1
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Mager LF, Krause T, McCoy KD. Interaction of microbiota, mucosal malignancies, and immunotherapy-Mechanistic insights. Mucosal Immunol 2024; 17:402-415. [PMID: 38521413 DOI: 10.1016/j.mucimm.2024.03.007] [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: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
The microbiome has emerged as a crucial modulator of host-immune interactions and clearly impacts tumor development and therapy efficacy. The microbiome is a double-edged sword in cancer development and therapy as both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic bacterial taxa have been identified. The staggering number of association-based studies in various tumor types has led to an enormous amount of data that makes it difficult to identify bacteria that promote tumor development or modulate therapy efficacy from bystander bacteria. Here we aim to comprehensively summarize the current knowledge of microbiome-host immunity interactions and cancer therapy in various mucosal tissues to find commonalities and thus identify potential functionally relevant bacterial taxa. Moreover, we also review recent studies identifying specific bacteria and mechanisms through which the microbiome modulates cancer development and therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lukas F Mager
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada; Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany; M3 Research Center for Malignom, Metabolome and Microbiome, Faculty of Medicine University Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tim Krause
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tübingen, Germany; M3 Research Center for Malignom, Metabolome and Microbiome, Faculty of Medicine University Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kathy D McCoy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
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2
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Zhou Y, Xiang Y, Liu S, Li C, Dong J, Kong X, Ji X, Cheng X, Zhang L. RIPK3 signaling and its role in regulated cell death and diseases. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:200. [PMID: 38684668 PMCID: PMC11059363 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01957-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3), a member of the receptor-interacting protein kinase (RIPK) family with serine/threonine protein kinase activity, interacts with RIPK1 to generate necrosomes, which trigger caspase-independent programmed necrosis. As a vital component of necrosomes, RIPK3 plays an indispensable role in necroptosis, which is crucial for human life and health. In addition, RIPK3 participates in the pathological process of several infections, aseptic inflammatory diseases, and tumors (including tumor-promoting and -suppressive activities) by regulating autophagy, cell proliferation, and the metabolism and production of chemokines/cytokines. This review summarizes the recent research progress of the regulators of the RIPK3 signaling pathway and discusses the potential role of RIPK3/necroptosis in the aetiopathogenesis of various diseases. An in-depth understanding of the mechanisms and functions of RIPK3 may facilitate the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqi Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Department of Pathology, the Second People's Hospital of Jiaozuo; The First Affiliated Hospital of Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, 454000, China
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, No. 6 Gong-Ming Rd, Mazhai Town, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450064, China
| | - Yaxuan Xiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Sijie Liu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Chenyao Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Jiaheng Dong
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Xiangrui Kong
- Wushu College, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Xinying Ji
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, No. 6 Gong-Ming Rd, Mazhai Town, Erqi District, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450064, China
| | - Xiaoxia Cheng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China.
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3
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Yigit M, Basoglu OF, Unutmaz D. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in cancer: dual roles, complex interactions and therapeutic potential. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1369236. [PMID: 38545100 PMCID: PMC10965779 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1369236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells play diverse roles in cancer, infectious diseases, and immunotherapy. This review explores their intricate involvement in cancer, from early detection to their dual functions in promoting inflammation and mediating anti-tumor responses. Within the solid tumor microenvironment (TME), MAIT cells can acquire an 'exhausted' state and secrete tumor-promoting cytokines. On the other hand, MAIT cells are highly cytotoxic, and there is evidence that they may have an anti-tumor immune response. The frequency of MAIT cells and their subsets has also been shown to have prognostic value in several cancer types. Recent innovative approaches, such as programming MAIT cells with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), provide a novel and exciting approach to utilizing these cells in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. Because MAIT cells have a restricted T cell receptor (TCR) and recognize a common antigen, this also mitigates potential graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and opens the possibility of using allogeneic MAIT cells as off-the-shelf cell therapies in cancer. Additionally, we outline the interactions of MAIT cells with the microbiome and their critical role in infectious diseases and how this may impact the tumor responses of these cells. Understanding these complex roles can lead to novel therapeutic strategies harnessing the targeting capabilities of MAIT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mesut Yigit
- Human Immunology Laboratory, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Omer Faruk Basoglu
- Human Immunology Laboratory, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Derya Unutmaz
- Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, United States
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4
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Mylod E, O'Connell F, Donlon NE, Davern M, Marion C, Butler C, Reynolds JV, Lysaght J, Conroy MJ. Real-time ex vivo monitoring of NK cell migration toward obesity-associated oesophageal adenocarcinoma following modulation of CX3CR1. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4017. [PMID: 38369570 PMCID: PMC10874956 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54390-5] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Oesophagogastric adenocarcinomas (OAC) are poor prognosis, obesity-associated cancers which may benefit from natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies. Cellular immunotherapies encounter two key challenges to their success in OAC, namely recruitment to extratumoural tissues such as the omentum at the expense of the tumour and an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) which can hamper NK cell function. Herein, we examined approaches to overcome the detrimental impact of obesity on NK cells and NK cell-based immunotherapies. We have demonstrated that NK cells migrate preferentially to the chemotactic signals of OAC patient-derived omentum over tumour in an ex vivo model of immune cell migration. We have identified CX3CR1 modulation and/or tumour chemokine profile remodelling as approaches to skew NK cell migration towards tumour. We also report targetable immunosuppressive facets of the obese OAC TME which dampen NK cell function, in particular cytotoxic capabilities. These data provide insights into approaches to therapeutically overcome key challenges presented by obesity and will inform superior design of NK cell-based immunotherapies for OAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona O'Connell
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Noel E Donlon
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Davern
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline Marion
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christine Butler
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John V Reynolds
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Melissa J Conroy
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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5
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Katsnelson EN, Spengler A, Domenico J, Couts KL, Loh L, Gapin L, McCarter MD, Tobin RP. Dysfunctional states of unconventional T-cell subsets in cancer. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:36-46. [PMID: 37837379 PMCID: PMC10843843 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells represent a promising therapeutic agent to overcome the current limitations of immunotherapies due to their universal T-cell receptors, ability to respond directly to cytokine stimulation, and capacity to recruit and modulate conventional immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Like conventional T cells, unconventional T cells can enter a dysfunctional state, and the functional differences associated with this state may provide insight into the discrepancies observed in their role in antitumor immunity in various cancers. The exhaustive signature of unconventional T cells differs from conventional αβ T cells, and understanding the differences in the mechanisms underlying exhaustive differentiation in these cell types may aid in the discovery of new treatments to improve sustained antitumor responses. Ongoing clinical trials investigating therapies that leverage unconventional T-cell populations have shown success in treating hematologic malignancies and reducing the immunosuppressive tumor environment. However, several hurdles remain to extend these promising results into solid tumors. Here we discuss the current knowledge on unconventional T-cell function/dysfunction and consider how the incorporation of therapies that modulate unconventional T-cell exhaustion may aid in overcoming the current limitations of immunotherapy. Additionally, we discuss how components of the tumor microenvironment alter the functions of unconventional T cells and how these changes can affect tumor infiltration by lymphocytes and alter conventional T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. Katsnelson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Andrea Spengler
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Joanne Domenico
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Kasey L. Couts
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Liyen Loh
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Martin D. McCarter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Richard P. Tobin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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6
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Wang X, Liang M, Song P, Guan W, Shen X. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells in digestive tract: Local guardians or destroyers? Immunology 2023; 170:167-179. [PMID: 37132045 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosa-associated invariant T cells (MAIT) are a class of innate-like T lymphocytes mainly presenting CD8+ phenotype with a semi-invariant αβ T-cell receptor, which specifically recognises MR1-presented biosynthetic derivatives of riboflavin synthesis produced by various types of microbiomes. As innate-like T lymphocytes, MAIT can be activated by a variety of cytokines, leading to immediate immune responses to infection and tumour cues. As an organ that communicates with the external environment, the digestive tract, especially the gastrointestinal tract, contains abundant microbial populations. Communication between MAIT and local microbiomes is important for the homeostasis of mucosal immunity. In addition, accumulating evidence suggests changes in the abundance and structure of the microbial community during inflammation and tumorigenesis plays a critical role in disease progress partly through their impact on MAIT development and function. Therefore, it is essential for the understanding of MAIT response and their interaction with microbiomes in the digestive tract. Here, we summarised MAIT characteristics in the digestive tract and its alteration facing inflammation and tumour, raising that targeting MAIT can be a candidate for treatment of gastrointestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingzhou Wang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengjie Liang
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Song
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Wenxian Guan
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofei Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
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7
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Kumar V, Bauer C, Stewart JH. TIME Is Ticking for Cervical Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:941. [PMID: 37508372 PMCID: PMC10376148 DOI: 10.3390/biology12070941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer (CC) is a major health problem among reproductive-age females and comprises a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is the major risk factor associated with CC incidence. However, lifestyle is also a critical factor in CC pathogenesis. Despite HPV vaccination introduction, the incidence of CC is increasing worldwide. Therefore, it becomes critical to understand the CC tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to develop immune cell-based vaccination and immunotherapeutic approaches. The current article discusses the immune environment in the normal cervix of adult females and its role in HPV infection. The subsequent sections discuss the alteration of different immune cells comprising CC TIME and their targeting as future therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vijay Kumar
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
| | - Caitlin Bauer
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
| | - John H Stewart
- Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
- Louisiana Children's Medical Center Cancer Center, Stanley S. Scott Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC), 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70012, USA
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8
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Huang XZ, Pang MJ, Li JY, Chen HY, Sun JX, Song YX, Ni HJ, Ye SY, Bai S, Li TH, Wang XY, Lu JY, Yang JJ, Sun X, Mills JC, Miao ZF, Wang ZN. Single-cell sequencing of ascites fluid illustrates heterogeneity and therapy-induced evolution during gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis. Nat Commun 2023; 14:822. [PMID: 36788228 PMCID: PMC9929081 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36310-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal metastasis is the leading cause of death for gastrointestinal cancers. The native and therapy-induced ascites ecosystems are not fully understood. Here, we characterize single-cell transcriptomes of 191,987 ascites cancer/immune cells from 35 patients with/without gastric cancer peritoneal metastasis (GCPM). During GCPM progression, an increase is seen of monocyte-like dendritic cells (DCs) that are pro-angiogenic with reduced antigen-presenting capacity and correlate with poor gastric cancer (GC) prognosis. We also describe the evolution of monocyte-like DCs and regulatory and proliferative T cells following therapy. Moreover, we track GC evolution, identifying high-plasticity GC clusters that exhibit a propensity to shift to a high-proliferative phenotype. Transitions occur via the recently described, autophagy-dependent plasticity program, paligenosis. Two autophagy-related genes (MARCKS and TXNIP) mark high-plasticity GC with poorer prognosis, and autophagy inhibitors induce apoptosis in patient-derived organoids. Our findings provide insights into the developmental trajectories of cancer/immune cells underlying GCPM progression and therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan-Zhang Huang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Min-Jiao Pang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Han-Yu Chen
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing-Xu Sun
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Yong-Xi Song
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Hong-Jie Ni
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shi-Yu Ye
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Shi Bai
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Teng-Hui Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xin-Yu Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jing-Yuan Lu
- Eight-year system, Institute of innovation, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jin-Jia Yang
- Eight-year system, Institute of innovation, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Xun Sun
- Department of Immunology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Jason C Mills
- Section of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, 535E Anderson-Jones Building, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Pathology & Immunology, Baylor College of Medicine, 535E Anderson-Jones Building, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA. .,Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, 535E Anderson-Jones Building, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Zhi-Feng Miao
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China. .,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China. .,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
| | - Zhen-Ning Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 155 N, Nanjing Street, Shenyang, Liaoning, China. .,Key Laboratory of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Tumors, Ministry of Education, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China. .,Institute of Health Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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9
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Kedia-Mehta N, Hogan AE. MAITabolism 2 - the emerging understanding of MAIT cell metabolism and their role in metabolic disease. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1108071. [PMID: 36741413 PMCID: PMC9892190 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1108071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a population of unconventional innate T cells due to their non-MHC restriction and rapid effector responses. MAIT cells can recognise bacterial derived antigens presented on the MHC-like protein via their semi-restricted T cell receptor (TCR). Upon TCR triggering MAIT cells rapidly produce a range of effector molecules including cytokines, lytic granules and chemokines. This rapid and robust effector response makes MAIT cells critical in host responses against many bacterial pathogens. MAIT cells can also respond independent of their TCR via innate cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-18, triggering cytokine production, and are important in anti-viral responses. In addition to their protective role, MAIT cells have been implicated in numerous inflammatory diseases, including metabolic diseases often contributing to the pathogenesis via their robust cytokine production. Effector cells such as MAIT cells require significant amounts of energy to support their potent responses, and the type of nutrients available can dictate the functionality of the cell. Although data on MAIT cell metabolism is just emerging, several recent studies are starting to define the intrinsic metabolic requirements and regulators of MAIT cells. In this review we will outline our current understanding of MAIT cell metabolism, and outline their role in metabolic disease, and how disease-related changes in extrinsic metabolism can alter MAIT cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Kedia-Mehta
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland
- Obesity Immunology Group, Education and Research Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Andrew E Hogan
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland
- Obesity Immunology Group, Education and Research Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- National Children's Research Centre, Dublin, Ireland
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10
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Labuz D, Cacioppo J, Li K, Aubé J, Leung DT. Enhancing Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cell Function and Expansion with Human Selective Serum. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:116-124. [PMID: 36651819 PMCID: PMC10026854 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2200082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are promising innate-like lymphocytes with potential for use in anti-tumor immunotherapy. Existing MAIT cell expansion protocols are associated with potentially decremental phenotypic changes, including increased frequency of CD4+ MAIT cells and higher inhibitory receptor expression. In this study, we compared the effect on expansion of human MAIT cells of a serum replacement, Physiologix XF SR (Phx), with traditional serum FBS for supplementing RPMI 1640 media. Using flow cytometry, we found that Phx supported a significantly higher proliferative capacity for MAIT cells and resulted in a lower frequency of CD4+ MAIT cells, which have been associated with reduced Th1 effector and cytolytic functions. We saw that culturing MAIT cells in Phx led to better survival of MAIT cells and lower frequency of PD-1+ MAIT cells than FBS-supplemented media. Functionally, we saw that Phx supplementation was associated with a higher frequency of IFN-γ+ MAIT cells after stimulation with Escherichia coli than FBS-supplemented RPMI. In conclusion, we show that MAIT cells cultured in Phx have higher proliferative capacity, lower expression of inhibitory receptors, and higher capacity to produce IFN-γ after E. coli stimulation than FBS-supplemented RPMI. This work shows that expanding MAIT cells with Phx compared with FBS-supplemented RPMI results in a more functionally desirable MAIT cell for future anti-tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Labuz
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Division of Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
| | - Jackson Cacioppo
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kelin Li
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Jeffrey Aubé
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
- Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry, UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Daniel T. Leung
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
- Division of Microbiology & Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT
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11
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Zhang H, Shen H, Zhou L, Xie L, Kong D, Wang H. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells in the Digestive System: Defender or Destroyer? Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:809-819. [PMID: 36584816 PMCID: PMC9971522 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2022.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of innate T lymphocytes that express the semi-invariant T cell receptor and recognize riboflavin metabolites via the major histocompatibility complex class I-related protein. Given the abundance of MAIT cells in the human body, their role in human diseases has been increasingly studied in recent years. MAIT cells may serve as targets for clinical therapy. Specifically, this review discusses how MAIT cells are altered in gastric, esophageal, intestinal, and hepatobiliary diseases and describes their protective or pathogenic roles. A greater understanding of MAIT cells will provide a more favorable therapeutic approach for digestive diseases in the clinical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hejiao Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Haiyuan Shen
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Liangliang Zhou
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Linxi Xie
- School of Basic Medical Science, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Derun Kong
- Department of Gastroenterology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of Oncology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
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12
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Mucosal-associated invariant T cells reduce and display tissue-resident phenotype with elevated IL-17 producing capacity in non-small cell lung cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109461. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Improved MAIT cell functions following fecal microbiota transplantation for metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 72:1247-1260. [PMID: 36396738 PMCID: PMC9672546 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03329-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Strategies to modify the gut microbiome in cancer patients using fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) have gained momentum as a therapeutic intervention. However, how FMT impacts innate-like, antimicrobial T lymphocytes is unclear. In this study, we assessed peripheral blood (PB) mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell frequencies and functions in patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) before and seven days after they received FMT as part of a clinical trial. We found comparable MAIT cell frequencies in healthy controls and mRCC patients. In contrast, γδ T cells exhibited a numerical decline in mRCC, which was partially reversed by FMT. We also found a significant increase in the PB CD4+ MAIT cell compartment of mRCC patients with or without FMT. Paired sample analyses revealed CD69 upregulation on MAIT cells accompanied by decreased PD-1 levels post-FMT. These changes were unique to MAIT cells as non-MAIT T lymphocytes showed either no trend or a trend in the opposite direction. Importantly, FMT did not render MAIT cells exhausted as also judged by their stable expression of TIM-3, LAG-3, BTLA, CTLA-4, TIGIT and VISTA. These findings were corroborated in functional assays in which MAIT cells were stimulated with MR1 ligands or with a combination of IL-12 and IL-18 to produce inflammatory cytokines and granzyme B. Indeed, when stimulated ex vivo with IL-12 and IL-18, MAIT cells mounted a more rigorous TNF-α response post-FMT. In conclusion, FMT improves MAIT cell functions, which should serve patients well in subsequent microbial challenges in the face of cancer-elicited immunosuppression. Trial Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ Identifier: NCT04163289 (registration date: November 14, 2019).
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14
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Xiong Y, Cai M, Xu Y, Dong P, Chen H, He W, Zhang J. Joint together: The etiology and pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:996103. [PMID: 36325352 PMCID: PMC9619093 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.996103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Spondyloarthritis (SpA) refers to a group of diseases with inflammation in joints and spines. In this family, ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is a rare but classic form that mainly involves the spine and sacroiliac joint, leading to the loss of flexibility and fusion of the spine. Compared to other diseases in SpA, AS has a very distinct hereditary disposition and pattern of involvement, and several hypotheses about its etiopathogenesis have been proposed. In spite of significant advances made in Th17 dynamics and AS treatment, the underlying mechanism remains concealed. To this end, we covered several topics, including the nature of the immune response, the microenvironment in the articulation that is behind the disease's progression, and the split between the hypotheses and the evidence on how the intestine affects arthritis. In this review, we describe the current findings of AS and SpA, with the aim of providing an integrated view of the initiation of inflammation and the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehan Xiong
- Department of Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of T Cell and Cancer Immunotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Menghua Cai
- Department of Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of T Cell and Cancer Immunotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Xu
- Department of Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of T Cell and Cancer Immunotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Dong
- Changzhou Xitaihu Institute for Frontier Technology of Cell Therapy, Changzhou, China
| | - Hui Chen
- Department of Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of T Cell and Cancer Immunotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Changzhou Xitaihu Institute for Frontier Technology of Cell Therapy, Changzhou, China
| | - Wei He
- Department of Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of T Cell and Cancer Immunotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Changzhou Xitaihu Institute for Frontier Technology of Cell Therapy, Changzhou, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) Key Laboratory of T Cell and Cancer Immunotherapy, State Key Laboratory of Medical Molecular Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences (CAMS) and School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Changzhou Xitaihu Institute for Frontier Technology of Cell Therapy, Changzhou, China
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15
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MAIT cells and their implication in human oral diseases. Inflamm Res 2022; 71:1041-1054. [PMID: 35781343 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-022-01600-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are unique innate-like T cells that are abundant in humans, accounting for 1-10% of circulating T cells and about 2% of total T cells in human oral cavity. MAIT cells can mount a strong immune response quickly without exogenous antigens and undergo a phenotypic transformation in the development of diseases. They produce cytokines involved in the Th1 and Th17 immune response and cytotoxic proteins, promote the dysfunction of autoreactive B cell and inhibit the function of NK cells. MAIT cells have been widely explored in autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases and tumors, and these mechanisms may also be involved in the pathogenesis of some oral diseases, while MAIT cells have not been systematically discussed in oral diseases. METHODS We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, EMBASE and Microsoft Bing databases to review and analyze relevant literatures on the impact of MAIT cells in the pathogenesis of human oral diseases. CONCLUSION Collected evidence elucidated the characteristics of MAIT cells and emphasized the potential roles of MAIT cells in oral lichen planus (OLP), chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD), oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), apical periodontitis (AP) and primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS).
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Trypanosoma brucei brucei Induced Hypoglycaemia Depletes Hepatic Glycogen and Altered Hepatic Hexokinase and Glucokinase Activities in Infected Mice. Acta Parasitol 2022; 67:1097-1106. [PMID: 35476260 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-022-00550-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Little progress has been made in understanding the effect of Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection that was allowed to run its course without treatment on human and animal carbohydrate metabolism even though most of the symptoms associated with the disease can be clearly linked with interference with host energy generation. The present study therefore assessed the course of untreated Trypanosoma brucei brucei infection on hepatic glycogen, hepatic hexokinase and glucokinase activities. METHODS Mice were grouped into two: control and infected group. Trypanosomiasis was induced by intraperitoneal inoculation of 1 × 104 parasites/mice in 0.3 ml of phosphate saline glucose. The infection was allowed to run its course until the first mortality was recorded with all the mice showing chronic symptoms of the second stage of the disease before the research was terminated. Blood and liver samples were collected from the mice in each group for the assessment of hepatic glycogen and total protein, hepatic hexokinase and glucokinase activities, liver biomarkers, blood glucose and protein with packed cell volume. RESULTS The infection resulted in decrease in blood glucose, hepatic glycogen, liver protein, PCV, hepatic hexokinase and glucokinase activities, but increase in serum total protein and liver biomarkers. CONCLUSION Trypanosomiasis negatively affects hepatic integrity, resulting in the depletion of hepatic glycogen content and suppression of both hepatic hexokinase and glucokinase activities. The suppression of hepatic hexokinase and glucokinase activities suggested that trypanosomiasis affected the oxidation of glucose and host energy generation via glycolysis. This probably denied the host of the needed energy which is likely the reason for early death in untreated African trypanosomiasis.
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17
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Mylod E, Lysaght J, Conroy MJ. Natural killer cell therapy: A new frontier for obesity-associated cancer. Cancer Lett 2022; 535:215620. [PMID: 35283210 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell infiltration of solid tumours is associated with better outcomes, placing augmentation of NK cell abundance in tumours as an attractive immunotherapeutic approach. The unique ability of NK cells to target cancer cells without antigen specificity increases their versatility and applicability as an immunotherapeutic tool. However, successful utilisation of NK cell-based therapies in solid tumours is still at an early stage. Obesity has become a global health epidemic, and the prevalence of obesity-associated cancers has significantly increased. Obesity-associated malignancies provide a unique challenge for the successful application of cell-based immunotherapies including NK cell-based therapies because significant numbers of NK and T cells are recruited to the visceral adipose tissue at the expense of successful tumour infiltration and eradication. As such, immunotherapy efficacy has been disappointing for obesity-associated malignancies such as oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma. Therefore, immunotherapies for obesity-associated cancers warrant our further attention. Indeed, it is becoming ever more obvious that more innovative approaches are needed to re-invigorate anti-tumour immunity and overcome immune exclusion in such tumours. In this review, we briefly summarise the dysfunctionality of NK cells in obesity-associated cancer. We outline the NK cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches which hold promise as effective treatments in this disease space, including CAR-NK cells. Furthermore, we suggest future avenues which possess the potential to transform immunotherapy and specifically NK cell therapy efficacy for obesity-associated cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland
| | - Melissa J Conroy
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland; Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 2, Ireland.
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18
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Wu W, Liang X, Li H, Huang X, Wan C, Xie Q, Liu Z. Landscape of T Cells in NK-AML(M4/M5) Revealed by Single-Cell Sequencing. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:745-758. [PMID: 35258858 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5a0721-396rr] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Normal karyotype acute myeloid leukemia (NK-AML) is a highly heterogeneous malignancy that resides within a complex immune microenvironment, complicating efforts to reveal the interaction between leukemia cells and immune cells. Understanding tumor-infiltrating T cells is crucial to the advancement of immune therapies and the improvement of the prognosis for NK-AML patients. We performed single-cell RNA sequencing on bone marrow cells from 5 NK-AML (M4/M5) patients and 1 normal donor and paired single-cell T cell receptor (TCR) sequencing on single T cells. As a result, we identified 8 T cell clusters based on the gene expression characteristics of each subset in NK-AML and described their developmental trajectories. In NK-AML patients, specific clusters, such as mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs), were preferentially enriched and potentially clonally expanded. These transcriptome and TCR data analyses provide valuable insights and rich resources for understanding the immune environment of NK-AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqi Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaolin Liang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Huiqun Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiaoke Huang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Chengyao Wan
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Qiongni Xie
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
| | - Zhenfang Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, Guangxi, China
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19
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Vorwald VM, Davis DM, Van Gulick RJ, Torphy RJ, Borgers JS, Klarquist J, Couts KL, Amato CM, Cogswell DT, Fujita M, Castleman MJ, Davis T, Lozupone C, Medina TM, Robinson WA, Gapin L, McCarter MD, Tobin RP. Circulating CD8 + mucosal-associated invariant T cells correlate with improved treatment responses and overall survival in anti-PD-1-treated melanoma patients. Clin Transl Immunology 2022; 11:e1367. [PMID: 35028137 PMCID: PMC8743567 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1367] [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: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Objectives While much of the research concerning factors associated with responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has focussed on the contributions of conventional peptide‐specific T cells, the role of unconventional T cells, such as mucosal‐associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, in human melanoma remains largely unknown. MAIT cells are an abundant population of innate‐like T cells expressing a semi‐invariant T‐cell receptor restricted to the MHC class I‐like molecule, MR1, presenting vitamin B metabolites derived from bacteria. We sought to characterise MAIT cells in melanoma patients and determined their association with treatment responses and clinical outcomes. Methods In this prospective clinical study, we analysed the frequency and functional profile of circulating and tumor‐infiltrating MAIT cells in human melanoma patients. Using flow cytometry, we compared these across metastatic sites and between ICI responders vs. non‐responders as well as healthy donors. Results We identified tumor‐infiltrating MAIT cells in melanomas across metastatic sites and found that the number of circulating MAIT cells is reduced in melanoma patients compared to healthy donors. However, circulating MAIT cell frequencies are restored by ICI treatment in responding patients, correlating with treatment responses, in which patients with high frequencies of MAIT cells exhibited significantly improved overall survival. Conclusion Our results suggest that MAIT cells may be a potential predictive marker of responses to immunotherapies and provide rationale for testing MAIT cell‐directed therapies in combination with current and next‐generation ICIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M Vorwald
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Dana M Davis
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Robert J Van Gulick
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Robert J Torphy
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Jessica Sw Borgers
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA.,The Netherlands Cancer Institute Amsterdam The Netherlands
| | - Jared Klarquist
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Kasey L Couts
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Carol M Amato
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Dasha T Cogswell
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Mayumi Fujita
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA.,Department of Dermatology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Moriah J Castleman
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Timothy Davis
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics School of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Catherine Lozupone
- Division of Biomedical Informatics and Personalized Medicine Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Theresa M Medina
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - William A Robinson
- Division of Medical Oncology Department of Medicine University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Martin D McCarter
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
| | - Richard P Tobin
- Division of Surgical Oncology Department of Surgery University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora CO USA
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20
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Cooper AJR, Clegg J, Cassidy FC, Hogan AE, McLoughlin RM. Human MAIT Cells Respond to Staphylococcus aureus with Enhanced Anti-Bacterial Activity. Microorganisms 2022; 10:microorganisms10010148. [PMID: 35056597 PMCID: PMC8778732 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms10010148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells have been shown to play protective roles during infection with diverse pathogens through their propensity for rapid innate-like cytokine production and cytotoxicity. Among the potential applications for MAIT cells is to defend against Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen of serious clinical significance. However, it is unknown how MAIT cell responses to S. aureus are elicited, nor has it been investigated whether MAIT cell cytotoxicity is mobilized against intracellular S. aureus. In this study, we investigate the capacity of human MAIT cells to respond directly to S. aureus. MAIT cells co-cultured with dendritic cells (DCs) infected with S. aureus rapidly upregulate CD69, express IFNγ and Granzyme B and degranulate. DC secretion of IL-12, but not IL-18, was implicated in this immune response, while TCR binding of MR1 is required to commence cytokine production. MAIT cell cytotoxicity resulted in apoptosis of S. aureus-infected cells, and reduced intracellular persistence of S. aureus. These findings implicate these unconventional T cells in important, rapid anti-S. aureus responses that may be of great relevance to the ongoing development of novel anti-S. aureus treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J. R. Cooper
- Host Pathogen Interactions Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (A.J.R.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Jonah Clegg
- Host Pathogen Interactions Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (A.J.R.C.); (J.C.)
| | - Féaron C. Cassidy
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2K8 Maynooth, Ireland; (F.C.C.); (A.E.H.)
| | - Andrew E. Hogan
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, W23 F2K8 Maynooth, Ireland; (F.C.C.); (A.E.H.)
| | - Rachel M. McLoughlin
- Host Pathogen Interactions Group, School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D02 PN40 Dublin, Ireland; (A.J.R.C.); (J.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-1-896-2526
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21
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Zhou H, Xu J, Hong L, Jia Y, Burk LV, Chi F, Zhao M, Guan X, Liu D, Yin X, Zhang Y, Teng X, Duan L, Li K. The alterations of circulating mucosal-associated invariant T cells in polycystic ovary syndrome. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1038184. [PMID: 36518256 PMCID: PMC9742442 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1038184] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder affecting reproductive age females and an important cause of infertility. Although the etiology is complex and its pathogenesis remains unclear, the pathological process of PCOS is tightly related with the immune dysfunction and gut microbial dysbiosis. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a subset of innate-like T cells which can regulate inflammation through the production of cytokines and play a role in regulating the gut microbiota. We aim to evaluate the correlation between characteristics of PCOS and MAIT cells as well as their impact on cytokine secretion. METHODS Peripheral blood samples were taken from PCOS patients (n=33) and healthy controls (n=30) during 2-5 days of the menstrual period. The frequencies of MAIT cells and T cells were measured by flow cytometry. Cytokines interleukin 17 (IL-17), interleukin 22(IL-22), interferon γ (IFN-γ) and granzyme B were determined by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS The frequency of MAIT cells was significantly reduced in the blood of PCOS patients compared with the controls, and negatively correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI), Homeostatic model assessment- insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, and Anti Miillerian Hormone (AMH). Thus, the frequencies of MAIT cells decreased in PCOS patients with abnormal weight (BMI≥24kg/m2), higher HOMA-IR (≥1.5), and excessive AMH (≥8ng/ml). The Cytokine IL-17 was significantly higher in PCOS patients and negatively correlated with the frequency of MAIT cells. Even though the IL-22 was lower in PCOS Patients, no correlation with MAIT cells was detected. In subgroup, CD4+MAIT cells correlated with BMI, AMH, and testosterone (T) levels. CONCLUSION The frequency change of MAIT cells may play a significant role in the pathogenesis of PCOS. Exploring these interactions with MAIT cells may provide a new target for PCOS treatment and prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Zhou
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Junting Xu
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ling Hong
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanping Jia
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lilo Valerie Burk
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Fengli Chi
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mei Zhao
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohong Guan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiangjie Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiqiao Zhang
- Institute of Pharmacology, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Xiaoming Teng
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Liyan Duan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Kunming Li, ; Liyan Duan,
| | - Kunming Li
- Center for Assisted Reproduction, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Kunming Li, ; Liyan Duan,
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Mylod E, O’Connell F, Donlon NE, Butler C, Reynolds JV, Lysaght J, Conroy MJ. The Omentum in Obesity-Associated Cancer: A Hindrance to Effective Natural Killer Cell Migration towards Tumour Which Can Be Overcome by CX3CR1 Antagonism. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010064. [PMID: 35008227 PMCID: PMC8750072 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Oesophagogastric adenocarcinomas (OAC) are cancers of the food pipe and stomach which have a strong link with obesity. Natural killer (NK) cells are assassins of the immune system and are crucial for eliminating cancer. We have shown previously that NK cells are pulled into fat in OAC patients by a signalling protein called fractalkine (CX3CL1). Once in fat, NK cells die or are profoundly altered. This diminishes their ability to kill the tumour. We report that exposure to fat can reduce movement of NK cells towards the tumour. However, if a drug called a CX3CR1 antagonist is used to antagonise the receptor for fractalkine, we can restore NK cell movement towards the tumour. When we activate NK cells with a protein called IL-15, fractalkine can reduce its effect on NK cells. This provides further evidence for using CX3CR1 antagonists to reduce NK cell migration to fat and boost NK cell movement to the tumour. Abstract Oesophagogastric adenocarcinomas (OAC) are obesity-associated malignancies, underpinned by severe immune dysregulation. We have previously shown that natural killer (NK) cells preferentially migrate to OAC omentum, where they undergo phenotypic and functional alterations and apoptosis. Furthermore, we have identified the CX3CR1:fractalkine (CX3CL1) pathway as pivotal in their recruitment to omentum. Here, we elucidate whether exposure to the soluble microenvironment of OAC omentum, and in particular fractalkine and IL-15 affects NK cell homing capacity towards oesophageal tumour. Our data uncover diminished NK cell migration towards OAC tumour tissue conditioned media (TCM) following exposure to omental adipose tissue conditioned media (ACM) and reveal that this migration can be rescued with CX3CR1 antagonist E6130. Furthermore, we show that fractalkine has opposing effects on NK cell migration towards TCM, when used alone or in combination with IL-15 and uncover its inhibitory effects on IL-15-mediated stimulation of death receptor ligand expression. Interestingly, treatment with fractalkine and/or IL-15 do not significantly affect NK cell adhesion to MAdCAM-1, despite changes they elicit to the expression of integrin α4β7. This study provides further evidence that CX3CR1 antagonism has therapeutic utility in rescuing NK cells from the deleterious effects of the omentum and fractalkine in OAC, thus limiting their dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; (E.M.); (N.E.D.); (J.L.)
| | - Fiona O’Connell
- Department of Surgery, Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; (F.O.); (C.B.)
| | - Noel E. Donlon
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; (E.M.); (N.E.D.); (J.L.)
| | - Christine Butler
- Department of Surgery, Trinity St. James’s Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; (F.O.); (C.B.)
| | - John V. Reynolds
- Gastro-Intestinal Medicine and Surgery, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland;
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; (E.M.); (N.E.D.); (J.L.)
| | - Melissa J. Conroy
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, St James’s Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; (E.M.); (N.E.D.); (J.L.)
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
- Correspondence:
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23
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Jarvis EM, Collings S, Authier-Hall A, Dasyam N, Luey B, Nacey J, Painter GF, Delahunt B, Hermans IF, Weinkove R. Mucosal-Associated Invariant T (MAIT) Cell Dysfunction and PD-1 Expression in Prostate Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2021; 12:748741. [PMID: 34737749 PMCID: PMC8560687 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.748741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide. Despite an abundance of prostate-specific antigens, immunotherapies have yet to become a standard of care, potentially limited by T-cell dysfunction. Up to 10% of human circulating T-cells, and a significant fraction in the urogenital tract, are mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells. MAIT cells express stereotyped T-cell receptors that recognize riboflavin metabolites derived from microbes presented by MR-1. We evaluated the number, phenotype and function of circulating MAIT cells, alongside two other innate-like T (ILT) -cell subsets, in men with prostate cancer and age- and sex-matched controls. MAIT cells in men with prostate cancer circulated at similar frequencies to controls, but their cytokine production and proliferation was impaired. In contrast, the function of two other ILT-cell populations (natural killer T-cells and Vγ9Vδ2 T-cells) was not impaired. In both patients and controls, MAIT cells expressed high levels of the immune checkpoint molecule PD-1 at rest, while upregulation of PD-1 in response to the MR-1 ligand 5-amino-6D-ribitylaminouracil (5-A-RU) was greater in patients. 5-A-RU also induced upregulation of PD-L1 and -L2 RNA in primary mononuclear cells. We confirmed that circulating MAIT cell number and function were preserved before and during anti-PD1 therapy with pembrolizumab in a cohort of patients with melanoma. In vitro, 5-A-RU enhanced mononuclear cell cytotoxicity against the PD-L1 positive prostate cancer cell line PC3 in an MR-1-dependent manner. Addition of pembrolizumab enhanced this cytotoxicity, and was associated with increased MAIT cell expression of CD107a and IFN-γ. We conclude that prostate cancer is associated with MAIT-cell dysfunction, and that this might be overcome through the application of potent MR-1 ligands with PD-1 blockade. These findings may have implications for the development of cancer immunotherapies that exploit MAIT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie-May Jarvis
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Shaun Collings
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Astrid Authier-Hall
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Nathaniel Dasyam
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Brendan Luey
- Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - John Nacey
- Department of Surgery and Anaesthesia, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Gavin F Painter
- The Ferrier Research Institute, Victoria University of Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand.,Immuno-oncology Programme, Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Brett Delahunt
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
| | - Ian F Hermans
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.,Immuno-oncology Programme, Maurice Wilkins Centre, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Robert Weinkove
- Cancer Immunotherapy Programme, Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.,Wellington Blood and Cancer Centre, Capital & Coast District Health Board, Wellington, New Zealand.,Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, University of Otago Wellington, Wellington, New Zealand
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24
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Catafal-Tardos E, Baglioni MV, Bekiaris V. Inhibiting the Unconventionals: Importance of Immune Checkpoint Receptors in γδ T, MAIT, and NKT Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184647. [PMID: 34572874 PMCID: PMC8467786 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary All conventional major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted T cells transiently express immune checkpoint/inhibitory receptors (ICRs) following activation as a means to counter-regulate overactivation. However, tumors promote chronic ICR expression rendering T cells chronically unresponsive or “exhausted”. Checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy targets and blocks ICRs, restoring T cell activation and anti-tumor immunity. However, CPI therapy often fails, partly because of the tumor’s many abilities to inhibit MHC-driven T cell responses. In this regard, our immune system contains an arsenal of unconventional non-MHC-restricted T cells, whose importance in anti-tumor immunity is rapidly gaining momentum. There is currently little knowledge as to whether unconventional T cells can get exhausted and how CPI therapy affects them. In this article we review the current understanding of the role of ICRs in unconventional T cell biology and discuss the importance of targeting these unique immune cell populations for CPI therapy. Abstract In recent years, checkpoint inhibitor (CPI) therapy has shown promising clinical responses across a broad range of cancers. However, many patients remain unresponsive and there is need for improvement. CPI therapy relies on antibody-mediated neutralization of immune inhibitory or checkpoint receptors (ICRs) that constitutively suppress leukocytes. In this regard, the clinical outcome of CPI therapy has primarily been attributed to modulating classical MHC-restricted αβ T cell responses, yet, it will inevitably target most lymphoid (and many myeloid) populations. As such, unconventional non-MHC-restricted gamma delta (γδ) T, mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) and natural killer T (NKT) cells express ICRs at steady-state and after activation and may thus be affected by CPI therapies. To which extent, however, remains unclear. These unconventional T cells are polyfunctional innate-like lymphocytes that play a key role in tumor immune surveillance and have a plethora of protective and pathogenic immune responses. The robust anti-tumor potential of γδ T, MAIT, and NKT cells has been established in a variety of preclinical cancer models and in clinical reports. In contrast, recent studies have documented a pro-tumor effect of innate-like T cell subsets that secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines. Consequently, understanding the mechanisms that regulate such T cells and their response to CPI is critical in designing effective cancer immunotherapies that favor anti-tumor immunity. In this Review, we will discuss the current understanding regarding the role of immune checkpoint regulation in γδ T, MAIT, and NKT cells and its importance in anti-cancer immunity.
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25
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Comont T, Nicolau-Travers ML, Bertoli S, Recher C, Vergez F, Treiner E. MAIT cells numbers and frequencies in patients with acute myeloid leukemia at diagnosis: association with cytogenetic profile and gene mutations. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:875-887. [PMID: 34477901 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Harnessing or monitoring immune cells is actually a major topic in pre-clinical and clinical studies in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Mucosal-Associated Invariant T cells (MAIT) constitute one of the largest subset of innate-like, cytotoxic T cell subsets in humans. Despite some papers suggesting a role for MAIT cells in cancer, their specific involvement remains unclear, especially in myeloid malignancies. This prospective monocentric study included 216 patients with a newly diagnosed AML. Circulating MAIT cells were quantified by flow cytometry at diagnosis and during intensive chemotherapy. We observed that circulating MAIT cells show a specific decline in AML patients at diagnosis compared to healthy donors. Post-induction monitored patients presented with a drastic drop in MAIT cell numbers, with recovery after one month. We also found correlation between decrease in MAIT cells number and adverse cytogenetic profile. FLT3-ITD and IDH ½ mutations were associated with higher MAIT cell numbers. Patients with high level of activated MAIT cells are under-represented within patients with a favorable cytogenetic profile, and over-represented among patients with IDH1 mutations or bi-allelic CEBPA mutations. We show for the first time that circulating MAIT cells are affected in newly diagnosed AML patients, suggesting a link between MAIT cells and AML progression. Our work fosters new studies to deepen our knowledge about the role of MAIT cells in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thibault Comont
- Department of Internal Medicine, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Laboratory of Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
| | | | - Sarah Bertoli
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- Department of Clinical Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Christian Recher
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- Department of Clinical Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Francois Vergez
- Laboratory of Hematology, IUCT-Oncopole, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Center of Toulouse, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1037 INSERM, ERL5294 Centre National de La Recherche Scientifique, Toulouse, France
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France
| | - Emmanuel Treiner
- Laboratory of Immunology, CHU Toulouse, Toulouse, France.
- University Paul Sabatier III, Toulouse, France.
- Infinity, Inserm UMR1291, 330 Avenue de Grande Bretagne, 31000, Toulouse, France.
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26
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Mylod E, Melo AM, Donlon NE, Davern M, Bhardwaj A, Reynolds JV, Lysaght J, Conroy MJ. Fractalkine Elicits Chemotactic, Phenotypic, and Functional Effects on CX3CR1 +CD27 - NK Cells in Obesity-Associated Cancer. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 207:1200-1210. [PMID: 34321227 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2000987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Esophagogastric adenocarcinomas (EAC) are obesity-associated malignancies underpinned by severe immune dysregulation and inflammation. Our previous work indicates that NK cells migrate to EAC omentum, where they undergo phenotypic and functional alterations and apoptosis. In this study, we investigate whether such erroneous chemotaxis to omentum is paralleled by compromised NK cell infiltration of EAC patient tumor and examine the role of the inflammatory chemokine fractalkine in shaping the NK cell-mediated response. Our data show diminished NK cell frequencies in EAC tumor compared with those in the circulation and reveal that intratumoral NK cell frequencies decline as visceral obesity increases in EAC patients. Our in vitro findings demonstrate that antagonism of fractalkine receptor CX3CR1 significantly reduces NK cell migration to EAC patient-derived, omental adipose tissue-conditioned media, but not toward tumor-conditioned media. These data suggest fractalkine is a key driver of NK cell chemotaxis to omentum but has a lesser role in NK cell homing to tumor in EAC. We propose that this may offer a novel therapeutic strategy to limit NK cell depletion in the omentum of obese EAC patients, and our data suggest the optimal timing for CX3CR1 antagonism is after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Our functional studies demonstrate that fractalkine induces the conversion from CX3CR1+CD27- to CX3CR1-CD27+ NK cells and increases their IFN-γ and TNF-α production, indicative of its role in shaping the dominant NK cell phenotype in EAC omentum. This study uncovers crucial and potentially druggable pathways underpinning NK cell dysfunction in obesity-associated cancer and provides compelling insights into fractalkine's diverse biological functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and the Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ashanty M Melo
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and the Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Noel E Donlon
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and the Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Gastro-intestinal Medicine and Surgery, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and
| | - Maria Davern
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and the Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anshul Bhardwaj
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin and St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John V Reynolds
- Gastro-intestinal Medicine and Surgery, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland; and
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and the Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Melissa J Conroy
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and the Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland;
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27
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Ruf B, Catania VV, Wabitsch S, Ma C, Diggs LP, Zhang Q, Heinrich B, Subramanyam V, Cui LL, Pouzolles M, Evans CN, Chari R, Sakai S, Oh S, Barry CE, Barber DL, Greten TF. Activating Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells Induces a Broad Antitumor Response. Cancer Immunol Res 2021; 9:1024-1034. [PMID: 34193462 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-20-0925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are MR1-restricted innate-like T cells that recognize non-peptide antigens including riboflavin derivates. Although in vitro-activated MAIT cells show antitumor activity, the in vivo role of MAIT cells in cancer is still unclear. Here, we have shown that MAIT cells have antitumor function in vivo when activated by a combination of the synthetic riboflavin synthesis pathway-derived antigen 5-OP-RU [5-(2-oxopropylideneamino)-6-D-ribitylaminouracil] and the Toll-like receptor 9 (TLR9) agonist CpG. Coadministration of 5-OP-RU and CpG induced strong systemic in vivo expansion and activation of MAIT cells with high CD69 expression, pronounced effector memory phenotype, and upregulated levels of effector molecules including IFNγ, granzyme B, and perforin. Activated and expanded MAITs induced a potent and broad antitumor immune response in murine models of liver metastasis and hepatocellular carcinoma, lung metastasis, and subcutaneous tumors in two different mouse strains. Such tumor inhibition was absent in MAIT-deficient Mr1 -/- mice. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated MR1 knockout in tumor cells did not affect efficacy of this MAIT-directed immunotherapy, pointing toward an indirect mechanism of action. Our findings suggest that MAIT cells are an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy.See related Spotlight by Lantz, p. 996.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Vanessa V Catania
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Simon Wabitsch
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Chi Ma
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Laurence P Diggs
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Qianfei Zhang
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Bernd Heinrich
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Varun Subramanyam
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Linda L Cui
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Marie Pouzolles
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Christine N Evans
- Genome Modification Core, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Raj Chari
- Genome Modification Core, Frederick National Lab for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland
| | - Shunsuke Sakai
- T Lymphocyte Biology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Sangmi Oh
- Tuberculosis Research Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Clifton E Barry
- Tuberculosis Research Section, Laboratory of Clinical Immunology and Microbiology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Daniel L Barber
- T Lymphocyte Biology Section, Laboratory of Parasitic Diseases, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland. .,NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
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28
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Mucosal Associated Invariant T Cells in Cancer-Friend or Foe? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071582. [PMID: 33808058 PMCID: PMC8036566 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are a population of unconventional T cells which can bridge the innate and adaptive immune systems. Well-described roles for MAIT cells include host protection against invading bacteria, fungi and viruses. Upon activation, MAIT cells become prolific effector cells, capable of producing a range of cytokines and lytic molecules. In addition to their anti-microbial role, MAIT cells have been implicated in immune responses to cancer, with opposing beneficial and pathogenic roles reported. On the one hand, MAIT cells can home to the site of the tumour in many human cancers and can produce anti-tumour molecules. On the other, MAIT cells can display defective phenotypes in certain cancers and produce pro-tumour molecules. In this review, we discuss the current literature on the diverse roles for MAIT cells in cancer, outlining their frequencies, functions and associations with N staging and prognosis. We also discuss potential mechanisms underpinning cancer-related alterations in MAIT cells and highlight therapeutic approaches to harness or target MAIT cells in cancer.
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29
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MAIT Cells: Partners or Enemies in Cancer Immunotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071502. [PMID: 33805904 PMCID: PMC8037823 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Unconventional T cells have recently come under intense scrutiny because of their innate-like effector functions and unique antigen specificity, suggesting their potential importance in antitumor immunity. MAIT cells, one such population of unconventional T cell, have been shown to significantly influence bacterial infections, parasitic and fungal infections, viral infections, autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases, and, as discussed thoroughly in this review, various cancers. This review aims to merge accumulating evidence, tease apart the complexities of MAIT cell biology in different malignancies, and discuss how these may impact clinical outcomes. While it is clear that MAIT cells can impact the tumor microenvironment, the nature of these interactions varies depending on the type of cancer, subset of MAIT cell, patient demographic, microbiome composition, and the type of therapy administered. This review examines the impact of these variables on MAIT cells and discusses outstanding questions within the field. Abstract A recent boom in mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cell research has identified relationships between MAIT cell abundance, function, and clinical outcomes in various malignancies. As they express a variety of immune checkpoint receptors and ligands, and possess strong cytotoxic functions, MAIT cells are an attractive new subject in the field of tumor immunology. MAIT cells are a class of innate-like T cells that express a semi-invariant T cell antigen receptor (TCR) that recognizes microbially derived non-peptide antigens presented by the non-polymorphic MHC class-1 like molecule, MR1. In this review, we outline the current (and often contradictory) evidence exploring MAIT cell biology and how MAIT cells impact clinical outcomes in different human cancers, as well as what role they may have in cancer immunotherapy.
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30
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Wang H, Chen Z, McCluskey J, Corbett AJ. Mouse models illuminate MAIT cell biology. Mol Immunol 2021; 130:55-63. [PMID: 33360377 PMCID: PMC7855494 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The field of mucosal-associated invariant T cell (MAIT) biology has grown rapidly since the identification of the vitamin-B-based antigens recognised by these specialised T cells. Over the past few years, our understanding of the complexities of MAIT cell function has developed, as they find their place among the other better known cells of the immune system. Key questions relate to understanding when MAIT cells help, when they hinder or cause harm, and when they do not matter. Exploiting mouse strains that differ in MAIT cell numbers, leveraged by specific detection of MAIT cells using MR1-tetramers, it has now been shown that MAIT cells play important immune roles in settings that include bacterial and viral infections, autoimmune diseases and cancer. We have also learnt much about their development, modes of activation and response to commensal microbiota, and begun to try ways to manipulate MAIT cells to improve disease outcomes. Here we review recent studies that have assessed MAIT cells in models of disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimeng Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia; State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510182, China
| | - Zhenjun Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - James McCluskey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexandra J Corbett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Australia.
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31
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MAIT cells, guardians of skin and mucosa? Mucosal Immunol 2021; 14:803-814. [PMID: 33753874 PMCID: PMC7983967 DOI: 10.1038/s41385-021-00391-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells are evolutionary conserved innate-like T cells able to recognize bacterial and fungal ligands derived from vitamin B biosynthesis. These cells are particularly present in liver and blood but also populate mucosal sites including skin, oral, intestinal, respiratory, and urogenital tracts that are in contact with the environment and microbiota of their host. Growing evidence suggests important involvement of MAIT cells in safeguarding the mucosa against external microbial threats. Simultaneously, mucosal MAIT cells have been implicated in immune and inflammatory pathologies affecting these organs. Here, we review the specificities of mucosal MAIT cells, their functions in the protection and maintenance of mucosal barriers, and their interactions with other mucosal cells.
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Ruf B, Heinrich B, Greten TF. Immunobiology and immunotherapy of HCC: spotlight on innate and innate-like immune cells. Cell Mol Immunol 2021; 18:112-127. [PMID: 33235387 PMCID: PMC7852696 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-00572-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune-based therapies such as immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized the systemic treatment of various cancer types. The therapeutic application of monoclonal antibodies targeting inhibitory pathways such as programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) and CTLA-4 to cells of the adaptive immune system has recently been shown to generate meaningful improvement in the clinical outcome of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nevertheless, current immunotherapeutic approaches induce durable responses in only a subset of HCC patients. Since immunologic mechanisms such as chronic inflammation due to chronic viral hepatitis or alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease play a crucial role in the initiation, development, and progression of HCC, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms shaping the unique tumor microenvironment of liver cancer. The liver is an immunologic organ with large populations of innate and innate-like immune cells and is exposed to bacterial, viral, and fungal antigens through the gut-liver axis. Here, we summarize and highlight the role of these cells in liver cancer and propose strategies to therapeutically target them. We also discuss current immunotherapeutic strategies in HCC and outline recent advances in our understanding of how the therapeutic potential of these agents might be enhanced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Bernd Heinrich
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
- NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Lu Z, Zhu M, Marley JL, Bi K, Wang K, Zhai M, Hu H, Guo P, Li C, Xu Y, Chen Y, Zhou P, Wei Z, Jiang H, Cao Y. The combined action of monocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells promotes the progression of cervical cancer. Int J Cancer 2020; 148:1499-1507. [PMID: 33245569 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.33411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
One of the most common promoters of the initiation and growth of the tumor is an immune disturbance. Numerous immune cells and inflammatory factors play a role in the tumor-immune microenvironment. However, few studies have investigated the correlation between these immunological events and clinical consequences in cervical cancer. We measured the levels of numerous inflammatory mediators and frequencies of regulatory T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells in peripheral blood (PB) of cervical cancer patients. Cervical cancer patients showed elevated production of interleukin (IL)-18 and plasma C-C chemokine ligand (CCL) 3/5. Meanwhile, an accumulation of C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) monocytic (Mo)-MDSCs and Tregs was observed. The cervical cancer group displayed increased frequencies of CD8+ , CD4+ and highly activated CD38+ CD8+ MAIT cells, and reduction of double-negative (DN) and PD1(CD279+ ) DN MAIT cells. Importantly, it was demonstrated that MAIT cells were positively related to Mo-MDSCs. Furthermore, an elevated concentration of PD1(CD279+ ) DN MAIT cells was significantly related to increased progression-free survival of patients with cervical cancer. In conclusion, our study suggests that the combined action of Mo-MDSCs and MAIT cells might be associated with the progression of cervical cancer, and the frequency of DN MAIT cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells was associated with the survival benefit of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhimin Lu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mengting Zhu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jordan Lee Marley
- Wellcome Centre for Mitochondrial Research, Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Kaihuan Bi
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Kangxia Wang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Muxin Zhai
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Hu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Peipei Guo
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Caihua Li
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuping Xu
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ya Chen
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolian Wei
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Reproductive Health and Genetics, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Biopreservation and Artificial Organs, Anhui Provincial Engineering Research Center, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huanhuan Jiang
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxia Cao
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Corbett AJ, Awad W, Wang H, Chen Z. Antigen Recognition by MR1-Reactive T Cells; MAIT Cells, Metabolites, and Remaining Mysteries. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1961. [PMID: 32973800 PMCID: PMC7482426 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells recognize vitamin B-based antigens presented by the non-polymorphic MHC class I related-1 molecule (MR1). Both MAIT T cell receptors (TCR) and MR1 are highly conserved among mammals, suggesting an important, and conserved, immune function. For many years, the antigens they recognize were unknown. The discovery that MR1 presents vitamin B-based small molecule ligands resulted in a rapid expansion of research in this area, which has yielded information on the role of MAIT cells in immune protection, autoimmune disease and recently in homeostasis and cancer. More recently, we have begun to appreciate the diverse nature of the small molecule ligands that can bind MR1, with several less potent antigens and small molecule drugs that can bind MR1 being identified. Complementary structural information has revealed the complex nature of interactions defining antigen recognition. Additionally, we now view MAIT cells (defined here as MR1-riboflavin-Ag reactive, TRAV1-2+ cells) as one subset of a broader family of MR1-reactive T cells (MR1T cells). Despite these advances, we still lack a complete understanding of how MR1 ligands are generated, presented and recognized in vivo. The biological relevance of these MR1 ligands and the function of MR1T cells in infection and disease warrants further investigation with new tools and approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra J Corbett
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wael Awad
- Infection and Immunity Program and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia.,ARC Centre of Excellence in Advanced Molecular Imaging, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Huimeng Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, Guangzhou Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenjun Chen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Yao T, Shooshtari P, Haeryfar SMM. Leveraging Public Single-Cell and Bulk Transcriptomic Datasets to Delineate MAIT Cell Roles and Phenotypic Characteristics in Human Malignancies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1691. [PMID: 32849590 PMCID: PMC7413026 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are unconventional, innate-like T lymphocytes that recognize vitamin B metabolites of microbial origin among other antigens displayed by the monomorphic molecule MHC class I-related protein 1 (MR1). Abundant in human tissues, reactive to local inflammatory cues, and endowed with immunomodulatory and cytolytic functions, MAIT cells are likely to play key roles in human malignancies. They accumulate in various tumor microenvironments (TMEs) where they often lose some of their functional capacities. However, the potential roles of MAIT cells in anticancer immunity or cancer progression and their significance in shaping clinical outcomes remain largely unknown. In this study, we analyzed publicly available bulk and single-cell tumor transcriptomic datasets to investigate the tissue distribution, phenotype, and prognostic significance of MAIT cells across several human cancers. We found that expanded MAIT cell clonotypes were often shared between the blood, tumor tissue and adjacent healthy tissue of patients with colorectal, hepatocellular, and non-small cell lung carcinomas. Gene expression comparisons between tumor-infiltrating and healthy tissue MAIT cells revealed the presence of activation and/or exhaustion programs within the TMEs of primary hepatocellular and colorectal carcinomas. Interestingly, in basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin, programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) blockade upregulated the expression of several effector genes in tumor-infiltrating MAIT cells. We derived a signature comprising stable and specific MAIT cell gene markers across several tissue compartments and cancer types. By applying this signature to estimate MAIT cell abundance in pan-cancer gene expression data, we demonstrate that a heavier intratumoral MAIT cell presence is positively correlated with a favorable prognosis in esophageal carcinoma but predicts poor overall survival in colorectal and squamous cell lung carcinomas. Finally, in colorectal carcinoma and four other cancer types, we found a positive correlation between MR1 expression and estimated MAIT cell abundance. Collectively, our findings indicate that MAIT cells serve important but diverse roles in human cancers. Our work provides useful models and resources that employ gene expression data platforms to enable future studies in the realm of MAIT cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tony Yao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Parisa Shooshtari
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada
| | - S M Mansour Haeryfar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Lawson Health Research Institute, London Health Sciences Centre, London, ON, Canada.,Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada.,Centre for Human Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
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36
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Ngiow SF, Young A. Re-education of the Tumor Microenvironment With Targeted Therapies and Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1633. [PMID: 32849557 PMCID: PMC7399169 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 06/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical success of cancer immunotherapies targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4 has ignited a substantial research effort to improve our understanding of tumor immunity. Recent studies have revealed that the immune contexture of a tumor influences therapeutic response and survival benefit for cancer patients. Identifying treatment modalities that limit immunosuppression, relieve T cell exhaustion, and potentiate effector functions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is of much interest. In particular, combinatorial therapeutic approaches that re-educate the TME by limiting the accumulation of immunosuppressive immune cells, such as Foxp3 regulatory T cells (Tregs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), while promoting CD8+ and CD4+ effector T cell activity is critical. Here, we review key approaches to target these immunosuppressive immune cell subsets and signaling molecules and define the impact of these changes to the tumor milieu. We will highlight the preclinical and clinical evidence for their ability to improve anti-tumor immune responses as well as strategies and challenges for their implementation. Together, this review will provide understanding of therapeutic approaches to efficiently shape the TME and reinvigorate the immune response against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Foong Ngiow
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Institute for Immunology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Arabella Young
- Department of Immunology, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia
- Diabetes Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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37
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Pisarska MM, Dunne MR, O'Shea D, Hogan AE. Interleukin‐17 producing mucosal associated invariant T cells ‐ emerging players in chronic inflammatory diseases? Eur J Immunol 2020; 50:1098-1108. [DOI: 10.1002/eji.202048645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta M. Pisarska
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health ResearchMaynooth University Kildare Ireland
- National Children's Research Centre Dublin Ireland
| | - Margaret R. Dunne
- Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Department of SurgerySt James's Hospital Dublin Ireland
- Trinity St James's Cancer InstituteSt James's Hospital Dublin Dublin Ireland
| | - Donal O'Shea
- Obesity Immunology Group, Education and Research Centre, St Vincent's University HospitalUniversity College Dublin Ireland
| | - Andrew E. Hogan
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health ResearchMaynooth University Kildare Ireland
- National Children's Research Centre Dublin Ireland
- Obesity Immunology Group, Education and Research Centre, St Vincent's University HospitalUniversity College Dublin Ireland
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Power R, Lowery MA, Reynolds JV, Dunne MR. The Cancer-Immune Set Point in Oesophageal Cancer. Front Oncol 2020; 10:891. [PMID: 32582553 PMCID: PMC7287212 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has achieved long-term disease control in a proportion of cancer patients, but determinants of clinical benefit remain unclear. A greater understanding of antitumor immunity on an individual basis is needed to facilitate a precision oncology approach. A conceptual framework called the "cancer-immune set point" has been proposed to describe the equilibrium between factors that promote or suppress anticancer immunity and can serve as a basis to understand the variability in clinical response to immune checkpoint blockade. Oesophageal cancer has a high mutational burden, develops from pre-existing chronic inflammatory lesions and is therefore anticipated to be sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibition. However, both tumour- and patient-specific factors including the immune microenvironment, the microbiome, obesity, and host genetics contribute to an immune set point that confers a lower-than-expected response to checkpoint blockade. Immunotherapy is therefore currently confined to latter lines of treatment of advanced disease, with no reliable predictive biomarker of response. In this review, we examine oesophageal cancer in the context of the cancer-immune set point, discuss factors that contribute to response to immunotherapeutic intervention, and propose areas requiring further investigation to improve treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Power
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maeve A. Lowery
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John V. Reynolds
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Margaret R. Dunne
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St. James Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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Li BL, Wan XP. Prognostic significance of immune landscape in tumour microenvironment of endometrial cancer. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:7767-7777. [PMID: 32424934 PMCID: PMC7348174 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour microenvironment (TME) is crucial to tumorigenesis. This study aimed to uncover the differences in immune phenotypes of TME in endometrial cancer (EC) using Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (UCEC) cohort and explore the prognostic significance. We employed GVSA enrichment analysis to cluster The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) EC samples into immune signature cluster modelling, evaluated immune cell profiling in UCEC cohort (n = 538) and defined four immune subtypes of EC. Next, we analysed the correlation between immune subtypes and clinical data including patient prognosis. Furthermore, we analysed the expression of immunomodulators and DNA methylation modification. The profiles of immune infiltration in TCGA UCEC cohort showed significant difference among four immune subtypes of EC. Among each immune subtype, natural killer T cells (NKT), dendritic cells (DCs) and CD8+T cells were significantly associated with EC patients survival. Each immune subtype exhibited specific molecular classification, immune cell characterization and immunomodulators expression. Moreover, the expression immunomodulators were significantly related to DNA methylation level. In conclusion, the identification of immune subtypes in EC tissues could reveal unique immune microenvironments in EC and predict the prognosis of EC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Lan Li
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Wan
- Department of Gynecology, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Lukasik Z, Elewaut D, Venken K. MAIT Cells Come to the Rescue in Cancer Immunotherapy? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020413. [PMID: 32053875 PMCID: PMC7072265 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent progress in immunobiology has led to the observation that, among cells classically categorized as the typical representatives of the adaptive immune system, i.e., T cells, some possess the phenotype of innate cells. Invariant T cells are characterized by T cell receptors recognizing a limited range of non-peptide antigens, presented only in the context of particular molecules. Mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT cells) are an example of such unconventional cells. In humans, they constitute between 1% and 8% of the peripheral blood T lymphocytes and are further enriched in mucosal tissues, mesenteric lymph nodes, and liver, where they can account for even 40% of all the T cells. MAIT cells recognize antigens in the context of major histocompatibility complex class I-related protein (MR1). Upon activation, they instantly release pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediate cytolytic function towards bacterially infected cells. As such, they have been a rapidly evolving research topic not only in the field of infectious diseases but also in the context of many chronic inflammatory diseases and, more recently, in immuno-oncology. Novel findings suggest that MAIT cells function could also be modulated by endogenous ligands and drugs, making them an attractive target for therapeutic approaches. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of MAIT cell biology, their role in health and disease and discuss their future potential in cancer immunotherapy. This is discussed through the prism of knowledge and experiences with invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT)—another prominent unconventional T cell subset that shares many features with MAIT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzanna Lukasik
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Rheumatology Unit), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
- Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Dirk Elewaut
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Rheumatology Unit), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
- Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent 9052, Belgium
| | - Koen Venken
- Department of Internal Medicine and Pediatrics (Rheumatology Unit), Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent 9000, Belgium
- Molecular Immunology and Inflammation Unit, VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent 9052, Belgium
- Correspondence:
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