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Audouze-Chaud J, Mathews JA, Crome SQ. Efficient and stable CRISPR/Cas9-mediated genome-editing of human type 2 innate lymphoid cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275413. [PMID: 37868976 PMCID: PMC10585162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275413] [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: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a family of innate lymphocytes with important roles in immune response coordination and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. The ILC family includes group 1 (ILC1s), group 2 (ILC2s) and group 3 (ILC3s) 'helper' ILCs, as well as cytotoxic Natural Killer (NK) cells. Study of helper ILCs in humans presents several challenges, including their low proportions in peripheral blood or needing access to rare samples to study tissue resident ILC populations. In addition, the lack of established protocols harnessing genetic manipulation platforms has limited the ability to explore molecular mechanism regulating human helper ILC biology. CRISPR/Cas9 is an efficient genome editing tool that enables the knockout of genes of interest, and is commonly used to study molecular regulation of many immune cell types. Here, we developed methods to efficiently knockout genes of interest in human ILC2s. We discuss challenges and lessons learned from our CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing optimizations using a nucleofection transfection approach and test a range of conditions and nucleofection settings to obtain a protocol that achieves effective and stable gene knockout while maintaining optimal cell viability. Using IL-4 as a representative target, we compare different ribonucleoprotein configurations, as well as assess effects of length of time in culture and other parameters that impact CRISPR/Cas9 transfection efficiency. Collectively, we detail a CRISPR/Cas9 protocol for efficient genetic knockout to aid in studying molecular mechanism regulating human ILC2s.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne Audouze-Chaud
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jessica A. Mathews
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah Q. Crome
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Seo H, Verma A, Kinzel M, Huang Q, Mahoney DJ, Jacquelot N. Targeting Potential of Innate Lymphoid Cells in Melanoma and Other Cancers. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2001. [PMID: 37514187 PMCID: PMC10384206 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15072001] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Reinvigorating the killing function of tumor-infiltrating immune cells through the targeting of regulatory molecules expressed on lymphocytes has markedly improved the prognosis of cancer patients, particularly in melanoma. While initially thought to solely strengthen adaptive T lymphocyte anti-tumor activity, recent investigations suggest that other immune cell subsets, particularly tissue-resident innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), may benefit from immunotherapy treatment. Here, we describe the recent findings showing immune checkpoint expression on tissue-resident and tumor-infiltrating ILCs and how their effector function is modulated by checkpoint blockade-based therapies in cancer. We discuss the therapeutic potential of ILCs beyond the classical PD-1 and CTLA-4 regulatory molecules, exploring other possibilities to manipulate ILC effector function to further impede tumor growth and quench disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hobin Seo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Amisha Verma
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Megan Kinzel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Qiutong Huang
- The University of Queensland Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Douglas J Mahoney
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Nicolas Jacquelot
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
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Mak ML, Reid KT, Crome SQ. Protective and pathogenic functions of innate lymphoid cells in transplantation. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 213:23-39. [PMID: 37119279 PMCID: PMC10324558 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad050] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a family of lymphocytes with essential roles in tissue homeostasis and immunity. Along with other tissue-resident immune populations, distinct subsets of ILCs have important roles in either promoting or inhibiting immune tolerance in a variety of contexts, including cancer and autoimmunity. In solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, both donor and recipient-derived ILCs could contribute to immune tolerance or rejection, yet understanding of protective or pathogenic functions are only beginning to emerge. In addition to roles in directing or regulating immune responses, ILCs interface with parenchymal cells to support tissue homeostasis and even regeneration. Whether specific ILCs are tissue-protective or enhance ischemia reperfusion injury or fibrosis is of particular interest to the field of transplantation, beyond any roles in limiting or promoting allograft rejection or graft-versus host disease. Within this review, we discuss the current understanding of ILCs functions in promoting immune tolerance and tissue repair at homeostasis and in the context of transplantation and highlight where targeting or harnessing ILCs could have applications in novel transplant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin L Mak
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Kyle T Reid
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Sarah Q Crome
- Department of Immunology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
- Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, Ajmera Transplant Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
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Sun F, Zou W, Shi H, Chen Z, Ma D, Lin M, Wang K, Huang Y, Zheng X, Tan C, Chen M, Tu C, Wang Z, Wu J, Wu W, Liu J. Interleukin-33 increases type 2 innate lymphoid cell count and their activation in eosinophilic asthma. Clin Transl Allergy 2023; 13:e12265. [PMID: 37357549 DOI: 10.1002/clt2.12265] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interleukin-33 (IL-33) exacerbates asthma probably through type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). Nevertheless, the association between eosinophilic asthma (EA) and ILC2s remains obscure, and the mechanisms by which IL-33 affects ILC2s are yet to be clarified. METHODS ILC2s were evaluated in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, induced sputum, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid obtained from patients with EA. Confocal microscopy was performed to locate ILC2s in lung tissue and the mRNA expression of ILC2-related genes was also evaluated in the EA model. The proliferation of ILC2s isolated from humans and mice was assessed following IL-33 or anti-IL-33 stimulation. RESULTS The counts, activation, and mRNA expression of relevant genes in ILC2s were higher in PBMCs and airways of patients with EA. In addition, ILC2 cell counts correlated with Asthma control test, blood eosinophil count, Fractional exhaled nitric oxide level, and predicted eosinophilic airway inflammation. IL-33 induced stronger proliferation of ILC2s and increased their density around blood vessels in the lungs of mice with EA. Moreover, IL-33 treatment increased the counts and activation of ILC2s and lung inflammatory scores, whereas anti-IL-33 antibody significantly reversed these effects in EA mice. Finally, IL-33 enhanced PI3K and AKT protein expression in ILC2s, whereas inhibition of the PI3K/AKT pathway decreased IL-5 and IL-13 production by ILC2s in EA. CONCLUSIONS ILC2s, especially activated ILC2s, might be critical markers of EA. IL-33 can induce and activate ILC2s in the lungs via the PI3K/AKT pathway in EA. Thus, using anti-IL-33 antibody could be a part of an effective treatment strategy for EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengfei Sun
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Wei Zou
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Honglei Shi
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Zehu Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Donghai Ma
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Minmin Lin
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Kongqiu Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Yiying Huang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Xiaobin Zheng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Cuiyan Tan
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Meizhu Chen
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Changli Tu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Zhenguo Wang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jian Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Weiming Wu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomedical Imaging and Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
- Department of Allergy, the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai, China
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Jacquelot N, Ghaedi M, Warner K, Chung DC, Crome SQ, Ohashi PS. Immune Checkpoints and Innate Lymphoid Cells-New Avenues for Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5967. [PMID: 34885076 PMCID: PMC8657134 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints (IC) are broadly characterized as inhibitory pathways that tightly regulate the activation of the immune system. These molecular "brakes" are centrally involved in the maintenance of immune self-tolerance and represent a key mechanism in avoiding autoimmunity and tissue destruction. Antibody-based therapies target these inhibitory molecules on T cells to improve their cytotoxic function, with unprecedented clinical efficacies for a number of malignancies. Many of these ICs are also expressed on innate lymphoid cells (ILC), drawing interest from the field to understand their function, impact for anti-tumor immunity and potential for immunotherapy. In this review, we highlight ILC specificities at different tissue sites and their migration potential upon inflammatory challenge. We further summarize the current understanding of IC molecules on ILC and discuss potential strategies for ILC modulation as part of a greater anti-cancer armamentarium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Jacquelot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Maryam Ghaedi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Kathrin Warner
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
| | - Douglas C. Chung
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
| | - Sarah Q. Crome
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
- Ajmera Transplant Centre, Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON M5G 2M9, Canada; (M.G.); (K.W.); (D.C.C.)
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada;
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