1
|
Ma M, Xie Y, Liu J, Wu L, Liu Y, Qin X. Biological effects of IL-21 on immune cells and its potential for cancer treatment. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111154. [PMID: 37977064 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111154] [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: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a member of the IL-2 cytokine family, is one of the most important effector and messenger molecules in the immune system. Produced by various immune cells, IL-21 has pleiotropic effects on innate and adaptive immune responses via regulation of natural killer, T, and B cells. An anti-tumor role of IL-21 has also been reported in the literature, as it may support cell proliferation or on the contrary induce growth arrest or apoptosis of the tumor cell. Anti-tumor effect of IL-21 enhances when combined with other agents that target tumor cells, immune regulatory circuits, or other immune-enhancing molecules. Therefore, understanding the biology of IL-21 in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and reducing its systemic toxic and side effects is crucial to ensure the maximum benefits of anti-tumor treatment strategies. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview on the biological functions, roles in tumors, and the recent advances in preclinical and clinical research of IL-21 in tumor immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meichen Ma
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yuanyuan Xie
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jianhua Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lina Wu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiaosong Qin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Look T, Meister H, Weller M, Weiss T. Protocol for the expansion of mouse immune effector cells for in vitro and in vivo studies. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102700. [PMID: 37925634 PMCID: PMC10751566 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Reproducible and efficient expansion of different immune effector cells is required for pre-clinical studies investigating adoptive cell therapies against cancer. Here, we provide a protocol for the rapid expansion of mouse T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and bone-marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs). We describe steps for αCD3/αCD8 plate coating, isolating splenocytes, and expanding T cells and NK cells. Further, we detail procedures for bone marrow isolation and BMDM differentiation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Look
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Hanna Meister
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhi L, Wang X, Gao Q, He W, Shang C, Guo C, Niu Z, Zhu W, Zhang X. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors determining natural killer cell fate: Phenotype and function. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115136. [PMID: 37453199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115136] [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: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are derived from hematopoietic stem cells. They belong to the innate lymphoid cell family, which is an important part of innate immunity. This family plays a role in the body mainly through the release of perforin, granzyme, and various cytokines and is involved in cytotoxicity and cytokine-mediated immune regulation. NK cells involved in normal immune regulation and the tumor microenvironment (TME) can exhibit completely different states. Here, we discuss the growth, development, and function of NK cells in regard to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are those that influence NK cells to promote cell maturation and exert their effector functions under the control of internal metabolism and self-related genes. Extrinsic factors include the metabolism of the TME and the influence of related proteins on the "fate" of NK cells. This review targets the potential of NK cell metabolism, cellular molecules, regulatory genes, and other mechanisms involved in immune regulation. We further discuss immune-mediated tumor therapy, which is the trend of current research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingtong Zhi
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Qing Gao
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wenhui He
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Chongye Shang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Changjiang Guo
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Niu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wuling Zhu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Amin PJ, Shankar BS. Arabinogalactan G1-4A isolated from Tinospora cordifolia induces PKC/mTOR mediated direct activation of natural killer cells and through dendritic cell cross-talk. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2023; 1867:130312. [PMID: 36690186 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2023.130312] [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: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tinospora cordifolia polysaccharide G1-4A activates antigen-presenting cells, but its effect on natural killer (NK) cells is not known. The objective of this study is to assess the effect of G1-4A on NK cells; direct effects as well as through dendritic cell (DC) cross-talk. METHODS NK cell phenotype and function were assessed in spleen cells treated in vitro with G1-4A or isolated from mice administered with G1-4A. Following treatment with G1-4A in vitro or in cells isolated from G1-4A treated mice (in vivo), activated NK cell phenotype was characterized as CD3-NKp46+CD69+ cells by flow cytometry; NK cell function was evaluated by IFN-γ secretion (ELISA) and cytotoxicity assay (calcein release by target cells in effector: target cells co-culture assay). RESULTS Both in vitro as well as in vivoG1-4A treatment increased phenotypic and functional activation of NK cells. So, we wanted to determine if this was through NK-DC crosstalk or direct activation of NK cells. There was increased NK cell activation following co-culture with bone marrow derived DC matured withG1-4A in vitro or splenic DC isolated from G1-4A administered mice indicating crosstalk. G1-4A also increased activation of NK cells in (a) CD11c depleted splenic cells that was contact dependent and (b) purified NKp46+ cells that was abrogated by PKC/mTOR inhibitors indicating direct effects on NK cells. CONCLUSION In summary, treatment with G1-4A results in phenotypic and functional activation of NK cells directly as well as through NK-DC cross talk and has the potential to be used as an immunotherapeutic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Prayag J Amin
- Immunology Section, Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India
| | - Bhavani S Shankar
- Immunology Section, Radiation Biology & Health Sciences Division, Bio-Science Group, Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai 400 085, India; Homi Bhabha National Institute, Anushaktinagar, Mumbai 400 094, India.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Won Jun H, Kyung Lee H, Ho Na I, Jeong Lee S, Kim K, Park G, Sook Kim H, Ju Son D, Kim Y, Tae Hong J, Han SB. The role of CCL2, CCL7, ICAM-1, and VCAM-1 in interaction of endothelial cells and natural killer cells. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109332. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|
6
|
Czika A, Yang Y, Yang JP, Adu-Gyamfi EA, Ullah A, Ruan LL, Chen XM, Wang YX, Wang MJ, Ding YB. A decrease in CD2 expression on NK cells is associated with PCOS but not influenced by metformin in a mouse model. Biol Reprod 2022; 106:756-765. [DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioac004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Problem: Natural killer (NK) cells from the peripheral blood and spleen represent the source from which various tissues replenish their immune cell populations. Hyperandrogenism and high interleukin-2 (IL-2) levels are factors present in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). These factors and metformin, one of the commonest medications used in treating PCOS, may have an impact on NK cell levels and its receptor profile. However, this is presently unknown. Here, we aimed to assess the levels of peripheral blood and splenic NK cells and their CD2 and CD94 expression patterns in a PCOS mouse model and test whether metformin could reverse these effects.
Method of study: Four mouse groups were designed as follows (n = 15/group): control, PCOS, PCOS plus vehicle, PCOS plus metformin. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and a high-fat diet (HFD) were administered to induce the PCOS mouse model. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression of CD2 and CD94 on peripheral blood and splenic NK cells. Serum IL-2 levels were analyzed through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays.
Results: PCOS mice had a decreased mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of CD2 on peripheral blood NK cells and a decreased percentage of CD2+ splenic NK cells. Metformin administration did not significantly influence these changes; however, it reduced the splenic NK cell count. IL-2 levels were significantly elevated in PCOS mice and significantly reduced after metformin administration.
Conclusions: Our findings proved the association of PCOS with an altered expression of CD2 on peripheral blood and splenic NK cells and that of metformin with a lowered splenic NK cell reserve in PCOS conditions. These findings could further unlock key mechanisms in PCOS pathophysiology and in the mechanism of action of metformin, towards improving PCOS management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Armin Czika
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yin Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Management, Research Center for Medicine and Social Development, Innovation Center for Social Risk Governance in Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun-Pu Yang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Enoch Appiah Adu-Gyamfi
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Amin Ullah
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ling-Ling Ruan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medical Resources, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue-Mei Chen
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Xiong Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei-Jiao Wang
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu-Bin Ding
- Joint International Research Laboratory of Reproduction and Development, School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Valipour B, Abedelahi A, Naderali E, Velaei K, Movassaghpour A, Talebi M, Montazersaheb S, Karimipour M, Darabi M, Chavoshi H, Nozad Charoudeh H. Cord blood stem cell derived CD16 + NK cells eradicated acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells using with anti-CD47 antibody. Life Sci 2019; 242:117223. [PMID: 31881222 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive cancer in children and adults which possess higher CD47 expression than normal cells. ALL chemotherapy has a lot of side effects and in most cases is ineffective. However arrival of Natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapy raised hopes for successful treatment of cancers, tailoring NK cells to meet clinical requirements is still under investigation. Of note, CD16+ (FCγIIIa) NK cells eliminate tumor cells with antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) mechanism. Therefore, we evaluated ADCC effect of cord blood stem cell derived CD16+ NK cells with using anti CD47 blocking antibody. CD16+ NK cells generated efficiently from CD34 positive cord blood cells in vitro using IL-2, IL-15 and IL-21 cytokines, although it was not dose dependent. CD16+ cells derived from CD34+ cells in day 14 of culture efficiently increased apoptosis in ALL cells, produced INFγ and increased CD107-a expression when used anti CD47 antibody (increased around 30-40%). Interestingly, CD16+ NK cell cytotoxicity slightly increased in combination with macrophages against ALL cells (around 10%). Taken together, our findings induced this hope that cord blood stem cell derived CD16+ NK cells exploit antitumor immune response in cancer therapy with using anti-CD47 antibody.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Valipour
- Stem Cell Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran; Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elahe Naderali
- Stem Cell Research Centre, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kobra Velaei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Aliakbar Movassaghpour
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Talebi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Soheila Montazersaheb
- Molecular Medicine Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Masoud Darabi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences
| | - Hadi Chavoshi
- Hematology and Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Montes-Casado M, Ojeda G, Aragoneses-Fenoll L, López D, de Andrés B, Gaspar ML, Dianzani U, Rojo JM, Portolés P. ICOS deficiency hampers the homeostasis, development and function of NK cells. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0219449. [PMID: 31283790 PMCID: PMC6613708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0219449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Accepted: 06/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Signaling through the inducible costimulator ICOS is required for the homeostasis and function of various immune cell populations, with an outstanding role in the generation and maintenance of germinal centers. Very recently, it has been suggested that the clinical phenotype of ICOS-deficient patients is much broader than initially anticipated and the innate immune response might be also affected. However, the role of the ICOS/ICOS-Ligand axis in the homeostasis and development of innate NK cells is not known, and reports on its participation in NK cell activation are scarce. NK cells may express low levels of ICOS that are markedly enhanced upon activation. We show here that ICOS-deficient (ICOS-KO) mice present low NK cell numbers and defects in the homeostasis of these cells, with delayed maturation and altered expression of the developmental NK cell markers CD122, NK1.1, CD11b or CD27. Our experiments in mixed bone marrow chimera mice indicate that, both, cell-intrinsic defects of ICOS-KO NK and deficiencies in the milieu of these mice contribute to the altered phenotype. ICOS-deficient NK cells show impaired production of IFN-γ and cytotoxicity, and a final outcome of defects in NK cell-mediated effector function during the response to poly(I:C) or vaccinia virus infection in vivo. Interestingly, we show that murine innate cells like IL-2-cultured NK and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells can simultaneously express ICOS and ICOS-Ligand; both molecules are functional in NK intracellular signaling, enhancing early phosphorylation of Akt and Erk, or IFN-γ secretion in IL-2-activated NK cells. Our study shows the functional importance of the ICOS/ICOS-L pair in NK cell homeostasis, differentiation and activity and suggests novel therapeutic targets for NK manipulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- María Montes-Casado
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Ojeda
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Aragoneses-Fenoll
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Daniel López
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Belén de Andrés
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Luisa Gaspar
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Umberto Dianzani
- Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases (IRCAD) and Department of Health Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale (UPO), Novara, Italy
| | - José M Rojo
- Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Portolés
- Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hennessy RJ, Pham K, Delconte R, Rautela J, Hodgkin PD, Huntington ND. Quantifying NK cell growth and survival changes in response to cytokines and regulatory checkpoint blockade helps identify optimal culture and expansion conditions. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 105:1341-1354. [PMID: 31079418 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.ma0718-296r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells are innate lymphocytes critical for immune surveillance, particularly in eradication of metastatic cancer cells and acute antiviral responses. In contrast to T cells, NK cell-mediated immunity is rapid, with spontaneous cytotoxicity and cytokine/chemokine production upon pathogen detection. The renaissance in cancer immunology has cast NK cell biology back into the spotlight with an urgent need for deeper understanding of the regulatory networks that govern NK cell antitumor activity. To this end, we have adapted and refined a series of quantitative cellular calculus methods, previously applied to T and B lymphocytes, to dissect the biologic outcomes of NK cells following stimulation with cytokines (IL-15, IL-12, IL-18) or deletion of genes that regulate NK cell proliferation (Cish), survival (Bcl2l11), and activation-induced-cell-death (AICD; Fas). Our methodology is well suited to delineate effects on division rate, intrinsic apoptosis, and AICD, permitting variables such as population half-life, rate of cell division, and their combined influence on population numbers in response to stimuli to be accurately measured and modelled. Changes in these variables that result from gene deletion, concentration of stimuli, time, and cell density give insight into the dynamics of NK cell responses and serve as a platform to dissect the mechanism of action of putative checkpoints in NK cell activation and novel NK cell immunotherapy agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Hennessy
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kim Pham
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rebecca Delconte
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jai Rautela
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute and the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Philip D Hodgkin
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, University of Melbourne, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Division of Molecular Immunology, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kim SH, Park SY, Lim MC, Lee ES, Lee EG, Han SE, Kim YH, Kwon BS, Choi BK. Delayed IL-21 treatment preferentially expands peptide-specific CD8 + T cells by reducing bystander activation of T cells. Immunotherapy 2019; 11:497-513. [PMID: 30760061 DOI: 10.2217/imt-2018-0095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM We previously reported a simple and practical procedure to generate peptide-specific CD8+ T cells using peptide and IL-2, which is applied to produce human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT)-specific CD8+ T cells for clinical use. We have modified the procedure to enhance the amplification of peptide-specific CD8+ T cells adding IL-21. MATERIALS & METHODS Using human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-A*0201-restricted cytomegalovirus/pp65-specific CD8+ T cells of healthy volunteers, we optimized the culture conditions by adjusting the dose and timing of IL-21 treatment. RESULTS & CONCLUSION By adding IL-21, we accelerated the expansion rate of cytomegalovirus/pp65-specific CD8+ T cells by reducing bystander activation of T cells. We expect that the procedure including IL-21 would improve the production rate of hTERT- and Wilms tumor 1 (WT1)-specific CD8+ T cells for clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seon-Hee Kim
- Immunotherapeutics Branch, Division of Convergence Technology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea
| | - Sang-Yoon Park
- Common Cancer Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea.,Center for Uterine Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea
| | - Myong Cheol Lim
- Center for Uterine Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea.,Cancer Healthcare Research Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Management, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea
| | - Eun Sook Lee
- Immunotherapeutics Branch, Division of Convergence Technology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea.,Center for Breast Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea
| | - Eun Gyeong Lee
- Center for Breast Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea
| | - Seoung-Eun Han
- Immunotherapeutics Branch, Division of Convergence Technology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea
| | - Young-Ho Kim
- Rare Cancer Branch, Division of Clinical Research, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408, Korea
| | - Byoung S Kwon
- Eutilex, Co., Ltd, Suite# 1401 Daeryung Technotown 17 Gasan digital 1-ro 25, Geumcheon-gu, Seoul 08594, Korea.,Department of Medicine, Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA Center for Breast Cancer, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea
| | - Beom K Choi
- Biomedicine Production Branch, National Cancer Center, Goyang, 10408 Korea
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Streltsova MA, Erokhina SA, Kanevskiy LM, Lee DA, Telford WG, Sapozhnikov AM, Kovalenko EI. Analysis of NK cell clones obtained using interleukin-2 and gene-modified K562 cells revealed the ability of "senescent" NK cells to lose CD57 expression and start expressing NKG2A. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208469. [PMID: 30517188 PMCID: PMC6281266 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2018] [Accepted: 11/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work, we analyzed the phenotype and growth of human NK cell clones obtained by the stimulation of individual NK cells with IL-2 and gene-modified K562 feeder cells expressing membrane-bound IL-21 (K562-mbIL21). We generated clones from NK cells at distinct differentiation and activation stages, determined by CD56, CD57 and HLA-DR expression levels. Less differentiated CD56bright NK cell subsets showed higher cloning efficiency compared with more differentiated CD56dim subsets, especially with the CD57bright subset. However, clones from the CD56dimCD57– subset lived longer on average than other subsets. Moreover, several clones with the highest cell numbers were derived from CD56dimCD57–HLA-DR−cells. Most of the clones including those derived from more differentiated CD56dimCD57+/–NKG2A– NK cells showed a less-differentiated NKG2A+ phenotype. Also, CD57– cells were frequently observed in clones derived from CD57+ NK cells suggesting the loss of CD57 during the cloning process. On the other hand, KIR surface expression once detected for a clone never disappeared entirely, confirming irreversibility of the KIR expression. In summary, we have demonstrated that in specific conditions terminally differentiated CD57+ human NK cells are able to acquire the CD57– phenotype that was previously not observed and, thus, was considered impossible.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Streltsova
- Laboratory of Cell Interactions, Department of Immunology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Sofya A Erokhina
- Laboratory of Cell Interactions, Department of Immunology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Leonid M Kanevskiy
- Laboratory of Cell Interactions, Department of Immunology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Dean A Lee
- Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States of America
| | - William G Telford
- Experimental Transplantation and Immunology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States of America
| | - Alexander M Sapozhnikov
- Laboratory of Cell Interactions, Department of Immunology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Elena I Kovalenko
- Laboratory of Cell Interactions, Department of Immunology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hegab DS, Elgarhy LH, Attia M. Are Peripheral Natural Killer Cells and Interleukin-21 Interrelated in Psoriasis Pathogenesis? Ann Dermatol 2017; 29:108-110. [PMID: 28223760 PMCID: PMC5318508 DOI: 10.5021/ad.2017.29.1.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Doaa Salah Hegab
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Lamia Hamouda Elgarhy
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Attia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Early in embryonic development of mice, from day 12.5 after conception, myeloid-lymphoid bipotent progenitors, expressing receptors both for IL7 and CSF-1, migrate from embryonic blood into developing fetal liver. These progenitors also express multiple chemokine receptors, i.e., CCR7, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR5, all on one cell. Their migration through LYVE-1+ vascular endothelium is guided by CCR7, recognizing the chemokine CCL19, and by CXCR3, recognizing CXCL10/11, chemokines which are both produced by the endothelium. Once inside fetal liver, the progenitors are attracted by the chemokine CXCL12 to ALCAM+ liver mesenchyme, which produces not only this chemokine, but also the myeloid differentiation-inducing cytokine CSF-1 and the lymphoid differentiation-inducing cytokine IL7. In this mesenchymal environment B-lymphocyte lineage progenitors are then induced by IL7 to enter differentiation and Ig gene rearrangements. Within 3-4 days surface IgM+ immature B-cells develop, which are destined to enter the B1-cell compartments in the peripheral lymphoid organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- K Kajikhina
- Research Group on "Lymphocyte Development," Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany
| | - M Tsuneto
- Research Group on "Lymphocyte Development," Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany; Reproductive Centre, Mio Fertility Clinic, Yonago, Japan
| | - F Melchers
- Research Group on "Lymphocyte Development," Max Planck Institute for Infection Biology, Berlin, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chandrasekaran S, Chan MF, Li J, King MR. Super natural killer cells that target metastases in the tumor draining lymph nodes. Biomaterials 2015; 77:66-76. [PMID: 26584347 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2015] [Revised: 10/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/01/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Tumor draining lymph nodes are the first site of metastasis in most types of cancer. The extent of metastasis in the lymph nodes is often used in staging cancer progression. We previously showed that nanoscale TRAIL liposomes conjugated to human natural killer cells enhance their endogenous therapeutic potential in killing cancer cells cultured in engineered lymph node microenvironments. In this work, it is shown that liposomes decorated with apoptosis-inducing ligand TRAIL and an antibody against a mouse natural killer cell marker are carried to the tumor draining inguinal lymph nodes and prevent the lymphatic spread of a subcutaneous tumor in mice. It is shown that targeting natural killer cells with TRAIL liposomes enhances their retention time within the tumor draining lymph nodes to induce apoptosis in cancer cells. It is concluded that this approach can be used to kill cancer cells within the tumor draining lymph nodes to prevent the lymphatic spread of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Maxine F Chan
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Jiahe Li
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - Michael R King
- Meinig School of Biomedical Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kohlhapp FJ, Broucek JR, Hughes T, Huelsmann EJ, Lusciks J, Zayas JP, Dolubizno H, Fleetwood VA, Grin A, Hill GE, Poshepny JL, Nabatiyan A, Ruby CE, Snook JD, Rudra JS, Schenkel JM, Masopust D, Zloza A, Kaufman HL. NK cells and CD8+ T cells cooperate to improve therapeutic responses in melanoma treated with interleukin-2 (IL-2) and CTLA-4 blockade. J Immunother Cancer 2015; 3:18. [PMID: 25992289 PMCID: PMC4437746 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-015-0063-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Melanoma is one of the few types of cancer with an increasing annual incidence. While a number of immunotherapies for melanoma have been associated with significant clinical benefit, including high-dose IL-2 and cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) blockade, clinical response to either of these single agents has been limited to 11-20% of treated patients. Therefore, in this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that the combination of IL-2 and CTLA-4 blockade could mediate a more profound therapeutic response. METHODS Here, B6 mice were challenged with poorly immunogenic B16 melanoma on day 0, and treated with CTLA-4 blocking antibody (100 μg/mouse) on days 3, 6, and 9, and IL-2 (100,000 units) twice daily on days 4-8, or both. RESULTS A highly significant synergistic effect that delayed tumor growth and prolonged survival was demonstrated with the combination immunotherapy compared to either monotherapy alone. The therapeutic effect of combination immunotherapy was dependent on both CD8+ T and NK cells and co-depletion of these subsets (but not either one alone) abrogated the therapeutic effect. CTLA-4 blockade increased immune cell infiltration (including CD8+ T cells and NK cells) in the tumor and IL-2 reduced the proportion of highly differentiated/exhausted tumor-infiltrating NK cells. CONCLUSIONS These results have implications for the design of clinical trials in patients with metastatic melanoma and provide new insights into how the immune system may be mediating anti-tumor activity with combination IL-2 and CTLA-4 blockade in melanoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frederick J Kohlhapp
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street Room 2007, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 USA.,Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Joseph R Broucek
- Department of General Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Tasha Hughes
- Department of General Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Erica J Huelsmann
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Jevgenijs Lusciks
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Janet P Zayas
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Hubert Dolubizno
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | | | - Alisa Grin
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Graham E Hill
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Joseph L Poshepny
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Arman Nabatiyan
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Carl E Ruby
- Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA.,Department of General Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Joshua D Snook
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Jai S Rudra
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and Sealy Center for Vaccine Development, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX 77555 USA
| | - Jason M Schenkel
- Department of Microbiology and Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - David Masopust
- Department of Microbiology and Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Andrew Zloza
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street Room 2007, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 USA.,Department of Immunology/Microbiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612 USA.,Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903 USA
| | - Howard L Kaufman
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, 195 Little Albany Street Room 2007, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 USA.,Department of Surgery, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ 08903 USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Shin DJ, Lee SH, Park JY, Kim JS, Lee JJ, Suh GH, Lee YK, Cho D, Kim SK. Interleukin-21 induces proliferation and modulates receptor expression and effector function in canine natural killer cells. Vet Immunol Immunopathol 2015; 165:22-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.vetimm.2015.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Revised: 02/27/2015] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|
17
|
IL-21: a pleiotropic cytokine with potential applications in oncology. J Immunol Res 2015; 2015:696578. [PMID: 25961061 PMCID: PMC4413888 DOI: 10.1155/2015/696578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/25/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin- (IL-) 21 is a pleiotropic cytokine that regulates the activity of both innate and specific immunity. Indeed, it costimulates T and natural killer (NK) cell proliferation and function and regulates B cell survival and differentiation and the function of dendritic cells. In addition, IL-21 exerts divergent effects on different lymphoid cell leukemia and lymphomas, as it may support cell proliferation or on the contrary induce growth arrest or apoptosis of the neoplastic lymphoid cells. Several preclinical studies showed that IL-21 has antitumor activity in different tumor models, through mechanism involving the activation of NK and T or B cell responses. Moreover, IL-21's antitumor activity can be potentiated by its combination with other immune-enhancing molecules, monoclonal antibodies recognizing tumor antigens, chemotherapy, or molecular targeted agents. Clinical phase I-II studies of IL-21 in cancer patients showed immune stimulatory properties, acceptable toxicity profile, and antitumor effects in a fraction of patients. In view of its tolerability, IL-21 is also suitable for combinational therapeutic regimens with other agents. This review will summarize the biological functions of IL-21, and address its role in lymphoid malignancies and preclinical and clinical studies of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
18
|
Nayar S, Dasgupta P, Galustian C. Extending the lifespan and efficacies of immune cells used in adoptive transfer for cancer immunotherapies-A review. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1002720. [PMID: 26155387 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2014.1002720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells used in adoptive cell-transfer immunotherapies against cancer include dendritic cells (DCs), natural-killer cells, and CD8+ T-cells. These cells may have limited efficacy due to their lifespan, activity, and immunosuppressive effects of tumor cells. Therefore, increasing longevity and activity of these cells may boost their efficacy. Four cytokines that can extend immune effector-cell longevity are IL-2, IL-7, IL-21, and IL-15. This review will discuss current knowledge on effector-cell lifespans and the mechanisms by which IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 can extend effector-cell longevity. We will also discuss how lifespan and efficacy of these cells can be regulated to allow optimal clinical benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Nayar
- MRC Centre for Transplantation; Kings College London; Guys Hospital ; London, UK
| | - Prokar Dasgupta
- MRC Centre for Transplantation; Kings College London; Guys Hospital ; London, UK
| | - Christine Galustian
- MRC Centre for Transplantation; Kings College London; Guys Hospital ; London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Nogusa S, Murasko DM, Gardner EM. Differential effects of stimulatory factors on natural killer cell activities of young and aged mice. J Gerontol A Biol Sci Med Sci 2012; 67:947-54. [PMID: 22454373 PMCID: PMC3436087 DOI: 10.1093/gerona/gls079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Age-associated influences on natural killer (NK) cell functions following cytokine stimulation were examined in splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice. NK cells of both young and aged mice exhibited significantly increased: interferon-γ production after interleukin (IL)-12 or IL-15 alone or any combination of IL-12, IL-18, and IL-2; cytotoxicity after IL-2 or IL-15; and granzyme B expression after IL-15. The only significant age-associated differences were observed in interferon-γ production after IL-15 or IL-12 + 18 + 2 and in granzyme B expression following IL-2 or IL-15. Perforin expression did not increase following stimulation; however, NK cells from aged mice expressed significantly higher levels than young mice. These results underscore the complexity of the cytokine-induced functional activities of NK cells and illustrate the differential response of NK cells from young and aged mice to cytokine stimulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shoko Nogusa
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Donna M. Murasko
- Department of Biology, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Elizabeth M. Gardner
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, Michigan State University,
East Lansing
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Denman CJ, Senyukov VV, Somanchi SS, Phatarpekar PV, Kopp LM, Johnson JL, Singh H, Hurton L, Maiti SN, Huls MH, Champlin RE, Cooper LJN, Lee DA. Membrane-bound IL-21 promotes sustained ex vivo proliferation of human natural killer cells. PLoS One 2012; 7:e30264. [PMID: 22279576 PMCID: PMC3261192 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0030264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 415] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2011] [Accepted: 12/12/2011] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells have therapeutic potential for a wide variety of human malignancies. However, because NK cells expand poorly in vitro, have limited life spans in vivo, and represent a small fraction of peripheral white blood cells, obtaining sufficient cell numbers is the major obstacle for NK-cell immunotherapy. Genetically-engineered artificial antigen-presenting cells (aAPCs) expressing membrane-bound IL-15 (mbIL15) have been used to propagate clinical-grade NK cells for human trials of adoptive immunotherapy, but ex vivo proliferation has been limited by telomere shortening. We developed K562-based aAPCs with membrane-bound IL-21 (mbIL21) and assessed their ability to support human NK-cell proliferation. In contrast to mbIL15, mbIL21-expressing aAPCs promoted log-phase NK cell expansion without evidence of senescence for up to 6 weeks of culture. By day 21, parallel expansion of NK cells from 22 donors demonstrated a mean 47,967-fold expansion (median 31,747) when co-cultured with aAPCs expressing mbIL21 compared to 825-fold expansion (median 325) with mbIL15. Despite the significant increase in proliferation, mbIL21-expanded NK cells also showed a significant increase in telomere length compared to freshly obtained NK cells, suggesting a possible mechanism for their sustained proliferation. NK cells expanded with mbIL21 were similar in phenotype and cytotoxicity to those expanded with mbIL15, with retained donor KIR repertoires and high expression of NCRs, CD16, and NKG2D, but had superior cytokine secretion. The mbIL21-expanded NK cells showed increased transcription of the activating receptor CD160, but otherwise had remarkably similar mRNA expression profiles of the 96 genes assessed. mbIL21-expanded NK cells had significant cytotoxicity against all tumor cell lines tested, retained responsiveness to inhibitory KIR ligands, and demonstrated enhanced killing via antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity. Thus, aAPCs expressing mbIL21 promote improved proliferation of human NK cells with longer telomeres and less senescence, supporting their clinical use in propagating NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecele J. Denman
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Vladimir V. Senyukov
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Srinivas S. Somanchi
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Prasad V. Phatarpekar
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Health Science Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lisa M. Kopp
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jennifer L. Johnson
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Harjeet Singh
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Lenka Hurton
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Health Science Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sourindra N. Maiti
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - M. Helen Huls
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Richard E. Champlin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Laurence J. N. Cooper
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Health Science Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dean A. Lee
- Division of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Health Science Center, The University of Texas, Houston, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Role of common-gamma chain cytokines in NK cell development and function: perspectives for immunotherapy. J Biomed Biotechnol 2011; 2011:861920. [PMID: 21716670 PMCID: PMC3118299 DOI: 10.1155/2011/861920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2011] [Accepted: 03/14/2011] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are components of the innate immunity system and play an important role as a first-line defense mechanism against viral infections and in tumor immune surveillance. Their development and their functional activities are controlled by several factors among which cytokines sharing the usage of the common cytokine-receptor gamma chain play a pivotal role. In particular, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 are the members of this family predominantly involved in NK cell biology. In this paper, we will address their role in NK cell ontogeny, regulation of functional activities, development of specialized cell subsets, and acquisition of memory-like functions. Finally, the potential application of these cytokines as recombinant molecules to NK cell-based immunotherapy approaches will be discussed.
Collapse
|
22
|
Akdis M, Burgler S, Crameri R, Eiwegger T, Fujita H, Gomez E, Klunker S, Meyer N, O'Mahony L, Palomares O, Rhyner C, Ouaked N, Quaked N, Schaffartzik A, Van De Veen W, Zeller S, Zimmermann M, Akdis CA. Interleukins, from 1 to 37, and interferon-γ: receptors, functions, and roles in diseases. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2011; 127:701-21.e1-70. [PMID: 21377040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2010.11.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 518] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2010] [Revised: 11/11/2010] [Accepted: 11/12/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Advancing our understanding of mechanisms of immune regulation in allergy, asthma, autoimmune diseases, tumor development, organ transplantation, and chronic infections could lead to effective and targeted therapies. Subsets of immune and inflammatory cells interact via ILs and IFNs; reciprocal regulation and counter balance among T(h) and regulatory T cells, as well as subsets of B cells, offer opportunities for immune interventions. Here, we review current knowledge about ILs 1 to 37 and IFN-γ. Our understanding of the effects of ILs has greatly increased since the discoveries of monocyte IL (called IL-1) and lymphocyte IL (called IL-2); more than 40 cytokines are now designated as ILs. Studies of transgenic or knockout mice with altered expression of these cytokines or their receptors and analyses of mutations and polymorphisms in human genes that encode these products have provided important information about IL and IFN functions. We discuss their signaling pathways, cellular sources, targets, roles in immune regulation and cellular networks, roles in allergy and asthma, and roles in defense against infections.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mübeccel Akdis
- Swiss Institute of Allergy and Asthma Research, University of Zurich, Davos, Switzerland.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Comprehensive analysis of transcript start sites in ly49 genes reveals an unexpected relationship with gene function and a lack of upstream promoters. PLoS One 2011; 6:e18475. [PMID: 21483805 PMCID: PMC3069108 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0018475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 03/08/2011] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive analysis of the transcription start sites of the Ly49 genes of C57BL/6 mice using the oligo-capping 5′-RACE technique revealed that the genes encoding the “missing self” inhibitory receptors, Ly49A, C, G, and I, were transcribed from multiple broad regions in exon 1, in the intron1/exon2 region, and upstream of exon -1b. Ly49E was also transcribed in this manner, and uniquely showed a transcriptional shift from exon1 to exon 2 when NK cells were activated in vitro with IL2. Remarkably, a large proportion of Ly49E transcripts was then initiated from downstream of the translational start codon. By contrast, the genes encoding Ly49B and Q in myeloid cells, the activating Ly49D and H receptors in NK cells, and Ly49F in activated T cells, were predominantly transcribed from a conserved site in a pyrimidine-rich region upstream of exon 1. An ∼200 bp fragment from upstream of the Ly49B start site displayed tissue-specific promoter activity in dendritic cell lines, but the corresponding upstream fragments from all other Ly49 genes lacked detectable tissue-specific promoter activity. In particular, none displayed any significant activity in a newly developed adult NK cell line that expressed multiple Ly49 receptors. Similarly, no promoter activity could be found in fragments upstream of intron1/exon2. Collectively, these findings reveal a previously unrecognized relationship between the pattern of transcription and the expression/function of Ly49 receptors, and indicate that transcription of the Ly49 genes expressed in lymphoid cells is achieved in a manner that does not require classical upstream promoters.
Collapse
|
24
|
Abstract
The relationship between advanced age and immunologic deficits is becoming an area of rapidly advancing research. Many of the clinical hurdles in the elderly population result from dysregulation of the immune system leading to the inability of the elderly to swiftly combat infection and to the increased incidence of chronic disease states and autoimmune conditions. Herein, we address the crucial alterations in the innate immune system that occur with advancing age. Specifically, we discuss how the effects of advanced age may lead to functional changes in the neutrophil, macrophage, dendritic cell, natural killer cell, and natural killer T cell populations in human and murine models that translate into aberrant innate immune responses. Furthermore, we elucidate how these changes may contribute to documented deficits in adaptive immunity as well as the pathological conditions and the increased morbidity and mortality seen in the elderly population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shegufta Mahbub
- The Burn and Shock Trauma Institute, Loyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Wang T, Diaz-Rosales P, Costa MM, Campbell S, Snow M, Collet B, Martin SAM, Secombes CJ. Functional characterization of a nonmammalian IL-21: rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss IL-21 upregulates the expression of the Th cell signature cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-10, and IL-22. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2011; 186:708-21. [PMID: 21160047 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1001203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In mammals, IL-21 is a common γ chain cytokine produced by activated CD4(+) T cells and NKT cells that acts on multiple lineages of cells. Although IL-21 has also been discovered in birds, amphibians, and fish, to date, no functional studies have been reported for any nonmammalian IL-21 molecule. We have sequenced an IL-21 gene (tIL-21) in rainbow trout, which has a six-exon/five-intron structure, is expressed in immune tissues, and is induced by bacterial and viral infection and the T cell stimulant PHA. In contrast to mammals, calcium ionophore and PMA act synergistically to induce tIL-21. Recombinant tIL-21 (rtIL-21) induced a rapid and long-lasting (4-72 h) induction of expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-22, signature cytokines for Th1-, Th2-, and Th17-type responses, respectively, in head kidney leukocytes. However, rtIL-21 had little effects on the expression of other cytokines studied. rtIL-21 maintained the expression of CD8α, CD8β, and IgM at a late stage of stimulation when their expression was significantly decreased in controls and increased the expression of the Th cell markers CD4, T-bet, and GATA3. Intraperitoneal injection of rtIL-21 confirmed the in vitro bioactivity and increased the expression of IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-21, IL-22, CD8, and IgM. Inhibition experiments revealed that the activation of JAK/STAT3, Akt1/2, and PI3K pathways were responsible for rtIL-21 action. This study helps to clarify the role of IL-21 in lower vertebrates for the first time, to our knowledge, and suggests IL-21 is a likely key regulator of T and B cell function in fish.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiehui Wang
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 2TZ, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Interleukin-21 as a potential therapeutic target for systemic lupus erythematosus. Mol Biol Rep 2010; 38:4077-81. [DOI: 10.1007/s11033-010-0527-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2010] [Accepted: 11/15/2010] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
|
27
|
Kim TJ, Kim N, Kang HJ, Kim EO, Kim ST, Ahn HS, Bluestone JA, Lee KM. FK506 causes cellular and functional defects in human natural killer cells. J Leukoc Biol 2010; 88:1089-97. [PMID: 20671192 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0310148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of NK cells in allogeneic HCT has been increasingly appreciated, particularly in the GVL effect. Although FK506 has been used widely to prevent GVHD, its action was considered to be primarily through activated T cells. In this study, we provide direct evidence for the first time that human NK cells are immediate targets of FK506. Our in vivo data from patients undergoing peripheral blood stem cell transplantation or BMT showed a reduced number of NK cells with down-regulated CD25 expression in their peripheral blood compartment. Likewise, FK506 caused profound inhibition of NK cell proliferation in vitro and suppressed NK cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion in response to IL-2. These defects were accompanied by impaired cell clustering and selective down-regulation of adhesion molecules, ICAM-1, CD2, CD49d, and CD58. Furthermore, FK506 specifically inhibited expression of NKG2D, CD48, and DNAM1 receptors without affecting that of 2B4, NKp30, NKp44, and NKp46. As a result, natural cytotoxicity against K562 tumor targets was impaired, while leaving redirected ADCC via 2B4 intact. Finally, FK506-treated NK cells showed impaired IL-2R signaling and inhibition of STAT3. Collectively, these signaling impairments and selective down-regulation of NK receptors by FK506 may underlie the proliferative and functional defects of NK cells. Thus, our data provide a new insight into the mechanism of immunosuppression by FK506, which should be considered to interpret the outcome of graft transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tae-Jin Kim
- Global Research Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Division of Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kim EO, Kim N, Kim TJ, Kim K, Kim TW, Kumar V, Lee KM. Unidirectional signaling triggered through 2B4 (CD244), not CD48, in murine NK cells. J Leukoc Biol 2010; 88:707-14. [PMID: 20647560 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0410198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Engagement of 2B4 (CD244) with CD48 results in activation, costimulation, or inhibition of NK cell activities, depending on the cell types and the stage of differentiation. In vivo, 2B4+ NK cells can interact with CD48+ NK cells and also with surrounding CD48+ hematopoietic cells. Similarly, CD48+ NK cells may be triggered by adjacent 2B4+ NK cells or other hematopoietic cells expressing 2B4, e.g., monocytes, basophils, γδ T cells, etc. As CD48 was also shown to function as an activating receptor, 2B4/CD48 binding in the settings of NK-to-NK or NK-to-non-NK cell interactions may generate bidirectional signals. To address this question, we examined the consequence of CD48 or 2B4 ligation using two experimental settings: one with target (syngeneic EL4 and allogeneic P815) cells, ectopically expressing surface 2B4 or CD48, and the other with direct cross-linking with plate-bound mAb. Here, we report that ligation of CD48 with 2B4+ EL4 or 2B4+ P815 targets, in the absence of other receptor engagement, did not alter NK cell cytotoxicity or proliferation significantly. Similarly, cross-linking of NK cells with plate-bound anti-CD48 mAb in the absence or presence of a suboptimal dose of IL-2 did not modulate NK proliferation, cytotoxicity, or cytokine production. Nonetheless, 2B4 cross-linking promoted NK cell proliferation and effector functions consistently in both settings. Therefore, our results demonstrate unequivocally that CD48 on surrounding NK or non-NK cells serves primarily as a ligand to stimulate 2B4 on the adjacent NK cells in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Ok Kim
- Global Research Lab, Department of Biochemistry and Division of Brain Korea 21 Program for Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Chen G, Hardy K, Bunting K, Daley S, Ma L, Shannon MF. Regulation of the IL-21 gene by the NF-κB transcription factor c-Rel. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2010; 185:2350-9. [PMID: 20639489 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1000317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IL-21 is a member of the common gamma-chain-dependent cytokine family and is a key modulator of lymphocyte development, proliferation, and differentiation. IL-21 is highly expressed in activated CD4(+) T cells and plays a critical role in the expansion and differentiation of the Th cell subsets, Th17 and follicular helper T (T(FH)) cells. Because of its potent activity in both myeloid and lymphoid cell immune responses, it has been implicated in a number of autoimmune diseases and has also been used as a therapeutic agent in the treatment of some cancers. In this study, we demonstrate that c-Rel, a member of the NF-kappaB family of transcription factors, is required for IL-21 gene expression in T lymphocytes. IL-21 mRNA and protein levels are reduced in the CD4(+) cells of rel(-/-) mice when compared with rel(+/+) mice in both in vitro and in vivo models. A c-Rel binding site identified in the proximal promoter of il21 is confirmed to bind c-Rel in vitro and in vivo and to regulate expression from the il21 promoter in T cells. Downstream of IL-21 expression, Th17, T(FH), and germinal center B cell development are also impaired in rel(-/-) mice. The administration of IL-21 protein rescued the development of T(FH) cells but not germinal center B cells. Taken together, c-Rel plays an important role in the expression of IL-21 in T cells and subsequently in IL-21-dependent T(FH) cell development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guobing Chen
- Gene Expression and Epigenomics Group, Department of Genome Biology, John Curtin School of Medical Research, Australian National University, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Kang L, Bondensgaard K, Li T, Hartmann R, Hjorth SA. Rational design of interleukin-21 antagonist through selective elimination of the gammaC binding epitope. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:12223-31. [PMID: 20167599 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.101444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
The cytokine interleukin (IL)-21 exerts pleiotropic effects acting through innate as well as adaptive immune responses. The activities of IL-21 are mediated through binding to its cognate receptor complex composed of the IL-21 receptor private chain (IL-21Ralpha) and the common gamma-chain (gammaC), the latter being shared by IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15. The binding energy of the IL-21 ternary complex is predominantly provided by the high affinity interaction between IL-21 and IL-21Ralpha, whereas the interaction between IL-21 and gammaC, albeit essential for signaling, is rather weak. The design of IL-21 analogues, which have lost most or all affinity toward the signaling gammaC chain, while simultaneously maintaining a tight interaction with the private chain, would in theory represent candidates for IL-21 antagonists. We predicted the IL-21 residues, which compose the gammaC binding epitope using homology modeling and alignment with the related cytokines, IL-2 and IL-4. Next we systematically analyzed the predicted binding epitope by a mutagenesis study. Indeed two mutants, which have significantly impaired gammaC affinity with undiminished IL-21Ralpha affinity, were successfully identified. Functional studies confirmed that these two novel hIL-21 double mutants do act as hIL-21 antagonists.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lishan Kang
- Novo Nordisk China R&D, Beijing 102206, China.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
IL-21 regulates Th17 cells in rheumatoid arthritis. Hum Immunol 2010; 71:334-41. [PMID: 20079789 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2010.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2009] [Revised: 12/17/2009] [Accepted: 01/07/2010] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
IL-21 is a type I cytokine that like IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15 uses the common gamma chain of cytokine receptor. IL-21 has been shown to regulate the function of T cells, B cells, natural killer cells, and dendritic cells in immune responses. Although activated CD4(+) T cells produce IL-21, recent data suggest that novel subsets of effector T cells are the major producers in immune responses. In this study, we show that IL-21 expression correlates with the presence of Th17 cells in synovial fluid (SF) and peripheral blood in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Human CCR6+ CD4(+) T cells produce high levels of both IL-21 and IL-17. Similar to mouse T cells, IL-21 auto-regulates its own production in human CD4(+) T cells. IL-21 potently enhances Th17 proliferation and suppresses Foxp3 expression, leading to the expression of RORC. IL-21 is therefore an autocrine cytokine that regulates human Th17 cells in rheumatoid arthritis, and serves as a good target for treating this autoimmune disease.
Collapse
|
32
|
Bonanno G, Mariotti A, Procoli A, Corallo M, Scambia G, Pierelli L, Rutella S. Interleukin-21 induces the differentiation of human umbilical cord blood CD34-lineage- cells into pseudomature lytic NK cells. BMC Immunol 2009; 10:46. [PMID: 19712464 PMCID: PMC2743656 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2172-10-46] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2009] [Accepted: 08/27/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Umbilical cord blood (UCB) is enriched with transplantable CD34+ cells. In addition to CD34-expressing haematopoietic stem cells (HSC), human UCB contains a rare population of CD34-lineage- cells endowed with the ability to differentiate along the T/NK pathway in response to interleukin (IL)-15 and a stromal cell support. IL-21 is a crucial regulator of NK cell function, whose influence on IL-15-induced differentiation of CD34-lineage- cells has not been investigated previously. The present study was designed and conducted to address whether IL-21 might replace the stromal cell requirements and foster the IL-15-induced NK differentiation of human UCB CD34-lineage- cells. Results CD34-lineage- cells were maintained in liquid culture with Flt3-L and SCF, with the addition of IL-15 and IL-21, either alone or in combination. Cultures were established in the absence of feeder cells or serum supplementation. Cytokine-treated cells were used to evaluate cell surface phenotype, expression of molecular determinants of lymphoid/NK cell differentiation, secretion of IFN-γ, GM-CSF, TNF-α and CCL3/MIP-1α, and cytolytic activity against NK-sensitive tumour cell targets. CD34-lineage- cells proliferated vigorously in response to IL-15 and IL-21 but not to IL-21 alone, and up-regulated phosphorylated Stat1 and Stat3 proteins. CD34-lineage- cells expanded by IL-21 in combination with IL-15 acquired lymphoid morphology and killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)-CD56+CD16-/+ phenotype, consistent with pseudo-mature NK cells. IL-21/IL-15-differentiated cells expressed high levels of mRNA for Bcl-2, GATA-3 and Id2, a master switch required for NK-cell development, and harboured un-rearranged TCRγ genes. From a functional standpoint, IL-21/IL-15-treated cells secreted copious amounts of IFN-γ, GM-CSF and CCL3/MIP-1α, and expressed cell surface CD107a upon contact with NK-sensitive tumour targets, a measure of exocytosis of NK secretory granules. Conclusion This study underpins a novel role for IL-21 in the differentiation of pseudo-mature lytic NK cells in a synergistic context with IL-15, and identifies a potential strategy to expand functional NK cells for immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppina Bonanno
- Department of Gynaecology, Catholic University Medical School, Rome, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Overwijk WW, Schluns KS. Functions of γC cytokines in immune homeostasis: current and potential clinical applications. Clin Immunol 2009; 132:153-65. [PMID: 19428306 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2009.03.512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2009] [Revised: 03/13/2009] [Accepted: 03/15/2009] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Cytokines that signal through receptor complexes containing the common gamma (gammaC) chain receptor subunit are central regulators of lymphocyte homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the four major gammaC cytokines that have proven activity in or potential for immunotherapy: IL-2, IL-7, IL-15 and IL-21. Their shared and unique activities on specific lymphocyte populations suggest therapeutic applications such as enhancing lymphocyte reconstitution, expanding tumor and pathogen-specific lymphocytes, and optimizing vaccines. Because the responsiveness of individual lymphocyte subsets varies under different situations such as lymphopenia and active immune responses, understanding the dynamics of gammaC-containing receptor expression is important in deciding how to achieve the most desired effect. Current understanding of the biology of gammaC cytokines suggests several clinical applications, including their direct administration or use in generation of lymphocytes for adoptive transfer, increasing their endogenous production, and potentiating their activity by complex formation with specific antibodies or their specific receptor-alpha subunits. Overall, gammaC cytokines have great potential, through their targeted use alone or in combination, to be an integral part of clinical interventions with enhanced efficacy and decreased toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Willem W Overwijk
- Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Thedrez A, Harly C, Morice A, Salot S, Bonneville M, Scotet E. IL-21-mediated potentiation of antitumor cytolytic and proinflammatory responses of human V gamma 9V delta 2 T cells for adoptive immunotherapy. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2009; 182:3423-31. [PMID: 19265120 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.0803068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Vgamma9Vdelta2 T lymphocytes are a major human gammadelta T cell subset that react against a wide array of tumor cells, through recognition of phosphorylated isoprenoid pathway metabolites called phosphoantigens. Immunotherapeutic protocols targeting Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells have yielded promising, yet limited, signs of antitumor efficacy. To improve these approaches, we analyzed the effects on gammadelta T cells of IL-21, a cytokine known to enhance proliferation and effector functions of CD8(+) T cells and NK cells. IL-21 induced limited division of phosphoantigen-stimulated Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells, but did not modulate their sustained expansion induced by exogenous IL-2. Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells expanded in the presence of IL-21 and IL-2 showed enhanced antitumor cytolytic responses, associated with increased expression of CD56 and several lytic molecules, and increased tumor-induced degranulation capacity. IL-21 plus IL-2-expanded Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells expressed higher levels of inhibitory receptors (e.g., ILT2 and NKG2A) and lower levels of the costimulatory molecule NKG2D. Importantly, these changes were rapidly and reversibly induced after short-term culture with IL-21. Finally, IL-21 irreversibly enhanced the proinflammatory Th1 polarization of expanded Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells when added at the beginning of the culture. These data suggest a new role played by IL-21 in the cytotoxic and Th1 programming of precommitted Ag-stimulated gammadelta T cells. On a more applied standpoint, IL-21 could be combined to IL-2 to enhance gammadelta T cell-mediated antitumor responses, and thus represents a promising way to optimize immunotherapies targeting this cell subset.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Thedrez
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 892, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie Nantes-Angers, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Viaud S, Terme M, Flament C, Taieb J, André F, Novault S, Escudier B, Robert C, Caillat-Zucman S, Tursz T, Zitvogel L, Chaput N. Dendritic cell-derived exosomes promote natural killer cell activation and proliferation: a role for NKG2D ligands and IL-15Ralpha. PLoS One 2009; 4:e4942. [PMID: 19319200 PMCID: PMC2657211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0004942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 317] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2008] [Accepted: 01/29/2009] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC) derived-exosomes (Dex) are nanomeric vesicles harboring functional MHC/peptide complexes promoting T cell-dependent tumor rejection. In the first Phase I trial using peptide-pulsed Dex, the observation of clinical regressions in the absence of T cell responses prompted the search for alternate effector mechanisms. Mouse studies unraveled the bioactivity of Dex on NK cells. Indeed, Dex promoted an IL-15Rα- and NKG2D-dependent NK cell proliferation and activation respectively, resulting in anti-metastatic effects mediated by NK1.1+ cells. In humans, Dex express functional IL-15Rα which allow proliferation and IFNγ secretion by NK cells. In contrast to immature DC, human Dex harbor NKG2D ligands on their surface leading to a direct engagement of NKG2D and NK cell activation ex vivo. In our phase I clinical trial, we highlight the capacity of Dex based-vaccines to restore the number and NKG2D-dependent function of NK cells in 7/14 patients. Altogether, these data provide a mechanistic explanation on how Dex may stimulate non MHC restricted-anti-tumor effectors and induce tumor regression in vivo.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Viaud
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 805, Villejuif, France
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Magali Terme
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 805, Villejuif, France
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Caroline Flament
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 805, Villejuif, France
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies CICBT507, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Julien Taieb
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 805, Villejuif, France
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, APHP, Paris, France
| | - Fabrice André
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 805, Villejuif, France
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Sophie Novault
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 805, Villejuif, France
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Bernard Escudier
- Department of Immunotherapy, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Caroline Robert
- Department of Dermatology, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Sophie Caillat-Zucman
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 561, Hôpital Saint Vincent de Paul, Paris, France
| | | | - Laurence Zitvogel
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 805, Villejuif, France
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies CICBT507, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Faculté de Médecine de l'université Paris-Sud XI, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France
| | - Nathalie Chaput
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Unité 805, Villejuif, France
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies CICBT507, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Wen J, Zhu X, Liu B, You L, Kong L, Lee HI, Han KP, Wong JL, Rhode PR, Wong HC. Targeting activity of a TCR/IL-2 fusion protein against established tumors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2008; 57:1781-94. [PMID: 18369620 PMCID: PMC11031049 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-008-0504-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2008] [Accepted: 03/07/2008] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
We have previously reported that a single-chain T cell receptor/IL-2 fusion protein (scTCR-IL2) exhibits potent targeted antitumor activity in nude mice bearing human tumor xenografts that display cognate peptide/HLA complexes. In this study, we further explore the mechanism of action of this molecule. We compared the biological activities of c264scTCR-IL2, a scTCR-IL2 protein recognizing the aa264-272 peptide of human p53, with that of MART-1scTCR-IL2, which recognizes the MART-1 melanoma antigen (aa27-35). In vitro studies showed that c264scTCR-IL2 and MART-1scTCR-IL2 were equivalent in their ability to bind cell-surface IL-2 receptors and stimulate NK cell responses. In mice, MART-1scTCR-IL2 was found to have a twofold longer serum half-life than c264scTCR-IL2. However, despite its shorter serum half-life, c264scTCR-IL2 showed significantly better antitumor activity than MART-1scTCR-IL2 against p53(+)/HLA-A2(+) tumor xenografts. The more potent antitumor activity of c264scTCR-IL2 correlated with an enhanced capacity to promote NK cell infiltration into tumors. Similar differences in antigen-dependent tumor infiltration were observed with activated splenocytes pre-treated in vitro with c264scTCR-IL2 or MART-1scTCR-IL2 and then transferred into p53(+)/HLA-A2(+) tumor bearing recipients. The data support a model where c264scTCR-IL2 activates immune cells to express IL-2 receptors. Following stable interactions with cell-surface IL-2 receptors, c264scTCR-IL2 fusion molecule enhances the trafficking of immune cells to tumors displaying target peptide/HLA complexes where the immune cells mediate antitumor effects. Thus, this type of fusion molecule could be used directly as a targeted immunotherapeutic or in adoptive cell transfer approaches to activate and improve the anti-cancer activities of immune cells by providing them with pre-selected antigen recognition capability.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, Neoplasm/immunology
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Half-Life
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Interleukin-2/immunology
- Interleukin-2/metabolism
- Interleukin-2/therapeutic use
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Lymphocyte Activation/immunology
- MART-1 Antigen
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Nude
- Neoplasm Proteins/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/therapeutic use
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/pharmacology
- Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/immunology
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinghai Wen
- Altor Bioscience Corporation, 2810 N Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 USA
| | - Xiaoyun Zhu
- Altor Bioscience Corporation, 2810 N Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 USA
| | - Bai Liu
- Altor Bioscience Corporation, 2810 N Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 USA
| | - Lijing You
- Altor Bioscience Corporation, 2810 N Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 USA
| | - Lin Kong
- Altor Bioscience Corporation, 2810 N Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 USA
| | - Hyung-il Lee
- Altor Bioscience Corporation, 2810 N Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 USA
| | - Kai-ping Han
- Altor Bioscience Corporation, 2810 N Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 USA
| | - Jeffrey L. Wong
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232 USA
| | - Peter R. Rhode
- Altor Bioscience Corporation, 2810 N Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 USA
| | - Hing C. Wong
- Altor Bioscience Corporation, 2810 N Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL 33025 USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a potent immunomodulatory four-alpha-helical-bundle type I cytokine, is produced by NKT and CD4(+) T cells and has pleiotropic effects on both innate and adaptive immune responses. These actions include positive effects such as enhanced proliferation of lymphoid cells, increased cytotoxicity of CD8(+) T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and differentiation of B cells into plasma cells. Conversely, IL-21 also has direct inhibitory effects on the antigen-presenting function of dendritic cells and can be proapoptotic for B cells and NK cells. IL-21 is also produced by Th17 cells and is a critical regulator of Th17 development. The regulatory activity of IL-21 is modulated by the differentiation state of its target cells as well as by other cytokines or costimulatory molecules. IL-21 has potent antitumor activity but is also associated with the development of autoimmune disease. IL-21 transcription is dependent on a calcium signal and NFAT sites, and IL-21 requires Stat3 for its signaling. The key to harnessing the power of IL-21 will depend on better understanding its range of biological actions, its mechanism of action, and the molecular basis of regulation of expression of IL-21 and its receptor.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosanne Spolski
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, Maryland 20892-1674, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Leonard WJ, Zeng R, Spolski R. Interleukin 21: a cytokine/cytokine receptor system that has come of age. J Leukoc Biol 2008; 84:348-56. [PMID: 18467657 DOI: 10.1189/jlb.0308149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) and its receptor represent the sixth cytokine system whose actions were recognized to require the common cytokine receptor gamma chain. IL-21 is produced by activated CD4+ T cells, natural killer T cells, and follicular T helper cells and has actions on a range of lymphohematopoietic lineages. Among its many effects, IL-21 serves a critical role for immunoglobulin production and terminal B cell differentiation, acts as a T cell comitogen and can drive the expansion of CD8+ T cells, can negatively regulate dendritic cell function and plays an essential role in the differentiation of Th17 cells. Importantly, IL-21 is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmunity and exhibits potent actions as an antitumor agent. The ability to regulate and manipulate the actions of IL-21, therefore, has important implications for immunoregulation and the therapy of human disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Warren J Leonard
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bldg. 10, Rm. 7B05, Bethesda, MD 20892-1674, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Abstract
T helper 17 (Th17) cells belong to a recently identified T helper subset, in addition to the traditional Th1 and Th2 subsets. These cells are characterized as preferential producers of interleukin-17A (IL-17A), IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. Th17 cells and their effector cytokines mediate host defensive mechanisms to various infections, especially extracellular bacteria infections, and are involved in the pathogenesis of many autoimmune diseases. The receptors for IL-17 and IL-22 are broadly expressed on various epithelial tissues. The effector cytokines of Th17 cells, therefore, mediate the crucial crosstalk between immune system and tissues, and play indispensable roles in tissue immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Ouyang
- Department of Immunology, Genentech, 1 DNA Way, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
| | - Jay K. Kolls
- Division of Pulmonary Medicine, Allergy, and Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh and The University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yan Zheng
- Inflammation Pathways Group, Pfizer Global Research and Development, St. Louis Laboratories, 700 Chesterfield Parkway West, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Skak K, Kragh M, Hausman D, Smyth MJ, Sivakumar PV. Interleukin 21: combination strategies for cancer therapy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2008; 7:231-40. [DOI: 10.1038/nrd2482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
41
|
Barker BR, Parvani JG, Meyer D, Hey AS, Skak K, Letvin NL. IL-21 induces apoptosis of antigen-specific CD8+ T lymphocytes. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2007; 179:3596-603. [PMID: 17785794 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.179.6.3596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
IL-21, a member of the common gamma-chain family of cytokines, has pleiotropic effects on T, B, and NK cells. We found that IL-21 and the prototype common gamma-chain cytokine IL-2 can stimulate proliferation and cytokine secretion by Ag-specific rhesus monkey CD8+ T cells. However, unique among the members of this family of cytokines, we found that IL-21 drives these cells to apoptosis by down-regulation of Bcl-2. These findings suggest that IL-21 may play an important role in the contraction of CD8+ T cell responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianne R Barker
- Division of Viral Pathogenesis, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
42
|
di Carlo E, de Totero D, Piazza T, Fabbi M, Ferrini S. Role of IL-21 in immune-regulation and tumor immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2007; 56:1323-34. [PMID: 17447063 PMCID: PMC11031117 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-007-0326-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2007] [Accepted: 03/27/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
IL-21, the most recently discovered member of the IL-2 cytokine family, is an attractive subject for research due to its involvement in experimental models of autoimmunity, its ability to down-regulate IgE production, and its anti-tumor properties. Its interest for cancer immunotherapy stems from its physiological immune-enhancing functions. These include regulation of T, B and NK cell proliferation, survival, differentiation, and effector functions. IL-21's functional activities partially overlap those of IL-2. Both cytokines display similar structural features and use the common gamma-chain receptor and its downstream signaling pathways. Besides its activities on normal lymphoid cells, IL-21 is an in vitro growth factor for myeloma and acute-T cell leukemia cells, whereas it induces the apoptosis of B-CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) cells. These findings indicate that the IL-21/IL-21R system exerts opposite functions in different lymphoid neoplasias, and suggest its employment in B-CLL therapy. Since IL-2, but not IL-21, is specifically required for the development of regulatory T (Treg) cell immune-suppressive functions, IL-21 may be a new tool for cancer immunotherapy. It is, in fact, a powerful anti-tumor agent in a variety of murine experimental tumor models through its activation of specific or innate immune responses against neoplastic cells. The preliminary data from phase-I clinical studies suggest that the use of IL-21 is feasible and may result in immune-enhancing effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma di Carlo
- Dipartimento di Oncologia e Neuroscienze, Sezione di Patologia Chirurgica, Ce.S.I. Aging Research Center, Fondazione Universitaria G. d'Annunzio, Chieti, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Søndergaard H, Frederiksen KS, Thygesen P, Galsgaard ED, Skak K, Kristjansen PEG, Odum N, Kragh M. Interleukin 21 therapy increases the density of tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells and inhibits the growth of syngeneic tumors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2007; 56:1417-28. [PMID: 17285290 PMCID: PMC11030032 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-007-0285-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2006] [Accepted: 12/24/2006] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-21 is a recently discovered cytokine in early clinical development, which has shown anti-tumor activity in various animal models. In the present study, we examine the anti-tumor activity of IL-21 protein therapy in two syngeneic tumor models and its effect on the density of tumor infiltrating T cells. We treated mice bearing established subcutaneous B16 melanomas or RenCa renal cell carcinomas with intraperitoneal (i.p.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) IL-21 protein therapy and subsequently scored the densities of tumor infiltrating CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells by immunohistochemistry. Whereas both routes of IL-21 administration significantly inhibited growth of small, established RenCa and B16 tumors, only s.c. therapy significantly inhibited the growth of large, established tumors. We found a greater bioavailability and significant drainage of IL-21 to regional lymph nodes following s.c. administration, which could account for the apparent increase in anti-tumor activity. Specific depletion of CD8(+) T cells with monoclonal antibodies completely abrogated the anti-tumor activity, whereas NK1.1(+) cell depletion did not affect tumor growth. In accordance, both routes of IL-21 administration significantly increased the density of tumor infiltrating CD8(+) T cells in both B16 and RenCa tumors; and in the RenCa model s.c. administration of IL-21 led to a significantly higher density of tumor infiltrating CD8(+) T cells compared to i.p. administration. The densities of CD4(+) T cells were unchanged following IL-21 treatments. Taken together, these data demonstrate that IL-21 protein has anti-tumor activity in established syngeneic tumors, and we show that IL-21 therapy markedly increases the density of tumor infiltrating CD8(+) T cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Søndergaard
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, Biopharmaceuticals Research Unit, Novo Nordisk A/S, Novo Nordisk Park F6.2.30, DK, Måløv, Denmark.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
44
|
Onoda T, Rahman M, Nara H, Araki A, Makabe K, Tsumoto K, Kumagai I, Kudo T, Ishii N, Tanaka N, Sugamura K, Hayasaka K, Asao H. Human CD4+ central and effector memory T cells produce IL-21: effect on cytokine-driven proliferation of CD4+ T cell subsets. Int Immunol 2007; 19:1191-9. [PMID: 17698559 DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxm090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
IL-21 regulates certain functions of T cells, B cells, NK cells and dendritic cells. Although activated CD4(+) T cells produce IL-21, data identifying the specific CD4(+) T cell subsets that produce IL-21 are conflicting. In a previous study, mouse IL-21 message was detected in T(H)2, whereas human IL-21 (hIL-21) message was found in both T(H)1 and follicular helper T cells. To identify the IL-21-secreting cell populations in human, we established a hybridoma cell line producing an anti-hIL-21 mAb. Intracellular hIL-21-staining experiments showed that hIL-21 was mainly expressed in activated CD4(+) central memory T cells and in activated CD4(+) effector memory T cells, but not in activated CD4(+) naive T cells. Moreover, IL-21 was produced upon activation by some IFN-gamma-producing T(H)1-polarized cells and some IL-17-producing T(H)17-polarized cells, but not by IL-4-producing T(H)2-polarized cells. These results suggest that specific CD4(+) T cell populations produce IL-21. In the functional analysis, we found that IL-21 significantly enhanced the cytokine-driven proliferation of CD4(+) helper T cells synergistically with IL-7 and IL-15 without T cell activation stimuli. Taken together, IL-21 produced from CD4(+) memory T cells may have a supportive role in the maintenance of CD4(+) T cell subsets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tadashi Onoda
- Department of Immunology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, 2-2-2 Iida-Nishi, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Rahman M, Nara H, Onoda T, Araki A, Li J, Hoshino T, Asao H. Cloning and characterization of an isoform of interleukin-21. FEBS Lett 2007; 581:4001-9. [PMID: 17673207 DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2007.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2007] [Revised: 07/01/2007] [Accepted: 07/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) has pleiotropic functions on the cells, which play roles in both innate and acquired immunity, such as T cells, B cells, natural killer (NK) cells and dendritic cells. In this study we identified a novel isoform of IL-21, IL-21iso in human and mouse. IL-21iso might be an alternative splicing variant form and the C-terminal region of predicted IL-21iso amino acid sequences were different from original IL-21 in both human and mouse. In spite of the differences in C-terminal amino acid sequences, both human IL-21 and IL-21iso showed comparable proliferative effect on anti-CD40 Ab-activated primary B cells, anti-CD3 Ab-activated primary T cells and human NK cell line, NK0, and upregulated IFN-gamma production from NK0. Furthermore IL-21 and IL-21iso similarly activated STAT1 and STAT3. IL-21iso mRNA was expressed in activated T cells as well as IL-21 mRNA. However, cycloheximide treatment partially blocked the upregulation of IL-21iso mRNA in activated T cells while little affected the IL-21 mRNA expression suggesting that de novo protein synthesis is required for the full expression of IL-21iso transcript. We also show that the secretion efficiency of hIL-21iso is much lower than that of hIL-21. These results may suggest there are some different regulatory mechanisms to produce IL-21 or IL-21iso in transcriptional and secretory steps.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mizanur Rahman
- Department of Immunology, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Effect of new rotenoid glycoside from the fruits of Amorpha fruticosa LINNE on the growth of human immune cells. Cytotechnology 2007; 52:219-26. [PMID: 19002880 DOI: 10.1007/s10616-006-9040-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2006] [Accepted: 12/10/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
A new compound, rotenoid isoflavone glycoside named, 6'-O-beta-D: -glucopyranosyl-12a-hydroxydalpanol was isolated from the methanolic (MeOH) fruit extract of Amorpha fruticosa LINNE by means of multi-stage column chromatography. Immuno-modulatory activities of this new glycoside were compared with the partitioned fractions of Amorpha fruticosa LINNE. Both of the fractions and purified single compound showed a 19% relatively low cytotoxicity at a maximum concentration of 1.0 g/L in a cultivated normal human lung cell line (HEL299). The purified single compound showed less cytotoxicity than the crude extracts, possibly because residual toxicants were eliminated during purification processes. Cell growth of human T cells was increased by about 15% by adding 0.5 g/L of the fractions compared to the control. Specific production rates of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-alpha) from T cell were higher as 1.16 x 10(-4) and 1.86 x 10(-4 )pg/cell, respectively, in the purified compound, compared to 1.38 x 10(-4) and 2.22 x 10(-4 )pg/cell, respectively, by adding 0.5 g/L of the dichloromethane fraction. Natural killer cell-92MI (NK-92MI) growth supplemented with the supernatant of human T cell was up to 19% higher with the dichloromethane fraction compared with a new single compound at a concentration of 0.5 g/L. Overall, the dichloromethane fraction showed relatively higher immuno-modulatory activities compared with a new single compound, probably due to the synergic effect given by other substances existing in the fractions.
Collapse
|
47
|
Zeng R, Spolski R, Casas E, Zhu W, Levy DE, Leonard WJ. The molecular basis of IL-21-mediated proliferation. Blood 2007; 109:4135-42. [PMID: 17234735 PMCID: PMC1885510 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2006-10-054973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 219] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a type I cytokine that modulates functions of T, B, natural killer (NK), and myeloid cells. The IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) is closely related to the IL-2 receptor beta chain and is capable of transducing signals through its dimerization with the common cytokine receptor gamma chain (gamma(c)), the protein whose expression is defective in humans with X-linked severe combined immunodeficiency. To clarify the molecular basis of IL-21 actions, we investigated the role of tyrosine residues in the IL-21R cytoplasmic domain. Simultaneous mutation of all 6 tyrosines greatly diminished IL-21-mediated proliferation, whereas retention of tyrosine 510 (Y510) allowed full proliferation. Y510 efficiently mediated IL-21-induced phosphorylation of Stat1 and Stat3, but not of Stat5, and CD8(+) T cells from Stat1/Stat3 double knock-out mice exhibited decreased proliferation in response to IL-21 + IL-15. In addition, IL-21 weakly induced phosphorylation of Shc and Akt, and consistent with this, specific inhibitors of the MAPK and PI3K pathways inhibited IL-21-mediated proliferation. Collectively, these data indicate the involvement of the Jak-STAT, MAPK, and PI3K pathways in IL-21 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zeng
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1674, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Cappuccio A, Elishmereni M, Agur Z. Cancer Immunotherapy by Interleukin-21: Potential Treatment Strategies Evaluated in a Mathematical Model. Cancer Res 2006; 66:7293-300. [PMID: 16849579 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-06-0241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The newly characterized interleukin (IL)-21 plays a central role in the transition from innate immunity to adaptive immunity and shows substantial tumor regression in mice. IL-21 is now developed as a cancer immunotherapeutic drug, but conditions for efficacious therapy, and the conflicting immunostimulatory and immunoinhibitory influence of the cytokine, are yet to be defined. We studied the effects of IL-21 on tumor eradication in a mathematical model focusing on natural killer (NK) cell-mediated and CD8+ T-cell-mediated lysis of tumor cells. Model parameters were estimated using results in tumor-bearing mice treated with IL-21 via cytokine gene therapy (CGT), hydrodynamics-based gene delivery (HGD), or standard interval dosing (SID). Our model accurately retrieved experimental growth dynamics in the nonimmunogenic B16 melanoma and the immunogenic MethA and MCA205 fibrosarcomas, showing a strong dependence of the NK-cell/CD8+ T-cell balance on tumor immunogenicity. Moreover, in melanoma, simulations of CGT-like dosing regimens, dynamically determined according to tumor mass changes, resulted in efficient disease elimination. In contrast, in fibrosarcoma, such a strategy was not superior to that of fixed dosing regimens, HGD or SID. Our model supports clinical use of IL-21 as a potent stimulator of cellular immunity against cancer, and suggests selecting the immunotherapy strategy according to tumor immunogenicity. Nonimmunogenic tumors, but not highly immunogenic tumors, should be controlled by IL-21 dosing, which depends on tumor mass at the time of administration. This method imitates, yet amplifies, the natural anticancer immune response rather than accelerates only one of the response arms in an unbalanced manner.
Collapse
|
49
|
Sun A, Wei H, Sun R, Xiao W, Yang Y, Tian Z. Human interleukin-15 improves engraftment of human T cells in NOD-SCID mice. CLINICAL AND VACCINE IMMUNOLOGY : CVI 2006; 13:227-34. [PMID: 16467330 PMCID: PMC1391933 DOI: 10.1128/cvi.13.2.227-234.2006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Human nonobese diabetic-severe combined immune deficiency (NOD-SCID) mouse chimeras have been widely used as an in vivo model to assess human immune function. However, only a small fraction of transferred human T lymphocytes can be detected in human peripheral blood lymphocyte (huPBL)-NOD-SCID chimeras. To improve the reconstitution of human T lymphocytes in NOD-SCID mice, the use of recombinant human interleukin-15 (rhIL-15) as a stimulator of human lymphocytes was explored. Administration of rhIL-15 after transplantation of huPBLs into NOD-SCID mice increased reconstitution of human T lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner, with an optimal dosage of 1 microg/mouse. The number of human T lymphocytes (HLA-ABC+ CD3+) in the lymphoid organs or tissue of rhIL-15-treated huPBL-NOD-SCID mice increased 11- to 80-fold, and phytohemagglutinin-induced T-lymphocyte proliferation and cytokine production were significantly enhanced. Additionally, although mature human cells have not been thought to enter the murine thymus, human T lymphocytes were detected in the huPBL-NOD-SCID thymus after rhIL-15 treatment. Thus, rhIL-15 can be used to optimize long-term peripheral T-cell engraftment in these human-mouse chimeras and may also be useful in clinical treatment of T-cell deficiencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anyuan Sun
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, 443 Huangshan Road, Hefei City, Anhui 230027, China, and Transplantation Biology Research Center, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston 02129, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Takaki R, Hayakawa Y, Nelson A, Sivakumar PV, Hughes S, Smyth MJ, Lanier LL. IL-21 enhances tumor rejection through a NKG2D-dependent mechanism. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2005; 175:2167-73. [PMID: 16081783 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.175.4.2167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 102] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IL-21 is a cytokine that can promote the anti-tumor responses of the innate and adaptive immune system. Mice treated with IL-21 reject tumor cells more efficiently, and a higher percentage of mice remain tumor-free compared with untreated controls. In this study, we demonstrate that in certain tumor models IL-21-enhanced tumor rejection is NKG2D dependent. When engagement of the NKG2D receptor was prevented, either due to the lack of ligand expression on the tumor cells or due to direct blocking with anti-NKG2D mAb treatment, the protective effects of IL-21 treatment were abrogated or substantially diminished. Specifically, IL-21 only demonstrated a therapeutic effect in mice challenged with a retinoic acid early inducible-1delta-bearing lymphoma but not in mice bearing parental RMA tumors lacking NKG2D ligands. Furthermore, treatment with a blocking anti-NKG2D mAb largely prevented the therapeutic effect of IL-21 in mice challenged with the 4T1 breast carcinoma, the 3LL lung carcinoma, and RM-1 prostate carcinoma. By contrast, IL-21 did mediate beneficial effects against both the parental DA3 mammary carcinoma and DA3 tumors transfected with H60, a NKG2D ligand. We also observed that IL-21 treatment could enhance RMA-retinoic acid early inducible-1delta tumor rejection in RAG-1(-/-) deficient mice, thereby demonstrating that the IL-21-induced protective effect can be mediated by the innate immune system and that, in this case, IL-21 does not require the adaptive immune response. Collectively, these findings suggest that IL-21 therapy may work optimally against tumors that can elicit a NKG2D-mediated immune response.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/administration & dosage
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/physiology
- Adjuvants, Immunologic/therapeutic use
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Female
- Graft Rejection/genetics
- Graft Rejection/immunology
- Graft Rejection/metabolism
- Interleukins/administration & dosage
- Interleukins/physiology
- Interleukins/therapeutic use
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Ligands
- Lung Neoplasms/immunology
- Lung Neoplasms/prevention & control
- Lung Neoplasms/secondary
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/genetics
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/immunology
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/metabolism
- Lymphoma, T-Cell/therapy
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/metabolism
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Minor Histocompatibility Antigens/metabolism
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K
- Neoplasm Transplantation
- Receptors, Immunologic/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic/physiology
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell
- Transfection
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rayna Takaki
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program and The Cancer Research Institute, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|