas expression of KIR2DS1 and KIR2DL1-C245 dominantly represses ADCC. These insights add to the fundamental understanding of NK cells and may have implications for their therapeutic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Leijonhufvud
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura Sanz-Ortega
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heinrich Schlums
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ahmed Gaballa
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Andersson
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Caroline Eriksson
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip Segerberg
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Uhlin
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yenan T Bryceson
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mattias Carlsten
- Department of Medicine, Huddinge, Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Cell Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska Comprehensive Cancer Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
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Kalmbach S, Grau M, Zapukhlyak M, Leich E, Jurinovic V, Hoster E, Staiger AM, Kurz KS, Weigert O, Gaitzsch E, Passerini V, Engelhard M, Herfarth K, Beiske K, Micci F, Möller P, Bernd HW, Feller AC, Klapper W, Stein H, Hansmann ML, Hartmann S, Dreyling M, Holte H, Lenz G, Rosenwald A, Ott G, Horn H. Novel insights into the pathogenesis of follicular lymphoma by molecular profiling of localized and systemic disease forms. Leukemia 2023; 37:2058-2065. [PMID: 37563306 PMCID: PMC10539171 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01995-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge on the pathogenesis of FL is mainly based on data derived from advanced/systemic stages of FL (sFL) and only small cohorts of localized FL (lFL) have been characterized intensively so far. Comprehensive analysis with profiling of somatic copy number alterations (SCNA) and whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed in 147 lFL and 122 sFL. Putative targets were analyzed for gene and protein expression. Overall, lFL and sFL, as well as BCL2 translocation-positive (BCL2+) and -negative (BCL2-) FL showed overlapping features in SCNA and mutational profiles. Significant differences between lFL and sFL, however, were detected for SCNA frequencies, e.g., in 18q-gains (14% lFL vs. 36% sFL; p = 0.0003). Although rare in lFL, gains in 18q21 were associated with inferior progression-free survival (PFS). The mutational landscape of lFL and sFL included typical genetic lesions. However, ARID1A mutations were significantly more often detected in sFL (29%) compared to lFL (6%, p = 0.0001). In BCL2 + FL mutations in KMT2D, BCL2, ABL2, IGLL5 and ARID1A were enriched, while STAT6 mutations more frequently occurred in BCL2- FL. Although the landscape of lFL and sFL showed overlapping features, molecular profiling revealed novel insights and identified gains in 18q21 as prognostic marker in lFL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Kalmbach
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Michael Grau
- Department of Medicine A, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Myroslav Zapukhlyak
- Department of Medicine A, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Ellen Leich
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg and Comprehensive Cancer Center Main, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Vindi Jurinovic
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Eva Hoster
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Annette M Staiger
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Katrin S Kurz
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Oliver Weigert
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Erik Gaitzsch
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Verena Passerini
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marianne Engelhard
- Department for Radiotherapy, University Hospital of Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Klaus Herfarth
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Beiske
- Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- KG Jebsen center for B cell malignancies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Francesca Micci
- Section for Cancer Cytogenetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Peter Möller
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Wolfram Klapper
- Institute of Pathology, Hematopathology Section and Lymph Node Registry, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | | | | | - Sylvia Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Martin Dreyling
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Harald Holte
- KG Jebsen center for B cell malignancies, Oslo, Norway
| | - Georg Lenz
- Department of Medicine A, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Pneumology, University Hospital Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Andreas Rosenwald
- Institute of Pathology, University of Würzburg and Comprehensive Cancer Center Main, Würzburg, Germany
| | - German Ott
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany.
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany.
| | - Heike Horn
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch Hospital, Stuttgart, Germany
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, Germany
- University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
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4
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Feils AS, Erbe AK, Birstler J, Kim K, Hoch U, Currie SL, Nguyen T, Yu D, Siefker-Radtke AO, Tannir N, Tolaney SM, Diab A, Sondel PM. Associations between KIR/KIR-ligand genotypes and clinical outcome for patients with advanced solid tumors receiving BEMPEG plus nivolumab combination therapy in the PIVOT-02 trial. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:2099-2111. [PMID: 36823323 PMCID: PMC10264535 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03383-w] [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: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Bempegaldesleukin (BEMPEG), a CD122-preferential IL2 pathway agonist, has been shown to induce proliferation and activation of NK cells. NK activation is dependent on the balance of inhibitory and excitatory signals transmitted by NK receptors, including Fc-gamma receptors (FCγRs) and killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) along with their KIR-ligands. The repertoire of KIRs/KIR-ligands an individual inherits and the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of FCγRs can influence NK function and affect responses to immunotherapies. In this retrospective analysis of the single-arm PIVOT-02 trial, 200 patients with advanced solid tumors were genotyped for KIR/KIR-ligand gene status and FCγR SNP status and evaluated for associations with clinical outcome. Patients with inhibitory KIR2DL2 and its ligand (HLA-C1) observed significantly greater tumor shrinkage (TS, median change -13.0 vs. 0%) and increased PFS (5.5 vs. 3.3 months) and a trend toward improved OR (31.2 vs. 19.5%) compared to patients with the complementary genotype. Furthermore, patients with KIR2DL2 and its ligand together with inhibitory KIR3DL1 and its ligand (HLA-Bw4) had improved OR (36.5 vs. 19.6%), greater TS (median change -16.1 vs. 0%), and a trend toward prolonged PFS (8.4 vs. 3.6 months) as compared to patients with the complementary genotype. FCγR polymorphisms did not influence OR/PFS/TS.These data show that clinical response to BEMPEG plus nivolumab treatment in the PIVOT-02 trial may be associated with the repertoire of KIR/KIR-ligands an individual inherits. Further investigation and validation of these results may enable KIR/KIR-ligand genotyping to be utilized prospectively for identifying patients likely to benefit from certain cancer immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Feils
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - A K Erbe
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - J Birstler
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - K Kim
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA
| | - U Hoch
- Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - T Nguyen
- Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - D Yu
- Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - N Tannir
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - S M Tolaney
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - A Diab
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - P M Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
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5
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Beelen NA, Ehlers FAI, Bos GMJ, Wieten L. Inhibitory receptors for HLA class I as immune checkpoints for natural killer cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:797-804. [PMID: 36261539 PMCID: PMC10025219 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03299-x] [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: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells mediate potent anti-tumor responses, which makes them attractive targets for immunotherapy. The anti-tumor response of endogenous- or allogeneic NK cells can be enhanced through clinically available monoclonal antibodies that mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). NK cell activation is regulated by interaction of inhibitory receptors with classical- and non-classical human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I molecules. Inhibitory receptors of the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family interact with HLA-A, -B or -C epitopes, while NKG2A interacts with the non-classical HLA-E molecule. Both types of inhibitory interactions may influence the strength of the ADCC response. In the present review, we provide an overview of the effect of inhibitory KIRs and NKG2A on NK cell-mediated ADCC, which highlights the rationale for combination strategies with ADCC triggering antibodies and interference with the NK cell relevant inhibitory immune checkpoints, such as KIR and NKG2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky A. Beelen
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Femke A. I. Ehlers
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard M. J. Bos
- GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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6
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Erbe AK, Diccianni MB, Mody R, Naranjo A, Zhang FF, Birstler J, Kim K, Feils AS, Hung JT, London WB, Shulkin BL, Mathew V, Parisi MT, Servaes S, Asgharzadeh S, Maris JM, Park J, Yu AL, Sondel PM, Bagatell R. KIR/KIR-ligand genotypes and clinical outcomes following chemoimmunotherapy in patients with relapsed or refractory neuroblastoma: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006530. [PMID: 36822669 PMCID: PMC9950969 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the Children's Oncology Group ANBL1221 phase 2 trial for patients with first relapse/first declaration of refractory high-risk neuroblastoma, irinotecan and temozolomide (I/T) combined with either temsirolimus (TEMS) or immunotherapy (the anti-GD2 antibody dinutuximab (DIN) and granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factory (GM-CSF)) was administered. The response rate among patients treated with I/T/DIN/GM-CSF in the initial cohort (n=17) was 53%; additional patients were enrolled to permit further evaluation of this chemoimmunotherapy regimen. Potential associations between immune-related biomarkers and clinical outcomes including response and survival were evaluated. METHODS Patients were evaluated for specific immunogenotypes that influence natural killer (NK) cell activity, including killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and their ligands, Fc gamma receptors, and NCR3. Total white cells and leucocyte subsets were assessed via complete blood counts, and flow cytometry of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was performed to assess the potential association between immune cell subpopulations and surface marker expression and clinical outcomes. Appropriate statistical tests of association were performed. The Bonferroni correction for multiple comparisons was performed where indicated. RESULTS Of the immunogenotypes assessed, the presence or absence of certain KIR and their ligands was associated with clinical outcomes in patients treated with chemoimmunotherapy rather than I/T/TEMS. While median values of CD161, CD56, and KIR differed in responders and non-responders, statistical significance was not maintained in logistic regression models. White cell and neutrophil counts were associated with differences in survival outcomes, however, increases in risk of event in patients assigned to chemoimmunotherapy were not clinically significant. CONCLUSIONS These findings are consistent with those of prior studies showing that KIR/KIR-ligand genotypes are associated with clinical outcomes following anti-GD2 immunotherapy in children with neuroblastoma. The current study confirms the importance of KIR/KIR-ligand genotype in the context of I/T/DIN/GM-CSF chemoimmunotherapy administered to patients with relapsed or refractory disease in a clinical trial. These results are important because this regimen is now widely used for treatment of patients at time of first relapse/first declaration of refractory disease. Efforts to assess the role of NK cells and genes that influence their function in response to immunotherapy are ongoing. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT01767194.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy K Erbe
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Mitch B Diccianni
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Rajen Mody
- C.S. Mott Children's Hospital, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Arlene Naranjo
- Children's Oncology Group Statistics and Data Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Fan F Zhang
- Children's Oncology Group Statistics and Data Center, Monrovia, California, USA
| | - Jen Birstler
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - KyungMann Kim
- Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Arika S Feils
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jung-Tung Hung
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan
| | - Wendy B London
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Barry L Shulkin
- Departments of Diagnostic Imaging and Comprehensive Cancer Center, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee, USA
| | - Varsha Mathew
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
| | - Marguerite T Parisi
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Sabah Servaes
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shahab Asgharzadeh
- Department Cancer and Blood Disease Institute, Childrens Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - John M Maris
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Julie Park
- Department of Pediatrics, Seattle Children's Hospital and the University, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Alice L Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, California, USA
- Institute of Stem Cell and Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Main Branch, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Paul M Sondel
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Rochelle Bagatell
- Department of Pediatrics, The Children's Hospital, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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7
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Leveraging Natural Killer Cell Innate Immunity against Hematologic Malignancies: From Stem Cell Transplant to Adoptive Transfer and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010204. [PMID: 36613644 PMCID: PMC9820370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010204] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous recent advancements in T-cell based immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies. In the race towards the first approved allogeneic cellular therapy product, there is growing interest in utilizing natural killer (NK) cells as a platform for off-the-shelf cellular therapies due to their scalable manufacturing potential, potent anti-tumor efficacy, and superior safety profile. Allogeneic NK cell therapies are now being actively explored in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and adoptive transfer. Increasingly sophisticated gene editing techniques have permitted the engineering of chimeric antigen receptors, ectopic cytokine expression, and tumor recognition signals to improve the overall cytotoxicity of NK cell therapies. Furthermore, the enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity has been achieved through the use of NK cell engagers and combination regimens with monoclonal antibodies that act synergistically with CD16-expressing NK cells. Finally, a greater understanding of NK cell biology and the mechanisms of resistance have allowed the preclinical development of NK checkpoint blockade and methods to modulate the tumor microenvironment, which have been evaluated in early phase trials. This review will discuss the recent clinical advancements in NK cell therapies in hematologic malignancies as well as promising avenues of future research.
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8
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Hammer C, Mellman I. Coming of Age: Human Genomics and the Cancer-Immune Set Point. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:674-679. [PMID: 35471657 PMCID: PMC9306278 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-1017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is largely a disease of the tumor cell genome. As a result, the majority of genetics research in oncology has concentrated on the role of tumor somatic mutations, as well as inherited risk variants, in disease susceptibility and response to targeted treatments. The advent and success of cancer immunotherapies, however, have opened new perspectives for the investigation of the role of inherited genetic variation in codetermining outcome and safety. It is increasingly likely that the entirety of germline genetic variation involved in regulating immune responses accounts for a significant fraction of the observed variability in responses to cancer immunotherapies. Although germline genetic data from patients treated with cancer immunotherapies are still scarce, this line of research benefits from a vast body of knowledge derived from studies into autoimmune and infectious disease phenotypes, thus not requiring a start from a blank slate. Here, we discuss how a thorough investigation of genomic variation relevant for individuals' variability in (auto)immune responses can contribute to the discovery of novel treatment approaches and drug targets, and yield predictive biomarkers to stratify cancer patient populations in precision and personalized medicine settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christian Hammer
- Genentech, South San Francisco, California.,Corresponding Author: Christian Hammer, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080. Phone: 650-452-9622; E-mail:
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9
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Muraro E, De Zorzi M, Miolo G, Lombardi D, Scalone S, Spazzapan S, Massarut S, Perin T, Dolcetti R, Steffan A, De Re V. KIR-HLA Functional Repertoire Influences Trastuzumab Efficiency in Patients With HER2-Positive Breast Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 12:791958. [PMID: 35095867 PMCID: PMC8790064 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.791958] [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: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Trastuzumab induced a high rate of pathological Complete Response (pCR) in patients affected by locally advanced HER2-positive Breast Cancer (HER2-BC), by exploiting immune-mediated mechanisms as Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity (ADCC) involving Natural Killer (NK) cells. Host's immune genetics could influence the response to therapy, through the expression of variants that characterize NK receptors involved in ADCC effectiveness. Killer cell immunoglobin-like receptors (KIRs) modulate NK cell activity through their binding to class-I Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA). The impact of the KIR/HLA repertoire in HER2-BC is under study. We characterized KIR genotypes of 36 patients with locally advanced HER2-BC treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy including trastuzumab. We monitored pCR achievement before surgery and Disease-Free Survival (DFS) and Overall Survival (OS) after adjuvant therapy. HLA, and Fc gamma receptor IIIa (FcγR3A) and IIa (FcγR2A) were genotyped through targeted PCR and Sanger sequencing in 35/36 patients. The KIR-HLA combinations were then described as functional haplotypes and divided in two main categories as inhibitory tel A and stimulatory tel B. Trastuzumab-dependent ADCC activity was monitored with an in vitro assay using a HER2-BC model and patients' NK cells.We observed a higher frequency of KIR activators in patients who achieved a pCR compared to partial responders. During the study of functional haplotypes, individuals carrying a tel B haplotype showed greater ADCC efficiency than tel A cases. In subjects with the tel A haplotype the presence of the favorite V allele in FcγR3A receptor improved their low ADCC levels. Regardless of the haplotypes detected, the presence of KIR3DL2/HLA-A03 or A11 was always associated with the FcγR3A V allele, and therefore correlated with greater ADCC efficiency. However, this particular KIR receptor appeared to harm DFS and OS. Indeed, patients with tel B haplotype without KIR3DL2/HLA-A03 or A11 showed a better outcome. Our data, although preliminary, suggested a potential predictive role for KIR haplotype tel B, in identifying patients who achieve a pCR after neoadjuvant treatment with trastuzumab, and supported a negative prognostic impact of KIR3DL2/HLA-A03 or A11 in the adjuvant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Muraro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Units, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Mariangela De Zorzi
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Units, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Gianmaria Miolo
- Medical Oncology and Cancer Prevention Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Davide Lombardi
- Medical Oncology and Cancer Prevention Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Simona Scalone
- Medical Oncology and Cancer Prevention Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Simon Spazzapan
- Medical Oncology and Cancer Prevention Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Samuele Massarut
- Breast Surgery Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO Aviano), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Tiziana Perin
- Pathology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO Aviano), IRCCS, National Cancer Institute, Aviano, Italy
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Centre for Cancer Immunotherapy, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Agostino Steffan
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Units, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
| | - Valli De Re
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Units, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Aviano, Italy
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10
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Kaddu-Mulindwa D, Altmann B, Robrecht S, Ziepert M, Regitz E, Tausch E, Held G, Poeschel V, Lesan V, Bittenbring JT, Thurner L, Pfreundschuh M, Christofyllakis K, Truemper L, Loeffler M, Schmitz N, Hoth M, Hallek M, Fischer K, Stilgenbauer S, Bewarder M, Rixecker TM. KIR2DS1–HLA-C status as a predictive marker for benefit from rituximab: a post-hoc analysis of the RICOVER-60 and CLL8 trials. Lancet Haematol 2022; 9:e133-e142. [DOI: 10.1016/s2352-3026(21)00369-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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11
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Harrison GF, Leaton LA, Harrison EA, Kichula KM, Viken MK, Shortt J, Gignoux CR, Lie BA, Vukcevic D, Leslie S, Norman PJ. Allele imputation for the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor KIR3DL1/S1. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1009059. [PMID: 35192601 PMCID: PMC8896733 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly polymorphic interaction of KIR3DL1 and KIR3DS1 with HLA class I ligands modulates the effector functions of natural killer (NK) cells and some T cells. This genetically determined diversity affects severity of infections, immune-mediated diseases, and some cancers, and impacts the course of immunotherapies, including transplantation. KIR3DL1 is an inhibitory receptor, and KIR3DS1 is an activating receptor encoded by the KIR3DL1/S1 gene that has more than 200 diverse and divergent alleles. Determination of KIR3DL1/S1 genotypes for medical application is hampered by complex sequence and structural variation, requiring targeted approaches to generate and analyze high-resolution allele data. To overcome these obstacles, we developed and optimized a model for imputing KIR3DL1/S1 alleles at high-resolution from whole-genome SNP data. We designed the model to represent a substantial component of human genetic diversity. Our Global imputation model is effective at genotyping KIR3DL1/S1 alleles with an accuracy ranging from 88% in Africans to 97% in East Asians, with mean specificity of 99% and sensitivity of 95% for alleles >1% frequency. We used the established algorithm of the HIBAG program, in a modification named Pulling Out Natural killer cell Genomics (PONG). Because HIBAG was designed to impute HLA alleles also from whole-genome SNP data, PONG allows combinatorial diversity of KIR3DL1/S1 with HLA-A and -B to be analyzed using complementary techniques on a single data source. The use of PONG thus negates the need for targeted sequencing data in very large-scale association studies where such methods might not be tractable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Genelle F. Harrison
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Laura Ann Leaton
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Erica A. Harrison
- Independent Researcher, Broomfield, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Katherine M. Kichula
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Marte K. Viken
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Jonathan Shortt
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Christopher R. Gignoux
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
| | - Benedicte A. Lie
- Department of Immunology, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Medical Genetics, University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Damjan Vukcevic
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stephen Leslie
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Melbourne Integrative Genomics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Paul J. Norman
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, United States of America
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12
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Karmakar S, Pal P, Lal G. Key Activating and Inhibitory Ligands Involved in the Mobilization of Natural Killer Cells for Cancer Immunotherapies. Immunotargets Ther 2021; 10:387-407. [PMID: 34754837 PMCID: PMC8570289 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s306109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the most potent arm of the innate immune system and play an important role in immunity, alloimmunity, autoimmunity, and cancer. NK cells recognize “altered-self” cells due to oncogenic transformation or stress due to viral infection and target to kill them. The effector functions of NK cells depend on the interaction of the activating and inhibitory receptors on their surface with their cognate ligand expressed on the target cells. These activating and inhibitory receptors interact with major histocompatibility complex I (MHC I) expressed on the target cells and make decisions to mount an immune response. NK cell immune response includes cytolytic activity and secretion of cytokines to help with the ongoing immune response. The advancement of our knowledge on the expression of inhibitory and activating molecules led us to exploit these molecules in the treatment of cancer. This review discusses the importance of activating and inhibitory receptors on NK cells and their clinical importance in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surojit Karmakar
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, MH, 411007, India
| | - Pradipta Pal
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, MH, 411007, India
| | - Girdhari Lal
- National Centre for Cell Science (NCCS), Pune, MH, 411007, India
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13
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Makanga DR, Jullien M, David G, Legrand N, Willem C, Dubreuil L, Walencik A, Touzeau C, Gastinne T, Tessoulin B, Le Gouill S, Mahé B, Gagne K, Chevallier P, Clemenceau B, Retière C. Low number of KIR ligands in lymphoma patients favors a good rituximab-dependent NK cell response. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1936392. [PMID: 34178429 PMCID: PMC8204974 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1936392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) effector function of natural killer (NK) cells is one of the known mechanisms of action for rituximab-based anti-cancer immunotherapy. Inhibition of the ADCC function of NK cells through interactions between inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and HLA class I ligands is associated with resistance of cancers to rituximab. In this study, we deeply investigated the impact of KIR, HLA class I, and CD16 genotypes on rituximab-dependent NK cell responses in both an in vitro cellular model from healthy blood donors and ex vivo rituximab-treated non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) patients. We highlight that an HLA environment with limited KIR ligands is beneficial to promoting a higher frequency of KIR+ NK cells including both educated and uneducated NK cells, two NK cell compartments that demonstrate higher rituximab-dependent degranulation than KIR− NK cells. In contrast, a substantial KIR ligand environment favors a higher frequency of poorly effective KIR− NK cells and numerous functional KIR/HLA inhibitions of educated KIR+ NK cells. These phenomena explain why NHL patients with limited KIR ligands respond better to rituximab. In this HLA environment, CD16 polymorphism appears to have a collateral effect. Furthermore, we show the synergic effect of KIR2DS1, which strongly potentiates NK cell ADCC from C2− blood donors against C2+ target cells. Taken together, these results pave the way for stronger prediction of rituximab responses for NHL patients. HLA class I typing and peripheral blood KIR+ NK cell frequency could be simple and useful markers for predicting rituximab response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhon Roméo Makanga
- Etablissement Français Du Sang, Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université De Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology", Nantes, France
| | | | - Gaëlle David
- Etablissement Français Du Sang, Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université De Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology", Nantes, France
| | - Nolwenn Legrand
- Etablissement Français Du Sang, Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université De Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology", Nantes, France
| | - Catherine Willem
- Etablissement Français Du Sang, Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université De Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology", Nantes, France
| | - Léa Dubreuil
- Etablissement Français Du Sang, Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université De Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology", Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Katia Gagne
- Etablissement Français Du Sang, Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université De Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology", Nantes, France.,LabEx Transplantex, Université De Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Patrice Chevallier
- Université De Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology", Nantes, France.,Hematology Clinic, CHU, Nantes, France
| | - Béatrice Clemenceau
- Université De Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology", Nantes, France
| | - Christelle Retière
- Etablissement Français Du Sang, Nantes, Nantes, France.,Université De Nantes, INSERM U1232 CNRS, CRCINA, Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology", Nantes, France
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14
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Tanaka J. Recent advances in cellular therapy for malignant lymphoma. Cytotherapy 2021; 23:662-671. [PMID: 33558145 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cellular therapies for malignant lymphoma include autologous or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and adaptive cellular therapy using EBV-specific T cells, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, NKT cells, NK cells, chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells and chimeric antigen receptor NK (CAR-NK) cells. In this review we discusses recent advances of these cellular therapies and consider ways to optimize these therapies. Not only a single strategy using one of these cellular therapies, but also multi-disciplinary treatment combines with antibodies, such as an anti-tumor antibody and an immune checkpoint antibody, may be more effective for relapsed and refractory lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junji Tanaka
- Department of Hematology, Tokyo Women's Medical University, Tokyo, Japan.
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15
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NK Cell Adoptive Immunotherapy of Cancer: Evaluating Recognition Strategies and Overcoming Limitations. Transplant Cell Ther 2020; 27:21-35. [PMID: 33007496 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2020.09.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, the primary effector cells of the innate immune system, utilize multiple strategies to recognize tumor cells by (1) detecting the presence of activating receptor ligands, which are often upregulated in cancer; (2) targeting cells that have a loss of major histocompatibility complex (MHC); and (3) binding to antibodies that bind to tumor-specific antigens on the tumor cell surface. All these strategies have been successfully harnessed in adoptive NK cell immunotherapies targeting cancer. In this review, we review the applications of NK cell therapies across different tumor types. Similar to other forms of immunotherapy, tumor-induced immune escape and immune suppression can limit NK cell therapies' efficacy. Therefore, we also discuss how these limitations can be overcome by conferring NK cells with the ability to redirect their tumor-targeting capabilities and survive the immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment. Finally, we also discuss how future iterations can benefit from combination therapies with other immunotherapeutic agents.
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16
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Recent progress in and challenges in cellular therapy using NK cells for hematological malignancies. Blood Rev 2020; 44:100678. [PMID: 32229065 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2020.100678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2019] [Revised: 01/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
NK cells have killing activity against leukemic cells and solid cancer cells that escape from T cell recognition because of the low expression level of HLA class I molecules. This characteristic feature of NK cell recognition of target cells in contrast to T cells provides a strategy to overcome tolerance in cancer and leukemia patients. A strong alloreactive NK cell-mediated anti-leukemia effect can be induced in haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Also, NK cells can be expanded by several methods for adoptive immunotherapy for hematological malignancies and other malignant diseases. We review the historical role of NK cells and recent approaches to enhance the functions of NK cells, including ex vivo expansion of autologous and allogenic NK cells, checkpoint receptor blockade, and the use of memory-like NK cells and CAR-NK cells, for treatment of hematological malignancies.
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