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Kuznetsova AV, Glukhova XA, Popova OP, Beletsky IP, Ivanov AA. Contemporary Approaches to Immunotherapy of Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2270. [PMID: 38927974 PMCID: PMC11201544 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16122270] [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: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the arrival of the immunotherapy industry has introduced the possibility of providing transformative, durable, and potentially curative outcomes for various forms of malignancies. However, further research has shown that there are a number of issues that significantly reduce the effectiveness of immunotherapy, especially in solid tumors. First of all, these problems are related to the protective mechanisms of the tumor and its microenvironment. Currently, major efforts are focused on overcoming protective mechanisms by using different adoptive cell therapy variants and modifications of genetically engineered constructs. In addition, a complex workforce is required to develop and implement these treatments. To overcome these significant challenges, innovative strategies and approaches are necessary to engineer more powerful variations of immunotherapy with improved antitumor activity and decreased toxicity. In this review, we discuss recent innovations in immunotherapy aimed at improving clinical efficacy in solid tumors, as well as strategies to overcome the limitations of various immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alla V. Kuznetsova
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Russian University of Medicine (Formerly A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bld 4, Dolgorukovskaya Str, 1127006 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (O.P.P.)
- Koltzov Institute of Developmental Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 26 Vavilov Street, 119334 Moscow, Russia
| | - Xenia A. Glukhova
- Onni Biotechnologies Ltd., Aalto University Campus, Metallimiehenkuja 10, 02150 Espoo, Finland; (X.A.G.); (I.P.B.)
| | - Olga P. Popova
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Russian University of Medicine (Formerly A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bld 4, Dolgorukovskaya Str, 1127006 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (O.P.P.)
| | - Igor P. Beletsky
- Onni Biotechnologies Ltd., Aalto University Campus, Metallimiehenkuja 10, 02150 Espoo, Finland; (X.A.G.); (I.P.B.)
| | - Alexey A. Ivanov
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Pathology, Russian University of Medicine (Formerly A.I. Evdokimov Moscow State University of Medicine and Dentistry), Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Bld 4, Dolgorukovskaya Str, 1127006 Moscow, Russia; (A.V.K.); (O.P.P.)
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2
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Huang M, Liu Y, Yan Q, Peng M, Ge J, Mo Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Zeng Z, Li Y, Fan C, Xiong W. NK cells as powerful therapeutic tool in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:733-757. [PMID: 38170381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00909-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have gained considerable attention and hold great potential for their application in tumor immunotherapy. This is mainly due to their MHC-unrestricted and pan-specific recognition capabilities, as well as their ability to rapidly respond to and eliminate target cells. To artificially generate therapeutic NK cells, various materials can be utilized, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and NK cell lines. Exploiting the therapeutic potential of NK cells to treat tumors through in vivo and in vitro therapeutic modalities has yielded positive therapeutic results. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive description of NK cell therapeutic approaches for tumors and discusses the current problems associated with these therapeutic approaches and the prospects of NK cell therapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Alkek Building, RM N720, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunmei Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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3
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Mitra A, Kumar A, Amdare NP, Pathak R. Current Landscape of Cancer Immunotherapy: Harnessing the Immune Arsenal to Overcome Immune Evasion. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:307. [PMID: 38785789 PMCID: PMC11118874 DOI: 10.3390/biology13050307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Cancer immune evasion represents a leading hallmark of cancer, posing a significant obstacle to the development of successful anticancer therapies. However, the landscape of cancer treatment has significantly evolved, transitioning into the era of immunotherapy from conventional methods such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and targeted drug therapy. Immunotherapy has emerged as a pivotal component in cancer treatment, harnessing the body's immune system to combat cancer and offering improved prognostic outcomes for numerous patients. The remarkable success of immunotherapy has spurred significant efforts to enhance the clinical efficacy of existing agents and strategies. Several immunotherapeutic approaches have received approval for targeted cancer treatments, while others are currently in preclinical and clinical trials. This review explores recent progress in unraveling the mechanisms of cancer immune evasion and evaluates the clinical effectiveness of diverse immunotherapy strategies, including cancer vaccines, adoptive cell therapy, and antibody-based treatments. It encompasses both established treatments and those currently under investigation, providing a comprehensive overview of efforts to combat cancer through immunological approaches. Additionally, the article emphasizes the current developments, limitations, and challenges in cancer immunotherapy. Furthermore, by integrating analyses of cancer immunotherapy resistance mechanisms and exploring combination strategies and personalized approaches, it offers valuable insights crucial for the development of novel anticancer immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Anoop Kumar
- Molecular Diagnostic Laboratory, National Institute of Biologicals, Noida 201309, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Nitin P. Amdare
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
| | - Rajiv Pathak
- Department of Genetics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, NY 10461, USA
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Benavente MCR, Hakeem ZA, Davis AR, Murray NB, Azadi P, Mace EM, Barb AW. Distinct CD16a features on human NK cells observed by flow cytometry correlate with increased ADCC. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7938. [PMID: 38575779 PMCID: PMC10995120 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-58541-6] [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: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells destroy tissue that have been opsonized with antibodies. Strategies to generate or identify cells with increased potency are expected to enhance NK cell-based immunotherapies. We previously generated NK cells with increased antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) following treatment with kifunensine, an inhibitor targeting mannosidases early in the N-glycan processing pathway. Kifunensine treatment also increased the antibody-binding affinity of Fc γ receptor IIIa/CD16a. Here we demonstrate that inhibiting NK cell N-glycan processing increased ADCC. We reduced N-glycan processing with the CRIPSR-CAS9 knockdown of MGAT1, another early-stage N-glycan processing enzyme, and showed that these cells likewise increased antibody binding affinity and ADCC. These experiments led to the observation that NK cells with diminished N-glycan processing capability also revealed a clear phenotype in flow cytometry experiments using the B73.1 and 3G8 antibodies binding two distinct CD16a epitopes. We evaluated this "affinity profiling" approach using primary NK cells and identified a distinct shift and differentiated populations by flow cytometry that correlated with increased ADCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria C Rodriguez Benavente
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, 120 E. Green St., 30602, Athens, GA, Georgia
| | - Zainab A Hakeem
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, 120 E. Green St., 30602, Athens, GA, Georgia
| | - Alexander R Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, 120 E. Green St., 30602, Athens, GA, Georgia
| | - Nathan B Murray
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, Georgia
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, 120 E. Green St., 30602, Athens, GA, Georgia
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, Georgia
| | - Emily M Mace
- Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adam W Barb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, 120 E. Green St., 30602, Athens, GA, Georgia.
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, Georgia.
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, Georgia.
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Page A, Chuvin N, Valladeau-Guilemond J, Depil S. Development of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies through receptor engineering. Cell Mol Immunol 2024; 21:315-331. [PMID: 38443448 PMCID: PMC10978891 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-024-01145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies are attracting increasing interest in the field of cancer treatment. Early clinical trials have shown promising outcomes, alongside satisfactory product efficacy and safety. Recent developments have greatly increased the therapeutic potential of NK cells by endowing them with enhanced recognition and cytotoxic capacities. This review focuses on surface receptor engineering in NK cell therapy and discusses its impact, challenges, and future directions.Most approaches are based on engineering with chimeric antigen receptors to allow NK cells to target specific tumor antigens independent of human leukocyte antigen restriction. This approach has increased the precision and potency of NK-mediated recognition and elimination of cancer cells. In addition, engineering NK cells with T-cell receptors also mediates the recognition of intracellular epitopes, which broadens the range of target peptides. Indirect tumor peptide recognition by NK cells has also been improved by optimizing immunoglobulin constant fragment receptor expression and signaling. Indeed, engineered NK cells have an improved ability to recognize and destroy target cells coated with specific antibodies, thereby increasing their antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity. The ability of NK cell receptor engineering to promote the expansion, persistence, and infiltration of transferred cells in the tumor microenvironment has also been explored. Receptor-based strategies for sustained NK cell functionality within the tumor environment have also been discussed, and these strategies providing perspectives to counteract tumor-induced immunosuppression.Overall, receptor engineering has led to significant advances in NK cell-based cancer immunotherapies. As technical challenges are addressed, these innovative treatments will likely reshape cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Page
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
| | | | - Jenny Valladeau-Guilemond
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France
| | - Stéphane Depil
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, UMR INSERM U1052 CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
- ErVimmune, Lyon, France.
- Centre Léon Bérard, Lyon, France.
- Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France.
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Eitler J, Rackwitz W, Wotschel N, Gudipati V, Murali Shankar N, Sidorenkova A, Huppa JB, Ortiz-Montero P, Opitz C, Künzel SR, Michen S, Temme A, Loureiro LR, Feldmann A, Bachmann M, Boissel L, Klingemann H, Wels WS, Tonn T. CAR-mediated targeting of NK cells overcomes tumor immune escape caused by ICAM-1 downregulation. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008155. [PMID: 38417916 PMCID: PMC10900364 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The antitumor activity of natural killer (NK) cells can be enhanced by specific targeting with therapeutic antibodies that trigger antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) or by genetic engineering to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Despite antibody or CAR targeting, some tumors remain resistant towards NK cell attack. While the importance of ICAM-1/LFA-1 interaction for natural cytotoxicity of NK cells is known, its impact on ADCC induced by the ErbB2 (HER2)-specific antibody trastuzumab and ErbB2-CAR-mediated NK cell cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells has not been investigated. METHODS Here we used NK-92 cells expressing high-affinity Fc receptor FcγRIIIa in combination with trastuzumab or ErbB2-CAR engineered NK-92 cells (NK-92/5.28.z) as well as primary human NK cells combined with trastuzumab or modified with the ErbB2-CAR and tested cytotoxicity against cancer cells varying in ICAM-1 expression or alternatively blocked LFA-1 on NK cells. Furthermore, we specifically stimulated Fc receptor, CAR and/or LFA-1 to study their crosstalk at the immunological synapse and their contribution to degranulation and intracellular signaling in antibody-targeted or CAR-targeted NK cells. RESULTS Blockade of LFA-1 or absence of ICAM-1 significantly reduced cell killing and cytokine release during trastuzumab-mediated ADCC against ErbB2-positive breast cancer cells, but not so in CAR-targeted NK cells. Pretreatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine induced ICAM-1 upregulation and reversed NK cell resistance in ADCC. Trastuzumab alone did not sufficiently activate NK cells and required additional LFA-1 co-stimulation, while activation of the ErbB2-CAR in CAR-NK cells induced efficient degranulation independent of LFA-1. Total internal reflection fluorescence single molecule imaging revealed that CAR-NK cells formed an irregular immunological synapse with tumor cells that excluded ICAM-1, while trastuzumab formed typical peripheral supramolecular activation cluster (pSMAC) structures. Mechanistically, the absence of ICAM-1 did not affect cell-cell adhesion during ADCC, but rather resulted in decreased signaling via Pyk2 and ERK1/2, which was intrinsically provided by CAR-mediated targeting. Furthermore, while stimulation of the inhibitory NK cell checkpoint molecule NKG2A markedly reduced FcγRIIIa/LFA-1-mediated degranulation, retargeting by CAR was only marginally affected. CONCLUSIONS Downregulation of ICAM-1 on breast cancer cells is a critical escape mechanism from trastuzumab-triggered ADCC. In contrast, CAR-NK cells are able to overcome cancer cell resistance caused by ICAM-1 reduction, highlighting the potential of CAR-NK cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiri Eitler
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Wiebke Rackwitz
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Natalie Wotschel
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Venugopal Gudipati
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nivedha Murali Shankar
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anastasia Sidorenkova
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Johannes B Huppa
- Medical University of Vienna, Center for Pathophysiology, Infectiology and Immunology, Institute for Hygiene and Applied Immunology, Vienna, Austria
| | - Paola Ortiz-Montero
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Corinna Opitz
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stephan R Künzel
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susanne Michen
- TU Dresden, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Experimental Neurosurgery and Tumor Immunology, Dresden, Germany
| | - Achim Temme
- TU Dresden, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Department of Neurosurgery, Division of Experimental Neurosurgery and Tumor Immunology, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany, National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Dresden, Germany
| | - Liliana Rodrigues Loureiro
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anja Feldmann
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Bachmann
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases Dresden (NCT/UCC), Dresden, Germany
| | | | | | - Winfried S Wels
- Georg-Speyer-Haus, Institute for Tumor Biology and Experimental Therapy, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, a partnership between DKFZ and University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Torsten Tonn
- Experimental Transfusion Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Transfusion Medicine Dresden, German Red Cross Blood Donation Service North-East, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Wang K, Wang L, Wang Y, Xiao L, Wei J, Hu Y, Wang D, Huang H. Reprogramming natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00027-3. [PMID: 38273655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen rapid development in the field of cellular immunotherapy, particularly in regard to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells. However, challenges, such as severe treatment-related toxicities and inconsistent quality of autologous products, have hindered the broader use of CAR-T cell therapy, highlighting the need to explore alternative immune cells for cancer targeting. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cells have been extensively studied in cellular immunotherapy and were found to exert cytotoxic effects without being restricted by human leukocyte antigen and have a lower risk of causing graft-versus-host disease; making them favorable for the development of readily available "off-the-shelf" products. Clinical trials utilizing unedited NK cells or reprogrammed NK cells have shown early signs of their effectiveness against tumors. However, limitations, including limited in vivo persistence and expansion potential, remained. To enhance the antitumor function of NK cells, advanced gene-editing technologies and combination approaches have been explored. In this review, we summarize current clinical trials of antitumor NK cell therapy, provide an overview of innovative strategies for reprogramming NK cells, which include improvements in persistence, cytotoxicity, trafficking and the ability to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and also discuss some potential combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linqin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jieping Wei
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yongxian Hu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Franzén AS, Boulifa A, Radecke C, Stintzing S, Raftery MJ, Pecher G. Next-Generation CEA-CAR-NK-92 Cells against Solid Tumors: Overcoming Tumor Microenvironment Challenges in Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:388. [PMID: 38254876 PMCID: PMC10814835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16020388] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) presents a formidable medical challenge, demanding innovative therapeutic strategies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cell therapy has emerged as a promising alternative to CAR T-cell therapy for cancer. A suitable tumor antigen target on CRC is carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), given its widespread expression and role in tumorigenesis and metastasis. CEA is known to be prolifically shed from tumor cells in a soluble form, thus hindering CAR recognition of tumors and migration through the TME. We have developed a next-generation CAR construct exclusively targeting cell-associated CEA, incorporating a PD1-checkpoint inhibitor and a CCR4 chemokine receptor to enhance homing and infiltration of the CAR-NK-92 cell line through the TME, and which does not induce fratricidal killing of CAR-NK-92-cells. To evaluate this therapeutic approach, we harnessed intricate 3D multicellular tumor spheroid models (MCTS), which emulate key elements of the TME. Our results demonstrate the effective cytotoxicity of CEA-CAR-NK-92 cells against CRC in colorectal cell lines and MCTS models. Importantly, minimal off-target activity against non-cancerous cell lines underscores the precision of this therapy. Furthermore, the integration of the CCR4 migration receptor augments homing by recognizing target ligands, CCL17 and CCL22. Notably, our CAR design results in no significant trogocytosis-induced fratricide. In summary, the proposed CEA-targeting CAR-NK cell therapy could offer a promising solution for CRC treatment, combining precision and efficacy in a tailored approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Sebastian Franzén
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Abdelhadi Boulifa
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Clarissa Radecke
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Sebastian Stintzing
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Martin J. Raftery
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gabriele Pecher
- Berlin Institute of Health at Charité, Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy (KITZ), Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumor Immunology, CCM, Charité–Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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9
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Li L, Li A, Jin H, Li M, Jia Q. Inhibitory receptors and checkpoints on NK cells: Implications for cancer immunotherapy. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155003. [PMID: 38042093 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
With the success of immunosuppressive checkpoint in tumor therapy, the corresponding adverse response and drug resistance defects have been exposed. T cells and NK cells are the body's immune system of the two substantial main forces. in recent years, study of T cell checkpoints appeared a certain block, such as PD-1 the effect not benign, on the distribution of NK cell surface excitatory and inhibitory receptors under normal conditions to maintain steady, could be targeted in the tumor treatment blockade have therapeutic effect. This paper reviews the function of NK cells and the effects of corresponding receptors in various types of tumors, providing a direction for the selection of appropriate gate control sites for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Cardiology, 2nd Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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10
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St‐Denis‐Bissonnette F, Cummings SE, Qiu S, Stalker A, Muradia G, Mehic J, Mediratta K, Kaczmarek S, Burger D, Lee S, Wang L, Lavoie JR. A clinically relevant large-scale biomanufacturing workflow to produce natural killer cells and natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles for cancer immunotherapy. J Extracell Vesicles 2023; 12:e12387. [PMID: 38054534 PMCID: PMC10698709 DOI: 10.1002/jev2.12387] [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: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (NK-EVs) have shown promising potential as biotherapeutics for cancer due to their unique attributes as cytotoxic nanovesicles against cancer cells and immune-modulatory activity towards immune cells. However, a biomanufacturing workflow is needed to produce clinical-grade NK-EVs for pre-clinical and clinical applications. This study established a novel biomanufacturing workflow using a closed-loop hollow-fibre bioreactor to continuously produce NK-EVs from the clinically relevant NK92-MI cell line under serum-free, Xeno-free and feeder-free conditions following GMP-compliant conditions. The NK92 cells grown in the bioreactor for three continuous production lots resulted in large quantities of both NK cell and NK-EV biotherapeutics at the end of each production lot (over 109 viable cells and 1013 EVs), while retaining their cytotoxic payload (granzyme B and perforin), pro-inflammatory cytokine (interferon-gamma) content and cytotoxicity against the human leukemic cell line K562 with limited off-target toxicity against healthy human fibroblast cells. This scalable biomanufacturing workflow has the potential to facilitate the clinical translation of adoptive NK cell-based and NK-EV-based immunotherapies for cancer with GMP considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederic St‐Denis‐Bissonnette
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs DirectorateHealth Products and Food Branch, Health CanadaOttawaONCanada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - Sarah E. Cummings
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs DirectorateHealth Products and Food Branch, Health CanadaOttawaONCanada
| | - Shirley Qiu
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs DirectorateHealth Products and Food Branch, Health CanadaOttawaONCanada
| | - Andrew Stalker
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs DirectorateHealth Products and Food Branch, Health CanadaOttawaONCanada
| | - Gauri Muradia
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs DirectorateHealth Products and Food Branch, Health CanadaOttawaONCanada
| | - Jelica Mehic
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs DirectorateHealth Products and Food Branch, Health CanadaOttawaONCanada
| | - Karan Mediratta
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems BiologyUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - Shelby Kaczmarek
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - Dylan Burger
- Kidney Research CentreOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaONCanada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - Seung‐Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
| | - Lisheng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Centre for Infection, Immunity and InflammationUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Ottawa Institute of Systems BiologyUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
- Regenerative Medicine ProgramOttawa Hospital Research InstituteOttawaONCanada
| | - Jessie R. Lavoie
- Centre for Oncology, Radiopharmaceuticals and Research, Biologic and Radiopharmaceutical Drugs DirectorateHealth Products and Food Branch, Health CanadaOttawaONCanada
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of OttawaOttawaONCanada
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11
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Wang Y, Jin S, Zhuang Q, Liu N, Chen R, Adam SA, Jin J, Sun J. Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cells: a promising antitumor immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2023; 4:e422. [PMID: 38045827 PMCID: PMC10691297 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.422] [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: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have been successfully used in adoptive cell therapy for malignancies. However, some obstacles, including side effects such as graft-versus-host disease and cytokine release syndrome, therapy resistance, limited sources, as well as high cost, limited the application of CAR T cells. Recently, CAR natural killer (NK) cells have been pursued as the effector cells for adoptive immunotherapy for their attractive merits of strong intrinsic antitumor activity and relatively mild side effects. Additionally, CAR NK cells can be available from various sources and do not require strict human leukocyte antigen matching, which suggests them as promising "off-the-shelf" products for clinical application. Although the use of CAR NK cells is restrained by the limited proliferation and impaired efficiency within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, further investigation in optimizing CAR structure and combination therapies will overcome these challenges. This review will summarize the advancement of CAR NK cells, CAR NK cell manufacture, the clinical outcomes of CAR NK therapy, the challenges in the field, and prospective solutions. Besides, we will discuss the emerging application of other immune cells for CAR engineering. Collectively, this comprehensive review will provide a valuable and informative summary of current progress and evaluate challenges and future opportunities of CAR NK cells in tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Shengjie Jin
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Qiqi Zhuang
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Na Liu
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Department of OncologyAffiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical UniversitySchool of Clinical MedicineWeifang Medical UniversityWeifangShandongChina
| | - Ruyi Chen
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Sofia Abdulkadir Adam
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jie Jin
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang University Cancer CenterHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological DisordersHangzhouZhejiangChina
| | - Jie Sun
- Department of HematologyThe First Affiliated HospitalZhejiang University School of MedicineHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Key Laboratory of Hematologic MalignanciesDiagnosis, and TreatmentHangzhouZhejiangChina
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Hematological DisordersHangzhouZhejiangChina
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12
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Fantini M, Arlen PM, Tsang KY. Potentiation of natural killer cells to overcome cancer resistance to NK cell-based therapy and to enhance antibody-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275904. [PMID: 38077389 PMCID: PMC10704476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cellular components of the innate immune system that can recognize and suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. NK cells can eliminate cancer cells through direct lysis, by secreting perforin and granzymes, or through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). ADCC involves the binding of the Fc gamma receptor IIIa (CD16), present on NK cells, to the constant region of an antibody already bound to cancer cells. Cancer cells use several mechanisms to evade antitumor activity of NK cells, including the accumulation of inhibitory cytokines, recruitment and expansion of immune suppressor cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), modulation of ligands for NK cells receptors. Several strategies have been developed to enhance the antitumor activity of NK cells with the goal of overcoming cancer cells resistance to NK cells. The three main strategies to engineer and boost NK cells cytotoxicity include boosting NK cells with modulatory cytokines, adoptive NK cell therapy, and the employment of engineered NK cells to enhance antibody-based immunotherapy. Although the first two strategies improved the efficacy of NK cell-based therapy, there are still some limitations, including immune-related adverse events, induction of immune-suppressive cells and further cancer resistance to NK cell killing. One strategy to overcome these issues is the combination of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that mediate ADCC and engineered NK cells with potentiated anti-cancer activity. The advantage of using mAbs with ADCC activity is that they can activate NK cells, but also favor the accumulation of immune effector cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Several clinical trials reported that combining engineered NK cells with mAbs with ADCC activity can result in a superior clinical response compared to mAbs alone. Next generation of clinical trials, employing engineered NK cells with mAbs with higher affinity for CD16 expressed on NK cells, will provide more effective and higher-quality treatments to cancer patients.
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13
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Lucero OM, Lee JA, Bowman J, Johnson K, Sapparapu G, Thomas JK, Fan G, Chang BH, Thiel-Klare K, Eide CA, Okada C, Palazzolo M, Lind E, Kosaka Y, Druker BJ, Lydon N, Bowers PM. Patient-Specific Targeting of the T-Cell Receptor Variable Region as a Therapeutic Strategy in Clonal T-Cell Diseases. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:4230-4241. [PMID: 37199721 PMCID: PMC10592575 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-0906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Targeted therapeutics are a goal of medicine. Methods for targeting T-cell lymphoma lack specificity for the malignant cell, leading to elimination of healthy cells. The T-cell receptor (TCR) is designed for antigen recognition. T-cell malignancies expand from a single clone that expresses one of 48 TCR variable beta (Vβ) genes, providing a distinct therapeutic target. We hypothesized that a mAb that is exclusive to a specific Vβ would eliminate the malignant clone while having minimal effects on healthy T cells. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We identified a patient with large granular T-cell leukemia and sequenced his circulating T-cell population, 95% of which expressed Vβ13.3. We developed a panel of anti-Vβ13.3 antibodies to test for binding and elimination of the malignant T-cell clone. RESULTS Therapeutic antibody candidates bound the malignant clone with high affinity. Antibodies killed engineered cell lines expressing the patient TCR Vβ13.3 by antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and TCR-mediated activation-induced cell death, and exhibited specific killing of patient malignant T cells in combination with exogenous natural killer cells. EL4 cells expressing the patient's TCR Vβ13.3 were also killed by antibody administration in an in vivo murine model. CONCLUSIONS This approach serves as an outline for development of therapeutics that can treat clonal T-cell-based malignancies and potentially other T-cell-mediated diseases. See related commentary by Varma and Diefenbach, p. 4024.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivia M Lucero
- Department of Dermatology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Ji-Ann Lee
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jenna Bowman
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kara Johnson
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Gopal Sapparapu
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - John K Thomas
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Guang Fan
- Department of Pathology and Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Bill H Chang
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Karina Thiel-Klare
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Christopher A Eide
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Craig Okada
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Mike Palazzolo
- Clinical and Translational Science Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Evan Lind
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Yoko Kosaka
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Brian J Druker
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- Division of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon
- VB Therapeutics LLC, Jackson, Wyoming
| | | | - Peter M Bowers
- Therapeutic Antibody Laboratory, Department of Pulmonology and Critical Care, David Geffen School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California
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14
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Benavente MCR, Hughes HB, Kremer PG, Subedi GP, Barb AW. Inhibiting N-glycan processing increases the antibody binding affinity and effector function of human natural killer cells. Immunology 2023; 170:202-213. [PMID: 37218360 PMCID: PMC10524233 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13662] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Novel approaches are required to improve the efficacy of immunotherapies and increase the proportion of patients who experience a benefit. Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) contributes to the efficacy of many monoclonal antibodies therapies. Natural killer (NK) cells mediate ADCC, though responses are highly variable and depend on prior treatment as well as other factors. Thus, strategies to increase NK cell activity are expected to improve multiple therapies. Both cytokine treatment and NK cell receptor engineering are being explored to increase ADCC. Post-translational modifications, including glycosylation, are widely recognized as mediators of cellular processes but minimally explored as an alternative strategy to increase ADCC. We evaluated the impact of treatment with kifunensine, an inhibitor of asparagine-linked (N-)glycan processing, on ADCC using primary and cultured human NK cells. We also probed affinity using binding assays and CD16a structure with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Treating primary human NK cells and cultured YTS-CD16a cells with kifunensine doubled ADCC in a CD16a-dependent manner. Kifunensine treatment also increased the antibody-binding affinity of CD16a on the NK cell surface. Structural interrogation identified a single CD16a region, proximal to the N162 glycan and the antibody-binding interface, perturbed by the N-glycan composition. The observed increase in NK cell activity following kifunensine treatment synergized with afucosylated antibodies, further increasing ADCC by an additional 33%. These results demonstrate native N-glycan processing is an important factor that limits NK cell ADCC. Furthermore, optimal antibody and CD16a glycoforms are defined that provide the greatest ADCC activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harrison B. Hughes
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Paul G. Kremer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
| | - Ganesh P. Subedi
- Roy J Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
| | - Adam W. Barb
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Roy J Carver Department of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology, Iowa State University, Ames, IA
- Department of Chemistry, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, GA
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15
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Merino A, Maakaron J, Bachanova V. Advances in NK cell therapy for hematologic malignancies: NK source, persistence and tumor targeting. Blood Rev 2023; 60:101073. [PMID: 36959057 PMCID: PMC10979648 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2023.101073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells yield promise in therapy of hematologic malignancies. The clinical experience with adoptively transferred allogeneic NK cells over past two decades has revealed safety and minimal risk of CRS or ICANS. Unlike T cells which have to be genetically altered to avoid graft vs host disease (GVHD), HLA mismatched NK cells can be infused without GVHD risk. This makes them ideal for the development of off-the-shelf products. In this review we focus on NK biology relevant to the cancer therapy, the trajectory of NK therapeutics for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma; and advantages of the NK cell platform. We will also discuss novel methods to enhance NK cell targeting, persistence, and function in the tumor microenvironment. The future of NK cell therapy depends on novel strategies to realize these qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee Merino
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Joseph Maakaron
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America
| | - Veronika Bachanova
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, 420 Delaware St, Minneapolis, MN, United States of America.
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16
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Cruz Amaya J, Walcheck B, Smith-Gagen J, Lombardi VC, Hudig D. Detection of Antibody-Dependent Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity-Supporting Antibodies by NK-92-CD16A Cell Externalization of CD107a: Recognition of Antibody Afucosylation and Assay Optimization. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:44. [PMID: 37489366 PMCID: PMC10366760 DOI: 10.3390/antib12030044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by natural killer (NK) lymphocytes eliminates cells infected with viruses. Anti-viral ADCC requires three components: (1) antibody; (2) effector lymphocytes with the Fc-IgG receptor CD16A; and (3) viral proteins in infected cell membranes. Fc-afucosylated antibodies bind with greater affinity to CD16A than fucosylated antibodies; individuals' variation in afucosylation contributes to differences in ADCC. Current assays for afucosylated antibodies involve expensive methods. We report an improved bioassay for antibodies that supports ADCC, which encompasses afucosylation. This assay utilizes the externalization of CD107a by NK-92-CD16A cells after antibody recognition. We used anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, GA101 WT or glycoengineered (GE), 10% or ~50% afucosylated, and CD20-positive Raji target cells. CD107a increased detection 7-fold compared to flow cytometry to detect Raji-bound antibodies. WT and GE antibody effective concentrations (EC50s) for CD107a externalization differed by 20-fold, with afucosylated GA101-GE more detectable. The EC50s for CD107a externalization vs. 51Cr cell death were similar for NK-92-CD16A and blood NK cells. Notably, the % CD107a-positive cells were negatively correlated with dead Raji cells and were nearly undetectable at high NK:Raji ratios required for cytotoxicity. This bioassay is very sensitive and adaptable to assess anti-viral antibodies but unsuitable as a surrogate assay to monitor cell death after ADCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith Cruz Amaya
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Bruce Walcheck
- Department of Veterinary and Biological Sciences, Center for Immunology and Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, 295J AS/VM Building, 1988 Fitch Avenue, Saint Paul, MN 55108, USA
| | - Julie Smith-Gagen
- School of Community Health Sciences, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Vincent C. Lombardi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
| | - Dorothy Hudig
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV 89557, USA
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17
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Addressing Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction and Plasticity in Cell-Based Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061743. [PMID: 36980629 PMCID: PMC10046032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC), known for their role as killers of stressed, cancerous, and virally infected cells. Beyond this cytotoxic function, NK cell subsets can influence broader immune responses through cytokine production and have been linked to central roles in non-immune processes, such as the regulation of vascular remodeling in pregnancy and cancer. Attempts to exploit the anti-tumor functions of NK cells have driven the development of various NK cell-based therapies, which have shown promise in both pre-clinical disease models and early clinical trials. However, certain elements of the tumor microenvironment, such as elevated transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, hypoxia, and indoalemine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), are known to suppress NK cell function, potentially limiting the longevity and activity of these approaches. Recent studies have also identified these factors as contributors to NK cell plasticity, defined by the conversion of classical cytotoxic NK cells into poorly cytotoxic, tissue-resident, or ILC1-like phenotypes. This review summarizes the current approaches for NK cell-based cancer therapies and examines the challenges presented by tumor-linked NK cell suppression and plasticity. Ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges are discussed, along with the potential utility of NK cell therapies to applications outside cancer.
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18
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Nikkhoi SK, Li G, Eleya S, Yang G, Vandavasi VG, Hatefi A. Bispecific killer cell engager with high affinity and specificity toward CD16a on NK cells for cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1039969. [PMID: 36685519 PMCID: PMC9852913 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1039969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The Fc region of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) interacts with the CD16a receptor on natural killer (NK) cells with "low affinity" and "low selectivity". This low affinity/selectivity interaction results in not only suboptimal anticancer activity but also induction of adverse effects. CD16a on NK cells binds to the antibody-coated cells, leading to antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Recent clinical data have shown that the increased binding affinity between mAb Fc region and CD16a receptor is responsible for significantly improved therapeutic outcomes. Therefore, the objective of this study was to develop a bispecific killer cell engager (BiKE) with high affinity and specificity/selectivity toward CD16a receptor for NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Methods To engineer BiKE, a llama was immunized, then high binding anti-CD16a and anti-HER2 VHH clones were isolated using phage display. ELISA, flow cytometry, and biolayer interferometry (BLI) data showed that the isolated anti-CD16a VHH has high affinity (sub-nanomolar) toward CD16a antigen without cross-reactivity with CD16b-NA1 on neutrophils or CD32b on B cells. Similarly, the data showed that the isolated anti-HER2 VHH has high affinity/specificity toward HER2 antigen. Using a semi-flexible linker, anti-HER2 VHH was recombinantly fused with anti-CD16a VHH to create BiKE:HER2/CD16a. Then, the ability of BiKE:HER2/CD16a to activate NK cells to release cytokines and kill HER2+ cancer cells was measured. As effector cells, both high-affinity haNK92 (CD16+, V176) and low-affinity laNK92 (CD16+, F176) cells were used. Results and discussion The data showed that the engineered BiKE:HER2/CD16a activates haNK92 and laNK92 cells to release cytokines much greater than best-in-class mAbs in the clinic. The cytotoxicity data also showed that the developed BiKE induces higher ADCC to both ovarian and breast cancer cells in comparison to Trazimera™ (trastuzumab). According to the BLI data, BiKE:HER2/CD16 recognizes a different epitope on CD16a antigen than IgG-based mAbs; thus, it provides the opportunity for not only monotherapy but also combination therapy with other antibody drugs such as checkpoint inhibitors and antibody-drug conjugates. Taken together, the data demonstrate the creation of a novel BiKE with high affinity and specificity toward CD16a on NK cells with the potential to elicit a superior therapeutic response in patients with HER2+ cancer than existing anti-HER2 mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Geng Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Suha Eleya
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Ge Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Venu Gopal Vandavasi
- Department of Chemistry, Biophysics Core Facility, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
| | - Arash Hatefi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, United States
- Cancer Pharmacology Program, Cancer Institute of New Jersey, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ, United States
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19
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Klingemann H. The NK-92 cell line-30 years later: its impact on natural killer cell research and treatment of cancer. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:451-457. [PMID: 36610812 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 12/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The NK-92 cell line, established in 1992, mirrors all the characteristics of highly active blood natural killer (NK) cells but with much broader and greater cytotoxicity. The cell line was established from the blood cells of a patient with lymphoma and has been made widely available for research since it was deposited into the American Type Culture Collection in 1998. The worldwide distribution of NK-92 cells has led to a plethora of scientific discoveries that have greatly increased the understanding of NK-cell biology. NK-92 cells also have been developed for clinical use, overcoming the challenges of obtaining and expanding NK cells from donor or patient blood. More than 100 patients with cancer have now been treated all over the world with unmodified or genetically engineered NK-92 cells. Modified cells include high-affinity Fc-receptor expressing NK-92 cells (haNKR) and various chimeric antigen receptor targeted haNK cells (t-haNKTM). Infusions of either unmodified or modified NK-92 cells have been reported to be safe and efficacious, leading in some cases to disease remission even in patients who had failed multiple previous lines of therapy. It is the purpose of this review to distill the plethora of scientific data on NK-92 cells and its genetic variants, highlighting relevant experimental findings that have contributed to a better understanding of NK cell biology and summarize the therapeutic potential of these cells for treatment of cancer and infections.
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20
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Ghazvinian Z, Abdolahi S, Tokhanbigli S, Tarzemani S, Piccin A, Reza Zali M, Verdi J, Baghaei K. Contribution of natural killer cells in innate immunity against colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1077053. [PMID: 36686835 PMCID: PMC9846259 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1077053] [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: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are members of the innate immune system and promote cytotoxic activity against tumor or infected cells independently from MHC recognition. NK cells are modulated by the expression of activator/inhibitory receptors. The ratio of this activator/inhibitory receptors is responsible for the cytotoxic activity of NK cells toward the target cells. Owing to the potent anti-tumor properties of NK cells, they are considered as interesting approach in tumor treatment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death in the world and the incidence is about 2 million new cases per year. Metastatic CRC is accompanied by a poor prognosis with less than three years of overall survival. Chemotherapy and surgery are the most adopted treatments. Besides, targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockade are novel approach to CRC treatment. In these patients, circulating NK cells are a prognostic marker. The main target of CRC immune cell therapy is to improve the tumor cell's recognition and elimination by immune cells. Adaptive NK cell therapy is the milestone to achieve the purpose. Allogeneic NK cell therapy has been widely investigated within clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the NK related approaches including CAR NK cells, cell-based vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory drugs against CRC tumoral cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ghazvinian
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Abdolahi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Tarzemani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Piccin
- Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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21
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Gustafson MP, Ligon JA, Bersenev A, McCann CD, Shah NN, Hanley PJ. Emerging frontiers in immuno- and gene therapy for cancer. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:20-32. [PMID: 36280438 PMCID: PMC9790040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.10.002] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The field of cell and gene therapy in oncology has moved rapidly since 2017 when the first cell and gene therapies, Kymriah followed by Yescarta, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, followed by multiple other countries. Since those approvals, several new products have gone on to receive approval for additional indications. Meanwhile, efforts have been made to target different cancers, improve the logistics of delivery and reduce the cost associated with novel cell and gene therapies. Here, we highlight various cell and gene therapy-related technologies and advances that provide insight into how these new technologies will speed the translation of these therapies into the clinic. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we provide a broad overview of the current state of cell and gene therapy-based approaches for cancer treatment - discussing various effector cell types and their sources, recent advances in both CAR and non-CAR genetic modifications, and highlighting a few promising approaches for increasing in vivo efficacy and persistence of therapeutic drug products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Gustafson
- Immuno-Gene Therapy Committee, International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - John A Ligon
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alexey Bersenev
- Immuno-Gene Therapy Committee, International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chase D McCann
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nirali N Shah
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick J Hanley
- Immuno-Gene Therapy Committee, International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy; Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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22
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Ghaedrahmati F, Esmaeil N, Abbaspour M. Targeting immune checkpoints: how to use natural killer cells for fighting against solid tumors. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 43:177-213. [PMID: 36585761 PMCID: PMC9926962 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique innate immune cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses. Thus, they might hold great potential for cancer immunotherapy. NK cell adoptive immunotherapy in humans has shown modest efficacy. In particular, it has failed to demonstrate therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of solid tumors, possibly due in part to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which reduces NK cell immunotherapy's efficiencies. It is known that immune checkpoints play a prominent role in creating an immunosuppressive TME, leading to NK cell exhaustion and tumor immune escape. Therefore, NK cells must be reversed from their dysfunctional status and increased in their effector roles in order to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Blockade of immune checkpoints can not only rescue NK cells from exhaustion but also augment their robust anti-tumor activity. In this review, we discussed immune checkpoint blockade strategies with a focus on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells to redirect NK cells to cancer cells in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhoodeh Ghaedrahmati
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran,Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non‐Communicable DiseaseIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Maryam Abbaspour
- Department of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyFaculty of PharmacyIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
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23
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CAR-NK as a Rapidly Developed and Efficient Immunotherapeutic Strategy against Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010117. [PMID: 36612114 PMCID: PMC9817948 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cell therapy has been rapidly developing in recent years, ultimately revolutionizing immunotherapeutic strategies and providing significant anti-tumor potency, mainly in treating hematological neoplasms. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and other adverse effects, such as cytokine release syndromes (CRS) and neurotoxicity associated with CAR-T cell infusion, have raised some concerns about the broad application of this therapy. Natural killer (NK) cells have been identified as promising alternative platforms for CAR-based therapies because of their unique features, such as a lack of human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matching restriction, superior safety, and better anti-tumor activity when compared with CAR-T cells. The lack of CRS, neurotoxicity, or GVHD, in the case of CAR-NK therapy, in addition to the possibility of using allogeneic NK cells as a CAR platform for "off-the-shelf" therapy, opens new windows for strategic opportunities. This review underlines recent design achievements in CAR constructs and summarizes preclinical studies' results regarding CAR-NK therapies' safety and anti-tumor potency. Additionally, new approaches in CAR-NK technology are briefly described, and currently registered clinical trials are listed.
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24
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Leveraging Natural Killer Cell Innate Immunity against Hematologic Malignancies: From Stem Cell Transplant to Adoptive Transfer and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010204. [PMID: 36613644 PMCID: PMC9820370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010204] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous recent advancements in T-cell based immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies. In the race towards the first approved allogeneic cellular therapy product, there is growing interest in utilizing natural killer (NK) cells as a platform for off-the-shelf cellular therapies due to their scalable manufacturing potential, potent anti-tumor efficacy, and superior safety profile. Allogeneic NK cell therapies are now being actively explored in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and adoptive transfer. Increasingly sophisticated gene editing techniques have permitted the engineering of chimeric antigen receptors, ectopic cytokine expression, and tumor recognition signals to improve the overall cytotoxicity of NK cell therapies. Furthermore, the enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity has been achieved through the use of NK cell engagers and combination regimens with monoclonal antibodies that act synergistically with CD16-expressing NK cells. Finally, a greater understanding of NK cell biology and the mechanisms of resistance have allowed the preclinical development of NK checkpoint blockade and methods to modulate the tumor microenvironment, which have been evaluated in early phase trials. This review will discuss the recent clinical advancements in NK cell therapies in hematologic malignancies as well as promising avenues of future research.
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25
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Biederstädt A, Manzar GS, Daher M. Multiplexed engineering and precision gene editing in cellular immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1063303. [PMID: 36483551 PMCID: PMC9723254 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1063303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The advent of cellular immunotherapy in the clinic has entirely redrawn the treatment landscape for a growing number of human cancers. Genetically reprogrammed immune cells, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified immune effector cells as well as T cell receptor (TCR) therapy, have demonstrated remarkable responses across different hard-to-treat patient populations. While these novel treatment options have had tremendous success in providing long-term remissions for a considerable fraction of treated patients, a number of challenges remain. Limited in vivo persistence and functional exhaustion of infused immune cells as well as tumor immune escape and on-target off-tumor toxicities are just some examples of the challenges which restrain the potency of today's genetically engineered cell products. Multiple engineering strategies are being explored to tackle these challenges.The advent of multiplexed precision genome editing has in recent years provided a flexible and highly modular toolkit to specifically address some of these challenges by targeted genetic interventions. This class of next-generation cellular therapeutics aims to endow engineered immune cells with enhanced functionality and shield them from immunosuppressive cues arising from intrinsic immune checkpoints as well as the hostile tumor microenvironment (TME). Previous efforts to introduce additional genetic modifications into immune cells have in large parts focused on nuclease-based tools like the CRISPR/Cas9 system or TALEN. However, nuclease-inactive platforms including base and prime editors have recently emerged and promise a potentially safer route to rewriting genetic sequences and introducing large segments of transgenic DNA without inducing double-strand breaks (DSBs). In this review, we discuss how these two exciting and emerging fields-cellular immunotherapy and precision genome editing-have co-evolved to enable a dramatic expansion in the possibilities to engineer personalized anti-cancer treatments. We will lay out how various engineering strategies in addition to nuclease-dependent and nuclease-inactive precision genome editing toolkits are increasingly being applied to overcome today's limitations to build more potent cellular therapeutics. We will reflect on how novel information-rich unbiased discovery approaches are continuously deepening our understanding of fundamental mechanisms governing tumor biology. We will conclude with a perspective of how multiplexed-engineered and gene edited cell products may upend today's treatment paradigms as they evolve into the next generation of more potent cellular immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Biederstädt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Medicine III, Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gohar Shahwar Manzar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - May Daher
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
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26
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Lamers-Kok N, Panella D, Georgoudaki AM, Liu H, Özkazanc D, Kučerová L, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Raimo M. Natural killer cells in clinical development as non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:164. [DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are unique immune effectors able to kill cancer cells by direct recognition of surface ligands, without prior sensitization. Allogeneic NK transfer is a highly valuable treatment option for cancer and has recently emerged with hundreds of clinical trials paving the way to finally achieve market authorization. Advantages of NK cell therapies include the use of allogenic cell sources, off-the-shelf availability, and no risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Allogeneic NK cell therapies have reached the clinical stage as ex vivo expanded and differentiated non-engineered cells, as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered or CD16-engineered products, or as combination therapies with antibodies, priming agents, and other drugs. This review summarizes the recent clinical status of allogeneic NK cell-based therapies for the treatment of hematological and solid tumors, discussing the main characteristics of the different cell sources used for NK product development, their use in cell manufacturing processes, the engineering methods and strategies adopted for genetically modified products, and the chosen approaches for combination therapies. A comparative analysis between NK-based non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies is presented, examining the choices made by product developers regarding the NK cell source and the targeted tumor indications, for both solid and hematological cancers. Clinical trial outcomes are discussed and, when available, assessed in comparison with preclinical data. Regulatory challenges for product approval are reviewed, highlighting the lack of specificity of requirements and standardization between products. Additionally, the competitive landscape and business field is presented. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the effort driven by biotech and pharmaceutical companies and by academic centers to bring NK cell therapies to pivotal clinical trial stages and to market authorization.
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27
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Santiago-Sánchez GS, Hodge JW, Fabian KP. Tipping the scales: Immunotherapeutic strategies that disrupt immunosuppression and promote immune activation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:993624. [PMID: 36159809 PMCID: PMC9492957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.993624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as an effective therapeutic approach for several cancer types. However, only a subset of patients exhibits a durable response due in part to immunosuppressive mechanisms that allow tumor cells to evade destruction by immune cells. One of the hallmarks of immune suppression is the paucity of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), characterized by low numbers of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Additionally, the proper activation and function of lymphocytes that successfully infiltrate the tumor are hampered by the lack of co-stimulatory molecules and the increase in inhibitory factors. These contribute to the imbalance of effector functions by natural killer (NK) and T cells and the immunosuppressive functions by myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the TME, resulting in a dysfunctional anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, therapeutic regimens that elicit immune responses and reverse immune dysfunction are required to counter immune suppression in the TME and allow for the re-establishment of proper immune surveillance. Immuno-oncology (IO) agents, such as immune checkpoint blockade and TGF-β trapping molecules, have been developed to decrease or block suppressive factors to enable the activity of effector cells in the TME. Therapeutic agents that target immunosuppressive cells, either by direct lysis or altering their functions, have also been demonstrated to decrease the barrier to effective immune response. Other therapies, such as tumor antigen-specific vaccines and immunocytokines, have been shown to activate and improve the recruitment of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells to the tumor, resulting in improved T effector to Treg ratio. The preclinical data on these diverse IO agents have led to the development of ongoing phase I and II clinical trials. This review aims to provide an overview of select therapeutic strategies that tip the balance from immunosuppression to immune activity in the TME.
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28
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Liu S, Nguyen K, Park D, Wong N, Wang A, Zhou Y, Cui Y. Harnessing natural killer cells to develop next‐generation cellular immunotherapy. Chronic Dis Transl Med 2022; 8:245-255. [DOI: 10.1002/cdt3.40] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Siyao Liu
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology Texas A&M University Houston Texas USA
| | - Kaycee Nguyen
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology Texas A&M University Houston Texas USA
| | - Dongyong Park
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology Texas A&M University Houston Texas USA
| | - Nelson Wong
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology Texas A&M University Houston Texas USA
| | - Anson Wang
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology Texas A&M University Houston Texas USA
| | - Yubin Zhou
- Center for Translational Cancer Research, Institute of Biosciences and Technology Texas A&M University Houston Texas USA
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine Texas A&M University Houston Texas USA
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Harnessing natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy: dispatching the first responders. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:559-577. [PMID: 35314852 PMCID: PMC10019065 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have crucial roles in the innate immunosurveillance of cancer and viral infections. They are 'first responders' that can spontaneously recognize abnormal cells in the body, rapidly eliminate them through focused cytotoxicity mechanisms and potently produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that recruit and activate other immune cells to initiate an adaptive response. From the initial discovery of the diverse cell surface receptors on NK cells to the characterization of regulatory events that control their function, our understanding of the basic biology of NK cells has improved dramatically in the past three decades. This advanced knowledge has revealed increased mechanistic complexity, which has opened the doors to the development of a plethora of exciting new therapeutics that can effectively manipulate and target NK cell functional responses, particularly in cancer patients. Here, we summarize the basic mechanisms that regulate NK cell biology, review a wide variety of drugs, cytokines and antibodies currently being developed and used to stimulate NK cell responses, and outline evolving NK cell adoptive transfer approaches to treat cancer.
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30
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Duhen T, Gough MJ, Leidner RS, Stanton SE. Development and therapeutic manipulation of the head and neck cancer tumor environment to improve clinical outcomes. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 3:902160. [PMID: 35937775 PMCID: PMC9354490 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2022.902160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical response to cancer therapies involves the complex interplay between the systemic, tumoral, and stromal immune response as well as the direct impact of treatments on cancer cells. Each individual's immunological and cancer histories are different, and their carcinogen exposures may differ. This means that even though two patients with oral tumors may carry an identical mutation in TP53, they are likely to have different pre-existing immune responses to their tumors. These differences may arise due to their distinct accessory mutations, genetic backgrounds, and may relate to clinical factors including previous chemotherapy exposure and concurrent medical comorbidities. In isolation, their cancer cells may respond similarly to cancer therapy, but due to their baseline variability in pre-existing immune responses, patients can have different responses to identical therapies. In this review we discuss how the immune environment of tumors develops, the critical immune cell populations in advanced cancers, and how immune interventions can manipulate the immune environment of patients with pre-malignancies or advanced cancers to improve therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Michael J. Gough
- Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, OR, United States
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31
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Joshi S, Sharabi A. Targeting myeloid-derived suppressor cells to enhance natural killer cell-based immunotherapy. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 235:108114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
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32
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Advances of research of Fc-fusion protein that activate NK cells for tumor immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108783. [PMID: 35561479 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The rapid development of bioengineering technology has introduced Fc-fusion proteins, representing a novel kind of recombinant protein, as promising biopharmaceutical products in tumor therapy. Numerous related anti-tumor Fc-fusion proteins have been investigated and are in different stages of development. Fc-fusion proteins are constructed by fusing the Fc-region of the antibody with functional proteins or peptides. They retain the bioactivity of the latter and partial properties of the former. This structural and functional advantage makes Fc-fusion proteins an effective tool in tumor immunotherapy, especially for the recruitment and activation of natural killer (NK) cells, which play a critical role in tumor immunotherapy. Even though tumor cells have developed mechanisms to circumvent the cytotoxic effect of NK cells or induce defective NK cells, Fc-fusion proteins have been proven to effectively activate NK cells to kill tumor cells in different ways, such as antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), activate NK cells in different ways in order to promote killing of tumor cells. In this review, we focus on NK cell-based immunity for cancers and current research progress of the Fc-fusion proteins for anti-tumor therapy by activating NK cells.
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Ligon JA, Wessel KM, Shah NN, Glod J. Adoptive Cell Therapy in Pediatric and Young Adult Solid Tumors: Current Status and Future Directions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:846346. [PMID: 35273619 PMCID: PMC8901720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.846346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advances from novel adoptive cellular therapies have yet to be fully realized for the treatment of children and young adults with solid tumors. This review discusses the strategies and preliminary results, including T-cell, NK-cell and myeloid cell-based therapies. While each of these approaches have shown some early promise, there remain challenges. These include poor trafficking to the tumor as well as a hostile tumor microenvironment with numerous immunosuppressive mechanisms which result in exhaustion of cellular therapies. We then turn our attention to new strategies proposed to address these challenges including novel clinical trials that are ongoing and in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- John A Ligon
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Kristin M Wessel
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nirali N Shah
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - John Glod
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
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Maddineni S, Silberstein JL, Sunwoo JB. Emerging NK cell therapies for cancer and the promise of next generation engineering of iPSC-derived NK cells. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-004693. [PMID: 35580928 PMCID: PMC9115029 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy is a rapidly advancing approach to cancer immunotherapy that seeks to facilitate antitumor responses by introducing potent effector cells into the tumor microenvironment. Expanded autologous T cells, particularly T cells with engineered T cell receptors (TCR) and chimeric antigen receptor-T cells have had success in various hematologic malignancies but have faced challenges when applied to solid tumors. As a result, other immune subpopulations may provide valuable and orthogonal options for treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells offer the possibility of significant tumor clearance and recruitment of additional immune subpopulations without the need for prior antigen presentation like in T or B cells that could require removal of endogenous antigen specificity mediated via the T cell receptor (TCR and/or the B ecll receptor (BCR). In recent years, NK cells have been demonstrated to be increasingly important players in the immune response against cancer. Here, we review multiple avenues for allogeneic NK cell therapy, including derivation of NK cells from peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood, the NK-92 immortalized cell line, and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). We also describe the potential of engineering iPSC-derived NK cells and the utility of this platform. Finally, we consider the benefits and drawbacks of each approach and discuss recent developments in the manufacturing and genetic or metabolic engineering of NK cells to have robust and prolonged antitumor responses in preclinical and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sainiteesh Maddineni
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - John L Silberstein
- Program in Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA.,Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - John B Sunwoo
- Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, California, USA
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Kotzur R, Duev-Cohen A, Kol I, Reches A, Mandelboim O, Stein N. NK-92 cells retain vitality and functionality when grown in standard cell culture conditions. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0264897. [PMID: 35294457 PMCID: PMC8926178 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0264897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NK-92 cells are an off-the-shelf, cell-based immunotherapy currently in clinical trials for a variety of cancer types. As the most 'NK-like' cell line available, it is also an important research tool. To date, NK-92 cells have been cultivated in a costly and time-consumingly prepared specialized medium, complicating research with these cells. Here we show that NK-92 cells grow in the comparatively user-friendly RPMI medium supplemented with IL-2. We demonstrate that their metabolic activity and replication rates are even improved in RPMI. Furthermore, they can be grown in cell culture dishes and do not need to be expanded in ventilated flasks. We show that in RPMI the cells retain functional characteristics relating to receptor expression, IFN-γ secretion, and killing. Our findings will enable more researchers to work with and manipulate this cell line, hopefully leading to further discoveries and improved therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Kotzur
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Alexandra Duev-Cohen
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Inbal Kol
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Adi Reches
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer Mandelboim
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail: (OM); (NS)
| | - Natan Stein
- The Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Institute for Medical Research Israel-Canada, The Hebrew University Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
- * E-mail: (OM); (NS)
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36
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Navarrete-Galvan L, Guglielmo M, Cruz Amaya J, Smith-Gagen J, Lombardi VC, Merica R, Hudig D. Optimizing NK-92 serial killers: gamma irradiation, CD95/Fas-ligation, and NK or LAK attack limit cytotoxic efficacy. J Transl Med 2022; 20:151. [PMID: 35366943 PMCID: PMC8976335 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03350-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The NK cell line NK-92 and its genetically modified variants are receiving attention as immunotherapies to treat a range of malignancies. However, since NK-92 cells are themselves tumors, they require irradiation prior to transfer and are potentially susceptible to attack by patients' immune systems. Here, we investigated NK-92 cell-mediated serial killing for the effects of gamma-irradiation and ligation of the death receptor Fas (CD95), and NK-92 cell susceptibility to attack by activated primary blood NK cells. METHODS To evaluate serial killing, we used 51Cr-release assays with low NK-92 effector cell to target Raji, Daudi or K562 tumor cell (E:T) ratios to determine killing frequencies at 2-, 4-, 6-, and 8-h. RESULTS NK-92 cells were able to kill up to 14 Raji cells per NK-92 cell in 8 h. NK-92 cells retained high cytotoxic activity immediately after irradiation with 10 Gy but the cells surviving irradiation lost > 50% activity 1 day after irradiation. Despite high expression of CD95, NK-92 cells maintained their viability following overnight Fas/CD95-ligation but lost some cytotoxic activity. However, 1 day after irradiation, NK-92 cells were more susceptible to Fas ligation, resulting in decreased cytotoxic activity of the cells surviving irradiation. Irradiated NK-92 cells were also susceptible to killing by both unstimulated and IL-2 activated primary NK cells (LAK). In contrast, non-irradiated NK-92 cells were more resistant to attack by NK and LAK cells. CONCLUSIONS Irradiation is deleterious to both the survival and cytotoxicity mediated by NK-92 cells and renders the NK-92 cells susceptible to Fas-initiated death and death initiated by primary blood NK cells. Therefore, replacement of irradiation as an antiproliferative pretreatment and genetic deletion of Fas and/or NK activation ligands from adoptively transferred cell lines are indicated as new approaches to increase therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Julie Smith-Gagen
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Community Health Sciences, Reno, NV, 89557, USA
| | | | - Rebecca Merica
- Biology Department, St. Olaf College, Northfield, MN, 55057, USA
| | - Dorothy Hudig
- University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, Reno, NV, 89557, USA.
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CCR7 expression in CD19 chimeric antigen receptor-engineered natural killer cells improves migration toward CCL19-expressing lymphoma cells and increases tumor control in mice with human lymphoma. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:827-834. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Roex G, Campillo-Davo D, Flumens D, Shaw PAG, Krekelbergh L, De Reu H, Berneman ZN, Lion E, Anguille S. Two for one: targeting BCMA and CD19 in B-cell malignancies with off-the-shelf dual-CAR NK-92 cells. J Transl Med 2022; 20:124. [PMID: 35287669 PMCID: PMC8919645 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03326-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has proven to be a valuable new treatment option for patients with B-cell malignancies. However, by applying selective pressure, outgrowth of antigen-negative tumor cells can occur, eventually resulting in relapse. Subsequent rescue by administration of CAR-T cells with different antigen-specificity indicates that those tumor cells are still sensitive to CAR-T treatment and points towards a multi-target strategy. Due to their natural tumor sensitivity and highly cytotoxic nature, natural killer (NK) cells are a compelling alternative to T cells, especially considering the availability of an off-the-shelf unlimited supply in the form of the clinically validated NK-92 cell line.
Methods
Given our goal to develop a flexible system whereby the CAR expression repertoire of the effector cells can be rapidly adapted to the changing antigen expression profile of the target cells, electrotransfection with CD19-/BCMA-CAR mRNA was chosen as CAR loading method in this study. We evaluated the functionality of mRNA-engineered dual-CAR NK-92 against tumor B-cell lines and primary patient samples. In order to test the clinical applicability of the proposed cell therapy product, the effect of irradiation on the proliferative rate and functionality of dual-CAR NK-92 cells was investigated.
Results
Co-electroporation of CD19 and BMCA CAR mRNA was highly efficient, resulting in 88.1% dual-CAR NK-92 cells. In terms of CD107a degranulation, and secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ and granzyme B, dual-CAR NK-92 significantly outperformed single-CAR NK-92. More importantly, the killing capacity of dual-CAR NK-92 exceeded 60% of single and dual antigen-expressing cell lines, as well as primary tumor cells, in a 4h co-culture assay at low effector to target ratios, matching that of single-CAR counterparts. Furthermore, our results confirm that dual-CAR NK-92 irradiated with 10 Gy cease to proliferate and are gradually cleared while maintaining their killing capacity.
Conclusions
Here, using the clinically validated NK-92 cell line as a therapeutic cell source, we established a readily accessible and flexible platform for the generation of highly functional dual-targeted CAR-NK cells.
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39
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Mylod E, Lysaght J, Conroy MJ. Natural killer cell therapy: A new frontier for obesity-associated cancer. Cancer Lett 2022; 535:215620. [PMID: 35283210 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell infiltration of solid tumours is associated with better outcomes, placing augmentation of NK cell abundance in tumours as an attractive immunotherapeutic approach. The unique ability of NK cells to target cancer cells without antigen specificity increases their versatility and applicability as an immunotherapeutic tool. However, successful utilisation of NK cell-based therapies in solid tumours is still at an early stage. Obesity has become a global health epidemic, and the prevalence of obesity-associated cancers has significantly increased. Obesity-associated malignancies provide a unique challenge for the successful application of cell-based immunotherapies including NK cell-based therapies because significant numbers of NK and T cells are recruited to the visceral adipose tissue at the expense of successful tumour infiltration and eradication. As such, immunotherapy efficacy has been disappointing for obesity-associated malignancies such as oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma. Therefore, immunotherapies for obesity-associated cancers warrant our further attention. Indeed, it is becoming ever more obvious that more innovative approaches are needed to re-invigorate anti-tumour immunity and overcome immune exclusion in such tumours. In this review, we briefly summarise the dysfunctionality of NK cells in obesity-associated cancer. We outline the NK cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches which hold promise as effective treatments in this disease space, including CAR-NK cells. Furthermore, we suggest future avenues which possess the potential to transform immunotherapy and specifically NK cell therapy efficacy for obesity-associated cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland
| | - Melissa J Conroy
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland; Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 2, Ireland.
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40
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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.
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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
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41
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Karvouni M, Vidal-Manrique M, Lundqvist A, Alici E. Engineered NK Cells Against Cancer and Their Potential Applications Beyond. Front Immunol 2022; 13:825979. [PMID: 35242135 PMCID: PMC8887605 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.825979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an innovative therapeutic concept where viable cells are implanted, infused, or grafted into a patient to treat impaired or malignant tissues. The term was first introduced circa the 19th century and has since resulted in multiple breakthroughs in different fields of medicine, such as neurology, cardiology, and oncology. Lately, cell and gene therapy are merging to provide cell products with additional or enhanced properties. In this context, adoptive transfer of genetically modified cytotoxic lymphocytes has emerged as a novel treatment option for cancer patients. To this day, five cell therapy products have been FDA approved, four of which for CD19-positive malignancies and one for B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-positive malignancies. These are personalized immunotherapies where patient T cells are engineered to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) with the aim to redirect the cells against tumor-specific antigens. CAR-T cell therapies show impressive objective response rates in clinical trials that, in certain instances, may reach up to 80%. However, the life-threatening side effects associated with T cell toxicity and the manufacturing difficulties of developing personalized therapies hamper their widespread use. Recent literature suggests that Natural Killer (NK) cells, may provide a safer alternative and an 'off-the-shelf' treatment option thanks to their potent antitumor properties and relatively short lifespan. Here, we will discuss the potential of NK cells in CAR-based therapies focusing on the applications of CAR-NK cells in cancer therapy and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Karvouni
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marcos Vidal-Manrique
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology‐Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine-Huddinge, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
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42
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Harnessing Natural Killer Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040605. [PMID: 35203256 PMCID: PMC8869885 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There are two main subtypes: small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for 85% of lung cancer diagnoses. Early lung cancer very often has no specific symptoms, and many patients present with late stage disease. Despite the various treatments currently available, many patients experience tumor relapse or develop therapeutic resistance, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. The development of immunotherapies has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape by enhancing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial anti-tumor immune cells, and their exclusion from the tumor microenvironment is associated with poorer survival. It is well established that NK cell frequencies and functions are impaired in NSCLC; thus, placing NK cell-based immunotherapies as a desirable therapeutic concept for this malignancy. Immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors are transforming outcomes for NSCLC. This review explores the current treatment landscape for NSCLC, the role of NK cells and their dysfunction in the cancer setting, the advancement of NK cell therapies, and their future utility in NSCLC.
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43
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Klopotowska M, Bajor M, Graczyk-Jarzynka A, Kraft A, Pilch Z, Zhylko A, Firczuk M, Baranowska I, Lazniewski M, Plewczynski D, Goral A, Soroczynska K, Domagala J, Marhelava K, Slusarczyk A, Retecki K, Ramji K, Krawczyk M, Temples MN, Sharma B, Lachota M, Netskar H, Malmberg KJ, Zagozdzon R, Winiarska M. PRDX-1 Supports the Survival and Antitumor Activity of Primary and CAR-Modified NK Cells under Oxidative Stress. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:228-244. [PMID: 34853030 PMCID: PMC9414282 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-1023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Oxidative stress, caused by the imbalance between reactive species generation and the dysfunctional capacity of antioxidant defenses, is one of the characteristic features of cancer. Here, we quantified hydrogen peroxide in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide concentrations are elevated in tumor interstitial fluid isolated from murine breast cancers in vivo, when compared with blood or normal subcutaneous fluid. Therefore, we investigated the effects of increased hydrogen peroxide concentration on immune cell functions. NK cells were more susceptible to hydrogen peroxide than T cells or B cells, and by comparing T, B, and NK cells' sensitivities to redox stress and their antioxidant capacities, we identified peroxiredoxin-1 (PRDX1) as a lacking element of NK cells' antioxidative defense. We observed that priming with IL15 protected NK cells' functions in the presence of high hydrogen peroxide and simultaneously upregulated PRDX1 expression. However, the effect of IL15 on PRDX1 expression was transient and strictly dependent on the presence of the cytokine. Therefore, we genetically modified NK cells to stably overexpress PRDX1, which led to increased survival and NK cell activity in redox stress conditions. Finally, we generated PD-L1-CAR NK cells overexpressing PRDX1 that displayed potent antitumor activity against breast cancer cells under oxidative stress. These results demonstrate that hydrogen peroxide, at concentrations detected in the TME, suppresses NK cell function and that genetic modification strategies can improve CAR NK cells' resistance and potency against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Klopotowska
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of Immunology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Bajor
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of Immunology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Graczyk-Jarzynka
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Laboratory of Immunology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Kraft
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Genomics, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Zofia Pilch
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andriy Zhylko
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Iwona Baranowska
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Department of Renal and Body Fluid Physiology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Michal Lazniewski
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Genomics, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dariusz Plewczynski
- Laboratory of Functional and Structural Genomics, Centre of New Technologies, University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Faculty of Mathematics and Information Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Goral
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | - Joanna Domagala
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | | | | | - Kuba Retecki
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Kavita Ramji
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Marta Krawczyk
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Madison N. Temples
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Blanka Sharma
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | - Mieszko Lachota
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Herman Netskar
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Radoslaw Zagozdzon
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Winiarska
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland.,Corresponding Author: Magdalena Winiarska, Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Nielubowicza 5 Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland. Phone: 4822-599-21-72; Fax: 4822-599-21-94; E-mail:
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44
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Michel T, Ollert M, Zimmer J. A Hot Topic: Cancer Immunotherapy and Natural Killer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23020797. [PMID: 35054985 PMCID: PMC8776043 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite significant progress in recent years, the therapeutic approach of the multiple different forms of human cancer often remains a challenge. Besides the well-established cancer surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, immunotherapeutic strategies gain more and more attention, and some of them have already been successfully introduced into the clinic. Among these, immunotherapy based on natural killer (NK) cells is considered as one of the most promising options. In the present review, we will expose the different possibilities NK cells offer in this context, compare data about the theoretical background and mechanism(s) of action, report some results of clinical trials and identify several very recent trends. The pharmaceutical industry is quite interested in NK cell immunotherapy, which will benefit the speed of progress in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Michel
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
| | - Markus Ollert
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
- Odense Research Center for Anaphylaxis (ORCA), Department of Dermatology and Allergy Center, Odense University Hospital, University of Southern Denmark, DK-5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacques Zimmer
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, 29 Rue Henri Koch, L-4354 Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; (T.M.); (M.O.)
- Correspondence:
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Mohammed T, Mailankody S. “Off-the-shelf” immunotherapies for multiple myeloma. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:60-68. [DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Wotschel N, Montero PO, Wels WS, Tonn T, Eitler J. Live-cell imaging for analysis of the NK cell immunological synapse. Methods Cell Biol 2022. [PMID: 37516519 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The immunological synapse (IS) between NK cells and cancer cells is instrumental for the initiation of tumor-specific cytotoxicity. Improper function of processes at the IS can lead to NK cell unresponsiveness, contributing to tumor immune escape. Critical steps at the IS include target cell recognition, conjugation of NK cell and cancer cell, cytotoxic granule convergence to the microtubule-organizing center (MTOC), granule polarization to the IS, and degranulation. Here, we describe confocal live-cell imaging methods for the analysis of these processes at the immunological synapse, with a focus on mechanisms of cancer cell resistance facilitating escape from NK cell cytotoxicity.
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Importance of T, NK, CAR T and CAR NK Cell Metabolic Fitness for Effective Anti-Cancer Therapy: A Continuous Learning Process Allowing the Optimization of T, NK and CAR-Based Anti-Cancer Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010183. [PMID: 35008348 PMCID: PMC8782435 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer treatments are evolving at a very rapid pace. Some of the most novel anti-cancer medicines under development rely on the modification of immune cells in order to transform them into potent tumor-killing cells. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is competing for nutrients with these harnessed immune cells and therefore paralyzes their metabolic effective and active anti-cancer activities. Here we describe strategies to overcome these hurdles imposed on immune cell activity, which lead to therapeutic approaches to enhance metabolic fitness of the patient’s immune system with the objective to improve their anti-cancer capacity. Abstract Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T and CAR NK cell therapies opened new avenues for cancer treatment. Although original successes of CAR T and CAR NK cells for the treatment of hematological malignancies were extraordinary, several obstacles have since been revealed, in particular their use for the treatment of solid cancers. The tumor microenvironment (TME) is competing for nutrients with T and NK cells and their CAR-expressing counterparts, paralyzing their metabolic effective and active states. Consequently, this can lead to alterations in their anti-tumoral capacity and persistence in vivo. High glucose uptake and the depletion of key amino acids by the TME can deprive T and NK cells of energy and building blocks, which turns them into a state of anergy, where they are unable to exert cytotoxic activity against cancer cells. This is especially true in the context of an immune-suppressive TME. In order to re-invigorate the T, NK, CAR T and CAR NK cell-mediated antitumor response, the field is now attempting to understand how metabolic pathways might change T and NK responses and functions, as well as those from their CAR-expressing partners. This revealed ways to metabolically rewire these cells by using metabolic enhancers or optimizing pre-infusion in vitro cultures of these cells. Importantly, next-generation CAR T and CAR NK products might include in the future the necessary metabolic requirements by improving their design, manufacturing process and other parameters. This will allow the overcoming of current limitations due to their interaction with the suppressive TME. In a clinical setting, this might improve their anti-cancer effector activity in synergy with immunotherapies. In this review, we discuss how the tumor cells and TME interfere with T and NK cell metabolic requirements. This may potentially lead to therapeutic approaches that enhance the metabolic fitness of CAR T and CAR NK cells, with the objective to improve their anti-cancer capacity.
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Fabian KP, Hodge JW. The emerging role of off-the-shelf engineered natural killer cells in targeted cancer immunotherapy. MOLECULAR THERAPY-ONCOLYTICS 2021; 23:266-276. [PMID: 34761106 PMCID: PMC8560822 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that recognize and clear infected and transformed cells. The importance of NK cells in tumor surveillance underlies the development of NK cell therapy as cancer treatment. The NK-92 cell line has been successfully modified to express high-affinity CD16 receptor for antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and/or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that can recognize antigens expressed on tumor cells and mediate NK cell activation. Since there is no need for human leukocyte antigen matching or prior exposure to the tumor antigens, NK-92 provides an opportunity for the development of next-generation off-the-shelf cell therapy platforms. CAR-engineered NK-92 cells have demonstrated robust antitumor activity in in vitro and in vivo preclinical studies, propelling the clinical development of CAR NK-92 cells. Preliminary phase 1 data indicate that CAR NK-92 can be safely administered in the clinic. In this review, we provide an overview of recent advances in the research and clinical application of this novel cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellsye P Fabian
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 8B09, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James W Hodge
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, Room 8B09, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Gao L, Yang L, Zhang S, Ge Z, Su M, Shi Y, Wang X, Huang C. Engineering NK-92 Cell by Upregulating CXCR2 and IL-2 Via CRISPR-Cas9 Improves Its Antitumor Effects as Cellular Immunotherapy for Human Colon Cancer. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2021; 41:450-460. [PMID: 34935484 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2021.0078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have shown good application prospects in adoptive cellular immunotherapy against cancer. However, due to its insufficient infiltration and low activity, the therapeutic effect of infused NK cells has been limited in solid tumors, such as colorectal cancer. It has been proved that tumor-produced chemokines regulate the migration of NK cells expressing corresponding chemokine receptors, and cytokines could enhance the antitumor activity of NK cells. In this study, we innovatively upregulated the expression of chemokine receptor CXC chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) and cytokine interleukin (IL)-2 on NK-92 cells using CRISPR-Cas9 gene-editing technology. We demonstrated that overexpressing CXCR2 and IL-2 promotes NK-92 cells to increasingly transfer into tumor sites and achieve stronger cell-killing and proliferation activity. Moreover, the inhibitory effects of gene-edited NK-92 cells on the growth of human colon cancer in vivo were also improved. The tumor burden of tumor-bearing mice was reduced, and their survival time was significantly prolonged. Gene-editing modification NK cells are expected to become a novel and promising tumor treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanlan Gao
- College of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zuanmin Ge
- College of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Su
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanfei Shi
- College of Medicine, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xuechun Wang
- The Fourth Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Changxin Huang
- Department of Oncology, the Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Frey SE, Stapleton JT, Ballas ZK, Rasmussen WL, Kaufman TM, Blevins TP, Jensen TL, Davies DH, Tary-Lehmann M, Chaplin P, Hill H, Goll JB. Human Antibody Responses Following Vaccinia Immunization Using Protein Microarrays and Correlation With Cell-Mediated Immunity and Antibody-Dependent Cellular Cytotoxicity Responses. J Infect Dis 2021; 224:1372-1382. [PMID: 33675226 PMCID: PMC8861366 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiab111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are limited data regarding immunological correlates of protection for the modified vaccinia Ankara (MVA) smallpox vaccine. METHODS A total of 523 vaccinia-naive subjects were randomized to receive 2 vaccine doses, as lyophilized MVA given subcutaneously, liquid MVA given subcutaneously (liquid-SC group), or liquid MVA given intradermally (liquid-ID group) 28 days apart. For a subset of subjects, antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), interferon-γ release enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT), and protein microarray antibody-binding assays were conducted. Protein microarray responses were assessed for correlations with plaque reduction neutralization titer (PRNT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, ADCC, and ELISPOT results. RESULTS MVA elicited significant microarray antibody responses to 15 of 224 antigens, mostly virion membrane proteins, at day 28 or 42, particularly WR113/D8L and WR101H3L. In the liquid-SC group, responses to 9 antigens, including WR113/D8L and WR101/H3L, correlated with PRNT results. Three were correlated in the liquid-ID group. No significant correlations were observed with ELISPOT responses. In the liquid-ID group, WR052/F13L, a membrane glycoprotein, correlated with ADCC responses. CONCLUSIONS MVA elicited antibodies to 15 vaccinia strain antigens representing virion membrane. Antibody responses to 2 proteins strongly increased and significantly correlated with increases in PRNT. Responses to these proteins are potential correlates of protection and may serve as immunogens for future vaccine development. CLINICAL TRIALS REGISTRATION NCT00914732.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon E Frey
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jack T Stapleton
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa and Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Zuhair K Ballas
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa and Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Wendy L Rasmussen
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa and Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Thomas M Kaufman
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa and Iowa City VA Medical Center, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
| | - Tammy P Blevins
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | - D Huw Davies
- Vaccine Research & Development Center, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, USA
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