1
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Beelen NA, Molenbroeck SJJ, Groeneveld L, Voorter CE, Bos GMJ, Wieten L. HLA class I NK-epitopes and KIR diversities in patients with multiple myeloma. Immunogenetics 2024; 76:155-164. [PMID: 38478091 PMCID: PMC11087314 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-024-01336-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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy caused by the clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma cells are susceptible to killing by natural killer (NK) cells, but NK cells fail to control disease progression, suggesting immunosuppression. The activation threshold of NK-effector function is regulated by interaction between KIRs and self-HLA class I, during a process called "education" to ensure self-tolerance. NK cells can respond to diseased cells based on the absence of HLA class I expression ("Missing-self" hypothesis). The HLA and KIR repertoire is extremely diverse; thus, the present study aimed to characterize potential variances in genotypic composition of HLA Class I NK-epitopes and KIRs between MM patients and healthy controls. Genotypic expression of KIR and HLA (HLA-C group-C1/C2 and Bw4 motifs (including HLA-A*23, A*24, A*32) were analyzed in 172 MM patients and 195 healthy controls. Compared to healthy controls, we did not observe specific KIR genes or genotypes, or HLA NK-epitopes with higher prevalence among MM patients. The presence of all three HLA NK-epitopes (C1+C2+Bw4+) was not associated with MM occurrence. However, MM patients were more likely to be C1-/C2+/Bw4+ (p = 0.049, OR 1.996). In line with this, there was a trend of increased genetic co-occurrence of Bw4 and KIR3DL1 in MM patients (p = 0.05, OR 1.557). Furthermore, MM patients were more likely to genetically express both C2/KIR2DL1 and Bw4/KIR3DL1 (p = 0.019, OR 2.453). Our results reveal an HLA NK-epitope combination that is associated with the occurrence of MM. No specific KIR genotypes were associated with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky A Beelen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan J J Molenbroeck
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette Groeneveld
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Christien E Voorter
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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2
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Bailly E, Macedo C, Ossart J, Louis K, Gu X, Ramaswami B, Bentlejewski C, Zeevi A, Randhawa P, Lefaucheur C, Metes D. Interleukin-21 promotes Type-1 activation and cytotoxicity of CD56 dimCD16 bright natural killer cells during kidney allograft antibody-mediated rejection showing a new link between adaptive and innate humoral allo-immunity. Kidney Int 2023; 104:707-723. [PMID: 37220805 PMCID: PMC10524858 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.04.024] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
The role of Natural killer (NK) cells during kidney allograft antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) is increasingly recognized, but an in-depth characterization of mechanisms that contribute to such immune response is still under investigation. Here, we characterized phenotypic, functional, and transcriptomic profiles of peripheral blood circulating and allograft infiltrating CD56dimCD16bright NK cells during anti-HLA donor-specific antibody (DSA)+ ABMR. Cross-sectional analyses performed in 71 kidney transplant recipients identified a unique phenotypic circulating CD56dimCD16bright NK cell cluster expanded in DSA+ ABMR. This cluster co-expressed high levels of the interleukin-21 Receptor (IL-21R); Type-1 transcription factors T-bet and EOMES, CD160 and natural killer group 2D cytotoxic and activating co-stimulatory receptors. CD160+ IL-21R+ NK cells correlated with elevated plasma IL-21, Ki-67+ ICOS+ (CD278) IL-21-producing circulating T follicular helper cells, enhanced Type-1 pro-inflammatory cytokines, NK cell cytotoxicity, worse microvascular inflammation and graft loss. Single-cell transcriptomic analysis of circulating NK cells delineated an expanded cluster in DSA+ ABMR characterized by elevated pro-inflammatory/cytotoxic pathways, IL-21/STAT3 signaling, and leukocyte trans-endothelial migration pathways. Infiltration of CD160+ IL-21R+ NK cells with similar transcriptomic profile was detected in DSA+ ABMR allograft biopsies, potentially contributing to allograft injury. Thus, the IL-21/IL-21R axis, linking adaptive and innate humoral allo-immunity, or NK cells may represent appealing immunotherapy targets in DSA+ ABMR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elodie Bailly
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Human Immunology, Pathophysiology, Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR-S976, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France.
| | - Camila Macedo
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jason Ossart
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Kevin Louis
- Human Immunology, Pathophysiology, Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR-S976, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Xinyan Gu
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Bala Ramaswami
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carol Bentlejewski
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Adriana Zeevi
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Parmjeet Randhawa
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Carmen Lefaucheur
- Human Immunology, Pathophysiology, Immunotherapy, INSERM UMR-S976, Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Diana Metes
- Department of Surgery, Thomas E. Starzl Transplantation Institute, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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3
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Huisman BD, Guan N, Rückert T, Garner L, Singh NK, McMichael AJ, Gillespie GM, Romagnani C, Birnbaum ME. High-throughput characterization of HLA-E-presented CD94/NKG2x ligands reveals peptides which modulate NK cell activation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:4809. [PMID: 37558657 PMCID: PMC10412585 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-40220-1] [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: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
HLA-E is a non-classical class I MHC protein involved in innate and adaptive immune recognition. While recent studies have shown HLA-E can present diverse peptides to NK cells and T cells, the HLA-E repertoire recognized by CD94/NKG2x has remained poorly defined, with only a limited number of peptide ligands identified. Here we screen a yeast-displayed peptide library in the context of HLA-E to identify 500 high-confidence unique peptides that bind both HLA-E and CD94/NKG2A or CD94/NKG2C. Utilizing the sequences identified via yeast display selections, we train prediction algorithms and identify human and cytomegalovirus (CMV) proteome-derived, HLA-E-presented peptides capable of binding and signaling through both CD94/NKG2A and CD94/NKG2C. In addition, we identify peptides which selectively activate NKG2C+ NK cells. Taken together, characterization of the HLA-E-binding peptide repertoire and identification of NK activity-modulating peptides present opportunities for studies of NK cell regulation in health and disease, in addition to vaccine and therapeutic design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brooke D Huisman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Ning Guan
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Timo Rückert
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin (DRFZ), ein Leibniz Institut, Berlin, Germany
| | - Lee Garner
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Nishant K Singh
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Andrew J McMichael
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Geraldine M Gillespie
- Centre for Immuno-Oncology, Old Road Campus Research Building, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Chiara Romagnani
- Innate Immunity, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum Berlin (DRFZ), ein Leibniz Institut, Berlin, Germany
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Michael E Birnbaum
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Ragon Institute of MGH, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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4
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Lee J, Keam B, Park HR, Park JE, Kim S, Kim M, Kim TM, Kim DW, Heo DS. Monalizumab efficacy correlates with HLA-E surface expression and NK cell activity in head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:5705-5715. [PMID: 36547689 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04532-x] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE NKG2A, an inhibitory receptor expressed on NK cells and T cells, leads to immune evasion by binding to HLA-E expressed on cancer cells. Here, we investigated the relationship between HLA-E surface expression on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and the efficacy of monalizumab, an NKG2A inhibitor, in promoting NK cell activity. METHODS Six HNSCC cell lines were used as target cells. After exposure to IFN- γ, HLA-E surface expression on HNSCC cell lines was measured by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and isolated NK cells were used as effector cells. NK cells were stimulated by treatment with IL-2 and IL-15 for 5 days, and NK cell-induced cytotoxicity was analyzed by CD107a degranulation and 51Cr release assays. RESULTS We confirmed that HLA-E expression was increased by IFN-γ secreted by NK cells and that HLA-E expression was different for each cell line upon exposure to IFN-γ. Cell lines with high HLA-E expression showed stronger inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity, and efficacy of monalizumab was high. Combination with cetuximab increased the efficacy of monalizumab. In addition, stimulation of isolated NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15 increased the efficacy of monalizumab, even in the HLA-E low groups. CONCLUSION Monalizumab efficacy was correlated with HLA-E surface expression and was enhanced when NK cell activity was increased by cetuximab or cytokines. These results suggest that monalizumab may be potent against HLA-E-positive tumors and that monalizumab efficacy could be improved by promoting NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongjae Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ha-Ram Park
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Park
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Miso Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Min Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wan Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Seog Heo
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
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5
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Desimio MG, Covino DA, Rivalta B, Cancrini C, Doria M. The Role of NK Cells in EBV Infection and Related Diseases: Current Understanding and Hints for Novel Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061914. [PMID: 36980798 PMCID: PMC10047181 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061914] [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: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a ubiquitous herpesvirus most often transmitted during infancy and infecting the vast majority of human beings. Usually, EBV infection is nearly asymptomatic and results in life-long persistency of the virus in a latent state under the control of the host immune system. Yet EBV can cause an acute infectious mononucleosis (IM), particularly in adolescents, and is associated with several malignancies and severe diseases that pose a serious threat to individuals with specific inborn error of immunity (IEI). While there is a general consensus on the requirement for functional CD8 T cells to control EBV infection, the role of the natural killer (NK) cells of the innate arm of immunity is more enigmatic. Here we provide an overview of the interaction between EBV and NK cells in the immunocompetent host as well as in the context of primary and secondary immunodeficiencies. Moreover, we report in vitro data on the mechanisms that regulate the capacity of NK cells to recognize and kill EBV-infected cell targets and discuss the potential of recently optimized NK cell-based immunotherapies for the treatment of EBV-associated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria G Desimio
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela A Covino
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Beatrice Rivalta
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Cancrini
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Doria
- Primary Immunodeficiency Research Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy
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6
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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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7
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Xu Z, Yin J, Sun Q, Hu J, Hong M, Qian S, Liu W. The prognostic role of NKG2A expression for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia after treatment discontinuation. Leuk Lymphoma 2022; 63:2616-2626. [PMID: 35758278 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2090549] [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: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to evaluate the possibility of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) discontinuation in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients who obtained sustained deep molecular response (DMR) and to explore the prognostic role of NK cells in treatment-free remission (TFR). Sixty CML patients who discontinued TKI treatment were enrolled, and we also investigated the immune profiles in 27 CML patients after TKI cessation. Of the 60 patients, the estimated TFR rate was 60.8% [95% CI: 49.5-74.8%] at 12 months. Patients who had longer TKI duration, major molecular response, and DMR maintenance time had a significantly higher TFR rate. And a higher percentage of NKG2A+NK cells and NKG2A+CD56brightCD16-NK cells were independent prognostic factors of TFR in multivariate analysis. These results indicate the practicality of the cessation of TKIs and patients with stable NK cell counts accompanied by higher cytotoxicity and increased killing capacity are more inclined to get sustained treatment-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyao Xu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinyu Yin
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qian Sun
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinhua Hu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ming Hong
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Sixuan Qian
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenjie Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, China.,Key Laboratory of Hematology of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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8
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Venglar O, Bago JR, Motais B, Hajek R, Jelinek T. Natural Killer Cells in the Malignant Niche of Multiple Myeloma. Front Immunol 2022; 12:816499. [PMID: 35087536 PMCID: PMC8787055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.816499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells represent a subset of CD3- CD7+ CD56+/dim lymphocytes with cytotoxic and suppressor activity against virus-infected cells and cancer cells. The overall potential of NK cells has brought them to the spotlight of targeted immunotherapy in solid and hematological malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). Nonetheless, NK cells are subjected to a variety of cancer defense mechanisms, leading to impaired maturation, chemotaxis, target recognition, and killing. This review aims to summarize the available and most current knowledge about cancer-related impairment of NK cell function occurring in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Venglar
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Julio Rodriguez Bago
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Benjamin Motais
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Roman Hajek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Tomas Jelinek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
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9
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Duygu B, Olieslagers TI, Groeneweg M, Voorter CEM, Wieten L. HLA Class I Molecules as Immune Checkpoints for NK Cell Alloreactivity and Anti-Viral Immunity in Kidney Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:680480. [PMID: 34295330 PMCID: PMC8290519 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.680480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that can kill diseased- or virally-infected cells, mediate antibody dependent cytotoxicity and produce type I immune-associated cytokines upon activation. NK cells also contribute to the allo-immune response upon kidney transplantation either by promoting allograft rejection through lysis of cells of the transplanted organ or by promoting alloreactive T cells. In addition, they protect against viral infections upon transplantation which may be especially relevant in patients receiving high dose immune suppression. NK cell activation is tightly regulated through the integrated balance of signaling via inhibitory- and activating receptors. HLA class I molecules are critical regulators of NK cell activation through the interaction with inhibitory- as well as activating NK cell receptors, hence, HLA molecules act as critical immune checkpoints for NK cells. In the current review, we evaluate how NK cell alloreactivity and anti-viral immunity are regulated by NK cell receptors belonging to the KIR family and interacting with classical HLA class I molecules, or by NKG2A/C and LILRB1/KIR2DL4 engaging non-classical HLA-E or -G. In addition, we provide an overview of the methods to determine genetic variation in these receptors and their HLA ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burcu Duygu
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Timo I Olieslagers
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Mathijs Groeneweg
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Christina E M Voorter
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
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10
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ADCC-Inducing Antibody Trastuzumab and Selection of KIR-HLA Ligand Mismatched Donors Enhance the NK Cell Anti-Breast Cancer Response. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133232. [PMID: 34203549 PMCID: PMC8268223 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer (NK) cells are potent killers of tumor cells. Many tumors, including breast cancers, develop mechanisms to suppress anti-tumor immune responses, requiring the development of strategies to overcome suppression. Here, we tested a combination therapy that aims to (1) enhance NK cell activation and (2) reduce NK cell inhibition mediated by suppressive factors in tumors or in the tumor microenvironment. We cultured cell lines under hypoxia to mimic the tumor microenvironment or used patient-derived breast cancer cells that were primed by the patient’s tumor environment. Our results demonstrated that cytokine-activated NK cells remained active under hypoxia and that tumor-targeting antibodies enhanced the NK cell anti-breast cancer response. Moreover, we observed that NK cell suppression by inhibitory ligands on the tumor cells can be reduced by the selection of NK cell donors with NK receptors that are incompatible with these ligands. Collectively, we present two powerful strategies to enhance the NK cell responses against breast cancer. Abstract Natural killer (NK)-cell-based immunotherapies are an attractive treatment option for cancer. We previously showed that alloreactive mouse NK cells cured mice of 4T1 breast cancer. However, the tumor microenvironment can inhibit immune responses, and these suppressive factors must be overcome to unfold the NK cells’ full anti-tumor potential. Here, we investigated the combination of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADDC) and the selection of KIR-HLA-ligand mismatched NK cells to enhance NK cell anti-breast cancer responses in clinically relevant settings. Donor-derived and IL-2-activated NK cells were co-cultured with patient-derived breast cancer cells or cell lines MCF7 or SKBR3 together with the anti-HER2 antibody trastuzumab. NK cells mediated anti-breast cancer cytotoxicity under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Under both conditions, trastuzumab vigorously enhanced NK cell degranulation (CD107a) against HER2-overexpressing SKBR3 cells, but we observed a discrepancy between highly degranulating NK cells and a rather modest increase in cytotoxicity of SKBR3. Against patient-derived breast cancer cells, the anti-tumor efficacy was rather limited, and HLA class I expression seemed to contribute to inhibited NK cell functionality. KIR-ligand-mismatched NK cells degranulated stronger compared to the matched NK cells, further highlighting the role of HLA. In summary, trastuzumab and KIR-ligand-mismatched NK cells could be two strategies to potently enhance NK cell responses to breast cancer.
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Gurney M, O’Dwyer M. Realizing Innate Potential: CAR-NK Cell Therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1568. [PMID: 33805422 PMCID: PMC8036691 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Next-generation cellular immunotherapies seek to improve the safety and efficacy of approved CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell products or apply their principles across a growing list of targets and diseases. Supported by promising early clinical experiences, CAR modified natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapies represent a complementary and potentially off-the-shelf, allogeneic solution. While acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents an intuitive disease in which to investigate CAR based immunotherapies, key biological differences to B-cell malignancies have complicated progress to date. As CAR-T cell trials treating AML are growing in number, several CAR-NK cell approaches are also in development. In this review we explore why CAR-NK cell therapies may be particularly suited to the treatment of AML. First, we examine the established role NK cells play in AML biology and the existing anti-leukemic activity of NK cell adoptive transfer. Next, we appraise potential AML target antigens and consider common and unique challenges posed relative to treating B-cell malignancies. We summarize the current landscape of CAR-NK development in AML, and potential targets to augment CAR-NK cell therapies pharmacologically and through genetic engineering. Finally, we consider the broader landscape of competing immunotherapeutic approaches to AML treatment. In doing so we evaluate the innate potential, status and remaining barriers for CAR-NK based AML immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gurney
- Apoptosis Research Center, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Michael O’Dwyer
- Apoptosis Research Center, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
- ONK Therapeutics Ltd., H91 V6KV Galway, Ireland
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12
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Shimizu K, Iyoda T, Yamasaki S, Kadowaki N, Tojo A, Fujii SI. NK and NKT Cell-Mediated Immune Surveillance against Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040817. [PMID: 32231116 PMCID: PMC7226455 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent cancer treatment modalities have been intensively focused on immunotherapy. The success of chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapy for treatment of refractory B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia has pushed forward research on hematological malignancies. Among the effector types of innate lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells show great importance in immune surveillance against infectious and tumor diseases. Particularly, the role of NK cells has been argued in either elimination of target tumor cells or escape of tumor cells from immune surveillance. Therefore, an NK cell activation approach has been explored. Recent findings demonstrate that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells capable of producing IFN-γ when optimally activated can promptly trigger NK cells. Here, we review the role of NKT and/or NK cells and their interaction in anti-tumor responses by highlighting how innate immune cells recognize tumors, exert effector functions, and amplify adaptive immune responses. In addition, we discuss these innate lymphocytes in hematological disorders, particularly multiple myeloma and acute myeloid leukemia. The immune balance at different stages of both diseases is explored in light of disease progression. Various types of innate immunity-mediated therapeutic approaches, recent advances in clinical immunotherapies, and iNKT-mediated cancer immunotherapy as next-generation immunotherapy are then discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Shimizu
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; (T.I.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (S.-i.F.); Tel.: +81-45-503-7062 (K.S. & S.-i.F.); Fax: +81-45-503-7061 (K.S. & S.-i.F.)
| | - Tomonori Iyoda
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; (T.I.); (S.Y.)
| | - Satoru Yamasaki
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; (T.I.); (S.Y.)
| | - Norimitsu Kadowaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology, Rheumatology and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, 1750-1 Ikenobe, Miki-cho, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan;
| | - Arinobu Tojo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Minato, Tokyo 108-8639, Japan;
| | - Shin-ichiro Fujii
- Laboratory for Immunotherapy, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, 1-7-22, Suehiro-cho, Tsurumi-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa 230-0045, Japan; (T.I.); (S.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.S.); (S.-i.F.); Tel.: +81-45-503-7062 (K.S. & S.-i.F.); Fax: +81-45-503-7061 (K.S. & S.-i.F.)
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13
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Chambers AM, Matosevic S. Immunometabolic Dysfunction of Natural Killer Cells Mediated by the Hypoxia-CD73 Axis in Solid Tumors. Front Mol Biosci 2019; 6:60. [PMID: 31396523 PMCID: PMC6668567 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2019.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
NK cell infiltration into solid tumors is often low and is largely represented by the poorly-cytotoxic CD56bright subset. Numerous studies have demonstrated that CD73, overexpressed under conditions of hypoxia, is involved in a variety of physiological processes, while its overexpression has been correlated with tumor invasiveness, metastasis and poorer patient survival in many cancers. Hypoxia itself favors aggressive glycolytic fueling of cancer cells, in turn driving reprogramming of NK cell metabolism. In addition, the hypoxia-driven activity of CD73 immunometabolically impairs NK cells in tumors, due to its catalytic role in the generation of the highly immunosuppressive metabolite adenosine. Adenosinergic signaling was shown to alter NK cell metabolic programs, leading to tumor-promoting environments characterized by NK cell dysfunction. Despite the demonstrated role of NK cell responses in the context of CD73 targeting, the engagement of NK cells in the setting of hypoxia/CD73 signaling has not been extensively studied or exploited. Here, we discuss available evidence on the role of hypoxic signaling on CD73-mediated activity, and how this relates to the immunometabolic responses of NK cells, with a particular focus on the therapeutic targeting of these pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Chambers
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Sandro Matosevic
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States
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14
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Khan AM, Devarakonda S, Bumma N, Chaudhry M, Benson DM. Potential of NK cells in multiple Myeloma therapy. Expert Rev Hematol 2019; 12:425-435. [PMID: 31070067 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2019.1617128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Despite rapid advances in myeloma treatment with the development of new drugs, curative therapies remain elusive. Relapsed/refractory disease related to progressive dysregulation of immune system and acquired genetic abnormalities continues to be a major obstacle in achieving cure. Immune-based therapy harnessing the host defense mechanism of natural killer (NK) cells is a promising avenue in the treatment of myeloma. Areas covered: Here, we discuss the biology and cytotoxic activity of NK cells and the potential role of these innate immune cells in defense against cancer and specifically multiple myeloma. We also discuss the role of NK cells in the anti-myeloma effects of autologous and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, various novel drugs, and treatment modalities such as chimeric antigen receptor therapy. Immune evasion, either directly or indirectly involving NK cell dysfunction, may be a key and under-recognized mechanism in myeloma progression. We reviewed extensive literature identified using the keywords immunotherapy, natural killer cells, and multiple myeloma. Expert opinion: Novel treatment approaches in myeloma utilizing the immunomodulatory and cytotoxic properties of NK cells to eradicate resistant and quiescent clones could pave the way for potentially curative interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah M Khan
- a Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine , The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Srinivas Devarakonda
- a Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine , The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Naresh Bumma
- a Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine , The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Maria Chaudhry
- a Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine , The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center , Columbus , OH , USA
| | - Don M Benson
- a Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine , The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center , Columbus , OH , USA
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Bhutani M, Foureau D, Zhang Q, Robinson M, Wynn AS, Steuerwald NM, Druhan LJ, Guo F, Rigby K, Turner M, Slaughter D, Friend R, Atrash S, Symanowski JT, Avalos BR, Copelan EA, Voorhees PM, Usmani SZ. Peripheral Immunotype Correlates with Minimal Residual Disease Status and Is Modulated by Immunomodulatory Drugs in Multiple Myeloma. Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2019; 25:459-465. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbmt.2018.11.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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16
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The HLA-B -21 dimorphism impacts on NK cell education and clinical outcome of immunotherapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2019; 133:1479-1488. [PMID: 30647027 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2018-09-874990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell function is regulated by inhibitory receptors, such as the family of killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and the NKG2A/CD94 heterodimer. These receptors recognize cognate HLA class I molecules on potential target cells, and recent studies imply that an HLA-B dimorphism at position -21 in the gene segment encoding the leader peptide dictates whether NK cell regulation primarily relies on the KIRs or the NKG2A/CD94 receptor. The impact of this HLA-B dimorphism on NK cell-mediated destruction of leukemic cells or on the course of leukemia is largely unknown. In a first part of this study, we compared functions of NK cells in subjects carrying HLA-B -21M or 21T using interleukin-2 (IL-2)-activated NK cells and leukemic cells from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Subjects carrying HLA-B -21M harbored better-educated NKG2A+ NK cells and displayed superior capacity to degranulate lytic granules against KIR ligand-matched primary leukemic blasts. Second, we aimed to define the potential impact of HLA-B -21 variation on the course of AML in a phase 4 trial in which patients received IL-2-based immunotherapy. In keeping with the hypothesis that 21M may be associated with improved NK cell functionality, we observed superior leukemia-free survival and overall survival in -21M patients than in -21T patients during IL-2-based immunotherapy. We propose that genetic variation at HLA-B -21 may determine the antileukemic efficacy of activated NK cells and the clinical benefit of NK cell-activating immunotherapy.
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Mahaweni NM, Ehlers FAI, Bos GMJ, Wieten L. Tuning Natural Killer Cell Anti-multiple Myeloma Reactivity by Targeting Inhibitory Signaling via KIR and NKG2A. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2848. [PMID: 30564241 PMCID: PMC6288976 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are attractive candidates for allogeneic cell-based immunotherapy due to their potent antitumor effector function and good safety profile. NK cells express killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) and the NKG2A receptor important for NK cells education as well as providing inhibitory signals upon encountering HLA-expressing target cells. Multiple myeloma (MM) is an example of a tumor expressing relatively high levels of HLA molecules. In this review, we discuss the functional relevance of inhibitory KIRs and NKG2A for NK cells anti-MM response and strategies to lower these inhibitory signaling to enhance clinical efficacy of allogeneic NK cells in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niken M Mahaweni
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Femke A I Ehlers
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands.,GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- GROW School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Tissue Typing Laboratory, Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
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