1
|
Sabag B, Puthenveetil A, Levy M, Joseph N, Doniger T, Yaron O, Karako-Lampert S, Lazar I, Awwad F, Ashkenazi S, Barda-Saad M. Dysfunctional natural killer cells can be reprogrammed to regain anti-tumor activity. EMBO J 2024; 43:2552-2581. [PMID: 38637625 PMCID: PMC11217363 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00094-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical to the innate immune system, as they recognize antigens without prior sensitization, and contribute to the control and clearance of viral infections and cancer. However, a significant proportion of NK cells in mice and humans do not express classical inhibitory receptors during their education process and are rendered naturally "anergic", i.e., exhibiting reduced effector functions. The molecular events leading to NK cell anergy as well as their relation to those underlying NK cell exhaustion that arises from overstimulation in chronic conditions, remain unknown. Here, we characterize the "anergic" phenotype and demonstrate functional, transcriptional, and phenotypic similarities to the "exhausted" state in tumor-infiltrating NK cells. Furthermore, we identify zinc finger transcription factor Egr2 and diacylglycerol kinase DGKα as common negative regulators controlling NK cell dysfunction. Finally, experiments in a 3D organotypic spheroid culture model and an in vivo tumor model suggest that a nanoparticle-based delivery platform can reprogram these dysfunctional natural killer cell populations in their native microenvironment. This approach may become clinically relevant for the development of novel anti-tumor immunotherapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Batel Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Abhishek Puthenveetil
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Moria Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Noah Joseph
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Tirtza Doniger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Orly Yaron
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Sarit Karako-Lampert
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Itay Lazar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Fatima Awwad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Shahar Ashkenazi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Ben-Shmuel A, Glinert I, Sittner A, Bar-David E, Schlomovitz J, Levy H, Weiss S. Doxycycline, levofloxacin, and moxifloxacin are superior to ciprofloxacin in treating anthrax meningitis in rabbits and NHP. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2024:e0161023. [PMID: 38687017 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01610-23] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Efficient treatment of anthrax-related meningitis in patients poses a significant therapeutic challenge. Previously, we demonstrated in our anthrax meningitis rabbit model that ciprofloxacin treatment is ineffective with most of the treated animals succumbing to the infection. Herein we tested the efficacy of doxycycline in our rabbit model and found it highly effective. Since all of our findings are based on a rabbit model, we test the efficacy of ciprofloxacin or doxycycline in a specific central nervous system (CNS) model developed in non-human primates (NHPs). Similar to rabbits, ciprofloxacin treatment was ineffective, while doxycycline protected the infected rhesus macaques (n = 2) from the lethal CNS Bacillus anthracis infection. To test whether the low efficacy of Ciprofloxacin is an example of low efficacy of all fluoroquinolones or only this substance, we treated rabbits that were inoculated intracisterna magna (ICM) with levofloxacin or moxifloxacin. We found that in contrast to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and moxifloxacin were highly efficacious in treating lethal anthrax-related meningitis in rabbits and NHP (levofloxacin). We demonstrated (in naïve rabbits) that this difference probably results from variances in blood-brain-barrier penetration of the different fluoroquinolones. The combined treatment of doxycycline and any one of the tested fluoroquinolones was highly effective in the rabbit CNS infection model. The combined treatment of doxycycline and levofloxacin was effective in an inhalation rabbit model, as good as the doxycycline mono-therapy. These findings imply that while ciprofloxacin is highly effective as a post-exposure prophylactic drug, using this drug to treat symptomatic patients should be reconsidered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Ben-Shmuel
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Itai Glinert
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Assa Sittner
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Elad Bar-David
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Josef Schlomovitz
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Haim Levy
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| | - Shay Weiss
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Israel Institute for Biological Research, Ness Ziona, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lightsey S, Sharma B. Natural Killer Cell Mechanosensing in Solid Tumors. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:328. [PMID: 38671750 PMCID: PMC11048000 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11040328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, which are an exciting alternative cell source for cancer immunotherapies, must sense and respond to their physical environment to traffic to and eliminate cancer cells. Herein, we review the mechanisms by which NK cells receive mechanical signals and explore recent key findings regarding the impact of the physical characteristics of solid tumors on NK cell functions. Data suggest that different mechanical stresses present in solid tumors facilitate NK cell functions, especially infiltration and degranulation. Moreover, we review recent engineering advances that can be used to systemically study the role of mechanical forces on NK cell activity. Understanding the mechanisms by which NK cells interpret their environment presents potential targets to enhance NK cell immunotherapies for the treatment of solid tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Blanka Sharma
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 23610, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mittelheisser V, Gensbittel V, Bonati L, Li W, Tang L, Goetz JG. Evidence and therapeutic implications of biomechanically regulated immunosurveillance in cancer and other diseases. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:281-297. [PMID: 38286876 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01535-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2024]
Abstract
Disease progression is usually accompanied by changes in the biochemical composition of cells and tissues and their biophysical properties. For instance, hallmarks of cancer include the stiffening of tissues caused by extracellular matrix remodelling and the softening of individual cancer cells. In this context, accumulating evidence has shown that immune cells sense and respond to mechanical signals from the environment. However, the mechanisms regulating these mechanical aspects of immune surveillance remain partially understood. The growing appreciation for the 'mechano-immunology' field has urged researchers to investigate how immune cells sense and respond to mechanical cues in various disease settings, paving the way for the development of novel engineering strategies that aim at mechanically modulating and potentiating immune cells for enhanced immunotherapies. Recent pioneer developments in this direction have laid the foundations for leveraging 'mechanical immunoengineering' strategies to treat various diseases. This Review first outlines the mechanical changes occurring during pathological progression in several diseases, including cancer, fibrosis and infection. We next highlight the mechanosensitive nature of immune cells and how mechanical forces govern the immune responses in different diseases. Finally, we discuss how targeting the biomechanical features of the disease milieu and immune cells is a promising strategy for manipulating therapeutic outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincent Mittelheisser
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Valentin Gensbittel
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France
| | - Lucia Bonati
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Weilin Li
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Li Tang
- Institute of Bioengineering, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Institute of Materials Science and Engineering, EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Jacky G Goetz
- Tumor Biomechanics, INSERM UMR_S1109, Strasbourg, France.
- Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France.
- Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France.
- Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, Strasbourg, France.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Yanamandra AK, Zhang J, Montalvo G, Zhou X, Biedenweg D, Zhao R, Sharma S, Hoth M, Lautenschläger F, Otto O, Del Campo A, Qu B. PIEZO1-mediated mechanosensing governs NK-cell killing efficiency and infiltration in three-dimensional matrices. Eur J Immunol 2024; 54:e2350693. [PMID: 38279603 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a vital role in eliminating tumorigenic cells. Efficient locating and killing of target cells in complex three-dimensional (3D) environments are critical for their functions under physiological conditions. However, the role of mechanosensing in regulating NK-cell killing efficiency in physiologically relevant scenarios is poorly understood. Here, we report that the responsiveness of NK cells is regulated by tumor cell stiffness. NK-cell killing efficiency in 3D is impaired against softened tumor cells, whereas it is enhanced against stiffened tumor cells. Notably, the durations required for NK-cell killing and detachment are significantly shortened for stiffened tumor cells. Furthermore, we have identified PIEZO1 as the predominantly expressed mechanosensitive ion channel among the examined candidates in NK cells. Perturbation of PIEZO1 abolishes stiffness-dependent NK-cell responsiveness, significantly impairs the killing efficiency of NK cells in 3D, and substantially reduces NK-cell infiltration into 3D collagen matrices. Conversely, PIEZO1 activation enhances NK killing efficiency as well as infiltration. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that PIEZO1-mediated mechanosensing is crucial for NK killing functions, highlighting the role of mechanosensing in NK-cell killing efficiency under 3D physiological conditions and the influence of environmental physical cues on NK-cell functions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Archana K Yanamandra
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Jingnan Zhang
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Galia Montalvo
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
- Department of Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Xiangda Zhou
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Doreen Biedenweg
- Institute of Physics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Renping Zhao
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Shulagna Sharma
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Markus Hoth
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Lautenschläger
- Department of Experimental Physics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Center for Biophysics, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Oliver Otto
- Institute of Physics, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Aránzazu Del Campo
- INM - Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Saarbrücken, Germany
- Chemistry Department, Saarland University, Saarbrücken, Germany
| | - Bin Qu
- Biophysics, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), School of Medicine, Saarland University, Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Ockfen E, Filali L, Pereira Fernandes D, Hoffmann C, Thomas C. Actin cytoskeleton remodeling at the cancer cell side of the immunological synapse: good, bad, or both? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1276602. [PMID: 37869010 PMCID: PMC10585106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1276602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic lymphocytes (CLs), specifically cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells, are indispensable guardians of the immune system and orchestrate the recognition and elimination of cancer cells. Upon encountering a cancer cell, CLs establish a specialized cellular junction, known as the immunological synapse that stands as a pivotal determinant for effective cell killing. Extensive research has focused on the presynaptic side of the immunological synapse and elucidated the multiple functions of the CL actin cytoskeleton in synapse formation, organization, regulatory signaling, and lytic activity. In contrast, the postsynaptic (cancer cell) counterpart has remained relatively unexplored. Nevertheless, both indirect and direct evidence has begun to illuminate the significant and profound consequences of cytoskeletal changes within cancer cells on the outcome of the lytic immunological synapse. Here, we explore the understudied role of the cancer cell actin cytoskeleton in modulating the immune response within the immunological synapse. We shed light on the intricate interplay between actin dynamics and the evasion mechanisms employed by cancer cells, thus providing potential routes for future research and envisioning therapeutic interventions targeting the postsynaptic side of the immunological synapse in the realm of cancer immunotherapy. This review article highlights the importance of actin dynamics within the immunological synapse between cytotoxic lymphocytes and cancer cells focusing on the less-explored postsynaptic side of the synapse. It presents emerging evidence that actin dynamics in cancer cells can critically influence the outcome of cytotoxic lymphocyte interactions with cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Ockfen
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Liza Filali
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Diogo Pereira Fernandes
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Céline Hoffmann
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hu B, Xin Y, Hu G, Li K, Tan Y. Fluid shear stress enhances natural killer cell's cytotoxicity toward circulating tumor cells through NKG2D-mediated mechanosensing. APL Bioeng 2023; 7:036108. [PMID: 37575881 PMCID: PMC10423075 DOI: 10.1063/5.0156628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells metastasize to distant organs mainly via hematogenous dissemination, in which circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are relatively vulnerable, and eliminating these cells has great potential to prevent metastasis. In vasculature, natural killer (NK) cells are the major effector lymphocytes for efficient killing of CTCs under fluid shear stress (FSS), which is an important mechanical cue in tumor metastasis. However, the influence of FSS on the cytotoxicity of NK cells against CTCs remains elusive. We report that the death rate of CTCs under both NK cells and FSS is much higher than the combined death induced by either NK cells or FSS, suggesting that FSS may enhance NK cell's cytotoxicity. This death increment is elicited by shear-induced NK activation and granzyme B entry into target cells rather than the death ligand TRAIL or secreted cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ. When NK cells form conjugates with CTCs or adhere to MICA-coated substrates, NK cell activating receptor NKG2D can directly sense FSS to induce NK activation and degranulation. These findings reveal the promotive effect of FSS on NK cell's cytotoxicity toward CTCs, thus providing new insight into immune surveillance of CTCs within circulation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Youhua Tan
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed:
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schmied L, Luu TT, Søndergaard JN, Hald SH, Meinke S, Mohammad DK, Singh SB, Mayer C, Perinetti Casoni G, Chrobok M, Schlums H, Rota G, Truong HM, Westerberg LS, Guarda G, Alici E, Wagner AK, Kadri N, Bryceson YT, Saeed MB, Höglund P. SHP-1 localization to the activating immune synapse promotes NK cell tolerance in MHC class I deficiency. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eabq0752. [PMID: 37040441 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abq0752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells recognize virally infected cells and tumors. NK cell function depends on balanced signaling from activating receptors, recognizing products from tumors or viruses, and inhibitory receptors (such as KIR/Ly49), which recognize major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules. KIR/Ly49 signaling preserves tolerance to self but also conveys reactivity toward MHC-I-low target cells in a process known as NK cell education. Here, we found that NK cell tolerance and education were determined by the subcellular localization of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. In mice lacking MHC-I molecules, uneducated, self-tolerant Ly49A+ NK cells showed accumulation of SHP-1 in the activating immune synapse, where it colocalized with F-actin and the signaling adaptor protein SLP-76. Education of Ly49A+ NK cells by the MHC-I molecule H2Dd led to reduced synaptic accumulation of SHP-1, accompanied by augmented signaling from activating receptors. Education was also linked to reduced transcription of Ptpn6, which encodes SHP-1. Moreover, synaptic SHP-1 accumulation was reduced in NK cells carrying the H2Dd-educated receptor Ly49G2 but not in those carrying the noneducating receptor Ly49I. Colocalization of Ly49A and SHP-1 outside of the synapse was more frequent in educated compared with uneducated NK cells, suggesting a role for Ly49A in preventing synaptic SHP-1 accumulation in NK cell education. Thus, distinct patterning of SHP-1 in the activating NK cell synapse may determine NK cell tolerance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurent Schmied
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thuy T Luu
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas N Søndergaard
- Center for Infectious Disease Education and Research (CIDER), Osaka University, Suita 565-0871, Japan
| | - Sophia H Hald
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Stephan Meinke
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Dara K Mohammad
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Food Technology, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Erbil KRG-Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Sunitha B Singh
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Corinna Mayer
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giovanna Perinetti Casoni
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Chrobok
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Heinrich Schlums
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Giorgia Rota
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Hieu M Truong
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Greta Guarda
- Università della Svizzera Italiana, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Research in Biomedicine, 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arnika K Wagner
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nadir Kadri
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yenan T Bryceson
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge C2:66, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Sciences, University of Bergen, Jonas Lies vei 87, Laboratory Building 5th floor, N-5021 Bergen, Norway
| | - Mezida B Saeed
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Solnavägen 9, S-171 65 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petter Höglund
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine (HERM), Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, NEO building, Blickagången 16, S-141 57 Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge C2:66, S-141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wong DCP, Ding JL. The mechanobiology of NK cells- 'Forcing NK to Sense' target cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188860. [PMID: 36791921 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188860] [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: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes that recognize and kill cancer and infected cells, which makes them unique 'off-the-shelf' candidates for a new generation of immunotherapies. Biomechanical forces in homeostasis and pathophysiology accrue additional immune regulation for NK immune responses. Indeed, cellular and tissue biomechanics impact NK receptor clustering, cytoskeleton remodeling, NK transmigration through endothelial cells, nuclear mechanics, and even NK-dendritic cell interaction, offering a plethora of unexplored yet important dynamic regulation for NK immunotherapy. Such events are made more complex by the heterogeneity of human NK cells. A significant question remains on whether and how biochemical and biomechanical cues collaborate for NK cell mechanotransduction, a process whereby mechanical force is sensed, transduced, and translated to downstream mechanical and biochemical signalling. Herein, we review recent advances in understanding how NK cells perceive and mechanotransduce biophysical cues. We focus on how the cellular cytoskeleton crosstalk regulates NK cell function while bearing in mind the heterogeneity of NK cells, the direct and indirect mechanical cues for NK anti-tumor activity, and finally, engineering advances that are of translational relevance to NK cell biology at the systems level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
| | - Jeak Ling Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543, Singapore; Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, 119077, Singapore.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhou Y, Cheng L, Liu L, Li X. NK cells are never alone: crosstalk and communication in tumour microenvironments. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:34. [PMID: 36797782 PMCID: PMC9933398 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01737-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune escape is a hallmark of cancer. The dynamic and heterogeneous tumour microenvironment (TME) causes insufficient infiltration and poor efficacy of natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy, which becomes a key factor triggering tumour progression. Understanding the crosstalk between NK cells and the TME provides new insights for optimising NK cell-based immunotherapy. Here, we present new advances in direct or indirect crosstalk between NK cells and 9 specialised TMEs, including immune, metabolic, innervated niche, mechanical, and microbial microenvironments, summarise TME-mediated mechanisms of NK cell function inhibition, and highlight potential targeted therapies for NK-TME crosstalk. Importantly, we discuss novel strategies to overcome the inhibitory TME and provide an attractive outlook for the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Zhou
- grid.32566.340000 0000 8571 0482The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, 730000 China ,grid.412643.60000 0004 1757 2902Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China ,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lu Liu
- grid.412643.60000 0004 1757 2902Department of Pediatrics, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xun Li
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Lanzhou University, 222 Tianshui South Road, Lanzhou, 730000, China. .,Department of General Surgery, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Regenerative Medicine of Gansu Province, Lanzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Zhu P, Lu H, Wang M, Chen K, Chen Z, Yang L. Targeted mechanical forces enhance the effects of tumor immunotherapy by regulating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 20:j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0491. [PMID: 36647779 PMCID: PMC9843446 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2022.0491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Mechanical forces in the tumor microenvironment (TME) are associated with tumor growth, proliferation, and drug resistance. Strong mechanical forces in tumors alter the metabolism and behavior of cancer cells, thus promoting tumor progression and metastasis. Mechanical signals are transformed into biochemical signals, which activate tumorigenic signaling pathways through mechanical transduction. Cancer immunotherapy has recently made exciting progress, ushering in a new era of "chemo-free" treatments. However, immunotherapy has not achieved satisfactory results in a variety of tumors, because of the complex tumor microenvironment. Herein, we discuss the effects of mechanical forces on the tumor immune microenvironment and highlight emerging therapeutic strategies for targeting mechanical forces in immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengfei Zhu
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310014, China
- Graduate School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - Hongrui Lu
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310014, China
- Graduate School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - Mingxing Wang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310014, China
- Graduate School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology & Pancreatic Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Zheling Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310014, China
- Correspondence to: Zheling Chen and Liu Yang, E-mail: and
| | - Liu Yang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People’s Hospital (Affiliated People’s Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou 310014, China
- Graduate School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu 233000, China
- Correspondence to: Zheling Chen and Liu Yang, E-mail: and
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Immune responses are governed by signals from the tissue microenvironment, and in addition to biochemical signals, mechanical cues and forces arising from the tissue, its extracellular matrix and its constituent cells shape immune cell function. Indeed, changes in biophysical properties of tissue alter the mechanical signals experienced by cells in many disease conditions, in inflammatory states and in the context of ageing. These mechanical cues are converted into biochemical signals through the process of mechanotransduction, and multiple pathways of mechanotransduction have been identified in immune cells. Such pathways impact important cellular functions including cell activation, cytokine production, metabolism, proliferation and trafficking. Changes in tissue mechanics may also represent a new form of 'danger signal' that alerts the innate and adaptive immune systems to the possibility of injury or infection. Tissue mechanics can change temporally during an infection or inflammatory response, offering a novel layer of dynamic immune regulation. Here, we review the emerging field of mechanoimmunology, focusing on how mechanical cues at the scale of the tissue environment regulate immune cell behaviours to initiate, propagate and resolve the immune response.
Collapse
|
13
|
Yoon CW, Pan Y, Wang Y. The application of mechanobiotechnology for immuno-engineering and cancer immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1064484. [PMID: 36483679 PMCID: PMC9725026 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1064484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-engineering is a rapidly emerging field in the past few years, as immunotherapy evolved from a paradigm-shifting therapeutic approach for cancer treatment to promising immuno-oncology models in clinical trials and commercial products. Linking the field of biomedical engineering with immunology, immuno-engineering applies engineering principles and utilizes synthetic biology tools to study and control the immune system for diseases treatments and interventions. Over the past decades, there has been a deeper understanding that mechanical forces play crucial roles in regulating immune cells at different stages from antigen recognition to actual killing, which suggests potential opportunities to design and tailor mechanobiology tools to novel immunotherapy. In this review, we first provide a brief introduction to recent technological and scientific advances in mechanobiology for immune cells. Different strategies for immuno-engineering are then discussed and evaluated. Furthermore, we describe the opportunities and challenges of applying mechanobiology and related technologies to study and engineer immune cells and ultimately modulate their function for immunotherapy. In summary, the synergetic integration of cutting-edge mechanical biology techniques into immune-engineering strategies can provide a powerful platform and allow new directions for the field of immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
14
|
Peng JM, Chiu CF, Cheng JH, Liu HY, Chang YL, Luo JW, Weng YT, Luo HL. Evasion of NK cell immune surveillance via the vimentin-mediated cytoskeleton remodeling. Front Immunol 2022; 13:883178. [PMID: 36032170 PMCID: PMC9402923 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.883178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy uses the immune system to achieve therapeutic effects; however, its effect is still limited. Therefore, in addition to immune checkpoint-based treatment, the development of other strategies that can inhibit cancer cells from resisting immune cytotoxicity is important. There are currently few studies on the mechanism of tumors using cytoskeletal proteins reorganization to participate in immune escape. In this study, we identified cancer cell lines that were sensitive or resistant to natural killer cells in urothelial and lung cancer using the natural killer cell sensitivity assay. We found that immunoresistant cancer cells avoid natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity by upregulation of vimentin and remodeling of actin cytoskeleton. Immunofluorescence staining showed that immune cells promoted the formation of actin filaments at the immune synapse, which was not found in immunosensitive cancer cells. Pretreatment of the actin polymerization inhibitors latrunculin B increased the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells, suggesting that cytoskeleton remodeling plays a role in resisting immune cell attack. In addition, silencing of vimentin with shRNA potentiated the cytotoxicity of natural killer cells. Interestingly, the upregulation and extension of vimentin was found in tumor islands of upper tract urothelial carcinoma infiltrated by natural killer cells. Conversely, tumors without natural killer cell invasion showed less vimentin signal. The expression level of vimentin was highly correlated with natural killer cell infiltration. In summary, we found that when immune cells attack cancer cells, the cancer cells resist immune cytotoxicity through upregulated vimentin and actin reorganization. In addition, this immune resistance mechanism was also found in patient tumors, indicating the possibility that they can be applied to evaluate the immune response in clinical diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jei-Ming Peng
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Jei-Ming Peng, ; ; Hao-Lun Luo,
| | - Ching-Feng Chiu
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jai-Hong Cheng
- Center for Shockwave Medicine and Tissue Engineering, Medical Research, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- Department of Leisure and Sports Management, Cheng Shiu University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ying Liu
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yin-Lun Chang
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Jia-Wun Luo
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Ting Weng
- Institute for Translational Research in Biomedicine, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Hao-Lun Luo
- Department of Urology, Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
- *Correspondence: Jei-Ming Peng, ; ; Hao-Lun Luo,
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sabag B, Levy M, Kivelevitz J, Dashevsky N, Ben-Shmuel A, Puthenveetil A, Awwad F, Barda-Saad M. Actin Retrograde Flow Regulated by the Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome Protein Drives the Natural Killer Cell Response. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153756. [PMID: 35954420 PMCID: PMC9367451 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the crosstalk between natural killer (NK) cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) has enhanced the potential of exploiting the interplay between activation and inhibition of NK cells for immunotherapy. This interaction is crucial for understanding how tumor cells escape NK cell immune surveillance. NK cell dysfunction is regulated by two molecular mechanisms, downregulated activating receptor ligand expression on the tumor cells, and upregulated inhibitory signals delivered to NK cells. Recent studies demonstrated the role of mechanotransduction in modulating NK cell responses in the TME. The immunological synapse represents a functional interface between the NK cell and its target, regulated by Actin Retrograde Flow (ARF), which drives the adhesion molecules and receptors toward the central zone of the immunological synapse (IS). Here, we further characterize the role of ARF in controlling the immune response of NK cells, using CRISPR/cas9-mediated Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp) gene silencing of NK cells. We demonstrate that WASp regulates ARF velocity, affecting the conformation and function of the key NK inhibitory regulator, SH2-domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SHP-1), and consequently, the NK cell response. Our results demonstrate the potential of modulating the biophysical and intracellular regulation of NK activation as a promising approach for improving immunotherapy.
Collapse
|
16
|
Guo T, He C, Venado A, Zhou Y. Extracellular Matrix Stiffness in Lung Health and Disease. Compr Physiol 2022; 12:3523-3558. [PMID: 35766837 PMCID: PMC10088466 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support and imparts a wide variety of environmental cues to cells. In the past decade, a growing body of work revealed that the mechanical properties of the ECM, commonly known as matrix stiffness, regulate the fundamental cellular processes of the lung. There is growing appreciation that mechanical interplays between cells and associated ECM are essential to maintain lung homeostasis. Dysregulation of ECM-derived mechanical signaling via altered mechanosensing and mechanotransduction pathways is associated with many common lung diseases. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of lung fibrosis. The stiffened ECM is not merely a sequelae of lung fibrosis but can actively drive the progression of fibrotic lung disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view on the role of matrix stiffness in lung health and disease. We begin by summarizing the effects of matrix stiffness on the function and behavior of various lung cell types and on regulation of biomolecule activity and key physiological processes, including host immune response and cellular metabolism. We discuss the potential mechanisms by which cells probe matrix stiffness and convert mechanical signals to regulate gene expression. We highlight the factors that govern matrix stiffness and outline the role of matrix stiffness in lung development and the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis, pulmonary hypertension, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and lung cancer. We envision targeting of deleterious matrix mechanical cues for treatment of fibrotic lung disease. Advances in technologies for matrix stiffness measurements and design of stiffness-tunable matrix substrates are also explored. © 2022 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 12:3523-3558, 2022.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA.,Department of Respiratory Medicine, the Second Xiangya Hospital, Central-South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Chao He
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| | - Aida Venado
- Pulmonary, Critical Care, Allergy and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yong Zhou
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Alabama, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wong DCP, Lee EHC, Er J, Yow I, Koean RAG, Ang O, Xiao J, Low BC, Ding JL. Lung Cancer Induces NK Cell Contractility and Cytotoxicity Through Transcription Factor Nuclear Localization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:871326. [PMID: 35652099 PMCID: PMC9149376 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.871326] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Actomyosin-mediated cellular contractility is highly conserved for mechanotransduction and signalling. While this phenomenon has been observed in adherent cell models, whether/how contractile forces regulate the function of suspension cells like natural killer (NK) cells during cancer surveillance, is unknown. Here, we demonstrated in coculture settings that the evolutionarily conserved NK cell transcription factor, Eomes, undergoes nuclear shuttling during lung cancer cell surveillance. Biophysical and biochemical analyses revealed mechanistic enhancement of NK cell actomyosin-mediated contractility, which is associated with nuclear flattening, thus enabling nuclear entry of Eomes associated with enhanced NK cytotoxicity. We found that NK cells responded to the presumed immunosuppressive TGFβ in the NK-lung cancer coculture medium to sustain its intracellular contractility through myosin light chain phosphorylation, thereby promoting Eomes nuclear localization. Therefore, our results demonstrate that lung cancer cells provoke NK cell contractility as an early phase activation mechanism and that Eomes is a plausible mechano-responsive protein for increased NK cytotoxicity. There is scope for strategic application of actomyosin-mediated contractility modulating drugs ex vivo, to reinvigorate NK cells prior to adoptive cancer immunotherapy in vivo (177 words).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Junzhi Er
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ivan Yow
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Owen Ang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jingwei Xiao
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Chuan Low
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,University Scholars Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeak Ling Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.,Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Grewal RK, Das J. Spatially resolved in silico modeling of NKG2D signaling kinetics suggests a key role of NKG2D and Vav1 Co-clustering in generating natural killer cell activation. PLoS Comput Biol 2022; 18:e1010114. [PMID: 35584138 PMCID: PMC9154193 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells provide key resistance against viral infections and tumors. A diverse set of activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors (NKRs) interact with cognate ligands presented by target host cells, where integration of dueling signals initiated by the ligand-NKR interactions determines NK cell activation or tolerance. Imaging experiments over decades have shown micron and sub-micron scale spatial clustering of activating and inhibitory NKRs. The mechanistic roles of these clusters in affecting downstream signaling and activation are often unclear. To this end, we developed a predictive in silico framework by combining spatially resolved mechanistic agent based modeling, published TIRF imaging data, and parameter estimation to determine mechanisms by which formation and spatial movements of activating NKG2D microclusters affect early time NKG2D signaling kinetics in a human cell line NKL. We show co-clustering of NKG2D and the guanosine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 in NKG2D microclusters plays a dominant role over ligand (ULBP3) rebinding in increasing production of phospho-Vav1(pVav1), an activation marker of early NKG2D signaling. The in silico model successfully predicts several scenarios of inhibition of NKG2D signaling and time course of NKG2D spatial clustering over a short (~3 min) interval. Modeling shows the presence of a spatial positive feedback relating formation and centripetal movements of NKG2D microclusters, and pVav1 production offers flexibility towards suppression of activating signals by inhibitory KIR ligands organized in inhomogeneous spatial patterns (e.g., a ring). Our in silico framework marks a major improvement in developing spatiotemporal signaling models with quantitatively estimated model parameters using imaging data. Natural Killer cells are lymphocytes of our innate immunity and provide important resistance against viral infections and tumors. NK cells scan the local environment with diverse activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors (NKRs) and remain tolerized or lyse target cells expressing cognate ligands to NKRs. NKRs have been found to form micron sized clusters (or microclusters) as they interact with cognate ligands, and mechanisms regarding how the formation and movements of these microclusters influence NK cell signaling and activation, specifically related to activating NKRs, are often unclear. To this end, we develop a predictive spatially resolved early-time NK cell signaling model to study the interplay between membrane-proximal biochemical signaling events and the kinetics of microclusters of activating NKG2D and inhibitory KIR2DL2 receptors. We used published TIRF imaging data to validate our in silico models and estimate model parameters. Predictions from multiple in silico models are tested against a variety of data obtained from published imaging experiments and immunoassays. Our analysis suggests co-clustering of NKG2D and the guanosine nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 in the microclusters plays a major role in enhancing downstream activating signals. The developed framework can be extended to describe spatiotemporal signaling for other activating NKRs including CD16.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rajdeep Kaur Grewal
- Battelle Center for Mathematical Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Jayajit Das
- Battelle Center for Mathematical Medicine, Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- Biophysics Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ben-Shmuel A, Sabag B, Puthenveetil A, Biber G, Levy M, Jubany T, Awwad F, Roy RK, Joseph N, Matalon O, Kivelevitz J, Barda-Saad M. Inhibition of SHP-1 activity by PKC-θ regulates NK cell activation threshold and cytotoxicity. eLife 2022; 11:73282. [PMID: 35258455 PMCID: PMC8903836 DOI: 10.7554/elife.73282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immunity, killing virally infected and cancerous cells. The balance of signals initiated upon engagement of activating and inhibitory NK receptors with cognate ligands determines killing or tolerance. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms regulating rapid NK cell discrimination between healthy and malignant cells in a heterogeneous tissue environment are incompletely understood. The SHP-1 tyrosine phosphatase is the central negative NK cell regulator that dephosphorylates key activating signaling proteins. Though the mechanism by which SHP-1 mediates NK cell inhibition has been partially elucidated, the pathways by which SHP-1 is itself regulated remain unclear. Here, we show that phosphorylation of SHP-1 in NK cells on the S591 residue by PKC-θ promotes the inhibited SHP-1 ‘folded’ state. Silencing PKC-θ maintains SHP-1 in the active conformation, reduces NK cell activation and cytotoxicity, and promotes tumor progression in vivo. This study reveals a molecular pathway that sustains the NK cell activation threshold through suppression of SHP-1 activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Batel Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Abhishek Puthenveetil
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Guy Biber
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Moria Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Tammir Jubany
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Fatima Awwad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Roshan Kumar Roy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Noah Joseph
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Omri Matalon
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Jessica Kivelevitz
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Biber G, Sabag B, Raiff A, Ben‐Shmuel A, Puthenveetil A, Benichou JIC, Jubany T, Levy M, Killner S, Barda‐Saad M. Modulation of intrinsic inhibitory checkpoints using nano-carriers to unleash NK cell activity. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14073. [PMID: 34725941 PMCID: PMC8749471 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells provide a powerful weapon mediating immune defense against viral infections, tumor growth, and metastatic spread. NK cells demonstrate great potential for cancer immunotherapy; they can rapidly and directly kill cancer cells in the absence of MHC-dependent antigen presentation and can initiate a robust immune response in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Nevertheless, current NK cell-based immunotherapies have several drawbacks, such as the requirement for ex vivo expansion of modified NK cells, and low transduction efficiency. Furthermore, to date, no clinical trial has demonstrated a significant benefit for NK-based therapies in patients with advanced solid tumors, mainly due to the suppressive TME. To overcome current obstacles in NK cell-based immunotherapies, we describe here a non-viral lipid nanoparticle-based delivery system that encapsulates small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to gene silence the key intrinsic inhibitory NK cell molecules, SHP-1, Cbl-b, and c-Cbl. The nanoparticles (NPs) target NK cells in vivo, silence inhibitory checkpoint signaling molecules, and unleash NK cell activity to eliminate tumors. Thus, the novel NP-based system developed here may serve as a powerful tool for future NK cell-based therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guy Biber
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Batel Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Anat Raiff
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Aviad Ben‐Shmuel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Abhishek Puthenveetil
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Jennifer I C Benichou
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Tammir Jubany
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Moria Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Shiran Killner
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Mira Barda‐Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wu Z, Park S, Lau CM, Zhong Y, Sheppard S, Sun JC, Das J, Altan-Bonnet G, Hsu KC. Dynamic variability in SHP-1 abundance determines natural killer cell responsiveness. Sci Signal 2021; 14:eabe5380. [PMID: 34752140 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.abe5380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zeguang Wu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Soo Park
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Colleen M Lau
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yi Zhong
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sam Sheppard
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Joseph C Sun
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jayajit Das
- Battelle Center for Mathematical Medicine, Research Institute at the Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH 43205, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Pelotonia Institute of ImmunoOncology, Wexner College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.,Biophysics Graduate Program, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Grégoire Altan-Bonnet
- Immunodynamics Group, Cancer and Inflammation Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Katharine C Hsu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Louis V. Gerstner Jr. Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.,Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Lee EHC, Wong DCP, Ding JL. NK Cells in a Tug-of-War With Cancer: The Roles of Transcription Factors and Cytoskeleton. Front Immunol 2021; 12:734551. [PMID: 34594338 PMCID: PMC8476995 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.734551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells which play a key role in shaping the immune response against cancer. Initially hailed for their potential to recognise and eliminate tumour cells, their application has been greatly hindered by the immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) which suppresses NK functions (e.g., cytotoxicity). This dysfunctional state that is accompanied by phenotypic changes such as upregulation of inhibitory receptors and downregulation of activating receptors, forms the basis of what many researchers have referred to as ‘exhausted’ NK cells. However, there is no consensus on whether these phenotypes are sufficient to define an exhausted state of the NK cell. While recent advances in checkpoint inhibition appear to show promise in early-stage pre-clinical studies, much remains to be fully explored and understood in the context of the TME. The TME is where the NK cells are subjected to interaction with various cell types and soluble factors, which could exert an inhibitory effect on NK cytotoxicity. In this review, we provide an overview of the general markers of NK cell exhaustion viz, the surface activating and inhibitory receptors. We also highlight the potential role of T-box transcription factors in characterising such a dysfunctional state and discuss the often-overlooked mechanism of cell cytoskeletal dynamics in regulating NK cell function. These aspects may further contribute to NK exhaustion or NK revival in cancer and may open new avenues to explore cancer treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeak Ling Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Abaricia JO, Farzad N, Heath TJ, Simmons J, Morandini L, Olivares-Navarrete R. Control of innate immune response by biomaterial surface topography, energy, and stiffness. Acta Biomater 2021; 133:58-73. [PMID: 33882355 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
As the focus of implantable biomaterials has shifted from bioinert implants to bioactive designs, recent research has highlighted the complex interactions between cell physiologic systems and material properties, particularly physical cues. From the cells known to interact with implanted biomaterials, the response of the immune system has been a critical target of study recently. Here, we review studies characterizing the response of innate immune cells to various material cues, particularly of those at the surface of implanted materials.The innate immune system consists of cell types with various roles in inflammation. Neutrophils and macrophages serve both phagocytic and signaling roles, especially early in the inflammatory phase of biomaterial implantation. These cell types ultimately dictate the outcome of implants as chronic inflammation, fibrosis, or integration. Other cell types like dendritic cells, mast cells, natural killer cells, and innate lymphoid cells may also serve an immunomodulatory role in the biomaterial context. This review highlights recent advances in our understanding of the role of innate immunity in the response to implantable biomaterials as well as key mechanobiological findings in innate immune cells underpinning these advances. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review highlights recent advances in the understanding of the role of innate immunity in the response to implantable biomaterials, especially in neutrophils and macrophages, as well as key mechanobiological findings in innate immune cells underpinning these advances. Here we discuss how physicochemical properties of biomaterials control innate immune cell behavior.
Collapse
|
24
|
Targeting the actin nucleation promoting factor WASp provides a therapeutic approach for hematopoietic malignancies. Nat Commun 2021; 12:5581. [PMID: 34552085 PMCID: PMC8458504 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25842-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells depend on actin cytoskeleton rearrangement to carry out hallmark malignant functions including activation, proliferation, migration and invasiveness. Wiskott–Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp) is an actin nucleation-promoting factor and is a key regulator of actin polymerization in hematopoietic cells. The involvement of WASp in malignancies is incompletely understood. Since WASp is exclusively expressed in hematopoietic cells, we performed in silico screening to identify small molecule compounds (SMCs) that bind WASp and promote its degradation. We describe here one such identified molecule; this WASp-targeting SMC inhibits key WASp-dependent actin processes in several types of hematopoietic malignancies in vitro and in vivo without affecting naïve healthy cells. This small molecule demonstrates limited toxicity and immunogenic effects, and thus, might serve as an effective strategy to treat specific hematopoietic malignancies in a safe and precisely targeted manner. Cancer cells proliferate and invade via cytoskeletal proteins such as WASp, exclusively expressed in hematopoietic cells. Here the authors show a specific small molecule compound inhibiting cancer cell activity by WASp degradation and demonstrating its therapeutic potential in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
|
25
|
Sim T, Choi B, Kwon SW, Kim KS, Choi H, Ross A, Kim DH. Magneto-Activation and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Natural Killer Cells Labeled with Magnetic Nanocomplexes for the Treatment of Solid Tumors. ACS NANO 2021; 15:12780-12793. [PMID: 34165964 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.1c01889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has been considered a promising cell-based cancer treatment strategy with low side effects for early tumors and metastasis. However, the therapeutic efficacy is generally low in established solid tumors. Ex vivo activation of NK cells with exogenous cytokines is often essential but ineffective to generate high doses of functional NK cells for cancer treatment. Image-guided local delivery of NK cells is also suggested for the therapy. However, there is a lack of noninvasive tools for monitoring NK cells. Herein, magnetic nanocomplexes are fabricated with clinically available materials (hyaluronic acid, protamine, and ferumoxytol; HAPF) for labeling NK cells. The prepared HAPF-nanocomplexes effectively attach to the NK cells (HAPF-NK). An exogenous magnetic field application effectively achieves magneto-activation of NK cells, promoting the generation and secretion of lytic granules of NK cells. The magneto-activated HAPF-NK cells also allow an MR image-guided NK cell therapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) solid tumors via transcatheter intra-arterial infusion. Suppressed tumor growth after the treatment of IA infused magneto-activated NK cells demonstrated a potential enhanced therapeutic efficacy of image guided local delivery of magneto-activated HAPF-NK cells. Given the potential challenges of NK cell cancer immunotherapy against established solid tumors, the effective NK cell labeling with HAPF, magneto-activation, and MRI contrast effect of NK cells will be beneficial to enhance the NK cell-therapeutic efficacy in various cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taehoon Sim
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Bongseo Choi
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Soon Woo Kwon
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Kwang-Soo Kim
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Hyunjun Choi
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
| | - Alexander Ross
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Dong-Hyun Kim
- Department of Radiology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois 60607, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, McCormick School of Engineering, Evanston, Illinois 60208, United States
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Santoni G, Amantini C, Santoni M, Maggi F, Morelli MB, Santoni A. Mechanosensation and Mechanotransduction in Natural Killer Cells. Front Immunol 2021; 12:688918. [PMID: 34335592 PMCID: PMC8320435 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.688918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a main subset of innate lymphocytes that contribute to host immune protection against viruses and tumors by mediating target cell killing and secreting a wide array of cytokines. Their functions are finely regulated by a balance between activating and inhibitory receptors and involve also adhesive interactions. Mechanotransduction is the process in which physical forces sensed by mechanosensors are translated into chemical signaling. Herein, we report findings on the involvement of this mechanism that is mainly mediated by actin cytoskeleton, in the regulation of NK cell adhesion, migration, tissue infiltration and functions. Actin represents the structural basis for NK cell immunological synapse (NKIS) and polarization of secretory apparatus. NK-target cell interaction involves the formation of both uropods and membrane nanotubes that allow target cell interaction over long distances. Actin retrograde flow (ARF) regulates NK cell signaling and controls the equilibrium between activation versus inhibition. Activating NKIS is associated with rapid lamellipodial ARF, whereas lower centripetal actin flow is present during inhibitory NKIS where β actin can associate with the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1. Overall, a better knowledge of mechanotransduction might represent a future challenge: Realization of nanomaterials tailored for NK cells, would be important to translate in vitro studies in in vivo new immunotherapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giorgio Santoni
- School of Pharmacy, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Consuelo Amantini
- School of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | | | - Federica Maggi
- School of Pharmacy, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy.,Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Beatrice Morelli
- School of Pharmacy, Section of Experimental Medicine, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Toledo E, Le Saux G, Edri A, Li L, Rosenberg M, Keidar Y, Bhingardive V, Radinsky O, Hadad U, Di Primo C, Buffeteau T, Smith AS, Porgador A, Schvartzman M. Molecular-scale spatio-chemical control of the activating-inhibitory signal integration in NK cells. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:7/24/eabc1640. [PMID: 34117052 PMCID: PMC8195486 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abc1640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
The role of juxtaposition of activating and inhibitory receptors in signal inhibition of cytotoxic lymphocytes remains strongly debated. The challenge lies in the lack of tools that allow simultaneous spatial manipulation of signaling molecules. To circumvent this, we produced a nanoengineered multifunctional platform with molecular-scale spatial control of ligands, which was applied to elucidate KIR2DL1-mediated inhibition of NKG2D signaling-receptors of natural killer cells. This platform was conceived by bimetallic nanodot patterning with molecular-scale registry, followed by a ternary functionalization with distinct moieties. We found that a 40-nm gap between activating and inhibitory ligands provided optimal inhibitory conditions. Supported by theoretical modeling, we interpret these findings as a consequence of the size mismatch and conformational flexibility of ligands in their spatial interaction. This highly versatile approach provides an important insight into the spatial mechanism of inhibitory immune checkpoints, which is essential for the rational design of future immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esti Toledo
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Guillaume Le Saux
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Avishay Edri
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Long Li
- Department of Physics, IZNF, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91058, Germany
- Key Laboratory of Mechanics on Disaster and Environment in Western China, Ministry of Education, College of Civil Engineering and Mechanics, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Maor Rosenberg
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Yossi Keidar
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Viraj Bhingardive
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Olga Radinsky
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Uzi Hadad
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Carmelo Di Primo
- University of Bordeaux, INSERM U1212, UMR CNRS 5320, Institut Européen de Chimie et Biologie, 2 rue Robert Escarpit, 33607 Pessac, France
| | | | - Ana-Sunčana Smith
- Department of Physics, IZNF, FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen 91058, Germany
- Group for Computational Life Sciences, Division of Physical Chemistry, Ruđer Bošković Institute, Bijenička 54, Zagreb 10000, Croatia
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Mark Schvartzman
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel.
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Friedman D, Simmonds P, Hale A, Bere L, Hodson NW, White MRH, Davis DM. Natural killer cell immune synapse formation and cytotoxicity are controlled by tension of the target interface. J Cell Sci 2021; 134:jcs258570. [PMID: 33712452 PMCID: PMC8077183 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.258570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells can kill infected or transformed cells via a lytic immune synapse. Diseased cells may exhibit altered mechanical properties but how this impacts NK cell responsiveness is unknown. We report that human NK cells were stimulated more effectively to secrete granzymes A and B, FasL (also known as FasLG), granulysin and IFNγ, by stiff (142 kPa) compared to soft (1 kPa) planar substrates. To create surrogate spherical targets of defined stiffness, sodium alginate was used to synthesise soft (9 kPa), medium (34 kPa) or stiff (254 kPa) cell-sized beads, coated with antibodies against activating receptor NKp30 (also known as NCR3) and the integrin LFA-1 (also known as ITGAL). Against stiff beads, NK cells showed increased degranulation. Polarisation of the microtubule-organising centre and lytic granules were impaired against soft targets, which instead resulted in the formation of unstable kinapses. Thus, by varying target stiffness to characterise the mechanosensitivity of immune synapses, we identify soft targets as a blind spot in NK cell recognition. This article has an associated First Person interview with the co-first authors of the paper.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Friedman
- The Lydia Becker Institute, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Core Technology Facility building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Poppy Simmonds
- The Lydia Becker Institute, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Core Technology Facility building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Alexander Hale
- The Lydia Becker Institute, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Core Technology Facility building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Leoma Bere
- The Lydia Becker Institute, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Core Technology Facility building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| | - Nigel W. Hodson
- BioAFM Facility, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Stopford Building, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Michael R. H. White
- Michael Smith Building, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel M. Davis
- The Lydia Becker Institute, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Core Technology Facility building, 46 Grafton Street, Manchester M13 9NT, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Bhingardive V, Le Saux G, Edri A, Porgador A, Schvartzman M. Nanowire Based Guidance of the Morphology and Cytotoxic Activity of Natural Killer Cells. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2021; 17:e2007347. [PMID: 33719212 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202007347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The cytotoxic activity of natural killer (NK) cells is regulated by many chemical and physical cues, whose integration mechanism is still obscure. Here, a multifunctional platform is engineered for NK cell stimulation, to study the effect of the signal integration and spatial heterogeneity on NK cell function. The platform is based on nanowires, whose mechanical compliance and site-selective tip functionalization with antigens produce the physical and chemical stimuli, respectively. The nanowires are confined to micron-sized islands, which induce a splitting of the NK cells into two subpopulations with distinct morphologies and immune responses: NK cells atop the nanowire islands display symmetrical spreading and enhanced activation, whereas cells lying in the straits between the islands develop elongated profiles and show lower activation levels. The demonstrated tunability of NK cell cytotoxicity provides an important insight into the mechanism of their immune function and introduces a novel technological route for the ex vivo shaping of cytotoxic lymphocytes in immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Viraj Bhingardive
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Guillaume Le Saux
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Avishay Edri
- Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Angel Porgador
- Genetics Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Mark Schvartzman
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science and Technology, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, P.O. Box 653, Beer-Sheva, 84105, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Ben-Shmuel A, Sabag B, Biber G, Barda-Saad M. The Role of the Cytoskeleton in Regulating the Natural Killer Cell Immune Response in Health and Disease: From Signaling Dynamics to Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:609532. [PMID: 33598461 PMCID: PMC7882700 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.609532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells, which play key roles in elimination of virally infected and malignant cells. The balance between activating and inhibitory signals derived from NK surface receptors govern the NK cell immune response. The cytoskeleton facilitates most NK cell effector functions, such as motility, infiltration, conjugation with target cells, immunological synapse assembly, and cytotoxicity. Though many studies have characterized signaling pathways that promote actin reorganization in immune cells, it is not completely clear how particular cytoskeletal architectures at the immunological synapse promote effector functions, and how cytoskeletal dynamics impact downstream signaling pathways and activation. Moreover, pioneering studies employing advanced imaging techniques have only begun to uncover the architectural complexity dictating the NK cell activation threshold; it is becoming clear that a distinct organization of the cytoskeleton and signaling receptors at the NK immunological synapse plays a decisive role in activation and tolerance. Here, we review the roles of the actin cytoskeleton in NK cells. We focus on how actin dynamics impact cytolytic granule secretion, NK cell motility, and NK cell infiltration through tissues into inflammatory sites. We will also describe the additional cytoskeletal components, non-muscle Myosin II and microtubules that play pivotal roles in NK cell activity. Furthermore, special emphasis will be placed on the role of the cytoskeleton in assembly of immunological synapses, and how mutations or downregulation of cytoskeletal accessory proteins impact NK cell function in health and disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Batel Sabag
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Guy Biber
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Cantoni C, Wurzer H, Thomas C, Vitale M. Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1339-1360. [PMID: 32930468 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0820-652r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Biolato AM, Filali L, Wurzer H, Hoffmann C, Gargiulo E, Valitutti S, Thomas C. Actin remodeling and vesicular trafficking at the tumor cell side of the immunological synapse direct evasion from cytotoxic lymphocytes. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 356:99-130. [PMID: 33066877 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Michela Biolato
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Liza Filali
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, INSERM, Toulouse, France
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Céline Hoffmann
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Ernesto Gargiulo
- Tumor-Stroma Interactions, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg
| | - Salvatore Valitutti
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, INSERM, Toulouse, France; Department of Pathology, Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole, Toulouse, France.
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Biber G, Ben-Shmuel A, Sabag B, Barda-Saad M. Actin regulators in cancer progression and metastases: From structure and function to cytoskeletal dynamics. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 356:131-196. [PMID: 33066873 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cytoskeleton is a central factor contributing to various hallmarks of cancer. In recent years, there has been increasing evidence demonstrating the involvement of actin regulatory proteins in malignancy, and their dysregulation was shown to predict poor clinical prognosis. Although enhanced cytoskeletal activity is often associated with cancer progression, the expression of several inducers of actin polymerization is remarkably reduced in certain malignancies, and it is not completely clear how these changes promote tumorigenesis and metastases. The complexities involved in cytoskeletal induction of cancer progression therefore pose considerable difficulties for therapeutic intervention; it is not always clear which cytoskeletal regulator should be targeted in order to impede cancer progression, and whether this targeting may inadvertently enhance alternative invasive pathways which can aggravate tumor growth. The entire constellation of cytoskeletal machineries in eukaryotic cells are numerous and complex; the system is comprised of and regulated by hundreds of proteins, which could not be covered in a single review. Therefore, we will focus here on the actin cytoskeleton, which encompasses the biological machinery behind most of the key cellular functions altered in cancer, with specific emphasis on actin nucleating factors and nucleation-promoting factors. Finally, we discuss current therapeutic strategies for cancer which aim to target the cytoskeleton.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G Biber
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - A Ben-Shmuel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - B Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - M Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Modulation of the intracellular inhibitory checkpoint SHP-1 enhances the antitumor activity of engineered NK cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 18:1314-1316. [PMID: 32341521 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0443-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 04/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
|
35
|
Saeed MB, Record J, Westerberg LS. Two sides of the coin: Cytoskeletal regulation of immune synapses in cancer and primary immune deficiencies. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2020; 356:1-97. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
36
|
Abstract
Ptpn6 is a cytoplasmic phosphatase that functions to prevent autoimmune and interleukin-1 (IL-1) receptor-dependent, caspase-1-independent inflammatory disease. Conditional deletion of Ptpn6 in neutrophils (Ptpn6∆PMN) is sufficient to initiate IL-1 receptor-dependent cutaneous inflammatory disease, but the source of IL-1 and the mechanisms behind IL-1 release remain unclear. Here, we investigate the mechanisms controlling IL-1α/β release from neutrophils by inhibiting caspase-8-dependent apoptosis and Ripk1-Ripk3-Mlkl-regulated necroptosis. Loss of Ripk1 accelerated disease onset, whereas combined deletion of caspase-8 and either Ripk3 or Mlkl strongly protected Ptpn6∆PMN mice. Ptpn6∆PMN neutrophils displayed increased p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent Ripk1-independent IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor production, and were prone to cell death. Together, these data emphasize dual functions for Ptpn6 in the negative regulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase activation to control tumor necrosis factor and IL-1α/β expression, and in maintaining Ripk1 function to prevent caspase-8- and Ripk3-Mlkl-dependent cell death and concomitant IL-1α/β release.
Collapse
|
37
|
Membrane Organization and Physical Regulation of Lymphocyte Antigen Receptors: A Biophysicist's Perspective. J Membr Biol 2019; 252:397-412. [PMID: 31352492 DOI: 10.1007/s00232-019-00085-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Receptors at the membrane of immune cells are the central players of innate and adaptative immunity, providing effective defence mechanisms against pathogens or cancer cells. Their function is intimately linked to their position at and within the membrane which provides accessibility, mobility as well as membrane proximal cytoskeleton anchoring, all of these elements playing important roles in the final function and links to cellular actions. Understanding how immune cells integrate the specific signals received at their membrane to take a decision remains an immense challenge and a very active field of fundamental and applied research. Recent progress in imaging and micromanipulation techniques have led to an unprecedented refinement in the description of molecular structures and supramolecular assemblies at the immune cell membrane, and provided a glimpse into their dynamics and regulation by force. Several key elements have been scrutinized such as the roles of relative sizes of molecules, lateral organisation, motion in the membrane of the receptors, but also physical cues such as forces, mediated by cellular substrates of different rigidities or applied by the cell itself, in conjunction with its partner cell. We review here these recent discoveries associated with a description of the biophysical methods used. While a conclusive picture integrating all of these components is still lacking, mainly due to the implication of diverse and different mechanisms and spatio-temporal scales involved, the amount of quantitative data available opens the way for physical modelling and numerical simulations and new avenues for experimental research.
Collapse
|
38
|
González C, Chames P, Kerfelec B, Baty D, Robert P, Limozin L. Nanobody-CD16 Catch Bond Reveals NK Cell Mechanosensitivity. Biophys J 2019; 116:1516-1526. [PMID: 30979550 PMCID: PMC6486492 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2019.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Antibodies are key tools in biomedical research and medicine. Their binding properties are classically measured in solution and characterized by an affinity. However, in physiological conditions, antibodies can bridge an immune effector cell and an antigen-presenting cell, implying that mechanical forces may apply to the bonds. For example, in antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity-a major mode of action of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies-the Fab domains bind the antigens on the target cell, whereas the Fc domain binds to the activating receptor CD16 (also known as FcgRIII) of an immune effector cell, in a quasi-bidimensional environment (2D). Therefore, there is a strong need to investigate antigen/antibody binding under force (2D) to better understand and predict antibody activity in vivo. We used two anti-CD16 nanobodies targeting two different epitopes and laminar flow chamber assay to measure the association and dissociation of single bonds formed between microsphere-bound CD16 antigens and surface-bound anti-CD16 nanobodies (or single-domain antibodies), simulating 2D encounters. The two nanobodies exhibit similar 2D association kinetics, characterized by a strong dependence on the molecular encounter duration. However, their 2D dissociation kinetics strongly differ as a function of applied force: one exhibits a slip bond behavior in which off rate increases with force, and the other exhibits a catch-bond behavior in which off rate decreases with force. This is the first time, to our knowledge, that catch-bond behavior was reported for antigen-antibody bond. Quantification of natural killer cells spreading on surfaces coated with the nanobodies provides a comparison between 2D and three-dimensional adhesion in a cellular context, supporting the hypothesis of natural killer cell mechanosensitivity. Our results may also have strong implications for the design of efficient bispecific antibodies for therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina González
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, LAI, Laboratoire Adhesion et Inflammation, Marseille, France
| | - Patrick Chames
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Brigitte Kerfelec
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Baty
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, Marseille, France
| | - Philippe Robert
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, LAI, Laboratoire Adhesion et Inflammation, Marseille, France; Laboratoire d'Immunologie, Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille, Marseille, France.
| | - Laurent Limozin
- Aix Marseille Univ, CNRS, INSERM, LAI, Laboratoire Adhesion et Inflammation, Marseille, France.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Le Saux G, Schvartzman M. Advanced Materials and Devices for the Regulation and Study of NK Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E646. [PMID: 30717370 PMCID: PMC6386824 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that contribute to immune protection by cytosis, cytokine secretion, and regulation of adaptive responses of T cells. NK cells distinguish between healthy and ill cells, and generate a cytotoxic response, being cumulatively regulated by environmental signals delivered through their diverse receptors. Recent advances in biomaterials and device engineering paved the way to numerous artificial microenvironments for cells, which produce synthetic signals identical or similar to those provided by the physiological environment. In this paper, we review recent advances in materials and devices for artificial signaling, which have been applied to regulate NK cells, and systematically study the role of these signals in NK cell function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Le Saux
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.
| | - Mark Schvartzman
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 84105, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ben-Shmuel A, Joseph N, Sabag B, Barda-Saad M. Lymphocyte mechanotransduction: The regulatory role of cytoskeletal dynamics in signaling cascades and effector functions. J Leukoc Biol 2019; 105:1261-1273. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.mr0718-267r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology; Bar-Ilan University; The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences; Ramat-Gan Israel
| | - Noah Joseph
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology; Bar-Ilan University; The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences; Ramat-Gan Israel
| | - Batel Sabag
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology; Bar-Ilan University; The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences; Ramat-Gan Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology; Bar-Ilan University; The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences; Ramat-Gan Israel
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Le Saux G, Bar-Hanin N, Edri A, Hadad U, Porgador A, Schvartzman M. Nanoscale Mechanosensing of Natural Killer Cells is Revealed by Antigen-Functionalized Nanowires. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2019; 31:e1805954. [PMID: 30488552 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201805954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Revised: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Cells sense their environment by transducing mechanical stimuli into biochemical signals. Commonly used tools to study cell mechanosensing provide limited spatial and force resolution. Here, a novel nanowire-based platform for monitoring cell forces is reported. Nanowires are functionalized with ligands for cell immunoreceptors, and they are used to explore the mechanosensitivity of natural killer (NK) cells. In particular, it is found that NK cells apply centripetal forces to nanowires, and that the nanowires stimulate cell contraction. Based on the nanowire deformation, it is calculated that cells apply forces of down to 10 pN, which is the smallest value demonstrated so far by microstructured platforms for cell spreading. Furthermore, the roles of: i) nanowire topography and ii) activating ligands in the cell immune function are studied and it is found that only their combination produces enhanced population of activated NK cells. Thus, a mechanosensing mechanism of NK cells is proposed, by which they integrate biochemical and mechanical stimuli into a decision-making machinery analogous to the AND logic gate, whose output is the immune activation. This work reveals unprecedented mechanical aspects of NK cell immune function and introduces an innovative nanomaterial for studying cellular mechanics with unparalleled spatial and mechanical resolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Le Saux
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Netanel Bar-Hanin
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Avishay Edri
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Uzi Hadad
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| | - Mark Schvartzman
- Department of Materials Engineering, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
- Ilse Katz Institute for Nanoscale Science & Technology, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, 84105, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Roy NH, Burkhardt JK. The Actin Cytoskeleton: A Mechanical Intermediate for Signal Integration at the Immunological Synapse. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018; 6:116. [PMID: 30283780 PMCID: PMC6156151 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunological synapse (IS) is a specialized structure that serves as a platform for cell-cell communication between a T cell and an antigen-presenting cell (APC). Engagement of the T cell receptor (TCR) with cognate peptide-MHC complexes on the APC activates the T cell and instructs its differentiation. Proper T cell activation also requires engagement of additional receptor-ligand pairs, which promote sustained adhesion and deliver costimulatory signals. These events are orchestrated by T cell actin dynamics, which organize IS components and facilitate their signaling. The actin network flows from the edge of the cell inward, driving the centralization of TCR microclusters and providing the force to activate the integrin LFA-1. We recently showed that engagement of LFA-1 slows actin flow, and that this affects TCR signaling. This study highlights the physical nature of the IS, and contributes to a growing appreciation in the field that mechanosensing and mechanotransduction are essential for IS function. Additionally, it is becoming clear that there are multiple types of actin structures at the IS that promote signaling in distinct ways. How the different actin structures contribute to force production and mechanotransduction is just beginning to be explored. In this Perspective, we will feature recent work from our lab and others, that collectively points toward a model in which actin dynamics drive mechanical signaling and receptor crosstalk during T cell activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan H Roy
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Janis K Burkhardt
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ben-Shmuel A, Joseph N, Barda-Saad M. Commentary: Integrins Modulate T Cell Receptor Signaling by Constraining Actin Flow at the Immunological Synapse. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2110. [PMID: 30283450 PMCID: PMC6157412 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Noah Joseph
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, Israel
| |
Collapse
|