1
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Švajger U, Kamenšek U. Interleukins and interferons in mesenchymal stromal stem cell-based gene therapy of cancer. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2024; 77:76-90. [PMID: 38508954 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2024.03.002] [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] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is importantly shaped by various cytokines, where interleukins (ILs) and interferons (IFNs) shape the balance of immune activity within tumor niche and associated lymphoid organs. Their importance in activation and tuning of both innate and adaptive immune responses prompted their use in several clinical trials, albeit with limited therapeutic efficacy and risk of toxicity due to systemic administration. Increasing preclinical evidence suggests that local delivery of ILs and IFNs could significantly increase their effectiveness, while simultaneously attenuate the known side effects and issues related to their biological activity. A prominent way to achieve this is to use cell-based delivery vehicles. For this purpose, mesenchymal stromal stem cells (MSCs) are considered an almost ideal candidate. Namely, MSCs can be obtained in large quantities and from obtainable sources (e.g. umbilical cord or adipose tissue), their ex vivo expansion is relatively straightforward compared to other cell types and they possess very low immunogenicity making them suitable for allogeneic use. Importantly, MSCs have shown an intrinsic capacity to respond to tumor-directed chemotaxis. This review provides a focused and detailed discussion on MSC-based gene therapy using ILs and IFNs, engineering techniques and insights on potential future advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urban Švajger
- Slovenian Institute for Transfusion Medicine, Department for Therapeutic Services, Šlajmerjeva Ulica 6, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia; Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Aškerčeva Cesta 7, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia.
| | - Urška Kamenšek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Zaloška Cesta 2, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia; Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Jamnikarjeva Ulica 101, Ljubljana SI-1000, Slovenia
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2
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Rahman T, Das A, Abir MH, Nafiz IH, Mahmud AR, Sarker MR, Emran TB, Hassan MM. Cytokines and their role as immunotherapeutics and vaccine Adjuvants: The emerging concepts. Cytokine 2023; 169:156268. [PMID: 37320965 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156268] [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: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a protein family comprising interleukins, lymphokines, chemokines, monokines and interferons. They are significant constituents of the immune system, and they act in accordance with specific cytokine inhibiting compounds and receptors for the regulation of immune responses. Cytokine studies have resulted in the establishment of newer therapies which are being utilized for the treatment of several malignant diseases. The advancement of these therapies has occurred from two distinct strategies. The first strategy involves administrating the recombinant and purified cytokines, and the second strategy involves administrating the therapeutics which inhibits harmful effects of endogenous and overexpressed cytokines. Colony stimulating factors and interferons are two exemplary therapeutics of cytokines. An important effect of cytokine receptor antagonist is that they can serve as anti-inflammatory agents by altering the treatments of inflammation disorder, therefore inhibiting the effects of tumour necrosis factor. In this article, we have highlighted the research behind the establishment of cytokines as therapeutics and vaccine adjuvants, their role of immunotolerance, and their limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanjilur Rahman
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Ayan Das
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Mehedy Hasan Abir
- Faculty of Food Science and Technology, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh
| | - Iqbal Hossain Nafiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Chittagong, Chattogram 4331, Bangladesh
| | - Aar Rafi Mahmud
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Md Rifat Sarker
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chattogram 4381, Bangladesh; Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Mohammad Mahmudul Hassan
- Department of Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Chattogram Veterinary and Animal Sciences University, Chattogram 4225, Bangladesh; Queensland Alliance for One Health Sciences, School of Veterinary Science, The University of Queensland, Queensland 4343, Australia.
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3
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Anti-Claudin18.2-IL-21 fusion protein bifunctional molecule has more powerful anti-tumor effect and better safety. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109634. [PMID: 36584573 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109634] [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: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Antibody or antibody-like protein drugs related to tumor immunotherapy are now widely used. Here, we describe an antibody-fusion protein drug IMAB362-mIL-21 with mouse IL-21 (mIL-21) fused into the C-terminal domain of IMAB362 (a clinical antibody drug against Claudin18.2), that we expect can achieve tumor targeting and activate local anti-tumor immune response more effectively, while reducing the systemic side effects of individual cytokines. In vitro assays comparing the fusion protein IMAB362-mIL-21 to IMAB362 and mIL-21, IMAB362-mIL-21 was able to recognize its cognate antigen Claudin18.2 and natural receptor mIL-21R with similar binding affinities, mediate equivalent ADCC activity and activate IL-21R-mediated downstream signal pathway. In in vivo assays, IMAB362-mIL-21 produced stronger anti-tumor effects compared with IMAB362 or mIL-21 or their combination at equimolar concentrations. Moreover, according to routine blood indicators, mIL-21-Fc and the combined treatment group had significant decreases (P < 0.01) in red blood cells (RBC), hemoglobin (HGB) and hematocrit (HCT), while the IMAB362-mIL-21 group did not. The above results have shown that IMAB362-mIL-21 can produce better anti-tumor effects without obvious hematological toxicity, which is sufficient to show that this kind of antibody-cytokine protein has better application value than IMAB362 or IL-21 as single drugs or in combination. Therefore, this bifunctional molecule combined tumor-targeting and immune activation effectively and has good application prospects.
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4
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Williams MV, Mena-Palomo I, Cox B, Ariza ME. EBV dUTPase: A Novel Modulator of Inflammation and the Tumor Microenvironment in EBV-Associated Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:855. [PMID: 36765813 PMCID: PMC9913121 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
There is increasing evidence that put into question the classical dogma that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) exists in cells as either a lytic virus in which new progeny is produced or in a latent state in which no progeny is produced. Notably, a third state has now been described, known as the abortive-lytic phase, which is characterized by the expression of some immediate early (IE) and early (E) genes, but no new virus progeny is produced. While the function of these IE and E gene products is not well understood, several recent studies support the concept they may contribute to tumor promotion by altering the tumor microenvironment (TME). The mechanisms by which these viral gene products may contribute to tumorigenesis remain unclear; however, it has been proposed that some of them promote cellular growth, immune evasion, and/or inhibit apoptosis. One of these EBV early gene products is the deoxyuridine triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) encoded by BLLF3, which not only contributes to the establishment of latency through the production of activin A and IL-21, but it may also alter the TME, thus promoting oncogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marshall V. Williams
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics (CBG), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Irene Mena-Palomo
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Brandon Cox
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Maria Eugenia Ariza
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics (CBG), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research (IBMR), The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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5
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Welty NE, Gill SI. Cancer Immunotherapy Beyond Checkpoint Blockade: JACC: CardioOncology State-of-the-Art Review. JACC CardioOncol 2022; 4:563-578. [PMID: 36636439 PMCID: PMC9830230 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaccao.2022.11.006] [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: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Avoidance of immune destruction is recognized as one of the hallmarks of cancer development. Although first predicted as a potential antitumor treatment modality more than 50 years ago, the widespread clinical use of cancer immunotherapies has only recently become a reality. Cancer immunotherapy works by reactivation of a stalled pre-existing immune response or by eliciting a de novo immune response, and its toolkit comprises antibodies, vaccines, cytokines, and cell-based therapies. The treatment paradigm in some malignancies has completely changed over the past 10 to 15 years. Massive efforts in preclinical development have led to a surge of clinical trials testing innovative therapeutic approaches as monotherapy and, increasingly, in combination. Here we provide an overview of approved and emerging antitumor immune therapies, focusing on the rich landscape of therapeutic approaches beyond those that block the canonical PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 axes and placing them in the context of the latest understanding of tumor immunology.
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Key Words
- BiTE, bispecific T cell engager
- CAR, chimeric antigen receptor
- CRS, cytokine-release syndrome
- FDA, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
- HLA, human leukocyte antigen
- ICI, immune checkpoint inhibitor
- IL, interleukin
- NK, natural killer
- NSCLC, non–small cell lung cancer
- TIL, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte
- alloHCT, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
- cancer
- immune therapy
- immunotherapy
- innovation
- mAb, monoclonal antibody
- treatment
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan E. Welty
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Saar I. Gill
- Center for Cellular Immunotherapies, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA,Address for correspondence: Dr Saar I. Gill, Smilow Center for Translational Research, Room 8-101, 3400 Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA.
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6
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Di Nitto C, Neri D, Weiss T, Weller M, De Luca R. Design and Characterization of Novel Antibody-Cytokine Fusion Proteins Based on Interleukin-21. Antibodies (Basel) 2022; 11:antib11010019. [PMID: 35323193 PMCID: PMC8944420 DOI: 10.3390/antib11010019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL21) is a pleiotropic cytokine involved in the modulation of both innate and adaptive immunity. IL21 is mainly secreted by natural killer (NK) and activated CD4+ T-cells. The biology of this cytokine can be associated to proinflammatory responses reflecting its potent stimulatory activity of NK and CD8+ T-cells. Here we describe four formats of novel IL21-based antibody–cytokine fusion proteins, targeting the extra domain A (EDA) of fibronectin and explore their potential for cancer treatment. The fusion proteins were designed, expressed, and characterized. F8 in single-chain diabody (scDb) format fused to IL21 at its C-terminus exhibited a promising profile in size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and SDS-PAGE. The lead candidate was further characterized in vitro. A cell-based activity assay on murine cytotoxic T-cells showed that human IL21, compared to murine IL21 partially cross-reacted with the murine receptor. The prototype was able to recognize EDA as demonstrated by immunofluorescence analysis on tumor sections. In an in vivo quantitative biodistribution experiment, F8(scDb)-murine IL21 did not preferentially accumulate at the site of disease after intravenous injection, suggesting that additional protein engineering would be required to improve the tumor-homing properties of IL21-based product.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare Di Nitto
- Philochem AG, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (C.D.N.); (D.N.)
| | - Dario Neri
- Philochem AG, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (C.D.N.); (D.N.)
- Philogen SpA, Piazza la Lizza 7, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Tobias Weiss
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.W.); (M.W.)
- Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Michael Weller
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland; (T.W.); (M.W.)
- Clinical Neuroscience Center, University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Roberto De Luca
- Philochem AG, 8112 Otelfingen, Switzerland; (C.D.N.); (D.N.)
- Correspondence:
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7
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Liu H, Wang R, An D, Liu H, Ye F, Li B, Zhang J, Liu P, Zhang X, Yao S, Zhong Z, Feng H, Feng M. An engineered IL-21 with half-life extension enhances anti-tumor immunity as a monotherapy or in combination with PD-1 or TIGIT blockade. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 101:108307. [PMID: 34735918 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) has exhibited anti-tumor activity in preclinical and clinical studies; however, its modest efficacy and short half-time has limited its therapeutic utility as a monotherapy. Therefore, we engineered a fusion protein (IL-21-αHSA) in which a nanobody targeting human serum albumin (HSA) was fused to the C-terminus of rhIL-21. The αHSA nanobody displayed broad species cross-reactivity and bound to a HSA epitope that does not overlap with the FcRn binding site, thus providing a strategic design for half-life extension. The IL-21-αHSA fusion protein showed increased stability compared to rhIL-21, while retaining its bioactivity in a liquid solution for at least 6 months. Moreover, IL-21-αHSA showed a dramatically extended half-life and prolonged exposure in cynomolgus monkeys, with the t1/2 and AUC nearly 10 and 50 times greater than that of rhIL-21, respectively. Furthermore, IL-21-αHSA displayed enhanced anti-tumor efficacy in two syngeneic mouse models. Notably, IL-21-αHSA increased the anti-tumor effect of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and T cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) blockades when used in combination, with a protection against tumor rechallenge, suggesting the formation of long-term anti-tumor memory response. KEGG analysis identified significantly enriched pathways associated with anti-tumor immune response, with increased expression of genes associated with CD8+ T and NK cell cytotoxicity. Overall, these data support further clinical evaluation of IL-21-αHSA as a monotherapy or in combination with immune checkpoint blockades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongchuan Liu
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Duopeng An
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Fan Ye
- Anwita Biosciences, INC., San Carlos, CA, United States
| | - Baoxian Li
- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Peixiang Liu
- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Xuyao Zhang
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng Yao
- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ziyang Zhong
- Anwita Biosciences, INC., San Carlos, CA, United States
| | - Hui Feng
- Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China.
| | - Meiqing Feng
- Department of Biological Medicines & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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8
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Hu Z, Bi G, Sui Q, Bian Y, Du Y, Liang J, Li M, Zhan C, Lin Z, Wang Q. Analyses of multi-omics differences between patients with high and low PD1/PDL1 expression in lung squamous cell carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 88:106910. [PMID: 32829091 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Immunotherapy has achieved excellent results in patients with lung squamous cell carcinoma. However, in which population it can exert the greatest effect is still unknown. Some studies have suggested that its effect is related to the expression level of PD1. Analyzing the relationship between PD1 expression level and genetic differences in lung squamous cell carcinoma patients will be helpful in understanding the underlying causes of this immunotherapy effect and provide a reference for clinical practice. METHODS In this study, we used RNA-seq, miRNA-seq, methylation array, mutation profiles, and copy number variation data from the TCGA database and RNA-seq data from the GEO database to analyze the distinctive genomic patterns associated with PD1 and PDL1 expression. RNA-seq data from 44 LUSC patients who underwent surgery at Zhongshan Hospital were also included in the study. RESULTS After grouping LUSC patients according to the expression levels of PD1 and PDL1, we found no significant difference in survival between the two groups. However, 178 genes, including IL-21, KLRC3, and KLRC4, were significantly upregulated in both the TCGA and GEO databases in the high expression group, and there was a precise correlation between gene expression and epigenetic changes in the two groups. At the same time, the overall level of somatic mutations was not significantly different between the two groups. It is worth noting that the gene enrichment results showed that the differential pathways were mainly enriched in immune regulation, especially T cell-related immune activities. CONCLUSION We found that the differences in gene expression between the two groups were related to immunity, which may affect the effectiveness of immunotherapy. We hope our results can provide a reference for further research and help in finding other targets to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyang Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Guoshu Bi
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Qihai Sui
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yunyi Bian
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yajing Du
- Center for Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Jinshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Jiaqi Liang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Cheng Zhan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Zongwu Lin
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China.
| | - Qun Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 180 Fenglin Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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9
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Gong F, Zheng T, Zhou P. T Follicular Helper Cell Subsets and the Associated Cytokine IL-21 in the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Asthma. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2918. [PMID: 31921177 PMCID: PMC6923700 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
For many decades, T helper 2 (TH2) cells have been considered to predominantly regulate the pathogenic manifestations of allergic asthma, such as IgE-mediated sensitization, airway hyperresponsiveness, and eosinophil infiltration. However, recent discoveries have significantly shifted our understanding of asthma from a simple TH2 cell-dependent disease to a heterogeneous disease regulated by multiple T cell subsets, including T follicular helper (TFH) cells. TFH cells, which are a specialized cell population that provides help to B cells, have attracted intensive attention in the past decade because of their crucial role in regulating antibody response in a broad range of diseases. In particular, TFH cells are essential for IgE antibody class-switching. In this review, we summarize the recent progress regarding the role of TFH cells and their signature cytokine interleukin (IL)-21 in asthma from mouse studies and clinical reports. We further discuss future therapeutic strategies to treat asthma by targeting TFH cells and IL-21.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Gong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Ting Zheng
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.,Laboratory of Immunology for Environment and Health, Shandong Analysis and Test Center, Qilu University of Technology (Shandong Academy of Sciences), Jinan, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Immunology and Infectious Disease, The John Curtin School of Medical Research, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia
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10
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Gershovich PM, Karabelskii AV, Ulitin AB, Ivanov RA. The Role of Checkpoint Inhibitors and Cytokines in Adoptive Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy with Genetically Modified T Cells. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:695-710. [PMID: 31509722 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297919070022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
This review focuses on the structure and molecular action mechanisms of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and major aspects of the manufacturing and clinical application of products for the CAR-T (CAR-modified T lymphocyte) therapy of hematological and solid tumors with special emphasis on the strategies for combined use of CAR-T therapy with immuno-oncological monoclonal antibodies (checkpoint inhibitors) and cytokines to boost survival, persistence, and antitumor efficacy of CAR-T therapy. The review also summarizes preclinical and clinical data on the additive effects of the combined use of CAR-T therapy with interleukins and monoclonal antibodies targeting immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- P M Gershovich
- CJSC Biocad, St. Petersburg, 198515, Russia. .,St. Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy, St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia
| | - A V Karabelskii
- CJSC Biocad, St. Petersburg, 198515, Russia.,St. Petersburg State Chemical Pharmaceutical Academy, St. Petersburg, 197376, Russia
| | - A B Ulitin
- CJSC Biocad, St. Petersburg, 198515, Russia
| | - R A Ivanov
- CJSC Biocad, St. Petersburg, 198515, Russia
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11
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Yang H, Kureshi R, Spangler JB. Structural Basis for Signaling Through Shared Common γ Chain Cytokines. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1172:1-19. [PMID: 31628649 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9367-9_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The common γ chain (γc) family of hematopoietic cytokines consists of six distinct four α-helix bundle soluble ligands that signal through receptors which include the shared γc subunit to coordinate a wide range of physiological processes, in particular, those related to innate and adaptive immune function. Since the first crystallographic structure of a γc family cytokine/receptor signaling complex (the active Interleukin-2 [IL-2] quaternary complex) was determined in 2005 [1], tremendous progress has been made in the structural characterization of this protein family, transforming our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying immune activity. Although many conserved features of γc family cytokine complex architecture have emerged, distinguishing details have been observed for individual cytokine complexes that rationalize their unique functional properties. Much work remains to be done in the molecular characterization of γc family signaling, particularly with regard to intracellular activation events, and looking forward, new technologies in structural biophysics will offer further insight into the biology of cytokine signaling to inform the design of targeted therapeutics for treatment of immune-linked diseases such as cancer, infection, and autoimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilin Yang
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Rakeeb Kureshi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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12
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Poorbaugh J, Samanta T, Bright SW, Sissons SE, Chang CY, Oberoi P, MacDonald AJ, Martin AP, Cox KL, Benschop RJ. Measurement of IL-21 in human serum and plasma using ultrasensitive MSD S-PLEX® and Quanterix SiMoA methodologies. J Immunol Methods 2018; 466:9-16. [PMID: 30590020 DOI: 10.1016/j.jim.2018.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2018] [Revised: 12/21/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
IL-21 is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in modulating inflammatory responses, including the promotion of autoimmune diseases. Several groups have quantitated circulating levels of IL-21 in plasma and serum samples using various commercial ELISAs. We determined, however, that the most commonly used commercial assays in published literature were not specific or sensitive enough to detect levels of IL-21 in heparin plasma or serum from healthy human individuals. This finding prompted an effort to develop more specific and sensitive methods to quantitate IL-21 in complex biological matrices using proprietary anti-IL-21 antibodies with the Quanterix SiMoA platform and the Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) S-PLEX® format. Assays developed on both technology platforms were characterized in heparin plasma and serum using spike recoveries across a range of concentrations. Each method was able to detect sub-pg/mL levels of IL-21 (predicted Limit of Detection [LOD] of approximately 1.0 fg/mL for both the Quanterix SiMoA and MSD S-PLEX® platforms) which is 200-500 times lower than current commercial assays. Additionally we demonstrated that rheumatoid factor did not interfere with measuring IL-21 in the Quanterix SiMoA assay. Results obtained with the two new ultrasensitive assays showed a strong correlation (r = 0.9428; p < .0001). Additionally, IL-21 levels were significantly increased in samples from patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (mean+/- SD: n = 14, 202.64 +/- 111.47 fg/mL, p = .0001 for Quanterix SiMoA and 275.4 +/- 174.66 fg/mL p = .0001 for MSD S-PLEX®) as well as in samples from patients with Sjögren's Syndrome (mean+/- SD: n = 11, 122.18 +/- 84.50 fg/mL, p = .0029 for Quanterix SiMoA and 183.64 +/- 153.00 fg/mL, p = .0082 for MSD S-PLEX®) when compared to healthy donors (mean+/- SD: n = 11, 38.1 +/- 27.8 fg/mL for Quanterix SiMoA and 58.1 +/- 30.7 fg/mL for MSD S-PLEX®). These ultrasensitive assays, for the first time, allow for the accurate quantitation of human IL-21 in heparin plasma and serum. In addition, these experiments also provide a direct comparison of the MSD S-PLEX® format and Quanterix SiMoA platform technologies, which may have broader implications to future application of these methods to evaluate low abundance proteins in complex biological matrices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josh Poorbaugh
- Immunology Discovery, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA.
| | - Tanushree Samanta
- Immunology Discovery, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Stuart W Bright
- Immunology Discovery, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Sean E Sissons
- Immunology Discovery, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Ching-Yun Chang
- Immunology Discovery, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | | | - Angus J MacDonald
- Immunology Discovery, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Andrea P Martin
- Immunology Discovery, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Karen L Cox
- Immunology Discovery, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
| | - Robert J Benschop
- Immunology Discovery, Eli Lilly and Company, Indianapolis, IN 46285, USA
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13
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Lewis KE, Selby MJ, Masters G, Valle J, Dito G, Curtis WR, Garcia R, Mink KA, Waggie KS, Holdren MS, Grosso JF, Korman AJ, Jure-Kunkel M, Dillon SR. Interleukin-21 combined with PD-1 or CTLA-4 blockade enhances antitumor immunity in mouse tumor models. Oncoimmunology 2017; 7:e1377873. [PMID: 29296539 PMCID: PMC5739581 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1377873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in cancer treatment with checkpoint blockade of receptors such as CTLA-4 and PD-1 have demonstrated that combinations of agents with complementary immunomodulatory effects have the potential to enhance antitumor activity as compared to single agents. We investigated the efficacy of immune-modulatory interleukin-21 (IL-21) combined with checkpoint blockade in several syngeneic mouse tumor models. After tumor establishment, mice were administered recombinant mouse IL-21 (mIL-21) alone or in combination with blocking monoclonal antibodies against mouse PD-1 or CTLA-4. In contrast to monotherapy, IL-21 enhanced antitumor activity of mCTLA-4 mAb in four models and anti-PD-1 mAb in two models, with evidence of synergy for one or both of the combination treatments in the EMT-6 and MC38 models. The enhanced efficacy was associated with increased intratumoral CD8+ T cell infiltrates, CD8+ T cell proliferation, and increased effector memory T cells, along with decreased frequency of central memory CD8+ T cells. In vivo depletion of CD8+ T cells abolished the antitumor activities observed for both combination and monotherapy treatments, further supporting a beneficial role for CD8+ T cells. In all studies, the combination therapies were well tolerated. These results support the hypothesis that the combination of recombinant human IL-21 with CTLA-4 or PD-1 monoclonal antibodies could lead to improved outcomes in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mark J Selby
- Oncology Discovery Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Redwood City, CA
| | - Gregg Masters
- Oncology Translational Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ
| | - Jose Valle
- Oncology Discovery Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Redwood City, CA
| | - Gennaro Dito
- Oncology Translational Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ
| | - Wendy R Curtis
- Oncology Discovery Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Seattle, WA
| | - Richard Garcia
- Oncology Discovery Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Seattle, WA
| | - Kathy A Mink
- Oncology Discovery Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Seattle, WA
| | | | | | - Joseph F Grosso
- Early Clinical Development, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ
| | - Alan J Korman
- Oncology Discovery Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Redwood City, CA
| | - Maria Jure-Kunkel
- Oncology Translational Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Princeton, NJ
| | - Stacey R Dillon
- Oncology Discovery Research, Bristol-Myers Squibb, Seattle, WA
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14
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Huang Y, Li D, Qin DY, Gou HF, Wei W, Wang YS, Wei YQ, Wang W. Interleukin-armed chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells for cancer immunotherapy. Gene Ther 2017; 25:192-197. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2017.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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15
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Xu DH, Zhu Z, Xiao H, Wakefield MR, Bai Q, Nicholl MB, Ding VA, Fang Y. Unveil the mysterious mask of cytokine-based immunotherapy for melanoma. Cancer Lett 2017; 394:43-51. [PMID: 28254411 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.02.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2016] [Revised: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the leading cause of death among all skin cancers and its incidence continues to rise rapidly worldwide in the past decades. The available treatment options for melanoma remain limited despite extensive clinical research. Melanoma is an immunogenic tumor and great advances in immunology in recent decades allow for the development of immunotherapeutic agents against melanoma. In recent years, immunotherapy utilizing cytokines has been particularly successful in certain cancers and holds promise for patients with advanced melanoma. In this review, an overview of the current status and emerging perspectives on cytokine immunotherapy for melanoma are discussed in details. Such a study will be helpful to unveil the mysterious mask of cytokine-based immunotherapy for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dixon H Xu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
| | - Ziwen Zhu
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Huaping Xiao
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA; The Affiliated Hospital of Xiangnan University, Chenzhou, Hunan, China
| | - Mark R Wakefield
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | - Qian Bai
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA
| | | | - Vivi A Ding
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA
| | - Yujiang Fang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Pathology, Des Moines University, Des Moines, IA 50312, USA; Department of Surgery, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO 65212, USA.
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16
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Benbarche S, Strassel C, Angénieux C, Mallo L, Freund M, Gachet C, Lanza F, de la Salle H. Dual role of IL-21 in megakaryopoiesis and platelet homeostasis. Haematologica 2017; 102:637-646. [PMID: 28057742 PMCID: PMC5395104 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2016.143958] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gene profiling studies have indicated that in vitro differentiated human megakaryocytes express the receptor for IL-21 (IL-21R), an immunostimulatory cytokine associated with inflammatory disorders and currently under evaluation in cancer therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate whether IL-21 modulates megakaryopoiesis. We first checked the expression of IL-21 receptor on human bone marrow and in vitro differentiated megakaryocytes. We then investigated the effect of IL-21 on the in vitro differentiation of human blood CD34+ progenitors into megakaryocytes. Finally, we analyzed the consequences of hydrodynamic transfection-mediated transient expression of IL-21, on megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis in mice. The IL-21Rα chain was expressed in human bone marrow megakaryocytes and was progressively induced during in vitro differentiation of human peripheral CD34+ progenitors, while the signal transducing γ chain was down-regulated. Consistently, the STAT3 phosphorylation induced by IL-21 diminished during the later stages of megakaryocytic differentiation. In vitro, IL-21 increased the number of colony-forming unit megakaryocytes generated from CD34+ cells and the number of megakaryocytes differentiated from CD34+ progenitors in a JAK3- and STAT3-dependent manner. Forced expression of IL-21 in mice increased the density of bi-potent megakaryocyte progenitors and bone marrow megakaryocytes, and the platelet generation, but increased platelet clearance with a consequent reduction in blood cell counts. Our work suggests that IL-21 regulates megakaryocyte development and platelet homeostasis. Thus, IL-21 may link immune responses to physiological or pathological platelet-dependent processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salima Benbarche
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS, F-67000, France
| | - Catherine Strassel
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS, F-67000, France
| | - Catherine Angénieux
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS, F-67000, France
| | - Léa Mallo
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS, F-67000, France
| | - Monique Freund
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS, F-67000, France
| | - Christian Gachet
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS, F-67000, France
| | - François Lanza
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS, F-67000, France
| | - Henri de la Salle
- Université de Strasbourg, INSERM, EFS Grand-Est, BPPS UMR-S 949, FMTS, F-67000, France
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17
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Ju J, Wang L, Di D, Xiao W, Peng M, Liu Y, Fu X, Zhao C, Qin X. Adenovirus-mediated interleukin 21 gene transfer enhances antitumor immunity and reduces tumorigenicity of Hepa1-6 in mice. Oncol Lett 2016; 12:3749-3754. [PMID: 27895726 PMCID: PMC5104161 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2016.5140] [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: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, adenovirus-mediated interleukin 21 (Ad5-IL-21-EGFP) gene expression was induced in Hepa1–6 cells to investigate whether IL-21 was capable of enhancing antitumor immunity and reducing tumorigenicity of Hepa1–6 in a mouse model. Mice were inoculated intradermally into the right flank with Hepa1–6 cells or Hepa1–6 cells infected with Ad5 or Ad5-IL-21. Four weeks later, the mice were sacrificed humanely, and the tumor volume, tumor weight and mouse spleen index were measured. The levels of IL-21, IL-4 and interferon (IFN)-γ levels in mouse serum and tumor tissues were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunohistochemistry. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect the killing ability of spleen T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, and the proliferation ability of T cells. The expression of IL-21 was confirmed by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blot analysis and ELISA assay in Ad5-IL-21-EGFP-infected Hepa1–6 cells. The overexpression of IL-21 significantly reduced the tumorigenicity of Hepa1–6 cells. The tumor volumes and tumor weights in Ad5-IL-21-Hepa1–6 mice were much smaller than those in the Ad5-Hepa1–6 group and Hepa1–6 wild-type group. The immunohistochemistry and ELISA assay demonstrated that IL-21 and IFN-γ levels were much higher while the IL-4 level was much lower in the Ad5-IL-21-Hepa1–6 group than in the other two groups. CCK-8 assay revealed that the killing ability of NK cells and T cells, and the proliferation ability of T cells in Ad5-IL-21-Hepa1–6 mice were higher than in the other two groups; the spleen index of Ad5-IL-21-Hepa1–6 mice was also higher than in the other groups. The data had a significant difference (P<0.01). In conclusion, IL-21 reduces tumorigenicity of Hepa1–6 by a mechanism involving enhanced activation of cell-mediated immunity in tumor-bearing mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyu Ju
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Lina Wang
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Dalin Di
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Weiling Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Meiyu Peng
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Yishuai Liu
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Fu
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Chunling Zhao
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Science, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Xuebin Qin
- Department of Immunology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
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18
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Ward H, Tang L, Poonia B, Kottilil S. Treatment of hepatitis B virus: an update. Future Microbiol 2016; 11:1581-1597. [PMID: 27855500 DOI: 10.2217/fmb-2016-0128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is a global health concern as it affects over 240 million people worldwide and an estimated 686,000 people die annually as a result of complications of the disease. With the development of newer antiviral drugs, viral suppression of HBV is achievable, however elimination of HBV from infected individuals (functional cure) remains an issue. Due to persistence of HBV DNA (cccDNA) in infected cells, chronically infected patients who discontinue therapy prior to HBsAg loss or seroconversion are likely to relapse. Several novel therapeutic strategies are being researched and studied in clinical trials. Here we review these novel strategies to achieve sustained cure or elimination of HBV. These strategies include the targeting of the host or viral factors required for viral persistence as well as therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haley Ward
- Critical Care Medicine Department, Clinical Center, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Lydia Tang
- Division of Clinical Care & Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Bhawna Poonia
- Division of Clinical Care & Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care & Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
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19
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Yuan ZX, Mo J, Zhao G, Shu G, Fu HL, Zhao W. Targeting Strategies for Renal Cell Carcinoma: From Renal Cancer Cells to Renal Cancer Stem Cells. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:423. [PMID: 27891093 PMCID: PMC5103413 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2016] [Accepted: 10/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common form of urologic tumor that originates from the highly heterogeneous epithelium of renal tubules. Over the last decade, targeting therapies to renal cancer cells have transformed clinical care for RCC. Recently, it was proposed that renal cancer stem cells (CSCs) isolated from renal carcinomas were responsible for driving tumor growth and resistance to conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy, according to the theory of CSCs; this has provided the rationale for therapies targeting this aggressive cell population. Precise identification of renal CSC populations and the complete cell hierarchy will accurately inform characterization of disease subtypes. This will ultimately contribute to more personalized and targeted therapies. Here, we summarize potential targeting strategies for renal cancer cells and renal CSCs, including tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors (mTOR), interleukins, CSC marker inhibitors, bone morphogenetic protein-2, antibody drug conjugates, and nanomedicine. In conclusion, targeting therapies for RCC represent new directions for exploration and clinical investigation and they plant a seed of hope for advanced clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Xiang Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University Chengdu, China
| | - Jingxin Mo
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
| | - Guixian Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University Chengdu, China
| | - Gang Shu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University Chengdu, China
| | - Hua-Lin Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Veterinary Medicine, Sichuan Agricultural University Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Zhao
- Key Laboratory for Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, Ministry of Education, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China; Department of Histology and Embryology, Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-sen UniversityGuangzhou, China
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20
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Kong J, Xiang XX. Significance of Th17/Treg balance in pathogenesis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2016; 24:4151-4155. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v24.i30.4151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors in China, and it is characterized by high malignancy, rapid progression, and easy metastasis. Current treatment options include liver transplantation, surgical resection and local ablative therapy. However, for all except transplantation, tumor recurrence rates are up to 70% after 5 years. In recent years, due to unsatisfying therapeutic effects of conventional therapies, the immune therapy of HCC has gradually become a hot research area. However, there exists a severe tumor immune microenvironment in HCC, which affects the immune therapeutic effects. Regulatory T (Treg) cells and T helper 17 (Th17) cells are two newly discovered subsets of CD4+ T cells. They play crucial roles in the maintenance of immune homeostasis and antitumor immunity, and they are important in forming microenvironmental immune suppression in HCC. Immunotherapy targeting Th17 or Treg cells in HCC appears to have potential feasibility. More evidence show that clarification of Th17/Treg balance and imbalance mechanisms may provide a new strategy for the immunotherapy of HCC.
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21
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Shih C, Chou SF, Yang CC, Huang JY, Choijilsuren G, Jhou RS. Control and Eradication Strategies of Hepatitis B Virus. Trends Microbiol 2016; 24:739-749. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2016.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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22
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Bhatt S, Sarosiek KA, Lossos IS. Interleukin 21 - its potential role in the therapy of B-cell lymphomas. Leuk Lymphoma 2016; 58:17-29. [PMID: 27405876 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2016.1201568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a member of IL-2 cytokine family, has pleotropic biological effects on lymphoid and myeloid cells. During the past 15 years, since the discovery of IL-21, great advances have been made regarding its biological activity and the mechanisms controlling IL-21-mediated cellular responses, especially in hematological malignancies. Preclinical studies have shown that IL-21R is expressed on healthy and neoplastic B-cells and exogenous IL-21 can induce direct apoptosis of IL-21R expressing B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), making it a potentially attractive anti-lymphoma therapy. However, in some hematological malignancies such as multiple myeloma, Hodgkin lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma, IL-21 can induce proliferation of neoplastic B-cells. In NHL, the underlying mechanism of cell death was found to be different between the various subtypes, including activation of different JAK/STAT signal transduction pathways or other factors. Immunomodulatory effects of IL-21 have also been reported to contribute to its anti-tumor effects as described by earlier studies in solid tumors and B-cell associated malignancies. These effects are predominantly mediated by IL-21's ability to activate cytolytic activities by NK-cells and CD4+/CD8+ T-cells. In this review, we provide an overview of IL-21's effects in NHL, results from clinical trials utilizing IL-21, and propose how IL-21 can be therapeutically exploited for treating these lymphomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shruti Bhatt
- a Dana-Farber Cancer Institute/Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | | | - Izidore S Lossos
- b Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology , University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , FL , USA.,c Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology , Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine , Miami , FL , USA
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23
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Parrot T, Allard M, Oger R, Benlalam H, Raingeard de la Blétière D, Coutolleau A, Preisser L, Desfrançois J, Khammari A, Dréno B, Labarrière N, Delneste Y, Guardiola P, Gervois N. IL-9 promotes the survival and function of human melanoma-infiltrating CD4+CD8+double-positive T cells. Eur J Immunol 2016; 46:1770-82. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.201546061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2015] [Revised: 03/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Tiphaine Parrot
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université de Nantes; Nantes France
| | - Mathilde Allard
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université de Nantes; Nantes France
| | - Romain Oger
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université de Nantes; Nantes France
| | - Houssem Benlalam
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université de Nantes; Nantes France
| | - Diane Raingeard de la Blétière
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université d'Angers; Angers France
- SNP Transcriptome & Epigenomics Facility; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Angers France
| | - Anne Coutolleau
- SNP Transcriptome & Epigenomics Facility; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Angers France
| | - Laurence Preisser
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université d'Angers; Angers France
| | | | - Amir Khammari
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université de Nantes; Nantes France
- Unit of Skin Cancer; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Nantes France
- GMP Unit of Cellular Therapy; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Nantes France
| | - Brigitte Dréno
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université de Nantes; Nantes France
- Unit of Skin Cancer; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Nantes France
- GMP Unit of Cellular Therapy; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Nantes France
| | - Nathalie Labarrière
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université de Nantes; Nantes France
| | - Yves Delneste
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université d'Angers; Angers France
| | - Philippe Guardiola
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université d'Angers; Angers France
- SNP Transcriptome & Epigenomics Facility; Centre Hospitalier Universitaire; Angers France
| | - Nadine Gervois
- INSERM; U892 Nantes France
- CNRS; UMR 6299 Nantes France
- Université de Nantes; Nantes France
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24
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Interleukin-21 administration leads to enhanced antigen-specific T cell responses and natural killer cells in HIV-1 vaccinated mice. Cell Immunol 2016; 303:55-65. [PMID: 27062692 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellimm.2016.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2016] [Revised: 03/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), which belongs to IL-2 γ chain receptor cytokine family, is as an important regulator of immune responses. In this study, we developed a novel strategy for immunizing mice with a DNA/vaccinia/protein vaccine in the presence or absence of mouse IL-21 (mIL-21) to evaluate whether mIL-21 could enhance immune responses. Our results demonstrated that co-immunization with mIL-21 did not increase significantly the capacity of vaccine induced antibodies to bind to HIV-1 GP140. An effect of mIL-21 in adjusting the efficacy of HIV-1 vaccine through enhancing Th1 type immune response was however observed. The frequencies of HIV-1-specific cytokine-producing CD4+ T and CD4+ TEM cells, especially multifunctional T cell responses, were significantly increased by co-administrating with mIL-21. A significant increase was also observed in the frequency of NK cells in mIL-21 adjuvant groups. Taken together, combination of mIL-21 with HIV-1 vaccines led to distinct enhancement of NK cells and T cell immune responses associated with immune protection.
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Micci L, Ryan ES, Fromentin R, Bosinger SE, Harper JL, He T, Paganini S, Easley KA, Chahroudi A, Benne C, Gumber S, McGary CS, Rogers KA, Deleage C, Lucero C, Byrareddy SN, Apetrei C, Estes JD, Lifson JD, Piatak M, Chomont N, Villinger F, Silvestri G, Brenchley JM, Paiardini M. Interleukin-21 combined with ART reduces inflammation and viral reservoir in SIV-infected macaques. J Clin Invest 2015; 125:4497-513. [PMID: 26551680 PMCID: PMC4665780 DOI: 10.1172/jci81400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite successful control of viremia, many HIV-infected individuals given antiretroviral therapy (ART) exhibit residual inflammation, which is associated with non-AIDS-related morbidity and mortality and may contribute to virus persistence during ART. Here, we investigated the effects of IL-21 administration on both inflammation and virus persistence in ART-treated, SIV-infected rhesus macaques (RMs). Compared with SIV-infected animals only given ART, SIV-infected RMs given both ART and IL-21 showed improved restoration of intestinal Th17 and Th22 cells and a more effective reduction of immune activation in blood and intestinal mucosa, with the latter maintained through 8 months after ART interruption. Additionally, IL-21, in combination with ART, was associated with reduced levels of SIV RNA in plasma and decreased CD4(+) T cell levels harboring replication-competent virus during ART. At the latest experimental time points, which were up to 8 months after ART interruption, plasma viremia and cell-associated SIV DNA levels remained substantially lower than those before ART initiation in IL-21-treated animals but not in controls. Together, these data suggest that IL-21 supplementation of ART reduces residual inflammation and virus persistence in a relevant model of lentiviral disease and warrants further investigation as a potential intervention for HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Micci
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Emily S. Ryan
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Rémi Fromentin
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Faculty of Medicine, and Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Steven E. Bosinger
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Yerkes Nonhuman Primate Genomics Core, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Justin L. Harper
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Tianyu He
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Sara Paganini
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kirk A. Easley
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, and
| | - Ann Chahroudi
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Clarisse Benne
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Sanjeev Gumber
- Division of Pathology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Colleen S. McGary
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Kenneth A. Rogers
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Claire Deleage
- AIDS Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Carissa Lucero
- AIDS Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Siddappa N. Byrareddy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Cristian Apetrei
- Center for Vaccine Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jacob D. Estes
- AIDS Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey D. Lifson
- AIDS Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael Piatak
- AIDS Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Nicolas Chomont
- Department of Microbiology, Infectiology, and Immunology, Université de Montréal, Faculty of Medicine, and Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Francois Villinger
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Guido Silvestri
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Jason M. Brenchley
- Laboratory of Molecular Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), NIH, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Mirko Paiardini
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center (YNPRC), Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Kim N, Nam YS, Im KI, Lim JY, Lee ES, Jeon YW, Cho SG. IL-21-Expressing Mesenchymal Stem Cells Prevent Lethal B-Cell Lymphoma Through Efficient Delivery of IL-21, Which Redirects the Immune System to Target the Tumor. Stem Cells Dev 2015; 24:2808-21. [PMID: 26415081 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2015.0103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-21, a proinflammatory cytokine, has been developed as an immunotherapeutic approach due to its effects on various lymphocytes, including natural killer (NK) cells and T cells; however, the clinical success in cancer patients has been limited. Recently, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have emerged as vehicles for cancer gene therapy due to their inherent migratory abilities toward tumors. In the present study, we hypothesized that MSCs, genetically modified to express high levels of IL-21 (IL-21/MSCs), can enhance antitumor responses through localized delivery of IL-21. For tumor induction, BALB/c mice were injected intravenously with syngeneic A20 B-cell lymphoma cells to develop a disseminated B-cell lymphoma model. Then, 6 days following tumor induction, the tumor-bearing mice were treated with IL-21/MSCs weekly, four times. Systemic infusion of A20 cells led to hind-leg paralysis as well as severe liver metastasis in the control group. The IL-21/MSC-treated group showed delayed tumor incidence as well as improved survival, whereas the MSC- and recombinant adenovirus-expressing IL-21 (rAD/IL-21)-treated groups did not show significant differences from the untreated mice. These therapeutic effects were associated with high levels of IL-21 delivered to the liver, which prevented the formation of tumor nodules. Furthermore, the infusion of IL-21/MSCs led to induction of effector T and NK cells, while potently inhibiting immune suppressor cells. Our findings demonstrate that IL-21-expressing MSCs have the therapeutic potential to induce potent antitumor effects against disseminated B-cell lymphoma through localized IL-21 delivery and induction of systemic antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoun Kim
- 1 Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea.,2 Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease , Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Sun Nam
- 1 Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea.,2 Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease , Seoul, Korea
| | - Keon-Il Im
- 1 Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea.,2 Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease , Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung-Yeon Lim
- 1 Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea.,2 Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease , Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Sol Lee
- 1 Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea.,2 Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease , Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Woo Jeon
- 1 Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea.,3 Department of Hematology, Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
| | - Seok-Goo Cho
- 1 Institute for Translational Research and Molecular Imaging, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea.,2 Laboratory of Immune Regulation, Convergent Research Consortium for Immunologic Disease , Seoul, Korea.,3 Department of Hematology, Catholic Blood and Marrow Transplantation Center, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine , Seoul, Korea
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Direct and immune-mediated cytotoxicity of interleukin-21 contributes to antitumor effects in mantle cell lymphoma. Blood 2015; 126:1555-64. [PMID: 26194763 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2015-01-624585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a distinct subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma characterized by overexpression of cyclin D1 in 95% of patients. MCL patients experience frequent relapses resulting in median survival of 3 to 5 years, requiring more efficient therapeutic regimens. Interleukin (IL)-21, a member of the IL-2 cytokine family, possesses potent antitumor activity against a variety of cancers not expressing the IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) through immune activation. Previously, we established that IL-21 exerts direct cytotoxicity on IL-21R-expressing diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells. Herein, we demonstrate that IL-21 possesses potent cytotoxicity against MCL cell lines and primary tumors. We identify that IL-21-induced direct cytotoxicity is mediated through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3-dependent cMyc upregulation, resulting in activation of Bax and inhibition of Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL. IL-21-mediated cMyc upregulation is only observed in IL-21-sensitive cells. Further, we demonstrate that IL-21 leads to natural killer (NK)-cell-dependent lysis of MCL cell lines that were resistant to direct cytotoxicity. In vivo treatment with IL-21 results in complete FC-muMCL1 tumor regression in syngeneic mice via NK- and T-cell-dependent mechanisms. Together, these data indicate that IL-21 has potent antitumor activity against MCL cells via direct cytotoxic and indirect, immune-mediated effects.
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Siupka P, Hamming OT, Kang L, Gad HH, Hartmann R. A conserved sugar bridge connected to the WSXWS motif has an important role for transport of IL-21R to the plasma membrane. Genes Immun 2015; 16:405-13. [PMID: 26043171 DOI: 10.1038/gene.2015.22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2015] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21) is a class I cytokine that belongs to the γc-subfamily of cytokines and regulates immune responses. It signals through a heterodimeric receptor complex composed of the IL-21R1 and γc-receptor chains. A characteristic feature of class I cytokine receptors is the presence of a consensus motif WSXWS (WS motif) in the membrane proximal fibronectin type III domain (FNIII) of these receptors. We recently described the structure of the IL-21R:IL-21 complex and showed that the first tryptophan of the WS motif of IL-21R is mannosylated and involved in formation of a sugar bridge that connects the two FNIII domains of the receptor. Furthermore, a mutation within the WS motif of IL-21R was recently shown to cause a novel kind of primary immunodeficiency syndrome (PID). Here, we report the structure of IL-21R alone, which shows that the sugar bridge forms independently of whether IL-21R binds IL-21 or not, and we furthermore investigate the role of this bridge in the export of IL-21R and γC to the plasma membrane. Thus, we provide a molecular explanation for how mutations in the WS motif may cause PIDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Siupka
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - O T Hamming
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - L Kang
- Novo Nordisk R&D Center China, Beijing, China
| | - H H Gad
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - R Hartmann
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, University of Aarhus, Aarhus, Denmark
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Wang T, Cunningham A, Dokun AO, Hazarika S, Houston K, Chen L, Lye RJ, Spolski R, Leonard WJ, Annex BH. Loss of interleukin-21 receptor activation in hypoxic endothelial cells impairs perfusion recovery after hindlimb ischemia. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol 2015; 35:1218-25. [PMID: 25838422 PMCID: PMC4865891 DOI: 10.1161/atvbaha.115.305476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 03/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Surgical hindlimb ischemia (HLI) in mice has become a valuable preclinical model to study peripheral arterial disease. We previously identified that the different phenotypic outcomes after HLI across inbred mouse strains is related to a region on the short arm of mouse chromosome 7. The gene coding the interleukin-21 receptor (IL-21R) lies at the peak of association in this region. APPROACH AND RESULTS With quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, we found that a mouse strain with a greater ability to upregulate IL-21R after HLI had better perfusion recovery than a strain with no upregulation after HLI. Immunofluorescent staining of ischemic hindlimb tissue showed IL-21R expression on endothelial cells (ECs) from C57BL/6 mice. An EC-enriched fraction isolated from ischemic hindlimb muscle showed higher Il-21R levels than an EC-enriched fraction from nonischemic limbs. In vitro, human umbilical vein ECs showed elevated IL-21R expression after hypoxia and serum starvation. Under these conditions, IL-21 treatment increased cell viability, decreased cell apoptosis, and augmented tube formation. In vivo, either knockout Il21r or blocking IL-21 signaling by treating with IL-21R-Fc (fusion protein that blocks IL-21 binding to its receptor) in C57BL/6 mice resulted in less perfusion recovery after HLI. Both in vitro and in vivo modulation of the IL-21/IL-21R axis under hypoxic conditions resulted in increased signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation and a subsequent increase in the B-cell lymphoma leukemia-2/BCL-2-associated X protein ratio. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that IL-21R upregulation and ligand activation in hypoxic ECs may help perfusion recovery by limiting/preventing apoptosis and favoring cell survival and angiogenesis through the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Wang
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.)
| | - Alexis Cunningham
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.)
| | - Ayotunde O Dokun
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.)
| | - Surovi Hazarika
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.)
| | - Kevin Houston
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.)
| | - Lingdan Chen
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.)
| | - R John Lye
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.)
| | - Rosanne Spolski
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.)
| | - Warren J Leonard
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.)
| | - Brian H Annex
- From the Robert M. Berne Cardiovascular Research Center (T.W., A.C., A.O.D., S.H., K.H., L.C., R.J.L., B.H.A.) and Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine (S.H., B.H.A.), University of Virginia, Charlottesville; and Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and the Immunology Center, National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD (R.S., W.J.L.).
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Nayar S, Dasgupta P, Galustian C. Extending the lifespan and efficacies of immune cells used in adoptive transfer for cancer immunotherapies-A review. Oncoimmunology 2015; 4:e1002720. [PMID: 26155387 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2014.1002720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2014] [Revised: 12/19/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells used in adoptive cell-transfer immunotherapies against cancer include dendritic cells (DCs), natural-killer cells, and CD8+ T-cells. These cells may have limited efficacy due to their lifespan, activity, and immunosuppressive effects of tumor cells. Therefore, increasing longevity and activity of these cells may boost their efficacy. Four cytokines that can extend immune effector-cell longevity are IL-2, IL-7, IL-21, and IL-15. This review will discuss current knowledge on effector-cell lifespans and the mechanisms by which IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 can extend effector-cell longevity. We will also discuss how lifespan and efficacy of these cells can be regulated to allow optimal clinical benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Nayar
- MRC Centre for Transplantation; Kings College London; Guys Hospital ; London, UK
| | - Prokar Dasgupta
- MRC Centre for Transplantation; Kings College London; Guys Hospital ; London, UK
| | - Christine Galustian
- MRC Centre for Transplantation; Kings College London; Guys Hospital ; London, UK
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31
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Davis MR, Zhu Z, Hansen DM, Bai Q, Fang Y. The role of IL-21 in immunity and cancer. Cancer Lett 2015; 358:107-114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2014.12.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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32
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Phetsouphanh C, Xu Y, Zaunders J. CD4 T Cells Mediate Both Positive and Negative Regulation of the Immune Response to HIV Infection: Complex Role of T Follicular Helper Cells and Regulatory T Cells in Pathogenesis. Front Immunol 2015; 5:681. [PMID: 25610441 PMCID: PMC4285174 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2014.00681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Accepted: 12/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infection results in chronic activation of cells in lymphoid tissue, including T cells, B-cells, and myeloid lineage cells. The resulting characteristic hyperplasia is an amalgam of proliferating host immune cells in the adaptive response, increased concentrations of innate response mediators due to viral and bacterial products, and homeostatic responses to inflammation. While it is generally thought that CD4 T cells are greatly depleted, in fact, two types of CD4 T cells appear to be increased, namely, regulatory T cells (Tregs) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh). These cells have opposing roles, but may both be important in the pathogenic process. Whether Tregs are failing in their role to limit lymphocyte activation is unclear, but there is no doubt now that Tfh are associated with B-cell hyperplasia and increased germinal center activity. Antiretroviral therapy may reduce the lymphocyte activation, but not completely, and therefore, there is a need for interventions that selectively enhance normal CD4 function without exacerbating Tfh, B-cell, or Treg dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chansavath Phetsouphanh
- Centre for Applied Medical Research, Kirby Institute, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - Yin Xu
- Centre for Applied Medical Research, Kirby Institute, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
| | - John Zaunders
- Centre for Applied Medical Research, Kirby Institute, St Vincent's Hospital, University of New South Wales , Sydney, NSW , Australia
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Antonia SJ, Larkin J, Ascierto PA. Immuno-oncology Combinations: A Review of Clinical Experience and Future Prospects. Clin Cancer Res 2014; 20:6258-68. [DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-14-1457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Nguyen T, Urban J, Kalinski P. Therapeutic cancer vaccines and combination immunotherapies involving vaccination. Immunotargets Ther 2014; 3:135-50. [PMID: 27471705 PMCID: PMC4918241 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s40264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent US Food and Drug Administration approvals of Provenge(®) (sipuleucel-T) as the first cell-based cancer therapeutic factor and ipilimumab (Yervoy(®)/anticytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4) as the first "checkpoint blocker" highlight recent advances in cancer immunotherapy. Positive results of the clinical trials evaluating additional checkpoint blocking agents (blockade of programmed death [PD]-1, and its ligands, PD-1 ligand 1 and 2) and of several types of cancer vaccines suggest that cancer immunotherapy may soon enter the center stage of comprehensive cancer care, supplementing surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. This review discusses the current status of the clinical evaluation of different classes of therapeutic cancer vaccines and possible avenues for future development, focusing on enhancing the magnitude and quality of cancer-specific immunity by either the functional reprogramming of patients' endogenous dendritic cells or the use of ex vivo-manipulated dendritic cells as autologous cellular transplants. This review further discusses the available strategies aimed at promoting the entry of vaccination-induced T-cells into tumor tissues and prolonging their local antitumor activity. Finally, the recent improvements to the above three modalities for cancer immunotherapy (inducing tumor-specific T-cells, prolonging their persistence and functionality, and enhancing tumor homing of effector T-cells) and rationale for their combined application in order to achieve clinically effective anticancer responses are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trang Nguyen
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Julie Urban
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Pawel Kalinski
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Infectious Disease, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
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35
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Pallikkuth S, Pahwa S. Interleukin-21 and T follicular helper cells in HIV infection: research focus and future perspectives. Immunol Res 2014; 57:279-91. [PMID: 24242760 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-013-8457-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-21 is a member of the γ chain-receptor cytokine family along with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-15. The effects of IL-21 are pleiotropic, owing to the broad cellular distribution of the IL-21 receptor. IL-21 is secreted by activated CD4 T cells and natural killer T cells. Within CD4 T cells, its secretion is restricted mainly to T follicular helper (Tfh) cells and Th17 cells to a lesser extent. Our research focus has been on the role of IL-21 and more recently of Tfh in immunopathogenesis of HIV infection. This review focuses on first the influence of IL-21 in regulation of T cell, B cell, and NK cell responses and its immunotherapeutic potential in viral infections and as a vaccine adjuvant. Second, we discuss the pivotal role of Tfh in generation of antibody responses in HIV-infected persons in studies using influenza vaccines as a probe. Lastly, we review data supporting ability of HIV to infect Tfh and the role of these cells as reservoirs for HIV and their contribution to viral persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Pallikkuth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, 1580 NW 10th Avenue, BCRI 712, Miami, FL, 33136, USA
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Salzer E, Kansu A, Sic H, Májek P, Ikincioğullari A, Dogu FE, Prengemann NK, Santos-Valente E, Pickl WF, Bilic I, Ban SA, Kuloğlu Z, Demir AM, Ensari A, Colinge J, Rizzi M, Eibel H, Boztug K. Early-onset inflammatory bowel disease and common variable immunodeficiency-like disease caused by IL-21 deficiency. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2014; 133:1651-9.e12. [PMID: 24746753 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2014.02.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2013] [Revised: 01/16/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alterations of immune homeostasis in the gut can result in development of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Recently, Mendelian forms of IBD have been discovered, as exemplified by deficiency of IL-10 or its receptor subunits. In addition, other types of primary immunodeficiency disorders might be associated with intestinal inflammation as one of their leading clinical presentations. OBJECTIVE We investigated a large consanguineous family with 3 children who presented with early-onset IBD within the first year of life, leading to death in infancy in 2 of them. METHODS Homozygosity mapping combined with exome sequencing was performed to identify the molecular cause of the disorder. Functional experiments were performed to assess the effect of IL-21 on the immune system. RESULTS A homozygous mutation in IL21 was discovered that showed perfect segregation with the disease. Deficiency of IL-21 resulted in reduced numbers of circulating CD19(+) B cells, including IgM(+) naive and class-switched IgG memory B cells, with a concomitant increase in transitional B-cell numbers. In vitro assays demonstrated that mutant IL-21(Leu49Pro) did not induce signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 phosphorylation and immunoglobulin class-switch recombination. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers IL-21 deficiency as a novel cause of early-onset IBD in human subjects accompanied by defects in B-cell development similar to those found in patients with common variable immunodeficiency. IBD might mask an underlying primary immunodeficiency, as illustrated here with IL-21 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth Salzer
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Aydan Kansu
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Heiko Sic
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Peter Májek
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Figen E Dogu
- Department of Pediatric Immunology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Nina Kathrin Prengemann
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | | | - Winfried F Pickl
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Immunomodulation and Institute of Immunology, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ivan Bilic
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sol A Ban
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Zarife Kuloğlu
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arzu Meltem Demir
- Department of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Arzu Ensari
- Department of Pathology, Ankara University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Jacques Colinge
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Marta Rizzi
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, University Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kaan Boztug
- CeMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria; Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Chen HM, Liu HL, Yang YC, Cheng XL, Wang YF, Xing FF, Zhao YR. Serum IL-21 levels associated with chronic hepatitis B and hepatitis B-related liver failure. Exp Ther Med 2014; 7:1013-1019. [PMID: 24669269 PMCID: PMC3964921 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.1533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the role of interleukin (IL)-21 in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. IL-21 stimulates T and B cell responses and plays a role in the control of chronic viral infections. Serum IL-21 levels were measured by enzyme immunoassay in 109 patients with chronic HBV infection at various clinical stages, as well as in 19 healthy controls (HCs). The proportion of T cells producing IL-21 in the peripheral blood was assessed by intracellular cytokine staining and flow cytometry. Mean serum IL-21 levels in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and the HCs were 303.54±152.77 pg/ml and 68.24±9.06 pg/ml, respectively (P=0.003). In addition, the mean serum IL-21 level in patients with hepatitis B-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (HB-ACLF) was 455.38±412.38 pg/ml, which exhibited a statistically significant difference when compared with the HCs (P=0.000). Serum IL-21 levels were highest in the patients with HB-ACLF (455.38±412.38 pg/ml) and exhibited a significant difference when compared with the CHB patients (P=0.04). The mean serum IL-21 levels in patients with cirrhosis also increased, but there was no statistically significant difference when compared with the HCs (P=0.82). The frequency of IL-21+CD4+ cells also increased compared with the HCs and correlated with the number and percentage of lymphocytes in the peripheral blood. Serum IL-21 levels increased in CHB and HB-ACLF patients. Relatively low serum IL-21 levels in CHB may have a causal role in the persistence of HBV infection. Higher serum levels in HB-ACLF may activate T and B cells to eliminate the virus or injure the liver via the release of inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Mei Chen
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Li Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yu-Cong Yang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Xiao-Li Cheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Yue-Fei Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Fan-Fan Xing
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
| | - Ying-Ren Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Medical College, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, P.R. China
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Abstract
Chronic HBV infection is a major public health concern affecting over 240 million people worldwide. Although suppression of HBV replication is achieved in the majority of patients with currently available newer antivirals, discontinuation of therapy prior to hepatitis B surface antigen loss or seroconversion is associated with relapse of HBV in the majority of cases. Thus, new therapeutic modalities are needed to achieve eradication of the virus from chronically infected patients in the absence of therapy. The basis of HBV persistence includes viral and host factors. Here, we review novel strategies to achieve sustained cure or elimination of HBV. The novel approaches include targeting the viral and or host factors required for viral persistence, and novel immune-based therapies, including therapeutic vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Kapoor
- Clinical Research Directorate/Clinical Monitoring Research Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., (formerly SAIC-Frederick, Inc.) Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD 21702, USA
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Department of Health & Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy & Infectious Diseases, NIH, Department of Health & Human Services, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Pallikkuth S, Micci L, Ende ZS, Iriele RI, Cervasi B, Lawson B, McGary CS, Rogers KA, Else JG, Silvestri G, Easley K, Estes JD, Villinger F, Pahwa S, Paiardini M. Maintenance of intestinal Th17 cells and reduced microbial translocation in SIV-infected rhesus macaques treated with interleukin (IL)-21. PLoS Pathog 2013; 9:e1003471. [PMID: 23853592 PMCID: PMC3701718 DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1003471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2012] [Accepted: 05/16/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In pathogenic HIV and SIV infections of humans and rhesus macaques (RMs), preferential depletion of CD4⁺ Th17 cells correlates with mucosal immune dysfunction and disease progression. Interleukin (IL)-21 promotes differentiation of Th17 cells, long-term maintenance of functional CD8⁺ T cells, and differentiation of memory B cells and antibody-secreting plasma cells. We hypothesized that administration of IL-21 will improve mucosal function in the context of pathogenic HIV/SIV infections. To test this hypothesis, we infected 12 RMs with SIV(mac239) and at day 14 post-infection treated six of them with rhesus rIL-21-IgFc. IL-21-treatment was safe and did not increase plasma viral load or systemic immune activation. Compared to untreated animals, IL-21-treated RMs showed (i) higher expression of perforin and granzyme B in total and SIV-specific CD8⁺ T cells and (ii) higher levels of intestinal Th17 cells. Remarkably, increased levels of Th17 cells were associated with reduced levels of intestinal T cell proliferation, microbial translocation and systemic activation/inflammation in the chronic infection. In conclusion, IL-21-treatment in SIV-infected RMs improved mucosal immune function through enhanced preservation of Th17 cells. Further preclinical studies of IL-21 may be warranted to test its potential use during chronic infection in conjunction with antiretroviral therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Pallikkuth
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Luca Micci
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Zachary S. Ende
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Robin I. Iriele
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Barbara Cervasi
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Benton Lawson
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Colleen S. McGary
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kenneth A. Rogers
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - James G. Else
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Guido Silvestri
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Kirk Easley
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Jacob D. Estes
- AIDS and Cancer Virus Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, SAIC-Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Francois Villinger
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
| | - Savita Pahwa
- University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Mirko Paiardini
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, United States of America
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40
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Sarra M, Pallone F, Monteleone G. Interleukin-21 in chronic inflammatory diseases. Biofactors 2013; 39:368-73. [PMID: 23553807 DOI: 10.1002/biof.1105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2013] [Accepted: 02/28/2013] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-21 (IL-21), a cytokine produced by various subsets of activated CD4+ T cells, regulates multiple innate and adaptive immune responses. Indeed, IL-21 controls the proliferation and function of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, drives the differentiation of B cells into memory cells and Ig-secreting plasma cells, enhances the activity of natural killer cells and negatively regulates the differentiation and activity of regulatory T cells. Moroever, IL-21 can stimulate nonimmune cells to synthesize various inflammatory molecules. Excessive production of IL-21 has been described in many human chronic inflammatory disorders and there is evidence that blockade of IL-21 helps attenuate detrimental responses in mouse models of immune-mediated diseases. In this article we briefly review data supporting the pathogenic role of IL-21 in immune-inflammatory pathologies and discuss the benefits and risks of IL-21 neutralization in patients with such diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Sarra
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
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41
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Krejsa CM, Holly RD, Heipel M, Bannink KM, Johnson R, Roque R, Heffernan J, Hill J, Chin L, Wagener F, Shiota F, Henderson K, Sivakumar PV, Ren HP, Barahmand-pour F, Foster D, Clegg C, Kindsvogel W, Ponce R, Hughes SD, Waggie K. Interleukin-21 enhances rituximab activity in a cynomolgus monkey model of B cell depletion and in mouse B cell lymphoma models. PLoS One 2013; 8:e67256. [PMID: 23825648 PMCID: PMC3692496 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0067256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rituximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting CD20 on B cells, is currently used to treat many subtypes of B cell lymphomas. However, treatment is not curative and response rates are variable. Recombinant interleukin-21 (rIL-21) is a cytokine that enhances immune effector function and affects both primary and transformed B cell differentiation. We hypothesized that the combination of rIL-21 plus rituximab would be a more efficacious treatment for B cell malignancies than rituximab alone. We cultured human and cynomolgus monkey NK cells with rIL-21 and found that their activity was increased and proteins associated with antibody dependent cytotoxicity were up-regulated. Studies in cynomolgus monkeys modeled the effects of rIL-21 on rituximab activity against CD20 B cells. In these studies, rIL-21 activated innate immune effectors, increased ADCC and mobilized B cells into peripheral blood. When rIL-21 was combined with rituximab, deeper and more durable B cell depletion was observed. In another series of experiments, IL-21 was shown to have direct antiproliferative activity against a subset of human lymphoma cell lines, and combination of murine IL-21 with rituximab yielded significant survival benefits over either agent alone in xenogeneic mouse tumor models of disseminated lymphoma. Therefore, our results do suggest that the therapeutic efficacy of rituximab may be improved when used in combination with rIL-21.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Murine-Derived/therapeutic use
- Antibody-Dependent Cell Cytotoxicity/drug effects
- Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- B-Lymphocytes/cytology
- B-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- B-Lymphocytes/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Synergism
- Female
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate/drug effects
- Interleukins/pharmacology
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/immunology
- Lymphoma, B-Cell/pathology
- Macaca fascicularis
- Male
- Mice
- Rituximab
- Survival Analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecile M. Krejsa
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rick D. Holly
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Mark Heipel
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Ken M. Bannink
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rebecca Johnson
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Richard Roque
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Jane Heffernan
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Julie Hill
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Lay Chin
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Felecia Wagener
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Faith Shiota
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Katherine Henderson
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Pallavur V. Sivakumar
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Hong-Ping Ren
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Fariba Barahmand-pour
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Don Foster
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Chris Clegg
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Wayne Kindsvogel
- Department of Research, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Rafael Ponce
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Steven D. Hughes
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
| | - Kim Waggie
- Department of Pre-clinical Development, ZymoGenetics, Incorporated, a Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Seattle, Washington, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Efficient production of recombinant IL-21 proteins for pre-clinical studies by a two-step dilution refolding method. Int Immunopharmacol 2013; 16:376-81. [PMID: 23474188 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2013.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2013] [Accepted: 02/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Produced by CD4(+) helper T cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells, interleukin-21 (IL-21) performs broad regulatory functions on B cells, CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells, NK cells and NKT cells. Targeting IL-21 to enhance the immune system has attracted great interests in the development of vaccination, anti-infection and anti-tumor therapies. Administration of IL-21 in pre-clinical models is however limited by relatively high expense of the recombinant IL-21 protein. Here, we report a rapid and cost-effective method to produce IL-21 using Escherichia coli (E. coli) by introducing a novel two-step dilution strategy for refolding. The method has been validated to produce milligrams of human IL-21, human IL-21/IL-4 chimera and mouse IL-21 with high bioactivities and low endotoxin, mostly suitable for in vitro and in vivo pre-clinical studies.
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Wu L, Ehlin-Henriksson B, Zhu H, Ernberg I, Klein G. EBV counteracts IL-21-induced apoptosis in an EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cell line. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:766-70. [PMID: 23364893 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2012] [Revised: 12/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2013] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Previously, interleukin (IL)-21 has been found to induce apoptosis by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and concomitant upregulation of c-Myc in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) lines with unknown Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) status. Here, as a first approach toward the characterization of the role of EBV in DLCBL, the EBV gene expression and the IL-21 sensitivity of the EBV-positive DLBCL line, Farage, have been examined. It was found that, surprisingly, despite c-Myc upregulation, IL-21 induced cell proliferation rather than apoptosis in Farage. Expression of a dominant-negative EBNA1 mutant and the consecutive downregulation of EBV gene expression antagonized the IL-21-induced proliferation of Farage and increased apoptosis. These findings reveal a previously unknown role of EBV in DLBCL that is of possible relevance for the current attempt to use IL-21 in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Wu
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Xie A, Buras ED, Xia J, Chen W. The Emerging Role of Interleukin-21 in Transplantation. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; Suppl 9:1-7. [PMID: 23828737 DOI: 10.4172/2155-9899.s9-002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Since its discovery in 2000, IL-21 has been shown to play critical roles in the regulation of both innate and adaptive immune responses. IL-21 is produced predominantly by multiple effector CD4+ T-cell types [T helper 17 (Th17), follicular helper T (TFH), and other activated CD4+ cells] and NKT cells. In addition to T cell receptor (TCR) signals, the production of IL-21 by activated CD4+ T cells is intricately regulated by various extrinsic factors and intrinsic molecules, such as IL-6, IL-21, ICOS, Stat3, IRF4, and Batf. Because IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) is broadly expressed on T, B, NK, and dentritic cells (DCs), IL-21 signaling via Jak-Stat and other pathways has direct pleiotropic effects on their proliferation, differentiation, and effector function. For instance, while Th17 and TFH cells produce IL-21, IL-21 also facilitates the development of these cells. IL-21-producing TFH cells are important for the generation and maintenance of germinal centers, and control the differentiation of germinal center B cells and immunoglobulin production. Thus, IL-21R deficiency or IL-21 neutralization with IL-21R-Fc fusion protein prevents B cell-mediated autoimmunity in lupus-prone BXSB.B6-Yaa+ or MRL-Faslpr mouse models, respectively. IL-21 also enhances expansion and cytotoxicity of CD8+ effector T cells. During chronic lymphocytic choriomeningitis viral infection, chronic IL-21 production by antigen-specific CD4+ T cells is needed to sustain CD8+ T cell function for viral control. IL-21 is also required for the development of T cell-mediated type 1 diabetes in NOD mice, possibly through sustaining effector T cell function in a similar manner. Recently, two papers have shown that IL-21R-Fc prevents both auto- and allo-immune responses after islet transplantation. A timely discussion is thus needed to address the immune actions of IL-21 as well as the therapeutic potential of targeting IL-21 in transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aini Xie
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA ; Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
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45
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Wood B, Sikdar S, Choi SJ, Virk S, Alhejaily A, Baetz T, LeBrun DP. Abundant expression of interleukin-21 receptor in follicular lymphoma cells is associated with more aggressive disease. Leuk Lymphoma 2012; 54:1212-20. [PMID: 23098230 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2012.742522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Recombinant interleukin-21 (IL-21) has potential utility in cancer therapy. Stimulation with IL-21 can induce apoptosis in follicular lymphoma (FL) cells, and existing studies have suggested that IL-21 signaling may function in tumor suppression. In order to elucidate the relationship between IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) expression and clinical and pathological features in FL, IL-21R was quantified in 114 pretreatment biopsy samples using either conventional immunohistochemistry or immunofluorescence microscopy and automated quantitative analysis (AQUA). Reduced expression of IL-21R was associated with favorable overall survival (p = 0.048). AQUA analysis showed an association with the presence of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in the biopsy sample (p = 0.03), and expression of IL-21R was up-regulated upon transformation of FL to DLBCL in two cases. Our results based on the largest survey to date raise the possibility that IL-21 signaling in FL cells, rather than being tumor suppressive, supports tumor progression and that therapeutic benefit could be realized by blocking IL-21R instead of stimulating it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianne Wood
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Micci L, Cervasi B, Ende ZS, Iriele RI, Reyes-Aviles E, Vinton C, Else J, Silvestri G, Ansari AA, Villinger F, Pahwa S, Estes JD, Brenchley JM, Paiardini M. Paucity of IL-21-producing CD4(+) T cells is associated with Th17 cell depletion in SIV infection of rhesus macaques. Blood 2012; 120:3925-35. [PMID: 22990011 PMCID: PMC3496953 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2012-04-420240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 08/31/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-21 regulates Th17 cell homeostasis, enhances the differentiation of memory B cells and antibody-secreting plasma cells, and promotes the maintenance of CD8(+) T-cell responses. In this study, we investigated the phenotype, function, and frequency of blood and intestinal IL-21-producing cells in nonhuman primates that are hosts of progressive (rhesus macaques [RMs]) and nonprogressive (sooty mangabeys [SMs]) SIV infection. We found that, in both species, memory CD4(+)CD95(+)CCR6(-) T cells are the main IL-21 producers, and that only a small fraction of CD4(+)IL-21(+) T cells produce IL-17. During chronic SIV infection of RMs, CD4(+)IL-21(+) T cells were significantly depleted in both blood and rectal mucosa, with the extent of this depletion correlating with the loss of Th17 cells. Furthermore, treatment with IL-21 increased the in vivo levels of Th17 cells in SIV-infected RMs. In contrast, normal levels of CD4(+)IL-21(+) T cells were found in SIV-infected SMs. Collectively, these data indicate that depletion of IL-21-producing CD4(+) T cells distinguishes progressive from nonprogressive SIV infection of RMs and SMs, and suggest that depletion of CD4(+)IL-21(+) T cells is involved in the preferential loss of Th17 cells that is associated with SIV disease progression. Further preclinical studies of IL-21 as a potential immunotherapeutic agent for HIV infection may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Micci
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30329, USA
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Doganci A, Birkholz J, Gehring S, Puhl AG, Zepp F, Meyer CU. In the presence of IL-21 human cord blood T cells differentiate to IL-10-producing Th1 but not Th17 or Th2 cells. Int Immunol 2012; 25:157-69. [DOI: 10.1093/intimm/dxs097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
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Pan XC, Li L, Mao JJ, Yao W, Zheng JN, Liu M, Fu JJ. Synergistic effects of soluble PD-1 and IL-21 on antitumor immunity against H22 murine hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2012; 5:90-96. [PMID: 23255900 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2012.966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/19/2012] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies are designed to elicit T-cell responses that inhibit tumor growth. Previous studies have demonstrated that interleukin 21 (IL-21) is a promising cytokine for cancer immunotherapy due to its ability to induce the immunity of T cells and natural killer cells, whereas blockade of the interaction of programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) with its ligand (PD-L1) reduces peripheral tolerance. In the current study, we investigated IL-21 alone and in combination with soluble PD-1 (sPD-1) for the treatment of experimental H22 murine hepatocarcinoma. The naked plasmids pmIL-21 and/or psPD-1 were used for local gene transfer by injection. In these assays, sPD-1 combined with IL-21 was found to significantly inhibit the growth of the tumors in mice. Combined treatment with IL-21 and sPD-1 enhanced the antitumor immune response compared with that induced by IL-21 alone. Combined treatment was found to increase CTL cytotoxicity, increase the number of CTLs and NK cells in splenocytes, upregulate the cytokines IFN-γ and IL-2 and downregulate IL-10. Thus, immunotherapy with IL-21 in combination with sPD-1 was found to induce a more efficacious antitumor immune response, which may have potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu-Cheng Pan
- Department of Infectious Disease, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College
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Petrella TM, Tozer R, Belanger K, Savage KJ, Wong R, Smylie M, Kamel-Reid S, Tron V, Chen BE, Hunder NN, Hagerman L, Walsh W, Eisenhauer EA. Interleukin-21 has activity in patients with metastatic melanoma: a phase II study. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30:3396-401. [PMID: 22915661 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.40.0655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE We report a multicenter phase II study of patients with metastatic melanoma (MM), evaluating the efficacy, toxicity, progression-free survival (PFS), immunogenicity, and biomarker profile of interleukin-21 (IL-21). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with no prior systemic therapy and with limited-disease MM were treated with IL-21 by using three different dosing regimens. Cohort 1 received 50 μg/kg per day by outpatient intravenous bolus injection for 5 days of each week during weeks 1, 3, and 5 of an 8-week cycle. Cohort 2 received 30 μg/kg per day on the same schedule, and cohort 3 received 50 μg/kg per day for 5 days of each week during weeks 1 and 3 of a 6-week cycle. RESULTS Forty patients were enrolled: three in cohort 1, 30 in cohort 2, and seven in cohort 3. Two patients in cohort 1 and four in cohort 3 had dose-limiting toxicities; all other patients were treated with a dose of 30 μg/kg per day. Common adverse events were fatigue, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and myalgia. Overall response rate (ORR) was 22.5%, with nine confirmed partial responses (median response duration, 5.3 months); 16 had stable disease (median response duration, 5.3 months). ORR did not appear to depended on IL-21 receptor expression or BRAF mutation status. The median PFS was 4.3 months and median overall survival (OS) was 12.4 months (95% CI, 10.09 to 17.81 months). CONCLUSION The ORR to IL-21 is 22.5% for first-line MM and warrants further investigation. The favorable PFS and OS suggest that this is an active agent in comparison to both historical NCIC Clinical Trials Group data and data from meta-analysis of Cooperative Group phase II trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa M Petrella
- Odette Cancer Centre, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M4N 3M5.
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Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-21 is one of a group of cytokines including IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9 and IL-15 whose receptor complexes share the common γ chain (γ(c)). Secretion of IL-21 is restricted mainly to T follicular helper (TFH) CD4 T cell subset with contributions from Th17, natural killer (NK) T cells, but the effects of IL-21 are pleiotropic, owing to the broad cellular distribution of the IL-21 receptor. The role of IL-21 in sustaining and regulating T cell, B cell and NK cell responses during chronic viral infections has recently come into focus. This chapter reviews current knowledge about the biology of IL-21 in the context of HIV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh Pallikkuth
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, United States
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