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Liu Z, Chen Z, Zhang J, Liu J, Li B, Zhang Z, Cai M, Zhang Z. Role of tumor-derived exosomes mediated immune cell reprograming in cancer. Gene 2024; 925:148601. [PMID: 38788817 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148601] [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: 11/25/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs), as topologies of tumor cells, not only carry biological information from the mother, but also act as messengers for cellular communication. It has been demonstrated that TDEs play a key role in inducing an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). They can reprogram immune cells indirectly or directly by delivering inhibitory proteins, cytokines, RNA and other substances. They not only inhibit the maturation and function of dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells, but also remodel M2 macrophages and inhibit T cell infiltration to promote immunosuppression and create a favorable ecological niche for tumor growth, invasion and metastasis. Based on the specificity of TDEs, targeting TDEs has become a new strategy to monitor tumor progression and enhance treatment efficacy. This paper reviews the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressive effects induced by TDEs to establish a theoretical foundation for cancer therapy. Additionally, the challenges of TDEs as a novel approach to tumor treatment are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zening Liu
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Zichao Chen
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China; College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Junqiu Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Baohong Li
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Zhenyong Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Meichao Cai
- Innovation Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China.
| | - Zhen Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China.
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Taghiloo S, Asgarian-Omran H. Cross-talk between leukemic and immune cells at the tumor microenvironment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: An update review. Eur J Haematol 2024; 113:4-15. [PMID: 38698678 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.14224] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a mature-type B cell malignancy correlated with significant changes and defects in both the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, together with a high dependency on the tumor microenvironment. Overall, the tumor microenvironment (TME) in CLL provides a supportive niche for leukemic cells to grow and survive, and interactions between CLL cells and the TME can contribute to disease progression and treatment resistance. Therefore, the increasing knowledge of the complicated interaction between immune cells and tumor cells, which is responsible for immune evasion and cancer progression, has provided an opportunity for the development of new therapeutic approaches. In this review, we outline tumor microenvironment-driven contributions to the licensing of immune escape mechanisms in CLL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
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3
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Zhang L, Ren H, Wu Y, Xue L, Bai Y, Wei D, Wu Q. PRG4 represses the genesis and metastasis of osteosarcoma by inhibiting PDL1 expression. Tissue Cell 2024; 88:102409. [PMID: 38781792 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2024.102409] [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: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteosarcoma is originated from skeletal system. Recombinant human proteoglycan 4 (rhPRG4) can inhibit cell proliferation and migration in multiple cancers. This research is designed to dig out the role and mechanism of PRG4 in osteosarcoma. METHODS Human osteosarcoma cell lines, MG63 and 143B, were transfected with programmed death 1 (PD-L1) overexpression vectors and/or treated with 20, 50, and 100 μg/mL rhPRG4, followed by the determination of cell viability, colony formation, sphere formation, invasion, migration, apoptosis, and the expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), PD-L1 and apoptosis-related proteins. Tumor-bearing mouse models were constructed by injection of 143B cells and treatment of anti-PD-L1 antibody and/or adenovirus PRG4 (AdPRG4). Tumor volume was monitored, and immunohistochemical location of Ki67 was performed. Expressions of MMPs, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), PD-L1, and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins were measured in tumors. RESULTS RhPRG4 (20, 50, and 100 μg/mL) inhibited the viability, colony formation, sphere formation, invasion, migration, and the expressions of MMP2, MMP9 and Bcl2 in osteosarcoma cells, while promoting cell apoptosis as well as Bax and c-caspase3 expressions, at a dose-dependent manner; by contrast, PD-L1 overexpression reversed the above effects of 100 μg/mL rhPRG4. AdPRG4 or anti-PD-L1 antibody decreased tumor volume, number of pulmonary metastasis nodule, Ki67 location, and expressions of TGF-β, PD-L1, MMP2, MMP9, Vimentin, and Snail, but increased E-cadherin expression in tumor cells. Moreover, anti-PD-L1 antibody and AdPRG4 together functioned more effectively than them alone in reducing tumor burden. CONCLUSION PRG4 represses the genesis and metastasis of osteosarcoma via inhibiting PD-L1 expression, and AdPRG4 enhances the effectiveness of anti-PD-L1 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Hongwei Ren
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Yanjuan Wu
- Department of Cardiothoracic surgery, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Lili Xue
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Yang Bai
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Dong Wei
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China
| | - Qilong Wu
- Department of Oncology, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, China.
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Chen Y, Di M, Tang Y, Zhao J, Wang Q, Guo Z, Li Y, Ouyang D, Yang J, Chen H, Wang Y, Weng D, Pan Q, Xiang T, Xia J. Epstein-Barr virus causes vascular abnormalities in epithelial malignancies through upregulating ANXA3-HIF-1α-VEGF pathway. Oncogene 2024:10.1038/s41388-024-03061-w. [PMID: 38778160 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03061-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Angiogenesis is one of the characteristics of malignant tumors, and persistent generation of abnormal tumor blood vessels is an important factor contributing to tumor treatment resistance. Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a highly prevalent DNA oncogenic virus that is associated with the development of various epithelial malignancies. However, the relationship between EBV infection and tumor vascular abnormalities as well as its underlying mechanisms is still unclear. In this study, we found that compared to EBV-uninfected tumors, EBV-infected tumors were more angiogenic, but the neovascularization was mostly immature vessels without pericyte attachment in both clinical patient tumor samples and mouse xenograft models; These immature vessels exhibited aberrant functionality, characterized by poor blood perfusion and increased vascular permeability. The vascular abnormalities caused by EBV infection exacerbated tumor hypoxia and was responsible for accelerated tumor growth. Mechanistically, EBV infection upregulated ANXA3-HIF-1α-VEGF pathway. Silencing the ANXA3 gene or neutralizing ANXA3 with an antibody can diminish vascular abnormalities, thereby increasing immune cell infiltration and alleviating treatment resistance. Finally, a new therapy combining ANXA3 blockade and NK cell + PD1 antibody significantly inhibited the growth of EBV-infected xenografts in mice. In conclusion, our study identified a previously unrecognized role for EBV infection in tumor vascular abnormalities and revealed its underlying mechanism that upregulated the ANXA3-HIF-1α-VEGF pathway. ANXA3 is a potential therapeutic target for EBV-infected tumors and ANXA3 blockade to improve vascular conditions, in combination with NK cell + PD1 antibody therapy, holds promise as an effective treatment strategy for EBV-associated epithelial malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Muping Di
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 1838 North Guangzhou Avenue, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yan Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhixing Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of UItrasonic Diagnosis, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongqiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dijun Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jieying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Desheng Weng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuzhong Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Tong Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jianchuan Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
- Department of Biotherapy, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, 510060, Guangzhou, China.
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Li C, Zhu X. DEP domain containing 1 as a biomarker for poor prognosis in lung adenocarcinoma. Heliyon 2024; 10:e30642. [PMID: 38765113 PMCID: PMC11101781 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e30642] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective The DEP domain-containing 1 (DEPDC1) gene is essential in the development and advancement of different types of cancer. This study is to examine the levels of DEPDC1 in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), and to determine its relationship with clinical results and immune response. The goal is to assess its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target for LUAD. Methods By comprehensively utilizing the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), gene Expression Synthesis (GEO), UALCAN, cBioPortal, TISIDB databases and online platforms, we conducted a bioinformatics analysis to investigate DEPDC1 gene survival analysis, prognostic diagnosis, prognostic survival, immune cell infiltration, DNA methylation, and the correlation of genetic mutations in LUAD. The results were validated through cell assay and immunohistochemical staining. Results DEPDC1 shows high levels of expression in the majority of tumors, with its expression being notably elevated in LUAD compablue to normal tissues. The expression of DEPDC1 varies based on the clinical characteristics of patients with LUAD. DEPDC1 expression affects the survival prognosis and prognostic model construction of LUAD patients. In addition, the presence of DEPDC1 is linked to immune infiltration. Various chemokines and chemokine receptors, immunoinhibitors and immune-stimulators in LUAD are significantly correlated with DEPDC1 methylation levels. Cell experiments confirmed through qPCR that the mRNA expression of DEPDC1 in LUAD was markedly elevated in comparison to the normal population, and immunohistochemistry showed positive DEPDC1 expression in LUAD pathological sections. Conclusion Systematic analysis and experiments have verified that DEPDC1 serves as a biomarker for detecting early, prediction of survival, and evaluation of immune cell infiltration in LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuixian Li
- First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
| | - Xiaoling Zhu
- First Affiliated Hospital of Dali University, Dali, Yunnan, China
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McNitt SA, Dick JK, Hernandez Castaneda M, Sangala JA, Pierson M, Macchietto M, Burrack KS, Crompton PD, Seydel KB, Hamilton SE, Hart GT. Phenotype and function of IL-10 producing NK cells in individuals with malaria experience. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.11.593687. [PMID: 38798324 PMCID: PMC11118352 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.11.593687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Plasmodium falciparum infection can trigger high levels of inflammation that lead to fever and sometimes severe disease. People living in malaria-endemic areas gradually develop resistance to symptomatic malaria and control both parasite numbers and the inflammatory response. We previously found that adaptive natural killer (NK) cells correlate with reduced parasite load and protection from symptoms. We also previously found that murine NK cell production of IL-10 can protect mice from experimental cerebral malaria. Human NK cells can also secrete IL-10, but it was unknown what NK cell subsets produce IL-10 and if this is affected by malaria experience. We hypothesize that NK cell immunoregulation may lower inflammation and reduce fever induction. Here, we show that NK cells from subjects with malaria experience make significantly more IL-10 than subjects with no malaria experience. We then determined the proportions of NK cells that are cytotoxic and produce interferon gamma and/or IL-10 and identified a signature of adaptive and checkpoint molecules on IL-10-producing NK cells. Lastly, we find that co-culture with primary monocytes, Plasmodium -infected RBCs, and antibody induces IL-10 production by NK cells. These data suggest that NK cells may contribute to protection from malaria symptoms via IL-10 production.
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Kaito Y, Imai Y. Evolution of natural killer cell-targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Int J Hematol 2024:10.1007/s12185-024-03778-0. [PMID: 38693419 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-024-03778-0] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
In hematologic oncology, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents a significant challenge due to its complex genetic landscape and resistance to conventional therapies. Despite advances in treatment, including intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the prognosis for many patients with AML remains poor. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to improve outcomes by augmenting existing treatments. Natural killer (NK) cells, a subset of innate lymphoid cells, have garnered attention for their potent cytotoxic capabilities against AML cells. In this review, we discuss the role of NK cells in AML immunosurveillance, their dysregulation in patients with AML, and various therapeutic strategies leveraging NK cells in AML treatment. We explore the challenges and prospects associated with NK cell therapy, including approaches to enhance NK cell function, overcome immune evasion mechanisms, and optimize treatment efficacy. Finally, we emphasize the importance of further research to validate and refine patient-first NK cell-based immunotherapies for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kaito
- Department of Hematology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
| | - Yoichi Imai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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Li C, Huang Y, Yi X, Tang Y, Okita R, He J. Pan-cancer prognostic model and immune microenvironment analysis of natural killer cell-related genes. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:1936-1953. [PMID: 38737690 PMCID: PMC11082681 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-24-434] [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: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells play a significant role in antitumor immunity and are closely related to tumor prognosis and recurrence. NK cell-based tumor immunotherapy, including immune checkpoint inhibition and CAR-engineered NK cells, is a promising area of research. However, there is a need for better NK cell-related models and associated biomarkers. Methods The sequences of NK cell-related genes were obtained from the published NK cell CRISPR/Cas9 library data, and the common genes were selected as NK cell-related genes. The RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and clinical data of 32 solid tumors from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were downloaded from the UCSC Xena database, and the RNA-seq data of normal samples were downloaded from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database. The differentially expressed NK cell-related genes (DENKGs) between the tumor and normal samples were analyzed. The DENKGs related to the prognosis of solid tumors were selected via univariate Cox analysis, and 32 kinds of solid tumor prognostic models were constructed using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and multivariate Cox analysis. Survival, receiver operating characteristic (ROC), and independent prognostic analyses were employed to test the effectiveness of the model, along with a nomogram model and prediction curve. Differences in the immune pathways and microenvironment cells were analyzed between the high- and low-risk groups identified by the model. Results We constructed a pan-cancer prognostic model with 63 NK cell-related genes and further identified DEPDC1 and ASPM as potentially offering new directions in tumor research by literature screening. Conclusions In this study, 63 prognostic solid tumor markers were investigated using NK cell-related genes, and for the first time, a pan-cancer prognostic model was constructed to analyze their role in the immune microenvironment, which may contribute new insights into tumor research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caihong Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China
| | - Yuxin Huang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Xiaojuan Yi
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Youpan Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongjiang People’s Hospital, Deyang, China
| | - Riki Okita
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Hospital Organization Yamaguchi Ube Medical Center, Ube, Japan
| | - Jun He
- Department of Oncology, The Third Hospital of Mian Yang (Sichuan Mental Health Center), Mianyang, China
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Silva V, Matos C. Recent updates in the therapeutic uses of Pembrolizumab: a brief narrative review. Clin Transl Oncol 2024:10.1007/s12094-024-03491-8. [PMID: 38658461 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-024-03491-8] [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: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Treatment of cancer has been improved with the discovery of biological drugs that act as immune checkpoint inhibitors. In 2017, FDA designated pembrolizumab, an immune checkpoint inhibitor employed in immunotherapy, as the first tissue-agnostic cancer treatment. OBJECTIVES To review pembrolizumab's use in oncology, gather and examine the latest discoveries regarding the effectiveness of pembrolizumab in cancer treatment. METHODOLOGY A literature review was conducted through PubMed(Medline) from January 2015 to December 2023 using "pembrolizumab", "cancer" and "treatment" as search terms. RESULTS Pembrolizumab demonstrated effectiveness as primary treatment for metastatic nonsmall cell lung cancer, unresectable esophageal cancer, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and alternative treatment for notable triple-negative breast cancer, biliary, colorectal, endometrial, renal cell, cervical carcinoma, and high microsatellite instability or mismatch repair deficiencies tumors. Pediatric applications include treatment for refractory Hodgkin lymphoma. CONCLUSION Evolving research on pembrolizumab allows a deeper clinical understanding, despite challenges as variable patient responses. Pembrolizumab has emerged as a pivotal breakthrough in cancer treatment, improving patient outcomes and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vítor Silva
- Centro Hospitalar e Universitário de Coimbra, EPE, 3004-561, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristiano Matos
- QLV Research Consulting, 3030-199, Coimbra, Portugal.
- Polytechnic Institute of Coimbra, ESTESC-Coimbra Health School Pharmacy, 3046-854, Coimbra, Portugal.
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10
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Martin KE, Hammer Q, Perica K, Sadelain M, Malmberg KJ. Engineering immune-evasive allogeneic cellular immunotherapies. Nat Rev Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41577-024-01022-8. [PMID: 38658708 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-024-01022-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Allogeneic cellular immunotherapies hold a great promise for cancer treatment owing to their potential cost-effectiveness, scalability and on-demand availability. However, immune rejection of adoptively transferred allogeneic T and natural killer (NK) cells is a substantial obstacle to achieving clinical responses that are comparable to responses obtained with current autologous chimeric antigen receptor T cell therapies. In this Perspective, we discuss strategies to confer cell-intrinsic, immune-evasive properties to allogeneic T cells and NK cells in order to prevent or delay their immune rejection, thereby widening the therapeutic window. We discuss how common viral and cancer immune escape mechanisms can serve as a blueprint for improving the persistence of off-the-shelf allogeneic cell therapies. The prospects of harnessing genome editing and synthetic biology to design cell-based precision immunotherapies extend beyond programming target specificities and require careful consideration of innate and adaptive responses in the recipient that may curtail the biodistribution, in vivo expansion and persistence of cellular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen E Martin
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Quirin Hammer
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karlo Perica
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Cell Therapy Service, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michel Sadelain
- Center for Cell Engineering, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Karl-Johan Malmberg
- Precision Immunotherapy Alliance, The University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research Oslo, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
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11
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Lee M, Kwon S. Enhanced cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells from increased calcium influx induced by electrical stimulation. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302406. [PMID: 38635551 PMCID: PMC11025832 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302406] [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: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in immunosurveillance independent of antigen presentation, which is regulated by signal balance via activating and inhibitory receptors. The anti-tumor activity of NK cells is largely dependent on signaling from target recognition to cytolytic degranulation; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear, and NK cell cytotoxicity is readily impaired by tumor cells. Understanding the activation mechanism is necessary to overcome the immune evasion mechanism, which remains an obstacle in immunotherapy. Because calcium ions are important activators of NK cells, we hypothesized that electrical stimulation could induce changes in intracellular Ca2+ levels, thereby improving the functional potential of NK cells. In this study, we designed an electrical stimulation system and observed a correlation between elevated Ca2+ flux induced by electrical stimulation and NK cell activation. Breast cancer MCF-7 cells co-cultured with electrically stimulated KHYG-1 cells showed a 1.27-fold (0.5 V/cm) and 1.55-fold (1.0 V/cm) higher cytotoxicity, respectively. Electrically stimulated KHYG-1 cells exhibited a minor increase in Ca2+ level (1.31-fold (0.5 V/cm) and 1.11-fold (1.0 V/cm) higher), which also led to increased gene expression of granzyme B (GZMB) by 1.36-fold (0.5 V/cm) and 1.58-fold (1.0 V/cm) by activating Ca2+-dependent nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFAT1). In addition, chelating Ca2+ influx with 5 μM BAPTA-AM suppressed the gene expression of Ca2+ signaling and lytic granule (granzyme B) proteins by neutralizing the effects of electrical stimulation. This study suggests a promising immunotherapeutic approach without genetic modifications and elucidates the correlation between cytolytic effector function and intracellular Ca2+ levels in electrically stimulated NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minseon Lee
- Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
| | - Soonjo Kwon
- Department of Biological Engineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Inha University, Incheon, Korea
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12
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Hawly J, Murcar MG, Schcolnik-Cabrera A, Issa ME. Glioblastoma stem cell metabolism and immunity. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10183-w. [PMID: 38530545 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10183-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024]
Abstract
Despite enormous efforts being invested in the development of novel therapies for brain malignancies, there remains a dire need for effective treatments, particularly for pediatric glioblastomas. Their poor prognosis has been attributed to the fact that conventional therapies target tumoral cells, but not glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs). GSCs are characterized by self-renewal, tumorigenicity, poor differentiation, and resistance to therapy. These characteristics represent the fundamental tools needed to recapitulate the tumor and result in a relapse. The mechanisms by which GSCs alter metabolic cues and escape elimination by immune cells are discussed in this article, along with potential strategies to harness effector immune cells against GSCs. As cellular immunotherapy is making significant advances in a variety of cancers, leveraging this underexplored reservoir may result in significant improvements in the treatment options for brain malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Hawly
- Faculty of Medicine and Medical Sciences, University of Balamand, Dekouaneh, Lebanon
| | - Micaela G Murcar
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA
| | | | - Mark E Issa
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, MA, USA.
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13
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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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14
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Bode K, Wei S, Gruber I, Kissler S, Yi P. Beta Cells Deficient for Renalase Counteract Autoimmunity by Shaping Natural Killer Cell Activity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.29.582816. [PMID: 38496417 PMCID: PMC10942322 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.29.582816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) arises from autoimmune-mediated destruction of insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells. Recent advancements in the technology of generating pancreatic beta cells from human pluripotent stem cells (SC-beta cells) have facilitated the exploration of cell replacement therapies for treating T1D. However, the persistent threat of autoimmunity poses a significant challenge to the survival of transplanted SC-beta cells. Genetic engineering is a promising approach to enhance immune resistance of beta cells as we previously showed by inactivating of the Renalase (Rnls) gene. Here we demonstrate that Rnls loss-of-function in beta cells shape autoimmunity by mediating a regulatory Natural Killer (NK) cell phenotype important for the induction of tolerogenic antigen presenting cells. Rnls-deficient beta cells mediate cell-cell-contact-independent induction of hallmark anti-inflammatory cytokine Tgfβ1 in NK cells. In addition, surface expression of key regulatory NK immune checkpoints CD47 and Ceacam1 are markedly elevated on beta cells deficient for Rnls. Enhanced glucose metabolism in Rnls mutant beta cells is responsible for upregulation of CD47 surface expression. These findings are crucial to a better understand how genetically engineered beta cells shape autoimmunity giving valuable insights for future therapeutic advancements to treat and cure T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Bode
- Section for Immunobiology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Section for Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Siying Wei
- Section for Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
| | - Isabella Gruber
- Section for Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
| | - Stephan Kissler
- Section for Immunobiology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
- Diabetes Program, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge MA 02138
| | - Peng Yi
- Section for Islet Cell and Regenerative Biology, Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston, MA 02215
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston MA 02115
- Diabetes Program, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Cambridge MA 02138
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15
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Nagai H, Karube R. Late-Stage Ovarian Cancer With Systemic Multiple Metastases Shows Marked Shrinkage Using a Combination of Wilms' Tumor Antigen 1 (WT1) Dendritic Cell Vaccine, Natural Killer (NK) Cell Therapy, and Nivolumab. Cureus 2024; 16:e56685. [PMID: 38523872 PMCID: PMC10960621 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.56685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
A patient with bilateral ovarian cancer, peritoneal dissemination, and multiple liver and lung metastases was found with a sudden accumulation of ascites six months after delivery. Chemotherapy was started, but the prognosis was judged to be poor, so immuno-cell therapy was combined with chemotherapy. After multiple cycles of Wilms' tumor antigen 1 (WT1) dendritic cell vaccine therapy and highly activated natural killer (NK) cell therapy, the patient showed a disappearance of ascites and a remarkable reduction of multiple cancers in the whole body. Furthermore, there were no side effects other than reactive fever caused by the administration of immune cells, and no damage to the patient's body was observed. This case suggests that not only the combined effects of chemotherapy and immunotherapy but also the combined use of various types of immuno-cell therapy may provide beneficial clinical effects in patients with extremely poor prognoses and few options for standard treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hisashi Nagai
- Human and Environmental Studies, Tokai University, Hiratsuka, JPN
- Oncology, Ginza Phoenix Clinic, Tokyo, JPN
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16
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Li T, Niu M, Zhang W, Qin S, Zhou J, Yi M. CAR-NK cells for cancer immunotherapy: recent advances and future directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1361194. [PMID: 38404574 PMCID: PMC10884099 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1361194] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells, intrinsic to the innate immune system, are pivotal in combating cancer due to their independent cytotoxic capabilities in antitumor immune response. Unlike predominant treatments that target T cell immunity, the limited success of T cell immunotherapy emphasizes the urgency for innovative approaches, with a spotlight on harnessing the potential of NK cells. Despite tumors adapting mechanisms to evade NK cell-induced cytotoxicity, there is optimism surrounding Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) NK cells. This comprehensive review delves into the foundational features and recent breakthroughs in comprehending the dynamics of NK cells within the tumor microenvironment. It critically evaluates the potential applications and challenges associated with emerging CAR-NK cell therapeutic strategies, positioning them as promising tools in the evolving landscape of precision medicine. As research progresses, the unique attributes of CAR-NK cells offer a new avenue for therapeutic interventions, paving the way for a more effective and precise approach to cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Weijiang Zhang
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Qin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hubei Cancer Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianwei Zhou
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Zhejiang Provincial Clinical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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17
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Schoenfeld K, Harwardt J, Kolmar H. Better safe than sorry: dual targeting antibodies for cancer immunotherapy. Biol Chem 2024; 0:hsz-2023-0329. [PMID: 38297991 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0329] [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: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Antibody-based therapies are revolutionizing cancer treatment and experience a steady increase from preclinical and clinical pipelines to market share. While the clinical success of monoclonal antibodies is frequently limited by low response rates, treatment resistance and various other factors, multispecific antibodies open up new prospects by addressing tumor complexity as well as immune response actuation potently improving safety and efficacy. Novel antibody approaches involve simultaneous binding of two antigens on one cell implying increased specificity and reduced tumor escape for dual tumor-associated antigen targeting and enhanced and durable cytotoxic effects for dual immune cell-related antigen targeting. This article reviews antibody and cell-based therapeutics for oncology with intrinsic dual targeting of either tumor cells or immune cells. As revealed in various preclinical studies and clinical trials, dual targeting molecules are promising candidates constituting the next generation of antibody drugs for fighting cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Schoenfeld
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Julia Harwardt
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Harald Kolmar
- Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Technical University of Darmstadt, Peter-Grünberg-Strasse 4, D-64287 Darmstadt, Germany
- Centre for Synthetic Biology, Technical University of Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
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18
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Vivier E, Rebuffet L, Narni-Mancinelli E, Cornen S, Igarashi RY, Fantin VR. Natural killer cell therapies. Nature 2024; 626:727-736. [PMID: 38383621 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06945-1] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system. A key feature of NK cells is their ability to recognize a wide range of cells in distress, particularly tumour cells and cells infected with viruses. They combine both direct effector functions against their cellular targets and participate in the generation, shaping and maintenance of a multicellular immune response. As our understanding has deepened, several therapeutic strategies focused on NK cells have been conceived and are currently in various stages of development, from preclinical investigations to clinical trials. Here we explore in detail the complexity of NK cell biology in humans and highlight the role of these cells in cancer immunity. We also analyse the harnessing of NK cell immunity through immune checkpoint inhibitors, NK cell engagers, and infusions of preactivated or genetically modified, autologous or allogeneic NK cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France.
- Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Lucas Rebuffet
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphanie Cornen
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
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19
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Parvini N, Akbari ME, Hamidieh AA, Fathi F, Amini AA, Ebrahimi M, Vahabzadeh Z. CTLA-4 Blockade of Natural Killer Cells Increases Cytotoxicity against Acute Lymphoid Leukaemia Cells Neda. CELL JOURNAL 2024; 26:150-157. [PMID: 38459732 PMCID: PMC10924838 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2024.2015187.1444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is interest in using cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) immunotherapy to treat blood cancers. Unfortunately, patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) frequently exhibit resistance to treatment and natural killer (NK) cell exhaustion. This study aims to increase the cytotoxic potency of natural killer cells by using CTLA-4 to block the Nalm-6 leukaemia cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, NK cells were purified from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 10 healthy people and assessed by flow cytometry for purity and viability. The purified cells were activated overnight at 37°C and 5% CO2 with interleukin-15 (IL-15, 10 ng/ml) followed by evaluation of expressions of CTLA-4, activating and inhibitory receptors, and the release of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and granzyme B (GZM B). CTLA-4 expression on NK cells from recurrent ALL patients was also evaluated. Finally, the cytotoxic activity of NK cells was assessed after the CTLA-4 blockade. RESULTS The purity of the isolated cells was 96.58 ± 2.57%. Isolated NK cells activated with IL-15 resulted in significantly higher CTLA-4 expression (8.75%, P<0.05). Similarly, CTLA-4 expression on the surface of NK cells from patients with ALL was higher (7.46%) compared to healthy individuals (1.46%, P<0.05). IL-15 reduced NKG2A expression (P<0.01), and increased expressions of NKP30 (P<0.05) and NKP46 (P<0.01). The activated NK cells released more IFN-γ (P<0.5) and GZM B (P<0.01) compared to unactivated NK cells. Blockade of CTLA-4 enhanced the NK cell killing potential against Nalm-6 cells (56.3%, P<0.05); however, IFN-γ and GZM B levels were not statistically different between the blocked and non-blocked groups. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that CTLA-4 blockage of Nalm-6 cells causes an increase in antitumour activity of NK cells against these cells. Our study also provides evidence for the potential of cancer immunotherapy treatment using blocking anti-CTLA-4 mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Parvini
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cells, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amir Ali Hamidieh
- Paediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Centre, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Fathi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Amini
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cells, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zakaria Vahabzadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran .
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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20
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Li S, Zhang N, Yang Y, Liu T. Transcriptionally activates CCL28 expression to inhibit M2 polarization of macrophages and prevent immune escape in colorectal cancer cells. Transl Oncol 2024; 40:101842. [PMID: 38035446 PMCID: PMC10698578 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101842] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of SPDEF in immune evasion of colorectal cancer (CRC) and examine its impact on macrophage M2 polarization using the TCGA and GEO databases. METHODS By combining TCGA and GEO databases, differential gene expression between CRC samples and standard tissue samples was analyzed to screen for immune-related genes (IRGs) associated with the prognosis of CRC patients. A predictive risk model was constructed based on 18 key IRGs, which were then validated using the GEO dataset. The relationship between transcription factors and IRGs was further explored to investigate their regulatory network in CRC. In vivo and in vitro experiments were carried out to validate these regulatory relationships and explore the function of SPDEF and CCL28 in CRC. RESULTS Twelve key IRGs associated with clinical and pathological characteristics of CRC patients were identified. Among them, CCL28 significantly impacted macrophage infiltration in CRC cells and may be a critical factor in immune evasion. In both in vitro and in vivo experiments, overexpression of SPDEF upregulated CCL28 expression, thereby suppressing M2 polarization of macrophages and inhibiting CRC cell proliferation and tumor growth. Notably, interference with CCL28 could reverse the effect of SPDEF overexpression. CONCLUSION SPDEF can suppress immune evasion of CRC cells by activating CCL28, which is achieved through the modulation of M2 polarization of macrophages. This provides a new research direction and potential therapeutic target for immunotherapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiquan Li
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- Department of Burn Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Yongping Yang
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China
| | - Tongjun Liu
- Department of Colorectal and Anal Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130000, China.
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21
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Wang K, Wang L, Wang Y, Xiao L, Wei J, Hu Y, Wang D, Huang H. Reprogramming natural killer cells for cancer therapy. Mol Ther 2024:S1525-0016(24)00027-3. [PMID: 38273655 DOI: 10.1016/j.ymthe.2024.01.027] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The last decade has seen rapid development in the field of cellular immunotherapy, particularly in regard to chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells. However, challenges, such as severe treatment-related toxicities and inconsistent quality of autologous products, have hindered the broader use of CAR-T cell therapy, highlighting the need to explore alternative immune cells for cancer targeting. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cells have been extensively studied in cellular immunotherapy and were found to exert cytotoxic effects without being restricted by human leukocyte antigen and have a lower risk of causing graft-versus-host disease; making them favorable for the development of readily available "off-the-shelf" products. Clinical trials utilizing unedited NK cells or reprogrammed NK cells have shown early signs of their effectiveness against tumors. However, limitations, including limited in vivo persistence and expansion potential, remained. To enhance the antitumor function of NK cells, advanced gene-editing technologies and combination approaches have been explored. In this review, we summarize current clinical trials of antitumor NK cell therapy, provide an overview of innovative strategies for reprogramming NK cells, which include improvements in persistence, cytotoxicity, trafficking and the ability to counteract the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, and also discuss some potential combination therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kexin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Linqin Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yiyun Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Lu Xiao
- Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
| | - Jieping Wei
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yongxian Hu
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - Dongrui Wang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
| | - He Huang
- Bone Marrow Transplantation Center, the First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Liangzhu Laboratory, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Hematology, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Zhejiang Province Engineering Research Center for Stem Cell and Immunity Therapy, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China.
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22
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Huang M, Liu Y, Yan Q, Peng M, Ge J, Mo Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Zeng Z, Li Y, Fan C, Xiong W. NK cells as powerful therapeutic tool in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024:10.1007/s13402-023-00909-3. [PMID: 38170381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00909-3] [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] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have gained considerable attention and hold great potential for their application in tumor immunotherapy. This is mainly due to their MHC-unrestricted and pan-specific recognition capabilities, as well as their ability to rapidly respond to and eliminate target cells. To artificially generate therapeutic NK cells, various materials can be utilized, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and NK cell lines. Exploiting the therapeutic potential of NK cells to treat tumors through in vivo and in vitro therapeutic modalities has yielded positive therapeutic results. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive description of NK cell therapeutic approaches for tumors and discusses the current problems associated with these therapeutic approaches and the prospects of NK cell therapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Alkek Building, RM N720, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunmei Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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23
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Li L, Li A, Jin H, Li M, Jia Q. Inhibitory receptors and checkpoints on NK cells: Implications for cancer immunotherapy. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155003. [PMID: 38042093 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
With the success of immunosuppressive checkpoint in tumor therapy, the corresponding adverse response and drug resistance defects have been exposed. T cells and NK cells are the body's immune system of the two substantial main forces. in recent years, study of T cell checkpoints appeared a certain block, such as PD-1 the effect not benign, on the distribution of NK cell surface excitatory and inhibitory receptors under normal conditions to maintain steady, could be targeted in the tumor treatment blockade have therapeutic effect. This paper reviews the function of NK cells and the effects of corresponding receptors in various types of tumors, providing a direction for the selection of appropriate gate control sites for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Cardiology, 2nd Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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24
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Gómez-Valenzuela F, Wichmann I, Suárez F, Kato S, Ossandón E, Hermoso M, Fernández EA, Cuello MA. Cyclooxygenase-2 Blockade Is Crucial to Restore Natural Killer Cell Activity before Anti-CTLA-4 Therapy against High-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:80. [PMID: 38201508 PMCID: PMC10778357 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010080] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation influences the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). Specifically, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression promotes cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein-4 (CTLA-4) expression. Notably, elevated COX-2 levels in the TIME have been associated with reduced response to anti-CTLA-4 immunotherapy. However, the precise impact of COX-2, encoded by PTGS2, on the immune profile remains unknown. To address this, we performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis using data from the HGSOC cohorts (TCGA-OV, n = 368; Australian cohort AOCS, n = 80; GSE26193, n = 62; and GSE30161, n = 45). Employing Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA), MIXTURE and Ecotyper cell deconvolution algorithms, we concluded that COX-2 was linked to immune cell ecosystems associated with shorter survival, cell dysfunction and lower NK cell effector cytotoxicity capacity. Next, we validated these results by characterizing circulating NK cells from HGSOC patients through flow cytometry and cytotoxic assays while undergoing COX-2 and CTLA-4 blockade. The blockade of COX-2 improved the cytotoxic capacity of NK cells against HGSOC cell lines. Our findings underscore the relevance of COX-2 in shaping the TIME and suggest its potential as a prognostic indicator and therapeutic target. Increased COX-2 expression may hamper the effectivity of immunotherapies that require NK cell effector function. These results provide a foundation for experimental validation and clinical trials investigating combined therapies targeting COX-2 and CTLA-4 in HGSOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernán Gómez-Valenzuela
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Ignacio Wichmann
- Department of Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 833150, Chile;
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 833150, Chile
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Felipe Suárez
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Sumie Kato
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Enrique Ossandón
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
| | - Marcela Hermoso
- Innate Immunity Laboratory, Immunology Program, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8900085, Chile;
| | - Elmer A. Fernández
- Fundación para el Progreso de la Medicina (CONICET), Córdoba X5000, Argentina;
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas, Físicas y Naturales, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba X5000, Argentina
| | - Mauricio A. Cuello
- Department of Gynecology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8330024, Chile; (F.S.); (S.K.); (E.O.)
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 833150, Chile
- Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CECAN), Santiago 8330023, Chile
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25
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Fetzko SL, Timothy LD, Parihar R. NK Cell Therapeutics for Hematologic Malignancies: from Potential to Fruition. Curr Hematol Malig Rep 2023; 18:264-272. [PMID: 37751103 DOI: 10.1007/s11899-023-00711-w] [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] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The current review focuses on the preclinical development and clinical advances of natural killer (NK) cell therapeutics for hematologic malignancies and offers perspective on the unmet challenges that will direct future discovery in the field. RECENT FINDINGS Approaches to improve or re-direct NK cell anti-tumor functions against hematologic malignancies have included transgenic expression of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), administration of NK cell engagers including BiKEs and TriKEs that enhance antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) by co-engaging NK cell CD16 and antigens on tumors, incorporation of a non-cleavable CD16 that results in enhanced ADCC, use of induced memory-like NK cells alone or in combination with CARs, and blockade of NK immune checkpoints to enhance NK cytotoxicity. Recently reported and ongoing clinical trials support the feasibility and safety of these approaches. NK cell-based therapeutic strategies hold great promise as cost-effective, off-the-shelf cell therapies for patients with relapsed and refractory hematologic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L Fetzko
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Leander D Timothy
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Robin Parihar
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Texas Children's Hospital, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
- Center for Cell and Gene Therapy, Texas Children's Hospital, Houston Methodist Hospital, and Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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26
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Cikman DI, Esen F, Engin A, Turna A, Agkoc M, Yilmaz A, Saglam OF, Deniz G, Aktas EC. Mediastinal lymph node removal modulates natural killer cell exhaustion in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Immunol Res 2023; 71:959-971. [PMID: 37583002 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-023-09410-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023]
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related death globally. In this study, the effect of complete removal of mediastinal lymph nodes by video-assisted mediastinoscopic lymphadenectomy (VAMLA) on natural killer (NK) cell phenotype and functions in patients with NSCLC was evaluated. The study included 21 NSCLC patients (cIA-IVA) undergoing VAMLA staging and 33 healthy controls. Mononuclear cells were isolated from peripheral blood of all participants and mediastinal lymph nodes of the patients. NK cells were analyzed by flow cytometry to define NK subsets, expressions of PD-1, CTLA-4, activating/inhibitory receptors, granzyme A, and CD107a. The plasma levels of soluble PD-1, PDL-1, and CTLA-4 were measured by ELISA. Mediastinal lymph nodes of NSCLC patients had increased ratios of exhausted NK cells, increased expression of PD-1 and IL-10, and impaired cytotoxicity. Mediastinal lymph nodes removal increased CD56dimCD16bright cytotoxic effector phenotype and reduced exhausted NK cells. PD-1+ NK cells were significantly more abundant in patients' blood, and VAMLA significantly reduced their ratio as well. The ratio of IL-10 secreting regulatory NK cells was also reduced after VAMLA. Blood NK cells had increased cytotoxic functions and spontaneous IFN-γ secretion, and these NK cell functions were also recovered by VAMLA. Mediastinal lymph node removal reversed NK cell exhaustion, reduced regulatory NK cells, and improved antitumoral functions of NK cells. Tumor-draining lymph nodes may contribute to tumor evasion from antitumoral immune responses. The role of their removal needs to be further studied both to better understand this mechanism and as a potential immunotherapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Ilke Cikman
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fehim Esen
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Graduate Studies in Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul Medeniyet University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ayse Engin
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Akif Turna
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Melek Agkoc
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Yilmaz
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Omer Faruk Saglam
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Cerrahpasa Medical Faculty, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gunnur Deniz
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esin Cetin Aktas
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
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27
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Qin R, Qin J, Li X, Xu Z, He P, Yuan X, Sun C, Nashan B. Influence of immunosuppressive drugs on natural killer cells in therapeutic drug exposure in liver transplantation. Hepatobiliary Surg Nutr 2023; 12:835-853. [PMID: 38115918 PMCID: PMC10727815 DOI: 10.21037/hbsn-22-438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Background Natural killer (NK) cells are enriched in the liver and are the main regulators in liver transplantation regarding rejection or tolerance, viral infection, or tumor recurrence. Immunosuppression consists of a triple drug standard regimen comprising tacrolimus (TAC) and corticosteroids (CS) with either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or sirolimus (SIR)/everolimus (EVE). The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of trough levels of these regimens under clinical conditions and exposure on human NK-cell activity and function in order to better understand the antiviral and anti-tumor effects of mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor (mTORI). Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were collected from liver transplant recipients and healthy controls. Number and phenotypes of NK cells in vivo were analyzed by flow cytometry. In this study we simulated the immunosuppressive microenvironment in vitro. PBMCs were cultured at the clinically effective plasma concentration of drugs for 3 d to detect the effect of immunosuppressants on NK cells. Drug type and concentration: single drug [EVE, 5 ng/mL; SIR, 5 ng/mL; TAC, 5 ng/mL; cyclosporine A (CSA), 125 ng/mL; MMF, 15 µg/mL; CS, 0.5 µg/mL] and combined immunosuppressants (Group 1: TAC, 5 ng/mL + MMF, 15 µg/mL + CS, 0.5 µg/mL; Group 2: TAC, 5 ng/mL + SIR, 5 ng/mL + CS, 0.5 µg/mL; Group 3: TAC, 5 ng/mL + EVE, 5 ng/mL + CS, 0.5 µg/mL). In addition, NK cells were sorted from PBMCs and treated under the above conditions to detect NK cell killing function and RNA transcription characteristics. Results CS significantly impaired the cytolytic activity of NK cells, followed by MMF and SIR/EVE. CS and TAC/CSA significantly decreased the secretion of IFN-γ and CD107a. NK cell function in liver transplant recipients was most pronouncedly inhibited by a triple immunosuppressive regimen, with CS playing the most prominent role compared with the other drugs. The MMF-containing regimen demonstrated a significant increase in the expression of suppressive genes, especially of the Siglec7/9 family. The SIR group had stronger NK cell activity compared with that of the MMF group, although liver transplantation patients have lower NK cell activity and function. Conclusions Despite an overall comparable immunosuppressive efficiency in terms of prevention of acute rejection, a mTORIs-including regimen might be considered as having less impact on NK cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongrong Qin
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Organ Transplantation & Immunology Laboratory, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jiwei Qin
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xuefeng Li
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Zhijun Xu
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Peiqi He
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Organ Transplantation & Immunology Laboratory, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Xiaodong Yuan
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Organ Transplantation & Immunology Laboratory, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Björn Nashan
- Department of Organ Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- Organ Transplantation & Immunology Laboratory, Division of Life Science and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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28
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Qiu C, Lin Q, Ji S, Han C, Yang Q. Expression of IDO1 in Tumor Microenvironment Significantly Predicts the Risk of Recurrence/Distant Metastasis for Patients With Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. J Transl Med 2023; 103:100263. [PMID: 37839637 DOI: 10.1016/j.labinv.2023.100263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
In this study, we aimed to explore immune markers predicting locoregional recurrence/distant metastasis (R/M) for patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) post-surgical intervention by using a novel high-throughput spatial tool to quantify multiple immune proteins expressed in ESCC and lymphocytes in tumor microenvironment (TME-L). First, formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues from surgical patients with ESCC (n = 94) were constructed on a microarray, which was then divided into discovery (n = 36) and validation cohorts (n = 58). Using a newly developed GeoMx digital spatial profiling tool, 31 immune proteins in paired ESCC and TME-L, morphologically segmented by PANCK and CD45, respectively, from the discovery cohort were quantified, releasing 2,232 variables. Next, the correlation matrix was analyzed using the Corrplot package in R Studio, resulting in 6 closely correlated clusters. The Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression scoring model predictive of R/M risk with superior specificity was successfully established based on the 3 following hierarchically clustered immune proteins: ARG1 in ESCC/PANCK+, STING, and IDO1 in TME-L/CD45+. Moreover, the expression of IDO1 in TME-L, rather than in ESCC, significantly predicted the R/M risk score with an area under curve of 0.9598. In addition, its correlation with R/M status was further validated by dual immunohistochemistry staining of IDO1 and CD45 in discovery and validation cohorts. Above all, our findings not only provide a more accurate scoring approach based on quantitative immune proteins for the prediction of R/M risk, but also propose that IDO1 in TME-L potentially plays a driving role in mediating R/M in ESCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cen Qiu
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyuan Lin
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Saiyan Ji
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenjie Han
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingyuan Yang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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29
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Heldager Pedersen N, Bjerregaard Jeppesen H, Persson G, Bojesen S, Hviid TVF. An increase in regulatory T cells in peripheral blood correlates with an adverse prognosis for malignant melanoma patients - A study of T cells and natural killer cells. CURRENT RESEARCH IN IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 5:100074. [PMID: 38059204 PMCID: PMC10696160 DOI: 10.1016/j.crimmu.2023.100074] [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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly immunogenic tumour, and the immune profile significantly influences cancer development and response to immunotherapy. The peripheral immune profile may identify high risk patients. The current study showed reduced levels of CD4+ T cells and increased levels of CD8+ T cells in peripheral blood from malignant melanoma patients compared with controls. Percentages of peripheral CD56dimCD16+ NK cells were reduced and CD56brightCD16-KIR3+ NK cells were increased in malignant melanoma patients. Late stage malignant melanoma was correlated with low levels of CD4+ T cells and high levels of CD56brightCD16-KIR3+ NK cells. Finally, high levels of Tregs in peripheral blood were correlated with poor overall survival and disease-free survival. The results indicate that changes in specific immune cell subsets in peripheral blood samples from patients at the time of diagnosis may be potential biomarkers for prognosis and survival. Further studies will enable clarification of independent roles in tumour pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nanna Heldager Pedersen
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Helene Bjerregaard Jeppesen
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Gry Persson
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Sophie Bojesen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Department of Plastic and Breast Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Thomas Vauvert F. Hviid
- Centre for Immune Regulation and Reproductive Immunology (CIRRI), Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Zealand University Hospital, Sygehusvej 10, 4000, Roskilde, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen N, Denmark
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30
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [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: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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31
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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Mei Q, Zhao B, Chu Q, Dai Z, Wu K. Exploiting innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:187. [PMID: 38008741 PMCID: PMC10680233 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01885-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment paradigms of various types of cancers. However, most of these immunomodulatory strategies focus on harnessing adaptive immunity, mainly by inhibiting immunosuppressive signaling with immune checkpoint blockade, or enhancing immunostimulatory signaling with bispecific T cell engager and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell. Although these agents have already achieved great success, only a tiny percentage of patients could benefit from immunotherapies. Actually, immunotherapy efficacy is determined by multiple components in the tumor microenvironment beyond adaptive immunity. Cells from the innate arm of the immune system, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and unconventional T cells, also participate in cancer immune evasion and surveillance. Considering that the innate arm is the cornerstone of the antitumor immune response, utilizing innate immunity provides potential therapeutic options for cancer control. Up to now, strategies exploiting innate immunity, such as agonists of stimulator of interferon genes, CAR-macrophage or -natural killer cell therapies, metabolic regulators, and novel immune checkpoint blockade, have exhibited potent antitumor activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we summarize the latest insights into the potential roles of innate cells in antitumor immunity and discuss the advances in innate arm-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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Borgeaud M, Sandoval J, Obeid M, Banna G, Michielin O, Addeo A, Friedlaender A. Novel targets for immune-checkpoint inhibition in cancer. Cancer Treat Rev 2023; 120:102614. [PMID: 37603905 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2023.102614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionized cancer therapy, yet many patients either do not derive any benefit from treatment or develop a resistance to checkpoint inhibitors. Intrinsic resistance can result from neoantigen depletion, defective antigen presentation, PD-L1 downregulation, immune-checkpoint ligand upregulation, immunosuppression, and tumor cell phenotypic changes. On the other hand, extrinsic resistance involves acquired upregulation of inhibitory immune-checkpoints, leading to T-cell exhaustion. Current data suggest that PD-1, CTLA-4, and LAG-3 upregulation limits the efficacy of single-agent immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Ongoing clinical trials are investigating novel immune-checkpoint targets to avoid or overcome resistance. This review provides an in-depth analysis of the evolving landscape of potentially targetable immune-checkpoints in cancer. We highlight their biology, emphasizing the current understanding of resistance mechanisms and focusing on promising strategies that are under investigation. We also summarize current results and ongoing clinical trials in this crucial field that could once again revolutionize outcomes for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Michel Obeid
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois, Switzerland
| | - Giuseppe Banna
- Portsmouth Hospitals University NHS Trust, Portsmouth, UK
| | | | | | - Alex Friedlaender
- Geneva University Hospitals, Switzerland; Clinique Générale Beaulieu, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Wu J, Chan YT, Lu Y, Wang N, Feng Y. The tumor microenvironment in the postsurgical liver: Mechanisms and potential targets of postoperative recurrence in human hepatocellular carcinoma. Med Res Rev 2023; 43:1946-1973. [PMID: 37102365 DOI: 10.1002/med.21967] [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: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
Surgery remains to be the mainstay of treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, its therapeutic efficacy is significantly impaired by postoperative recurrence, which occurs in more than half of cases as a result of intrahepatic metastasis or de novo tumorigenesis. For decades, most therapeutic strategies on inhibiting postoperative HCC recurrence have been focused on the residual tumor cells but satisfying therapeutic outcomes are barely observed in the clinic. In recent years, a better understanding of tumor biology allows us to shift our focus from tumor cells toward the postoperative tumor microenvironment (TME), which is gradually identified to play a pivotal role in tumor recurrence. In this review, we describe various surgical stress and surgical perturbation on postoperative TME. Besides, we discuss how such alternations in TME give rise to postoperative recurrence of HCC. Based on its clinical significance, we additionally highlight the potential of the postoperative TME as a target for postoperative adjuvant therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyu Wu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yuanjun Lu
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Li Y, Ju M, Miao Y, Zhao L, Xing L, Wei M. Advancement of anti-LAG-3 in cancer therapy. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23236. [PMID: 37846808 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301018r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have effectively transformed the treatment of many cancers, particularly those highly devastating malignancies. With their widespread popularity, the drawbacks of immune checkpoint inhibitors are also recognized, such as drug resistance and immune-related systematic side effects. Thus, it never stops investigating novel immune checkpoint inhibitors. Lymphocyte Activation Gene-3 (LAG-3) is a well-established co-inhibitory receptor that performs negative regulation on immune responses. Recently, a novel FDA-approved LAG-3 blocking agent, together with nivolumab as a new combinational immunotherapy for metastatic melanoma, brought LAG-3 back into focus. Clinical data suggests that anti-LAG-3 agents can amplify the therapeutic response of other immune checkpoint inhibitors with manageable side effects. In this review, we elucidate the intercellular and intracellular mechanisms of LAG-3, clarify the current understanding of LAG-3 in the tumor microenvironment, identify present LAG-3-associated therapeutic agents, discuss current LAG-3-involving clinical trials, and eventually address future prospects for LAG-3 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Mingyi Ju
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Yuxi Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Lin Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Xing
- Precision Laboratory, Panjin Central Hospital, Panjin, P.R. China
| | - Minjie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, P.R. China
- Shenyang Kangwei Medical Laboratory Analysis Co. Ltd, Shenyang, P.R. China
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Lutz S, Klausz K, Albici AM, Ebinger L, Sellmer L, Teipel H, Frenzel A, Langner A, Winterberg D, Krohn S, Hust M, Schirrmann T, Dübel S, Scherließ R, Humpe A, Gramatzki M, Kellner C, Peipp M. Novel NKG2D-directed bispecific antibodies enhance antibody-mediated killing of malignant B cells by NK cells and T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1227572. [PMID: 37965326 PMCID: PMC10641740 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1227572] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The activating receptor natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) represents an attractive target for immunotherapy as it exerts a crucial role in cancer immunosurveillance by regulating the activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes. In this study, a panel of novel NKG2D-specific single-chain fragments variable (scFv) were isolated from naïve human antibody gene libraries and fused to the fragment antigen binding (Fab) of rituximab to obtain [CD20×NKG2D] bibodies with the aim to recruit cytotoxic lymphocytes to lymphoma cells. All bispecific antibodies bound both antigens simultaneously. Two bibody constructs, [CD20×NKG2D#3] and [CD20×NKG2D#32], efficiently activated natural killer (NK) cells in co-cultures with CD20+ lymphoma cells. Both bibodies triggered NK cell-mediated lysis of lymphoma cells and especially enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by CD38 or CD19 specific monoclonal antibodies suggesting a synergistic effect between NKG2D and FcγRIIIA signaling pathways in NK cell activation. The [CD20×NKG2D] bibodies were not effective in redirecting CD8+ T cells as single agents, but enhanced cytotoxicity when combined with a bispecific [CD19×CD3] T cell engager, indicating that NKG2D signaling also supports CD3-mediated T cell activation. In conclusion, engagement of NKG2D with bispecific antibodies is attractive to directly activate cytotoxic lymphocytes or to support their activation by monoclonal antibodies or bispecific T cell engagers. As a perspective, co-targeting of two tumor antigens may allow fine-tuning of antibody cancer therapies. Our proposed combinatorial approach is potentially applicable for many existing immunotherapies but further testing in different preclinical models is necessary to explore the full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Lutz
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anca-Maria Albici
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lea Ebinger
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lea Sellmer
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hannah Teipel
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Anna Langner
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dorothee Winterberg
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Steffen Krohn
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- YUMAB GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Abteilung Biotechnologie, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Dübel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Abteilung Biotechnologie, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Regina Scherließ
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Humpe
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Gramatzki
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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Bjorgen JC, Dick JK, Cromarty R, Hart GT, Rhein J. NK cell subsets and dysfunction during viral infection: a new avenue for therapeutics? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267774. [PMID: 37928543 PMCID: PMC10620977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the setting of viral challenge, natural killer (NK) cells play an important role as an early immune responder against infection. During this response, significant changes in the NK cell population occur, particularly in terms of their frequency, location, and subtype prevalence. In this review, changes in the NK cell repertoire associated with several pathogenic viral infections are summarized, with a particular focus placed on changes that contribute to NK cell dysregulation in these settings. This dysregulation, in turn, can contribute to host pathology either by causing NK cells to be hyperresponsive or hyporesponsive. Hyperresponsive NK cells mediate significant host cell death and contribute to generating a hyperinflammatory environment. Hyporesponsive NK cell populations shift toward exhaustion and often fail to limit viral pathogenesis, possibly enabling viral persistence. Several emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing NK cell dysregulation have arisen in the last three decades in the setting of cancer and may prove to hold promise in treating viral diseases. However, the application of such therapeutics to treat viral infections remains critically underexplored. This review briefly explores several therapeutic approaches, including the administration of TGF-β inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive NK cell therapies, CAR NK cells, and NK cell engagers among other therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Bjorgen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jenna K. Dick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ross Cromarty
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Geoffrey T. Hart
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Carreira-Santos S, López-Sejas N, González-Sánchez M, Sánchez-Hernández E, Pera A, Hassouneh F, Durán E, Solana R, Casado JG, Tarazona R. Enhanced expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors on cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer cells correlates with effector function. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1256404. [PMID: 37908353 PMCID: PMC10613704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256404] [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: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of the innate immune system, involved in defending the host against virus-infected cells and tumor immunosurveillance. Under in vitro culture conditions, IL-12/15/18 can induce a memory-like phenotype in NK cells. These cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells possess desirable characteristics for immunotherapies, including a longer lifespan and increased cytotoxicity. Methods In this study, NK cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors and stimulated with IL-12/15/18 to induce a memory-like phenotype or with IL-15 alone as a control. After seven days of culture, multiparametric flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate the phenotypic and functional profiles of CIML and control NK cells. Results Our results showed a significantly higher expression of CD25, CD69, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, TACTILE, and Granzyme B in CIML NK cells compared to control NK cells. In contrast, KIR2D expression was significantly lower in CIML NK cells than in control NK cells. Moreover, functional experiments demonstrated that CIML NK cells displayed enhanced degranulation capacity and increased intracellular IFN-γ production against the target cell line K562. Interestingly, the degranulation capacity of CIML NK cells was positively correlated with the expression of the activating receptors NKp46 and NKp30, as well as with the inhibitory receptor TACTILE. Discussion In conclusion, this study provides a deep phenotypic characterization of in vitro-expanded CIML NK cells. Moreover, the correlations found between NK cell receptors and degranulation capacity of CIML NK cells allowed the identification of several biomarkers that could be useful in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Carreira-Santos
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Nelson López-Sejas
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Eva Sánchez-Hernández
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alejandra Pera
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fakhri Hassouneh
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Esther Durán
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathological Anatomy Unit, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Immunology and Allergy Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier G. Casado
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- RICORS-TERAV Network, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Raquel Tarazona
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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van der Leun AM, Traets JJ, Vos JL, Elbers JB, Patiwael S, Qiao X, Machuca-Ostos M, Thommen DS, Haanen JB, Schumacher TN, Zuur CL. Dual Immune Checkpoint Blockade Induces Analogous Alterations in the Dysfunctional CD8+ T-cell and Activated Treg Compartment. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2212-2227. [PMID: 37548431 PMCID: PMC10551666 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
To dissect the effect of neoadjuvant PD-1 and CTLA4 blockade on intratumoral T cells in treatment-naive head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, we analyzed primary tumor immune infiltrates from responding and nonresponding patients. At baseline, a higher ratio between active (4-1BB/OX40+) and inactive regulatory CD4+ T cells was associated with immunotherapy response. Furthermore, upon therapy, this active regulatory T-cell (Treg) population showed a profound decrease in responding patients. In an analogous process, intratumoral dysfunctional CD8+ T cells displayed decreased expression of activity and dysfunction-related genes in responding patients, whereas in clinical nonresponders, natural killer cells showed an increased cytotoxic profile early upon treatment. These data reveal immunologic changes in response to dual PD-1/CTLA4 blockade, including a parallel remodeling of presumed tumor-reactive Treg and CD8+ T-cell compartments in responding patients, and indicate that the presence of activated Tregs at baseline may be associated with response. SIGNIFICANCE In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, neoadjuvant PD-1/CTLA4 blockade has shown substantial response rates (20%-35%). As recognition of tumor antigens by T cells appears to be a critical driver of therapy response, a better understanding of alterations in T-cell state that are associated with response and resistance is of importance. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 2109.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. van der Leun
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joleen J.H. Traets
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joris L. Vos
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Joris B.W. Elbers
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Sanne Patiwael
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Xiaohang Qiao
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mercedes Machuca-Ostos
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniela S. Thommen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - John B.A.G. Haanen
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ton N.M. Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Charlotte L. Zuur
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
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Taghiloo S, Asgarian-Omran H. Current Approaches of Immune Checkpoint Therapy in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2023; 24:1408-1438. [PMID: 37561383 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-023-01129-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Increasing understanding of the complex interaction between leukemic and immune cells, which is responsible for tumor progression and immune evasion, has paved the way for the development of novel immunotherapy approaches in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). One of the well-known immune escape mechanisms of tumor cells is the up-regulation of immune checkpoint molecules. In recent years, targeting immune checkpoint receptors is the most clinically effective immunotherapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In this regard, various immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) drugs are currently been investigating for their potential effects on improving anti-tumor immune response and clinical efficacy in the hematological malignancies; however, their effectiveness in patients with CLL has shown less remarkable success, and ongoing research is focused on identifying strategies to enhance the efficacy of ICB in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saeid Taghiloo
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran
| | - Hossein Asgarian-Omran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
- Gastrointestinal Cancer Research Center, School of Medicine, Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences, Sari, Iran.
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Hao L, Li S, Hu X. New insights into T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer: from mechanism to therapy. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:12543-12560. [PMID: 37423958 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05083-5] [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: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common malignancies. T-cell exhaustion is associated with immunosuppression of tumor and chronic infection. Although immunotherapies that enhance the immune response by targeting programmed cell death-1(PD-1)/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) have been applied to malignancies, these treatments have shown limited response rates. This suggested that additional inhibitory receptors (IRs) also contributed to T-cell exhaustion and tumor prognosis. Exhausted T-cells (Tex) in the tumor immune microenvironment (TME) are usually in a dysfunctional state of exhaustion, such as impaired activity and proliferative ability, increased apoptosis rate, and reduced production of effector cytokines. Tex cells participate in the negative regulation of tumor immunity mainly through IRs on the cell surface, changes in cytokines and immunomodulatory cell types, causing tumor immune escape. However, T-cell exhaustion is not irreversible and targeted immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) can effectively reverse the exhaustion of T-cells and restore the anti-tumor immune response. Therefore, the research on the mechanism of T-cell exhaustion in liver cancer, aimed at maintaining or restoring the effector function of Tex cells, might provide a new method for the treatment of liver cancer. In this review, we summarized the basic characteristics of Tex cells (such as IRs and cytokines), discussed the mechanisms associated with T-cell exhaustion, and specifically discussed how these exhaustion characteristics were acquired and shaped by key factors within TME. Then new insights into the molecular mechanism of T-cell exhaustion suggested a potential way to improve the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy, namely to restore the effector function of Tex cells. In addition, we also reviewed the research progress of T-cell exhaustion in recent years and provided suggestions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyuan Hao
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghao Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 37 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610075, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyu Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-Er-Qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan Province, People's Republic of China.
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Kitamura T. Tumour-associated macrophages as a potential target to improve natural killer cell-based immunotherapies. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:1003-1014. [PMID: 37313600 PMCID: PMC10539946 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20230002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive transfer of natural killer (NK) cells has been proposed as a novel immunotherapy for malignant tumours resistant to current therapeutic modalities. Several clinical studies have demonstrated that the NK cell-infusion is well tolerated without severe side effects and shows promising results in haematological malignancies. However, patients with malignant solid tumours do not show significant responses to this therapy. Such disappointing results largely arise from the inefficient delivery of infused NK cells and the impairment of their functions in the tumour microenvironment (TME). Tumour-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the most abundant stromal cells in the TME of most solid tumours, and a high TAM density correlates with poor prognosis of cancer patients. Although our knowledge of the interactions between TAMs and NK cells is limited, many studies have indicated that TAMs suppress NK cell cytotoxicity against cancer cells. Therefore, blockade of TAM functions can be an attractive strategy to improve NK cell-based immunotherapies. On the other hand, macrophages are reported to activate NK cells under certain circumstances. This essay presents our current knowledge about mechanisms by which macrophages regulate NK cell functions and discusses possible therapeutic approaches to block macrophage-mediated NK cell suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takanori Kitamura
- MRC Centre for Reproductive Health, The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH16 4TJ, United Kingdom
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Razizadeh MH, Zafarani A, Taghavi-Farahabadi M, Khorramdelazad H, Minaeian S, Mahmoudi M. Natural killer cells and their exosomes in viral infections and related therapeutic approaches: where are we? Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:261. [PMID: 37749597 PMCID: PMC10519079 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01266-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate immunity is the first line of the host immune system to fight against infections. Natural killer cells are the innate immunity lymphocytes responsible for fighting against virus-infected and cancerous cells. They have various mechanisms to suppress viral infections. On the other hand, viruses have evolved to utilize different ways to evade NK cell-mediated responses. Viruses can balance the response by regulating the cytokine release pattern and changing the proportion of activating and inhibitory receptors on the surface of NK cells. Exosomes are a subtype of extracellular vesicles that are involved in intercellular communication. Most cell populations can release these nano-sized vesicles, and it was shown that these vesicles produce identical outcomes to the originating cell from which they are released. In recent years, the role of NK cell-derived exosomes in various diseases including viral infections has been highlighted, drawing attention to utilizing the therapeutic potential of these nanoparticles. In this article, the role of NK cells in various viral infections and the mechanisms used by viruses to evade these important immune system cells are initially examined. Subsequently, the role of NK cell exosomes in controlling various viral infections is discussed. Finally, the current position of these cells in the treatment of viral infections and the therapeutic potential of their exosomes are reviewed. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Hossein Razizadeh
- Department of Virology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Zafarani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Taghavi-Farahabadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Khorramdelazad
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Sara Minaeian
- Antimicrobial Resistance Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohammad Mahmoudi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Bagus BI. Autologous natural killer cells as a promising immunotherapy for locally advanced colon adenocarcinoma: Three years follow-up of resectable case. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2023; 6:e1866. [PMID: 37439389 PMCID: PMC10480413 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.1866] [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: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last decade, a new modality of immunotherapy has been announced, with the expectation of better long-term clinical outcomes and disease-free survival after the definitive surgical treatment of colon cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells as part of cellular therapy in immunotherapy have the potential effect as an adjuvant therapy for locally advanced and metastasized colorectal adenocarcinoma. We would evaluate the clinical outcome of autologous NK cell therapy for resectable colon cancer. CASE A 64-year-old woman presented with a transverse colon tumor-related partial intestinal obstruction and a history of bloody diarrhea. A transverse colectomy has been done, and the pathology report reported adenocarcinoma of the transverse colon and positive lymph node involvement (TNM stage III). The patient had R0 resection status. A PET scan was done 6 months later, with positive lymph node glucose uptake at mesocolic. NK cell therapy was administered for 2 cycles with a 3-month interval, and PET scan follow-up was done 3 years after resection; no more glucose uptake was found, and the patients tolerated the therapy well with no immune-related adverse effects reported. CONCLUSION As a new modality in immunotherapy strategies for locally advanced colon adenocarcinoma, particularly in cases unsuitable for standard chemotherapeutic treatment, autologous NK cells have a promising effect and are feasible and well tolerated in our clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Budhi Ida Bagus
- Department of SurgerySebelas Maret UniversitySurakartaIndonesia
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Zhi L, Wang X, Gao Q, He W, Shang C, Guo C, Niu Z, Zhu W, Zhang X. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors determining natural killer cell fate: Phenotype and function. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115136. [PMID: 37453199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are derived from hematopoietic stem cells. They belong to the innate lymphoid cell family, which is an important part of innate immunity. This family plays a role in the body mainly through the release of perforin, granzyme, and various cytokines and is involved in cytotoxicity and cytokine-mediated immune regulation. NK cells involved in normal immune regulation and the tumor microenvironment (TME) can exhibit completely different states. Here, we discuss the growth, development, and function of NK cells in regard to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are those that influence NK cells to promote cell maturation and exert their effector functions under the control of internal metabolism and self-related genes. Extrinsic factors include the metabolism of the TME and the influence of related proteins on the "fate" of NK cells. This review targets the potential of NK cell metabolism, cellular molecules, regulatory genes, and other mechanisms involved in immune regulation. We further discuss immune-mediated tumor therapy, which is the trend of current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingtong Zhi
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Qing Gao
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wenhui He
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Chongye Shang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Changjiang Guo
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Niu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wuling Zhu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China.
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Feng L, Chao J, Ye P, Luong Q, Sun G, Liu W, Cui Q, Flores S, Jackson N, Shayento ANH, Sun G, Liu Z, Hu W, Shi Y. Developing Hypoimmunogenic Human iPSC-Derived Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cells as an Off-The-Shelf Cell Therapy for Myelin Disorders. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2206910. [PMID: 37271923 PMCID: PMC10427412 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202206910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Demyelinating disorders are among the most common and debilitating diseases in neurology. Canavan disease (CD) is a lethal demyelinating disease caused by mutation of the aspartoacylase (ASPA) gene, which leads to the accumulation of its substrate N-acetyl-l-aspartate (NAA), and consequently demyelination and vacuolation in the brain. In this study, hypoimmunogenic human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) are developed from a healthy donor as an "off-the-shelf" cell therapy. Hypoimmunogenic iPSCs are generated through CRISPR/Cas9 editing of the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules in healthy donor-derived iPSCs and differentiated into OPCs. The OPCs are engrafted into the brains of CD (nur7) mice and exhibit widespread distribution in the brain. The engrafted OPCs mature into oligodendrocytes that express the endogenous wildtype ASPA gene. Consequently, the transplanted mice exhibit elevated human ASPA expression and enzymatic activity and reduced NAA level in the brain. The transplanted OPCs are able to rescue major pathological features of CD, including defective myelination, extensive vacuolation, and motor function deficits. Moreover, the hypoimmunogenic OPCs exhibit low immunogenicity both in vitro and in vivo. The hypoimmunogenic OPCs can be used as "off-the-shelf" universal donor cells to treat various CD patients and many other demyelinating disorders, especially autoimmune demyelinating diseases, such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizhao Feng
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Jianfei Chao
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Peng Ye
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qui Luong
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Guoqiang Sun
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Qi Cui
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Sergio Flores
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Natasha Jackson
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Afm Nazmul Hoque Shayento
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Guihua Sun
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Zhenqing Liu
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Weidong Hu
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
- Department of Immunology and TheranosticsBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Department of Neurodegenerative DiseasesBeckman Research Institute of City of Hope1500 E. Duarte Rd.DuarteCA91010USA
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Gautam SK, Batra SK, Jain M. Molecular and metabolic regulation of immunosuppression in metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:118. [PMID: 37488598 PMCID: PMC10367391 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01813-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunosuppression is a hallmark of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), contributing to early metastasis and poor patient survival. Compared to the localized tumors, current standard-of-care therapies have failed to improve the survival of patients with metastatic PDAC, that necessecitates exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. While immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and therapeutic vaccines have emerged as promising treatment modalities in certain cancers, limited responses have been achieved in PDAC. Therefore, specific mechanisms regulating the poor response to immunotherapy must be explored. The immunosuppressive microenvironment driven by oncogenic mutations, tumor secretome, non-coding RNAs, and tumor microbiome persists throughout PDAC progression, allowing neoplastic cells to grow locally and metastasize distantly. The metastatic cells escaping the host immune surveillance are unique in molecular, immunological, and metabolic characteristics. Following chemokine and exosomal guidance, these cells metastasize to the organ-specific pre-metastatic niches (PMNs) constituted by local resident cells, stromal fibroblasts, and suppressive immune cells, such as the metastasis-associated macrophages, neutrophils, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The metastatic immune microenvironment differs from primary tumors in stromal and immune cell composition, functionality, and metabolism. Thus far, multiple molecular and metabolic pathways, distinct from primary tumors, have been identified that dampen immune effector functions, confounding the immunotherapy response in metastatic PDAC. This review describes major immunoregulatory pathways that contribute to the metastatic progression and limit immunotherapy outcomes in PDAC. Overall, we highlight the therapeutic vulnerabilities attributable to immunosuppressive factors and discuss whether targeting these molecular and immunological "hot spots" could improve the outcomes of PDAC immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shailendra K Gautam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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Boydell E, Sandoval JL, Michielin O, Obeid M, Addeo A, Friedlaender A. Neoadjuvant Immunotherapy: A Promising New Standard of Care. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11849. [PMID: 37511609 PMCID: PMC10380420 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neoadjuvant immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach in the treatment of various malignancies, with preclinical studies showing improved immune responses in the preoperative setting. FDA-approved neoadjuvant-immunotherapy-based approaches include triple-negative breast cancer and early non-small cell lung cancer on the basis of improvement in pathological response and event free survival. Nevertheless, current trials have only shown benefits in a fraction of patients. It is therefore crucial to identify predictive biomarkers to improve patient selection for such approaches. This review aims to provide an overview of potential biomarkers of neoadjuvant immunotherapy in early triple-negative breast cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, colorectal cancer and gastric cancer. By the extrapolation of the metastatic setting, we explore known predictive biomarkers, i.e., PD-L1, mismatch repair deficiency and tumour mutational burden, as well as potential early-disease-specific biomarkers. We also discuss the challenges of identifying reliable biomarkers and the need for standardized protocols and guidelines for their validation and clinical implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Boydell
- University Hospital of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Michel Obeid
- University Hospital of Lausanne, 1005 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Alfredo Addeo
- University Hospital of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alex Friedlaender
- University Hospital of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Clinique Générale Beaulieu, 1206 Geneva, Switzerland
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Marcelin HN, Dasse RS, Yeboah RO, Tariam AD, Kagambega AGZ, Oseni AM, Kouassi YKK, Bilé MA, Toure M, Thakar M, Adoubi I, Kizub D. Circulating natural killer cells and their association with breast cancer and its clinico-pathological characteristics. Ecancermedicalscience 2023; 17:1567. [PMID: 37533944 PMCID: PMC10393315 DOI: 10.3332/ecancer.2023.1567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Natural killer (NK) cells play a critical role in cancer immunosurveillance and hold promise as both therapies and prognostic markers in advanced disease. We explore factors that may influence NK cell concentration in the peripheral blood of women with breast cancer in Côte d'Ivoire compared to healthy controls and implications for future research in our context. Methods In this cross-sectional case-control study, blood samples were taken from 30 women diagnosed with breast cancer within 6 months of diagnosis and fifteen healthy women at University Teaching Hospital [Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU)] Treichville in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, from March to September 2018. The blood draw could take place at any time following diagnosis and through treatment. Demographic and clinical data were collected. NK cells were isolated, stained, analysed and counted using the flow cytometer at the Department of Immunology at CHU of Cocody. All p-values were two-sided. Results Mean age among 30 women with breast cancer was 49 years old compared to 45 years old for 15 controls (p = 0.41). Among 30 women with breast cancer, 4 (13.3%) had Stage 2 disease, 14 (46.7 %) at Stage 3, and 12 (40%) at Stage 4. Fourteen (46.7%) had breast cancer that was hormone receptor-positive (HR+) HER2-negative, 10 (33.3%) had triple-negative cancer, three (10.0%) had HR+HER2+ disease, and three (10.0%) HR-HER2+ cancer. NK cell concentration was not associated with cancer diagnosis, age, cancer stage, subtype, or type of treatment patients received (p > 0.05). Conclusion Although we did not find an association between NK cell concentration, cancer characteristics or treatment, our results be limited by the small sample size and timing of blood draw. Our next steps include a larger study to explore circulating NK cells prior to any treatment and NK cell infiltration within breast cancer tumour and correlating this with response to treatment and prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Homian N’da Marcelin
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville, 7XVV+5P4, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Romuald S Dasse
- Department of Immunology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Cocody, BP V 3, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Richard O Yeboah
- Department of Immunology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Cocody, BP V 3, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Agnès D Tariam
- Department of Immunology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Cocody, BP V 3, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Arsène G Z Kagambega
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville, 7XVV+5P4, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Akandji M Oseni
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville, 7XVV+5P4, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Y K K Kouassi
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville, 7XVV+5P4, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Michel A Bilé
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville, 7XVV+5P4, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Moctar Toure
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville, 7XVV+5P4, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Monica Thakar
- The Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Innocent Adoubi
- Department of Oncology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Treichville, 7XVV+5P4, Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire
| | - Darya Kizub
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Yang YL, Yang F, Huang ZQ, Li YY, Shi HY, Sun Q, Ma Y, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yang S, Zhao GR, Xu FH. T cells, NK cells, and tumor-associated macrophages in cancer immunotherapy and the current state of the art of drug delivery systems. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1199173. [PMID: 37457707 PMCID: PMC10348220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1199173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system provides full protection for the body by specifically identifying 'self' and removing 'others'; thus protecting the body from diseases. The immune system includes innate immunity and adaptive immunity, which jointly coordinate the antitumor immune response. T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are the main tumor-killing immune cells active in three antitumor immune cycle. Cancer immunotherapy focusses on activating and strengthening immune response or eliminating suppression from tumor cells in each step of the cancer-immunity cycle; thus, it strengthens the body's immunity against tumors. In this review, the antitumor immune cycles of T cells, natural killer (NK) cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are discussed. Co-stimulatory and co-inhibitory molecules in the three activity cycles and the development of drugs and delivery systems targeting these molecules are emphasized, and the current state of the art of drug delivery systems for cancer immunotherapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-long Yang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuan-qing Huang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan-yuan Li
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hao-yuan Shi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Ma
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yao Wang
- Department of Biotherapeutic, The First Medical Centre, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Sen Yang
- Chinese People’s Armed Police Force Hospital of Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Guan-ren Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Feng-hua Xu
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Division, Department of Pharmacy, Medical Supplies Center, People's Liberation Army of China (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
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50
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Cifaldi L, Melaiu O, Giovannoni R, Benvenuto M, Focaccetti C, Nardozi D, Barillari G, Bei R. DNAM-1 chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells: a new frontier for CAR-NK cell-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1197053. [PMID: 37359555 PMCID: PMC10285446 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1197053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
DNAM-1 is a major NK cell activating receptor and, together with NKG2D and NCRs, by binding specific ligands, strongly contributes to mediating the killing of tumor or virus-infected cells. DNAM-1 specifically recognizes PVR and Nectin-2 ligands that are expressed on some virus-infected cells and on a broad spectrum of tumor cells of both hematological and solid malignancies. So far, while NK cells engineered for different antigen chimeric receptors (CARs) or chimeric NKG2D receptor have been extensively tested in preclinical and clinical studies, the use of DNAM-1 chimeric receptor-engineered NK cells has been proposed only in our recent proof-of-concept study and deserves further development. The aim of this perspective study is to describe the rationale for using this novel tool as a new anti-cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Cifaldi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Monica Benvenuto
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
- Departmental Faculty of Medicine, Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Focaccetti
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Nardozi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Barillari
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Bei
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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