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Matson AW, Hullsiek RH, Dixon KJ, Wang S, Lindstedt AJ, Friess RR, Phung SK, Freedman TS, Felices M, Truckenbrod EN, Wu J, Miller JS, Walcheck B. Enhanced IL-15-mediated NK cell activation and proliferation by an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody involves CD16A, CD137, and accessory cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.09.593347. [PMID: 38798522 PMCID: PMC11118905 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.09.593347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Background NK cells are being extensively studied as a cell therapy for cancer. Their effector functions are induced by the recognition of ligands on tumor cells and by various cytokines. IL-15 is broadly used to stimulate endogenous and adoptively transferred NK cells in cancer patients. These stimuli activate the membrane protease ADAM17, which then cleaves assorted receptors on the surface of NK cells as a negative feedback loop to limit their activation and function. We have shown that ADAM17 inhibition can enhance IL-15-mediated NK cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo . In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanism of this process. Methods PBMCs or enriched NK cells from human peripheral blood, either unlabeled or labeled with a cell proliferation dye, were cultured for up to 7 days in the presence of rhIL-15 +/- an ADAM17 function-blocking antibody. Different versions of the antibody were generated; Medi-1 (IgG1), Medi-4 (IgG4), Medi-PGLALA, Medi-F(ab') 2 , and TAB16 (anti-ADAM17 and anti-CD16 bispecific) to modulate CD16A engagement on NK cells. Flow cytometry was used to assess NK cell proliferation and phenotypic markers, immunoblotting to examine CD16A signaling, and IncuCyte-based live cell imaging to measure NK cell anti-tumor activity. Results The ADAM17 function-blocking mAb Medi-1 markedly increased initial NK cell activation by IL-15. Using different engineered versions of the antibody revealed that the activating Fcγ receptor CD16A, a well-described ADAM17 substrate, was critical for enhancing IL-15 stimulation. Hence, Medi-1 bound to ADAM17 on NK cells can be engaged by CD16A and block its shedding, inducing and prolonging its signaling. This process did not promote evident NK cell fratricide, phagocytosis, or dysfunction. Synergistic activity by Medi-1 and IL-15 enhanced the upregulation of CD137 on CD16A + NK cells and augmented their proliferation in the presence of PBMC accessory cells. Conclusions Our data reveal for the first time that CD16A and CD137 underpin Medi-1 enhancement of IL-15-driven NK cell activation and proliferation, respectively. The use of Medi-1 represents a novel strategy to enhance IL-15-driven NK cell proliferation, and it may be of therapeutic importance by increasing the anti-tumor activity of NK cells in cancer patients. What is already known on this topic NK cell therapies are being broadly investigated to treat cancer. NK cell stimulation by IL-15 prolongs their survival in cancer patients. Various stimuli including IL-15 activate ADAM17 in NK cells, a membrane protease that regulates the cell surface density of various receptors as a negative feedback mechanism. What this study adds Treating NK cells with the ADAM17 function-blocking mAb Medi-1 markedly enhanced their activation and proliferation. Our study reveals that the Fc and Fab regions of Medi-1 function synergistically with IL-15 in NK cell activation. Medi-1 treatment augments the upregulation of CD137 by NK cells, which enhances their proliferation in the presence of PBMC accessory cells. How this study might affect research practice or policy Our study is of translational importance as Medi-1 treatment in combination with IL-15 could potentially augment the proliferation and function of endogenous or adoptively transferred NK cells in cancer patients. Graphical abstract
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Liu Y, Li M, Fang Z, Gao S, Cheng W, Duan Y, Wang X, Feng J, Yu T, Zhang J, Wang T, Hu A, Zhang H, Rong Z, Shakila SS, Shang Y, Kong F, Liu J, Li Y, Ma F. Overexpressing S100A9 ameliorates NK cell dysfunction in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:117. [PMID: 38713229 PMCID: PMC11076447 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03699-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estrogen receptor (ER) positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative breast cancer (ER+/HER2-BC) and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) are two distinct breast cancer molecular subtypes, especially in tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). The TIME of TNBC is considered to be more inflammatory than that of ER+/HER2-BC. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role of tumor eradication in TME. However, studies focusing on the different cell states of NK cells in breast cancer subtypes are still inadequate. METHODS In this study, single-cell mRNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and bulk mRNA sequencing data from ER+/HER2-BC and TNBC were analyzed. Key regulator of NK cell suppression in ER+/HER2-BC, S100A9, was quantified by qPCR and ELISA in MCF-7, T47D, MDA-MB-468 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. The prognosis predictability of S100A9 and NK activation markers was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier analyses using TCGA-BRAC data. The phenotype changes of NK cells in ER+/HER2-BC after overexpressing S100A9 in cancer cells were evaluated by the production levels of IFN-gamma, perforin and granzyme B and cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS By analyzing scRNA-seq data, we found that multiple genes involved in cellular stress response were upregulated in ER+/HER2-BC compared with TNBC. Moreover, TLR regulation pathway was significantly enriched using differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from comparing the transcriptome data of ER+/HER2-BC and TNBC cancer cells, and NK cell infiltration high/low groups. Among the DEGs, S100A9 was identified as a key regulator. Patients with higher expression levels of S100A9 and NK cell activation markers had better overall survival. Furthermore, we proved that overexpression of S100A9 in ER+/HER2-cells could improve cocultured NK cell function. CONCLUSION In conclusion, the study we presented demonstrated that NK cells in ER+/HER2-BC were hypofunctional, and S100A9 was an important regulator of NK cell function in ER+BC. Our work contributes to elucidate the regulatory networks between cancer cells and NK cells and may provide theoretical basis for novel drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Mingcui Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Zhengbo Fang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Weilun Cheng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yunqiang Duan
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xuelian Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jianyuan Feng
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Tianshui Yu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jiarui Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Anbang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Hanyu Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Zhiyuan Rong
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Suborna S Shakila
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yuhang Shang
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Fanjing Kong
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Jiangwei Liu
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Yanling Li
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
| | - Fei Ma
- Department of General Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Harbin, 150001, China.
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Sabag B, Puthenveetil A, Levy M, Joseph N, Doniger T, Yaron O, Karako-Lampert S, Lazar I, Awwad F, Ashkenazi S, Barda-Saad M. Dysfunctional natural killer cells can be reprogrammed to regain anti-tumor activity. EMBO J 2024:10.1038/s44318-024-00094-5. [PMID: 38637625 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00094-5] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical to the innate immune system, as they recognize antigens without prior sensitization, and contribute to the control and clearance of viral infections and cancer. However, a significant proportion of NK cells in mice and humans do not express classical inhibitory receptors during their education process and are rendered naturally "anergic", i.e., exhibiting reduced effector functions. The molecular events leading to NK cell anergy as well as their relation to those underlying NK cell exhaustion that arises from overstimulation in chronic conditions, remain unknown. Here, we characterize the "anergic" phenotype and demonstrate functional, transcriptional, and phenotypic similarities to the "exhausted" state in tumor-infiltrating NK cells. Furthermore, we identify zinc finger transcription factor Egr2 and diacylglycerol kinase DGKα as common negative regulators controlling NK cell dysfunction. Finally, experiments in a 3D organotypic spheroid culture model and an in vivo tumor model suggest that a nanoparticle-based delivery platform can reprogram these dysfunctional natural killer cell populations in their native microenvironment. This approach may become clinically relevant for the development of novel anti-tumor immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batel Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Abhishek Puthenveetil
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Moria Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Noah Joseph
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Tirtza Doniger
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Orly Yaron
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Sarit Karako-Lampert
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Itay Lazar
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Fatima Awwad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Shahar Ashkenazi
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat-Gan, 5290002, Israel.
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Wood EK, Reid BM, Sheerar DS, Donzella B, Gunnar MR, Coe CL. Lingering Effects of Early Institutional Rearing and Cytomegalovirus Infection on the Natural Killer Cell Repertoire of Adopted Adolescents. Biomolecules 2024; 14:456. [PMID: 38672472 PMCID: PMC11047877 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Adversity during infancy can affect neurobehavioral development and perturb the maturation of physiological systems. Dysregulated immune and inflammatory responses contribute to many of the later effects on health. Whether normalization can occur following a transition to more nurturing, benevolent conditions is unclear. To assess the potential for recovery, blood samples were obtained from 45 adolescents adopted by supportive families after impoverished infancies in institutional settings (post-institutionalized, PI). Their immune profiles were compared to 39 age-matched controls raised by their biological parents (non-adopted, NA). Leukocytes were immunophenotyped, and this analysis focuses on natural killer (NK) cell populations in circulation. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) seropositivity was evaluated to determine if early infection contributed to the impact of an atypical rearing. Associations with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), two cytokines released by activated NK cells, were examined. Compared to the NA controls, PI adolescents had a lower percent of CD56bright NK cells in circulation, higher TNF-α levels, and were more likely to be infected with CMV. PI adolescents who were latent carriers of CMV expressed NKG2C and CD57 surface markers on more NK cells, including CD56dim lineages. The NK cell repertoire revealed lingering immune effects of early rearing while still maintaining an overall integrity and resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth K. Wood
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Brie M. Reid
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Brown University, Providence, RI 02906, USA;
| | - Dagna S. Sheerar
- Wisconsin Institute of Medical Research, University of Wisconsin Comprehensive Carbone Cancer Center, Madison, WI 53706, USA;
| | - Bonny Donzella
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (B.D.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Megan R. Gunnar
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA; (B.D.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Christopher L. Coe
- Department of Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI 54706, USA;
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Wang M, Krueger JB, Gilkey AK, Stelljes EM, Kluesner MG, Pomeroy EJ, Skeate JG, Slipek NJ, Lahr WS, Vázquez PNC, Zhao Y, Eaton EJ, Laoharawee K, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Precision Enhancement of CAR-NK Cells through Non-Viral Engineering and Highly Multiplexed Base Editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.582637. [PMID: 38496503 PMCID: PMC10942345 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.582637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells' unique ability to kill transformed cells expressing stress ligands or lacking major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) has prompted their development for immunotherapy. However, NK cells have demonstrated only moderate responses against cancer in clinical trials and likely require advanced genome engineering to reach their full potential as a cancer therapeutic. Multiplex genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 base editors (BE) has been used to enhance T cell function and has already entered clinical trials but has not been reported in human NK cells. Here, we report the first application of BE in primary NK cells to achieve both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations. We observed highly efficient single and multiplex base editing, resulting in significantly enhanced NK cell function. Next, we combined multiplex BE with non-viral TcBuster transposon-based integration to generate IL-15 armored CD19 CAR-NK cells with significantly improved functionality in a highly suppressive model of Burkitt's lymphoma both in vitro and in vivo. The use of concomitant non-viral transposon engineering with multiplex base editing thus represents a highly versatile and efficient platform to generate CAR-NK products for cell-based immunotherapy and affords the flexibility to tailor multiple gene edits to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy for the cancer type being treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joshua B Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexandria K Gilkey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Erin M Stelljes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mitchell G Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph G Skeate
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patricia N Claudio Vázquez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yueting Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ella J Eaton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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6
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Saleh Z, Mirzazadeh S, Mirzaei F, Heidarnejad K, Meri S, Kalantar K. Alterations in metabolic pathways: a bridge between aging and weaker innate immune response. FRONTIERS IN AGING 2024; 5:1358330. [PMID: 38505645 PMCID: PMC10949225 DOI: 10.3389/fragi.2024.1358330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Aging is a time-dependent progressive physiological process, which results in impaired immune system function. Age-related changes in immune function increase the susceptibility to many diseases such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Different metabolic pathways including glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle, amino acid metabolism, pentose phosphate pathway, fatty acid oxidation and fatty acid synthesis regulate the development, differentiation, and response of adaptive and innate immune cells. During aging all these pathways change in the immune cells. In addition to the changes in metabolic pathways, the function and structure of mitochondria also have changed in the immune cells. Thereby, we will review changes in the metabolism of different innate immune cells during the aging process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Saleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sara Mirzazadeh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mirzaei
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kamran Heidarnejad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Seppo Meri
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and the Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), The University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology and the Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), The University of Helsinki and HUSLAB, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
- Autoimmune Diseases Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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7
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Maia A, Tarannum M, Lérias JR, Piccinelli S, Borrego LM, Maeurer M, Romee R, Castillo-Martin M. Building a Better Defense: Expanding and Improving Natural Killer Cells for Adoptive Cell Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:451. [PMID: 38474415 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050451] [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: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 03/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have gained attention as a promising adoptive cell therapy platform for their potential to improve cancer treatments. NK cells offer distinct advantages over T-cells, including major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-independent tumor recognition and low risk of toxicity, even in an allogeneic setting. Despite this tremendous potential, challenges persist, such as limited in vivo persistence, reduced tumor infiltration, and low absolute NK cell numbers. This review outlines several strategies aiming to overcome these challenges. The developed strategies include optimizing NK cell expansion methods and improving NK cell antitumor responses by cytokine stimulation and genetic manipulations. Using K562 cells expressing membrane IL-15 or IL-21 with or without additional activating ligands like 4-1BBL allows "massive" NK cell expansion and makes multiple cell dosing and "off-the-shelf" efforts feasible. Further improvements in NK cell function can be reached by inducing memory-like NK cells, developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells, or isolating NK-cell-based tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Memory-like NK cells demonstrate higher in vivo persistence and cytotoxicity, with early clinical trials demonstrating safety and promising efficacy. Recent trials using CAR-NK cells have also demonstrated a lack of any major toxicity, including cytokine release syndrome, and, yet, promising clinical activity. Recent data support that the presence of TIL-NK cells is associated with improved overall patient survival in different types of solid tumors such as head and neck, colorectal, breast, and gastric carcinomas, among the most significant. In conclusion, this review presents insights into the diverse strategies available for NK cell expansion, including the roles played by various cytokines, feeder cells, and culture material in influencing the activation phenotype, telomere length, and cytotoxic potential of expanded NK cells. Notably, genetically modified K562 cells have demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting NK cell expansion. Furthermore, culturing NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15 has been shown to improve expansion rates, while the presence of IL-12 and IL-21 has been linked to enhanced cytotoxic function. Overall, this review provides an overview of NK cell expansion methodologies, highlighting the current landscape of clinical trials and the key advancements to enhance NK-cell-based adoptive cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia Maia
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- NOVA Medical School, NOVA University of Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mubin Tarannum
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joana R Lérias
- ImmunoTherapy/ImmunoSurgery, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sara Piccinelli
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Luis Miguel Borrego
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre (CHRC), NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas (FCM), NOVA University of Lisbon, 1099-085 Lisbon, Portugal
- Immunoallergy Department, Hospital da Luz, 1600-209 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoTherapy/ImmunoSurgery, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- I Medical Clinic, University of Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Rizwan Romee
- NK Cell Gene Manipulation and Therapy Laboratory, Division of Cellular Therapy and Stem Cell Transplant, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mireia Castillo-Martin
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
- Pathology Service, Champalimaud Clinical Center, Champalimaud Foundation, 1400-038 Lisbon, Portugal
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8
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Razmara AM, Gingrich AA, Toedebusch CM, Rebhun RB, Murphy WJ, Kent MS, Canter RJ. Improved characterization and translation of NK cells for canine immunotherapy. Front Vet Sci 2024; 11:1336158. [PMID: 38379924 PMCID: PMC10877038 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2024.1336158] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of cancer immunology has seen a meteoric rise in interest and application due to the discovery of immunotherapies that target immune cells, often leading to dramatic anti-tumor effects. However, successful cellular immunotherapy for solid tumors remains a challenge, and the application of immunotherapy to dogs with naturally occurring cancers has emerged as a high yield large animal model to bridge the bench-to-bedside challenges of immunotherapies, including those based on natural killer (NK) cells. Here, we review recent developments in the characterization and understanding of canine NK cells, a critical springboard for future translational NK immunotherapy research. The characterization of canine NK cells is exceptionally pertinent given the ongoing challenges in defining them and contextualizing their similarities and differences compared to human and murine NK cells compounded by the limited availability of validated canine specific reagents. Additionally, we summarize the current landscape of the clinical and translational literature employing strategies to capitalize on endogenous and exogenous NK cell immunotherapy in canine cancer patients. The insights regarding efficacy and immune correlates from these trials provide a solid foundation to design and test novel combinational therapies to enhance NK cell activity with the added benefit of motivating comparative work to translate these findings to human cancers with extensive similarities to their canine counterparts. The compilation of knowledge from basic canine NK phenotype and function to applications in first-in-dog clinical trials will support the canine cancer model and enhance translational work to improve cancer outcomes for both dogs and humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aryana M. Razmara
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Alicia A. Gingrich
- MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Christine M. Toedebusch
- Center for Companion Animal Health, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Robert B. Rebhun
- Center for Companion Animal Health, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - William J. Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Michael S. Kent
- Center for Companion Animal Health, Department of Surgical and Radiological Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Robert J. Canter
- Department of Surgery, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
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9
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Barshidi A, Ardeshiri K, Ebrahimi F, Alian F, Shekarchi AA, Hojjat-Farsangi M, Jadidi-Niaragh F. The role of exhausted natural killer cells in the immunopathogenesis and treatment of leukemia. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:59. [PMID: 38254135 PMCID: PMC10802000 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01428-2] [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: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The immune responses to cancer cells involve both innate and acquired immune cells. In the meantime, the most attention has been drawn to the adaptive immune cells, especially T cells, while, it is now well known that the innate immune cells, especially natural killer (NK) cells, play a vital role in defending against malignancies. While the immune cells are trying to eliminate malignant cells, cancer cells try to prevent the function of these cells and suppress immune responses. The suppression of NK cells in various cancers can lead to the induction of an exhausted phenotype in NK cells, which will impair their function. Recent studies have shown that the occurrence of this phenotype in various types of leukemic malignancies can affect the prognosis of the disease, and targeting these cells may be considered a new immunotherapy method in the treatment of leukemia. Therefore, a detailed study of exhausted NK cells in leukemic diseases can help both to understand the mechanisms of leukemia progression and to design new treatment methods by creating a deeper understanding of these cells. Here, we will comprehensively review the immunobiology of exhausted NK cells and their role in various leukemic malignancies. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asal Barshidi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University of Kurdistan, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Keivan Ardeshiri
- Department of Biology, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farbod Ebrahimi
- Nanoparticle Process Technology, Faculty of Engineering, University of Duisburg-Essen, Duisburg, Germany
| | - Fatemeh Alian
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Shekarchi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Jadidi-Niaragh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
- Research Center for Integrative Medicine in Aging, Aging Research Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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10
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Besla R, Penuel E, Del Rosario G, Cosino E, Myrta S, Dillon M, Lazar GA, Nickles D, Spiess C, Yu SF, Polson AG. T cell-Dependent Bispecific Therapy Enhances Innate Immune Activation and Antibody-Mediated Killing. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:60-71. [PMID: 37902604 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-23-0072] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
T cell-retargeting therapies have transformed the therapeutic landscape for hematologic diseases. T cell-dependent bispecific antibodies (TDB) function as conditional agonists that induce a polyclonal T-cell response, resulting in target cell destruction and cytokine release. The relationship between this response and its effects on surrounding innate immune populations has not been fully explored. Here we show that treatment with mosunetuzumab in patients results in natural killer (NK) cell activation in the peripheral blood. We modeled this phenomenon in vitro and found that TDB-mediated killing activated NK cells, increasing NK function and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and enhanced the capability of macrophages to perform antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP). This enhancement was triggered by cytokines released through TDB treatment, with IL2 and IFNγ being major drivers for increased ADCC and ADCP, respectively. Surprisingly, cytolytic ability could be further augmented through neutralization of IL10 for NK cells and TNFα for macrophages. Finally, we showed that TDB treatment enhanced the efficacy of Fc-driven killing to an orthogonal solid tumor target in vivo. These results provide rationale for novel antibody therapy combinations that take advantage of both adaptive and innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rickvinder Besla
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Elicia Penuel
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Geoff Del Rosario
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Ely Cosino
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | | | - Mike Dillon
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Greg A Lazar
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Dorothee Nickles
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Christoph Spiess
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Shang-Fan Yu
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
| | - Andrew G Polson
- Genentech Research and Early Development, Genentech Inc., South San Francisco, California
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11
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Hou C, Wang Z, Lu X. Impact of immunosenescence and inflammaging on the effects of immune checkpoint inhibitors. CANCER PATHOGENESIS AND THERAPY 2024; 2:24-30. [PMID: 38328711 PMCID: PMC10846300 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpt.2023.08.001] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are employed in immunotherapeutic applications for patients with weakened immune systems and can improve the ability of T cells to kill cancer cells. Although ICIs can potentially treat different types of cancers in various groups of patients, their effectiveness may differ among older individuals. The reason ICIs are less effective in older adults is not yet clearly understood, but age-related changes in the immune system, such as immunosenescence and inflammation, may play a role. Therefore, this review focuses on recent advances in understanding the effects of immunosenescence and inflammation on the efficacy of ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuandong Hou
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Zining Wang
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing 100853, China
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Xuechun Lu
- Department of Hematology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Diseases, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
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12
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Lee S, Kim TD. Breakthroughs in Cancer Immunotherapy: An Overview of T Cell, NK Cell, Mφ, and DC-Based Treatments. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17634. [PMID: 38139461 PMCID: PMC10744055 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417634] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Efforts to treat cancer using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy have made astonishing progress and clinical trials against hematopoietic malignancies have demonstrated their use. However, there are still disadvantages which need to be addressed: high costs, and side effects such as Graft-versus-Host Disease (GvHD) and Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). Therefore, recent efforts have been made to harness the properties of certain immune cells to treat cancer-not just T cells, but also natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages (Mφ), dendritic cells (DC), etc. In this paper, we will introduce immune cell-based cellular therapies that use various immune cells and describe their characteristics and their clinical situation. The development of immune cell-based cancer therapy fully utilizing the unique advantages of each and every immune cell is expected to enhance the survival of tumor patients owing to their high efficiency and fewer side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunyoung Lee
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea;
- Division of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon 34141, Republic of Korea;
- KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
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13
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Dagher OK, Posey AD. Forks in the road for CAR T and CAR NK cell cancer therapies. Nat Immunol 2023; 24:1994-2007. [PMID: 38012406 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-023-01659-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has resulted in unprecedented long-term clearance of relapse/refractory hematological malignancies in both pediatric and adult patients. However, severe toxicities, such as cytokine release syndrome and neurotoxicity, associated with CAR T cells affect therapeutic utility; and treatment efficacies for solid tumors are still not impressive. As a result, engineering strategies that modify other immune cell types, especially natural killer (NK) cells have arisen. Owing to both CAR-dependent and CAR-independent (innate immune-mediated) antitumor killing capacity, major histocompatibility complex-independent cytotoxicity, reduced risk of alloreactivity and lack of major CAR T cell toxicities, CAR NK cells constitute one of the promising next-generation CAR immune cells that are also amenable as 'off-the-shelf' therapeutics. In this Review, we compare CAR T and CAR NK cell therapies, with particular focus on immunological synapses, engineering strategies and challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oula K Dagher
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Avery D Posey
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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14
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Ramezani F, Panahi Meymandi AR, Akbari B, Tamtaji OR, Mirzaei H, Brown CE, Mirzaei HR. Outsmarting trogocytosis to boost CAR NK/T cell therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:183. [PMID: 37974170 PMCID: PMC10652537 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01894-9] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK and T cell therapy are promising immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer. However, the efficacy of CAR NK/T cell therapy is often hindered by various factors, including the phenomenon of trogocytosis, which involves the bidirectional exchange of membrane fragments between cells. In this review, we explore the role of trogocytosis in CAR NK/T cell therapy and highlight potential strategies for its modulation to improve therapeutic efficacy. We provide an in-depth analysis of trogocytosis as it relates to the fate and function of NK and T cells, focusing on its effects on cell activation, cytotoxicity, and antigen presentation. We discuss how trogocytosis can mediate transient antigen loss on cancer cells, thereby negatively affecting the effector function of CAR NK/T cells. Additionally, we address the phenomenon of fratricide and trogocytosis-associated exhaustion, which can limit the persistence and effectiveness of CAR-expressing cells. Furthermore, we explore how trogocytosis can impact CAR NK/T cell functionality, including the acquisition of target molecules and the modulation of signaling pathways. To overcome the negative effects of trogocytosis on cellular immunotherapy, we propose innovative approaches to modulate trogocytosis and augment CAR NK/T cell therapy. These strategies encompass targeting trogocytosis-related molecules, engineering CAR NK/T cells to resist trogocytosis-induced exhaustion and leveraging trogocytosis to enhance the function of CAR-expressing cells. By overcoming the limitations imposed by trogocytosis, it may be possible to unleash the full potential of CAR NK/T therapy against cancer. The knowledge and strategies presented in this review will guide future research and development, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes in the field of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faezeh Ramezani
- Division of Medical Biotechnology, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Diagnostic Laboratory Sciences and Technology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Panahi Meymandi
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Behnia Akbari
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Omid Reza Tamtaji
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamed Mirzaei
- Research Center for Biochemistry and Nutrition in Metabolic Diseases, Institute for Basic Sciences, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Iran
| | - Christine E Brown
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope Medical Center, Duarte, CA, USA
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, City of Hope Beckman Research Institute, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Hamid Reza Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service, Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, 10065, USA.
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15
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Jiang B, Ke C, Zhou H, Xia T, Xie X, Xu H. Sirtuin 2 up-regulation suppresses the anti-tumour activity of exhausted natural killer cells in mesenteric lymph nodes in murine colorectal carcinoma. Scand J Immunol 2023; 98:e13317. [PMID: 38441393 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells inhibit colorectal carcinoma (CRC) initiation and progression through their tumoricidal activity. However, cumulative evidence suggests that NK cells become functionally exhausted in patients with CRC. To deepen the understanding of the mechanisms underlying CRC-associated NK cell exhaustion, we explored the expression and effect of Sirtuin 2 (Sirt2) in mesenteric lymph node (mLN) NK cells in a murine colitis-associated CRC model. Sirt2 was remarkably up-regulated in mLN NK cells after CRC induction. Particularly, Sirt2 was increased in mLN NK cells expressing high T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-3 (TIM3), high lymphocyte activation protein-3 (LAG3), high programmed death-1 (PD-1), high T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domains (TIGIT), high NK group 2 member A (NKG2A), but low tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), low interferon-gamma and low granzyme B. In addition, Sirt2 was also increased in NK cells after induction of exhaustion in vitro. Lentivirus-mediated Sirt2 silencing did not affect the acute activation and cytotoxicity of non-exhausted NK cells. However, Sirt2 silencing partially restored the expression of interferon-gamma, granzyme B and CD107a in exhausted NK cells. Meanwhile, Sirt2 silencing down-regulated TIM3, LAG3, TIGIT and NKG2A while up-regulated TRAIL on exhausted NK cells. Consequently, Sirt2 silencing restored the cytotoxicity of exhausted NK cells. Moreover, Sirt2 silencing partially ameliorates the defects in glycolysis and mitochondrial respiration of exhausted NK cells, as evidenced by increases in glycolytic capacity, glycolytic reserve, basal respiration, maximal respiration and spare respiration capacity. Accordingly, Sirt2 negatively regulates the tumoricidal activity of exhausted NK cells in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Jiang
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia, and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, China
| | - Chao Ke
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia, and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, China
| | - Hongjian Zhou
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia, and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, China
| | - Tian Xia
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia, and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, China
| | - Xingwang Xie
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia, and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, China
| | - Hanbin Xu
- The Department of Gastrointestinal, Hernia, and Abdominal Wall Surgery, Wuhan Third Hospital (Tongren Hospital of Wuhan University), Wuhan, China
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16
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Ayuso JM, Farooqui M, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Denecke K, Rehman S, Schmitz R, Guerrero JF, Sanchez-de-Diego C, Campo SA, Maly EM, Forsberg MH, Kerr SC, Striker R, Sherer NM, Harari PM, Capitini CM, Skala MC, Beebe DJ. Microphysiological model reveals the promise of memory-like natural killer cell immunotherapy for HIV ± cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6681. [PMID: 37865647 PMCID: PMC10590421 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41625-8] [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: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies are exploring the use of cell adoptive therapies to treat hematological malignancies as well as solid tumors. However, there are numerous factors that dampen the immune response, including viruses like human immunodeficiency virus. In this study, we leverage human-derived microphysiological models to reverse-engineer the HIV-immune system interaction and evaluate the potential of memory-like natural killer cells for HIV+ head and neck cancer, one of the most common tumors in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus. Here, we evaluate multiple aspects of the memory-like natural killer cell response in human-derived bioengineered environments, including immune cell extravasation, tumor penetration, tumor killing, T cell dependence, virus suppression, and compatibility with retroviral medication. Overall, these results suggest that memory-like natural killer cells are capable of operating without T cell assistance and could simultaneously destroy head and neck cancer cells as well as reduce viral latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Mehtab Farooqui
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Katheryn Denecke
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shujah Rehman
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca Schmitz
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jorge F Guerrero
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cristina Sanchez-de-Diego
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sara Abizanda Campo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Maly
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthew H Forsberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Sheena C Kerr
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Robert Striker
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
- Vivent Health, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Nathan M Sherer
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Paul M Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christian M Capitini
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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17
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Astorga-Gamaza A, Perea D, Sanchez-Gaona N, Calvet-Mirabent M, Gallego-Cortés A, Grau-Expósito J, Sanchez-Cerrillo I, Rey J, Castellví J, Curran A, Burgos J, Navarro J, Suanzes P, Falcó V, Genescà M, Martín-Gayo E, Buzon MJ. KLRG1 expression on natural killer cells is associated with HIV persistence, and its targeting promotes the reduction of the viral reservoir. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101202. [PMID: 37741278 PMCID: PMC10591043 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101202] [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: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection induces immunological dysfunction, which limits the elimination of HIV-infected cells during treated infection. Identifying and targeting dysfunctional immune cells might help accelerate the purging of the persistent viral reservoir. Here, we show that chronic HIV infection increases natural killer (NK) cell populations expressing the negative immune regulator KLRG1, both in peripheral blood and lymph nodes. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) does not reestablish these functionally impaired NK populations, and the expression of KLRG1 correlates with active HIV transcription. Targeting KLRG1 with specific antibodies significantly restores the capacity of NK cells to kill HIV-infected cells, reactivates latent HIV present in CD4+ T cells co-expressing KLRG1, and reduces the intact HIV genomes in samples from ART-treated individuals. Our data support the potential use of immunotherapy against the KLRG1 receptor to impact the viral reservoir during HIV persistence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Astorga-Gamaza
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Perea
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nerea Sanchez-Gaona
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Calvet-Mirabent
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Immunology Unit from Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Gallego-Cortés
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Judith Grau-Expósito
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ildefonso Sanchez-Cerrillo
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Immunology Unit from Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Joan Rey
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Josep Castellví
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Vall d'Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Adrian Curran
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Joaquin Burgos
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Navarro
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Suanzes
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Vicenç Falcó
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Meritxell Genescà
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique Martín-Gayo
- Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; Immunology Unit from Hospital Universitario de La Princesa and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain; Infectious Diseases CIBER (CIBERINFECC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria J Buzon
- Infectious Diseases Department, Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Institut de Recerca (VHIR), Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain.
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18
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Motallebnejad P, Kantardjieff A, Cichocki F, Azarin SM, Hu WS. Process engineering of natural killer cell-based immunotherapy. Trends Biotechnol 2023; 41:1314-1326. [PMID: 37142447 PMCID: PMC10523923 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2023.03.018] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Cell therapy offers the potential for curative treatment of cancers. Although T cells have been the predominantly used cell type, natural killer (NK) cells have attracted great attention owing to their ability to kill cancer cells and because they are naturally suitable for allogeneic applications. Upon stimulation by cytokines or activation by a target cell, NK cells proliferate and expand their population. These cytotoxic NK cells can be cryopreserved and used as an off-the-shelf medicine. The production process for NK cells thus differs from that of autologous cell therapies. We briefly outline key biological features of NK cells, review the manufacturing technologies for protein biologics, and discuss their adaptation for developing robust NK cell biomanufacturing processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedram Motallebnejad
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | | | - Frank Cichocki
- Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Samira M Azarin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Wei-Shou Hu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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19
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Cruz T, Agudelo Garcia PA, Chamucero-Millares JA, Bondonese A, Mitash N, Sembrat J, Tabib T, Zhang W, Seyed N, Peters V, Stacey S, Vignali D, Mora AL, Lafyatis R, Rojas M. End-Stage Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis Lung Microenvironment Promotes Impaired NK Activity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2023; 211:1073-1081. [PMID: 37566492 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023]
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a fibrotic age-related chronic lung disease characterized by the accumulation of senescent cells. Whether impaired immune response is responsible for the accumulation of senescent cells in the IPF lung remains unknown. In this study, we characterized the NK phenotype in IPF lungs via flow cytometry using 5-dodecanoylaminofluorescein di-β-d-galactopyranoside, markers of tissue residence, and chemokine receptors. The effect of the lung microenvironment was evaluated using lung fibroblast (LF) conditioned media (CM), and the bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mouse model was used to assess the in vivo relationship between NK cells and the accumulation of senescent cells. We found that NK cells from the lower lobe of IPF patients exhibited immune-senescent and impaired CD57-NKG2A+ phenotype. We also observed that culture of NK cells from healthy donors in CM from IPF lower lobe lung fibroblasts induced a senescent-like phenotype and impaired cytotoxic capacity. There is an impaired NK recruitment by LF, and NKs presented decreased migration toward their CM. In addition, NK cell-depleted mice treated with bleomycin showed increased collagen deposition and accumulation of different populations of senescent cells compared with controls. The IPF lung microenvironment induces a dysfunctional NK phenotype limiting the clearance of lung senescent cells and the resolution of lung fibrosis. We propose that impaired NK activity could be one of the mechanisms responsible for perpetuating the accumulation of senescent cells in IPF lungs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Cruz
- Fundacio Clinic per a la Recerca Biomedica, IDIBAPS, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula A Agudelo Garcia
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Anna Bondonese
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nilay Mitash
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John Sembrat
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Tracy Tabib
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Wenping Zhang
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nouraie Seyed
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Victor Peters
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Sean Stacey
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- Comprehensive Transplant Center, Division of Transplant Surgery, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
- The Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical, College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Dario Vignali
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Tumor Microenvironment Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Program, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ana L Mora
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Robert Lafyatis
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Mauricio Rojas
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
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20
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Paolini R, Molfetta R. Dysregulation of DNAM-1-Mediated NK Cell Anti-Cancer Responses in the Tumor Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4616. [PMID: 37760586 PMCID: PMC10527063 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15184616] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cells play a pivotal role in anti-cancer immune responses, thanks to the expression of a wide array of inhibitory and activating receptors that regulate their cytotoxicity against transformed cells while preserving healthy cells from lysis. However, NK cells exhibit severe dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment, mainly due to the reduction of activating receptors and the induction or increased expression of inhibitory checkpoint receptors. An activating receptor that plays a central role in tumor recognition is the DNAM-1 receptor. It recognizes PVR and Nectin2 adhesion molecules, which are frequently overexpressed on the surface of cancerous cells. These ligands are also able to trigger inhibitory signals via immune checkpoint receptors that are upregulated in the tumor microenvironment and can counteract DNAM-1 activation. Among them, TIGIT has recently gained significant attention, since its targeting results in improved anti-tumor immune responses. This review aims to summarize how the recognition of PVR and Nectin2 by paired co-stimulatory/inhibitory receptors regulates NK cell-mediated clearance of transformed cells. Therapeutic approaches with the potential to reverse DNAM-1 dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosa Molfetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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21
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Tang F, Li J, Qi L, Liu D, Bo Y, Qin S, Miao Y, Yu K, Hou W, Li J, Peng J, Tian Z, Zhu L, Peng H, Wang D, Zhang Z. A pan-cancer single-cell panorama of human natural killer cells. Cell 2023; 186:4235-4251.e20. [PMID: 37607536 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.07.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play indispensable roles in innate immune responses against tumor progression. To depict their phenotypic and functional diversities in the tumor microenvironment, we perform integrative single-cell RNA sequencing analyses on NK cells from 716 patients with cancer, covering 24 cancer types. We observed heterogeneity in NK cell composition in a tumor-type-specific manner. Notably, we have identified a group of tumor-associated NK cells that are enriched in tumors, show impaired anti-tumor functions, and are associated with unfavorable prognosis and resistance to immunotherapy. Specific myeloid cell subpopulations, in particular LAMP3+ dendritic cells, appear to mediate the regulation of NK cell anti-tumor immunity. Our study provides insights into NK-cell-based cancer immunity and highlights potential clinical utilities of NK cell subsets as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Tang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jinhu Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Lu Qi
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Changping Laboratory, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Dongfang Liu
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yufei Bo
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Shishang Qin
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Yuhui Miao
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Kezhuo Yu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Wenhong Hou
- Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China
| | - Jianan Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Jirun Peng
- Department of Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China; Ninth School of Clinical Medicine, Peking University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Linnan Zhu
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Hui Peng
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China.
| | - Dongfang Wang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.
| | - Zemin Zhang
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China; Institute of Cancer Research, Shenzhen Bay Laboratory, Shenzhen 518132, China.
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22
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Chang Y, Jin G, Luo W, Luo Q, Jung J, Hummel SN, Torregrosa-Allen S, Elzey BD, Low PS, Lian XL, Bao X. Engineered human pluripotent stem cell-derived natural killer cells with PD-L1 responsive immunological memory for enhanced immunotherapeutic efficacy. Bioact Mater 2023; 27:168-180. [PMID: 37091063 PMCID: PMC10113709 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioactmat.2023.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (NK) cells have shown promise in treating various cancers. However, limited immunological memory and access to sufficient numbers of allogenic donor cells have hindered their broader preclinical and clinical applications. Here, we first assess eight different CAR constructs that use an anti-PD-L1 nanobody and/or universal anti-fluorescein (FITC) single-chain variable fragment (scFv) to enhance antigen-specific proliferation and anti-tumor cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells against heterogenous solid tumors. We next genetically engineer human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) with optimized CARs and differentiate them into functional dual CAR-NK cells. The tumor microenvironment responsive anti-PD-L1 CAR effectively promoted hPSC-NK cell proliferation and cytotoxicity through antigen-dependent activation of phosphorylated STAT3 (pSTAT3) and pSTAT5 signaling pathways via an intracellular truncated IL-2 receptor β-chain (ΔIL-2Rβ) and STAT3-binding tyrosine-X-X-glutamine (YXXQ) motif. Anti-tumor activities of PD-L1-induced memory-like hPSC-NK cells were further boosted by administering a FITC-folate bi-specific adapter that bridges between a programmable anti-FITC CAR and folate receptor alpha-expressing breast tumor cells. Collectively, our hPSC CAR-NK engineering platform is modular and could constitute a realistic strategy to manufacture off-the-shelf CAR-NK cells with immunological memory-like phenotype for targeted immunotherapy.
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23
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Prakash S, Kumbhojkar N, Lu A, Kapate N, Suja VC, Park KS, Wang LLW, Mitragotri S. Polymer Micropatches as Natural Killer Cell Engagers for Tumor Therapy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:15918-15930. [PMID: 37565806 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell therapies have emerged as a potential therapeutic approach to various cancers. Their efficacy, however, is limited by their low persistence and anergy. Current approaches to sustain NK cell persistence in vivo include genetic modification, activation via pretreatment, or coadministration of supporting cytokines or antibodies. Such supporting therapies exhibit limited efficacy in vivo, in part due to the reversal of their effect within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and off-target toxicity. Here, we report a material-based approach to address this challenge. Specifically, we describe the use of polymeric micropatches as a platform for sustained, targeted activation of NK cells, an approach referred to as microparticles as cell engagers (MACE). Poly(lactide-co-glycolic) acid (PLGA) micropatches, 4-8 μm in diameter and surface-modified with NK cell receptor targeting antibodies, exhibited strong adhesion to NK cells and induced their activation without the need of coadministered cytokines. The activation induced by MACE was greater than that induced by nanoparticles, attesting to the crucial role of MACE geometry in the activation of NK cells. MACE-bound NK cells remained viable and exhibited trans-endothelial migration and antitumor activity in vitro. MACE-bound NK cells activated T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells in vitro. Adoptive transfer of NK-MACE also demonstrated superior antitumor efficacy in a mouse melanoma lung metastasis model compared to unmodified NK cells. Overall, MACE offers a simple, scalable, and effective way of activating NK cells and represents an attractive platform to improve the efficacy of NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Supriya Prakash
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Ninad Kumbhojkar
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Andrew Lu
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
| | - Neha Kapate
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Vineeth Chandran Suja
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Kyung Soo Park
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
| | - Lily Li-Wen Wang
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
- Harvard-MIT Program in Health Science and Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, United States
| | - Samir Mitragotri
- Harvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Harvard University, Allston, Massachusetts 02134, United States
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, United States
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24
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Maya J. Surveying the Metabolic and Dysfunctional Profiles of T Cells and NK Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11937. [PMID: 37569313 PMCID: PMC10418326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions globally suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The inflammatory symptoms, illness onset, recorded outbreak events, and physiological variations provide strong indications that ME/CFS, at least sometimes, has an infectious origin, possibly resulting in a chronic unidentified viral infection. Meanwhile, studies exposing generalized metabolic disruptions in ME/CFS have stimulated interest in isolated immune cells with an altered metabolic state. As the metabolism dictates the cellular function, dissecting the biomechanics of dysfunctional immune cells in ME/CFS can uncover states such as exhaustion, senescence, or anergy, providing insights into the consequences of these phenotypes in this disease. Despite the similarities that are seen metabolically between ME/CFS and other chronic viral infections that result in an exhausted immune cell state, immune cell exhaustion has not yet been verified in ME/CFS. This review explores the evidence for immunometabolic dysfunction in ME/CFS T cell and natural killer (NK) cell populations, comparing ME/CFS metabolic and functional features to dysfunctional immune cell states, and positing whether anergy, exhaustion, or senescence could be occurring in distinct immune cell populations in ME/CFS, which is consistent with the hypothesis that ME/CFS is a chronic viral disease. This comprehensive review of the ME/CFS immunometabolic literature identifies CD8+ T cell exhaustion as a probable contender, underscores the need for further investigation into the dysfunctional state of CD4+ T cells and NK cells, and explores the functional implications of molecular findings in these immune-cell types. Comprehending the cause and impact of ME/CFS immune cell dysfunction is critical to understanding the physiological mechanisms of ME/CFS, and developing effective treatments to alleviate the burden of this disabling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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25
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Cruz SM, Sholevar CJ, Judge SJ, Darrow MA, Iranpur KR, Farley LE, Lammers M, Razmara AM, Dunai C, Gingrich AA, Persky J, Mori H, Thorpe SW, Monjazeb AM, Murphy WJ, Canter RJ. Intratumoral NKp46 + natural killer cells are spatially distanced from T and MHC-I + cells with prognostic implications in soft tissue sarcoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1230534. [PMID: 37545516 PMCID: PMC10401426 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1230534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare, heterogenous malignancies with an unmet need for novel immunotherapies. Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) have been linked with favorable outcomes in STS patients, though the contribution of natural killer (NK) cells and spatial relationships of TILs with MHC-I expressing cells lacks detailed characterization. Experimental design Using archived and prospectively collected specimens, we evaluated intratumoral NK cells by immunohistochemistry (IHC), flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence (IF). We assessed spatial localization of NK and T cells by multiplex IF, analyzing the effects of MHC-I expression status on NK and T cell clustering. Results Both intratumoral NKp46 and CD56dim expression were associated with significantly improved overall survival (P=0.05), while higher infiltrates of CD56bright NK cells predicted a worse prognosis (P=0.05). The presence of intratumoral NK cells was inversely proportional to CD3+ T cells. Spatial analyses showed NK cells preferentially clustering close to other NK cells with sparse CD3+ T and CD8+ T cells in range (P<0.0001). Additionally, CD3+ T and CD8+ T cells showed significantly greater co-localization with MHC-I+ cells, compared to NK cells (P<0.0001). After neoadjuvant radiotherapy, there was greater CD8 clustering, while after neoadjuvant chemotherapy, there was overall lower TIL clustering. Conclusion Intratumoral NK cells are prognostic in STS and localize closer to MHC-I- cells than T cells. Although both NK and T cells are associated with improved survival in STS, their differential distribution in the TME based on MHC-I expression status may serve as a biomarker for improved immunotherapy treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvia M. Cruz
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Cyrus J. Sholevar
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Sean J. Judge
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Morgan A. Darrow
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Khurshid R. Iranpur
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Lauren E. Farley
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Marshall Lammers
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Aryana M. Razmara
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Cordelia Dunai
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Alicia A. Gingrich
- Department of Surgical Oncology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Julia Persky
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Hidetoshi Mori
- Center for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Steven W. Thorpe
- Orthopedic Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Arta M. Monjazeb
- Radiation Oncology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - William J. Murphy
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Robert J. Canter
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, United States
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26
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Khan AH, Chowers I, Lotery AJ. Beyond the Complement Cascade: Insights into Systemic Immunosenescence and Inflammaging in Age-Related Macular Degeneration and Current Barriers to Treatment. Cells 2023; 12:1708. [PMID: 37443742 PMCID: PMC10340338 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131708] [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: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Landmark genetic studies have revealed the effect of complement biology and its regulation on the pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Limited phase 3 clinical trial data showing a benefit of complement inhibition in AMD raises the prospect of more complex mediators at play. Substantial evidence supports the role of para-inflammation in maintaining homeostasis in the retina and choroid. With increasing age, a decline in immune system regulation, known as immunosenescence, has been shown to alter the equilibrium maintained by para-inflammation. The altered equilibrium results in chronic, sterile inflammation with aging, termed 'inflammaging', including in the retina and choroid. The chronic inflammatory state in AMD is complex, with contributions from cells of the innate and adaptive branches of the immune system, sometimes with overlapping features, and the interaction of their secretory products with retinal cells such as microglia and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), extracellular matrix and choroidal vascular endothelial cells. In this review, the chronic inflammatory state in AMD will be explored by immune cell type, with a discussion of factors that will need to be overcome in the development of curative therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan H. Khan
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Southampton Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Itay Chowers
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
- Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91121, Israel
| | - Andrew J. Lotery
- Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
- Southampton Eye Unit, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
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27
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Zheng P, Dou Y, Wang Q. Immune response and treatment targets of chronic hepatitis B virus infection: innate and adaptive immunity. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2023; 13:1206720. [PMID: 37424786 PMCID: PMC10324618 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2023.1206720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major global public health risk that threatens human life and health, although the number of vaccinated people has increased. The clinical outcome of HBV infection depends on the complex interplay between viral replication and the host immune response. Innate immunity plays an important role in the early stages of the disease but retains no long-term immune memory. However, HBV evades detection by the host innate immune system through stealth. Therefore, adaptive immunity involving T and B cells is crucial for controlling and clearing HBV infections that lead to liver inflammation and damage. The persistence of HBV leads to immune tolerance owing to immune cell dysfunction, T cell exhaustion, and an increase in suppressor cells and cytokines. Although significant progress has been made in HBV treatment in recent years, the balance between immune tolerance, immune activation, inflammation, and fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B remains unknown, making a functional cure difficult to achieve. Therefore, this review focuses on the important cells involved in the innate and adaptive immunity of chronic hepatitis B that target the host immune system and identifies treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyu Zheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
- Graduate School of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Yongqing Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qinying Wang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China
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28
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Di Matteo S, Munari E, Fiore PF, Santopolo S, Sampaoli C, Pelosi A, Chouaib S, Tumino N, Vacca P, Mariotti FR, Ebert S, Machwirth M, Haas D, Pezzullo M, Pietra G, Grottoli M, Buart S, Mortier E, Maggi E, Moretta L, Caruana I, Azzarone B. The roles of different forms of IL-15 in human melanoma progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183668. [PMID: 37334356 PMCID: PMC10272795 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Melanoma is a lethal skin cancer, and the risk of developing it is increased by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. The production of cytokines such as interleukin-15 (IL-15), induced by the exposure of skin cells to UV rays, could also promote melanoma development. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible role of Interleukin-15/Interleukin-15 Receptor α (IL-15/IL-15Rα) complexes in melanoma development. Methods The expression of IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes by melanoma cells was evaluated both ex vivo and in vitro by tissue microarray, PCR, and flow cytometry. The presence of the soluble complex (sIL-15/IL-15Rα) in the plasma of metastatic melanoma patients was detected using an ELISA assay. Subsequently, we investigated the impact of natural killer (NK) cell activation after rIL-2 starvation followed by exposure to the sIL-15/IL-15Rα complex. Finally, by analyzing public datasets, we studied the correlation between IL-15 and IL-15Rα expressions and melanoma stage, NK and T-cell markers, and overall survival (OS). Results Analysis of a melanoma tissue microarray shows a significant increase in the number of IL-15+ tumor cells from the benign nevi to metastatic melanoma stages. Metastatic melanoma cell lines express a phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA)-cleavable membrane-bound IL-15 (mbIL-15), whereas cultures from primary melanomas express a PMA-resistant isoform. Further analysis revealed that 26% of metastatic patients present with consistently high plasmatic levels of sIL-15/IL-15Rα. When the recombinant soluble human IL-15/IL-15Rα complex is added to briefly starved rIL-2-expanded NK cells, these cells exhibit strongly reduced proliferation and levels of cytotoxic activity against K-562 and NALM-18 target cells. The analysis of public gene expression datasets revealed that high IL-15 and IL-15Rα intra-tumoral production correlates with the high levels of expression of CD5+ and NKp46+ (T and NK markers) and significantly correlates with a better OS in stages II and III, but not in stage IV. Conclusions Membrane-bound and secreted IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes are continuously present during progression in melanoma. It is notable that, although IL-15/IL-15Rα initially promoted the production of cytotoxic T and NK cells, at stage IV promotion of the development of anergic and dysfunctional cytotoxic NK cells was observed. In a subgroup of melanoma metastatic patients, the continuous secretion of high amounts of the soluble complex could represent a novel NK cell immune escape mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabina Di Matteo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Piera Filomena Fiore
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Santopolo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Camilla Sampaoli
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Pelosi
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Salem Chouaib
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Unitè Mixte Rechercce (INSERM UMR) 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Faculty De Médecine Univ. Paris-Sud, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
- Thumbay Research Institute for Precision Medicine, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Mariotti
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Stefan Ebert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Machwirth
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Haas
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Marco Pezzullo
- Core Facility, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Melania Grottoli
- Immunology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stephanie Buart
- Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale Unitè Mixte Rechercce (INSERM UMR) 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Cancer Immunotherapy, Gustave Roussy, École Pratique des Hautes Études (EPHE), Faculty De Médecine Univ. Paris-Sud, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Erwan Mortier
- Nantes Université, Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS), Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France
- LabEx IGO, Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology, Nantes, France
| | - Enrico Maggi
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, Istituto di Ricerca e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
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Yao B, Delaidelli A, Vogel H, Sorensen PH. Pediatric Brain Tumours: Lessons from the Immune Microenvironment. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5024-5046. [PMID: 37232837 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30050379] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
In spite of recent advances in tumour molecular subtyping, pediatric brain tumours (PBTs) remain the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. While some PBTs are treatable with favourable outcomes, recurrent and metastatic disease for certain types of PBTs remains challenging and is often fatal. Tumour immunotherapy has emerged as a hopeful avenue for the treatment of childhood tumours, and recent immunotherapy efforts have been directed towards PBTs. This strategy has the potential to combat otherwise incurable PBTs, while minimizing off-target effects and long-term sequelae. As the infiltration and activation states of immune cells, including tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes and tumour-associated macrophages, are key to shaping responses towards immunotherapy, this review explores the immune landscape of the developing brain and discusses the tumour immune microenvironments of common PBTs, with hopes of conferring insights that may inform future treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Betty Yao
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
| | - Alberto Delaidelli
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
| | - Hannes Vogel
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Poul H Sorensen
- Department of Molecular Oncology, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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30
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Xiao F, Hu B, Si Z, Yang H, Xie J. Sirtuin 6 is a negative regulator of the anti-tumor function of natural killer cells in murine inflammatory colorectal cancer. Mol Immunol 2023; 158:68-78. [PMID: 37146480 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2023.04.011] [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: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The immune system plays a crucial role in controlling colorectal cancer (CRC) development. Natural killer (NK) cells are tumoricidal but undergo exhaustion in CRC patients. The current research aims to understand the role of sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) in CRC-associated NK cell exhaustion in a murine inflammatory colorectal cancer model. To this end, inflammatory CRC was induced by treating mice with azoxymethane plus dextran sulfate sodium. The expression of SIRT6 in NK cells in murine mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs) and the CRC tissue was characterized by Immunoblotting. SIRT6 knockdown was achieved by lentiviral transduction of murine splenic NK cells, followed by evaluation of NK cell proliferation and the expression of cytotoxic mediators using flow cytometry. NK cell cytotoxicity was measured by cytotoxicity assays. Adoptive transfer of murine NK cells was applied to analyze the effect of SIRT6 knockdown in vivo. We found that SIRT6 was up-regulated in infiltrating NK cells in the murine CRC tissue, especially NK cells with an exhausted phenotype and impaired cytotoxicity. SIRT6 knockdown significantly boosted murine splenic NK cell functionality, as evidenced by accelerated proliferation, increased production of cytotoxic mediators, and higher tumoricidal activity both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the adoptive transfer of SIRT6-knockdown NK cells into CRC-bearing mice effectively suppressed CRC progression. Therefore, SIRT6 up-regulation is essential for murine NK cell exhaustion in CRC because it impedes the tumoricidal activity of murine NK cells. Artificial SIRT6 down-regulation could boost the function of infiltrating NK cells to oppress CRC progression in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xiao
- The Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital (Tongji Medical College Affiliated Wuhan Puai Hospital), 473 Hanzheng Street, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430033, China
| | - Bo Hu
- The Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital (Tongji Medical College Affiliated Wuhan Puai Hospital), 473 Hanzheng Street, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430033, China
| | - Zhilong Si
- The Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital (Tongji Medical College Affiliated Wuhan Puai Hospital), 473 Hanzheng Street, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430033, China
| | - Huanbin Yang
- The Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital (Tongji Medical College Affiliated Wuhan Puai Hospital), 473 Hanzheng Street, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430033, China
| | - Jun Xie
- The Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Wuhan Fourth Hospital (Tongji Medical College Affiliated Wuhan Puai Hospital), 473 Hanzheng Street, Qiaokou District, Wuhan, Hubei Province 430033, China.
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31
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Lizana-Vasquez GD, Torres-Lugo M, Dixon R, Powderly JD, Warin RF. The application of autologous cancer immunotherapies in the age of memory-NK cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1167666. [PMID: 37205105 PMCID: PMC10185894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1167666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has revolutionized the oncology field, yielding improved results against hematological and solid malignancies. NK cells have become an attractive alternative due to their capacity to activate upon recognition of "stress" or "danger" signals independently of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) engagement, thus making tumor cells a perfect target for NK cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy even as an allogeneic solution. While this allogeneic use is currently favored, the existence of a characterized memory function for NK cells ("memory-like" NK cells) advocates for an autologous approach, that would benefit from the allogeneic setting discoveries, but with added persistence and specificity. Still, both approaches struggle to exert a sustained and high anticancer effect in-vivo due to the immunosuppressive tumor micro-environment and the logistical challenges of cGMP production or clinical deployment. Novel approaches focused on the quality enhancement and the consistent large-scale production of highly activated therapeutic memory-like NK cells have yielded encouraging but still unconclusive results. This review provides an overview of NK biology as it relates to cancer immunotherapy and the challenge presented by solid tumors for therapeutic NKs. After contrasting the autologous and allogeneic NK approaches for solid cancer immunotherapy, this work will present the current scientific focus for the production of highly persistent and cytotoxic memory-like NK cells as well as the current issues with production methods as they apply to stress-sensitive immune cells. In conclusion, autologous NK cells for cancer immunotherapy appears to be a prime alternative for front line therapeutics but to be successful, it will be critical to establish comprehensives infrastructures allowing the production of extremely potent NK cells while constraining costs of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby D. Lizana-Vasquez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - Madeline Torres-Lugo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - R. Brent Dixon
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - John D. Powderly
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - Renaud F. Warin
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
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32
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Verkleij CPM, Frerichs KA, Broekmans MEC, Duetz C, O'Neill CA, Bruins WSC, Homan-Weert PM, Minnema MC, Levin MD, Broijl A, Bos GMJ, Kersten MJ, Klein SK, Shikhagaie MM, Casneuf T, Abraham Y, Smets T, Vanhoof G, Cortes-Selva D, van Steenbergen L, Ramos E, Verona RI, Krevvata M, Sonneveld P, Zweegman S, Mutis T, van de Donk NWCJ. NK Cell Phenotype Is Associated With Response and Resistance to Daratumumab in Relapsed/Refractory Multiple Myeloma. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e881. [PMID: 37153876 PMCID: PMC10155898 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The CD38-targeting antibody daratumumab has marked activity in multiple myeloma (MM). Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role during daratumumab therapy by mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity via their FcγRIII receptor (CD16), but they are also rapidly decreased following initiation of daratumumab treatment. We characterized the NK cell phenotype at baseline and during daratumumab monotherapy by flow cytometry and cytometry by time of flight to assess its impact on response and development of resistance (DARA-ATRA study; NCT02751255). At baseline, nonresponding patients had a significantly lower proportion of CD16+ and granzyme B+ NK cells, and higher frequency of TIM-3+ and HLA-DR+ NK cells, consistent with a more activated/exhausted phenotype. These NK cell characteristics were also predictive of inferior progression-free survival and overall survival. Upon initiation of daratumumab treatment, NK cells were rapidly depleted. Persisting NK cells exhibited an activated and exhausted phenotype with reduced expression of CD16 and granzyme B, and increased expression of TIM-3 and HLA-DR. We observed that addition of healthy donor-derived purified NK cells to BM samples from patients with either primary or acquired daratumumab-resistance improved daratumumab-mediated MM cell killing. In conclusion, NK cell dysfunction plays a role in primary and acquired daratumumab resistance. This study supports the clinical evaluation of daratumumab combined with adoptive transfer of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christie P M Verkleij
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Kristine A Frerichs
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marloes E C Broekmans
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carolien Duetz
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chloe A O'Neill
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Wassilis S C Bruins
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paola M Homan-Weert
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique C Minnema
- University Medical Center Utrecht, Department of Hematology, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Mark-David Levin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albert Schweitzer Hospital, Dordrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Annemiek Broijl
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Department of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Marie José Kersten
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Saskia K Klein
- Department of Internal Medicine, Meander Medical Center, Amersfoort, The Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Medya M Shikhagaie
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Yann Abraham
- Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | - Tina Smets
- Janssen Research and Development, Beerse, Belgium
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Pieter Sonneveld
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Sonja Zweegman
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tuna Mutis
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Niels W C J van de Donk
- Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Hematology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Cancer Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Peng L, Renauer PA, Ye L, Yang L, Park JJ, Chow RD, Zhang Y, Lin Q, Bai M, Sanchez A, Zhang Y, Lam SZ, Chen S. Perturbomics of tumor-infiltrating NK cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.03.14.532653. [PMID: 36993337 PMCID: PMC10055047 DOI: 10.1101/2023.03.14.532653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an innate immune cell type that serves at the first level of defense against pathogens and cancer. NK cells have clinical potential, however, multiple current limitations exist that naturally hinder the successful implementation of NK cell therapy against cancer, including their effector function, persistence, and tumor infiltration. To unbiasedly reveal the functional genetic landscape underlying critical NK cell characteristics against cancer, we perform perturbomics mapping of tumor infiltrating NK cells by joint in vivo AAV-CRISPR screens and single cell sequencing. We establish a strategy with AAV-SleepingBeauty(SB)- CRISPR screening leveraging a custom high-density sgRNA library targeting cell surface genes, and perform four independent in vivo tumor infiltration screens in mouse models of melanoma, breast cancer, pancreatic cancer, and glioblastoma. In parallel, we characterize single-cell transcriptomic landscapes of tumor-infiltrating NK cells, which identifies previously unexplored sub-populations of NK cells with distinct expression profiles, a shift from immature to mature NK (mNK) cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), and decreased expression of mature marker genes in mNK cells. CALHM2, a calcium homeostasis modulator that emerges from both screen and single cell analyses, shows both in vitro and in vivo efficacy enhancement when perturbed in chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells. Differential gene expression analysis reveals that CALHM2 knockout reshapes cytokine production, cell adhesion, and signaling pathways in CAR- NKs. These data directly and systematically map out endogenous factors that naturally limit NK cell function in the TME to offer a broad range of cellular genetic checkpoints as candidates for future engineering to enhance NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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34
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Huuhtanen J, Kasanen H, Peltola K, Lönnberg T, Glumoff V, Brück O, Dufva O, Peltonen K, Vikkula J, Jokinen E, Ilander M, Lee MH, Mäkelä S, Nyakas M, Li B, Hernberg M, Bono P, Lähdesmäki H, Kreutzman A, Mustjoki S. Single-cell characterization of anti-LAG-3 and anti-PD-1 combination treatment in patients with melanoma. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:164809. [PMID: 36719749 PMCID: PMC10014104 DOI: 10.1172/jci164809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundRelatlimab plus nivolumab (anti-lymphocyte-activation gene 3 plus anti-programmed death 1 [anti-LAG-3+anti-PD-1]) has been approved by the FDA as a first-line therapy for stage III/IV melanoma, but its detailed effect on the immune system is unknown.MethodsWe evaluated blood samples from 40 immunotherapy-naive or prior immunotherapy-refractory patients with metastatic melanoma treated with anti-LAG-3+anti-PD-1 in a phase I trial using single-cell RNA and T cell receptor sequencing (scRNA+TCRαβ-Seq) combined with other multiomics profiling.ResultsThe highest LAG3 expression was noted in NK cells, Tregs, and CD8+ T cells, and these cell populations underwent the most significant changes during the treatment. Adaptive NK cells were enriched in responders and underwent profound transcriptomic changes during the therapy, resulting in an active phenotype. LAG3+ Tregs expanded, but based on the transcriptome profile, became metabolically silent during the treatment. Last, higher baseline TCR clonality was observed in responding patients, and their expanding CD8+ T cell clones gained a more cytotoxic and NK-like phenotype.ConclusionAnti-LAG-3+anti-PD-1 therapy has profound effects on NK cells and Tregs in addition to CD8+ T cells.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01968109)FundingCancer Foundation Finland, Sigrid Juselius Foundation, Signe and Ane Gyllenberg Foundation, Relander Foundation, State funding for university-level health research in Finland, a Helsinki Institute of Life Sciences Fellow grant, Academy of Finland (grant numbers 314442, 311081, 335432, and 335436), and an investigator-initiated research grant from BMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani Huuhtanen
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Henna Kasanen
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katriina Peltola
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tapio Lönnberg
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Virpi Glumoff
- Research Unit of Biomedicine, Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Oscar Brück
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Dufva
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Karita Peltonen
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Vikkula
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Emmi Jokinen
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Mette Ilander
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Moon Hee Lee
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Siru Mäkelä
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marta Nyakas
- Oslo University Hospital-Radiumhospitalet, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bin Li
- Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) Research and Development, Princeton, New Jersey, USA
| | - Micaela Hernberg
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Petri Bono
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Harri Lähdesmäki
- Department of Computer Science, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
| | - Anna Kreutzman
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
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35
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Addressing Natural Killer Cell Dysfunction and Plasticity in Cell-Based Cancer Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061743. [PMID: 36980629 PMCID: PMC10046032 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC), known for their role as killers of stressed, cancerous, and virally infected cells. Beyond this cytotoxic function, NK cell subsets can influence broader immune responses through cytokine production and have been linked to central roles in non-immune processes, such as the regulation of vascular remodeling in pregnancy and cancer. Attempts to exploit the anti-tumor functions of NK cells have driven the development of various NK cell-based therapies, which have shown promise in both pre-clinical disease models and early clinical trials. However, certain elements of the tumor microenvironment, such as elevated transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, hypoxia, and indoalemine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), are known to suppress NK cell function, potentially limiting the longevity and activity of these approaches. Recent studies have also identified these factors as contributors to NK cell plasticity, defined by the conversion of classical cytotoxic NK cells into poorly cytotoxic, tissue-resident, or ILC1-like phenotypes. This review summarizes the current approaches for NK cell-based cancer therapies and examines the challenges presented by tumor-linked NK cell suppression and plasticity. Ongoing efforts to overcome these challenges are discussed, along with the potential utility of NK cell therapies to applications outside cancer.
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Gallo D, Baci D, Kustrimovic N, Lanzo N, Patera B, Tanda ML, Piantanida E, Mortara L. How Does Vitamin D Affect Immune Cells Crosstalk in Autoimmune Diseases? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054689. [PMID: 36902117 PMCID: PMC10003699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone that is highly involved in bone health. Mounting evidence revealed that, in addition to the regulation of mineral metabolism, vitamin D is implicated in cell proliferation and differentiation, vascular and muscular functions, and metabolic health. Since the discovery of vitamin D receptors in T cells, local production of active vitamin D was demonstrated in most immune cells, addressing the interest in the clinical implications of vitamin D status in immune surveillance against infections and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. T cells, together with B cells, are seen as the main immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases; however, growing interest is currently focused on immune cells of the innate compartment, such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells in the initiation phases of autoimmunity. Here we reviewed recent advances in the onset and regulation of Graves' and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, vitiligo, and multiple sclerosis in relation to the role of innate immune cells and their crosstalk with vitamin D and acquired immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gallo
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Denisa Baci
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
| | - Natasa Kustrimovic
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Disease—CAAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Nicola Lanzo
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Bohdan Patera
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Tanda
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Eliana Piantanida
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Powers SB, Ahmed NG, Jose R, Brezgiel M, Aryal S, Bowman WP, Mathew PA, Mathew SO. Differential Expression of LLT1, SLAM Receptors CS1 and 2B4 and NCR Receptors NKp46 and NKp30 in Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043860. [PMID: 36835271 PMCID: PMC9959214 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043860] [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: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) represents the most common pediatric cancer. Most patients (85%) develop B-cell ALL; however, T-cell ALL tends to be more aggressive. We have previously identified 2B4 (SLAMF4), CS1 (SLAMF7) and LLT1 (CLEC2D) that can activate or inhibit NK cells upon the interaction with their ligands. In this study, the expression of 2B4, CS1, LLT1, NKp30 and NKp46 was determined. The expression profiles of these immune receptors were analyzed in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of B-ALL and T-ALL subjects by single-cell RNA sequencing data obtained from the St. Jude PeCan data portal that showed increased expression of LLT1 in B-ALL and T-ALL subjects. Whole blood was collected from 42 pediatric ALL subjects at diagnosis and post-induction chemotherapy and 20 healthy subjects, and expression was determined at the mRNA and cell surface protein level. A significant increase in cell surface LLT1 expression in T cells, monocytes and NK cells was observed. Increased expression of CS1 and NKp46 was observed on monocytes of ALL subjects at diagnosis. A decrease of LLT1, 2B4, CS1 and NKp46 on T cells of ALL subjects was also observed post-induction chemotherapy. Furthermore, mRNA data showed altered expression of receptors in ALL subjects pre- and post-induction chemotherapy treatment. The results indicate that the differential expression of the receptors/ligand may play a role in the T-cell- and NK-cell-mediated immune surveillance of pediatric ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila B. Powers
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Nourhan G. Ahmed
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Roslin Jose
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Marissa Brezgiel
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Subhash Aryal
- School of Nursing, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - W. Paul Bowman
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Cook Children’s Medical Center, 801 7th Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76104, USA
| | - Porunelloor A. Mathew
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Stephen O. Mathew
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
- Correspondence:
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Muyayalo KP, Tao D, Lin XX, Zhang YJ. Age-related changes in CD4 + T and NK cell compartments may contribute to the occurrence of pregnancy loss in advanced maternal age. J Reprod Immunol 2023; 155:103790. [PMID: 36621090 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103790] [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: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
A recent study characterized novel immune cell subsets (T, NK, and γδ T cell subsets) related to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). This study aims to assess whether these RPL-related immune cell subsets are affected by aging. The percentages of peripheral blood immunes cells from nulligravida women (NGW), women with a history of normal pregnancy (NP), and women with a history of pregnancy loss (PL) were detected by flow cytometry. The correlations between maternal age and cell percentages were assessed. We found a significant positive correlation between PL and maternal age. The percentages of effector memory CD4+ T (CD3+ CD4+ CD45RA¯ CCR7¯), terminally differentiated CD4+ T (CD3+ CD4+ CD45RA+ CCR7¯), and mature NK cells (CD3¯ CD56+lo) significantly increased with maternal age. A significant decrease in the percentage of Naïve CD4+ T cells (CD3+ CD4+ CD45RA+ CCR7+) with age was observed in women from the NP group. Women aged 35 or older had significantly higher percentages of effector memory CD4+ T cells, terminally differentiated CD4+ T cells, and mature NK cells than younger women. Maternal age positively correlates with terminally differentiated CD4+ T, effector memory CD4+ T, and mature NK cell percentages. In contrast, an inverse correlation was observed between Naïve CD4+ T cell and age among women from the NP group. Our findings indicate that age-related CD4+ T and NK cell dysregulation might be involved in the pathogenesis of PL in women with advanced maternal age. The underlying mechanism needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kahindo P Muyayalo
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China.
| | - Ding Tao
- School of Data Science, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Xin-Xiu Lin
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
| | - Yu-Jing Zhang
- Institute of Reproductive Health, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, PR China
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Xiao R, Ma Y, Li H, Li X, Sun Z, Qi Q, Yin P, Yang F, Qiu M. Lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as subsolid nodule potentially represents tumour in the equilibrium phase of immunoediting. Immunology 2023; 168:290-301. [PMID: 35503794 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13489] [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: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung adenocarcinomas manifesting as subsolid nodules (SSN-LUADs) possess distinct dormant behaviour. This study was designed to compare the immune landscapes of normal lungs (nLungs), SSN-LUADs and LUADs manifesting as solid nodules (SN-LUADs) so as to better understand the status of anti-tumour immunity in SSN-LUADs. Mass cytometry by time-of-flight analysis was performed on 299, 570 single cells from nLung, SSN-LUAD and SN-LUAD tissues. The immune cells were identified by phenotype, and the percentages of different immune cell subclusters were compared between SSN-LUADs, SN-LUADs and nLungs. Elevated percentage of CD8+ T cells were identified in SSN-LUADs compared with in nLungs and SN-LUADs. Elevated CD56bright NK cells and decreased CD56dim NK cells were identified in both SSN-LUADs and SN-LUADs compared with in nLungs. The immune landscape of SSN-LUAD fits the theory of equilibrium phase of immunoediting, thus functional adaptive anti-tumour immunity but impaired innate anti-tumour immunity potentially contributes to the maintaining of its dormant behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongxin Xiao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Ma
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zewen Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qingyi Qi
- Department of Radiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ping Yin
- Department of Radiology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mantang Qiu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
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Rascle P, Woolley G, Jost S, Manickam C, Reeves RK. NK cell education: Physiological and pathological influences. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1087155. [PMID: 36742337 PMCID: PMC9896005 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1087155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells represent a critical defense against viral infections and cancers. NK cells require integration of activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors to detect target cells and the balance of these NK cell inputs defines the global NK cell response. The sensitivity of the response is largely defined by interactions between self-major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I) molecules and specific inhibitory NK cell receptors, so-called NK cell education. Thus, NK cell education is a crucial process to generate tuned effector NK cell responses in different diseases. In this review, we discuss the relationship between NK cell education and physiologic factors (type of self-MHC-I, self-MHC-I allelic variants, variant of the self-MHC-I-binding peptides, cytokine effects and inhibitory KIR expression) underlying NK cell education profiles (effector function or metabolism). Additionally, we describe the broad-spectrum of effector educated NK cell functions on different pathologies (such as HIV-1, CMV and tumors, among others).
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Rascle
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Griffin Woolley
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Stephanie Jost
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Cordelia Manickam
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - R. Keith Reeves
- Division of Innate and Comparative Immunology, Center for Human Systems Immunology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Surgery, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Tietscher S, Wagner J, Anzeneder T, Langwieder C, Rees M, Sobottka B, de Souza N, Bodenmiller B. A comprehensive single-cell map of T cell exhaustion-associated immune environments in human breast cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:98. [PMID: 36609566 PMCID: PMC9822999 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35238-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint therapy in breast cancer remains restricted to triple negative patients, and long-term clinical benefit is rare. The primary aim of immune checkpoint blockade is to prevent or reverse exhausted T cell states, but T cell exhaustion in breast tumors is not well understood. Here, we use single-cell transcriptomics combined with imaging mass cytometry to systematically study immune environments of human breast tumors that either do or do not contain exhausted T cells, with a focus on luminal subtypes. We find that the presence of a PD-1high exhaustion-like T cell phenotype is associated with an inflammatory immune environment with a characteristic cytotoxic profile, increased myeloid cell activation, evidence for elevated immunomodulatory, chemotactic, and cytokine signaling, and accumulation of natural killer T cells. Tumors harboring exhausted-like T cells show increased expression of MHC-I on tumor cells and of CXCL13 on T cells, as well as altered spatial organization with more immature rather than mature tertiary lymphoid structures. Our data reveal fundamental differences between immune environments with and without exhausted T cells within luminal breast cancer, and show that expression of PD-1 and CXCL13 on T cells, and MHC-I - but not PD-L1 - on tumor cells are strong distinguishing features between these environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Tietscher
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute for Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Life Science Zurich Graduate School, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johanna Wagner
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Division of Translational Medical Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Bettina Sobottka
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Natalie de Souza
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.,Institute of Molecular Systems Biology, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Bernd Bodenmiller
- Department of Quantitative Biomedicine, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland. .,Institute for Molecular Health Sciences, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
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Li W, An N, Wang M, Liu X, Mei Z. Downregulation of AT-rich interaction domain 2 underlies natural killer cell dysfunction in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:78-90. [PMID: 36269235 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12602] [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: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The immune system plays a significant role in controlling oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) initiation and progression. Natural killer (NK) cells actively participate in antitumor immunity but become dysfunctional or exhausted in the tumor microenvironment. To explore the mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in OSCC, we characterized the expression and function of AT-rich interaction domain 2 (ARID2) in NK cells in a murine OSCC model. ARID2 was downregulated in tongue NK cells compared with splenic NK cells. Notably, ARID2 was significantly decreased in NK cells with an exhausted phenotype and weakened antitumor function. ARID2 knockdown resulted in the upregulation of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and downregulation of interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor (TNF), granzyme B and perforin in NK cells. As a result, ARID2 knockdown impaired NK cell cytotoxicity. Besides, ARID2 overexpression suppressed the expression of PD-1 and lymphocyte-activation gene 3, and promoted the expression of IFN-γ, TNF, granzyme B and perforin in NK cells which were adoptively transferred into OSCC-bearing mice. Taken together, our study implies that the OSCC microenvironment triggers ARID2 downregulation in intratumoral NK cells. In turn, ARID2 downregulation results in PD-1 upregulation on NK cells and subsequently impairs NK cell cytotoxicity. Therefore, we uncovered a novel mechanism of NK cell dysfunction in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Li
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ning An
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingwei Wang
- Department of Pathology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiguo Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhidan Mei
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Liu Z, Wan H, Tan Y, Li D, Huang J, Zhang C, Liu F, Qin B. Bibliometric and visual analyses of trends in the field of T cell exhaustion research: Findings from 2000 to 2022. Int J Immunopathol Pharmacol 2023; 37:3946320231215219. [PMID: 37975658 PMCID: PMC10656813 DOI: 10.1177/03946320231215219] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND T cell exhaustion refers to a state wherein T cells become less functional as a result of their prolonged exposure to cognate antigens. A wealth of T cell exhaustion-focused research has been conducted in recent decades, transforming the current understanding of this biologically relevant process. However, there have not been any comprehensive bibliometric analyses to date focused on clarifying the T cell exhaustion-related research landscape. Here, a bibliometric analysis was thus conducted with the goal of better elucidating the current state of knowledge and emerging research hotspots in this field. METHODS The Web of Science Core Collection was searched for articles and reviews related to T cell exhaustion, with the CiteSpace and VOSviewer programs then being employed to analyze the countries, institutions, authors, references, and keywords associated with studies in this research space. RESULTS In total, 2676 studies were incorporated in this analysis, highlighting progressive annual increases in the number of T cell exhaustion-focused publications over the study period. These publications were affiliated with 3117 institutions in 85 countries, with the USA and China being the largest contributors to the field. Of the 18,032 authors associated with these publications, E. John Wherry exhibited the highest publication count and the greatest citation frequency. Keyword analyses indicated that immunotherapy, T cell exhaustion, and PD-1 are the dominant foci for T cell exhaustion-related research. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the importance of collaborations among institutions and nations in order to further propel novel studies of T cell exhaustion. Efforts to unravel the signal transduction and transcriptional mechanisms underlying the onset of T cell exhaustion were also identified as an emerging hotspot in this field. Ultimately, these results support the pivotal status of T cell exhaustion research as a key direction for immunotherapeutic research and development efforts in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziling Liu
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- Shenzhen Aier Ophthalmic Technology Institute, Shenzhen, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Huan Wan
- Institute of Biopharmaceutics and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yao Tan
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Deshuang Li
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianguo Huang
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chuanhe Zhang
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Fangyuan Liu
- Institute of Biopharmaceutics and Health Engineering, Tsinghua Shenzhen International Graduate School, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bo Qin
- Shenzhen Aier Eye Hospital, Aier Eye Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
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Leveraging Natural Killer Cell Innate Immunity against Hematologic Malignancies: From Stem Cell Transplant to Adoptive Transfer and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010204. [PMID: 36613644 PMCID: PMC9820370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous recent advancements in T-cell based immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies. In the race towards the first approved allogeneic cellular therapy product, there is growing interest in utilizing natural killer (NK) cells as a platform for off-the-shelf cellular therapies due to their scalable manufacturing potential, potent anti-tumor efficacy, and superior safety profile. Allogeneic NK cell therapies are now being actively explored in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and adoptive transfer. Increasingly sophisticated gene editing techniques have permitted the engineering of chimeric antigen receptors, ectopic cytokine expression, and tumor recognition signals to improve the overall cytotoxicity of NK cell therapies. Furthermore, the enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity has been achieved through the use of NK cell engagers and combination regimens with monoclonal antibodies that act synergistically with CD16-expressing NK cells. Finally, a greater understanding of NK cell biology and the mechanisms of resistance have allowed the preclinical development of NK checkpoint blockade and methods to modulate the tumor microenvironment, which have been evaluated in early phase trials. This review will discuss the recent clinical advancements in NK cell therapies in hematologic malignancies as well as promising avenues of future research.
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Qiao J, Liu J, Jacobson JC, Clark RA, Lee S, Liu L, An Z, Zhang N, Chung DH. Anti-GRP-R monoclonal antibody antitumor therapy against neuroblastoma. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0277956. [PMID: 36525420 PMCID: PMC9757561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0277956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Standard treatment for patients with high-risk neuroblastoma remains multimodal therapy including chemoradiation, surgical resection, and autologous stem cell rescue. Immunotherapy has demonstrated success in treating many types of cancers; however, its use in pediatric solid tumors has been limited by low tumor mutation burdens. Gastrin-releasing peptide receptor (GRP-R) is overexpressed in numerous malignancies, including poorly-differentiated neuroblastoma. Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to GRP-R have yet to be developed but could serve as a potential novel immunotherapy. This preclinical study aims to evaluate the efficacy of a novel GRP-R mAb immunotherapy against neuroblastoma. We established four candidate anti-GRP-R mAbs by screening a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) library. GRP-R mAb-1 demonstrated the highest efficacy with the lowest EC50 at 4.607 ng/ml against GRP-R expressing neuroblastoma cells, blocked the GRP-ligand activation of GRP-R and its downstream PI3K/AKT signaling. This resulted in functional inhibition of cell proliferation and anchorage-independent growth, indicating that mAb-1 has an antagonist inhibitory role on GRP-R. To examine the antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) of GRP-R mAb-1 on neuroblastoma, we co-cultured neuroblastoma cells with natural killer (NK) cells versus GRP-R mAb-1 treatment alone. GRP-R mAb-1 mediated ADCC effects on neuroblastoma cells and induced release of IFNγ by NK cells under co-culture conditions in vitro. The cytotoxic effects of mAb-1 were confirmed with the secretion of cytotoxic granzyme B from NK cells and the reduction of mitotic tumor cells in vivo using a murine tumor xenograft model. In summary, GRP-R mAb-1 demonstrated efficacious anti-tumor effects on neuroblastoma cells in preclinical models. Importantly, GRP-R mAb-1 may be an efficacious, novel immunotherapy in the treatment of high-risk neuroblastoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Qiao
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Junquan Liu
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Jillian C. Jacobson
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Rachael A. Clark
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Sora Lee
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Radiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
| | - Zhiqiang An
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Ningyan Zhang
- Texas Therapeutics Institute, Brown Foundation Institute of Molecular Medicine, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Dai H. Chung
- Department of Surgery, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- Department of Surgery, Children’s Health, Dallas, Texas, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Schauer T, Djurhuus SS, Simonsen C, Brasso K, Christensen JF. The effects of acute exercise and inflammation on immune function in early-stage prostate cancer. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 25:100508. [PMID: 36133956 PMCID: PMC9483738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Patients and methods Results Conclusions Clinical trial number Exercise mobilizes NK, CD8 T and NKT-like cells in patients with prostate cancer. Immune cells exhibit mature and cytotoxic phenotype during high-intensity exercise. NK cytotoxic activity against K562 and LNCaP but not PC3 increases with exercise. Markers of inflammation inversely correlate with exercise-enhanced immune function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim Schauer
- Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Corresponding author. Centre for Physical Activity Research, Rigshospitalet, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | | | - Casper Simonsen
- Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Klaus Brasso
- Copenhagen Prostate Cancer Center, Department of Urology, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper Frank Christensen
- Centre for Physical Activity Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Exercise and Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
- Digestive Disease Center, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Pinto S, Pahl J, Schottelius A, Carter PJ, Koch J. Reimagining antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in cancer: the potential of natural killer cell engagers. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:932-946. [PMID: 36306739 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Bi-, tri- and multispecific antibodies have enabled the development of targeted cancer immunotherapies redirecting immune effector cells to eliminate malignantly transformed cells. These antibodies allow for simultaneous binding of surface antigens on malignant cells and activating receptors on innate immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, and neutrophils. Significant progress with such antibodies has been achieved, particularly in hematological malignancies. Nevertheless, several major challenges remain, including increasing their immunotherapeutic efficacy in a greater proportion of patients, particularly in those harboring solid tumors, and overcoming dose-limiting toxicities and immunogenicity. Here, we discuss novel antibody-engineering developments designed to maximize the potential of NK cells by NK cell engagers mediating antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), thereby expanding the armamentarium for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Paul J Carter
- Genentech, Department of Antibody Engineering, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Exhaustion and over-activation of immune cells in COVID-19: Challenges and therapeutic opportunities. Clin Immunol 2022; 245:109177. [PMCID: PMC9640209 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2022.109177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
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Haroun-Izquierdo A, Vincenti M, Netskar H, van Ooijen H, Zhang B, Bendzick L, Kanaya M, Momayyezi P, Li S, Wiiger MT, Hoel HJ, Krokeide SZ, Kremer V, Tjonnfjord G, Berggren S, Wikström K, Blomberg P, Alici E, Felices M, Önfelt B, Höglund P, Valamehr B, Ljunggren HG, Björklund A, Hammer Q, Kveberg L, Cichocki F, Miller JS, Malmberg KJ, Sohlberg E. Adaptive single-KIR +NKG2C + NK cells expanded from select superdonors show potent missing-self reactivity and efficiently control HLA-mismatched acute myeloid leukemia. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:jitc-2022-005577. [PMID: 36319065 PMCID: PMC9628692 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-005577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells hold great promise as a source for allogeneic cell therapy against hematological malignancies, including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Current treatments are hampered by variability in NK cell subset responses, a limitation which could be circumvented by specific expansion of highly potent single killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR)+NKG2C+ adaptive NK cells to maximize missing-self reactivity. METHODS We developed a GMP-compliant protocol to expand adaptive NK cells from cryopreserved cells derived from select third-party superdonors, that is, donors harboring large adaptive NK cell subsets with desired KIR specificities at baseline. We studied the adaptive state of the cell product (ADAPT-NK) by flow cytometry and mass cytometry as well as cellular indexing of transcriptomes and epitopes by sequencing (CITE-Seq). We investigated the functional responses of ADAPT-NK cells against a wide range of tumor target cell lines and primary AML samples using flow cytometry and IncuCyte as well as in a mouse model of AML. RESULTS ADAPT-NK cells were >90% pure with a homogeneous expression of a single self-HLA specific KIR and expanded a median of 470-fold. The ADAPT-NK cells largely retained their adaptive transcriptional signature with activation of effector programs without signs of exhaustion. ADAPT-NK cells showed high degranulation capacity and efficient killing of HLA-C/KIR mismatched tumor cell lines as well as primary leukemic blasts from AML patients. Finally, the expanded adaptive NK cells had preserved robust antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity potential and combination of ADAPT-NK cells with an anti-CD16/IL-15/anti-CD33 tri-specific engager led to near-complete killing of resistant CD45dim blast subtypes. CONCLUSIONS These preclinical data demonstrate the feasibility of off-the-shelf therapy with a non-engineered, yet highly specific, NK cell population with full missing-self recognition capability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Haroun-Izquierdo
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marianna Vincenti
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Herman Netskar
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanna van Ooijen
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bin Zhang
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Laura Bendzick
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Minoru Kanaya
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Pouria Momayyezi
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shuo Li
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Merete Thune Wiiger
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Hanna Julie Hoel
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Zandstra Krokeide
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Veronika Kremer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Geir Tjonnfjord
- Department of Hematology, Oslo University Hospital and K.G. Jebsen Centre for B-cell malignancies, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Stéphanie Berggren
- Vecura, Karolinska Center for Cell Therapy Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Wikström
- Vecura, Karolinska Center for Cell Therapy Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pontus Blomberg
- Vecura, Karolinska Center for Cell Therapy Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Felices
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Microbiology, Tumour and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Petter Höglund
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andreas Björklund
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lise Kveberg
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Frank Cichocki
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- University of Minnesota, Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ebba Sohlberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Li X, Chen M, Wan Y, Zhong L, Han X, Chen X, Xiao F, Liu J, Zhang Y, Zhu D, Xiang J, Liu J, Huang H, Hou J. Single-cell transcriptome profiling reveals the key role of ZNF683 in natural killer cell exhaustion in multiple myeloma. Clin Transl Med 2022; 12:e1065. [PMID: 36245253 PMCID: PMC9574488 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Decreased cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells has been shown in multiple myeloma (MM). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. Here, by using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis and in vitro experiments, we aim to uncover and validate molecularly distinctive insights into identifying regulators for NK cell exhaustion and provide potential targets for novel immune therapies in MM. METHODS Single-cell RNA sequencing was conducted in the bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from 10 newly diagnosed MM patients and three healthy volunteers. Based on the cluster-defining differentially expressed genes, we named and estimated functional states of each cluster via bioinformatics analyses. Functional significance of key findings obtained from sequencing analysis was examined in a series of in vitro experiments, including luciferase reporter assay, lentiviral expression vector construction, NK cell transfection, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, and cytotoxicity assay. RESULTS We classified NK cells into seven distinct clusters and confirmed that a subset of ZNF683+ NK cells were enriched in MM patients with 'exhausted' transcriptomic profile, featuring as decreased expression of activating receptors and cytolytic molecules, as well as increased expression of inhibitory receptors. Next, we found a significant downregulation of SH2D1B gene that encodes EAT-2, an adaptor protein of activating receptor SLAMF7, in ZNF683+ NK cells from MM patients versus healthy volunteers. We further proved that ZNF683 transfection in NK cells significantly downregulated SH2D1B expression via directly binding to the promoter of SH2D1B, leading to NK cell cytotoxic activity impairment and exhausted phenotypes acquisition. In contrast, ZNF683 knockout in NK cells from MM patients increased cytotoxic activity and reversed NK cell exhaustion. CONCLUSIONS In summary, our findings uncover an important mechanism of ZNF683+ NK cell exhaustion and suggest that transcriptional suppressor ZNF683 as a potential useful therapeutic target in immunotherapy of MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Mengping Chen
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yike Wan
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Lu Zhong
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaofeng Han
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Xiaotong Chen
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Fei Xiao
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Yiwei Zhang
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Di Zhu
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jing Xiang
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell BiologyShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Honghui Huang
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Jian Hou
- Department of HematologyRen Ji HospitalShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
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