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Pighi C, Rotili A, De Luca M, Chiurchiù S, Calò Carducci FI, Rossetti C, Cifaldi L, Bei R, Caforio L, Bernardi S, Palma P, Amodio D. Characterization of Natural Killer Cell Profile in a Cohort of Infected Pregnant Women and Their Babies and Its Relation to CMV Transmission. Viruses 2024; 16:780. [PMID: 38793661 PMCID: PMC11125694 DOI: 10.3390/v16050780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a common herpesvirus causing lifelong latent infection in most people and is a primary cause of congenital infection worldwide. Given the role of NK cells in the materno-fetal barrier, we investigated peripheral blood NK cell behavior in the context of CMV infection acquired during pregnancy. We analyzed the NK phenotype and CD107a surface mobilization on PBMCs from CMV-transmitting and non-transmitting mothers and newborns with or without congenital infection. NK cells from non-transmitting mothers showed the typical phenotype of CMV-adaptive NK cells, characterized by higher levels of NKG2C, CD57, and KIRs, with reduced NKG2A, compared to transmitting ones. A significantly higher percentage of DNAM-1+, PD-1+, and KIR+NKG2A-CD57+PD-1+ CD56dim cells was found in the non-transmitting group. Accordingly, NK cells from congenital-CMV (cCMV)-infected newborns expressed higher levels of NKG2C and CD57, with reduced NKG2A, compared to non-congenital ones. Furthermore, they showed a significant expansion of CD56dim cells co-expressing NKG2C and CD57 or with a memory-like (KIR+NKG2A-CD57+NKG2C+) phenotype, as well as a significant reduction of the CD57-NKG2C- population. Degranulation assays showed a slightly higher CD107a geomean ratio in NK cells of mothers who were non-transmitting compared to those transmitting the virus. Our findings demonstrate that both CMV-transmitting mothers and cCMV newborns show a specific NK profile. These data can guide studies on predicting virus transmission from mothers and congenital infection in infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pighi
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Arianna Rotili
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
- PhD Program in “Immunology, Molecular Medicine and Applied Biotechnologies”, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Maia De Luca
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.C.); (F.I.C.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Sara Chiurchiù
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.C.); (F.I.C.C.); (S.B.)
| | | | - Chiara Rossetti
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy; (L.C.); (R.B.)
| | - Leonardo Caforio
- Fetal Medicine and Surgery Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy;
| | - Stefania Bernardi
- Infectious Disease Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (M.D.L.); (S.C.); (F.I.C.C.); (S.B.)
| | - Paolo Palma
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Amodio
- Research Unit of Clinical Immunology and Vaccinology, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.P.); (A.R.); (C.R.); (P.P.)
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Arora J, Ayyappan S, Yin C, Smith BJ, Lemke-Miltner CD, Wang Z, Farooq U, Weiner GJ. T-cell help in the tumor microenvironment enhances rituximab-mediated NK-cell ADCC. Blood 2024; 143:1816-1824. [PMID: 38457360 PMCID: PMC11076912 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023023370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Rituximab (RTX) and other monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that bind directly to malignant cells are of great clinical value but are not effective for all patients. A major mechanism of action of RTX is antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by natural killer (NK) cells. Prior in vitro studies in our laboratory demonstrated that T cells contribute to maintaining the viability and cytotoxic potential of NK cells activated by anti-CD20-coated target B cells. Here, we conducted studies using a novel mouse model and clinical correlative analysis to assess whether T-cell help contribute to RTX-mediated NK-cell ADCC in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in vivo. A humanized mouse model was developed using Raji lymphoma cells and normal donor peripheral blood mononuclear cells that allows for control of T-cell numbers in the lymphoma TME. In this model, NK-cell viability and CD16 and CD25 expression dropped after RTX in the absence of T cells but increased in the presence of T cells. RTX therapy was more effective when T cells were present and was ineffective when NK cells were depleted. In patients with indolent lymphoma, fine needle aspirates were obtained before and ∼1 week after treatment with a RTX-containing regimen. There was a strong correlation between CD4+ T cells as well as total T cells in the pretherapy TME and an increase in NK-cell CD16 and CD25 expression after RTX. We conclude that T-cell help in the TME enhances RTX-mediated NK-cell viability and ADCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyoti Arora
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Human Toxicology, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Sabarish Ayyappan
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Chaobo Yin
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Brian J. Smith
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | | | - Zhaoming Wang
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - Umar Farooq
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
| | - George J. Weiner
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA
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Mele D, Ottolini S, Lombardi A, Conteianni D, Bandera A, Oliviero B, Mantovani S, Cassaniti I, Baldanti F, Gori A, Mondelli MU, Varchetta S. Long-term dynamics of natural killer cells in response to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: Persistently enhanced activity postvaccination. J Med Virol 2024; 96:e29585. [PMID: 38566585 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29585] [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: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells play a significant role in the early defense against virus infections and cancer. Recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of NK cells in both the induction and effector phases of vaccine-induced immunity in various contexts. However, their role in shaping immune responses following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination remains poorly understood. To address this matter, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of NK cell phenotype and function in SARS-CoV-2 unexposed individuals who received the BNT162b2 vaccine. We employed a longitudinal study design and utilized a panel of 53 15-mer overlapping peptides covering the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein to assess NK cell function at 0 and 20 days following the first vaccine, and 30 and 240 days following booster. Additionally, we evaluated the levels of total IgG anti-Spike antibodies and their potential neutralizing ability. Our findings revealed an increased NK cell activity upon re-exposure to RBD when combined with IL12 and IL18 several months after booster. Concurrently, we observed that the frequencies of NKG2A + NK cells declined over the course of the follow-up period, while NKG2C increased only in CMV positive subjects. The finding that NK cell functions are inducible 9 months after vaccination upon re-exposure to RBD and cytokines, sheds light on the role of NK cells in contributing to SARS-CoV-2 vaccine-induced immune protection and pave the way to further studies in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Ottolini
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Lombardi
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Daniela Conteianni
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bandera
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, University of Milano, Milano, Italy
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Foundation IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milano, Italy
| | - Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Irene Cassaniti
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Molecular Virology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic, and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Fausto Baldanti
- Department of Microbiology and Virology, Molecular Virology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS, Policlinico S. Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Clinical, Surgical, Diagnostic, and Pediatric Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Infectious Diseases and Immunopathology, L. Sacco Hospital, Università di Milano, Milan, Italy
- Centre for Multidisciplinary Research in Health Science (MACH), University of Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Mario U Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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Coelho AA, Carvalho RR, Muniz AL, Crispim AA, Meneses AM, Silva CWD, Paula DSD, Alves APNN, Sousa FB, Silva PGDB. CD20 + cells blockage by rituximab delays wound healing in oral traumatic ulcers in rats. Arch Oral Biol 2024; 157:105844. [PMID: 37950958 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2023.105844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Wound healing of oral traumatic ulcers (OTU) is strongly associated with cytokines and inflammatory cells, and the reduction of anti-inflammatory cells, such as lymphocyte B, may interfere with OTU repair. We aimed to evaluate the role of CD20 + cells in the healing process of OTU in rats. DESIGN Wistar male rats were divided into four groups: a control group (treated with 0.1 mL/kg of saline) and three groups treated with anti-CD20 rituximab (RTX) at 2.5, 10, or 40 mg/kg 24 h before OTU production. The animals were weighed (day 0) and euthanized on days 3, 7, 14, and 21 after ulceration. With Blood cells (hematological analysis) and the traumatically induced ulcers were clinically measured. The mucosal samples were histologically (scores 0-4), histochemically (collagen assay (picrosirius)), histomorphometrically (cell counting), and immunohistochemically (CD20+, Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha(TNF-α), Interleukin(IL)- 1β, IL-6 and α-smooth-muscle-actin (α-SMA)) analyzed. ANOVA-1-2-way/Bonferroni, Kruskal-Wallis/Dunn, and correlation analyses were performed (GraphPad Prism 5.0, p < 0.05). RESULTS RTX leads to leukopenia, lymphocytopenia, and neutropenia (p < 0.001), and high doses reduced the OTU area (p = 0.001), impaired histologic scores (p < 0.05), and delayed polymorphonuclear (p < 0.001) and mononuclear (p < 0.001) cells, and total (p = 0.011), type-I (p = 0.008), and type-III (p = 0.021) collagen. CONCLUSION RTX treatment reduced CD20+ cells in OTU (p = 0.001), TNF-α (p = 0.006), and α-SMA (p = 0.022) immunostaining and delayed IL-6 reduction (p = 0.006), with no influence in IL-1β immunostaining. CD20 + cell blockage by RTX reduced cell migration, acute inflammation, and wound healing in OTU.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Ana Luiza Muniz
- Department of Dentistry, Unichristus, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Ana Paula Negreiros Nunes Alves
- Department of Dental Clinic, Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
| | - Fabrício Bitu Sousa
- Department of Dentistry, Unichristus, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil; Department of Dental Clinic, Division of Oral Pathology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dentistry and Nursing, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil
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Capuano C, De Federicis D, Ciuti D, Turriziani O, Angeloni A, Anastasi E, Giannini G, Belardinilli F, Molfetta R, Alvaro D, Palmieri G, Galandrini R. Impact of SARS-CoV-2 vaccination on FcγRIIIA/CD16 dynamics in Natural Killer cells: relevance for antibody-dependent functions. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1285203. [PMID: 38045702 PMCID: PMC10693335 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285203] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural Killer (NK) cells contribute to the protective effects of vaccine-induced antibodies thanks to the low affinity receptor for IgG, FcγRIIIA/CD16, whose aggregation leads to the killing of infected cells and IFNγ release, through which they potentiate adaptive immune responses. Methods Forty-seven healthy young individuals undergoing either homologous (ChAdOx1-S/ChAdOx1-S) or heterologous (ChAdOx1-S/BNT162B2) SARS-CoV-2 vaccination settings were recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected immediately prior to vaccination and 8 weeks after the booster dose. The phenotypic and functional profile of NK cells was evaluated by flow cytometry at both time points. Serum samples were tested to evaluate circulating anti-Spike IgG levels and cytomegalovirus serostatus. CD16 F158V polymorphism was assessed by sequencing analysis. Results The downregulation of CD16 and the selective impairment of antibody-dependent cytotoxicity and IFNγ production in CD56dim NK population, persisting 8 weeks after boosting, were observed in heterologous, but not in homologous SARS-CoV-2 vaccination scheme. While the magnitude of CD16-dependent functions of the global CD56dim pool correlated with receptor levels before and after vaccination, the responsivity of NKG2C+ subset, that displays amplified size and functionality in HCMV+ individuals, resulted intrinsically insensitive to CD16 levels. Individual CD16 responsiveness was also affected by CD16F158V polymorphism; F/F low affinity individuals, characterized by reduced CD16 levels and functions independently of vaccination, did not show post-vaccinal functional impairment with respect to intermediate and high affinity ones, despite a comparable CD16 downregulation. Further, CD16 high affinity ligation conditions by means of afucosylated mAb overcame vaccine-induced and genotype-dependent functional defects. Finally, the preservation of CD16 expression directly correlated with anti-Spike IgG titer, hinting that the individual magnitude of receptor-dependent functions may contribute to the amplification of the vaccinal response. Conclusion This study demonstrates a durable downmodulation of CD16 levels and Ab-dependent NK functions after SARS-CoV-2 heterologous vaccination, and highlights the impact of genetic and environmental host-related factors in modulating NK cell susceptibility to post-vaccinal Fc-dependent functional impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capuano
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, UniCamillus-Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide De Federicis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniel Ciuti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Antonio Angeloni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Anastasi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Rosa Molfetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Domenico Alvaro
- Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Bordignon MB, Pesce Viglietti AI, Juliá EP, Sanchez MB, Rölle A, Mandó P, Sabatini L, Ostinelli A, Rizzo MM, Barrio MM, Mordoh J, Fainboim L, Levy EM. Phenotypic and functional analysis in HER2+ targeted therapy of human NK cell subpopulation according to the expression of FcεRIγ and NKG2C in breast cancer patients. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:2687-2700. [PMID: 37081323 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-023-03448-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Adaptive NK cells constitute an NK cell subpopulation, which expands after human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection. This subpopulation has stronger production of cytokines after CD16 stimulation, longer life and persistence than conventional NK cells and are, therefore, interesting tools for cancer immunotherapy. Since there is limited information on adaptive NK cells in cancer patients, we described this population phenotypically and functionally, by flow cytometry, in the context of HER2 + breast cancer (BC) directed therapy. We assessed HCMV status in 78 patients with BC. We found that, similarly to healthy donors (HD), a high proportion of BC patients were HCMV-positive, and nearly 72% of them had an adaptive NK cell subpopulation characterized by the loss of FcεRIγ intracellular adaptor protein or the presence of NKG2C receptor. However, in BC patients, FcεRIγ- and NKG2C + NK cell populations overlapped to a lesser extent than in HD. Otherwise, no profound phenotypic differences were found between BC patients and HD. Although FcεRIγ- or NKG2C + NK cell subsets from BC patients produced more IFN-γ than their FcεRIγ + or NKG2C- NK cell counterparts, IFN-γ production increased only when NK cells simultaneously expressed FcεRIγ- and NKG2C + , whereas in HD the presence of NKG2C marker was sufficient to display greater functionality. Furthermore, in a group of patients treated with chemotherapy and Trastuzumab plus Pertuzumab, FcεRIγ-NKG2C + and FcεRIγ-NKG2C- NK cells retained greater functionality after treatment than FcεRIγ + NKG2C- NK cells. These results suggest that the presence or magnitude of adaptive NK cell subsets might serve as a key determinant for therapeutic approaches based on antibodies directed against tumor antigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- María B Bordignon
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ayelén I Pesce Viglietti
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Estefanía P Juliá
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María B Sanchez
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Pablo Mandó
- Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas "Norberto Quirno" (CEMIC), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Luciana Sabatini
- Instituto Alexander Fleming, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Alexis Ostinelli
- Instituto Alexander Fleming, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Manglio M Rizzo
- Cancer Immunobiology, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Universidad Austral, Derqui, Pilar, Argentina
| | - María M Barrio
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - José Mordoh
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Bioquímicas. Fundación Instituto Leloir, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leonardo Fainboim
- Laboratorio de Inmunogenética, INIGEM, CONICET-UBA, Hospital de Clínicas, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Estrella M Levy
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas - Fundación Cáncer FUCA, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Abbadessa G, Miele G, Maida E, Vanore E, Cipriano L, Coppola C, Lavorgna L, Bonavita S. Immunomodulatory effects of ocrelizumab and candidate biomarkers for monitoring treatment response in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2023:13524585221147635. [PMID: 36683286 DOI: 10.1177/13524585221147635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ocrelizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody designed to bind to the CD20 molecule, resulting in a rapid depletion of B-cells; however, it has been shown that lymphocyte subpopulations other than B-cells are affected by the drug. To review the effects of ocrelizumab on circulating lymphocytes and identify candidate biomarkers to predict and monitor treatment response. A literature search for the most relevant articles from 2006 to 2022 was conducted in PubMed and Scopus. The effect of ocrelizumab on the peripheral immune system goes beyond B-cells; it also depletes T CD20 + lymphocytes. Further, ocrelizumab reshapes the T-cell response toward a low inflammatory profile and induces an increase in T CD8 + regulatory cell percentage. A higher Body Mass Index and higher B-cell count at baseline have been associated with early B-cell reappearance. Serum neurofilament light chain reduction has been associated with treatment response. Ocrelizumab treatment exerts a broad immunomodulatory effect and may be tailored based on patients' clinical and biological profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianmarco Abbadessa
- Second Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Miele
- Second Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Maida
- Second Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Emanuele Vanore
- Second Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Cipriano
- Second Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Cinzia Coppola
- Second Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Luigi Lavorgna
- Second Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Bonavita
- Second Division of Neurology, Department of Advanced Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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8
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Yano M, Byrd JC, Muthusamy N. Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Functional Impairment and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235787. [PMID: 36497266 PMCID: PMC9739887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches have advanced rapidly in recent years. While the greatest therapeutic advances so far have been achieved with T cell therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T, recent advances in NK cell therapy have highlighted the therapeutic potential of these cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent form of leukemia in Western countries, is a very immunosuppressive disease but still shows significant potential as a target of immunotherapy, including NK-based therapies. In addition to their antileukemia potential, NK cells are important immune effectors in the response to infections, which represent a major clinical concern for CLL patients. Here, we review the interactions between NK cells and CLL, describing functional changes and mechanisms of CLL-induced NK suppression, interactions with current therapeutic options, and the potential for therapeutic benefit using NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Yano
- Medical Science Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
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Bottino C, Della Chiesa M, Sorrentino S, Morini M, Vitale C, Dondero A, Tondo A, Conte M, Garaventa A, Castriconi R. Strategies for Potentiating NK-Mediated Neuroblastoma Surveillance in Autologous or HLA-Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194548. [PMID: 36230485 PMCID: PMC9559312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NB) are malignant tumors of childhood that are treated with a very aggressive and life-threatening approach; this includes autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the infusion of a mAb targeting the GD2 tumor-associated antigen. Although the current treatment provided benefits, the 5-year overall survival remains below 50% due to relapses and refractoriness to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to ameliorate the standard therapeutic protocol, particularly improving the immune-mediated anti-tumor responses. Our review aims at summarizing and critically discussing novel immunotherapeutic strategies in HR-NB, including NK cell-based therapies and HLA-haploidentical HSCT from patients’ family. Abstract High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NB) still have an unacceptable 5-year overall survival despite the aggressive therapy. This includes standardized immunotherapy combining autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the anti-GD2 mAb. The treatment did not significantly change for more than one decade, apart from the abandonment of IL-2, which demonstrated unacceptable toxicity. Of note, immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic option in cancer and could be optimized by several strategies. These include the HLA-haploidentical αβT/B-depleted HSCT, and the antibody targeting of novel NB-associated antigens such as B7-H3, and PD1. Other approaches could limit the immunoregulatory role of tumor-derived exosomes and potentiate the low antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity of CD16 dim/neg NK cells, abundant in the early phase post-transplant. The latter effect could be obtained using multi-specific tools engaging activating NK receptors and tumor antigens, and possibly holding immunostimulatory cytokines in their construct. Finally, treatments also consider the infusion of novel engineered cytokines with scarce side effects, and cell effectors engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Our review aims to discuss several promising strategies that could be successfully exploited to potentiate the NK-mediated surveillance of neuroblastoma, particularly in the HSCT setting. Many of these approaches are safe, feasible, and effective at pre-clinical and clinical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-01056363855
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dondero
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tondo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and HSCT, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Conte
- Pediatric Oncology Unit-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Garaventa
- Pediatric Oncology Unit-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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10
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Gao F, Zhou Z, Lin Y, Shu G, Yin G, Zhang T. Biology and Clinical Relevance of HCMV-Associated Adaptive NK Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:830396. [PMID: 35464486 PMCID: PMC9022632 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.830396] [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: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are an important component of the innate immune system due to their strong ability to kill virally infected or transformed cells without prior exposure to the antigen (Ag). However, the biology of human NK (hNK) cells has largely remained elusive. Recent advances have characterized several novel hNK subsets. Among them, adaptive NK cells demonstrate an intriguing specialized antibody (Ab)-dependent response and several adaptive immune features. Most adaptive NK cells express a higher level of NKG2C but lack an intracellular signaling adaptor, FcϵRIγ (hereafter abbreviated as FcRγ). The specific expression pattern of these genes, with other signature genes, is the result of a specific epigenetic modification. The expansion of adaptive NK cells in vivo has been documented in various viral infections, while the frequency of adaptive NK cells among peripheral blood mononuclear cells correlates with improved prognosis of monoclonal Ab treatment against leukemia. This review summarizes the discovery and signature phenotype of adaptive NK cells. We also discuss the reported association between adaptive NK cells and pathological conditions. Finally, we briefly highlight the application of adaptive NK cells in adoptive cell therapy against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Gao
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhengwei Zhou
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ying Lin
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guang Shu
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Gang Yin
- Immuno-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianxiang Zhang
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, United States
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11
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Capuano C, Pighi C, Battella S, Pulcinelli F, Santoro C, Ferretti A, Turriziani O, De Federicis D, Fionda C, Sciumè G, Galandrini R, Palmieri G. (Auto)Antibody Responses Shape Memory NK Cell Pool Size and Composition. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030625. [PMID: 35327427 PMCID: PMC8945707 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030625] [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: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
In vivo establishment and long-term persistence of a heterogeneous memory or an adaptive NK cell pool represents a functional adaptation to human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection in humans. Memory NK cells are commonly identified by lack of the FcεRIγ signalling chain, variably associated to the preferential but not completely overlapping expression of the HLA-E receptor NKG2C and CD57 maturation marker. Although characterized by selective hyperresponsiveness to IgG stimulation, the impact of the CD16/antibody interaction in regulating the establishment/maintenance and size, and in determining the relative abundance of this population, is still under investigation. Memory NK cell subset ex vivo profile and in vitro responsiveness to CD16 stimulation was evaluated in HCMV+ healthy donors and in patients affected by immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease. We identified the FcεRIγ− NKG2C+CD57+ memory NK cell subset, whose abundance is uniquely associated with anti-HCMV antibody levels in healthy seropositive donors, and which is significantly expanded in ITP patients. This fully mature memory subset robustly and selectively expands in vitro in response to mAb-opsonized targets or ITP-derived platelets and displays superior CD16-dependent IFNγ production. Our work identifies opsonizing antibodies as a host-dependent factor that shapes HCMV-driven memory NK cell compartment. We first demonstrate that chronic exposure to auto-antibodies contributes to the establishment/expansion of a highly specialized and unique memory NK cell subset with distinct CD16-dependent functional capabilities. We also identify the specific contribution of the lack of FcεRIγ chain in conferring to NKG2C+CD57+ memory cells a higher responsivity to CD16 engagement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Simone Battella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Fabio Pulcinelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Cristina Santoro
- Hematology Division, Policlinico Umberto I, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Antonietta Ferretti
- Hematology Division, Policlinico Umberto I, 00185 Rome, Italy; (C.S.); (A.F.)
| | - Ombretta Turriziani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Davide De Federicis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Cinzia Fionda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Sciumè
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (O.T.); (C.F.); (G.S.)
| | - Ricciarda Galandrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.); Tel.: +39-06-4997-4084 (R.G.); +39-06-446-8448 (G.P.)
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (F.P.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.); Tel.: +39-06-4997-4084 (R.G.); +39-06-446-8448 (G.P.)
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12
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Phenotypic and Functional Characteristics of a Novel Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin-Specific Memory NK Cell. J Virol 2021; 95:JVI.00165-21. [PMID: 33827945 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00165-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune memory represents the most efficient defense against invasion and transmission of infectious pathogens. In contrast to memory T and B cells, the roles of innate immunity in recall responses remain inconclusive. In this study, we identified a novel mouse spleen NK cell subset expressing NKp46 and NKG2A induced by intranasal influenza virus infection. These memory NK cells specifically recognize N-linked glycosylation sites on influenza hemagglutinin (HA) protein. Different from memory-like NK cells reported previously, these NKp46+ NKG2A+ memory NK cells exhibited HA-specific silence of cytotoxicity but increase of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) response against influenza virus-infected cells, which could be reversed by pifithrin-μ, a p53-heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) signaling inhibitor. During recall responses, splenic NKp46+ NKG2A+ NK cells were recruited to infected lung and modulated viral clearance of virus and CD8+ T cell distribution, resulting in improved clinical outcomes. This long-lived NK memory bridges innate and adaptive immune memory response and promotes the homeostasis of local environment during recall response.IMPORTANCE In this study, we demonstrate a novel hemagglutinin (HA)-specific NKp46+ NKG2A+ NK cell subset induced by influenza A virus infection. These memory NK cells show virus-specific decreased cytotoxicity and increased gamma interferon (IFN-γ) on reencountering the same influenza virus antigen. In addition, they modulate host recall responses and CD8 T cell distribution, thus bridging the innate immune and adaptive immune responses during influenza virus infection.
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13
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Capuano C, Pighi C, Battella S, De Federicis D, Galandrini R, Palmieri G. Harnessing CD16-Mediated NK Cell Functions to Enhance Therapeutic Efficacy of Tumor-Targeting mAbs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102500. [PMID: 34065399 PMCID: PMC8161310 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural Killer (NK) cells play a major role in cancer immunotherapy based on tumor-targeting mAbs. NK cell-mediated tumor cell killing and cytokine secretion are powerfully stimulated upon interaction with IgG-opsonized tumor cells, through the aggregation of FcγRIIIA/CD16 IgG receptor. Advances in basic and translational NK cell biology have led to the development of strategies that, by improving mAb-dependent antitumor responses, may overcome the current limitations of antibody therapy attributable to tolerance, immunosuppressive microenvironment, and genotypic factors. This review provides an overview of the immunotherapeutic strategies being pursued to improve the efficacy of mAb-induced NK antitumor activity. The exploitation of antibody combinations, antibody-based molecules, used alone or combined with adoptive NK cell therapy, will be uncovered. Within the landscape of NK cell heterogeneity, we stress the role of memory NK cells as promising effectors in the next generation of immunotherapy with the aim to obtain long-lasting tumor control. Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells hold a pivotal role in tumor-targeting monoclonal antibody (mAb)-based activity due to the expression of CD16, the low-affinity receptor for IgG. Indeed, beyond exerting cytotoxic function, activated NK cells also produce an array of cytokines and chemokines, through which they interface with and potentiate adaptive immune responses. Thus, CD16-activated NK cells can concur to mAb-dependent “vaccinal effect”, i.e., the development of antigen-specific responses, which may be highly relevant in maintaining long-term protection of treated patients. On this basis, the review will focus on strategies aimed at potentiating NK cell-mediated antitumor functions in tumor-targeting mAb-based regimens, represented by (a) mAb manipulation strategies, aimed at augmenting recruitment and efficacy of NK cells, such as Fc-engineering, and the design of bi- or trispecific NK cell engagers and (b) the possible exploitation of memory NK cells, whose distinctive characteristics (enhanced responsiveness to CD16 engagement, longevity, and intrinsic resistance to the immunosuppressive microenvironment) may maximize therapeutic mAb antitumor efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
| | - Simone Battella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- ReiThera Srl, 00128 Rome, Italy
| | - Davide De Federicis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ricciarda Galandrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.)
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (C.C.); (C.P.); (S.B.); (D.D.F.)
- Correspondence: (R.G.); (G.P.)
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14
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Zhang L, Liu M, Yang S, Wang J, Feng X, Han Z. Natural killer cells: of-the-shelf cytotherapy for cancer immunosurveillance. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:1770-1791. [PMID: 33948388 PMCID: PMC8085843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are advantaged innate cytotoxic lymphocytes with characteristics of tumor immunosurveillance and microorganism elimination. Distinguish from the adaptive T and B lymphocytes, the autologous or allogeneic NK cells efficaciously fulfil the function of combating transformed hematological malignancies and metastatic solid tumors via the proverbial mechanisms including direct cytolytic effect and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) as well as paracrine effects dispense with antigen presentation. Herein, we review the candidate sources (e.g., peripheral blood, umbilical cord blood, placental blood, cell lines and stem cells) for large-scale and clinical-grade NK cell manufacturing, ex vivo cultivation (feeder-, cytokine cocktail- or physicochemical irritation-dependent strategies) for NK cell persistence and activation. Furthermore, we also figure out the promising prospects as well as the accompanied challenges of NK cell- or chimeric antigen receptor-transduced NK (CAR-NK) cell-based adoptive immunotherapy in standardizations for industrialized preparation and clinical practices.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin 300020, China
- School of Medicine, Nankai UniversityTianjin 300071, China
- Precision Medicine Division, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd.Tianjin 301700, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical UniversityJinan 250014, China
- Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd.Shangrao 334000, China
| | - Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin 300020, China
| | - Sijun Yang
- School of Medicine, Nankai UniversityTianjin 300071, China
- Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd.Shangrao 334000, China
| | - Jialun Wang
- Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd.Shangrao 334000, China
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin 300020, China
| | - Zhongchao Han
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical CollegeTianjin 300020, China
- Precision Medicine Division, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd.Tianjin 301700, China
- Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd.Shangrao 334000, China
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15
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Liu M, Meng Y, Zhang L, Han Z, Feng X. High-efficient generation of natural killer cells from peripheral blood with preferable cell vitality and enhanced cytotoxicity by combination of IL-2, IL-15 and IL-18. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 534:149-156. [PMID: 33309274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are pivotal effector lymphocytes characterized for the innate immune response to pathogenic microorganism and tumor cells without priming and sensitization. Despite emerging knowledge has highlighted the rosy prospects in tumor immunosurveillance, yet the large-scale clinical application of NK cell-based therapy is hindered largely attributes to the defects in generating sufficient and high-quality cellular products. Herein, on the basis of 16 kinds of candidate combinations, we investigated the feasibility of cytokine cocktail-based strategy for convenient and standardized NK cell cultivation as well as the multifaceted characteristics and cytotoxicity against tumor cells. Our results revealed that joint utilization of Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-15, IL-18 manifested the optimal facilitation upon the ex vivo expansion and proportion of NK cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Meanwhile, the obtained NK cell population expressed high levels of activating molecules (CD16 and NKG2D) and exhibited splendid cytotoxicity against K562 cell line. Collectively, with the aid of cytokine-based programming, we established an alternative strategy for facilitating the large-scale persistence and activation of NK cells from peripheral blood, which would benefit the NK cell- and chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK (CAR-NK) cell-based autologous or allogeneic tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Yuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Leisheng Zhang
- Institute of Stem Cells, Beijing Health-Biotech Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Zhongchao Han
- Institute of Stem Cells, Beijing Health-Biotech Biotechnology Co. Ltd, Beijing, 100176, China.
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Blood Diseases, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
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16
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Sivori S, Pende D, Quatrini L, Pietra G, Della Chiesa M, Vacca P, Tumino N, Moretta F, Mingari MC, Locatelli F, Moretta L. NK cells and ILCs in tumor immunotherapy. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 80:100870. [PMID: 32800530 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 141] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cells of the innate immunity play an important role in tumor immunotherapy. Thus, NK cells can control tumor growth and metastatic spread. Thanks to their strong cytolytic activity against tumors, different approaches have been developed for exploiting/harnessing their function in patients with leukemia or solid tumors. Pioneering trials were based on the adoptive transfer of autologous NK cell-enriched cell populations that were expanded in vitro and co-infused with IL-2. Although relevant results were obtained in patients with advanced melanoma, the effect was mostly limited to certain metastatic localizations, particularly to the lung. In addition, the severe IL-2-related toxicity and the preferential IL-2-induced expansion of Treg limited this type of approach. This limitation may be overcome by the use of IL-15, particularly of modified IL-15 molecules to improve its half-life and optimize the biological effects. Other approaches to harness NK cell function include stimulation via TLR, the use of bi- and tri-specific NK cell engagers (BiKE and TriKE) linking activating NK receptors (e.g. CD16) to tumor-associated antigens and even incorporating an IL-15 moiety (TriKE). As recently shown, in tumor patients, NK cells may also express inhibitory checkpoints, primarily PD-1. Accordingly, the therapeutic use of checkpoint inhibitors may unleash NK cells against PD-L1+ tumors. This effect may be predominant and crucial in tumors that have lost HLA cl-I expression, thus resulting "invisible" to T lymphocytes. Additional approaches in which NK cells may represent an important tool for cancer therapy, are to exploit the unique properties of the "adaptive" NK cells. These CD57+ NKG2C+ cells, despite their mature stage and a potent cytolytic activity, maintain a strong proliferating capacity. This property revealed to be crucial in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly in the haplo-HSCT setting, to cure high-risk leukemias. T depleted haplo-HSCT (e.g. from one of the parents) allowed to save the life of thousands of patients lacking a HLA-compatible donor. In this setting, NK cells have been shown to play an essential role against leukemia cells and infections. Another major advance is represented by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells. CAR-NK, different from CAR-T cells, may be obtained from allogeneic donors since they do not cause GvHD. Accordingly, they may represent "off-the-shelf" products to promptly treat tumor patients, with affordable costs. Different from NK cells, helper ILC (ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3), the innate counterpart of T helper cell subsets, remain rather ambiguous with respect to their anti-tumor activity. A possible exception is represented by a subset of ILC3: their frequency in peri-tumoral tissues in patients with NSCLC directly correlates with a better prognosis, possibly reflecting their ability to contribute to the organization of tertiary lymphoid structures, an important site of T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. It is conceivable that innate immunity may significantly contribute to the major advances that immunotherapy has ensured and will continue to ensure to the cure of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Linda Quatrini
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Moretta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy; Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
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Improving Immunotherapy Against B-Cell Malignancies Using γδ T-Cell-specific Stimulation and Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies. J Immunother 2020; 42:331-344. [PMID: 31318724 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor antigen-targeting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are an important element of current cancer therapies. Some of these therapeutic mAbs enable antibody-dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) against tumor cells. However, cancer-related functional impairment of immune effector cells may limit the clinical efficacy of antibody treatments. We reckoned that combining mAbs with cell-based immunotherapies would provide a clinically relevant synergism and benefit for cancer patients. Here, we focus on γδ T cells, as earlier studies demonstrated that γδ T-cell-based therapies are safe and promising for several types of malignancies. Similar to natural killer cells, their antitumor effects can be enhanced using antibodies, and they could, therefore, become a versatile effector cell platform for use with a variety of licensed therapeutic mAbs against cancer. In this study, we explore the potential of a combination therapy of activated γδ T cells with rituximab and the more recently developed mAbs (obinutuzumab and daratumumab) in different B-cell malignancies in vitro. Obinutuzumab outperformed the other mAbs with regard to direct target cell lysis and ADCC by γδ T cells in several CD20 cell lines and primary lymphoma specimens. We demonstrate that comparatively few CD16 γδ T cells are sufficient to mediate a strong ADCC. Using Fc-receptor-positive B-cell lymphomas as target cells, ADCC cannot be blocked by high concentrations of immunoglobulins or anti-CD16 antibodies, but both substances can promote cell mediated target cell lysis. This study expands on earlier reports on the therapeutic potential of distinctive tumor antigen-targeting mAbs and facilitates the understanding of the mechanism and potential of ADCC by γδ T-cell subsets.
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18
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Shi Y, Men X, Li X, Yang Z, Wen H. Research progress and clinical prospect of immunocytotherapy for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 82:106351. [PMID: 32143005 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 02/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
As a common malignant tumor, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has high fatality rate due to its strong metastasis and high degree of malignancy. Current treatment strategies adopted in clinical practice were still conventional surgery, assisted with interventional therapy, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However these treatments have limited effects with high recurrence rate. Current research progress of immunocytotherapy has shown that tumor cells can be directly identified and killed by stimulating the immune function and enhancing the anti-tumor immunity in tumor microenvironment. Targeted immunotherapeutics have therefore become the hope of conquering cancer in the future. It can kill tumor cells without damaging the body's immune system and function, restore and strengthen the body's natural anti-tumor immune system. It can reduce the toxic side effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, reduce the recurrence rate and prolong the survival period of patients with HCC. Currently, the immune cells widely studied are mainly as follows: Dendritic cells (DC), Cytokine-induced killer (CIK), DC-CIK, Chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T), Tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) and Natural killer cell (NK). Immunocytotherapy is a long-term treatment method, some studies have combined traditional therapy with immunocytotherapy and achieved significant effects, providing experimental basis for the application of immunocytotherapy. However, there are still some difficulties in the clinical application of immune cells. In this article, we discuss the application of immunocytotherapy in the clinical treatment of HCC, their effectiveness either alone or in combination with conventional therapies, and how future immunocytotherapeutics can be further improved from investigations in tumour immunology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Shi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin 130021, PR China
| | - Xiaoping Men
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital to Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin 130021, PR China
| | - Xueting Li
- Experimental Center, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin 130021, PR China
| | - Zhicun Yang
- Experimental Center, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin 130021, PR China
| | - Hongjuan Wen
- School of Health Management, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin 130117, PR China.
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19
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Capuano C, Pighi C, Maggio R, Battella S, Morrone S, Palmieri G, Santoni A, Klein C, Galandrini R. CD16 pre-ligation by defucosylated tumor-targeting mAb sensitizes human NK cells to γ c cytokine stimulation via PI3K/mTOR axis. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2020; 69:501-512. [PMID: 31950225 PMCID: PMC7113231 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-020-02482-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Obinutuzumab is a glycoengineered tumor-targeting anti-CD20 mAb with a modified crystallizable fragment (Fc) domain designed to increase the affinity for the FcγRIIIA/CD16 receptor, which was recently approved for clinical use in CLL and follicular lymphoma. Here we extend our previous observation that, in human NK cells, the sustained CD16 ligation by obinutuzumab-opsonized targets leads to a markedly enhanced IFN-γ production upon a subsequent cytokine re-stimulation. The increased IFN-γ competence in response to IL-2 or IL-15 is attributable to post-transcriptional regulation, as it does not correlate with the upregulation of IFN-γ mRNA levels. Different from the reference molecule rituximab, we observe that the stimulation with obinutuzumab promotes the upregulation of microRNA (miR)-155 expression. A similar trend was also observed in NK cells from untreated CLL patients stimulated with obinutuzumab-opsonized autologous leukemia. miR-155 upregulation associates with reduced levels of SHIP-1 inositol phosphatase, which acts in constraining PI3K-dependent signals, by virtue of its ability to mediate phosphatidylinositol 3,4,5-trisphosphate (PIP3) de-phosphorylation. Downstream of PI3K, the phosphorylation status of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) effector molecule, S6, results in amplified response to IL-2 or IL-15 stimulation in obinutuzumab-experienced cells. Importantly, NK cell treatment with the PI3K or mTOR inhibitors, idelalisib and rapamycin, respectively, prevents the enhanced cytokine responsiveness, thus, highlighting the relevance of the PI3K/mTOR axis in CD16-dependent priming. The enhanced IFN-γ competence may be envisaged to potentiate the immunoregulatory role of NK cells in a therapeutic setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Capuano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Pighi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Maggio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.,Clinical Cancer Research, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Simone Battella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania Morrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Palmieri
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Laboratorio Pasteur Italia Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Ricciarda Galandrini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale Regina Elena, 324, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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20
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Villalba M, Alexia C, Bellin-Robert A, Fayd'herbe de Maudave A, Gitenay D. Non-Genetically Improving the Natural Cytotoxicity of Natural Killer (NK) Cells. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3026. [PMID: 31998309 PMCID: PMC6970430 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The innate lymphocyte lineage natural killer (NK) is now the target of multiple clinical applications, although none has received an agreement from any regulatory agency yet. Transplant of naïve NK cells has not proven efficient enough in the vast majority of clinical trials. Hence, new protocols wish to improve their medical use by producing them from stem cells and/or modifying them by genetic engineering. These techniques have given interesting results but these improvements often hide that natural killers are mainly that: natural. We discuss here different ways to take advantage of NK physiology to improve their clinical activity without the need of additional modifications except for in vitro activation and expansion and allograft in patients. Some of these tactics include combination with monoclonal antibodies (mAb), drugs that change metabolism and engraftment of specific NK subsets with particular activity. Finally, we propose to use specific NK cell subsets found in certain patients that show increase activity against a specific disease, including the use of NK cells derived from patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Villalba
- IRMB, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France.,IRMB, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Catherine Alexia
- IRMB, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Delphine Gitenay
- IRMB, Univ Montpellier, INSERM, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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21
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Sivori S, Meazza R, Quintarelli C, Carlomagno S, Della Chiesa M, Falco M, Moretta L, Locatelli F, Pende D. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Hematological Malignancies. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1702. [PMID: 31623224 PMCID: PMC6832127 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) lymphocytes are an integral component of the innate immune system and represent important effector cells in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the control of hematological malignancies. Refined knowledge of NK cellular and molecular biology has fueled the interest in NK cell-based antitumor therapies, and recent efforts have been made to exploit the high potential of these cells in clinical practice. Infusion of high numbers of mature NK cells through the novel graft manipulation based on the selective depletion of T cells and CD19+ B cells has resulted into an improved outcome in children with acute leukemia given human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical hematopoietic transplantation. Likewise, adoptive transfer of purified third-party NK cells showed promising results in patients with myeloid malignancies. Strategies based on the use of cytokines or monoclonal antibodies able to induce and optimize NK cell activation, persistence, and expansion also represent a novel field of investigation with remarkable perspectives of favorably impacting on outcome of patients with hematological neoplasia. In addition, preliminary results suggest that engineering of mature NK cells through chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs deserve further investigation, with the goal of obtaining an "off-the-shelf" NK cell bank that may serve many different recipients for granting an efficient antileukemia activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy (S.C.); (M.D.C.)
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Meazza
- Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Concetta Quintarelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (F.L.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy (S.C.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy (S.C.); (M.D.C.)
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (F.L.)
- Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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22
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Memory NK Cell Features Exploitable in Anticancer Immunotherapy. J Immunol Res 2019; 2019:8795673. [PMID: 30882007 PMCID: PMC6381560 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8795673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides their innate ability to rapidly produce effector cytokines and kill virus-infected or transformed cells, natural killer (NK) cells display a strong capability to adapt to environmental modifications and to differentiate into long-lived, hyperfunctional populations, dubbed memory or memory-like NK cells. Despite significant progress in the field of NK cell-based immunotherapies, some factors including their short life span and the occurrence of a tumor-dependent functional exhaustion have limited their clinical efficacy so that strategies aimed at overcoming these limitations represent one of the main current challenges in the field. In this scenario, the exploitation of NK cell memory may have a considerable potential. This article summarizes recent evidence in the literature on the peculiar features that render memory NK cells an attractive tool for antitumor immunotherapy, including their long-term survival and in vivo persistence, the resistance to tumor-dependent immunosuppressive microenvironment, the amplified functional responses to IgG-opsonized tumor cells, and in vitro expansion capability. Along with highlighting these issues, we speculate that memory NK cell-based adoptive immunotherapy settings would greatly take advantage from the combination with tumor-targeting therapeutic antibodies (mAbs), as a strategy to fully unleash their clinical efficacy.
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23
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Pahl JHW, Cerwenka A, Ni J. Memory-Like NK Cells: Remembering a Previous Activation by Cytokines and NK Cell Receptors. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2796. [PMID: 30546366 PMCID: PMC6279934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells serving at the front line against infection and cancer. In inflammatory microenvironments, multiple soluble and contact-dependent signals modulate NK cell responsiveness. Besides their innate cytotoxic and immunostimulatory activity, it has been uncovered in recent years that NK cells constitute a heterogeneous and versatile cell subset. Persistent memory-like NK populations that mount a robust recall response were reported during viral infection, contact hypersensitivity reactions, and after stimulation by pro-inflammatory cytokines or activating receptor pathways. In this review, we highlight recent findings on the generation, functionality, and clinical applicability of memory-like NK cells and describe common features in comparison to other recent concepts of memory NK cells. Understanding of these features will facilitate the conception and design of novel NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jens H W Pahl
- Department for Immunobiochemistry, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Adelheid Cerwenka
- Department for Immunobiochemistry, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Jing Ni
- Department for Immunobiochemistry, Universitätsmedizin Mannheim, Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim, Universität Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany.,Innate Immunity, German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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24
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Beaulieu AM. Memory responses by natural killer cells. J Leukoc Biol 2018; 104:1087-1096. [DOI: 10.1002/jlb.1ri0917-366r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2017] [Revised: 08/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Aimee M. Beaulieu
- Center for Immunity and InflammationNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgers Biomedical and Health SciencesRutgers—The State University of New Jersey Newark New Jersey USA
- Department of Microbiology, Biochemistry, and Molecular GeneticsNew Jersey Medical SchoolRutgers Biomedical and Health SciencesRutgers—The State University of New Jersey Newark New Jersey USA
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