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Morimoto T, Nakazawa T, Maeoka R, Matsuda R, Nakamura M, Nishimura F, Yamada S, Nakagawa I, Park YS, Tsujimura T. Bulk RNA sequencing reveals the comprehensive genetic characteristics of human cord blood-derived natural killer cells. Regen Ther 2024; 25:367-376. [PMID: 38405180 PMCID: PMC10891285 DOI: 10.1016/j.reth.2024.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Innate immune cells are important in tumor immunotherapy. Natural killer cells (NKCs) are also categorized as innate immune cells and can control tumor growth and metastatic spread. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. NKC-based immunotherapy is a promising treatment strategy against GBM. We previously reported a feeder-free expansion system that yielded large-scale highly purified and cytotoxic NKCs derived from human cord blood (CB). In the present study, we performed comprehensive genomic analyses of NKCs generated from human CB (CBNKCs) as compared those from human peripheral blood (PB) (PBNKCs). Methods Frozen T cell-free CB mononuclear cells were cultured with recombinant human interleukin (rhIL)-18 and rhIL-2 in anti-NKp46 and anti-CD16 antibody immobilization settings. After 14-day expansion, the total RNA of the CBNKCs or PBNKCs was extracted and transcriptomic analyses was performed to determine their similarities and differences. We also examined CBNKC and PBNKC activity against a GBM cell line. Results Differential expression gene analysis revealed that some NK activating and inhibitory receptors were significantly downregulated in the CBNKCs compared to PBNKCs. Furthermore, genes related to anti-apoptosis and proliferation were upregulated in the CBNKCs. Enrichment analysis determined that the gene sets related to immune response and cytokines were enriched in the CBNKCs. Gene set enrichment analysis demonstrated that the immune response pathway was upregulated in the CBNKCs. Cytotoxic assays using impedance-based cell analyzer revealed that the CBNKCs enhanced NKC-mediated cytotoxicity on GBM cells as compared to the PBNKCs. Conclusions We demonstrated the characteristics of human CBNKCs. Cell-based therapy using the CBNKCs is promising for treating GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Mitsutoshi Nakamura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
| | - Fumihiko Nishimura
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Shuichi Yamada
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Young-Soo Park
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Nara, 634-8522, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsujimura
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Matsui 8-1, Uda, Nara, 633-2221, Japan
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Huang M, Liu Y, Yan Q, Peng M, Ge J, Mo Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Zeng Z, Li Y, Fan C, Xiong W. NK cells as powerful therapeutic tool in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-023-00909-3. [PMID: 38170381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00909-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have gained considerable attention and hold great potential for their application in tumor immunotherapy. This is mainly due to their MHC-unrestricted and pan-specific recognition capabilities, as well as their ability to rapidly respond to and eliminate target cells. To artificially generate therapeutic NK cells, various materials can be utilized, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and NK cell lines. Exploiting the therapeutic potential of NK cells to treat tumors through in vivo and in vitro therapeutic modalities has yielded positive therapeutic results. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive description of NK cell therapeutic approaches for tumors and discusses the current problems associated with these therapeutic approaches and the prospects of NK cell therapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Alkek Building, RM N720, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunmei Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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Toffoli EC, van Vliet AA, Verheul HWM, van der Vliet HJ, Tuynman J, Spanholtz J, de Gruijl TD. Allogeneic NK cells induce monocyte-to-dendritic cell conversion, control tumor growth, and trigger a pro-inflammatory shift in patient-derived cultures of primary and metastatic colorectal cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007554. [PMID: 38056896 PMCID: PMC10711876 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes with a key role in the defense against tumors. Recently, allogeneic NK cell-based therapies have gained interest because of their ability to directly lyse tumor cells without inducing graft-versus-host disease. As NK cells are also able to influence the function of other immune cells (most notably dendritic cells (DC)), a better understanding of the effects of allogeneic NK cell products on the host immune system is required. In this study, we analyzed the effects of an allogeneic off-the-shelf NK cell product, on the tumor microenvironment (TME) of primary and metastatic colorectal cancer (pCRC and mCRC, respectively). Moreover, we explored if the combination of NK cells with R848, a toll-like receptors 7/8 ligand, could further enhance any pro-inflammatory effects. METHODS Ex vivo expanded umbilical cord blood stem cell derived NK cells were co-cultured with pCRC or mCRC single-cell suspensions in the presence or absence of R848 for 5 days, during and after which flow cytometry and cytokine release profiling were performed. RESULTS NK cells efficiently induced lysis of tumor cells in both pCRC and mCRC single-cell suspensions and thereby controlled growth rates during culture. They also induced differentiation of infiltrating monocytic cells to an activated DC phenotype. Importantly, this NK-mediated myeloid conversion was also apparent in cultures after tumor cell depletion and was further enhanced by combining NK cells with R848. Moreover, NK cells, and to a greater extent, the combination of NK cells and R848, triggered CD8+ and CD4+ T-cell activation as well as a reduction in activated regulatory T cell rates. Finally, the combination of NK cells and R848 induced a pro-inflammatory shift in the cytokine release profile resulting in higher levels of interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-12p70, and IFN-α as well as a reduction in IL-6, in both pCRC and mCRC cultures. CONCLUSION Allogeneic NK cells engaged in favorable myeloid crosstalk, displayed effective antitumor activity and, when combined with R848, induced a pro-inflammatory shift of the CRC TME. These findings prompt the investigation of NK cells and R848 as a combination therapy for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa C Toffoli
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Amanda A van Vliet
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Henk W M Verheul
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC University Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Hans J van der Vliet
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Lava Therapeutics, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jurriaan Tuynman
- Department of Surgery, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Tanja D de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Li Y, Rezvani K, Rafei H. Next-generation chimeric antigen receptors for T- and natural killer-cell therapies against cancer. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:217-235. [PMID: 37548050 PMCID: PMC10841677 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells has led to a paradigm shift in the treatment of various hematologic malignancies. However, the broad application of this approach for myeloid malignancies and solid cancers has been limited by the paucity and heterogeneity of target antigen expression, and lack of bona fide tumor-specific antigens that can be targeted without cross-reactivity against normal tissues. This may lead to unwanted on-target off-tumor toxicities that could undermine the desired antitumor effect. Recent advances in synthetic biology and genetic engineering have enabled reprogramming of immune effector cells to enhance their selectivity toward tumors, thus mitigating on-target off-tumor adverse effects. In this review, we outline the current strategies being explored to improve CAR selectivity toward tumor cells with a focus on natural killer (NK) cells, and the progress made in translating these strategies to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Hind Rafei
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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Wang Y, Liang Q, Chen F, Zheng J, Chen Y, Chen Z, Li R, Li X. Immune-Cell-Based Therapy for COVID-19: Current Status. Viruses 2023; 15:2148. [PMID: 38005826 PMCID: PMC10674523 DOI: 10.3390/v15112148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a global pandemic. The interplay between innate and adaptive immune responses plays a crucial role in managing COVID-19. Cell therapy has recently emerged as a promising strategy to modulate the immune system, offering immense potential for the treatment of COVID-19 due to its customizability and regenerative capabilities. This review provides an overview of the various subsets of immune cell subsets implicated in the pathogenesis of COVID-19 and a comprehensive summary of the current status of immune cell therapy in COVID-19 treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyuan Wang
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Qinghe Liang
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Fengsheng Chen
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Jiehuang Zheng
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ziye Chen
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Ruopeng Li
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Laboratory of Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Pharmacology, Innovation Program of Drug Research on Inflammatory and Immune Diseases, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China; (Y.W.); (Q.L.); (F.C.); (J.Z.); (Y.C.); (Z.C.); (R.L.)
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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de Jonge PKJD, van Hauten PMM, Janssen LD, de Goede AL, Berrien-Elliott MM, van der Meer JMR, Mousset CM, Roeven MWH, Foster M, Blijlevens N, Hobo W, Fehniger TA, Jansen JH, Schaap NPM, Dolstra H. Good manufacturing practice production of CD34 + progenitor-derived NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:3323-3335. [PMID: 37477653 PMCID: PMC10491545 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03492-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy is a promising, well-tolerated adjuvant therapeutic approach for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). For reproducible NK cell immunotherapy, a homogenous, pure and scalable NK cell product is preferred. Therefore, we developed a good manufacturing practice (GMP)-compliant, cytokine-based ex vivo manufacturing process for generating NK cells from CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC). This manufacturing process combines amongst others IL15 and IL12 and the aryl hydrocarbon receptor antagonist StemRegenin-1 (SR1) to generate a consistent and active NK cell product that fits the requirements for NK cell immunotherapy well. The cell culture protocol was first optimized to generate NK cells with required expansion and differentiation capacity in GMP-compliant closed system cell culture bags. In addition, phenotype, antitumor potency, proliferative and metabolic capacity were evaluated to characterize the HSPC-NK product. Subsequently, seven batches were manufactured for qualification of the process. All seven runs demonstrated consistent results for proliferation, differentiation and antitumor potency, and preliminary specifications for the investigational medicinal product for early clinical phase trials were set. This GMP-compliant manufacturing process for HSPC-NK cells (named RNK001 cells) is used to produce NK cell batches applied in the clinical trial 'Infusion of ex vivo-generated allogeneic natural killer cells in combination with subcutaneous IL2 in patients with acute myeloid leukemia' approved by the Dutch Ethics Committee (EudraCT 2019-001929-27).
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Affiliation(s)
- P K J D de Jonge
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P M M van Hauten
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - L D Janssen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A L de Goede
- Department of Pharmacy, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M M Berrien-Elliott
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - J M R van der Meer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - C M Mousset
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M W H Roeven
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M Foster
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - N Blijlevens
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - W Hobo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - T A Fehniger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - J H Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - N P M Schaap
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Geert Grooteplein 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Sivonen M, Sirviö KA, Wojciechowski S, Kailaanmäki A, Kaipainen S, Bailey A, Villalba M, Kekarainen T. Cytokines impact natural killer cell phenotype and functionality against glioblastoma in vitro. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1227064. [PMID: 37841273 PMCID: PMC10569479 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1227064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Natural killer (NK) cells are a part of the innate immune system and first-line defense against cancer. Since they possess natural mechanisms to recognize and kill tumor cells, NK cells are considered as a potential option for an off-the-shelf allogeneic cell-based immunotherapy. Here, our objective was to identify the optimal cytokine-based, feeder-free, activation and expansion protocol for cytotoxic NK cells against glioblastoma in vitro. Methods NK cells were enriched from human peripheral blood and expanded for 16 days with different activation and cytokine combinations. The expansion conditions were evaluated based on NK cell viability, functionality, expansion rate and purity. The cytotoxicity and degranulation of the expanded NK cells were measured in vitro from co‑cultures with the glioma cell lines U‑87 MG, U‑87 MG EGFR vIII, LN-229, U-118 and DK-MG. The best expansion protocols were selected from ultimately 39 different conditions: three magnetic cell‑selection steps (Depletion of CD3+ cells, enrichment of CD56+ cells, and depletion of CD3+ cells followed by enrichment of CD56+ cells); four activation protocols (continuous, pre-activation, re-activation, and boost); and four cytokine combinations (IL-2/15, IL‑21/15, IL‑27/18/15 and IL-12/18/15). Results The expansion rates varied between 2-50-fold, depending on the donor and the expansion conditions. The best expansion rate and purity were gained with sequential selection (Depletion of CD3+ cells and enrichment of CD56+ cells) from the starting material and pre-activation with IL‑12/18/15 cytokines, which are known to produce cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells. The cytotoxicity of these memory-like NK cells was enhanced with re-activation, diminishing the donor variation. The most cytotoxic NK cells were produced when cells were boosted at the end of the expansion with IL-12/18/15 or IL-21/15. Conclusion According to our findings the ex vivo proliferation capacity and functionality of NK cells is affected by multiple factors, such as the donor, composition of starting material, cytokine combination and the activation protocol. The cytokines modified the NK cells' phenotype and functionality, which was evident in their reactivity against the glioma cell lines. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive comparative study performed to this extent, and these findings could be used for upscaling clinical NK cell manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Sivonen
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine Unit, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Satu Kaipainen
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aubrey Bailey
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Martin Villalba
- IRMB, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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van Vliet AA, Peters E, Vodegel D, Steenmans D, Raimo M, Gibbs S, de Gruijl TD, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Georgoudaki AM. Early TRAIL-engagement elicits potent multimodal targeting of melanoma by CD34 + progenitor cell-derived NK cells. iScience 2023; 26:107078. [PMID: 37426355 PMCID: PMC10329179 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ progenitor cell-derived natural killer (NK) cells exert efficient cytotoxicity against various melanoma cell lines. Of interest, the relative cytotoxic performance of individual UCB donors was consistent throughout the melanoma panel and correlated with IFNγ, TNF, perforin and granzyme B levels. Importantly, intrinsic perforin and Granzyme B load predicts NK cell cytotoxic capacity. Exploring the mode of action revealed involvement of the activating receptors NKG2D, DNAM-1, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46 and most importantly of TRAIL. Strikingly, combinatorial receptor blocking led to more pronounced inhibition of cytotoxicity (up to 95%) than individual receptor blocking, especially in combination with TRAIL-blocking, suggesting synergistic cytotoxic NK cell activity via engagement of multiple receptors which was also confirmed in a spheroid model. Importantly, lack of NK cell-related gene signature in metastatic melanomas correlates with poor survival highlighting the clinical significance of NK cell therapies as a promising treatment for high-risk melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A. van Vliet
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ella Peters
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Denise Vodegel
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | | | - Monica Raimo
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tanja D. de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adil D. Duru
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
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9
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Imširović V, Lenartić M, Wensveen FM, Polić B, Jelenčić V. Largely preserved functionality after the combined loss of NKG2D, NCR1 and CD16 demonstrates the remarkable plasticity of NK cell responsiveness. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1191884. [PMID: 37520575 PMCID: PMC10374020 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1191884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the early defense against tumors and virally infected cells. Their function is thought to be controlled by the balance between activating and inhibitory receptors, which often compete for the same ligands. Several activating receptors expressed on virtually all NK cells lack an inhibitory partner, most notably CD16, NCR1 and NKG2D. We therefore hypothesized that a signal through at least one of these receptors is always required for full NK cell activation. We generated animals lacking all three receptors (TKO) and analyzed their NK cells. In vitro, TKO NK cells did not show reduced ability to kill tumor targets but displayed hyperresponsiveness to NK1.1 stimulation. In vivo, TKO animals had a minor reduction in their ability to control non-hematopoietic tumors and cytomegalovirus infection, which was the result of reduced NK cell activity. Together, our findings show that activating NK cell receptors without an inhibitory partner do not provide a 'master' signal but are integrated in the cumulative balance of activating and inhibitory signals. Their activity is controlled through regulation of the responsiveness and expression of other activating receptors. Our findings may be important for future development of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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10
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Shi Y, Pan J, Hang C, Tan L, Hu L, Yan Z, Zhu J. The estrogen/miR-338-3p/ADAM17 axis enhances the viability of breast cancer cells via suppressing NK cell's function. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2023; 38:1618-1627. [PMID: 37052432 DOI: 10.1002/tox.23791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the critical elements of the innate immune response and implicated in rapidly recognizing and eliminating cancer cells. However, the tumor-suppressive ability of NK cells is often impaired in several cancer types. The critical roles of microRNAs have been elucidated by increasing evidences, while the regulation of miR-338-3p in anti-tumor activation of NK cells and its relationship with estrogen in breast cancer (BC) are still confusing. Here, miR-338-3p level was found to be significantly downregulated in BC tissues and estrogen receptor positive (ER+ ) cells, this difference was more obvious in ER+ patients or BC patients at advanced stage (TNM III and IV). MiR-338-3p level was shown to be downregulated by 17β-estradiol in BC cells (MDA-MB-231 cells and MCF-7) in vitro. MiR-338-3p overexpression decreased disintegrin and metalloprotease-17 (ADAM17) secretion in MDA-MB-231 (ER- ) and MCF-7 (ER+ ) cells. In addition, miR-338-3p overexpression or treatment with anti-ADAM17 antibody could down-regulate granzyme B, CD16, and NKG2D in NK cells, which was reversed by human recombinant ADAM17. Furthermore, these educated NK cells could promote the viability of MDA-MB-231 or MCF-7 cells. Taken together, our results demonstrate that miR-338-3p was negatively regulated by estrogen in BC cells, impairing NK cell's activity by the up-regulation of ADAM17, and conversely promoted the viability of BC cells. Therefore, the estrogen/miR-338-3p/ADAM17 axis is critically implicated in BC pathogenesis and may provide potential targets for BC diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijiu Shi
- Department of general surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of general surgery, The first affiliated hospital of Ningbo University (Yuehu Campus), Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China
| | - Jianhui Pan
- Department of colorectal surgery, The first affiliated hospital of Ningbo University (Waitan Campus), Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China
| | - Chen Hang
- Department of general surgery, The first affiliated hospital of Ningbo University (Yuehu Campus), Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China
| | - Lin Tan
- Department of general surgery, The first affiliated hospital of Ningbo University (Yuehu Campus), Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China
| | - Li Hu
- Department of general surgery, The first affiliated hospital of Ningbo University (Yuehu Campus), Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China
| | - Zhilong Yan
- Department of general surgery, The first affiliated hospital of Ningbo University (Yuehu Campus), Ningbo, Zhejiang province, China
| | - Jiangfan Zhu
- Department of general surgery, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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11
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Merino A, Maakaron J, Bachanova V. Advances in NK cell therapy for hematologic malignancies: NK source, persistence and tumor targeting. Blood Rev 2023; 60:101073. [PMID: 36959057 PMCID: PMC10979648 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells yield promise in therapy of hematologic malignancies. The clinical experience with adoptively transferred allogeneic NK cells over past two decades has revealed safety and minimal risk of CRS or ICANS. Unlike T cells which have to be genetically altered to avoid graft vs host disease (GVHD), HLA mismatched NK cells can be infused without GVHD risk. This makes them ideal for the development of off-the-shelf products. In this review we focus on NK biology relevant to the cancer therapy, the trajectory of NK therapeutics for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma; and advantages of the NK cell platform. We will also discuss novel methods to enhance NK cell targeting, persistence, and function in the tumor microenvironment. The future of NK cell therapy depends on novel strategies to realize these qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Merino
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Joseph Maakaron
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Veronika Bachanova
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America.
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12
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D’Silva SZ, Singh M, Pinto AS. NK cell defects: implication in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112059. [PMID: 37228595 PMCID: PMC10203541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a complex disease with rapid progression and poor/unsatisfactory outcomes. In the past few years, the focus has been on developing newer therapies for AML; however, relapse remains a significant problem. Natural Killer cells have strong anti-tumor potential against AML. This NK-mediated cytotoxicity is often restricted by cellular defects caused by disease-associated mechanisms, which can lead to disease progression. A stark feature of AML is the low/no expression of the cognate HLA ligands for the activating KIR receptors, due to which these tumor cells evade NK-mediated lysis. Recently, different Natural Killer cell therapies have been implicated in treating AML, such as the adoptive NK cell transfer, Chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy, antibodies, cytokine, and drug treatment. However, the data available is scarce, and the outcomes vary between different transplant settings and different types of leukemia. Moreover, remission achieved by some of these therapies is only for a short time. In this mini-review, we will discuss the role of NK cell defects in AML progression, particularly the expression of different cell surface markers, the available NK cell therapies, and the results from various preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Z. D’Silva
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Meenakshi Singh
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Andrea S. Pinto
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
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13
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Addressing Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction and Plasticity in Cell-Based Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061743. [PMID: 36980629 PMCID: PMC10046032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC), known for their role as killers of stressed, cancerous, and virally infected cells. Beyond this cytotoxic function, NK cell subsets can influence broader immune responses through cytokine production and have been linked to central roles in non-immune processes, such as the regulation of vascular remodeling in pregnancy and cancer. Attempts to exploit the anti-tumor functions of NK cells have driven the development of various NK cell-based therapies, which have shown promise in both pre-clinical disease models and early clinical trials. However, certain elements of the tumor microenvironment, such as elevated transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, hypoxia, and indoalemine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), are known to suppress NK cell function, potentially limiting the longevity and activity of these approaches. Recent studies have also identified these factors as contributors to NK cell plasticity, defined by the conversion of classical cytotoxic NK cells into poorly cytotoxic, tissue-resident, or ILC1-like phenotypes. This review summarizes the current approaches for NK cell-based cancer therapies and examines the challenges presented by tumor-linked NK cell suppression and plasticity. Ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges are discussed, along with the potential utility of NK cell therapies to applications outside cancer.
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14
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Gundry M, Sankaran VG. Hacking hematopoiesis - emerging tools for examining variant effects. Dis Model Mech 2023; 16:288409. [PMID: 36826849 PMCID: PMC9983777 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.049857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Hematopoiesis is a continuous process of blood and immune cell production. It is orchestrated by thousands of gene products that respond to extracellular signals by guiding cell fate decisions to meet the needs of the organism. Although much of our knowledge of this process comes from work in model systems, we have learned a great deal from studies on human genetic variation. Considerable insight has emerged from studies on presumed monogenic blood disorders, which continue to provide key insights into the mechanisms critical for hematopoiesis. Furthermore, the emergence of large-scale biobanks and cohorts has uncovered thousands of genomic loci associated with blood cell traits and diseases. Some of these blood cell trait-associated loci act as modifiers of what were once thought to be monogenic blood diseases. However, most of these loci await functional validation. Here, we discuss the validation bottleneck and emerging methods to more effectively connect variant to function. In particular, we highlight recent innovations in genome editing, which have paved the path forward for high-throughput functional assessment of loci. Finally, we discuss existing barriers to progress, including challenges in manipulating the genomes of primary hematopoietic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gundry
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Vijay G. Sankaran
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Author for correspondence ()
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15
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Berrien-Elliott MM, Jacobs MT, Fehniger TA. Allogeneic natural killer cell therapy. Blood 2023; 141:856-868. [PMID: 36416736 PMCID: PMC10023727 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 46.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Interest in adoptive cell therapy for treating cancer is exploding owing to early clinical successes of autologous chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T lymphocyte therapy. However, limitations using T cells and autologous cell products are apparent as they (1) take weeks to generate, (2) utilize a 1:1 donor-to-patient model, (3) are expensive, and (4) are prone to heterogeneity and manufacturing failures. CAR T cells are also associated with significant toxicities, including cytokine release syndrome, immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome, and prolonged cytopenias. To overcome these issues, natural killer (NK) cells are being explored as an alternative cell source for allogeneic cell therapies. NK cells have an inherent ability to recognize cancers, mediate immune functions of killing and communication, and do not induce graft-versus-host disease, cytokine release syndrome, or immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. NK cells can be obtained from blood or cord blood or be derived from hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, and can be expanded and cryopreserved for off-the-shelf availability. The first wave of point-of-care NK cell therapies led to the current allogeneic NK cell products being investigated in clinical trials with promising preliminary results. Basic advances in NK cell biology and cellular engineering have led to new translational strategies to block inhibition, enhance and broaden target cell recognition, optimize functional persistence, and provide stealth from patients' immunity. This review details NK cell biology, as well as NK cell product manufacturing, engineering, and combination therapies explored in the clinic leading to the next generation of potent, off-the-shelf cellular therapies for blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Miriam T. Jacobs
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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16
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Lamers-Kok N, Panella D, Georgoudaki AM, Liu H, Özkazanc D, Kučerová L, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Raimo M. Natural killer cells in clinical development as non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:164. [DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are unique immune effectors able to kill cancer cells by direct recognition of surface ligands, without prior sensitization. Allogeneic NK transfer is a highly valuable treatment option for cancer and has recently emerged with hundreds of clinical trials paving the way to finally achieve market authorization. Advantages of NK cell therapies include the use of allogenic cell sources, off-the-shelf availability, and no risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Allogeneic NK cell therapies have reached the clinical stage as ex vivo expanded and differentiated non-engineered cells, as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered or CD16-engineered products, or as combination therapies with antibodies, priming agents, and other drugs. This review summarizes the recent clinical status of allogeneic NK cell-based therapies for the treatment of hematological and solid tumors, discussing the main characteristics of the different cell sources used for NK product development, their use in cell manufacturing processes, the engineering methods and strategies adopted for genetically modified products, and the chosen approaches for combination therapies. A comparative analysis between NK-based non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies is presented, examining the choices made by product developers regarding the NK cell source and the targeted tumor indications, for both solid and hematological cancers. Clinical trial outcomes are discussed and, when available, assessed in comparison with preclinical data. Regulatory challenges for product approval are reviewed, highlighting the lack of specificity of requirements and standardization between products. Additionally, the competitive landscape and business field is presented. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the effort driven by biotech and pharmaceutical companies and by academic centers to bring NK cell therapies to pivotal clinical trial stages and to market authorization.
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17
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells comprise a unique population of innate lymphoid cells endowed with intrinsic abilities to identify and eliminate virally infected cells and tumour cells. Possessing multiple cytotoxicity mechanisms and the ability to modulate the immune response through cytokine production, NK cells play a pivotal role in anticancer immunity. This role was elucidated nearly two decades ago, when NK cells, used as immunotherapeutic agents, showed safety and efficacy in the treatment of patients with advanced-stage leukaemia. In recent years, following the paradigm-shifting successes of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered adoptive T cell therapy and the advancement in technologies that can turn cells into powerful antitumour weapons, the interest in NK cells as a candidate for immunotherapy has grown exponentially. Strategies for the development of NK cell-based therapies focus on enhancing NK cell potency and persistence through co-stimulatory signalling, checkpoint inhibition and cytokine armouring, and aim to redirect NK cell specificity to the tumour through expression of CAR or the use of engager molecules. In the clinic, the first generation of NK cell therapies have delivered promising results, showing encouraging efficacy and remarkable safety, thus driving great enthusiasm for continued innovation. In this Review, we describe the various approaches to augment NK cell cytotoxicity and longevity, evaluate challenges and opportunities, and reflect on how lessons learned from the clinic will guide the design of next-generation NK cell products that will address the unique complexities of each cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara J Laskowski
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Alexander Biederstädt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Medicine III: Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
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18
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Cord Blood-Derived Natural Killer Cell Exploitation in Immunotherapy Protocols: More Than a Promise? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184439. [PMID: 36139598 PMCID: PMC9496735 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184439] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary NK cell anti-tumor activity against hematological malignancies is well-established and many studies support their role in the control of solid tumor growth and metastasis generation. However, tumor microenvironment may affect NK cell function. Ongoing studies are aimed to design novel immunotherapeutic protocols to combine NK cell-based immunotherapy with other therapeutic strategies to improve the anti-tumor NK cell response. In this context, UCB is one of the main sources of both mature NK cells and of CD34+ HSPC that can generate NK cells, both in-vivo and in-vitro. UCB-derived NK cells represent a valuable tool to perform in-vitro and preclinical analyses and are already used in several clinical settings, particularly against hematological malignancies. The present review describes the characteristics of different types of UCB-derived NK cells and the in-vitro models to expand them, both for research and clinical purposes in the context of cancer immunotherapy. Abstract In the last 20 years, Natural Killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has become a promising approach to target various types of cancer. Indeed, NK cells play a pivotal role in the first-line defense against tumors through major histocompatibility complex-independent immunosurveillance. Their role in the control of leukemia relapse has been clearly established and, moreover, the presence of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) generally correlates with good prognosis. However, it has also been observed that, often, NK cells poorly infiltrate the tumor tissue, and, in TME, their functions may be compromised by immunosuppressive factors that contribute to the failure of anti-cancer immune response. Currently, studies are focused on the design of effective strategies to expand NK cells and enhance their cytotoxic activity, exploiting different cell sources, such as peripheral blood (PB), umbilical cord blood (UCB) and NK cell lines. Among them, UCB represents an important source of mature NK cells and CD34+ Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cells (HSPCs), as precursors of NK cells. In this review, we summarize the UCB-derived NK cell activity in the tumor context, review the different in-vitro models to expand NK cells from UCB, and discuss the importance of their exploitation in anti-tumor immunotherapy protocols.
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19
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Gleason J, Zhao Y, Raitman I, Kang L, He S, Hariri R. Human placental hematopoietic stem cell derived natural killer cells (CYNK-001) mediate protection against influenza a viral infection. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2055945. [PMID: 35404743 PMCID: PMC9255201 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2055945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza A virus (IAV) infections are associated with a high healthcare burden around the world and there is an urgent need to develop more effective therapies. Natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to play a pivotal role in reducing IAV-induced pulmonary infections in preclinical models; however, little is known about the therapeutic potential of adoptively transferred NK cells for IAV infections. Here, we investigated the effects of CYNK-001, human placental hematopoietic stem cell derived NK cells that exhibited strong cytolytic activity against a range of malignant cells and expressed high levels of activating receptors, against IAV infections. In a severe IAV-induced acute lung injury model, mice treated with CYNK-001 showed a milder body weight loss and clinical symptoms, which led to a delayed onset of mortality, thus demonstrating their antiviral protection in vivo. Analysis of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) revealed that CYNK-001 reduced proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines highlighting CYNK-001’s anti-inflammatory actions in viral induced-lung injury. Furthermore, CYNK-001-treated mice had altered immune responses to IAV with reduced number of neutrophils in BALF yet increased number of CD8+ T cells in the BALF and lung compared to vehicle-treated mice. Our results demonstrate that CYNK-001 displays protective functions against IAV via its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulating activities, which leads to alleviation of disease burden and progression in a severe IAV-infected mice model. The potential of adoptive NK therapy for IAV infections warrants clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuechao Zhao
- Celularity Inc., Florham Park, New Jersey, NJ, USA
| | | | - Lin Kang
- Celularity Inc., Florham Park, New Jersey, NJ, USA
| | - Shuyang He
- Celularity Inc., Florham Park, New Jersey, NJ, USA
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20
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Fang F, Xie S, Chen M, Li Y, Yue J, Ma J, Shu X, He Y, Xiao W, Tian Z. Advances in NK cell production. Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:460-481. [PMID: 34983953 PMCID: PMC8975878 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-021-00808-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is a promising approach for treating a variety of cancers. Unlike T cells, NK cells recognize target cells via a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-independent mechanism and, without being sensitized, kill the cells directly. Several strategies for obtaining large quantities of NK cells with high purity and high cytotoxicity have been developed. These strategies include the use of cytokine-antibody fusions, feeder cells or membrane particles to stimulate the proliferation of NK cells and enhance their cytotoxicity. Various materials, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and NK cell lines, have been used as sources to generate NK cells for immunotherapy. Moreover, genetic modification technologies to improve the proliferation of NK cells have also been developed to enhance the functions of NK cells. Here, we summarize the recent advances in expansion strategies with or without genetic manipulation of NK cells derived from various cellular sources. We also discuss the closed, automated and GMP-controlled large-scale expansion systems used for NK cells and possible future NK cell-based immunotherapy products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Fang
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Siqi Xie
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Minhua Chen
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Yutong Li
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Jingjing Yue
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Jie Ma
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Xun Shu
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Yongge He
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
| | - Weihua Xiao
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
| | - Zhigang Tian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Engineering Technology Research Center of Biotechnology Drugs Anhui, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- Biomedical Sciences and Health Laboratory of Anhui Province, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
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21
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Ruppel KE, Fricke S, Köhl U, Schmiedel D. Taking Lessons from CAR-T Cells and Going Beyond: Tailoring Design and Signaling for CAR-NK Cells in Cancer Therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822298. [PMID: 35371071 PMCID: PMC8971283 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies utilize the capabilities of the immune system to efficiently target malignant cells. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) equipped T cells showed promising results against B cell lymphomas. Autologous CAR-T cells require patient-specific manufacturing and thus extensive production facilities, resulting in high priced therapies. Along with potentially severe side effects, these are the major drawbacks of CAR-T cells therapies. Natural Killer (NK) cells pose an alternative for CAR equipped immune cells. Since NK cells can be safely transferred from healthy donors to cancer patients, they present a suitable platform for an allogeneic “off-the-shelf” immunotherapy. However, administration of activated NK cells in cancer therapy has until now shown poor anti-cancer responses, especially in solid tumors. Genetic modifications such as CARs promise to enhance recognition of tumor cells, thereby increasing anti-tumor effects and improving clinical efficacy. Although the cell biology of T and NK cells deviates in many aspects, the development of CAR-NK cells frequently follows within the footsteps of CAR-T cells, meaning that T cell technologies are simply adopted to NK cells. In this review, we underline the unique properties of NK cells and their potential in CAR therapies. First, we summarize the characteristics of NK cell biology with a focus on signaling, a fine-tuned interaction of activating and inhibitory receptors. We then discuss why tailored NK cell-specific CAR designs promise superior efficacy compared to designs developed for T cells. We summarize current findings and developments in the CAR-NK landscape: different CAR formats and modifications to optimize signaling, to target a broader pool of antigens or to increase in vivo persistence. Finally, we address challenges beyond NK cell engineering, including expansion and manufacturing, that need to be addressed to pave the way for CAR-NK therapies from the bench to the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Eva Ruppel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for GMP Process Development & ATMP Design, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for GMP Process Development & ATMP Design, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dominik Schmiedel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for GMP Process Development & ATMP Design, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Dominik Schmiedel,
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22
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The Future of Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy for B Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (B Cell NHL). Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022; 23:381-403. [PMID: 35258793 PMCID: PMC8930876 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00932-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have played a critical—if largely unrecognized or ignored—role in the treatment of B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) since the introduction of CD20-directed immunotherapy with rituximab as a cornerstone of therapy over 25 years ago. Engagement with NK cells leading to lysis of NHL targets through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) is a critical component of rituximab’s mechanism of action. Despite this important role, the only aspect of B cell NHL therapy that has been adopted as standard therapy that even indirectly augments or restores NK cell function is the introduction of obinutuzumab, a CD20 antibody with enhanced ability to engage with NK cells. However, over the last 5 years, adoptive immunotherapy with effector lymphocytes of B cell NHL has experienced tremendous growth, with five different CAR T cell products now licensed by the FDA, four of which target CD19 and have approved indications for some subtype of B cell NHL—axicabtagene ciloleucel, brexucabtagene autoleucel, lisocabtagene maraleucel, and tisagenlecleucel. These T cell-based immunotherapies essentially mimic the recognition, activation pathway, and cytotoxic machinery of a CD19 antibody engaging NK cells and lymphoma targets. Despite their efficacy, these T cell-based immunotherapies have been difficult to implement because they require 4–6 weeks of manufacture, are costly, and have significant toxicities. This renewed interest in the potential of cellular immunity—and the manufacturing, supply chain, and administration logistics that have been addressed with these new agents—have ignited a new wave of enthusiasm for NK cell-directed therapies in NHL. With high safety profiles and proven anti-lymphoma efficacy, one or more new NK cell-directed modalities are certain to be introduced into the standard toolbox of NHL therapy within the next few years, be it function-enhancing cytokine muteins, multi-domain NK cell engagers, or adoptive therapy with expanded or genetically modified NK cells.
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23
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Schmidt D, Ebrahimabadi S, Gomes KRDS, de Moura Aguiar G, Cariati Tirapelle M, Nacasaki Silvestre R, de Azevedo JTC, Tadeu Covas D, Picanço-Castro V. Engineering CAR-NK cells: how to tune innate killer cells for cancer immunotherapy. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2022; 2:ltac003. [PMID: 35919494 PMCID: PMC9327111 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an innovative approach that permits numerous possibilities in the field of cancer treatment. CAR-T cells have been successfully used in patients with hematologic relapsed/refractory. However, the need for autologous sources for T cells is still a major drawback. CAR-NK cells have emerged as a promising resource using allogeneic cells that could be established as an off-the-shelf treatment. NK cells can be obtained from various sources, such as peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow, umbilical cord blood (CB), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), as well as cell lines. Genetic engineering of NK cells to express different CAR constructs for hematological cancers and solid tumors has shown promising preclinical results and they are currently being explored in multiple clinical trials. Several strategies have been employed to improve CAR-NK-cell expansion and cytotoxicity efficiency. In this article, we review the latest achievements and progress made in the field of CAR-NK-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayane Schmidt
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sima Ebrahimabadi
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kauan Ribeiro de Sena Gomes
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Graziela de Moura Aguiar
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mariane Cariati Tirapelle
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Nacasaki Silvestre
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia Teixeira Cottas de Azevedo
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Virginia Picanço-Castro
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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24
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Tang J, Zhu Q, Li Z, Yang J, Lai Y. Natural killer cell-targeted immunotherapy for cancer. Curr Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 17:513-526. [PMID: 34994316 DOI: 10.2174/1574888x17666220107101722] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were initially described in the early 1970s as major histocompatibility complex unrestricted killers due to their ability to spontaneously kill certain tumor cells. In the past decade, the field of NK cell-based treatment has been accelerating exponentially, holding a dominant position in cancer immunotherapy innovation. Generally, research on NK cell-mediated antitumor therapies can be categorized into three areas: choosing the optimal source of allogenic NK cells to yield massively amplified "off-the-shelf" products, improving NK cell cytotoxicity and longevity, and engineering NK cells with the ability of tumor-specific recognition. In this review, we focused on NK cell manufacturing techniques, some auxiliary methods to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of NK cells, chimeric antigen receptor NK cells, and monoclonal antibodies targeting inhibitory receptors, which can significantly augment the antitumor activity of NK cells. Notably, emerging evidence suggests that NK cells are a promising constituent of multipronged therapeutic strategies, strengthening immune responses to cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Tang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi Zhu
- Sichuan Fine Arts Institute, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhaoyang Li
- Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jiahui Yang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yu Lai
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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25
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Ullmo I, Koksal N, Ang HYK, Brady HJM. In Vitro Development of Mouse and Human NK Cells from Hematopoietic Progenitor Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2463:31-45. [PMID: 35344165 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2160-8_3] [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] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that play an important role at clearing virally infected or cancer cells. Their potential and role in cancer immunotherapy have generated great interest, given the promising results of NK cell adoptive transfer clinical trials. The remaining challenge to bring emerging NK cell immunotherapies to the clinic is to enhance the production of large numbers of functionally competent NK cells ex vivo. Here, we describe two in vitro NK cell development assays using hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), one for human NK cells and one for mouse NK cells. These protocols describe two robust methods that can be utilized for investigation of NK cell development and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Ullmo
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Nahide Koksal
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Heather Y K Ang
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Hugh J M Brady
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK.
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26
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Saha T, van Vliet AA, Cui C, Macias JJ, Kulkarni A, Pham LN, Lawler S, Spanholtz J, Georgoudaki AM, Duru AD, Goldman A. Boosting Natural Killer Cell Therapies in Glioblastoma Multiforme Using Supramolecular Cationic Inhibitors of Heat Shock Protein 90. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:754443. [PMID: 34926577 PMCID: PMC8673718 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.754443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic natural killer (aNK) cell adoptive therapy has the potential to dramatically impact clinical outcomes of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, in order to exert therapeutic activity, NK cells require tumor expression of ligands for activating receptors, such as MHC Class I peptide A/B (MICA/B) and ULBPs. Here, we describe the use of a blood-brain barrier (BBB) permissive supramolecular cationic drug vehicle comprising an inhibitor of the chaperone heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), which sustains a cytotoxic effect on GBM cells, boosts the expression of MICA/B and ULBPs on the residual population, and augments the activity of clinical-grade aNK cells (GTA002). First, we identify Hsp90 mRNA transcription and gain of function as significantly upregulated in GBM compared to other central nervous system tumors. Through a rational chemical design, we optimize a radicicol supramolecular prodrug containing cationic excipients, SCI-101, which displays >2-fold increase in relative BBB penetration compared to less cationic formulations in organoids, in vitro. Using 2D and 3D biological models, we confirm SCI-101 sustains GBM cytotoxicity 72 h after drug removal and induces cell surface MICA/B protein and ULBP mRNA up to 200% in residual tumor cells compared to the naked drug alone without augmenting the shedding of MICA/B, in vitro. Finally, we generate and test the sequential administration of SCI-101 with a clinical aNK cell therapy, GTA002, differentiated and expanded from healthy umbilical cord blood CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells. Using a longitudinal in vitro model, we demonstrate >350% relative cell killing is achieved in SCI-101-treated cell lines compared to vehicle controls. In summary, these data provide a first-of-its-kind BBB-penetrating, long-acting inhibitor of Hsp90 with monotherapy efficacy, which improves response to aNK cells and thus may rapidly alter the treatment paradigm for patients with GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmoy Saha
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | - Chunxiao Cui
- Xsphera Biosciences Inc., Boston, MA, United States
| | - Jorge Jimenez Macias
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Arpita Kulkarni
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Luu Nhat Pham
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sean Lawler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States
| | | | | | | | - Aaron Goldman
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Glycostem Therapeutics B.V., Oss, Netherlands.,Cancer Immunology, Dana Farber/Harvard Cancer Center, Boston, MA, United States
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27
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Khan AA, Liu ZK, Xu X. Recent advances in immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2021; 20:511-520. [PMID: 34344612 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2021.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging as most patients are diagnosed at advanced stage with underlying chronic liver conditions. Conventional systemic chemotherapy has failed in HCC, and the clinical efficacy of FDA-approved molecular targeted agents such as sorafenib and lenvatinib remains unsatisfactory. DATA SOURCES Literature search was conducted in PubMed for relevant articles published before January 2021. The search aimed to identify recent developments in immune-based treatment approaches for HCC. Information of clinical trials was obtained from https://clinicaltrials.gov/. RESULTS Two immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), nivolumab and pembrolizumab were approved as monotherapies, which has revolutionized HCC treatment. Besides, combination ICIs have also got accelerated FDA approval recently. Immune-based therapies have challenged targeted drugs owing to their safety, tolerability, and survival benefits. In addition to the significant success in ICIs, other immunotherapeutic strategies such as cancer vaccine, chimeric antigen receptor T-cells, natural killer cells, cytokines, and combination therapy, have also shown promising outcomes in clinical trials. Various diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers have been identified which can help in clinical decision making when starting treatment with ICIs. CONCLUSIONS Immunotherapy has emerged as one of the mainstream treatment modalities for advanced HCC in recent years. However, challenges such as low response rate and acquired resistance in previously respondent patients still exist. Further research is needed to understand the unique resistance mechanism to immunotherapy and to discover more predictive biomarkers to guide clinical decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Ali Khan
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Zhi-Kun Liu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, China
| | - Xiao Xu
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Department of Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, China; Key Lab of Combined Multi-Organ Transplantation, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Public Health, Hangzhou 310003, China; Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310006, China.
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28
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Perera Molligoda Arachchige AS. NK cell-based therapies for HIV infection: Investigating current advances and future possibilities. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 111:921-931. [PMID: 34668588 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ru0821-412rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are well-known for their antiviral functions. Also, their role in HIV has been well established, with rapid responses elicited during early HIV infection. Most immune cells including CD4+ T cells, monocytes, Mϕs, and dendritic cells are readily infected by HIV. Recent evidence from multiple studies has suggested that similar to these cells, in chronic conditions like HIV, NK cells also undergo functional exhaustion with impaired cytotoxicity, altered cytokine production, and impaired ADCC. NK-based immunotherapy aims to successfully restore, boost, and modify their activity as has been already demonstrated in the field of cancer immunotherapy. The utilization of NK cell-based strategies for the eradication of HIV from the body provides many advantages over classical ART. The literature search consisted of manually selecting the most relevant studies from databases including PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar, and ClinicalTrial.gov. Some of the treatments currently under consideration are CAR-NK cell therapy, facilitating ADCC, TLR agonists, bNAbs, and BiKEs/TriKEs, blocking inhibitory NK receptors during infection, IL-15 and IL-15 superagonists (eg: ALT-803), and so on. This review aims to discuss the NK cell-based therapies currently under experimentation against HIV infection and finally highlight the challenges associated with NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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29
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Kiekens L, Van Loocke W, Taveirne S, Wahlen S, Persyn E, Van Ammel E, De Vos Z, Matthys P, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Taghon T, Van Vlierberghe P, Vandekerckhove B, Leclercq G. T-BET and EOMES Accelerate and Enhance Functional Differentiation of Human Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:732511. [PMID: 34630413 PMCID: PMC8497824 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.732511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
T-bet and Eomes are transcription factors that are known to be important in maturation and function of murine natural killer (NK) cells. Reduced T-BET and EOMES expression results in dysfunctional NK cells and failure to control tumor growth. In contrast to mice, the current knowledge on the role of T-BET and EOMES in human NK cells is rudimentary. Here, we ectopically expressed either T-BET or EOMES in human hematopoietic progenitor cells. Combined transcriptome, chromatin accessibility and protein expression analyses revealed that T-BET or EOMES epigenetically represses hematopoietic stem cell quiescence and non-NK lineage differentiation genes, while activating an NK cell-specific transcriptome and thereby drastically accelerating NK cell differentiation. In this model, the effects of T-BET and EOMES are largely overlapping, yet EOMES shows a superior role in early NK cell maturation and induces faster NK receptor and enhanced CD16 expression. T-BET particularly controls transcription of terminal maturation markers and epigenetically controls strong induction of KIR expression. Finally, NK cells generated upon T-BET or EOMES overexpression display improved functionality, including increased IFN-γ production and killing, and especially EOMES overexpression NK cells have enhanced antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Our findings reveal novel insights on the regulatory role of T-BET and EOMES in human NK cell maturation and function, which is essential to further understand human NK cell biology and to optimize adoptive NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kiekens
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Loocke
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sylvie Taveirne
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sigrid Wahlen
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Eva Persyn
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Els Van Ammel
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Zenzi De Vos
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Patrick Matthys
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, K.U. Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tom Taghon
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Bart Vandekerckhove
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Georges Leclercq
- Laboratory of Experimental Immunology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
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30
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Van der Meer JMR, de Jonge PKJD, van der Waart AB, Geerlings AC, Moonen JP, Brummelman J, de Klein J, Vermeulen MC, Maas RJA, Schaap NPM, Hoogstad-van Evert JS, Ottevanger PB, Jansen JH, Hobo W, Dolstra H. CD34 + progenitor-derived NK cell and gemcitabine combination therapy increases killing of ovarian cancer cells in NOD/SCID/IL2Rg null mice. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1981049. [PMID: 34616589 PMCID: PMC8489932 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1981049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Combining natural killer (NK) cell adoptive transfer with tumor-sensitizing chemotherapy is an attractive approach against recurrent ovarian cancer (OC), as OC is sensitive to NK cell-mediated immunity. Previously, we showed that CD34+ hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC)-derived NK cells can kill OC cells in vitro and inhibit OC tumor growth in mice. Here, we investigated the potential of HPC-NK cell therapy combined with chemotherapeutic gemcitabine (used in recurrent OC patients) against OC. We examined the phenotypical, functional, and cytotoxic effects of gemcitabine on HPC-NK cells and/or OC cells in vitro and in OC-bearing mice. To this end, we treated OC cells and/or HPC-NK cells with or without gemcitabine and analyzed the phenotype, cytokine production, and anti-tumor reactivity. We found that gemcitabine did not affect the phenotype and functionality of HPC-NK cells, while on OC cells expression of NK cell activating ligands and death receptors was upregulated. Although gemcitabine pre-treatment of OC cells did not improve the functionality of HPC-NK cells, importantly, HPC-NK cells and gemcitabine additively killed OC cells in vitro. Similarly, combined HPC-NK cell and gemcitabine treatment additively decreased tumor growth in OC-bearing mice. Collectively, our results indicate that combination therapy of HPC-NK cells and gemcitabine results in augmented OC killing in vitro and in vivo. This provides a rationale for exploring this therapeutic strategy in patients with recurrent OC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jolien M R Van der Meer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Paul K J D de Jonge
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Anniek B van der Waart
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alexander C Geerlings
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jurgen P Moonen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolanda Brummelman
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Janne de Klein
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Malou C Vermeulen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Ralph J A Maas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas P M Schaap
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke S Hoogstad-van Evert
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Amphia Hospital, The Netherlands
| | - Petronella B Ottevanger
- Department of Medical Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joop H Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willemijn Hobo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an uncommon but potentially catastrophic diagnosis with historically high mortality rates. The standard of care treatment remained unchanged for decades; however, recent discoveries of molecular drivers of leukemogenesis and disease progression have led to novel therapies for AML. Ongoing research and clinical trials are actively seeking to personalize therapy by identifying molecular targets, discovering patient specific and disease specific risk factors, and identifying effective combinations of modalities and drugs. This review focuses on important updates in diagnostic and disease classifications that reflect new understanding of the biology of AML, its mutational heterogeneity, some important genetic and environmental risk factors, and new treatment options including cytotoxic chemotherapy, novel targeted agents, and cellular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura F Newell
- Knight Cancer Institute, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Rachel J Cook
- Knight Cancer Institute, Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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32
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Shokouhifar A, Anani Sarab G, Yazdanifar M, Fereidouni M, Nouri M, Ebrahimi M. Overcoming the UCB HSCs -Derived NK cells Dysfunction through Harnessing RAS/MAPK, IGF-1R and TGF-β Signaling Pathways. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:298. [PMID: 34098947 PMCID: PMC8185927 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01983-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The natural killer (NK) cells differentiated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) may be more suitable for cell-based immunotherapy compared to the NK cells from adult donors. This is due to the possibility to choose alloreactive donors and potentially more robust in vivo expansion. However, the cytotoxicity of UCB-HSC-derived NK cells against cancer cells might be suboptimal. To overcome this obstacle, we attempted to generate NK cells with potent antitumor activity by targeting RAS/MAPK, IGF-1R and TGF-β signaling pathways using IL-15, IGF-1 and SIS3 respectively. Methods The CD34 + cells were isolated from human UCB mononuclear cells through magnetic activation cell sorting (MACS) with purity of (≥ 90%) and were subjected to differentiate into NK cells. After 21 days of induction with SFTG36 (SCF, FLt-3L, TPO, GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-6), IS721 (IGF-1, SIS3, IL-7 and IL-21) and IL-15/Hsp70 media, NK cells phenotypes were studied and their cytotoxicity against K562 human erythroleukemia cells and SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cells was analyzed. Results The NK cells induced in SFTG36/IS721 medium were selected for activation due to their higher expression of CD56 + 16 + CD3 − (93.23% ± 0.75) and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of NKG2D + (168.66 ± 20.00) and also a higher fold expansion potential (11.893 ± 1.712) compared to the other groups. These cells once activated with IL-15, demonstrated a higher cytotoxicity against K562 (≥ 90%; P ≤ 0.001) and SKOV3 tumor cells (≥ 65%; P ≤ 0.001) compared to IL-15/Hsp70-activated NK cells. Conclusions The differentiation of ex vivo expanded CD34 + cells through manipulation of RAS/MAPK, IGF-1R and TGF-β signaling pathways is an efficient approach for generating functional NK cells that can be used for cancer immunotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01983-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shokouhifar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Genomic Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Anani Sarab
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Fereidouni
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nouri
- R&D Department, Royan Stem Cell Technology Co, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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33
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Isidori A, Cerchione C, Daver N, DiNardo C, Garcia-Manero G, Konopleva M, Jabbour E, Ravandi F, Kadia T, Burguera ADLF, Romano A, Loscocco F, Visani G, Martinelli G, Kantarjian H, Curti A. Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia: Where We Stand. Front Oncol 2021; 11:656218. [PMID: 34041025 PMCID: PMC8143531 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.656218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the past few years, our improved knowledge of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) pathogenesis has led to the accelerated discovery of new drugs and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. The role of the immune system in AML development, growth and recurrence has gained increasing interest. A better understanding of immunological escape and systemic tolerance induced by AML blasts has been achieved. The extraordinary successes of immune therapies that harness the power of T cells in solid tumors and certain hematological malignancies have provided new stimuli in this area of research. Accordingly, major efforts have been made to develop immune therapies for the treatment of AML patients. The persistence of leukemia stem cells, representing the most relevant cause of relapse, even after allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT), remains a major hurdle in the path to cure for AML patients. Several clinical trials with immune-based therapies are currently ongoing in the frontline, relapsed/refractory, post-allo-SCT and minimal residual disease/maintenance setting, with the aim to improve survival of AML patients. This review summarizes the available data with immune-based therapeutic modalities such as monoclonal antibodies (naked and conjugated), T cell engagers, adoptive T-cell therapy, adoptive-NK therapy, checkpoint blockade via PD-1/PD-L1, CTLA4, TIM3 and macrophage checkpoint blockade via the CD47/SIRPa axis, and leukemia vaccines. Combining clinical results with biological immunological findings, possibly coupled with the discovery of biomarkers predictive for response, will hopefully allow us to determine the best approaches to immunotherapy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Claudio Cerchione
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Naval Daver
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Courtney DiNardo
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Marina Konopleva
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elias Jabbour
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Farhad Ravandi
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tapan Kadia
- Department of Leukemia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | | | - Alessandra Romano
- Dipartimento di Chirurgia e Specialità Medico-Chirurgiche, Sezione di Ematologia, Università degli Studi di Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Visani
- Haematology and Stem Cell Transplant Center, AORMN, Pesaro, Italy
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Hagop Kantarjian
- Hematology Unit, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Antonio Curti
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Istituto di Ematologia “Seràgnoli”, Bologna, Italy
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34
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Islam R, Pupovac A, Evtimov V, Boyd N, Shu R, Boyd R, Trounson A. Enhancing a Natural Killer: Modification of NK Cells for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cells 2021; 10:cells10051058. [PMID: 33946954 PMCID: PMC8146003 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are potent innate immune system effector lymphocytes armed with multiple mechanisms for killing cancer cells. Given the dynamic roles of NK cells in tumor surveillance, they are fast becoming a next-generation tool for adoptive immunotherapy. Many strategies are being employed to increase their number and improve their ability to overcome cancer resistance and the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. These include the use of cytokines and synthetic compounds to bolster propagation and killing capacity, targeting immune-function checkpoints, addition of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to provide cancer specificity and genetic ablation of inhibitory molecules. The next generation of NK cell products will ideally be readily available as an “off-the-shelf” product and stem cell derived to enable potentially unlimited supply. However, several considerations regarding NK cell source, genetic modification and scale up first need addressing. Understanding NK cell biology and interaction within specific tumor contexts will help identify necessary NK cell modifications and relevant choice of NK cell source. Further enhancement of manufacturing processes will allow for off-the-shelf NK cell immunotherapies to become key components of multifaceted therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rasa Islam
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
| | - Aleta Pupovac
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Vera Evtimov
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Nicholas Boyd
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Runzhe Shu
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Richard Boyd
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
| | - Alan Trounson
- Cartherics Pty Ltd., Clayton 3168, Australia; (R.I.); (A.P.); (V.E.); (N.B.); (R.S.); (R.B.)
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Monash University, Clayton 3168, Australia
- Correspondence:
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35
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Daher M, Melo Garcia L, Li Y, Rezvani K. CAR-NK cells: the next wave of cellular therapy for cancer. Clin Transl Immunology 2021; 10:e1274. [PMID: 33959279 PMCID: PMC8080297 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T cells engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have revolutionised the field of cellular therapy for cancer. Despite its success, this strategy has some recognised limitations and toxicities. Hence, there is growing interest in developing novel cellular therapies based on non-αβ T-cell immune effector cells, including NK cells that offer clear advantages in cancer immunotherapy. As a result, NK cells are being explored as an alternative platform for CAR engineering and are becoming recognised as important players in the next generation of cellular therapies targeting cancer. In this review, we highlight preclinical and clinical studies of CAR-NK cells derived from different sources and discuss strategies under investigation to enhance the antitumor activity of these engineered innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston TX USA
| | - Luciana Melo Garcia
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston TX USA
| | - Ye Li
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston TX USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center Houston TX USA
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36
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Shaver KA, Croom-Perez TJ, Copik AJ. Natural Killer Cells: The Linchpin for Successful Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:679117. [PMID: 33995422 PMCID: PMC8115550 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.679117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy is a highly successful and rapidly evolving treatment modality that works by augmenting the body’s own immune system. While various immune stimulation strategies such as PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 checkpoint blockade result in robust responses, even in patients with advanced cancers, the overall response rate is low. While immune checkpoint inhibitors are known to enhance cytotoxic T cells’ antitumor response, current evidence suggests that immune responses independent of cytotoxic T cells, such as Natural Killer (NK) cells, play crucial role in the efficacy of immunotherapeutic interventions. NK cells hold a distinct role in potentiating the innate immune response and activating the adaptive immune system. This review highlights the importance of the early actions of the NK cell response and the pivotal role NK cells hold in priming the immune system and setting the stage for successful response to cancer immunotherapy. Yet, in many patients the NK cell compartment is compromised thus lowering the chances of successful outcomes of many immunotherapies. An overview of mechanisms that can drive NK cell dysfunction and hinder immunotherapy success is provided. Rather than relying on the likely dysfunctional endogenous NK cells to work with immunotherapies, adoptive allogeneic NK cell therapies provide a viable solution to increase response to immunotherapies. This review highlights the advances made in development of NK cell therapeutics for clinical application with evidence supporting their combinatorial application with other immune-oncology approaches to improve outcomes of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kari A Shaver
- College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Tayler J Croom-Perez
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Alicja J Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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37
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Perera Molligoda Arachchige AS. Human NK cells: From development to effector functions. Innate Immun 2021; 27:212-229. [PMID: 33761782 PMCID: PMC8054151 DOI: 10.1177/17534259211001512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are the major lymphocyte subset of the innate immune system that mediates antiviral and anti-tumor responses. It is well established that they develop mechanisms to distinguish self from non-self during the process of NK cell education. Unlike T and B cells, natural killer cells lack clonotypic receptors and are activated after recognizing their target via germline-encoded receptors through natural cytotoxicity, cytokine stimulation, and Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Subsequently, they utilize cytotoxic granules, death receptor ligands, and cytokines to perform their effector functions. In this review, we provide a general overview of human NK cells, as opposed to murine NK cells, discussing their ontogeny, maturation, receptor diversity, types of responses, and effector functions. Furthermore, we also describe recent advances in human NK cell biology, including tissue-resident NK cell populations, NK cell memory, and novel approaches used to target NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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38
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Golden RJ, Fesnak AD. Clinical development of natural killer cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors. Transfus Apher Sci 2021; 60:103065. [PMID: 33468407 PMCID: PMC10029926 DOI: 10.1016/j.transci.2021.103065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Both natural killer (NK) cells and T cells demonstrate potent antitumor responses in many settings. NK cells, unlike T cells, are not the primary mediators of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Redirection of T cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) has helped to overcome tumor escape from endogenous T cells. NK cells expressing CARs are a promising new therapy to treat malignancy. Clinical biomanufacturing of CAR NK cells can begin with NK cells derived from many different sources including adult peripheral blood-derived NK cells, cord blood-derived NK cells, cell line-derived NK cells, or stem cell-derived NK cells. Manufacturing protocols may include isolation of NK cells, activation, expansion, and genetic modification to express the chimeric antigen receptors. Clinical trials have tested both unmodified and CAR NK cells with encouraging results. The next stage in clinical development of CAR NK cells represents a highly exciting new frontier in clinical cell therapy as well as understanding basic NK cell biology. The purpose of this review is to provide the reader with a fundamental understanding of the core concepts in CAR NK cell manufacturing, specifically highlighting differences between CAR T cell manufacturing and focusing on future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Golden
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
| | - Andrew D Fesnak
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3400 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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39
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Generating natural killer cells for adoptive transfer: expanding horizons. Cytotherapy 2021; 23:559-566. [PMID: 33431318 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2020.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique innate lymphoid cells that have therapeutic potential in adoptive cell transfer-based cancer immunotherapy that has been established across a range of early-phase clinical trials. NK cells for use in adoptive transfer therapies are obtained from various sources, including primary NK cells from peripheral blood or apheresis products (autologous or allogeneic) and umbilical cord blood. NK cells have also been generated from CD34+ hematopoietic progenitors, induced pluripotent stem cells, embryonic stem cells and malignant cell lines. Apheresis-derived NK cell products are often administered after brief cytokine-based ex vivo activation, ideally aiming for in vivo expansion and proliferation. NK cells from other sources or from smaller volumes of blood require a longer period of expansion prior to therapeutic use. Although ex vivo NK cell expansion introduces a concern for senescence and exhaustion, there is also an opportunity to achieve higher NK cell doses, modulate NK cell activation characteristics and apply genetic engineering approaches, ultimately generating potent effector cells from small volumes of readily available starting materials. Herein the authors review the field of clinical-grade NK cell expansion, explore the desirable features of an idealized NK cell expansion approach and focus on techniques used in recently published clinical trials.
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40
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Li K, Wu Y, Li Y, Yu Q, Tian Z, Wei H, Qu K. Landscape and Dynamics of the Transcriptional Regulatory Network During Natural Killer Cell Differentiation. GENOMICS PROTEOMICS & BIOINFORMATICS 2020; 18:501-515. [PMID: 33385611 PMCID: PMC8377244 DOI: 10.1016/j.gpb.2020.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Revised: 12/10/2018] [Accepted: 03/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are essential in controlling cancer and infection. However, little is known about the dynamics of the transcriptional regulatory machinery during NK cell differentiation. In this study, we applied the assay of transposase accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC-seq) technique in a home-developed in vitro NK cell differentiation system. Analysis of ATAC-seq data illustrated two distinct transcription factor (TF) clusters that dynamically regulate NK cell differentiation. Moreover, two TFs from the second cluster, FOS-like 2 (FOSL2) and early growth response 2 (EGR2), were identified as novel essential TFs that control NK cell maturation and function. Knocking down either of these two TFs significantly impacted NK cell differentiation. Finally, we constructed a genome-wide transcriptional regulatory network that provides a better understanding of the regulatory dynamics during NK cell differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China
| | - Yang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China
| | - Young Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China
| | - Qiaoni Yu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Kun Qu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230021, China; CAS Center for Excellence in Molecular Cell Sciences, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China; School of Data Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, China.
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41
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Mantesso S, Geerts D, Spanholtz J, Kučerová L. Genetic Engineering of Natural Killer Cells for Enhanced Antitumor Function. Front Immunol 2020; 11:607131. [PMID: 33391277 PMCID: PMC7772419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.607131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are unique immune cells capable of efficient killing of infected and transformed cells. Indeed, NK cell-based therapies induced response against hematological malignancies in the absence of adverse toxicity in clinical trials. Nevertheless, adoptive NK cell therapies are reported to have exhibited poor outcome against many solid tumors. This can be mainly attributed to limited infiltration of NK cells into solid tumors, downregulation of target antigens on the tumor cells, or suppression by the chemokines and secreted factors present within the tumor microenvironment. Several methods for genetic engineering of NK cells were established and consistently improved over the last decade, leading to the generation of novel NK cell products with enhanced anti-tumor activity and improved tumor homing. New generations of engineered NK cells are developed to better target refractory tumors and/or to overcome inhibitory tumor microenvironment. This review summarizes recent improvements in approaches to NK cell genetic engineering and strategies implemented to enhance NK cell effector functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Mantesso
- Research and Development, Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Dirk Geerts
- Research and Development, Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Research and Development, Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
| | - Lucia Kučerová
- Research and Development, Glycostem Therapeutics, Oss, Netherlands
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Van der Meer JMR, Maas RJA, Guldevall K, Klarenaar K, de Jonge PKJD, Evert JSHV, van der Waart AB, Cany J, Safrit JT, Lee JH, Wagena E, Friedl P, Önfelt B, Massuger LF, Schaap NPM, Jansen JH, Hobo W, Dolstra H. IL-15 superagonist N-803 improves IFNγ production and killing of leukemia and ovarian cancer cells by CD34 + progenitor-derived NK cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 70:1305-1321. [PMID: 33140189 PMCID: PMC8053152 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02749-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell transfer is a potential immunotherapy to eliminate and control cancer. A promising source are CD34 + hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs), since large numbers of cytotoxic NK cells can be generated. Effective boosting of NK cell function can be achieved by interleukin (IL)-15. However, its in vivo half-life is short and potent trans-presentation by IL-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα) is absent. Therefore, ImmunityBio developed IL-15 superagonist N-803, which combines IL-15 with an activating mutation, an IL-15Rα sushi domain for trans-presentation, and IgG1-Fc for increased half-life. Here, we investigated whether and how N-803 improves HPC-NK cell functionality in leukemia and ovarian cancer (OC) models in vitro and in vivo in OC-bearing immunodeficient mice. We used flow cytometry-based assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, microscopy-based serial killing assays, and bioluminescence imaging, for in vitro and in vivo experiments. N-803 increased HPC-NK cell proliferation and interferon (IFN)γ production. On leukemia cells, co-culture with HPC-NK cells and N-803 increased ICAM-1 expression. Furthermore, N-803 improved HPC-NK cell-mediated (serial) leukemia killing. Treating OC spheroids with HPC-NK cells and N-803 increased IFNγ-induced CXCL10 secretion, and target killing after prolonged exposure. In immunodeficient mice bearing human OC, N-803 supported HPC-NK cell persistence in combination with total human immunoglobulins to prevent Fc-mediated HPC-NK cell depletion. Moreover, this combination treatment decreased tumor growth. In conclusion, N-803 is a promising IL-15-based compound that boosts HPC-NK cell expansion and functionality in vitro and in vivo. Adding N-803 to HPC-NK cell therapy could improve cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- J M R Van der Meer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R J A Maas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - K Guldevall
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K Klarenaar
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P K J D de Jonge
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J S Hoogstad-van Evert
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - A B van der Waart
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J Cany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | | - J H Lee
- ImmunityBio, Culver City, CA, USA
| | - E Wagena
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P Friedl
- Department of Cell Biology, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- David H. Koch Center for Applied Genitourinary Cancers, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
- Cancer Genomics Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - B Önfelt
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH - Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L F Massuger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - N P M Schaap
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J H Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - W Hobo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - H Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Geert Grooteplein Zuid 8, P.O. Box 9101, 6500 HB, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.
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Jin YY, Yang WZ, Zou S, Sun ZY, Wu CT, Yang ZY. Chemoradiotherapy combined with NK cell transfer in a patient with recurrent and metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma inducing long-term tumor control: A case report. Medicine (Baltimore) 2020; 99:e22785. [PMID: 33120792 PMCID: PMC7581140 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000022785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
RATIONALE Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is one of the most common malignancies in Southern China. Although combined chemotherapy with radiotherapy has been widely used in treating locally advanced lesions, relapse and metastases remain the primary cause of treatment failure, and are associated with an extremely poor prognosis. Therefore, more efficient and milder therapies are needed. PATIENT CONCERNS Herein, we report a patient with advanced NPC with intracranial metastases who showed progression during conventional treatment. DIAGNOSES Nonkeratinizing undifferentiated nasopharyngeal carcinoma (stage IV). INTERVENTIONS After the completion of initial chemoradiotherapy and targeted therapy, metastases to brain occurred during follow-up. Ex vivo-cultured allogeneic NK cell infusion was offered. OUTCOMES Although the intracranial metastases did not decrease 10 months after the NK cell treatment, they decreased significantly at 31 months after the treatment and partially disappeared. The tumor response indicated partial response. Furthermore, all of the intracranial metastases continued to decrease at about 42 months after treatment. LESSONS The brain metastases of NPC are rare with poor prognosis. Radiotherapy in NPC can disrupt the blood-brain barrier, which may contribute to the metastases of brain. This case report will provide rationale for NK cell infusion following regular chemoradiotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-yuan Jin
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Wen-zhuo Yang
- Sun Yat-sen University School of Medicine, Guangzhou
| | - Sen Zou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Zheng-yang Sun
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
| | - Chun-tao Wu
- North China University of Science and Technology Affiliated Hospital, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhao-yong Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing
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Reindl LM, Albinger N, Bexte T, Müller S, Hartmann J, Ullrich E. Immunotherapy with NK cells: recent developments in gene modification open up new avenues. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1777651. [PMID: 33457093 PMCID: PMC7781759 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1777651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapies have achieved remarkable success. However, application-related toxicities, such as cytokine release syndrome or neurotoxicity, moved natural killer (NK) cells into focus as novel players in immunotherapy. CAR-NK cells provide an advantageous dual killing-capacity by CAR-dependent and -independent mechanisms and induce few side effects. While the majority of trials still use CAR-T cells, CAR-NK cell trials are on the rise with 19 ongoing studies worldwide. This review illuminates the current state of research and clinical application of CAR-NK cells, as well as future developmental potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Marie Reindl
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Nawid Albinger
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Tobias Bexte
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Stephan Müller
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jessica Hartmann
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Paul-Ehrlich-Institute, Langen, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Children’s Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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45
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Woan KV, Miller JS. Harnessing Natural Killer Cell Antitumor Immunity: From the Bench to Bedside. Cancer Immunol Res 2020; 7:1742-1747. [PMID: 31676567 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical effector lymphocytes mediating tumor immune surveillance and clearance. They do so by direct tumor killing using cytolytic granules and death receptors, and by interfacing with and potentiating adaptive immune responses through the production of cytokines. From a therapeutic perspective, NK cells have been shown to exert graft-versus-leukemia activity in the context of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and are important in the clinical efficacy of antibodies. Advances in basic and translational NK cell biology have led to multiple potential strategies to augment their in vivo activity to improve antitumor responses. Despite their potent effects, NK cells have been shown to be safe for adoptive cell therapy in both the autologous and allogeneic settings, with promising, but so far limited, clinical efficacy. This review will provide an overview of strategies being pursued to improve NK cell activity and efficacy, focusing on cell source, NK cell activation, and in vivo persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karrune V Woan
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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Frank K, Paust S. Dynamic Natural Killer Cell and T Cell Responses to Influenza Infection. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2020; 10:425. [PMID: 32974217 PMCID: PMC7461885 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2020.00425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Influenza viruses have perplexed scientists for over a hundred years. Yearly vaccines limit their spread, but they do not prevent all infections. Therapeutic treatments for those experiencing severe infection are limited; further advances are held back by insufficient understanding of the fundamental immune mechanisms responsible for immunopathology. NK cells and T cells are essential in host responses to influenza infection. They produce immunomodulatory cytokines and mediate the cytotoxic response to infection. An imbalance in NK and T cell responses can lead to two outcomes: excessive inflammation and tissue damage or insufficient anti-viral functions and uncontrolled infection. The main cause of death in influenza patients is the former, mediated by hyperinflammatory responses termed “cytokine storm.” NK cells and T cells contribute to cytokine storm, but they are also required for viral clearance. Many studies have attempted to distinguish protective and pathogenic components of the NK cell and T cell influenza response, but it has become clear that they are dynamic and integrated processes. This review will analyze how NK cell and T cell effector functions during influenza infection affect the host response and correlate with morbidity and mortality outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Frank
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,The Skaggs Graduate Program in Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Silke Paust
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States.,The Skaggs Graduate Program in Chemical and Biological Sciences, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, United States
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47
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Induced pluripotent stem cell-derived natural killer cells gene-modified to express chimeric antigen receptor-targeting solid tumors. Int J Hematol 2020; 114:572-579. [PMID: 32705572 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-020-02951-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The use of allogeneic, pluripotent stem cell-derived immune cells for cancer immunotherapy has been the subject of recent research, including clinical trials. The use of pluripotent stem cells as the source for allogeneic immune cells facilitates stringent quality control of the final product, regarding efficacy, safety, and producibility. In this review, we have described the characteristics of natural killer (NK) cells from multiple cell sources, including pluripotent stem cells, the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modification method and strategy for these NK cells, and the current and planned clinical trials of CAR-modified induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells.
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48
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The COVID-19 pandemic: biological evolution, treatment options and consequences. INNOVATIVE INFRASTRUCTURE SOLUTIONS 2020. [PMCID: PMC7330532 DOI: 10.1007/s41062-020-00325-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
The spread of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, the cause of the pandemic COVID-19 has emerged as a global matter of concern in the last couple of months. It has rapidly spread around the globe, which initially began in the city of Wuhan, People’s Republic of China and is hypothesized to originate from the group of Rhinolophus bats. Till date, there has been no clinically proven vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 and thus the doctors are employing the other well-known techniques, which have previously successfully tackled similar other human coronaviruses. To prevent the further spread of COVID-19, doctors are advising isolation of the infected patients, and also regular washing of hands and the use of face mask for the common people. In the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, the countries are going for nationwide lockdown as the only preventive measure to avert community transmission of this disease, which is having economic, social and psychological effect on the general mass. Therefore, this comprehensive review article encapsulates the biological evolution of human coronaviruses, probable treatment and control strategies to combat COVID-19 and, its impact on human life.
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49
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Zhao XY, Jiang Q, Jiang H, Hu LJ, Zhao T, Yu XX, Huang XJ. Expanded clinical-grade membrane-bound IL-21/4-1BBL NK cell products exhibit activity against acute myeloid leukemia in vivo. Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1374-1385. [PMID: 32357256 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 04/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adoptive NK cell infusion is a promising immunotherapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. The aim of this study was to test the activity of clinical-grade membrane-bound IL-21/4-1BBL-expanded NK cell products against AML in vivo. METHODS Fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were incubated with equal numbers of irradiated membrane-bound IL-21/4-1BBL-expressing K562 cells for 2-3 weeks to induce clinical-grade NK cell expansion. RESULTS Expansion for 2 and 3 weeks produced ∼4 and 8 × 109 NK cells from 2 × 107 PBMCs. The production of CD107a and TNF-α in NK cell products in response to AML cell lines and primary blasts was higher than that observed in resting NK cells. The 2-week expanded NK cell products were xenografted into immunodeficient mice with leukemia and were persistently found in the BM, spleen, liver, lung, and peripheral blood for at least 13 days; furthermore, these expanded products reduced the AML burden in vivo. Compared with matched AML patients with persistent or relapsed minimal residual disease (MRD+ ) who underwent regular consolidation therapy, MRD+ patients who underwent NK treatment had better overall survival and showed no major adverse events. CONCLUSIONS Clinical-grade mbIL-21/4-1BBL-expanded NK cells exhibited antileukemic activity against AML in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Laboratory for Cellular Therapy, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Jiang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Juan Hu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xing-Xing Yu
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Jun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China.,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Laboratory for Cellular Therapy, Beijing, China
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50
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Lee BJ, Hegewisch Solloa E, Shannon MJ, Mace EM. Generation of cell-derived matrices that support human NK cell migration and differentiation. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1369-1378. [PMID: 32392635 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1ma0420-635r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human NK cells are effectors of the innate immune system that originate from hematopoietic precursors in the bone marrow. While stromal cell lines that support NK cell development from hematopoietic precursors are often used to generate mature NK cells from lymphoid precursors in vitro, the nature of contributing factors of these stromal cells to the generation of functionally mature NK cells has been poorly described. Previous studies have shown that developing NK cells adhere to, and migrate on, developmentally supportive stroma. Here, we describe the generation of cell-derived matrices (CDMs) from a commonly used murine fetal liver stromal cell line. These CDMs are derived directly from the same EL08.1D2 stromal cell line known to support NK cell differentiation and contain ECM structural components fibronectin and collagen. We demonstrate that CDMs support NK cell adhesion and migration with similar properties as intact cells. Further, we show that CDMs support NK cell maturation from lymphoid precursors in vitro, albeit with reduced cell survival compared to intact cell-based differentiation. Together, these results describe a cell-free system that supports NK cell development and that can serve as a useful model for studying the nature of the biochemical interactions between NK cell developmental intermediates and developmentally supportive substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barclay J Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Everardo Hegewisch Solloa
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael J Shannon
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
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