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Qu Y, Zeng A, Cheng Y, Li S. Natural killer cell memory: challenges and opportunities for cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2376410. [PMID: 38987282 PMCID: PMC11238922 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2024.2376410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/01/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Substantial advancements have been made in recent years in comprehending immune memory, which enhances the secondary response through prior infections. The ability of vertebrate T and B lymphocytes to exhibit classic recall responses has long been regarded as a distinguishing characteristic. However, natural killer (NK) cells have been found to acquire immunological memory in a manner akin to T and B cells. The fundamental principles derived from the investigation of NK cell memory offer novel insights into innate immunity and have the potential to pave the way for innovative strategies to enhance therapeutic interventions against multiple diseases including cancer. Here, we reviewed the fundamental characteristics, memory development and regulatory mechanism of NK cell memory. Moreover, we will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the accomplishments, obstacles, and future direction pertaining to the utilization of NK cell memory in the field of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Qu
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Anhui Zeng
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yulu Cheng
- Department of Disinfection Supply Center, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shengchun Li
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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2
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Franks ML, An JH, Leavenworth JW. The Role of Natural Killer Cells in Oncolytic Virotherapy: Friends or Foes? Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:721. [PMID: 39066359 PMCID: PMC11281503 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) has emerged as a promising cancer immunotherapy, and is capable of potentiating other immunotherapies due to its capacity to increase tumor immunogenicity and to boost host antitumor immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical cellular component for mediating the antitumor response, but hold a mixed reputation for their role in mediating the therapeutic efficacy of OVT. This review will discuss the pros and cons of how NK cells impact OVT, and how to harness this knowledge for the development of effective strategies that could modulate NK cells to improve OVT-based therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Franks
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.L.F.)
- Graduate Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Ju-Hyun An
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.L.F.)
| | - Jianmei W. Leavenworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.L.F.)
- The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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3
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Hermans L, O’Sullivan TE. No time to die: Epigenetic regulation of natural killer cell survival. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:61-79. [PMID: 38426615 PMCID: PMC11102341 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13314] [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: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
NK cells are short-lived innate lymphocytes that can mediate antigen-independent responses to infection and cancer. However, studies from the past two decades have shown that NK cells can acquire transcriptional and epigenetic modifications during inflammation that result in increased survival and lifespan. These findings blur the lines between the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, and suggest that the homeostatic mechanisms that govern the persistence of innate immune cells are malleable. Indeed, recent studies have shown that NK cells undergo continuous and strictly regulated adaptations controlling their survival during development, tissue residency, and following inflammation. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the critical factors regulating NK cell survival throughout their lifespan, with a specific emphasis on the epigenetic modifications that regulate the survival of NK cells in various contexts. A precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern NK cell survival will be important to enhance therapies for cancer and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Hermans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Timothy E. O’Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Lu L, Yang C, Zhou X, Wu L, Hong X, Li W, Wang X, Yang Y, Cao D, Zhang A, Di W, Deng L. STING signaling promotes NK cell antitumor immunity and maintains a reservoir of TCF-1 + NK cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113108. [PMID: 37708030 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate lymphocytes that eradicate tumor cells. Inducing durable antitumor immune responses by NK cells represents a major priority of cancer immunotherapy. While cytosolic DNA sensing plays an essential role in initiating antitumor immunity, the role of NK cell-intrinsic STING signaling remains unclear. Here, we find that NK cell-intrinsic STING promotes antitumor responses and maintains a reservoir of TCF-1+ NK cells. In contrast, tumor cell-intrinsic cGAS and mtDNA are required for NK cell antitumor activity, indicating that tumor mtDNA recognition by cGAS partially triggers NK cell-intrinsic STING activation. Moreover, addition of cGAMP enables STING activation and type I interferon production in NK cells, thereby supporting the activation of NK cells in vitro. In humans, STING agonism promotes the expansion of TCF-1+ NK cells. This study provides insight into understanding how STING signaling drives NK cell antitumor immunity and the development of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xingyue Zhou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaochuan Hong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yuanqin Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dongqing Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wen Di
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Liufu Deng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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Shimizu K, Ueda S, Kawamura M, Aoshima H, Satoh M, Nakabayashi J, Fujii SI. Combination of cancer vaccine with CD122-biased IL-2/anti-IL-2 Ab complex shapes the stem-like effector NK and CD8 + T cells against tumor. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006409. [PMID: 37400134 PMCID: PMC10577731 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A key to success of cancer immunotherapy is the amplification and sustenance of various effector cells. The hallmark of prominent antitumor T cells is their long-term effector function. Although interleukin (IL)-2 is an attractive cytokine, several attempts have been made towards developing IL-2 modalities with improved effectiveness and safety that enhance natural killer (NK) cells or T cells in cancer models. However, whether such IL-2 modalities can simultaneously support long-term innate and adaptive immunity, particularly stem-like memory, has not been shown. To resolve this issue, we compared the antitumor cellular mechanism with two IL-2/anti-IL-2 complexes (IL-2Cxs) administered in combination with a therapeutic cancer vaccine, which we had previously established as an in vivo dendritic cell-targeting therapy. METHODS Two types of IL-2Cxs, CD25-biased IL-2Cx and CD122-biased IL-2Cx, together with a Wilms' tumor 1-expressing vaccine, were evaluated in a leukemic model. The immunological response and synergistic antitumor efficacy of these IL-2Cxs were then evaluated. RESULTS When CD25-biased or CD122-biased IL-2Cxs in combination with the vaccine were assessed in an advanced-leukemia model, the CD122-biased IL-2Cx combination showed 100% survival, but the CD25-biased IL-2Cx did not. We first showed that invariant natural killer T (NKT) 1 cells are predominantly activated by CD122-biased IL-2Cx. In addition, in-depth analysis of immune responses by CD122-biased IL-2Cx in lymphoid tissues and the tumor microenvironment revealed a dramatic increase in the distinct subsets of NK and CD8+ T cells with stem-like phenotype (CD27+Sca-1hi, CXCR3hi, CD127+TCF-1+T-bet+ Eomes+). Moreover, CD122-biased IL-2Cx combination therapy maintained long-term memory CD8+ T cells capable of potent antitumor protection. After the high dimensional profiling analysis of NK and CD8+T cells, principal component analysis revealed that the stem-like-NK cell and stem-like-CD8+T cell state in the combination were integrated in the same group. CONCLUSIONS CD122-biased IL-2Cx combined with the vaccine can induce a series of reactions in the immune cascade, including activation of not only NKT1 cells, but also NK and CD8+ T cells with a stem-like memory phenotype. Since it can also lead to a long-term, strong antitumor response, the combination of CD122-biased IL-2Cx with a vaccine may serve as a potential and competent strategy for patients with advanced cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Shimizu
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Shogo Ueda
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Masami Kawamura
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Honoka Aoshima
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Mikiko Satoh
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Jun Nakabayashi
- Department of Mathematics, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, Ichikawa, Japan
| | - Shin-Ichiro Fujii
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Japan
- Program for Drug Discovery and Medical Technology Platforms, RIKEN, Yokohama, Japan
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Qiu C, Du G. Loss of
LEF
‐1 expression as a diagnostic indicator for extranodal
NK
/T‐cell lymphoma: An immunohistochemical study of 88 cases. Eur J Haematol 2022; 109:513-518. [PMID: 35871391 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Cen Qiu
- Department of Pathology, the Ninth People's Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine China
| | - Guangye Du
- Department of Pathology, the Ninth People's Hospital Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine China
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Lau CM, Wiedemann GM, Sun JC. Epigenetic regulation of natural killer cell memory. Immunol Rev 2022; 305:90-110. [PMID: 34908173 PMCID: PMC8955591 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunological memory is the underlying mechanism by which the immune system remembers previous encounters with pathogens to produce an enhanced secondary response upon re-encounter. It stands as the hallmark feature of the adaptive immune system and the cornerstone of vaccine development. Classic recall responses are executed by conventional T and B cells, which undergo somatic recombination and modify their receptor repertoire to ensure recognition of a vast number of antigens. However, recent evidence has challenged the dogma that memory responses are restricted to the adaptive immune system, which has prompted a reevaluation of what delineates "immune memory." Natural killer (NK) cells of the innate immune system have been at the forefront of these pushed boundaries, and have proved to be more "adaptable" than previously thought. Like T cells, we now appreciate that their "natural" abilities actually require a myriad of signals for optimal responses. In this review, we discuss the many signals required for effector and memory NK cell responses and the epigenetic mechanisms that ultimately endow their enhanced features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Lau
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gabriela M. Wiedemann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Joseph C. Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA,Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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Decidual NK cells kill Zika virus-infected trophoblasts. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2115410118. [PMID: 34785597 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2115410118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) during pregnancy infects fetal trophoblasts and causes placental damage and birth defects including microcephaly. Little is known about the anti-ZIKV cellular immune response at the maternal-fetal interface. Decidual natural killer cells (dNK), which directly contact fetal trophoblasts, are the dominant maternal immune cells in the first-trimester placenta, when ZIKV infection is most hazardous. Although dNK express all the cytolytic molecules needed to kill, they usually do not kill infected fetal cells but promote placentation. Here, we show that dNK degranulate and kill ZIKV-infected placental trophoblasts. ZIKV infection of trophoblasts causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which makes them dNK targets by down-regulating HLA-C/G, natural killer (NK) inhibitory receptor ligands that help maintain tolerance of the semiallogeneic fetus. ER stress also activates the NK activating receptor NKp46. ZIKV infection of Ifnar1 -/- pregnant mice results in high viral titers and severe intrauterine growth restriction, which are exacerbated by depletion of NK or CD8 T cells, indicating that killer lymphocytes, on balance, protect the fetus from ZIKV by eliminating infected cells and reducing the spread of infection.
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A Brief Analysis of Tissue-Resident NK Cells in Pregnancy and Endometrial Diseases: The Importance of Pharmacologic Modulation. IMMUNO 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/immuno1030011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are lymphocytes involved in the innate and adaptative immune response. These cells are located in peripheral blood and tissues with ample functions, from immune vigilant to tolerogenic reactions. In the endometrium, NK cell populations vary depending on age, hormones, and inflammation. When pregnancy occurs, tissue-resident NK cells and conventional NK cells are recruited to protect the fetus, a tolerogenic response. On the contrary, in the inflamed endometrium, various inflammatory cells down-regulate NK tolerance and impair embryo implantation. Therefore, NK cells’ pharmacological modulation is difficult to achieve. Several strategies have been used, from progesterone, lipid emulsions to steroids; the success has not been as expected. However, new therapeutic approaches have been proposed to decrease the endometrial inflammatory burden and increase pregnancy success based on understanding NK cell physiology.
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Gauthier M, Laroye C, Bensoussan D, Boura C, Decot V. Natural Killer cells and monoclonal antibodies: Two partners for successful antibody dependent cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 160:103261. [PMID: 33607229 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Monoclonal antibodies targeting tumors are one of the most important discoveries in the field of cancer. Although several effective antibodies have been developed, a relapse may occur. One of their mechanisms of action is Antibody Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity (ADCC), by engaging the Fc γ receptor CD16 expressing Natural Killer cells, innate lymphoid cells involved in cancer immunosurveillance and able to kill tumor cells. A lack of NK cells observed in many cancers may therefore be a cause of the low efficacy of antibodies observed in some clinical situations. Here we review clear evidences of the essential partnership between NK cells and antibodies showed in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials in different indications, describe the hurdles and ways to enhance ADCC and the evolution of monoclonal antibody therapy. NK cell adoptive immunotherapy combined with monoclonal antibodies may overcome the resistance to the treatment and enhance their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Gauthier
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Caroline Laroye
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Danièle Bensoussan
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Cédric Boura
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR7039, Team BioSIS, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France
| | - Véronique Decot
- Lorraine University, CNRS UMR 7365, Team 6, Campus Santé, Vandoeuvre-les-Nancy, France; CHRU Nancy, Cell Therapy and Tissue Bank Unit, Vandoeuvre-Les-Nancy, France.
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