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Kim R, Kawai A, Wakisaka M, Shimoyama M, Yasuda N, Ito M, Kin T, Arihiro K. Accumulation of CD56 + CD16 - Natural Killer Cells in Response to Preoperative Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer. World J Oncol 2024; 15:682-694. [PMID: 38993254 PMCID: PMC11236370 DOI: 10.14740/wjon1885] [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: 04/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background The activation of the antitumor immune responses of T cells and natural killer (NK) cells is important to induce breast tumor shrinkage via preoperative chemotherapy. We evaluated how antitumor immune responses contribute to the effects of such therapy. Methods Forty-three patients with stages I - IV breast cancer who underwent surgery between August 2018 and Jun 2023 after preoperative chemotherapy were enrolled. Peripheral natural killer (pNK) cell activity was assessed by 51Cr-release assay, and the counts and percentages of CD4+, CD8+, and NK cells and their subsets in peripheral blood were measured before and after chemotherapy by two-color flow cytometry. Associations of cell population changes with chemotherapy responses were analyzed. Results On univariate analysis, relative to grade (G) ≤ 1 effects, G ≥ 2 therapeutic effects were associated significantly with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER-2)+ breast cancer (P = 0.024) and post-chemotherapy CD56+ CD16- NK cell accumulation (8.4% vs. 5.5%, P = 0.042), and tended to be associated with increased pre-chemotherapy CD56+ CD16- NK cell percentages (5.4% vs. 3.3%, P = 0.054) and pNK cell activity (42.0% vs. 34.5%, P = 0.057). The accumulation and increased percentage of CD56+ CD16- NK cells in patients with G ≥ 2 effects were not associated with changes in pNK cell activity or the disappearance of axillary lymph-node metastases. On multivariate analysis, G ≥ 2 therapeutic effects tended to be associated with higher pre-chemotherapy pNK levels (odds ratio = 0.96; 95% confidence interval: 0.921 - 1.002; P = 0.067). Conclusions The accumulation of the immunoregulatory CD56+ CD16- NK cell subset in the peripheral blood before and after chemotherapy may lead to the production of cytokines that induce an antitumor immune response. Activation of the immune response mediated by CD56+ CD16- pNK cells after chemotherapy and their high counts before chemotherapy may contribute to the improvement of therapeutic effects against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryungsa Kim
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima Mark Clinic, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Ami Kawai
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima Mark Clinic, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Megumi Wakisaka
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima Mark Clinic, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mika Shimoyama
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima Mark Clinic, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Naomi Yasuda
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima Mark Clinic, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Mitsuya Ito
- Department of Breast Surgery, Hiroshima City Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Takanori Kin
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Arihiro
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Hiroshima University Hospital, Hiroshima, Japan
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Winidmanokul P, Panya A, Okada S. Tri-specific killer engager: unleashing multi-synergic power against cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:432-448. [PMID: 38745768 PMCID: PMC11090690 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00227] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer continues to be a global health concern, necessitating innovative solutions for treatment. Tri-specific killer engagers (TriKEs) have emerged as a promising class of immunotherapeutic agents, offering a multifaceted approach to cancer treatment. TriKEs simultaneously engage and activate natural killer (NK) cells while specifically targeting cancer cells, representing an outstanding advancement in immunotherapy. This review explores the generation and mechanisms of TriKEs, highlighting their advantages over other immunotherapies and discussing their potential impact on clinical trials and cancer treatment. TriKEs are composed of three distinct domains, primarily antibody-derived building blocks, linked together by short amino acid sequences. They incorporate critical elements, anti-cluster of differentiation 16 (CD16) and interleukin-15 (IL-15), which activate and enhance NK cell function, together with specific antibody to target each cancer. TriKEs exhibit remarkable potential in preclinical and early clinical studies across various cancer types, making them a versatile tool in cancer immunotherapy. Comparative analyses with other immunotherapies, such as chimeric antigen receptor-T (CAR-T) cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), cytokine therapies, and monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), reveal the unique advantages of TriKEs. They offer a safer pathway for immunotherapy by targeting cancer cells without hyperactivating T cells, reducing off-target effects and complications. The future of TriKEs involves addressing challenges related to dosing, tumor-associated antigen (TAA) expression, and NK cell suppression. Researchers are exploring innovative dosing strategies, enhancing specificity through tumor-specific antigens (TSAs), and combining TriKEs with other therapies for increased efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peeranut Winidmanokul
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Aussara Panya
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Cell Engineering for Cancer Therapy Research Group, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Seiji Okada
- Division of Hematopoiesis, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
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3
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Mylod E, O'Connell F, Donlon NE, Davern M, Marion C, Butler C, Reynolds JV, Lysaght J, Conroy MJ. Real-time ex vivo monitoring of NK cell migration toward obesity-associated oesophageal adenocarcinoma following modulation of CX3CR1. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4017. [PMID: 38369570 PMCID: PMC10874956 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Oesophagogastric adenocarcinomas (OAC) are poor prognosis, obesity-associated cancers which may benefit from natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies. Cellular immunotherapies encounter two key challenges to their success in OAC, namely recruitment to extratumoural tissues such as the omentum at the expense of the tumour and an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) which can hamper NK cell function. Herein, we examined approaches to overcome the detrimental impact of obesity on NK cells and NK cell-based immunotherapies. We have demonstrated that NK cells migrate preferentially to the chemotactic signals of OAC patient-derived omentum over tumour in an ex vivo model of immune cell migration. We have identified CX3CR1 modulation and/or tumour chemokine profile remodelling as approaches to skew NK cell migration towards tumour. We also report targetable immunosuppressive facets of the obese OAC TME which dampen NK cell function, in particular cytotoxic capabilities. These data provide insights into approaches to therapeutically overcome key challenges presented by obesity and will inform superior design of NK cell-based immunotherapies for OAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona O'Connell
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Noel E Donlon
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Davern
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline Marion
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christine Butler
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John V Reynolds
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Melissa J Conroy
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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Abdul-Rahman T, Ghosh S, Badar SM, Nazir A, Bamigbade GB, Aji N, Roy P, Kachani H, Garg N, Lawal L, Bliss ZSB, Wireko AA, Atallah O, Adebusoye FT, Teslyk T, Sikora K, Horbas V. The paradoxical role of cytokines and chemokines at the tumor microenvironment: a comprehensive review. Eur J Med Res 2024; 29:124. [PMID: 38360737 PMCID: PMC10868116 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-024-01711-z] [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: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression and eradication have long piqued the scientific community's interest. Recent discoveries about the role of chemokines and cytokines in these processes have fueled renewed interest in related research. These roles are frequently viewed as contentious due to their ability to both suppress and promote cancer progression. As a result, this review critically appraised existing literature to discuss the unique roles of cytokines and chemokines in the tumor microenvironment, as well as the existing challenges and future opportunities for exploiting these roles to develop novel and targeted treatments. While these modulatory molecules play an important role in tumor suppression via enhanced cancer-cell identification by cytotoxic effector cells and directly recruiting immunological effector cells and stromal cells in the TME, we observed that they also promote tumor proliferation. Many cytokines, including GM-CSF, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21, have entered clinical trials for people with advanced cancer, while the FDA has approved interferon-alpha and IL-2. Nonetheless, low efficacy and dose-limiting toxicity limit these agents' full potential. Conversely, Chemokines have tremendous potential for increasing cancer immune-cell penetration of the tumor microenvironment and promoting beneficial immunological interactions. When chemokines are combined with cytokines, they activate lymphocytes, producing IL-2, CD80, and IL-12, all of which have a strong anticancer effect. This phenomenon opens the door to the development of effective anticancer combination therapies, such as therapies that can reverse cancer escape, and chemotaxis of immunosuppressive cells like Tregs, MDSCs, and TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toufik Abdul-Rahman
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine.
| | - Shankhaneel Ghosh
- Institute of Medical Sciences and SUM Hospital, Siksha 'O' Anusandhan, Bhubaneswar, India
| | - Sarah M Badar
- The University of the West of Scotland, Lanarkshire, UK
| | | | - Gafar Babatunde Bamigbade
- Department of Food Science and Technology, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Narjiss Aji
- McGill University, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Montreal, Canada
| | - Poulami Roy
- Department of Medicine, North Bengal Medical College and Hospital, Siliguri, India
| | | | - Neil Garg
- Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, One Medical Center Drive Stratford, Camden, NJ, 08084, USA
| | - Lukman Lawal
- Faculty of Clinical Sciences, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Zarah Sophia Blake Bliss
- Centro de Investigación en Ciencias de la Salud (CICSA), FCS, Universidad Anáhuac Campus Norte, Huixquilucan, Mexico
| | | | - Oday Atallah
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Strasse 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Tetiana Teslyk
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
| | - Kateryna Sikora
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
| | - Viktoriia Horbas
- Medical Institute, Sumy State University, Antonova 10, Sumy, 40007, Ukraine
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Šutić M, Dmitrović B, Jakovčević A, Džubur F, Oršolić N, Debeljak Ž, Försti A, Seiwerth S, Brčić L, Madzarac G, Samaržija M, Jakopović M, Knežević J. Transcriptomic Profiling for Prognostic Biomarkers in Early-Stage Squamous Cell Lung Cancer (SqCLC). Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:720. [PMID: 38398111 PMCID: PMC10887138 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040720] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell lung carcinoma (SqCLC) is associated with high mortality and limited treatment options. Identification of therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers is still lacking. This research aims to analyze the transcriptomic profile of SqCLC samples and identify the key genes associated with tumorigenesis, overall survival (OS), and a profile of the tumor-infiltrating immune cells. Differential gene expression analysis, pathway enrichment analysis, and Gene Ontology analysis on RNA-seq data obtained from FFPE tumor samples (N = 23) and healthy tissues (N = 3) were performed (experimental cohort). Validation of the results was conducted on publicly available gene expression data using TCGA LUSC (N = 225) and GTEx healthy donors' cohorts (N = 288). We identified 1133 upregulated and 644 downregulated genes, common for both cohorts. The most prominent upregulated genes were involved in cell cycle and proliferation regulation pathways (MAGEA9B, MAGED4, KRT, MMT11/13), while downregulated genes predominately belonged to immune-related pathways (DEFA1B, DEFA1, DEFA3). Results of the survival analysis, conducted on the validation cohort and commonly deregulated genes, indicated that overexpression of HOXC4 (p < 0.001), LLGL1 (p = 0.0015), and SLC4A3 (p = 0.0034) is associated with worse OS in early-stage SqCLC patients. In contrast, overexpression of GSTZ1 (p = 0.0029) and LILRA5 (p = 0.0086) was protective, i.e., associated with better OS. By applying a single-sample gene-set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA), we identified four distinct immune subtypes. Immune cell distribution suggests that the memory T cells (central and effector) and follicular helper T cells could serve as important stratification parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Šutić
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Branko Dmitrović
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Clinical Medical Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
| | - Antonia Jakovčević
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Feđa Džubur
- Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Nada Oršolić
- Division of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Željko Debeljak
- Clinical Institute of Laboratory Diagnostics, University Hospital Center Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia;
- Faculty of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Asta Försti
- Hopp Children’s Cancer Center (KiTZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- Division of Pediatric Neurooncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sven Seiwerth
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.J.); (S.S.)
| | - Luka Brčić
- Diagnostic and Research Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria;
| | - Goran Madzarac
- Department for Thoracic Surgery, University Hospital Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
| | - Miroslav Samaržija
- Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Marko Jakopović
- Clinical Department for Respiratory Diseases Jordanovac, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (F.D.); (M.S.)
| | - Jelena Knežević
- Laboratory for Advanced Genomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
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6
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Arabameri A, Arab S. Understanding the Interplay of CAR-NK Cells and Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Insights from Computational Modeling. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:20. [PMID: 38240892 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-023-01247-z] [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: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (NK) cells have recently emerged as a promising and safe alternative to CAR-T cells for targeting solid tumors. In the case of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), traditional cancer treatments and common immunotherapies have shown limited effectiveness. However, CAR-NK cells have been successfully employed to target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) on TNBC cells, thereby enhancing the efficacy of immunotherapy. The effectiveness of CAR-NK-based immunotherapy is influenced by various factors, including the vaccination dose, vaccination pattern, and tumor immunosuppressive factors in the microenvironment. To gain insights into the dynamics and effects of CAR-NK-based immunotherapy, we propose a computational model based on experimental data and immunological theories. This model integrates an individual-based model that describes the interplay between the tumor and the immune system, along with an ordinary differential equation model that captures the variation of inflammatory cytokines. Computational results obtained from the proposed model shed light on the conditions necessary for initiating an effective anti-tumor response. Furthermore, global sensitivity analysis highlights the issue of low persistence of CAR-NK cells in vivo, which poses a significant challenge for the successful clinical application of these cells. Leveraging the model, we identify the optimal vaccination time, vaccination dose, and time interval between injections for maximizing therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abazar Arabameri
- Department of Electrical Engineering, University of Zanjan, Zanjan, Iran.
| | - Samaneh Arab
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
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7
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Zhang B, Yang M, Zhang W, Liu N, Wang D, Jing L, Xu N, Yang N, Ren T. Chimeric antigen receptor-based natural killer cell immunotherapy in cancer: from bench to bedside. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:50. [PMID: 38221520 PMCID: PMC10788349 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06438-7] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has rapidly evolved in the past decades in the battle against cancer. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have demonstrated significant success in certain hematologic malignancies, although they still face certain limitations, including high costs and toxic effects. Natural killer cells (NK cells), as a vital component of the immune system, serve as the "first responders" in the context of cancer development. In this literature review, we provide an updated understanding of NK cell development, functions, and their applications in disease therapy. Furthermore, we explore the rationale for utilizing engineered NK cell therapies, such as CAR-NK cells, and discuss the differences between CAR-T and CAR-NK cells. We also provide insights into the key elements and strategies involved in CAR design for engineered NK cells. In addition, we highlight the challenges currently encountered and discuss the future directions in NK cell research and utilization, including pre-clinical investigations and ongoing clinical trials. Based on the outstanding antitumor potential of NK cells, it is highly likely that they will lead to groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Mengzhe Yang
- Graduate School of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Weiming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530199, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Hematology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518052, China
| | - Daogang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Liangfang Jing
- Department of Neonatology, Women and Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, 650101, China.
| | - Tao Ren
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China.
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8
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Saleh Z, Noroozi M, Vakili ME, Kabelitz D, Nasrollahi H, Kalantar K. Targeting TRIM29 As a Negative Regulator of CAR-NK Cell Effector Function to Improve Antitumor Efficacy of these Cells: A Perspective. Curr Mol Med 2024; 24:399-403. [PMID: 37218209 DOI: 10.2174/1566524023666230510101525] [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: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are among the most important cells in innate immune defense. In contrast to T cells, the effector function of NK cells does not require prior stimulation and is not MHC restricted. Therefore, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells are superior to CAR-T cells. The complexity of the tumor microenvironment (TME) makes it necessary to explore various pathways involved in NK cell negative regulation. CAR-NK cell effector function can be improved by inhibiting the negative regulatory mechanisms. In this respect, the E3 ubiquitin ligase tripartite motif containing 29 (TRIM29) is known to be involved in reducing NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Also, targeting TRIM29 may enhance the antitumor efficacy of CAR-NK cells. The present study discusses the negative effects of TRIM29 on NK cell activity and proposes genomic deletion or suppression of the expression of TRIM29 as a novel approach to optimize CAR-NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Saleh
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Maryam Noroozi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Eshkevar Vakili
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig, Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, 24105, Germany
| | - Hamid Nasrollahi
- Radio-Oncology Department, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Kurosh Kalantar
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Autoimmune Disease Research Center, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Center of Excellence for Clinical Immunology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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9
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Wang X, Huang L, Wen X, Li D, Yang G, Zheng J. Altered NCR3 Splice Variants May Result in Deficient NK Cell Function in Renal Cell Carcinoma Patients. In Vivo 2024; 38:174-183. [PMID: 38148073 PMCID: PMC10756430 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The natural killer (NK) cell function of patients with malignant tumours may be suppressed by deficiency, and the poor prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) patients may be due to escape from NK cell cytotoxicity, especially with respect to natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) on the NK cell surface. However, the specific mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we sought to explore the role of NCR, especially NCR3 splice variants, in the process of NK cell deficiency in RCC patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS We used flow cytometry to analyse the phenotype of NK cells from the peripheral blood and kidney tumour tissue of RCC patients. The NKp30-mediated NK cell killing function was measured by antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in NK and RCC cell coincubation. We extracted RNA from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of RCC patients and renal carcinoma tissue and carried out real-time quantitative PCR to detect the mRNA levels of NKp30a, NKp30b and NKp30c. mRNA expression levels of cytokines (IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-18 and TGF-β) based on RNA extracted from renal carcinoma tissue and adjacent normal kidney tissues were also measured by real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS Regarding the phenotype of NK cells in RCC patients, the proportion of NK cells in tumour tissue was significantly reduced, with changes in the NK cell proportion being most obvious in NKp30+ NK cells. Furthermore, the results of the ADCC function assay showed limited NKp30+ NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity in RCC patients. Through real-time quantitative PCR, we found lower expression of NKp30a and NKp30b, the immunostimulatory splice variants of NCR3 encoding NKp30, in RCC patients. Moreover, expression of activating cytokines (IL-6 and IL-8) in renal cancer tissue was decreased, though inhibitory cytokine (TGF-β) expression remained unchanged, which may result in an immunosuppressive cytokine microenvironment. CONCLUSION Decreased expression of immunostimulatory NCR3 splice variants and the inhibitory cytokine microenvironment in RCC patients may contribute to deficient NK cell cytotoxicity and renal carcinoma cell immune escape from NK cell killing, which may provide a theoretical basis for finding new immunotherapeutic targets for RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuelei Wang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Liqun Huang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Xiaofei Wen
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Dongyang Li
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Guosheng Yang
- Department of Urology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Junhua Zheng
- Department of Urology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
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10
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Subedi S, Park YP. Single-cell pair-wise relationships untangled by composite embedding model. iScience 2023; 26:106025. [PMID: 36824286 PMCID: PMC9941206 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106025] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
In multicellular organisms, cell identity and functions are primed and refined through interactions with other surrounding cells. Here, we propose a scalable machine learning method, termed SPRUCE, which is designed to systematically ascertain common cell-cell communication patterns embedded in single-cell RNA-seq data. We applied our approach to investigate tumor microenvironments consolidating multiple breast cancer datasets and found seven frequently observed interaction signatures and underlying gene-gene interaction networks. Our results implicate that a part of tumor heterogeneity, especially within the same subtype, is better understood by differential interaction patterns rather than the static expression of known marker genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sishir Subedi
- Bioinformatics Graduate Program, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,BC Cancer Research, Part of Provincial Health Care Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Yongjin P. Park
- BC Cancer Research, Part of Provincial Health Care Authority, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Department of Statistics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada,Corresponding author
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11
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Vyas M, Requesens M, Nguyen TH, Peigney D, Azin M, Demehri S. Natural killer cells suppress cancer metastasis by eliminating circulating cancer cells. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1098445. [PMID: 36733396 PMCID: PMC9887278 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1098445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite significant advances in cancer treatment, the metastatic spread of malignant cells to distant organs remains a major cause of cancer-related deaths. Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in controlling tumor metastasis; however, the dynamics of NK cell-mediated clearance of metastatic tumors are not entirely understood. Herein, we demonstrate the cooperative role of NK and T cells in the surveillance of melanoma metastasis. We found that NK cells effectively limited the pulmonary seeding of B16 melanoma cells, while T cells played a primary role in restricting metastatic foci growth in the lungs. Although the metastatic foci in the lungs at the endpoint were largely devoid of NK cells, they played a prominent role in promoting T cell recruitment into the metastatic foci. Our data suggested that the most productive interaction between NK cells and metastatic cancer cells occurred when cancer cells were in circulation. Modifying the route of administration so that intravenously injected melanoma cells bypass the first liver passage resulted in significantly more melanoma metastasis to the lung. This finding indicated the liver as a prominent site where NK cells cleared melanoma cells to regulate their seeding in the lungs. Consistent with this notion, the liver and the lungs of the tumor-bearing mice showed dominance of NK and T cell activation, respectively. Thus, NK cells and T cells control pulmonary metastasis of melanoma cells by distinct mechanisms where NK cells play a critical function in shaping T cell-mediated in situ control of lung-seeded cancer cells. A precise understanding of the cooperative role of NK and T cells in controlling tumor metastasis will enable the development of the next generation of cancer immunotherapies.
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12
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Zhou S, Yang H. Immunotherapy resistance in non-small-cell lung cancer: From mechanism to clinical strategies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1129465. [PMID: 37090727 PMCID: PMC10115980 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1129465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The high primary resistance incidence and unavoidable secondary resistance are the major clinical obstacle to lasting long-term benefits in Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients treated with immunotherapy. The mechanisms of immunotherapy resistance in NSCLC are complex, mainly involving tumor cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) infiltrating immune cells, including TAMs, B cells, NK cells, and T cells. The selection of clinical strategies for NSCLC progression after immunotherapy resistance should depend on the progressive mode. The progression pattern of NSCLC patients after immunotherapy resistance can be divided into oligo-progression and systemic/multiple progression, which should be considered for further treatment selection. In the future, it needs to explore how to optimize the combined therapy and explore strategies to reprogram infiltrating immune cells under various genetic backgrounds of tumor cells and timely reshape TME during antitumor treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suna Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Xi’an No. 3 Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Northwest University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Haihua Yang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology of Taizhou, Radiation Oncology Institute of Enze Medical Health Academy, Department of Radiation Oncology, Taizhou Hospital Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
- *Correspondence: Haihua Yang,
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13
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Gustafson MP, Ligon JA, Bersenev A, McCann CD, Shah NN, Hanley PJ. Emerging frontiers in immuno- and gene therapy for cancer. Cytotherapy 2023; 25:20-32. [PMID: 36280438 PMCID: PMC9790040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.10.002] [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: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS The field of cell and gene therapy in oncology has moved rapidly since 2017 when the first cell and gene therapies, Kymriah followed by Yescarta, were approved by the Food and Drug Administration in the United States, followed by multiple other countries. Since those approvals, several new products have gone on to receive approval for additional indications. Meanwhile, efforts have been made to target different cancers, improve the logistics of delivery and reduce the cost associated with novel cell and gene therapies. Here, we highlight various cell and gene therapy-related technologies and advances that provide insight into how these new technologies will speed the translation of these therapies into the clinic. CONCLUSIONS In this review, we provide a broad overview of the current state of cell and gene therapy-based approaches for cancer treatment - discussing various effector cell types and their sources, recent advances in both CAR and non-CAR genetic modifications, and highlighting a few promising approaches for increasing in vivo efficacy and persistence of therapeutic drug products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael P Gustafson
- Immuno-Gene Therapy Committee, International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy; Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic in Arizona, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - John A Ligon
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Alexey Bersenev
- Immuno-Gene Therapy Committee, International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy; Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Chase D McCann
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Nirali N Shah
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Patrick J Hanley
- Immuno-Gene Therapy Committee, International Society for Cell and Gene Therapy; Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, USA; Department of Pediatrics, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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14
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Leveraging Natural Killer Cell Innate Immunity against Hematologic Malignancies: From Stem Cell Transplant to Adoptive Transfer and Beyond. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 24:ijms24010204. [PMID: 36613644 PMCID: PMC9820370 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24010204] [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: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous recent advancements in T-cell based immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of hematologic malignancies. In the race towards the first approved allogeneic cellular therapy product, there is growing interest in utilizing natural killer (NK) cells as a platform for off-the-shelf cellular therapies due to their scalable manufacturing potential, potent anti-tumor efficacy, and superior safety profile. Allogeneic NK cell therapies are now being actively explored in the setting of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and adoptive transfer. Increasingly sophisticated gene editing techniques have permitted the engineering of chimeric antigen receptors, ectopic cytokine expression, and tumor recognition signals to improve the overall cytotoxicity of NK cell therapies. Furthermore, the enhancement of antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity has been achieved through the use of NK cell engagers and combination regimens with monoclonal antibodies that act synergistically with CD16-expressing NK cells. Finally, a greater understanding of NK cell biology and the mechanisms of resistance have allowed the preclinical development of NK checkpoint blockade and methods to modulate the tumor microenvironment, which have been evaluated in early phase trials. This review will discuss the recent clinical advancements in NK cell therapies in hematologic malignancies as well as promising avenues of future research.
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15
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Zhao Y, Bai Y, Shen M, Li Y. Therapeutic strategies for gastric cancer targeting immune cells: Future directions. Front Immunol 2022; 13:992762. [PMID: 36225938 PMCID: PMC9549957 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.992762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is a malignancy with a high incidence and mortality, and the emergence of immunotherapy has brought survival benefits to GC patients. Compared with traditional therapy, immunotherapy has the advantages of durable response, long-term survival benefits, and lower toxicity. Therefore, targeted immune cells are the most promising therapeutic strategy in the field of oncology. In this review, we introduce the role and significance of each immune cell in the tumor microenvironment of GC and summarize the current landscape of immunotherapy in GC, which includes immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive cell therapy (ACT), dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, reduction of M2 tumor-associated macrophages (M2 TAMs), N2 tumor-associated neutrophils (N2 TANs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), effector regulatory T cells (eTregs), and regulatory B cells (Bregs) in the tumor microenvironment and reprogram TAMs and TANs into tumor killer cells. The most widely used immunotherapy strategies are the immune checkpoint inhibitor programmed cell death 1/programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) antibody, cytotoxic T lymphocyte–associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) antibody, and chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) in ACT, and these therapeutic strategies have significant anti-tumor efficacy in solid tumors and hematological tumors. Targeting other immune cells provides a new direction for the immunotherapy of GC despite the relatively weak clinical data, which have been confirmed to restore or enhance anti-tumor immune function in preclinical studies and some treatment strategies have entered the clinical trial stage, and it is expected that more and more effective immune cell–based therapeutic methods will be developed and applied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhao
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuansong Bai
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meili Shen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yapeng Li, ; Meili Shen,
| | - Yapeng Li
- The National and Local Joint Engineering Laboratory for Synthesis Technology of High Performance Polymer, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yapeng Li, ; Meili Shen,
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16
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Seliger B, Koehl U. Underlying mechanisms of evasion from NK cells as rational for improvement of NK cell-based immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:910595. [PMID: 36045670 PMCID: PMC9422402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the family of innate immune cells with the capacity to recognize and kill tumor cells. Different phenotypes and functional properties of NK cells have been described in tumor patients, which could be shaped by the tumor microenvironment. The discovery of HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors controlling NK cell activity paved the way to the fundamental concept of modulating immune responses that are regulated by an array of inhibitory receptors, and emphasized the importance to explore the potential of NK cells in cancer therapy. Although a whole range of NK cell-based approaches are currently being developed, there are still major challenges that need to be overcome for improved efficacy of these therapies. These include escape of tumor cells from NK cell recognition due to their expression of inhibitory molecules, immune suppressive signals of NK cells, reduced NK cell infiltration of tumors, an immune suppressive micromilieu and limited in vivo persistence of NK cells. Therefore, this review provides an overview about the NK cell biology, alterations of NK cell activities, changes in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment contributing to immune escape or immune surveillance by NK cells and their underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the current status and novel aspects of NK cell-based therapeutic strategies including their genetic engineering and their combination with conventional treatment options to overcome tumor-mediated evasion strategies and improve therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Barbara Seliger,
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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17
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Functional crosstalk and regulation of natural killer cells in tumor microenvironment: Significance and potential therapeutic strategies. Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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18
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Baci D, Cekani E, Imperatori A, Ribatti D, Mortara L. Host-Related Factors as Targetable Drivers of Immunotherapy Response in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients. Front Immunol 2022; 13:914890. [PMID: 35874749 PMCID: PMC9298844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.914890] [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: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite some significant therapeutic breakthroughs leading to immunotherapy, a high percentage of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) do not respond to treatment on relapse, thus experiencing poor prognosis and survival. The unsatisfying results could be related to the features of the tumor immune microenvironment and the dynamic interactions between a tumor and immune infiltrate. Host-tumor interactions strongly influence the course of disease and response to therapies. Thus, targeting host-associated factors by restoring their physiologic functions altered by the presence of a tumor represents a new therapeutic approach to control tumor development and progression. In NSCLC, the immunogenic tumor balance is shifted negatively toward immunosuppression due to the release of inhibitory factors as well as the presence of immunosuppressive cells. Among these cells, there are myeloid-derived suppressor cells, regulatory T cells that can generate a tumor-permissive milieu by reprogramming the cells of the hosts such as tumor-associated macrophages, tumor-associated neutrophils, natural killer cells, dendritic cells, and mast cells that acquire tumor-supporting phenotypes and functions. This review highlights the current knowledge of the involvement of host-related factors, including innate and adaptive immunity in orchestrating the tumor cell fate and the primary resistance mechanisms to immunotherapy in NSCLC. Finally, we discuss combinational therapeutic strategies targeting different aspects of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) to prime the host response. Further research dissecting the characteristics and dynamic interactions within the interface host-tumor is necessary to improve a patient fitness immune response and provide answers regarding the immunotherapy efficacy, with the aim to develop more successful treatments for NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denisa Baci
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, Milan, Italy.,Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Elona Cekani
- Medical Oncology Clinic, Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Imperatori
- Center for Thoracic Surgery, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Domenico Ribatti
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sensory Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro Medical School, Bari, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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19
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Ran GH, Lin YQ, Tian L, Zhang T, Yan DM, Yu JH, Deng YC. Natural killer cell homing and trafficking in tissues and tumors: from biology to application. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:205. [PMID: 35768424 PMCID: PMC9243142 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01058-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a subgroup of innate lymphoid cells, act as the first line of defense against cancer. Although some evidence shows that NK cells can develop in secondary lymphoid tissues, NK cells develop mainly in the bone marrow (BM) and egress into the blood circulation when they mature. They then migrate to and settle down in peripheral tissues, though some special subsets home back into the BM or secondary lymphoid organs. Owing to its success in allogeneic adoptive transfer for cancer treatment and its "off-the-shelf" potential, NK cell-based immunotherapy is attracting increasing attention in the treatment of various cancers. However, insufficient infiltration of adoptively transferred NK cells limits clinical utility, especially for solid tumors. Expansion of NK cells or engineered chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells ex vivo prior to adoptive transfer by using various cytokines alters the profiles of chemokine receptors, which affects the infiltration of transferred NK cells into tumor tissue. Several factors control NK cell trafficking and homing, including cell-intrinsic factors (e.g., transcriptional factors), cell-extrinsic factors (e.g., integrins, selectins, chemokines and their corresponding receptors, signals induced by cytokines, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), etc.), and the cellular microenvironment. Here, we summarize the profiles and mechanisms of NK cell homing and trafficking at steady state and during tumor development, aiming to improve NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guang He Ran
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Yu Qing Lin
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA
| | - Tao Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Dong Mei Yan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical, Jiamusi University, 154007, Jiamusi, China.
| | - Jian Hua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, USA.
| | - You Cai Deng
- Institute of Materia Medica, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
- Department of Clinical Hematology, College of Pharmacy, Army Medical University, 400038, Chongqing, China.
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20
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Harnessing Natural Killer Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040605. [PMID: 35203256 PMCID: PMC8869885 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There are two main subtypes: small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for 85% of lung cancer diagnoses. Early lung cancer very often has no specific symptoms, and many patients present with late stage disease. Despite the various treatments currently available, many patients experience tumor relapse or develop therapeutic resistance, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. The development of immunotherapies has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape by enhancing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial anti-tumor immune cells, and their exclusion from the tumor microenvironment is associated with poorer survival. It is well established that NK cell frequencies and functions are impaired in NSCLC; thus, placing NK cell-based immunotherapies as a desirable therapeutic concept for this malignancy. Immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors are transforming outcomes for NSCLC. This review explores the current treatment landscape for NSCLC, the role of NK cells and their dysfunction in the cancer setting, the advancement of NK cell therapies, and their future utility in NSCLC.
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21
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Lian X, Yang K, Li R, Li M, Zuo J, Zheng B, Wang W, Wang P, Zhou S. Immunometabolic rewiring in tumorigenesis and anti-tumor immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:27. [PMID: 35062950 PMCID: PMC8780708 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01486-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism constitutes a fundamental process in biology. During tumor initiation and progression, each cellular component in the cancerous niche undergoes dramatic metabolic reprogramming, adapting to a challenging microenvironment of hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and other stresses. While the metabolic hallmarks of cancer have been extensively studied, the metabolic states of the immune cells are less well elucidated. Here we review the metabolic disturbance and fitness of the immune system in the tumor microenvironment (TME), focusing on the impact of oncometabolites to the function of immune cells and the clinical significance of targeting metabolism in anti-tumor immunotherapy. Metabolic alterations in the immune system of TME offer novel therapeutic insight into cancer treatment.
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22
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Chang WA, Tsai MJ, Hung JY, Wu KL, Tsai YM, Huang YC, Chang CY, Tsai PH, Hsu YL. miR-150-5p-Containing Extracellular Vesicles Are a New Immunoregulator That Favor the Progression of Lung Cancer in Hypoxic Microenvironments by Altering the Phenotype of NK Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246252. [PMID: 34944871 PMCID: PMC8699319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NKs) cells are cytotoxic effector cells, which can modulate tumor metastasis according to their function; however, the role of NK cells in lung cancer has not been extensively investigated. In this study, we determined the functional profiles of NK cells in a hypoxic tumor microenvironment (TME) of lung cancer. We revealed CD226 downregulation and functional repression of NK cells after hypoxic lung cancer priming and we then investigated their interaction with extracellular vesicles (EVs) and miR-150-5p. We also found that NK cells from lung cancer patients had lower expression of CD226 on their surface and exhibited a pro-inflammatory, pro-angiogenic and tumorigenesis phenotype by expressing VEGF, CXCL1, CXCL8, S100A8 and MMPs. Moreover, inhibition of miR-150 improved tumor surveillance by reversing CD226 expression and subsequently reinstating cytotoxic NK cell activity in an animal model. Our study introduces a new scenario for the pro-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic activities of NK cells in the hypoxic TME in lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-An Chang
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Ming-Ju Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Jen-Yu Hung
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 801, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Li Wu
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Municipal Ta-Tung Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 801, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
| | - Ying-Ming Tsai
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (W.-A.C.); (M.-J.T.); (J.-Y.H.); (K.-L.W.); (Y.-M.T.)
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
| | - Yung-Chi Huang
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
| | - Chao-Yuan Chang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan;
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
- Department of Anatomy, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Hsun Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
| | - Ya-Ling Hsu
- Graduate Institute of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-C.H.); (P.-H.T.)
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-7-312-1101 (ext. 2136-26)
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