1
|
Hu Z, Yang Y, Li J, Hu Z. Genetic mutations and immune microenvironment: unveiling the connection to AML prognosis. Hematology 2024; 29:2346965. [PMID: 38687637 DOI: 10.1080/16078454.2024.2346965] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study aims to investigate the correlation between NK and NKT cell proportion disparities and prognosis in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). METHODS Forty-four cases of acute myeloid leukemia patients were selected, and flow cytometry was utilized to evaluate the expression of bone marrow NK and NKT cells. Next-generation sequencing technology was employed to detect genetic mutations in these 44 AML patients, and the rates of first induction remission and overall survival were recorded. Comparisons were made to analyze the respective differences in NK and NKT cell proportions among AML patients with various genetic mutations and risk stratifications. RESULTS The FLT-3-ITD+ group exhibited a significant increase in the proportion of NK cells compared to the normal control group and FLT3-ITD+/NPM1+ group, whereas the proportion of NKT cells was significantly decreased. Additionally, the CEBPA+ group showed an increased proportion of NKT cells compared to the TP53+ group and ASXL1+ group. The high-risk group had a higher proportion of NK cells than the intermediate-risk group, while the proportion of NKT cells was lower in the high-risk group compared to the intermediate-risk group.Patients achieving first induction remission displayed a higher proportion of NKT cells at initial diagnosis compared to those who did not achieve remission. The distribution of NK cells show significant differences among AML patients in different survival periods. CONCLUSION This results implies that distinct genetic mutations may play a role not only in tumor initiation but also in shaping the tumor microenvironment, consequently impacting prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- ZhongLi Hu
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Immunology in Chronic Diseases, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - YanLi Yang
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - JiaJia Li
- Department of Haematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| | - ZhongTing Hu
- Office of Academic Research, Bengbu Medical University, Bengbu, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Le Floch AC, Orlanducci F, Béné MC, Ben Amara A, Rouviere MS, Salem N, Le Roy A, Cordier C, Demerlé C, Granjeaud S, Hamel JF, Ifrah N, Cornillet-Lefebvre P, Delaunay J, Récher C, Delabesse E, Pigneux A, Vey N, Chretien AS, Olive D. Low frequency of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells predicts poor survival in newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2024; 8:4262-4275. [PMID: 38788176 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT In several tumor subtypes, an increased infiltration of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells has been shown to have the highest prognostic value compared with other immune subsets. In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), similar findings have been based solely on the inference of transcriptomic data and have not been assessed with respect to confounding factors. This study aimed at determining, by immunophenotypic analysis (flow or mass cytometry) of peripheral blood from patients with AML at diagnosis, the prognostic impact of Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell frequency. This was adjusted for potential confounders (age at diagnosis, disease status, European LeukemiaNet classification, leukocytosis, and allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation as a time-dependent covariate). The cohort was composed of 198 patients with newly diagnosed (ND) AML. By univariate analysis, patients with lower Vγ9Vδ2 T cells at diagnosis had significantly lower 5-year overall and relapse-free survivals. These results were confirmed in multivariate analysis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.55 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.04-2.30]; P = .030 and HR, 1.64 [95% CI, 1.06-2.53]; P = .025). Immunophenotypic alterations observed in patients with lower Vγ9Vδ2 T cells included a loss of some cytotoxic Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell subsets and a decreased expression of butyrophilin 3A on the surface of blasts. Samples expanded regardless of their Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell levels and displayed similar effector functions in vitro. This study confirms the prognostic value of elevated Vγ9Vδ2 T cells among lymphocytes in patients with ND AML. These results provide a strong rationale to consider consolidation protocols aiming at enhancing Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell responses.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/mortality
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Middle Aged
- Female
- Male
- Adult
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- Aged
- Prognosis
- Immunophenotyping
- T-Lymphocytes/immunology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Young Adult
- Aged, 80 and over
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Charlotte Le Floch
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Florence Orlanducci
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | | | - Amira Ben Amara
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Marie-Sarah Rouviere
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Nassim Salem
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Aude Le Roy
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Charlotte Cordier
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Clémence Demerlé
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Samuel Granjeaud
- Systems Biology Platform, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-François Hamel
- Département de Biostatistiques, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Université d'Angers, Angers, France
| | - Norbert Ifrah
- Département d'Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire d'Angers, Université d'Angers, INSERM, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie et Immunologie Intégrée Nantes Angers, Angers, France
| | | | - Jacques Delaunay
- Département d'Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Nantes, Nantes, France
| | - Christian Récher
- Département d'Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse Oncopôle, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Delabesse
- Laboratoire d'Hématologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Toulouse, Institut Universitaire du Cancer de Toulouse Oncopôle, Université Toulouse III Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Arnaud Pigneux
- Département d'Hématologie et Thérapie Cellulaire, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Norbert Vey
- Département d'hématologie, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Marseille, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Chretien
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Equipe Immunité et Cancer, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille, INSERM U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille Université, UM105, Marseille, France
- Plateforme d'immunomonitoring, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chandra DJ, Alber B, Saultz JN. The Immune Resistance Signature of Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Current Immunotherapy Strategies. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2615. [PMID: 39123343 PMCID: PMC11311077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16152615] [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: 05/03/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex hematopoietic clonal disorder with limited curative options beyond stem cell transplantation. The success of transplant is intimately linked with the graft versus leukemia effect from the alloreactive donor immune cells including, T and NK cells. The immune system plays a dynamic role in leukemia survival and resistance. Despite our growing understanding of the immune microenvironment, responses to immune-based therapies differ greatly between patients. Herein, we review the biology of immune evasion mechanisms in AML, discuss the current landscape of immunotherapeutic strategies, and discuss the implications of therapeutic targets. This review focuses on T and NK cell-based therapy, including modified and non-modified NK cells, CAR-T and CAR-NK cells, antibodies, and checkpoint blockades. Understanding the complex interchange between immune tolerance and the emergence of tumor resistance will improve patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J. Chandra
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Bernhard Alber
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| | - Jennifer N. Saultz
- Division of Hematology/Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hwang JK, Marston DJ, Wrapp D, Li D, Tuyishime M, Brackenridge S, Rhodes B, Quastel M, Kapingidza AB, Gater J, Harner A, Wang Y, Rountree W, Ferrari G, Borrow P, McMichael AJ, Gillespie GM, Haynes BF, Azoitei ML. A high affinity monoclonal antibody against HLA-E-VL9 enhances natural killer cell anti-tumor killing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602401. [PMID: 39026709 PMCID: PMC11257447 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells kill target cells following triggering via germline-encoded receptors interacting with target cell-expressed ligands (direct killing), or via antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by FcγRIIIa. NK cytotoxicity is modulated by signaling through activating or inhibitory receptors. A major checkpoint is mediated by the NK inhibitory receptor NKG2A/CD94 and its target cell ligand, HLA-E, which is complexed with HLA signal sequence-derived peptides termed VL9 (HLA-E-VL9). We have previously reported the isolation of a murine HLA-E-VL9-specific IgM antibody 3H4 and the generation of a higher affinity IgG version (3H4v3). Here we have used phage display library selection to generate a high affinity version of 3H4v3, called 3H4v31, with an ∼700 fold increase in binding affinity. We show using an HLA-E-VL9+ K562 tumor model that, in vitro, the addition of 3H4v31 to target cells increased direct killing of targets by CD16-negative NK cell line NK-92 and also mediated ADCC by NK-92 cells transfected with CD16. Moreover, ADCC by primary NK cells was also enhanced in vitro by 3H4v31. 3H4v31 was also able to bind and enhance target cell lysis of endogenously expressed HLA-E-VL9 on human cervical cancer and human pancreatic cancer cell lines. In vivo, 3H4v31 slowed the growth rate of HLA-E-VL9+ K562 tumors implanted into NOD/SCID/IL2rγ null mice compared to isotype control when injected with NK-92 cells intratumorally. Together, these data demonstrate that mAb 3H4v31 can enhance NK cell killing of HLA-E-VL9-expressing tumor cells in vitro by both direct killing activity and by ADCC. Moreover, mAb 3H4v31 can enhance NK cell control of tumor growth in vivo. We thus identify HLA-E-VL9 monoclonal antibodies as a promising novel anti-tumor immunotherapy. One Sentence Summary A high affinity monoclonal antibody against HLA-E-VL9 enhances natural killer cell anti-tumor killing by checkpoint inhibition and antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity.
Collapse
|
5
|
Ma C, Hao Y, Shi B, Wu Z, Jin D, Yu X, Jin B. Unveiling mitochondrial and ribosomal gene deregulation and tumor microenvironment dynamics in acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:1034-1048. [PMID: 38806621 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-024-00788-2] [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: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignant clonal hematopoietic disease with a poor prognosis. Understanding the interaction between leukemic cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) can help predict the prognosis of leukemia and guide its treatment. Re-analyzing the scRNA-seq data from the CSC and G20 cohorts, using a Python-based pipeline including machine-learning-based scVI-tools, recapitulated the distinct hierarchical structure within the samples of AML patients. Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) was conducted to construct a weighted gene co-expression network and to identify gene modules primarily focusing on hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), multipotent progenitors (MPPs), and natural killer (NK) cells. The analysis revealed significant deregulation in gene modules associated with aerobic respiration and ribosomal/cytoplasmic translation. Cell-cell communications were elucidated by the CellChat package, revealing an imbalance of activating and inhibitory immune signaling pathways. Interception of genes upregulated in leukemic HSCs & MPPs as well as in NKG2A-high NK cells was used to construct prognostic models. Normal Cox and artificial neural network models based on 10 genes were developed. The study reveals the deregulation of mitochondrial and ribosomal genes in AML patients and suggests the co-occurrence of stimulatory and inhibitory factors in the AML TME.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Ma
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, West Section Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Yuchao Hao
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, West Section Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116027, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Shi
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, West Section Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Zheng Wu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, West Section Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Di Jin
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, West Section Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Pneumoconiosis, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, South Jiefang Road, Taiyuan, 030001, Shanxi, China.
| | - Bilian Jin
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, West Section Lvshun South Road, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mosna F. The Immunotherapy of Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Clinical Point of View. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2359. [PMID: 39001421 PMCID: PMC11240611 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132359] [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: 06/02/2024] [Revised: 06/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The potential of the immune system to eradicate leukemic cells has been consistently demonstrated by the Graft vs. Leukemia effect occurring after allo-HSCT and in the context of donor leukocyte infusions. Various immunotherapeutic approaches, ranging from the use of antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, bispecific T-cell engagers, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cells, and therapeutic infusions of NK cells, are thus currently being tested with promising, yet conflicting, results. This review will concentrate on various types of immunotherapies in preclinical and clinical development, from the point of view of a clinical hematologist. The most promising therapies for clinical translation are the use of bispecific T-cell engagers and CAR-T cells aimed at lineage-restricted antigens, where overall responses (ORR) ranging from 20 to 40% can be achieved in a small series of heavily pretreated patients affected by refractory or relapsing leukemia. Toxicity consists mainly in the occurrence of cytokine-release syndrome, which is mostly manageable with step-up dosing, the early use of cytokine-blocking agents and corticosteroids, and myelosuppression. Various cytokine-enhanced natural killer products are also being tested, mainly as allogeneic off-the-shelf therapies, with a good tolerability profile and promising results (ORR: 20-37.5% in small trials). The in vivo activation of T lymphocytes and NK cells via the inhibition of their immune checkpoints also yielded interesting, yet limited, results (ORR: 33-59%) but with an increased risk of severe Graft vs. Host disease in transplanted patients. Therefore, there are still several hurdles to overcome before the widespread clinical use of these novel compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Mosna
- Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation Unit (BMTU), Hospital of Bolzano (SABES-ASDAA), Teaching Hospital of Paracelsus Medical University (PMU), 39100 Bolzano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perzolli A, Koedijk JB, Zwaan CM, Heidenreich O. Targeting the innate immune system in pediatric and adult AML. Leukemia 2024; 38:1191-1201. [PMID: 38459166 PMCID: PMC11147779 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02217-7] [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: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
While the introduction of T cell-based immunotherapies has improved outcomes in many cancer types, the development of immunotherapies for both adult and pediatric AML has been relatively slow and limited. In addition to the need to identify suitable target antigens, a better understanding of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is necessary for the design of novel immunotherapy approaches. To date, most immune characterization studies in AML have focused on T cells, while innate immune lineages such as monocytes, granulocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, received less attention. In solid cancers, studies have shown that innate immune cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and neutrophils are highly plastic and may differentiate into immunosuppressive cells depending on signals received in their microenvironment, while NK cells appear to be functionally impaired. Hence, an in-depth characterization of the innate immune compartment in the TME is urgently needed to guide the development of immunotherapeutic interventions for AML. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the innate immune compartment in AML, and we discuss how targeting its components may enhance T cell-based- and other immunotherapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Perzolli
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B Koedijk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ciurea SO, Kongtim P, Srour S, Chen J, Soebbing D, Shpall E, Rezvani K, Nakkula R, Thakkar A, Troy EC, Cash AA, Behbehani G, Cao K, Schafer J, Champlin RE, Lee DA. Results of a phase I trial with Haploidentical mbIL-21 ex vivo expanded NK cells for patients with multiply relapsed and refractory AML. Am J Hematol 2024; 99:890-899. [PMID: 38444268 DOI: 10.1002/ajh.27281] [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: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK)-cells have potent anti-tumor effects, yet it remains unclear if they are effective for patients with relapsed acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In a phase I clinical trial, we treated 12 patients (median age 60 years) with refractory AML (median 5 lines of prior therapy, median bone marrow blast count of 47%) with fludarabine/cytarabine followed by 6 infusions of NK-cells expanded from haploidentical donors using K562 feeder cells expressing membrane-bound IL21 and 4-1BBL. Patients received 106-107/kg/dose. No toxicity or graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was observed and MTD was not reached. Seven patients (58.3%) responded and achieved a complete remission (CR) with/without count recovery. Median time to best response was 48 days. Five responding patients proceeded to a haploidentical transplant from the same donor. After a median follow-up of 52 months, 1-year overall survival (OS) for the entire group was 41.7%, better for patients who responded with CR/CRi (57.14%), and for patients who responded and underwent transplantation (60%). Persistence and expansion of donor-derived NK-cells were identified in patients' blood, and serum IFNγ levels rose concurrently with NK cell infusions. A higher count-functional inhibitory KIR was associated with higher likelihood of achieving CR/CRi. In conclusion, we observed a significant response to ex vivo expanded NK-cell administration in refractory AML patients without adverse effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stefan O Ciurea
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The University of California, Orange, California, USA
| | - Piyanuch Kongtim
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Program, Division of Hematology/Oncology, The University of California, Orange, California, USA
| | - Samer Srour
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Julianne Chen
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Doris Soebbing
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Elizabeth Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Katayoun Rezvani
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Robin Nakkula
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Aarohi Thakkar
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Ella C Troy
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Alex A Cash
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Kai Cao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | | | - Richard E Champlin
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Dean A Lee
- The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Columbus, Ohio, USA
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tu C, Buckle I, Leal Rojas I, Rossi GR, Sester DP, Moore AS, Radford K, Guillerey C, Souza‐Fonseca‐Guimaraes F. Exploring NK cell receptor dynamics in paediatric leukaemias: implications for immunotherapy and prognosis. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1501. [PMID: 38525380 PMCID: PMC10960520 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Immunotherapies targeting natural killer (NK) cell receptors have shown promise against leukaemia. Unfortunately, cancer immunosuppressive mechanisms that alter NK cell phenotype prevent such approaches from being successful. The study utilises advanced cytometry to examine how cancer immunosuppressive pathways affect NK cell phenotypic changes in clinical samples. Methods In this study, we conducted a high-dimensional examination of the cell surface expression of 16 NK cell receptors in paediatric patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, as well as in samples of non-age matched adult peripheral blood (APB) and umbilical cord blood (UCB). An unsupervised analysis was carried out in order to identify NK cell populations present in paediatric leukaemias. Results We observed that leukaemia NK cells clustered together with UCB NK cells and expressed relatively higher levels of the NKG2A receptor compared to APB NK cells. In addition, CD56dimCD16+CD57- NK cells lacking NKG2A expression were mainly absent in paediatric leukaemia patients. However, CD56br NK cell populations expressing high levels of NKG2A were highly represented in paediatric leukaemia patients. NKG2A expression on leukaemia NK cells was found to be positively correlated with the expression of its ligand, suggesting that the NKG2A-HLA-E interaction may play a role in modifying NK cell responses to leukaemia cells. Conclusion We provide an in-depth analysis of NK cell populations in paediatric leukaemia patients. These results support the development of immunotherapies targeting immunosuppressive receptors, such as NKG2A, to enhance innate immunity against paediatric leukaemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cui Tu
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Frazer Institute, The University of QueenslandWoolloongabbaQLDAustralia
| | - Irina Buckle
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ingrid Leal Rojas
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | | - David P Sester
- TRI Flow Cytometry SuiteTranslational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQLDAustralia
- Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Andrew S Moore
- Oncology ServiceChildren's Health Queensland Hospital & Health ServiceSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Child Health Research CentreThe University of QueenslandSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Kristen Radford
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Camille Guillerey
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zhang L, Sun Y, Xue CE, Wang S, Xu X, Zheng C, Chen C, Kong D. Uncovering the cellular and omics characteristics of natural killer cells in the bone marrow microenvironment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:106. [PMID: 38481242 PMCID: PMC10938822 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03300-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous hematologic malignancy and the most frequently acute leukemia of stem cell precursors and the myeloid derivatives in adult. Longitudinal studies have indicated the therapeutic landscape and drug resistance for patients with AML are still intractable, which largely attribute to the deficiency of detailed information upon the pathogenesis. METHODS In this study, we compared the cellular phenotype of resident NK cells (rAML-NKs, rHD-NKs) and expanded NK cells (eAML-NKs, eHD-NKs) from bone marrow of AML patients (AML) and healthy donors (HD). Then, we took advantage of the co-culture strategy for the evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxicity of NK cells upon diverse tumor cell lines (e.g., K562, Nalm6, U937). With the aid of RNA-sequencing (RNA-SEQ) and bioinformatics analyses (e.g., GOBP analysis, KEGG analysis, GSEA, volcano plot), we verified the similarities and differences of the omics features between eAML-NKs and eHD-NKs. RESULTS Herein, we verified the sharp decline in the content of total resident NK cells (CD3-CD56+) in rAML-NKs compared to rHD-NKs. Differ from the expanded eHD-NKs, eAML-NKs revealed decline in diverse NK cell subsets (NKG2D+, CD25+, NKp44+, NKp46+) and alterations in cellular vitality but conservations in cytotoxicity. According to transcriptomic analysis, AML-NKs and HD-NKs showed multifaceted distinctions in gene expression profiling and genetic variations. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data revealed the variations in the cytobiological and transcriptomic features between AML-NKs and HD-NKs in bone marrow environment. Our findings would benefit the further development of novel biomarkers for AML diagnosis and NK cell-based cytotherapy in future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Zhang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Fourth People's Hospital of Jinan, The Teaching Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, 50 Shifan Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250031, Shandong, China.
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Yunyan Sun
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Chun-E Xue
- Department of Hematology, Langfang City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Langfang, 065000, China
| | - Shuling Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xianghong Xu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Chengyun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Cunrong Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Dexiao Kong
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ulvmoen A, Greiff V, Bechensteen AG, Inngjerdingen M. NKG2A discriminates natural killer cells with a suppressed phenotype in pediatric acute leukemia. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:334-343. [PMID: 37738462 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad112] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important for early tumor immune surveillance. In patients with hematological cancers, NK cells are generally functional deficient and display dysregulations in their receptor repertoires. Acute leukemia is the most common cancer in children, and we here performed a comparative phenotypic profiling of NK cells from B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) patients to identify aberrant NK cell phenotypes. NK cell phenotypes, maturation, and function were analyzed in matched bone marrow and blood NK cells from BCP-ALL patients at diagnosis, during treatment, and at end of treatment and compared with age-matched pediatric control subjects. Expression of several markers were skewed in patients, but with large interindividual variations. Undertaking a multiparameter approach, we found that high expression levels of NKG2A was the single predominant marker distinguishing NK cells in BCP-ALL patients compared with healthy control subjects. Moreover, naïve CD57-NKG2A NK cells dominated in BCP-ALL patients at diagnosis. Further, we found dysregulated expression of the activating receptor DNAM-1 in resident bone marrow CXCR6+ NK cells. CXCR6+ NK cells lacking DNAM-1 expressed NKG2A and had a tendency for lower degranulation activity. In conclusion, high expression of NKG2A dominates NK cell phenotypes from pediatric BCP-ALL patients, indicating that NKG2A could be targeted in therapies for this patient group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aina Ulvmoen
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Anne G Bechensteen
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Marit Inngjerdingen
- Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo 0372, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Poveda-Garavito N, Combita AL. Contribution of the TIME in BCP-ALL: the basis for novel approaches therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1325255. [PMID: 38299154 PMCID: PMC10827891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1325255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The bone marrow (BM) niche is a microenvironment where both immune and non-immune cells functionally interact with hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and more differentiated progenitors, contributing to the regulation of hematopoiesis. It is regulated by various signaling molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in its microenvironment. However, despite the strict regulation of BM signals to maintain their steady state, accumulating evidence in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) indicates that leukemic cells can disrupt the physiological hematopoietic niche in the BM, creating a new leukemia-supportive microenvironment. This environment favors immunological evasion mechanisms and the interaction of these cells with the development and progression of BCP-ALL. With a growing understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in the development and progression of BCP-ALL, current strategies focused on "re-editing" TIME to promote antitumor immunity have been developed. In this review, we summarize how TIME cells are disrupted by the presence of leukemic cells, evading immunosurveillance mechanisms in the BCP-ALL model. We also explore the crosstalk between TIME and leukemic cells that leads to treatment resistance, along with the most promising immuno-therapy strategies. Understanding and further research into the role of the BM microenvironment in leukemia progression and relapse are crucial for developing more effective treatments and reducing patient mortality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly Poveda-Garavito
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Traslacional en Oncología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alba Lucía Combita
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Traslacional en Oncología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi M, Yazdanparast S, Mikanik F, Izadpanah A, Parkhideh S, Shahbaz Ghasabeh A, Roshandel E, Hajifathali A, Gharehbaghian A. Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like NK Cells: Emerging strategy for AML immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115718. [PMID: 37857247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115718] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease developed from the malignant expansion of myeloid precursor cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The implementation of intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has improved outcomes associated with AML, but relapse, along with suboptimal outcomes, is still a common scenario. In the past few years, exploring new therapeutic strategies to optimize treatment outcomes has occurred rapidly. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has attracted clinical interest due to its critical role in immunosurveillance and their capabilities to target AML blasts. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and directly inducing cytotoxicity. Although NK cells are well known as short-lived innate immune cells with non-specific responses that have limited their clinical applications, the discovery of cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells could overcome these challenges. NK cells pre-activated with the cytokine combination IL-12/15/18 achieved a long-term life span with adaptive immunity characteristics, termed CIML-NK cells. Previous studies documented that using CIML-NK cells in cancer treatment is safe and results in promising outcomes. This review highlights the current application, challenges, and opportunities of CIML-NK cell-based therapy in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Yazdanparast
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mikanik
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Parkhideh
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Shahbaz Ghasabeh
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Roshandel
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Gharehbaghian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Zhi L, Wang X, Gao Q, He W, Shang C, Guo C, Niu Z, Zhu W, Zhang X. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors determining natural killer cell fate: Phenotype and function. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115136. [PMID: 37453199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are derived from hematopoietic stem cells. They belong to the innate lymphoid cell family, which is an important part of innate immunity. This family plays a role in the body mainly through the release of perforin, granzyme, and various cytokines and is involved in cytotoxicity and cytokine-mediated immune regulation. NK cells involved in normal immune regulation and the tumor microenvironment (TME) can exhibit completely different states. Here, we discuss the growth, development, and function of NK cells in regard to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are those that influence NK cells to promote cell maturation and exert their effector functions under the control of internal metabolism and self-related genes. Extrinsic factors include the metabolism of the TME and the influence of related proteins on the "fate" of NK cells. This review targets the potential of NK cell metabolism, cellular molecules, regulatory genes, and other mechanisms involved in immune regulation. We further discuss immune-mediated tumor therapy, which is the trend of current research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingtong Zhi
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Qing Gao
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wenhui He
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Chongye Shang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Changjiang Guo
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Niu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wuling Zhu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kent A, Crump LS, Davila E. Beyond αβ T cells: NK, iNKT, and γδT cell biology in leukemic patients and potential for off-the-shelf adoptive cell therapies for AML. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1202950. [PMID: 37654497 PMCID: PMC10465706 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1202950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains an elusive disease to treat, let alone cure, even after highly intensive therapies such as stem cell transplants. Adoptive cell therapeutic strategies based on conventional alpha beta (αβ)T cells are an active area of research in myeloid neoplasms given their remarkable success in other hematologic malignancies, particularly B-cell-derived acute lymphoid leukemia, myeloma, and lymphomas. Several limitations have hindered clinical application of adoptive cell therapies in AML including lack of leukemia-specific antigens, on-target-off-leukemic toxicity, immunosuppressive microenvironments, and leukemic stem cell populations elusive to immune recognition and destruction. While there are promising T cell-based therapies including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T designs under development, other cytotoxic lymphocyte cell subsets have unique phenotypes and capabilities that might be of additional benefit in AML treatment. Of particular interest are the natural killer (NK) and unconventional T cells known as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) and gamma delta (γδ) T cells. NK, iNKT, and γδT cells exhibit intrinsic anti-malignant properties, potential for alloreactivity, and human leukocyte-antigen (HLA)-independent function. Here we review the biology of each of these unconventional cytotoxic lymphocyte cell types and compare and contrast their strengths and limitations as the basis for adoptive cell therapies for AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Kent
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Eduardo Davila
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Initiative, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Comprehensive Cancer Center, Aurora, CO, United States
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhao X, Lin M, Huang X. Current status and future perspective of natural killer cell therapy for cancer. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2023; 3:305-320. [PMID: 38235405 PMCID: PMC10790210 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2023-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells possess innate abilities to effectively eliminate cancer cells. However, because of difficulties of proliferation and easy to be induced dysfunction in the setting of cancer post NK cell therapy, the curative effect of NK cell infusion has been constrained and not been widely applicable in clinical practice. The rapid development of biotechnology has promoted the development of NK cell therapy for cancer treatment. In this review, we will provide a comprehensive analysis of the current status and future prospects of NK cell therapy for cancer, focusing on the biological characteristics of NK cells, as well as strategies to enhance their targeting capabilities and overcome tumor immune suppression within the microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Minghao Lin
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaojun Huang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
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.
Collapse
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.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kumar P, Ranmale S, Mehta S, Tongaonkar H, Patel V, Singh AK, Mania-Pramanik J. Immune profile of primary and recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer cases indicates immune suppression, a major cause of progression and relapse of ovarian cancer. J Ovarian Res 2023; 16:114. [PMID: 37322531 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-023-01192-4] [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: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in Indian women. Relative frequency of High grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and its associated deaths are highest in India which suggests the importance of understanding their immune profiles for better treatment modality. Hence, the present study investigated the NK cell receptor expression, their cognate ligands, serum cytokines, and soluble ligands in primary and recurrent HGSOC patients. We have used multicolor flow cytometry for immunophenotyping of tumor infiltrated and circulatory lymphocytes. Procartaplex, and ELISA were used to measure soluble ligands and cytokines of HGSOC patients. RESULTS Among the enrolled 51 EOC patients, 33 were primary high grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer (pEOC) and 18 were recurrent epithelial ovarian cancer (rEOC) patients. Blood samples from 46 age matched healthy controls (HC) were used for comparative analysis. Results revealed, frequency of circulatory CD56Bright NK, CD56Dim NK, NKT-like, and T cells was reduced with activating receptors while alterations in immune subsets with inhibitory receptors were observed in both groups. Study also highlights differential immune profile of primary and recurrent ovarian cancer patients. We have found increased soluble MICA which might have acted as "decoy" molecule and could be a reason of decrease in NKG2D positive subsets in both groups of patients. Furthermore, elevated level of serum cytokines IL-2, IL-5, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α in ovarian cancer patients, might be associated with ovarian cancer progression. Profiling of tumor infiltrated immune cells revealed the reduced level of DNAM-1 positive NK and T cells in both groups than their circulatory counterpart, which might have led to decrease in NK cell's ability of synapse formation. CONCLUSIONS The study brings out differential receptor expression profile on CD56BrightNK, CD56DimNK, NKT-like, and T cells, cytokines levels and soluble ligands which may be exploited to develop alternate therapeutic approaches for HGSOC patients. Further, few differences in the circulatory immune profiles between pEOC and rEOC cases, indicates the immune signature of pEOC undergoes some changes in circulation that might facilitated the disease relapse. They also maintains some common immune signatures such as reduced expression of NKG2D, high level of MICA as well as IL-6, IL10 and TNF-α, which indicates irreversible immune suppression of ovarian cancer patients. It is also emphasized that a restoration of cytokines level, NKG2D and DNAM-1on tumor infiltrated immune cells may be targeted to develop specific therapeutic approaches for high-grade serous epithelial ovarian cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pavan Kumar
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Samruddhi Ranmale
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | | | - Hemant Tongaonkar
- P. D. Hinduja National Hospital & Medical Research Centre, Mumbai, 400016, India
| | - Vainav Patel
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Amit Kumar Singh
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India
| | - Jayanti Mania-Pramanik
- ICMR-National Institute for Research in Reproductive and Child Health, Jehangir Merwanji Street, Parel, Mumbai, 400012, India.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Damiani D, Tiribelli M. Checkpoint Inhibitors in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1724. [PMID: 37371818 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061724] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) remains unsatisfactory. Among the reasons for the poor response to therapy and high incidence of relapse, there is tumor cell immune escape, as AML blasts can negatively influence various components of the immune system, mostly weakening T-cells. Since leukemic cells can dysregulate immune checkpoints (ICs), receptor-based signal transductors that lead to the negative regulation of T-cells and, eventually, to immune surveillance escape, the inhibition of ICs is a promising therapeutic strategy and has led to the development of so-called immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). ICIs, in combination with conventional chemotherapy, hypomethylating agents or targeted therapies, are being increasingly tested in cases of AML, but the results reported are often conflicting. Here, we review the main issues concerning the immune system in AML, the main pathways leading to immune escape and the results obtained from clinical trials of ICIs, alone or in combination, in newly diagnosed or relapsed/refractory AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Damiani
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Mario Tiribelli
- Division of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Udine Hospital, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Udine University, 33100 Udine, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Azoulay T, Slouzky I, Karmona M, Filatov M, Hayun M, Ofran Y, Sarig G, Ringelstein-Harlev S. Compromised activity of natural killer cells in diffuse large b-cell lymphoma is related to lymphoma-induced modification of their surface receptor expression. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:707-718. [PMID: 36048214 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03284-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
While natural killer (NK) cells are essential players in detection and elimination of malignant cells, these surveillance properties can be compromised by cancer cells. Since NK cell education primarily occurs in the bone marrow and lymphoid tissue, this process might be particularly affected by their infiltration with lymphoma cells. This study aimed to explore functional properties of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) patient NK cells, which could potentially promote tumour immune evasion and disease propagation.NK cells isolated from the peripheral blood (PB) of 26 DLBCL patients and 13 age-matched healthy controls (HC) were analysed. The cytotoxic CD56dim subtype was the only one identified in patients. Compared to HC, patient cells demonstrated low levels of inhibitory CD158a/b along with decreased expression of activating NKG2D and CD161 and increased inhibitory NKG2A levels. Patient NK cell cytotoxic activity was impaired, as were their degranulation and inflammatory cytokine production, which partially recovered following non-receptor-dependant stimulation.The phenotypically skewed and restricted population of patient NK cells, along with their blunted cytotoxic and immune-regulatory activity, appear to be driven by exposure to lymphoma environment. These NK cell functional aberrations could support lymphoma immune evasion and should be considered in the era of cellular therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tehila Azoulay
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Ilana Slouzky
- Hematology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | - Michal Karmona
- Hematology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel
| | | | - Michal Hayun
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yishai Ofran
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Hematology, Shaare Zedek Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Galit Sarig
- Hematology Laboratory, Rambam Health Care Campus, Haifa, Israel. .,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| | - Shimrit Ringelstein-Harlev
- Department of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Rambam Health Care Campus, 8, Ha'Aliya Street, 3109601, Haifa, Israel. .,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
The prognostic signature based on glycolysis-immune related genes for acute myeloid leukemia patients. Immunobiology 2023; 228:152355. [PMID: 36868006 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2023.152355] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is widely considered an immunoresponsive malignancy. However, potential association between glycolysis-immune related genes and AML patients' prognosis has been seldom studied. AML-related data was downloaded from TCGA and GEO databases. We grouped patients according to Glycolysis status, Immune Score and combination analysis, basing on which overlapped differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. The Risk Score model was then established. The results showed that totally 142 overlapped genes were probably correlated with glycolysis-immunity in AML patients, among which 6 optimal genes were screened to construct Risk Score. High Risk Score was an independent poor prognostic factor for AML. In conclusion, we established a relatively reliable prognostic signature of AML based on glycolysis-immunity related genes, including METTL7B, HTR7, ITGAX, TNNI2, SIX3 and PURG.
Collapse
|
22
|
Serroukh Y, Hébert J, Busque L, Mercier F, Rudd CE, Assouline S, Lachance S, Delisle JS. Blasts in context: the impact of the immune environment on acute myeloid leukemia prognosis and treatment. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100991. [PMID: 35941029 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that originates from the bone marrow (BM). Under physiological conditions, the bone marrow supports the homeostasis of immune cells and hosts memory lymphoid cells. In this review, we summarize our present understanding of the role of the immune microenvironment on healthy bone marrow and on the development of AML, with a focus on T cells and other lymphoid cells. The types and function of different immune cells involved in the AML microenvironment as well as their putative role in the onset of disease and response to treatment are presented. We also describe how the immune context predicts the response to immunotherapy in AML and how these therapies modulate the immune status of the bone marrow. Finally, we focus on allogeneic stem cell transplantation and summarize the current understanding of the immune environment in the post-transplant bone marrow, the factors associated with immune escape and relevant strategies to prevent and treat relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Serroukh
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Erasmus Medical center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Hematology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Josée Hébert
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada; The Quebec Leukemia Cell Bank, Canada
| | - Lambert Busque
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| | - François Mercier
- Division of Hematology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rudd
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sarit Assouline
- Division of Hematology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada
| | - Silvy Lachance
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jean-Sébastien Delisle
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fisher JG, Doyle ADP, Graham LV, Khakoo SI, Blunt MD. Disruption of the NKG2A:HLA-E Immune Checkpoint Axis to Enhance NK Cell Activation against Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1993. [PMID: 36560403 PMCID: PMC9783329 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10121993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ligation of the inhibitory receptor NKG2A by its ligand HLA-E negatively regulates the activation of natural killer (NK) cells, as well as subsets of CD8+ T cells and innate T cell populations. NKG2A has recently become a novel immune checkpoint target for the treatment of cancer and direct antibody mediated blockade of NKG2A function is currently under assessment in two phase 3 clinical trials. In addition to direct targeting, the NKG2A:HLA-E axis can also be disrupted indirectly via multiple different targeted cancer agents that were not previously recognised to possess immunomodulatory properties. Increased understanding of immune cell modulation by targeted cancer therapies will allow for the design of rational and more efficacious drug combination strategies to improve cancer patient outcomes. In this review, we summarise and discuss the various strategies currently in development which either directly or indirectly disrupt the NKG2A:HLA-E interaction to enhance NK cell activation against cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Matthew D. Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Valenzuela-Vázquez L, Nuñez-Enriquez JC, Sánchez-Herrera J, Medina-Sanson A, Pérez-Saldivar ML, Jiménez-Hernández E, Martiín-Trejo JA, Del Campo-Martínez MDLÁ, Flores-Lujano J, Amador-Sánchez R, Mora-Ríos FG, Peñaloza-González JG, Duarte-Rodríguez DA, Torres-Nava JR, Espinosa-Elizondo RM, Cortés-Herrera B, Flores-Villegas LV, Merino-Pasaye LE, Almeida-Hernández C, Ramírez-Colorado R, Solís-Labastida KA, Medrano-López F, Pérez-Gómez JA, Velázquez-Aviña MM, Martínez-Ríos A, Aguilar-De los Santos A, Santillán-Juárez JD, Gurrola-Silva A, García-Velázquez AJ, Mata-Rocha M, Hernández-Echáurregui GA, Sepúlveda-Robles OA, Rosas-Vargas H, Mancilla-Herrera I, Jimenez-Morales S, Hidalgo-Miranda A, Martinez-Duncker I, Waight JD, Hance KW, Madauss KP, Mejía-Aranguré JM, Cruz-Munoz ME. NK cells with decreased expression of multiple activating receptors is a dominant phenotype in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1023510. [PMID: 36419901 PMCID: PMC9677112 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1023510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells have unique attributes to react towards cells undergoing malignant transformation or viral infection. This reactivity is regulated by activating or inhibitory germline encoded receptors. An impaired NK cell function may result from an aberrant expression of such receptors, a condition often seen in patients with hematological cancers. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer worldwide and NK cells have emerged as crucial targets for developing immunotherapies. However, there are important gaps concerning the phenotype and behavior of NK cells during emergence of ALL. In this study we analyze the phenotype and function of NK cells from peripheral blood in pediatric patients with ALL at diagnosis. Our results showed that NK cells exhibited an altered phenotype highlighted by a significant reduction in the overall expression and percent representation of activating receptors compared to age-matched controls. No significant differences were found for the expression of inhibitory receptors. Moreover, NK cells with a concurrent reduced expression in various activating receptors, was the dominant phenotype among patients. An alteration in the relative frequencies of NK cells expressing NKG2A and CD57 within the mature NK cell pool was also observed. In addition, NK cells from patients displayed a significant reduction in the ability to sustain antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Finally, an aberrant expression of activating receptors is associated with the phenomenon of leukemia during childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucero Valenzuela-Vázquez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Nuñez-Enriquez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jacqueline Sánchez-Herrera
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Aurora Medina-Sanson
- Servicio de Oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México, “Dr. Federico Gómez Sántos”, Secretaria de Salud, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - María Luisa Pérez-Saldivar
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elva Jiménez-Hernández
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Hospital General “Gaudencio González Garza”, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “La Raza”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge Alfonso Martiín-Trejo
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María de Los Ángeles Del Campo-Martínez
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Hospital General “Gaudencio González Garza”, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “La Raza”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Janet Flores-Lujano
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Raquel Amador-Sánchez
- Hospital General Regional No. 1 “Carlos McGregor Sánchez Navarro”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Félix Gustavo Mora-Ríos
- Departamento de Hematología, Hospital General Regional Ignacio Zaragoza del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - David Aldebarán Duarte-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Refugio Torres-Nava
- Servicio de Oncología, Hospital Pediátrico de Moctezuma, Secretaría de Salud de la Ciudad de México (CDMX), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Beatriz Cortés-Herrera
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Hospital General de México, Secretaria de Salud (SS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luz Victoria Flores-Villegas
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “20 de Noviembre”, Instituto de Seguridad Social al Servicio de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Elizabeth Merino-Pasaye
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “20 de Noviembre”, Instituto de Seguridad Social al Servicio de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carolina Almeida-Hernández
- Hospital General de Ecatepec “Las Américas”, Instituto de Salud del Estado de México (ISEM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosario Ramírez-Colorado
- Hospital Pediátrico La Villa, Secretaría de Salud de la Ciudad de México (SSCDMX), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karina Anastacia Solís-Labastida
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco Medrano-López
- Hospital General Regional (HGR) No. 72 “Dr. Vicente Santos Guajardo”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jessica Arleet Pérez-Gómez
- Hospital General Regional (HGR) No. 72 “Dr. Vicente Santos Guajardo”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Annel Martínez-Ríos
- Departamento de Hematología, Hospital General Regional Ignacio Zaragoza del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Jessica Denisse Santillán-Juárez
- Servicio de Hemato-oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Regional No. 1° de Octubre, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alma Gurrola-Silva
- Hospital Regional Tipo B de Alta Especialidad Bicentenario de la Independencia, Instituto de Seguridad Social al Servicio de los Trabajadores del Estado, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Jimena García-Velázquez
- Servicio de Hemato-oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Regional No. 1° de Octubre, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Minerva Mata-Rocha
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Omar Alejandro Sepúlveda-Robles
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Haydeé Rosas-Vargas
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ismael Mancilla-Herrera
- Departamento de Infectología e Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Silvia Jimenez-Morales
- Laboratorio de Genómica del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Hidalgo-Miranda
- Laboratorio de Genómica del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ivan Martinez-Duncker
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Juan Manuel Mejía-Aranguré
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Genómica del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Juan Manuel Mejía-Aranguré, ; Mario Ernesto Cruz-Munoz,
| | - Mario Ernesto Cruz-Munoz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Juan Manuel Mejía-Aranguré, ; Mario Ernesto Cruz-Munoz,
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Chen X, Jiang L, Liu X. Natural killer cells: the next wave in cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:954804. [PMID: 35967421 PMCID: PMC9364606 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.954804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies focusing on rejuvenating T cell activities, like PD-1/PD-L1 and CTLA-4 blockade, have unprecedentedly revolutionized the landscape of cancer treatment. Yet a previously underexplored component of the immune system - natural killer (NK) cell, is coming to the forefront of immunotherapeutic attempts. In this review, we discuss the contributions of NK cells in the success of current immunotherapies, provide an overview of the current preclinical and clinical strategies at harnessing NK cells for cancer treatment, and highlight that NK cell-mediated therapies emerge as a major target in the next wave of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Chen
- Department of Biology, BeiGene (Beijing) Co., Ltd., Beijing, China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Medjouel Khlifi H, Guia S, Vivier E, Narni-Mancinelli E. Role of the ITAM-Bearing Receptors Expressed by Natural Killer Cells in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:898745. [PMID: 35757695 PMCID: PMC9231431 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.898745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) capable of recognizing and directly killing tumor cells. They also secrete cytokines and chemokines, which participate in the shaping of the adaptive response. NK cells identify tumor cells and are activated through a net positive signal from inhibitory and activating receptors. Several activating NK cell receptors are coupled to adaptor molecules containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). These receptors include CD16 and the natural cytotoxic receptors NKp46, NKp44, NKp30 in humans. The powerful antitumor NK cell response triggered by these activating receptors has made them attractive targets for exploitation in immunotherapy. In this review, we will discuss the different activating receptors associated with ITAM-bearing cell surface receptors expressed on NK cells, their modulations in the tumor context and the various therapeutic tools developed to boost NK cell responses in cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hakim Medjouel Khlifi
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Guia
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France.,Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Barakos GP, Hatzimichael E. Microenvironmental Features Driving Immune Evasion in Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Diseases 2022; 10:diseases10020033. [PMID: 35735633 PMCID: PMC9221594 DOI: 10.3390/diseases10020033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone marrow, besides the known functions of hematopoiesis, is an active organ of the immune system, functioning as a sanctuary for several mature immune cells. Moreover, evidence suggests that hematopoietic stem cells (the bone marrow’s functional unit) are capable of directly sensing and responding to an array of exogenous stimuli. This chronic immune stimulation is harmful to normal hematopoietic stem cells, while essential for the propagation of myeloid diseases, which show a dysregulated immune microenvironment. The bone marrow microenvironment in myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) is characterized by chronic inflammatory activity and immune dysfunction, that drive excessive cellular death and through immune evasion assist in cancer cell expansion. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is another example of immune response failure, with features that augment immune evasion and suppression. In this review, we will outline some of the functions of the bone marrow with immunological significance and describe the alterations in the immune landscape of MDS and AML that drive disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgios Petros Barakos
- First Department of Internal Medicine, General Hospital of Piraeus “Tzaneio”, 18536 Piraeus, Greece;
| | - Eleftheria Hatzimichael
- Department of Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45500 Ioannina, Greece
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Rahmani S, Yazdanpanah N, Rezaei N. Natural killer cells and acute myeloid leukemia: promises and challenges. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2849-2867. [PMID: 35639116 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03217-1] [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: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is considered as one of the most malignant conditions of the bone marrow. Over the past few decades, despite substantial progresses in the management of AML, relapse remission remains a major problem. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are known as a unique component of the innate immune system. Due to swift tumor detection, distinct cytotoxic action, and extensive immune interaction, NK cells have been used in various cancer settings for decades. It has been a growing knowledge of therapeutic magnitudes ranging from adoptive NK cell transfer to chimeric antigen receptor NK cells, aiming to achieve better therapeutic responses in patients with AML. In this article, the potentials of NK cells for treatment of AML are highlighted, and challenges for such therapeutic methods are discussed. In addition, the clinical application of NK cells, mainly in patients with AML, is pictured according to the existing evidence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Rahmani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloufar Yazdanpanah
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran. .,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Allegra A, Casciaro M, Lo Presti E, Musolino C, Gangemi S. Harnessing Unconventional T Cells and Innate Lymphoid Cells to Prevent and Treat Hematological Malignancies: Prospects for New Immunotherapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060754. [PMID: 35740879 PMCID: PMC9221132 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) make up a heterogeneous set of cells that characteristically show prompt responses toward specific antigens. Unconventional T cells recognize non-peptide antigens, which are bound and presented by diverse non-polymorphic antigen-presenting molecules and comprise γδ T cells, MR1-restricted mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs), and natural killer T cells (NKTs). On the other hand, ILCs lack antigen-specific receptors and act as the innate counterpart to the T lymphocytes found in the adaptive immune response. The alteration of unconventional T cells and ILCs in frequency and functionality is correlated with the onset of several autoimmune diseases, allergy, inflammation, and tumor. However, depending on the physio-pathological framework, unconventional T cells may exhibit either protective or pathogenic activity in a range of neoplastic diseases. Nonetheless, experimental models and clinical studies have displayed that some unconventional T cells are potential therapeutic targets, as well as prognostic and diagnostic markers. In fact, cell-mediated immune response in tumors has become the focus in immunotherapy against neoplastic disease. This review concentrates on the present knowledge concerning the function of unconventional T cell sets in the antitumor immune response in hematological malignancies, such as acute and chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover, we discuss the possibility that modulating the activity of unconventional T cells could be useful in the treatment of hematological neoplasms, in the prevention of specific conditions (such as graft versus host disease), and in the formulation of an effective anticancer vaccine therapy. The exact knowledge of the role of these cells could represent the prerequisite for the creation of a new form of immunotherapy for hematological neoplasms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, Division of Hematology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Marco Casciaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-2013
| | - Elena Lo Presti
- National Research Council (CNR)—Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Caterina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, Division of Hematology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Differential Regulation of NK Cell Receptors in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:7972039. [PMID: 35652109 PMCID: PMC9150999 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7972039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies are preferred over conventional treatments which are highly cytotoxic to normal cells. Focus has been on T cells but natural killer (NK) cells have equal potential. Concepts in cancer control and influence of sex require further investigation to improve successful mobilization of immune cells in cancer patients. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a hematological malignancy mainly of B cell (B-ALL) and T cell (T-ALL) subtypes. Influence of ALL on NK cell is still unclear. Targeted next-generation sequencing was conducted on 62 activating/inhibitory receptors, ligands, effector, and exhaustion molecules on T-ALL (6 males) and normal controls (NC) (4 males and 4 females). Quantitative PCR (q-PCR) further investigated copy number variation (CNV), methylation index (MI), and mRNA expression of significant genes in T-ALL (14 males), NC (12 males and 12 females), and B-ALL samples (N = 12 males and 12 females). Bioinformatics revealed unique variants particularly rs2253849 (T>C) in KLRC1 and rs1141715 (A>G) in KLRC2 only among T-ALL (allele frequency 0.8-1.0). Gene amplification was highest in female B-ALL compared to male B-ALL (KLRC2, KLRC4, and NCR3, p < 0.05) and lowest in male T-ALL cumulating in deletion of KLRD1 and CD69. MI was higher in male ALL of both subtypes compared to normal (KIR2DL1-2 and 4 and KIR2DS2 and 4, p < 0.05) as well as to female B-ALL (KIR3DL2 and KIR2DS2, p < 0.05). mRNA expressions were low. Thus, ALL subtypes potentially regulated NK cell suppression by different mechanisms which should be considered in future immunotherapies for ALL.
Collapse
|
31
|
Caprioli C, Nazari I, Milovanovic S, Pelicci PG. Single-Cell Technologies to Decipher the Immune Microenvironment in Myeloid Neoplasms: Perspectives and Opportunities. Front Oncol 2022; 11:796477. [PMID: 35186713 PMCID: PMC8847379 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.796477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Myeloid neoplasms (MN) are heterogeneous clonal disorders arising from the expansion of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. In parallel with genetic and epigenetic dynamics, the immune system plays a critical role in modulating tumorigenesis, evolution and therapeutic resistance at the various stages of disease progression. Single-cell technologies represent powerful tools to assess the cellular composition of the complex tumor ecosystem and its immune environment, to dissect interactions between neoplastic and non-neoplastic components, and to decipher their functional heterogeneity and plasticity. In addition, recent progress in multi-omics approaches provide an unprecedented opportunity to study multiple molecular layers (DNA, RNA, proteins) at the level of single-cell or single cellular clones during disease evolution or in response to therapy. Applying single-cell technologies to MN holds the promise to uncover novel cell subsets or phenotypic states and highlight the connections between clonal evolution and immune escape, which is crucial to fully understand disease progression and therapeutic resistance. This review provides a perspective on the various opportunities and challenges in the field, focusing on key questions in MN research and discussing their translational value, particularly for the development of more efficient immunotherapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Caprioli
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy.,Scuola Europea di Medicina Molecolare (SEMM) European School of Molecular Medicine, Milan, Italy.,Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant Unit, Papa Giovanni XXIII Hospital, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Iman Nazari
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy.,Scuola Europea di Medicina Molecolare (SEMM) European School of Molecular Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Milovanovic
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy.,Scuola Europea di Medicina Molecolare (SEMM) European School of Molecular Medicine, Milan, Italy
| | - Pier Giuseppe Pelicci
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Istituto Europeo di Oncologia, Milan, Italy.,Scuola Europea di Medicina Molecolare (SEMM) European School of Molecular Medicine, Milan, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Immunotherapy for Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030843. [PMID: 35159109 PMCID: PMC8833963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation in leukemia increase infection susceptibility, adverse side effects and immune cell inactivation. Natural killer (NK) cells are the first line of defense against cancer and are critical in the recognition and cytolysis of rapidly dividing and abnormal cell populations. In this review, we describe NK cells and NK cell receptors, functional impairment of NK cells in leukemia, NK cell immunotherapies currently under investigation including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-NKs (CAR-NKs), bi-specific/tri-specific killer engagers (BiKEs/TriKEs) and potential targets of NK cell-mediated immunotherapy for leukemia in the future. Abstract Leukemia is a malignancy of the bone marrow and blood resulting from the abnormal differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). There are four main types of leukemia including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While chemotherapy and radiation have been conventional forms of treatment for leukemia, these therapies increase infection susceptibility, adverse side effects and immune cell inactivation. Immunotherapies are becoming promising treatment options for leukemia, with natural killer (NK) cell-mediated therapy providing a specific direction of interest. The role of NK cells is critical for cancer cell elimination as these immune cells are the first line of defense against cancer proliferation and are involved in both recognition and cytolysis of rapidly dividing and abnormal cell populations. NK cells possess various activating and inhibitory receptors, which regulate NK cell function, signaling either inhibition and continued surveillance, or activation and subsequent cytotoxic activity. In this review, we describe NK cells and NK cell receptors, functional impairment of NK cells in leukemia, NK cell immunotherapies currently under investigation, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-NKs (CAR-NKs), bi-specific/tri-specific killer engagers (BiKEs/TriKEs) and future potential targets of NK cell-based immunotherapy for leukemia.
Collapse
|
33
|
Maiorino L, Daßler-Plenker J, Sun L, Egeblad M. Innate Immunity and Cancer Pathophysiology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 17:425-457. [PMID: 34788549 PMCID: PMC9012188 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-032221-115501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation increases the risk of several cancers, including gastric, colon, and hepatic cancers. Conversely, tumors, similar to tissue injury, trigger an inflammatory response coordinated by the innate immune system. Cellular and molecular mediators of inflammation modulate tumor growth directly and by influencing the adaptive immune response. Depending on the balance of immune cell types and signals within the tumor microenvironment, inflammation can support or restrain the tumor. Adding to the complexity, research from the past two decades has revealed that innate immune cells are highly heterogeneous and plastic, with variable phenotypes depending on tumor type, stage, and treatment. The field is now on the cusp of being able to harness this wealth of data to (a) classify tumors on the basis of their immune makeup, with implications for prognosis, treatment choice, and clinical outcome, and (b) design therapeutic strategies that activate antitumor immune responses by targeting innate immune cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maiorino
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Lijuan Sun
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Mikala Egeblad
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Bou-Tayeh B, Laletin V, Salem N, Just-Landi S, Fares J, Leblanc R, Balzano M, Kerdiles YM, Bidaut G, Hérault O, Olive D, Aurrand-Lions M, Walzer T, Nunès JA, Fauriat C. Chronic IL-15 Stimulation and Impaired mTOR Signaling and Metabolism in Natural Killer Cells During Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730970. [PMID: 34975835 PMCID: PMC8718679 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are potent anti-leukemic immune effectors. However, they display multiple defects in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients leading to reduced anti-tumor potential. Our limited understanding of the mechanisms underlying these defects hampers the development of strategies to restore NK cell potential. Here, we have used a mouse model of AML to gain insight into these mechanisms. We found that leukemia progression resulted in NK cell maturation defects and functional alterations. Next, we assessed NK cell cytokine signaling governing their behavior. We showed that NK cells from leukemic mice exhibit constitutive IL-15/mTOR signaling and type I IFN signaling. However, these cells failed to respond to IL-15 stimulation in vitro as illustrated by reduced activation of the mTOR pathway. Moreover, our data suggest that mTOR-mediated metabolic responses were reduced in NK cells from AML-bearing mice. Noteworthy, the reduction of mTOR-mediated activation of NK cells during AML development partially rescued NK cell metabolic and functional defects. Altogether, our data strongly suggest that NK cells from leukemic mice are metabolically and functionally exhausted as a result of a chronic cytokine activation, at least partially IL-15/mTOR signaling. NK cells from AML patients also displayed reduced IL-2/15Rβ expression and showed cues of reduced metabolic response to IL-15 stimulation in vitro, suggesting that a similar mechanism might occur in AML patients. Our study pinpoints the dysregulation of cytokine stimulation pathways as a new mechanism leading to NK cell defects in AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Berna Bou-Tayeh
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Vladimir Laletin
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Nassim Salem
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Sylvaine Just-Landi
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
- IBiSA Immunomonitoring Platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Joanna Fares
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Raphael Leblanc
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Marielle Balzano
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Yann M. Kerdiles
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| | - Ghislain Bidaut
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
- Cibi Technological Platform, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Olivier Hérault
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7292, LNOx Team, François Rabelais University, Tours, France
| | - Daniel Olive
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
- IBiSA Immunomonitoring Platform, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Michel Aurrand-Lions
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Thierry Walzer
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie (CIRI), Inserm U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS UMR5308, Lyon, France
| | - Jacques A. Nunès
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
| | - Cyril Fauriat
- Aix-Marseille Université UM105, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR7258, Inserm UMR1068, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Cancer Research Center of Marseille (CRCM), Marseille, France
- *Correspondence: Cyril Fauriat,
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Zeng X, Yao D, Liu L, Zhang Y, Lai J, Zhong J, Zha X, Lu Y, Jin Z, Chen S, Li Y, Xu L. Terminal differentiation of bone marrow NK cells and increased circulation of TIGIT + NK cells may be related to poor outcome in acute myeloid leukemia. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2021; 18:456-464. [PMID: 34811925 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM In order to further understand the feature of natural killer cell (NK) dysfunction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), The distribution of NK cell subset the expression of the inhibitory receptors immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), killer cell lectin-like receptor (KLRG1), and the expression of maturation marker CD57 in NK cell subsets and their correlation with patient outcomes were analyzed in this study. METHODS We collected peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples from de novo AML (AML-DN) patients, patients who achieved complete remission after chemotherapy (AML-CR), and healthy individuals. An eight-color flow cytometry panel was used to identify different NK subsets and their expression of TIGIT, CD57 and KLRG1. RESULTS Decreased percentage of CD56dim CD16+ NK cells was found only in the PB of AML-DN and AML-CR patients but not in the BM. The expression frequency of TIGIT and KLRG1 was elevated on NK cells from the PB of AML-DN patients, while it was recovered in AML-CR patients. Moreover, a higher percentage of CD57+ CD56dim CD16+ NK cells, representing a terminally differentiated NK subset with strong cytotoxic capacity but defective replication potential, was detected in the BM of AML-DN patients and predicted sub-optimal survival for patients. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the NK cell subsets in the PB of AML patients had an exhaustion phenotype, while the BM NK cells had a terminally differentiated phenotype, which correlated with short survival for AML patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbo Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Danlin Yao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yikai Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jing Lai
- Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jun Zhong
- Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xianfeng Zha
- Department of clinical laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuhong Lu
- Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenyi Jin
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Abakushina EV, Popova LI, Zamyatnin AA, Werner J, Mikhailovsky NV, Bazhin AV. The Advantages and Challenges of Anticancer Dendritic Cell Vaccines and NK Cells in Adoptive Cell Immunotherapy. Vaccines (Basel) 2021; 9:1363. [PMID: 34835294 PMCID: PMC8625865 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines9111363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, an impressive advance was achieved in adoptive cell therapy (ACT), which has improved therapeutic potential and significant value in promising cancer treatment for patients. The ACT is based on the cell transfer of dendritic cells (DCs) and/or immune effector cells. DCs are often used as vaccine carriers or antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to prime naive T cells ex vivo or in vivo. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells are used as major tool effector cells for ACT. Despite the fact that NK cell immunotherapy is highly effective and promising against many cancer types, there are still some limitations, including insignificant infiltration, adverse conditions of the microenvironment, the immunosuppressive cellular populations, and the low cytotoxic activity in solid tumors. To overcome these difficulties, novel methods of NK cell isolation, expansion, and stimulation of cytotoxic activity should be designed. In this review, we discuss the basic characteristics of DC vaccines and NK cells as potential adoptive cell preparations in cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena V. Abakushina
- Department for Development and Research in Immunology, LLC “Tecon Medical Devices”, 123298 Moscow, Russia; (L.I.P.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Liubov I. Popova
- Department for Development and Research in Immunology, LLC “Tecon Medical Devices”, 123298 Moscow, Russia; (L.I.P.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Andrey A. Zamyatnin
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119992 Moscow, Russia;
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Biotechnology, Sirius University of Science and Technology, 1 Olympic Ave, 354340 Sochi, Russia
| | - Jens Werner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.W.); (A.V.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nikolay V. Mikhailovsky
- Department for Development and Research in Immunology, LLC “Tecon Medical Devices”, 123298 Moscow, Russia; (L.I.P.); (N.V.M.)
| | - Alexandr V. Bazhin
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (J.W.); (A.V.B.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pan C, Zhai Y, Li G, Jiang T, Zhang W. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy and Therapeutic Perspective in Gliomas. Front Oncol 2021; 11:751183. [PMID: 34765554 PMCID: PMC8576093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.751183] [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: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor diagnosed in adults. Current therapies are unable to improve its clinical prognosis, imposing the need for innovative therapeutic approaches. The main reason for the poor prognosis is the great cell heterogeneity of the tumor and its immunosuppressive microenvironment. Development of new therapies that avoid this immune evasion could improve the response to the current treatments. Natural killer (NK) cells are an intriguing candidate for the next wave of therapies because of several unique features that they possess. For example, NK cell-based immunotherapy causes minimal graft-versus-host disease. Cytokine release syndrome is less likely to occur during chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK therapy, and CAR-NK cells can kill targets in a CAR-independent manner. However, NK cell-based therapy in treating glioma faces several difficulties. For example, CAR molecules are not sufficiently well designed so that they will thoroughly release functioning NK cells. Compared to hematological malignancies, the application of many potential NK cell-based therapies in glioma lags far behind. Here, we review several issues of NK cells and propose several strategies that will improve the efficacy of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy in the treatment of glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Changqing Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - You Zhai
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Guanzhang Li
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas (AGGA), Beijing, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Beijing, China.,Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Asian Glioma Genome Atlas (AGGA), Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Vanikova S, Koladiya A, Musil J. OMIP-080: 29-Color flow cytometry panel for comprehensive evaluation of NK and T cells reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. Cytometry A 2021; 101:21-26. [PMID: 34693626 PMCID: PMC9298022 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This 29-color panel was developed and optimized for the monitoring of NK cell and T cell reconstitution in peripheral blood of patients after HSCT. We considered major post-HSCT complications during the design, such as relapses, viral infections, and GvHD and identification of lymphocyte populations relevant to their resolution. The panel includes markers for all major NK cell and T cell subsets and analysis of their development and qualitative properties. In the NK cell compartment, we focus mainly on CD57 + NKG2C+ cells and the expression of activating (NKG2D, DNAM-1) and inhibitory receptors (NKG2A, TIGIT). Another priority is the characterization of T cell reconstitution; therefore, we included detection of CD4+ RTEs based on CD45RA, CD62L, CD95, and CD31 as a marker of thymus function. Besides that, we also analyze the emergence and properties of major T cell populations with a particular interest in CD8, Th1, ThCTL, and Treg subsets. Overall, the panel allows for comprehensive analysis of the reconstituting immune system and identification of potential markers of immune cell dysfunction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarka Vanikova
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Abhishek Koladiya
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Musil
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Kapoor S, Champion G, Basu A, Mariampillai A, Olnes MJ. Immune Therapies for Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5026. [PMID: 34638510 PMCID: PMC8507987 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13195026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are hematologic malignancies arising from the bone marrow. Despite recent advances in treating these diseases, patients with higher-risk MDS and AML continue to have a poor prognosis with limited survival. It has long been recognized that there is an immune component to the pathogenesis of MDS and AML, but until recently, immune therapies have played a limited role in treating these diseases. Immune suppressive therapy exhibits durable clinical responses in selected patients with MDS, but the question of which patients are most suitable for this treatment remains unclear. Over the past decade, there has been remarkable progress in identifying genomic features of MDS and AML, which has led to an improved discernment of the molecular pathogenesis of these diseases. An improved understanding of immune and inflammatory molecular mechanisms of MDS and AML have also recently revealed novel therapeutic targets. Emerging treatments for MDS and AML include monoclonal antibodies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific T-cell-engaging antibodies, antibody drug conjugates, vaccine therapies, and cellular therapeutics including chimeric antigen receptor T-cells and NK cells. In this review, we provide an overview of the current understanding of immune dysregulation in MDS and AML and an update on novel immune therapies for these bone marrow malignancies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sargam Kapoor
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; (S.K.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Grace Champion
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Aparna Basu
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; (S.K.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
| | - Anu Mariampillai
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; (S.K.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Matthew J. Olnes
- Hematology and Medical Oncology, Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 3900 Ambassador Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508, USA; (S.K.); (A.B.); (A.M.)
- School of Medicine, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific St., Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
- WWAMI School of Medical Education, University of Alaska Anchorage, 3211 Providence Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508, USA
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Inflammaging, an Imbalanced Immune Response That Needs to Be Restored for Cancer Prevention and Treatment in the Elderly. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102562. [PMID: 34685542 PMCID: PMC8533838 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, new advances in society and health have brought an increased life expectancy. However, at the same time, aging comes with complications that impact the development of autoimmunity, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. These complications affect the quality of life and impact the public health system. Specifically, with aging, a low-grade chronic sterile systemic inflammation with self-reactivity in the absence of acute infection occurs termed inflammaging. Inflammaging is related to an imbalanced immune response that can be either naturally acquired with aging or accelerated due to external triggers. Different molecules, metabolites and inflammatory forms of cell death are highly involved in these processes. Importantly, adoptive cellular immunotherapy is a modality of treatment for cancer patients that administers ex vivo expanded immune cells in the patient. The manipulation of these cells confers them enhanced proinflammatory properties. A general consequence of proinflammatory events is the development of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Herein, we review subsets of immune cells with a pertinent role in inflammaging, relevant proteins involved in these inflammatory events and external triggers that enhance and accelerate these processes. Moreover, we mention relevant preclinical studies that demonstrate associations of chronic inflammation with cancer development.
Collapse
|
41
|
Lordo MR, Wu KG, Altynova E, Shilo N, Kronen P, Nalin AP, Weigel C, Zhang X, Yu J, Oakes CC, Caligiuri MA, Freud AG, Mundy-Bosse BL. Acute Myeloid Leukemia Alters Group 1 Innate Lymphoid Cell Differentiation from a Common Precursor. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2021; 207:1672-1682. [PMID: 34417259 PMCID: PMC8429221 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
NK cells are known to be developmentally blocked and functionally inhibited in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), resulting in poor clinical outcomes. In this study, we demonstrate that whereas NK cells are inhibited, closely related type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s) are enriched in the bone marrow of leukemic mice and in patients with AML. Because NK cells and ILC1s share a common precursor (ILCP), we asked if AML acts on the ILCP to alter developmental potential. A combination of ex vivo and in vivo studies revealed that AML skewing of the ILCP toward ILC1s and away from NK cells represented a major mechanism of ILC1 generation. This process was driven by AML-mediated activation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR), a key transcription factor in ILCs, as inhibition of AHR led to decreased numbers of ILC1s and increased NK cells in the presence of AML. These results demonstrate a mechanism of ILC developmental skewing in AML and support further preclinical study of AHR inhibition in restoring normal NK cell development and function in the setting of AML.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Azo Compounds/pharmacology
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/agonists
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/antagonists & inhibitors
- Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Bone Marrow/immunology
- Carbazoles/pharmacology
- Cell Differentiation/drug effects
- Cell Differentiation/immunology
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Humans
- Immunity, Innate
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/blood
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Lymphocyte Count
- Male
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Pyrazoles/pharmacology
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/agonists
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Aryl Hydrocarbon/metabolism
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matthew R Lordo
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Kevin G Wu
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Nikolas Shilo
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Parker Kronen
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Ansel P Nalin
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Christoph Weigel
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Xiaoli Zhang
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Center for Biostatistics/Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Jianhua Yu
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Christopher C Oakes
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH; and
| | | | - Aharon G Freud
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH;
- Department of Pathology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Bethany L Mundy-Bosse
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH;
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH; and
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Gunduz M, Ataca Atilla P, Atilla E. New Orders to an Old Soldier: Optimizing NK Cells for Adoptive Immunotherapy in Hematology. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091201. [PMID: 34572387 PMCID: PMC8466804 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/28/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
NK (Natural Killer) cell-mediated adoptive immunotherapy has gained attention in hematology due to the progressing knowledge of NK cell receptor structure, biology and function. Today, challenges related to NK cell expansion and persistence in vivo as well as low cytotoxicity have been mostly overcome by pioneering trials that focused on harnessing NK cell functions. Recent technological advancements in gene delivery, gene editing and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have made it possible to generate genetically modified NK cells that enhance the anti-tumor efficacy and represent suitable “off-the-shelf” products with fewer side effects. In this review, we highlight recent advances in NK cell biology along with current approaches for potentiating NK cell proliferation and activity, redirecting NK cells using CARs and optimizing the procedure to manufacture clinical-grade NK and CAR NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Gunduz
- Department of Hematology, Biruni University, Istanbul 34010, Turkey;
| | - Pinar Ataca Atilla
- Interdisciplinary Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine Ph.D Program, Stem Cell Institute, Ankara University, Ankara 06520, Turkey;
| | - Erden Atilla
- Department of Hematology, Mersin State Hospital, Korukent District, 96015 St., Toroslar 33240, Turkey
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +9-05-058-213-131
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Limongello R, Marra A, Mancusi A, Bonato S, Hoxha E, Ruggeri L, Hui S, Velardi A, Pierini A. Novel Immune Cell-Based Therapies to Eradicate High-Risk Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Immunol 2021; 12:695051. [PMID: 34413848 PMCID: PMC8368440 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.695051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Adverse genetic risk acute myeloid leukemia (AML) includes a wide range of clinical-pathological entities with extremely poor outcomes; thus, novel therapeutic approaches are needed. Promising results achieved by engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells in other blood neoplasms have paved the way for the development of immune cell-based therapies for adverse genetic risk AML. Among these, adoptive cell immunotherapies with single/multiple CAR-T cells, CAR-natural killer (NK) cells, cytokine-induced killer cells (CIK), and NK cells are subjects of ongoing clinical trials. On the other hand, allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) still represents the only curative option for adverse genetic risk AML patients. Unfortunately, high relapse rates (above 50%) and associated dismal outcomes (reported survival ~10–20%) even question the role of current allo-HSCT protocols and emphasize the urgency of adopting novel effective transplant strategies. We have recently demonstrated that haploidentical allo-HSCT combined with regulatory and conventional T cells adoptive immunotherapy (Treg-Tcon haplo-HSCT) is able to overcome disease-intrinsic chemoresistance, prevent leukemia-relapse, and improve survival of adverse genetic risk AML patients. In this Perspective, we briefly review the recent advancements with immune cell-based strategies against adverse genetic risk AML and discuss how such approaches could favorably impact on patients’ outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Limongello
- Institute of Hematology and Centre of Haemato-Oncology Research (CREO), University and Hospital of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Andrea Marra
- Institute of Hematology and Centre of Haemato-Oncology Research (CREO), University and Hospital of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonella Mancusi
- Institute of Hematology and Centre of Haemato-Oncology Research (CREO), University and Hospital of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Samanta Bonato
- Institute of Hematology and Centre of Haemato-Oncology Research (CREO), University and Hospital of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Eni Hoxha
- Institute of Hematology and Centre of Haemato-Oncology Research (CREO), University and Hospital of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Loredana Ruggeri
- Institute of Hematology and Centre of Haemato-Oncology Research (CREO), University and Hospital of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Susanta Hui
- Department of Radiation Oncology, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States.,Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Andrea Velardi
- Institute of Hematology and Centre of Haemato-Oncology Research (CREO), University and Hospital of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonio Pierini
- Institute of Hematology and Centre of Haemato-Oncology Research (CREO), University and Hospital of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Fortes-Andrade T, Almeida JS, Sousa LM, Santos-Rosa M, Freitas-Tavares P, Casanova JM, Rodrigues-Santos P. The Role of Natural Killer Cells in Soft Tissue Sarcoma: Prospects for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13153865. [PMID: 34359767 PMCID: PMC8345358 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153865] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) represent about 80% of sarcomas, and are a heterogeneous group of rare and malignant tumors. Morphological evaluation has been the standard model for the diagnosis of sarcomas, and even in samples with similar characteristics, they present genetic differences, which further increases the diversity of sarcomas. This variety is one of the main challenges for the classification and understanding of STS patterns, as well as for the respective treatments, which further decreases patient survival (<5 years). Natural Killer (NK) cells have a fundamental role in the control and immune surveillance of cancer development, progression and metastases. Notwithstanding the scarcity of studies to characterize NK cells in STS, it is noteworthy that the progression of these malignancies is associated with altered NK cells. These findings support the additional need to explore NK cell-based immunotherapy in STS; some clinical trials, although very tentatively, are already underway. Abstract Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) represent about 80% of sarcomas, and are a heterogeneous group of rare and malignant tumors. STS arise from mesenchymal tissues and can grow into structures such as adipose tissue, muscles, nervous tissue and blood vessels. Morphological evaluation has been the standard model for the diagnosis of sarcomas, and even in samples with similar characteristics, they present a diversity in cytogenetic and genetic sequence alterations, which further increases the diversity of sarcomas. This variety is one of the main challenges for the classification and understanding of STS patterns, as well as for their respective treatments, which further decreases patient survival (<5 years). Despite some studies, little is known about the immunological profile of STS. As for the immunological profile of STS in relation to NK cells, there is also a shortage of studies. Observations made in solid tumors show that the infiltration of NK cells in tumors is associated with a good prognosis of the disease. Notwithstanding the scarcity of studies to characterize NK cells, their receptors, and ligands in STS, it is noteworthy that the progression of these malignancies is associated with altered NK phenotypes. Despite the scarcity of information on the function of NK cells, their phenotypes and their regulatory pathways in STS, the findings of this study support the additional need to explore NK cell-based immunotherapy in STS further. Some clinical trials, very tentatively, are already underway. STS clinical trials are still the basis for adoptive NK-cell and cytokine-based therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tânia Fortes-Andrade
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.F.-A.); (J.S.A.); (L.M.S.)
| | - Jani Sofia Almeida
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.F.-A.); (J.S.A.); (L.M.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Institute, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Luana Madalena Sousa
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.F.-A.); (J.S.A.); (L.M.S.)
| | - Manuel Santos-Rosa
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Institute, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Freitas-Tavares
- Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Tumor Unit of the Locomotor Apparatus (UTAL), University Clinic of Orthopedics, Orthopedics Service, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - José Manuel Casanova
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Hospital and University Center (CHUC), Tumor Unit of the Locomotor Apparatus (UTAL), University Clinic of Orthopedics, Orthopedics Service, 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; (T.F.-A.); (J.S.A.); (L.M.S.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Immunology Institute, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-239-85-77-77 (ext. 24-28-44)
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Improved Activity against Acute Myeloid Leukemia with Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-NK-92 Cells Designed to Target CD123. Viruses 2021; 13:v13071365. [PMID: 34372571 PMCID: PMC8310147 DOI: 10.3390/v13071365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-cancer activity can be improved by engineering immune cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that recognize tumor-associated antigens. Retroviral vector gene transfer strategies allow stable and durable transgene expression. Here, we used alpharetroviral vectors to modify NK-92 cells, a natural killer cell line, with a third-generation CAR designed to target the IL-3 receptor subunit alpha (CD123), which is strongly expressed on the surface of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells. Alpharetroviral vectors also contained a transgene cassette to allow constitutive expression of human IL-15 for increased NK cell persistence in vivo. The anti-AML activity of CAR-NK-92 cells was tested via in vitro cytotoxicity assays with the CD123+ AML cell line KG-1a and in vivo in a patient-derived xenotransplantation CD123+ AML model. Unmodified NK-92 cells or NK-92 cells modified with a truncated version of the CAR that lacked the signaling domain served as controls. Alpharetroviral vector-modified NK-92 cells stably expressed the transgenes and secreted IL-15. Anti-CD123-CAR-NK-92 cells exhibited enhanced anti-AML activity in vitro and in vivo as compared to control NK-92 cells. Our data (1) shows the importance of IL-15 expression for in vivo persistence of NK-92 cells, (2) supports continued investigation of anti-CD123-CAR-NK cells to target AML, and (3) points towards potential strategies to further improve CAR-NK anti-AML activity.
Collapse
|
46
|
Agrawal V, Gbolahan OB, Stahl M, Zeidan AM, Zaid MA, Farag SS, Konig H. Vaccine and Cell-based Therapeutic Approaches in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 20:473-489. [PMID: 32357813 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666200502011059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 03/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Over the past decade, our increased understanding of the interactions between the immune system and cancer cells has led to paradigm shifts in the clinical management of solid and hematologic malignancies. The incorporation of immune-targeted strategies into the treatment landscape of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), however, has been challenging. While this is in part due to the inability of the immune system to mount an effective tumor-specific immunogenic response against the heterogeneous nature of AML, the decreased immunogenicity of AML cells also represents a major obstacle in the effort to design effective immunotherapeutic strategies. In fact, AML cells have been shown to employ sophisticated escape mechanisms to evade elimination, such as direct immunosuppression of natural killer cells and decreased surface receptor expression leading to impaired recognition by the immune system. Yet, cellular and humoral immune reactions against tumor-associated antigens (TAA) of acute leukemia cells have been reported and the success of allogeneic stem cell transplantation and monoclonal antibodies in the treatment of AML clearly provides proof that an immunotherapeutic approach is feasible in the management of this disease. This review discusses the recent progress and persisting challenges in cellular immunotherapy for patients with AML.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaibhav Agrawal
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Olumide B Gbolahan
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35294, United States
| | - Maximilian Stahl
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, United States
| | - Amer M Zeidan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Hematology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, United States
| | - Mohammad Abu Zaid
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Sherif S Farag
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| | - Heiko Konig
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Tomaipitinca L, Russo E, Bernardini G. NK cell surveillance of hematological malignancies. Therapeutic implications and regulation by chemokine receptors. Mol Aspects Med 2021; 80:100968. [PMID: 34045078 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2021.100968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
NK cells are circulating innate lymphoid cells that constantly move from bloodstream into tissues, exerting several functions including tumor surveillance. For this reason, NK cells are considered attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Several strategies are employed to harness NK cell efficacy especially in hematological tumors, including adoptive transfer, genetic manipulation to overexpress chimeric antigen receptors and cytokine or immunomodulatory drug treatments of ex-vivo cultivated and expanded NK cells. Several chemokine receptors support NK cell tissue homing and are required for efficient tumor infiltration. Nevertheless, chemokine receptor expression is often insufficient, or their respective ligands may not be expressed in the tumor microenvironment, thus limiting NK cell localization at the tumor site. Therefore, strategies to implement expression or promote the function of the correct chemokine receptor/ligand axes have been employed in the last years with promising results in preclinical models. In this review, we discuss how chemokine receptors and their ligands regulate the trafficking and localization of NK cells in hematological tumors and how the chemokine function can be manipulated to improve current therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luana Tomaipitinca
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Institute Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Eleonora Russo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Institute Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Bernardini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory Affiliated to Pasteur Institute Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Viale Regina Elena 291, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Chaudhry K, Dowlati E, Bollard CM. Chimeric antigen receptor-engineered natural killer cells: a promising cancer immunotherapy. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2021; 17:643-659. [PMID: 33821731 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2021.1911648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Introduction:Widespread success of CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells for the treatment of hematological malignancies have shifted the focus from conventional cancer treatments toward adoptive immunotherapy. There are major efforts to improve CAR constructs and to identify new target antigens. Even though the Food and Drug Administration has approved commercialization of some CD19 CART cell therapies, there are still some limitations that restrict their widespread clinical use. The manufacture of autologous products for individual patients is logistically cumbersome and expensive and allogeneic T cell products may pose an appreciable risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD).Areas covered:Natural killer (NK) cells are an attractive alternative for CART-based immunotherapies. They have the innate ability to detect and eliminate malignant cells and are safer in the 'off-the-shelf' setting. This review discusses the current progress within the CAR NK cell field, including the challenges, and future prospects. Gene engineered NK cells was used as the search term in PubMed and Google Scholar through to December 2020.Expert opinion:CAR NK cell therapies hold promise as an 'off-the-shelf' cell therapy for cancer. It is hoped that an enhanced understanding of their immunobiology and molecular mechanisms of action will improve their in vivo potency.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Chaudhry
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, WA, USA
| | - Ehsan Dowlati
- Department of Neurosurgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, WA, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, WA, USA.,GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, WA, USA.,Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Gurney M, O’Dwyer M. Realizing Innate Potential: CAR-NK Cell Therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1568. [PMID: 33805422 PMCID: PMC8036691 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Next-generation cellular immunotherapies seek to improve the safety and efficacy of approved CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell products or apply their principles across a growing list of targets and diseases. Supported by promising early clinical experiences, CAR modified natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapies represent a complementary and potentially off-the-shelf, allogeneic solution. While acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents an intuitive disease in which to investigate CAR based immunotherapies, key biological differences to B-cell malignancies have complicated progress to date. As CAR-T cell trials treating AML are growing in number, several CAR-NK cell approaches are also in development. In this review we explore why CAR-NK cell therapies may be particularly suited to the treatment of AML. First, we examine the established role NK cells play in AML biology and the existing anti-leukemic activity of NK cell adoptive transfer. Next, we appraise potential AML target antigens and consider common and unique challenges posed relative to treating B-cell malignancies. We summarize the current landscape of CAR-NK development in AML, and potential targets to augment CAR-NK cell therapies pharmacologically and through genetic engineering. Finally, we consider the broader landscape of competing immunotherapeutic approaches to AML treatment. In doing so we evaluate the innate potential, status and remaining barriers for CAR-NK based AML immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gurney
- Apoptosis Research Center, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Michael O’Dwyer
- Apoptosis Research Center, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
- ONK Therapeutics Ltd., H91 V6KV Galway, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Lamb MG, Rangarajan HG, Tullius BP, Lee DA. Natural killer cell therapy for hematologic malignancies: successes, challenges, and the future. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:211. [PMID: 33766099 PMCID: PMC7992329 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The adoptive transfer of natural killer (NK) cells is an emerging therapy in the field of immuno-oncology. In the last 3 decades, NK cells have been utilized to harness the anti-tumor immune response in a wide range of malignancies, most notably with early evidence of efficacy in hematologic malignancies. NK cells are dysfunctional in patients with hematologic malignancies, and their number and function are further impaired by chemotherapy, radiation, and immunosuppressants used in initial therapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Restoring this innate immune deficit may lead to improved therapeutic outcomes. NK cell adoptive transfer has proven to be a safe in these settings, even in the setting of HLA mismatch, and a deeper understanding of NK cell biology and optimized expansion techniques have improved scalability and therapeutic efficacy. Here, we review the use of NK cell therapy in hematologic malignancies and discuss strategies to further improve the efficacy of NK cells against these diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margaret G Lamb
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Suite 5A.1, Columbus, OH, 43205-2664, USA. .,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Hemalatha G Rangarajan
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Suite 5A.1, Columbus, OH, 43205-2664, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Brian P Tullius
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Suite 5A.1, Columbus, OH, 43205-2664, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Dean A Lee
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplant, Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Drive, Suite 5A.1, Columbus, OH, 43205-2664, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University School of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|