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Zhao Q, Wei T, Ma R, Fu Y, Yang R, Su Y, Yu Y, Li B, Li Y. Progress on immuno-microenvironment and immune-related therapies in patients with pseudomyxoma peritonei. Cancer Biol Med 2024; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0109. [PMID: 39026438 PMCID: PMC11271218 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2024.0109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an indolent malignant syndrome. The standard treatment for PMP is cytoreductive surgery combined with intraperitoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy (CRS + HIPEC). However, the high recurrence rate and latent clinical symptoms and signs are major obstacles to further improving clinical outcomes. Moreover, patients in advanced stages receive little benefit from CRS + HIPEC due to widespread intraperitoneal metastases. Another challenge in PMP treatment involves the progressive sclerosis of PMP cell-secreted mucus, which is often increased due to activating mutations in the gene coding for guanine nucleotide-binding protein alpha subunit (GNAS). Consequently, the development of other PMP therapies is urgently needed. Several immune-related therapies have shown promise, including the use of bacterium-derived non-specific immunogenic agents, radio-immunotherapeutic agents, and tumor cell-derived neoantigens, but a well-recognized immunotherapy has not been established. In this review the roles of GNAS mutations in the promotion of mucin secretion and disease development are discussed. In addition, the immunologic features of the PMP microenvironment and immune-associated treatments are discussed to summarize the current understanding of key features of the disease and to facilitate the development of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qidi Zhao
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Tian Wei
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Ru Ma
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yubin Fu
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yandong Su
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital, School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 102218, China
- Department of Peritoneal Cancer Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100038, China
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2
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Wang M, Krueger JB, Gilkey AK, Stelljes EM, Kluesner MG, Pomeroy EJ, Skeate JG, Slipek NJ, Lahr WS, Vázquez PNC, Zhao Y, Eaton EJ, Laoharawee K, Webber BR, Moriarity BS. Precision Enhancement of CAR-NK Cells through Non-Viral Engineering and Highly Multiplexed Base Editing. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.05.582637. [PMID: 38496503 PMCID: PMC10942345 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.05.582637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells' unique ability to kill transformed cells expressing stress ligands or lacking major histocompatibility complexes (MHC) has prompted their development for immunotherapy. However, NK cells have demonstrated only moderate responses against cancer in clinical trials and likely require advanced genome engineering to reach their full potential as a cancer therapeutic. Multiplex genome editing with CRISPR/Cas9 base editors (BE) has been used to enhance T cell function and has already entered clinical trials but has not been reported in human NK cells. Here, we report the first application of BE in primary NK cells to achieve both loss-of-function and gain-of-function mutations. We observed highly efficient single and multiplex base editing, resulting in significantly enhanced NK cell function. Next, we combined multiplex BE with non-viral TcBuster transposon-based integration to generate IL-15 armored CD19 CAR-NK cells with significantly improved functionality in a highly suppressive model of Burkitt's lymphoma both in vitro and in vivo. The use of concomitant non-viral transposon engineering with multiplex base editing thus represents a highly versatile and efficient platform to generate CAR-NK products for cell-based immunotherapy and affords the flexibility to tailor multiple gene edits to maximize the effectiveness of the therapy for the cancer type being treated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjing Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joshua B Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Alexandria K Gilkey
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Erin M Stelljes
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Mitchell G Kluesner
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emily J Pomeroy
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Joseph G Skeate
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Nicholas J Slipek
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Walker S Lahr
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Patricia N Claudio Vázquez
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Yueting Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Ella J Eaton
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Kanut Laoharawee
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Beau R Webber
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Branden S Moriarity
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Genome Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
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3
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Shang J, Li L, Lai C, Feng T, Yao Y, Zhong D, Liang Y, Huang X, Yang Q, Shi Y. Single-cell profiling reveals the heterogeneity of NK cells during anti-PD-1 therapy in non-small-cell lung cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110743. [PMID: 37657247 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110743] [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: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors remains limited in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Natural killer (NK) cells serve as the key element of innate immunity and play an important role in anti-tumor immunity, the impact of NK cells on efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy in NSCLC is worth exploring. METHODS We analyzed single-cell transcriptome data derived from biopsies of NSCLC patients receiving anti-PD-1 treatment. Immune cell subtypes were identified and further cell-cell communication were analyzed and verified. RESULTS We observed totally 6 distinct NK cells clusters in NSCLC infiltrating immune cells. It's worth noting that enrichment of immature NK cells was found in responsive group. A series of marker genes of immature NK cells were associated with anti-PD-1 response and related to immune regulation processes such as antigen processing, Th1, Th17 cells activation. Moreover, effector CD8+ T cells were significantly enriched in responsive group and showed similar trajectories with immature NK cells. Cell-cell communication analysis showed that immature NK cells showed strong interactions with Th17 cells and effector CD8+ T cells. Furthermore, when validating the expression of immature NK cells marker genes, we found that CXCR4 was associated with enriched infiltration of CD8+ T cells. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, immature NK cells may facilitate the efficacy of anti-PD-1 therapy by interacting with Th1 cells, Th17 cells and enhancing infiltration of effector CD8+ T cells. Our data suggested that NK cells could be a promising target to improve the prognosis of NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Shang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Chunyou Lai
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Tianhang Feng
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Yutong Yao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Deyuan Zhong
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yuxin Liang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaolun Huang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qinyan Yang
- Liver Transplantation Center and HBP Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China.
| | - Ying Shi
- School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Dumolard L, Aspord C, Marche PN, Macek Jilkova Z. Immune checkpoints on T and NK cells in the context of HBV infection: Landscape, pathophysiology and therapeutic exploitation. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1148111. [PMID: 37056774 PMCID: PMC10086248 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1148111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, the interplay between the virus and the host immune system is crucial in determining the pathogenesis of the disease. Patients who fail to mount a sufficient and sustained anti-viral immune response develop chronic hepatitis B (CHB). T cells and natural killer (NK) cells play decisive role in viral clearance, but they are defective in chronic HBV infection. The activation of immune cells is tightly controlled by a combination of activating and inhibitory receptors, called immune checkpoints (ICs), allowing the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Chronic exposure to viral antigens and the subsequent dysregulation of ICs actively contribute to the exhaustion of effector cells and viral persistence. The present review aims to summarize the function of various ICs and their expression in T lymphocytes and NK cells in the course of HBV infection as well as the use of immunotherapeutic strategies targeting ICs in chronic HBV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucile Dumolard
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Caroline Aspord
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- R&D Laboratory, Etablissement Français du Sang Auvergne-Rhone-Alpes, Grenoble, France
| | - Patrice N. Marche
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Zuzana Macek Jilkova
- University Grenoble Alpes, Inserm U 1209, CNRS UMR 5309, Team Epigenetics, Immunity, Metabolism, Cell Signaling & Cancer, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- Hepato-Gastroenterology and Digestive Oncology Department, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Grenoble, France
- *Correspondence: Zuzana Macek Jilkova,
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Suppression of CEBPδ recovers exhaustion in anti-metastatic immune cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:3903. [PMID: 36890150 PMCID: PMC9995318 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30476-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The pre-metastatic microenvironment consists of pro-metastatic and anti-metastatic immune cells in the early stages of cancer, when the primary tumor begins to proliferate. Redundantly, pro-inflammatory immune cells predominated during tumor growth. Although it is well known that pre-metastatic innate immune cells and immune cells fighting primary tumor cells become exhausted, the mechanism by which this occurs is unknown. We discovered that anti-metastatic NK cells were mobilized from the liver to the lung during primary tumor progression and that the transcription factor CEBPδ, which was upregulated in a tumor-stimulated liver environment, inhibited NK cell attachment to the fibrinogen-rich bed in pulmonary vessels and sensitization to the environmental mRNA activator. CEBPδ-siRNA treated anti-metastatic NK cells regenerated the binding proteins that support sitting in fibrinogen-rich soil, such as vitronectin and thrombospondin, increasing fibrinogen attachment. Furthermore, CEBPδ knockdown restored an RNA-binding protein, ZC3H12D, which captured extracellular mRNA to increase tumoricidal activity. Refreshed NK cells using CEBPδ-siRNA with anti-metastatic abilities would work at metastatic risk areas in the pre-metastatic phase, resulting in a reduction in lung metastasis. Furthermore, tissue-specific siRNA-based therapy in lymphocyte exhaustion may be beneficial in the treatment of early metastases.
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6
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Bergantini L, d’Alessandro M, Del Zotto G, Marcenaro E, Bargagli E. Characterization of natural killer and T cells in bronchoalveolar lavage and peripheral blood of sarcoidosis patients. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1080556. [PMID: 36685602 PMCID: PMC9846229 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1080556] [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: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The characterization of frequency and phenotypes of natural killer (NK) cells and T cells in BAL and peripheral blood of patients with sarcoidosis was evaluated, to discriminate the differential status of these cells in these two compartments. The analysis revealed that CD56brightCD16neg resulted higher in BAL than PB of sarcoidosis and healthy subjects, while CD56dimCD16+ showed a different proportion between BAL and PB of both Sarcoidosis patients and HC. Moreover, in comparison with autologous PB, BAL was characterized by a higher expression of activated NK cell markers NKp44, CD69 and CD25. Significantly increased levels of PD-1+ NK cells in the BAL of patients were detected. Regarding the maturation of CD4 and CD8, an increase of Effector Memory T cells (TEM) was reported in BAL compared to PB. A better characterization of NK and T cells may lead to an improvement of the pathogenetic mechanisms in sarcoidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bergantini
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Miriana d’Alessandro
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Genny Del Zotto
- Department of Research and Diagnostics, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Elena Bargagli
- Respiratory Diseases Unit, Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Immune Profile of Blood, Tissue and Peritoneal Fluid: A Comparative Study in High Grade Serous Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Patients at Interval Debulking Surgery. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10122121. [PMID: 36560531 PMCID: PMC9784879 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10122121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
High-grade serous epithelial ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC) is an immunogenic tumor with a unique tumor microenvironment (TME) that extends to the peritoneal cavity. The immunosuppressive nature of TME imposes the major challenge to develop effective treatment options for HGSOC. Interaction of immune cells in TME is an important factor. Hence, a better understanding of immune profile of TME may be required for exploring alternative treatment options. Immune profiling of peritoneal fluid (PF), tumor specimens, and blood were carried out using flowcytometry, ELISA, and Procartaplex immunoassay. The frequency of CD56BrightNK cells and expression of functional receptors were reduced in PF. Increased activating NKp46+CD56DimNK cells may indicate differential antitumor response in PF. Functional receptors on NK, NKT-like and T cells were reduced more drastically in tumor specimens. Soluble ligands MIC-B and PVR were reduced, whereas B7-H6 was increased in PF. Dissemination of tumor cells contributes to soluble ligands in PF. A differential cytokine profile was found in serum and PF as IL-2, IL-8, IL-15, IL-27, IFN-γ, and GM-CSF were elevated specifically in PF. In conclusion, the differential immune profile and correlation of soluble parameters and NK cell receptors with chemo response score may add knowledge to understand anti-tumor immune response to develop effective treatment modality.
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8
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Yenyuwadee S, Aliazis K, Wang Q, Christofides A, Shah R, Patsoukis N, Boussiotis VA. Immune cellular components and signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:187-201. [PMID: 35985559 PMCID: PMC10735089 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
During the past decade there has been a revolution in cancer therapeutics by the emergence of antibody-based and cell-based immunotherapies that modulate immune responses against tumors. These new therapies have extended and improved the therapeutic efficacy of chemo-radiotherapy and have offered treatment options to patients who are no longer responding to these classic anti-cancer treatments. Unfortunately, tumor eradication and long-lasting responses are observed in a small fraction of patients, whereas the majority of patients respond only transiently. These outcomes indicate that the maximum potential of immunotherapy has not been reached due to incomplete knowledge of the cellular and molecular mechanisms that guide the development of successful anti-tumor immunity and its failure. In this review, we discuss recent discoveries about the immune cellular composition of the tumor microenvironment (TME) and the role of key signaling mechanisms that compromise the function of immune cells leading to cancer immune escape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasitorn Yenyuwadee
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Konstantinos Aliazis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Qi Wang
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Anthos Christofides
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Rushil Shah
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School
| | - Nikolaos Patsoukis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02215, USA.
| | - Vassiliki A Boussiotis
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center; Department of Medicine Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School; Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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9
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Demuytere J, Ernst S, van Ovost J, Cosyns S, Ceelen W. The tumor immune microenvironment in peritoneal carcinomatosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 371:63-95. [PMID: 35965001 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
One in four patients with colorectal cancer, 40% of gastric cancer patients, and 60% of ovarian cancer patients will develop peritoneal metastases (PM) in the course of their disease. The outcome of patients with widespread PM remains poor with currently available treatments. Despite the relatively common occurrence of PM, little is known on the pathophysiology that drives the peritoneal metastatic cascade. It is increasingly recognized that the stromal components of the peritoneal microenvironment play an essential role in tumor progression. However, little is known about the specific interactions and components of the peritoneal tumor microenvironment, particularly with respect the immune cell population. We summarize the current knowledge of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in peritoneal metastases originating from the three most common origins: ovarian, gastric, and colorectal cancer. Clearly, the TIME is highly heterogeneous and its composition and functional activity differ according to tumor type and, within the same patient, according to anatomical location. The TIME in PM remains to be explored in detail, and further elucidation of their immune contexture may allow biology driven design of novel immune modulating or immune targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesse Demuytere
- Experimental Surgery Lab, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sam Ernst
- Experimental Surgery Lab, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Judith van Ovost
- Experimental Surgery Lab, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Sarah Cosyns
- Experimental Surgery Lab, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wim Ceelen
- Experimental Surgery Lab, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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10
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Bergantini L, d’Alessandro M, Cameli P, Cavallaro D, Gangi S, Cekorja B, Sestini P, Bargagli E. NK and T Cell Immunological Signatures in Hospitalized Patients with COVID-19. Cells 2021; 10:3182. [PMID: 34831404 PMCID: PMC8618013 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by coronavirus 2 emerged in Wuhan (China) in December 2019 and has severely challenged the human population. NK and T cells are involved in the progression of COVID-19 infection through the ability of NK cells to modulate T-cell responses, and by the stimulation of cytokine release. No detailed investigation of the NK cell landscape in clinical SARS-CoV-2 infection has yet been reported. A total of 35 COVID-19 hospitalised patients were stratified for clinical severity and 17 healthy subjects were enrolled. NK cell subsets and T cell subsets were analysed with flow cytometry. Serum cytokines were detected with a bead-based multiplex assay. Fewer CD56dimCD16brightNKG2A+NK cells and a parallel increase in the CD56+CD69+NK, CD56+PD-1+NK, CD56+NKp44+NK subset were reported in COVID-19 than HC. A significantly higher adaptive/memory-like NK cell frequency in patients with severe disease than in those with mild and moderate phenotypes were reported. Moreover, adaptive/memory-like NK cell frequencies were significantly higher in patients who died than in survivors. Severe COVID-19 patients showed higher serum concentrations of IL-6 than mild and control groups. Direct correlation emerged for IL-6 and adaptive/memory-like NK. All these findings provide new insights into the immune response of patients with COVID-19. In particular, they demonstrate activation of NK through overexpression of CD69 and CD25 and show that PD-1 inhibitory signalling maintains an exhausted phenotype in NK cells. These results suggest that adaptive/memory-like NK cells could be the basis of promising targeted therapy for future viral infections.
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11
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Qu Y, Wang C, Liu L, Li S, Zhang X, Ma Z, Bai H, Wang J. Predictive Value of Max's Giant Associated Protein Mutation in Outcomes of Lung Adenocarcinoma Patients Treated With Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:728647. [PMID: 34733843 PMCID: PMC8558674 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.728647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has considerably improved prognosis in multiple cancers. However, regardless of PD-L1 expression and TMB, better predictive biomarkers are required to identify ICI-responsive patients. We analyzed a pan-cancer cohort as the discovery cohort to identify the role of Max’s giant associated protein (MGA) mutation in the outcome of ICI treatment in different types of cancers. A pooled lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) cohort was considered as the validation cohort. Another two LUAD cohorts who received conventional treatment were included for prognostic analysis and mechanism exploration. In the discovery cohort, MGA mutation was a favorable survival biomarker for patients with LUAD than in those with other types of cancers. MGA mutation was positively correlated with the TMB score. The results of the validation cohort were consistent with those of the discovery cohort. Patients with MGA mutation in the TMB-low subgroup had longer survival. Two LUAD cohorts who received standard treatment showed that the MGA mutation was not a prognostic biomarker for standard treatment. Mechanically, we found that the co-mutant genes did not affect the prognostic role of MGA mutation. Gene-set enrichment analysis revealed that genes belonging to the immunodeficiency pathway were enriched in the MGA wild-type group in LUAD. Moreover, activated NK cells were more enriched in the MGA mutant LUAD group. In conclusion, our results demonstrated that MGA mutation was an independent predictive biomarker for ICI therapy. These results may provide a novel insight into identifying potential patients with LUAD for ICI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chao Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Lihui Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Sini Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zixiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Department of Medical Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
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12
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Paleari L, Pesce S, Rutigliani M, Greppi M, Obino V, Gorlero F, Vellone VG, Marcenaro E. New Insights into Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1496. [PMID: 33804979 PMCID: PMC8037936 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
EC is the most common cancer in the female genital tract in developed countries, and with its increasing incidence due to risk factors, such as aging and obesity, tends to become a public health issue. Although EC is a hormone-dependent neoplasm, there are no recommendations for the determination of steroid hormone receptors in the tumor tissue and no hormone therapy has ever been assessed in the adjuvant setting. Furthermore, its immune environment has been slightly characterized, but recent evidences point out how EC microenvironment may increase self-tolerance by reducing the recruitment of cytotoxic immune cells to the tumor site and/or modifying their phenotype, making these cells no longer able to suppress tumor growth. Here we highlight insights for EC management from diagnosis to a desirable trend of personalized treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Paleari
- A.Li.Sa., Liguria Region Health Authority, 16121 Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
| | | | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
| | - Franco Gorlero
- Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit, Galliera Hospital, 16128 Genoa, Italy;
- DINOGMI Department, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Valerio Gaetano Vellone
- Pathology University Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
- Department of Integrated Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
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13
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Killing the Invaders: NK Cell Impact in Tumors and Anti-Tumor Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040595. [PMID: 33546248 PMCID: PMC7913353 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary NK cells are innate lymphoid cells involved in the control of tumor growth and metastatic spread. Given their significant cytolytic capacity, several promising strategies have been developed to target NK cells in cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Natural Killer cells belong to group 1 innate lymphoid cells, which also includes ILC1s. NK/ILC1s are highly heterogeneous cell types showing distinct phenotypes across tissues and conditions. NK cells have long been described as innate lymphocytes able to directly and rapidly kill tumor cells without antigen-restriction. Different mechanisms were shown to modulate NK cell activation and tumor resistance, mainly based on cytokine stimulation and receptor–ligand interactions, and several strategies have been developed to target NK cells in tumor immunotherapy to promote NK cell function and overcome tumor evasion. The characterization of ILC1 distinct phenotype and function and the specific role in tumors still needs further investigation and will be essential to better understand the impact of innate lymphoid cells in tumors. Here, we review key aspects of NK cell biology that are relevant in tumor immune surveillance, emphasizing the most recent findings in the field. We describe the novel therapeutical strategies that have been developed in tumor immunotherapy targeting NK cells, and we summarize some recent findings related to NK cell/ILC1 transition in tumor models.
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14
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Fiore PF, Vacca P, Tumino N, Besi F, Pelosi A, Munari E, Marconi M, Caruana I, Pistoia V, Moretta L, Azzarone B. Wilms' Tumor Primary Cells Display Potent Immunoregulatory Properties on NK Cells and Macrophages. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E224. [PMID: 33435455 PMCID: PMC7826641 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune response plays a crucial defensive role in cancer growth and metastasis and is a promising target in different tumors. The role of the immune system in Wilm's Tumor (WT), a common pediatric renal malignancy, is still to be explored. The characterization of the immune environment in WT could allow the identification of new therapeutic strategies for targeting possible inhibitory mechanisms and/or lowering toxicity of the current treatments. In this study, we stabilized four WT primary cultures expressing either a blastematous (CD56+/CD133-) or an epithelial (CD56-/CD133+) phenotype and investigated their interactions with innate immune cells, namely NK cells and monocytes. We show that cytokine-activated NK cells efficiently kill WT cells. However, after co-culture with WT primary cells, NK cells displayed an impaired cytotoxic activity, decreased production of IFNγ and expression of CD107a, DNAM-1 and NKp30. Analysis of the effects of the interaction between WT cells and monocytes revealed their polarization towards alternatively activated macrophages (M2) that, in turn, further impaired NK cell functions. In conclusion, we show that both WT blastematous and epithelial components may contribute directly and indirectly to a tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment that is likely to play a role in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Filomena Fiore
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (P.F.F.); (P.V.); (N.T.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Paola Vacca
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (P.F.F.); (P.V.); (N.T.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (P.F.F.); (P.V.); (N.T.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Francesca Besi
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (P.F.F.); (P.V.); (N.T.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Andrea Pelosi
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (P.F.F.); (P.V.); (N.T.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Marcella Marconi
- Department of Pathology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria, Negrar, 37024 Verona, Italy;
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Paediatric Haematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation University Children’s Hospital of Würzburg, 97080 Würzburg, Germany;
| | - Vito Pistoia
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (P.F.F.); (P.V.); (N.T.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (P.F.F.); (P.V.); (N.T.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (V.P.)
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, IRCCS, 00165 Rome, Italy; (P.F.F.); (P.V.); (N.T.); (F.B.); (A.P.); (V.P.)
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15
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Ferretti E, Carlomagno S, Pesce S, Muccio L, Obino V, Greppi M, Solari A, Setti C, Marcenaro E, Della Chiesa M, Sivori S. Role of the Main Non HLA-Specific Activating NK Receptors in Pancreatic, Colorectal and Gastric Tumors Surveillance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3705. [PMID: 33321719 PMCID: PMC7763095 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human NK cells can control tumor growth and metastatic spread thanks to their powerful cytolytic activity which relies on the expression of an array of activating receptors. Natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) NKG2D and DNAM-1 are those non-HLA-specific activating NK receptors that are mainly involved in sensing tumor transformation by the recognition of different ligands, often stress-induced molecules, on the surface of cancer cells. Tumors display several mechanisms aimed at dampening/evading NK-mediated responses, a relevant fraction of which is based on the downregulation of the expression of activating receptors and/or their ligands. In this review, we summarize the role of the main non-HLA-specific activating NK receptors, NCRs, NKG2D and DNAM-1, in controlling tumor growth and metastatic spread in solid malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract with high incidence in the world population, i.e., pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and gastric cancer (GC), also describing the phenotypic and functional alterations induced on NK cells by their tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ferretti
- Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Letizia Muccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Marco Greppi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Agnese Solari
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Chiara Setti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Simona Sivori
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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16
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Pesce S, Trabanelli S, Di Vito C, Greppi M, Obino V, Guolo F, Minetto P, Bozzo M, Calvi M, Zaghi E, Candiani S, Lemoli RM, Jandus C, Mavilio D, Marcenaro E. Cancer Immunotherapy by Blocking Immune Checkpoints on Innate Lymphocytes. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123504. [PMID: 33255582 PMCID: PMC7760325 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints refer to a plethora of inhibitory pathways of the immune system that play a crucial role in maintaining self-tolerance and in tuning the duration and amplitude of physiological immune responses to minimize collateral tissue damages. The breakdown of this delicate balance leads to pathological conditions, including cancer. Indeed, tumor cells can develop multiple mechanisms to escape from immune system defense, including the activation of immune checkpoint pathways. The development of monoclonal antibodies, targeting inhibitory immune checkpoints, has provided an immense breakthrough in cancer therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), initially developed to reverse functional exhaustion in T cells, recently emerged as important actors in natural killer (NK)-cell-based immunotherapy. Moreover, the discovery that also helper innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) express inhibitory immune checkpoints, suggests that these molecules might be targeted on ILCs, to modulate their functions in the tumor microenvironment. Recently, other strategies to achieve immune checkpoint blockade have been developed, including miRNA exploiting systems. Herein, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on inhibitory immune checkpoints on NK cells and ILCs and we discuss how to target these innate lymphocytes by ICI in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
| | - Sara Trabanelli
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.T.); (C.J.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, CH-1066 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; (C.D.V.); (M.C.); (E.Z.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
| | - Fabio Guolo
- Clinic of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.G.); (P.M.); (R.M.L.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Minetto
- Clinic of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.G.); (P.M.); (R.M.L.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Michela Calvi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; (C.D.V.); (M.C.); (E.Z.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; (C.D.V.); (M.C.); (E.Z.); (D.M.)
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Roberto Massimo Lemoli
- Clinic of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.G.); (P.M.); (R.M.L.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Camilla Jandus
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.T.); (C.J.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, CH-1066 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; (C.D.V.); (M.C.); (E.Z.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0103357888
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17
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Quatrini L, Mariotti FR, Munari E, Tumino N, Vacca P, Moretta L. The Immune Checkpoint PD-1 in Natural Killer Cells: Expression, Function and Targeting in Tumour Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3285. [PMID: 33172030 PMCID: PMC7694632 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years, immunotherapy with antibodies against programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) has shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of different types of tumours, representing a true revolution in oncology. While its efficacy has initially been attributed only to unleashing T cell responses, responsivity to PD-1/PD-L1 blockade was observed in some tumours with low Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) I expression and increasing evidence has revealed PD-1 surface expression and inhibitory function also in natural killer (NK) cells. Thus, the contribution of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy to the recovery of NK cell anti-tumour response has recently been appreciated. Here, we summarize the studies investigating PD-1 expression and function in NK cells, together with the limitations and perspectives of immunotherapies. A better understanding of checkpoint biology is needed to design next-generation therapeutic strategies and to improve the clinical protocols of current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Quatrini
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (N.T.); (P.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Francesca Romana Mariotti
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (N.T.); (P.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25121 Brescia, Italy;
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (N.T.); (P.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (N.T.); (P.V.); (L.M.)
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital, 00146 Rome, Italy; (F.R.M.); (N.T.); (P.V.); (L.M.)
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18
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Patrizi O, Rampinelli F, Coltrini D, Pesce S, Carlomagno S, Sivori S, Pascale A, Marcenaro E, Parolini S, Tabellini G. Natural killer cell impairment in ovarian clear cell carcinoma. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1425-1434. [PMID: 32794325 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5ma0720-295r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, we report the analysis of NK cells derived from patients suffering from a rare ovarian cancer histotype of clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) resistant to conventional chemotherapies. We analyzed the phenotype of NK cells derived from peripheral blood (PB) and peritoneal fluid (PF) and evaluated cytotoxic interactions between NK cells and autologous tumor cells (ATC) derived from patients. We provided evidence of impaired degranulation capacity of NK cells derived from patients' PF in the presence of ATC. Analyzing tumor cell ligands recognized by NK cell receptors, we found that ATC are characterized by an HLA class I+ phenotype (although the level of HLA-I expression varies among all patients) and by a heterogeneous expression of ligands for activating NK receptors (from normal to decreased expression of some markers). Furthermore, we observed a down-regulation of crucial NK cell activating receptors, primarily DNAX Accessory Molecule-1 (DNAM-1), on tumor-associated NK cells. Based on these results, we propose that this severe lysis defect may be due to both negative interactions between HLA-I-specific inhibitory NK cell receptors/HLA-I molecules and to defective interactions between activating NK receptors and cognate ligands. In conclusion, for the first time, the phenotypic and functional properties of tumor-associated NK cells and their ATC derived from PF of patients with advanced stage of OCCC were characterized. Taken together results indicate altered interactions between NK cells and ATC and shed light on the aggressive mechanisms of this cancer histotype. Further studies on this rare tumor will be helpful to improve and define more effective therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ornella Patrizi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Fabio Rampinelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Spedali Civili di Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Daniela Coltrini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Parolini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Tabellini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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19
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Pesce S, Greppi M, Ferretti E, Obino V, Carlomagno S, Rutigliani M, Thoren FB, Sivori S, Castagnola P, Candiani S, Marcenaro E. miRNAs in NK Cell-Based Immune Responses and Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:119. [PMID: 32161759 PMCID: PMC7053181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00119] [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: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of certain forms of tumors has increased progressively in recent years and is expected to continue growing as life expectancy continues to increase. Tumor-infiltrating NK cells may contribute to develop an anti-tumor response. Optimized combinations of different cancer therapies, including NK cell-based approaches for targeting tumor cells, have the potential to open new avenues in cancer immunotherapy. Functional inhibitory receptors on NK cells are needed to prevent their attack on healthy cells. Nevertheless, disruption of inhibitory receptors function on NK cells increases the cytotoxic capacity of NK cells against cancer cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that target mRNA and thus regulate the expression of genes involved in the development, maturation, and effector functions of NK cells. Therapeutic strategies that target the regulatory effects of miRNAs have the potential to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Interestingly, emerging evidence points out that some miRNAs can, directly and indirectly, control the surface expression of immune checkpoints on NK cells or that of their ligands on tumor cells. This suggests a possible use of miRNAs in the context of anti-tumor therapy. This review provides the current overview of the connections between miRNAs and regulation of NK cell functions and discusses the potential of these miRNAs as innovative biomarkers/targets for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariangela Rutigliani
- Histological and Anatomical Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratory and Service, E.O. Galliera Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Fredrik B Thoren
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth Science, Environment and Life (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Ceelen W, Ramsay RG, Narasimhan V, Heriot AG, De Wever O. Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Peritoneal Metastases. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:236-246. [PMID: 32101726 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2019.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Peritoneal metastasis (PM) occurs in approximately one in four colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. The pathophysiology of colorectal PM remains poorly characterized. Also, the efficacy of current treatment modalities, including surgery and intraperitoneal (IP) delivery of chemotherapy, is limited. Increasingly, therefore, efforts are being developed to unravel the PM cascade and at understanding the PM-associated tumor microenvironment (TME) and peritoneal ecosystem as potential therapeutic targets. Here, we review recent insights in the structure and components of the TME in colorectal PM, and discuss how these may translate into novel therapeutic approaches aimed at re-engineering the metastasis-promoting activity of the stroma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wim Ceelen
- Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, B-9000 Ghent, Belgium; Department of GI Surgery, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
| | - Robert G Ramsay
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vignesh Narasimhan
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Alexander G Heriot
- Department of Surgery, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Olivier De Wever
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Laboratory for Experimental Cancer Research, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
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