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Boonchalermvichian C, Yan H, Gupta B, Rubin A, Baker J, Negrin RS. invariant Natural Killer T cell therapy as a novel therapeutic approach in hematological malignancies. FRONTIERS IN TRANSPLANTATION 2024; 3:1353803. [PMID: 38993780 PMCID: PMC11235242 DOI: 10.3389/frtra.2024.1353803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
Invariant Natural Killer T cell therapy is an emerging platform of immunotherapy for cancer treatment. This unique cell population is a promising candidate for cell therapy for cancer treatment because of its inherent cytotoxicity against CD1d positive cancers as well as its ability to induce host CD8 T cell cross priming. Substantial evidence supports that iNKT cells can modulate myelomonocytic populations in the tumor microenvironment to ameliorate immune dysregulation to antagonize tumor progression. iNKT cells can also protect from graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) through several mechanisms, including the expansion of regulatory T cells (Treg). Ultimately, iNKT cell-based therapy can retain antitumor activity while providing protection against GVHD simultaneously. Therefore, these biological properties render iNKT cells as a promising "off-the-shelf" therapy for diverse hematological malignancies and possible solid tumors. Further the introduction of a chimeric antigen recetor (CAR) can further target iNKT cells and enhance function. We foresee that improved vector design and other strategies such as combinatorial treatments with small molecules or immune checkpoint inhibitors could improve CAR iNKT in vivo persistence, functionality and leverage anti-tumor activity along with the abatement of iNKT cell dysfunction or exhaustion.
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2
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Philippova J, Shevchenko J, Sennikov S. GD2-targeting therapy: a comparative analysis of approaches and promising directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371345. [PMID: 38558810 PMCID: PMC10979305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Disialoganglioside GD2 is a promising target for immunotherapy with expression primarily restricted to neuroectodermal and epithelial tumor cells. Although its role in the maintenance and repair of neural tissue is well-established, its functions during normal organism development remain understudied. Meanwhile, studies have shown that GD2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Its functions include proliferation, invasion, motility, and metastasis, and its high expression and ability to transform the tumor microenvironment may be associated with a malignant phenotype. Structurally, GD2 is a glycosphingolipid that is stably expressed on the surface of tumor cells, making it a suitable candidate for targeting by antibodies or chimeric antigen receptors. Based on mouse monoclonal antibodies, chimeric and humanized antibodies and their combinations with cytokines, toxins, drugs, radionuclides, nanoparticles as well as chimeric antigen receptor have been developed. Furthermore, vaccines and photoimmunotherapy are being used to treat GD2-positive tumors, and GD2 aptamers can be used for targeting. In the field of cell therapy, allogeneic immunocompetent cells are also being utilized to enhance GD2 therapy. Efforts are currently being made to optimize the chimeric antigen receptor by modifying its design or by transducing not only αβ T cells, but also γδ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and macrophages. In addition, immunotherapy can combine both diagnostic and therapeutic methods, allowing for early detection of disease and minimal residual disease. This review discusses each immunotherapy method and strategy, its advantages and disadvantages, and highlights future directions for GD2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergey Sennikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
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3
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Katsnelson EN, Spengler A, Domenico J, Couts KL, Loh L, Gapin L, McCarter MD, Tobin RP. Dysfunctional states of unconventional T-cell subsets in cancer. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:36-46. [PMID: 37837379 PMCID: PMC10843843 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells represent a promising therapeutic agent to overcome the current limitations of immunotherapies due to their universal T-cell receptors, ability to respond directly to cytokine stimulation, and capacity to recruit and modulate conventional immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Like conventional T cells, unconventional T cells can enter a dysfunctional state, and the functional differences associated with this state may provide insight into the discrepancies observed in their role in antitumor immunity in various cancers. The exhaustive signature of unconventional T cells differs from conventional αβ T cells, and understanding the differences in the mechanisms underlying exhaustive differentiation in these cell types may aid in the discovery of new treatments to improve sustained antitumor responses. Ongoing clinical trials investigating therapies that leverage unconventional T-cell populations have shown success in treating hematologic malignancies and reducing the immunosuppressive tumor environment. However, several hurdles remain to extend these promising results into solid tumors. Here we discuss the current knowledge on unconventional T-cell function/dysfunction and consider how the incorporation of therapies that modulate unconventional T-cell exhaustion may aid in overcoming the current limitations of immunotherapy. Additionally, we discuss how components of the tumor microenvironment alter the functions of unconventional T cells and how these changes can affect tumor infiltration by lymphocytes and alter conventional T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. Katsnelson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Andrea Spengler
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Joanne Domenico
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Kasey L. Couts
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Liyen Loh
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Martin D. McCarter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Richard P. Tobin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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4
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Díaz-Basabe A, Lattanzi G, Perillo F, Amoroso C, Baeri A, Farini A, Torrente Y, Penna G, Rescigno M, Ghidini M, Cassinotti E, Baldari L, Boni L, Vecchi M, Caprioli F, Facciotti F, Strati F. Porphyromonas gingivalis fuels colorectal cancer through CHI3L1-mediated iNKT cell-driven immune evasion. Gut Microbes 2024; 16:2388801. [PMID: 39132842 PMCID: PMC11321422 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2024.2388801] [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: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the gut microbiota and invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells plays a pivotal role in colorectal cancer (CRC). The pathobiont Fusobacterium nucleatum influences the anti-tumor functions of CRC-infiltrating iNKT cells. However, the impact of other bacteria associated with CRC, like Porphyromonas gingivalis, on their activation status remains unexplored. In this study, we demonstrate that mucosa-associated P. gingivalis induces a protumour phenotype in iNKT cells, subsequently influencing the composition of mononuclear-phagocyte cells within the tumor microenvironment. Mechanistically, in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that P. gingivalis reduces the cytotoxic functions of iNKT cells, hampering the iNKT cell lytic machinery through increased expression of chitinase 3-like-1 protein (CHI3L1). Neutralization of CHI3L1 effectively restores iNKT cell cytotoxic functions suggesting a therapeutic potential to reactivate iNKT cell-mediated antitumour immunity. In conclusion, our data demonstrate how P. gingivalis accelerates CRC progression by inducing the upregulation of CHI3L1 in iNKT cells, thus impairing their cytotoxic functions and promoting host tumor immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Díaz-Basabe
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Georgia Lattanzi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Perillo
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Amoroso
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Baeri
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Farini
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Yvan Torrente
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Centro Dino Ferrari, Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Penna
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Rescigno
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Cassinotti
- Department of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Ludovica Baldari
- Department of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Luigi Boni
- Department of General and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Maurizio Vecchi
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Flavio Caprioli
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
- Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facciotti
- Department of Experimental Oncology, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Strati
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosciences, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
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5
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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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Malviya M, Aretz Z, Molvi Z, Lee J, Pierre S, Wallisch P, Dao T, Scheinberg DA. Challenges and solutions for therapeutic TCR-based agents. Immunol Rev 2023; 320:58-82. [PMID: 37455333 PMCID: PMC11141734 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13233] [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: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Recent development of methods to discover and engineer therapeutic T-cell receptors (TCRs) or antibody mimics of TCRs, and to understand their immunology and pharmacology, lag two decades behind therapeutic antibodies. Yet we have every expectation that TCR-based agents will be similarly important contributors to the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, especially cancers. TCR engineered cells, soluble TCRs and their derivatives, TCR-mimic antibodies, and TCR-based CAR T cells promise the possibility of highly specific drugs that can expand the scope of immunologic agents to recognize intracellular targets, including mutated proteins and undruggable transcription factors, not accessible by traditional antibodies. Hurdles exist regarding discovery, specificity, pharmacokinetics, and best modality of use that will need to be overcome before the full potential of TCR-based agents is achieved. HLA restriction may limit each agent to patient subpopulations and off-target reactivities remain important barriers to widespread development and use of these new agents. In this review we discuss the unique opportunities for these new classes of drugs, describe their unique antigenic targets, compare them to traditional antibody therapeutics and CAR T cells, and review the various obstacles that must be overcome before full application of these drugs can be realized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manish Malviya
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Zita Aretz
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Zaki Molvi
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Physiology, Biophysics & Systems Biology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Jayop Lee
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - Stephanie Pierre
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Tri-Institutional Medical Scientist Program, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Patrick Wallisch
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
| | - Tao Dao
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
| | - David A. Scheinberg
- Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, 1275 York Avenue, New York, NY 10065
- Pharmacology Program, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, 1300 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021
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7
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O’Neal J, Cooper ML, Ritchey JK, Gladney S, Niswonger J, González LS, Street E, Haas GJ, Carter A, Amayta PN, Gao F, Lee BH, Choi D, Berrien-Elliott M, Zhou A, Fehniger TA, Rettig MP, DiPersio JF. Anti-myeloma efficacy of CAR-iNKT is enhanced with a long-acting IL-7, rhIL-7-hyFc. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6009-6022. [PMID: 37399471 PMCID: PMC10582278 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023010032] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM), a malignancy of mature plasma cells, remains incurable. B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA) is the lead protein target for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy because of its high expression in most MM, with limited expression in other cell types, resulting in favorable on-target, off tumor toxicity. The response rate to autologous BCMA CAR-T therapy is high; however, it is not curative and is associated with risks of cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome. Outcomes in patients treated with BCMA CAR-T cells (CAR-Ts) may improve with allogeneic CAR T-cell therapy, which offer higher cell fitness and reduced time to treatment. However, to prevent the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), allogenic BCMA CAR-Ts require genetic deletion of the T-cell receptor (TCR), which has potential for unexpected functional or phenotype changes. Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) have an invariant TCR that does not cause GVHD and, as a result, can be used in an allogeneic setting without the need for TCR gene editing. We demonstrate significant anti-myeloma activity of BCMA CAR-iNKTs in a xenograft mouse model of myeloma. We found that a long-acting interleukin-7 (IL-7), rhIL-7-hyFc, significantly prolonged survival and reduced tumor burden in BCMA CAR-iNKT-treated mice in both primary and re-challenge settings. Furthermore, in CRS in vitro assays, CAR-iNKTs induced less IL-6 than CAR-Ts, suggesting a reduced likelihood of CAR-iNKT therapy to induce CRS in patients. These data suggest that BCMA CAR-iNKTs are potentially a safer, effective alternative to BCMA CAR-Ts and that BCMA CAR-iNKT efficacy is further potentiated with rhIL-7-hyFc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie O’Neal
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Matthew L. Cooper
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Julie K. Ritchey
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Susan Gladney
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Jessica Niswonger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - L. Sofía González
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Emily Street
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Gabriel J. Haas
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Alun Carter
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Parmeshwar N. Amayta
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | - Feng Gao
- Division of Public Health Sciences, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
| | | | | | - Melissa Berrien-Elliott
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Alice Zhou
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Mike P. Rettig
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - John F. DiPersio
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO
- Siteman Cancer Center, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
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8
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Gioulbasani M, Tsagaratou A. Defining iNKT Cell Subsets and Their Function by Flow Cytometry. Curr Protoc 2023; 3:e838. [PMID: 37428873 PMCID: PMC10497188 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.838] [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] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
This article discusses methods to assess invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cell subsets isolated from the thymus, as well as the spleen, the liver, and the lung. iNKT cells can be subdivided in distinct, functional subsets based on the transcription factors they express and the cytokines they produce to regulate the immune response. Basic Protocol 1 focuses on characterizing murine iNKT subsets ex vivo by flow cytometry by evaluating the expression of lineage-specifying transcription factors such as PLZF and RORγt. The Alternate Protocol describes a detailed approach to define subsets based on expression of surface markers. This approach can be very useful for maintaining the subsets alive, without fixing them, in order to isolate them for downstream molecular assays such as DNA/RNA isolation, genome-wide analysis to assess gene expression (such as RNA-seq), assessment of chromatin accessibility (for instance, by ATAC-seq), and assessment of DNA methylation by whole-genome bisulfite sequencing. Basic Protocol 2 describes the functional characterization of iNKT cells, which are activated in vitro with PMA and ionomycin for a short period of time and subsequently stained and characterized for production of cytokines, such as IFNγ and IL-4, by flow cytometry. Basic Protocol 3 describes the process of activating iNKT cells in vivo using α-galactosyl-ceramide, a lipid that can be recognized specifically by iNKT cells, allowing assessment of their functionality in vivo. Cells are then isolated and directly stained for cytokine secretion. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Identifying iNKT cell subsets based on transcription factor expression by flow cytometry Alternate Protocol: Identifying iNKT cell subsets based on surface marker expression by flow cytometry Basic Protocol 2: iNKT cell functional characterization based on in vitro activation and assessment of cytokine secretion Basic Protocol 3: iNKT cell in vivo activation and assessment of cytokine secretion by flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marianthi Gioulbasani
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Ageliki Tsagaratou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 27599
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9
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Li YR, Dunn ZS, Yu Y, Li M, Wang P, Yang L. Advancing cell-based cancer immunotherapy through stem cell engineering. Cell Stem Cell 2023; 30:592-610. [PMID: 36948187 PMCID: PMC10164150 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2023.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Advances in cell-based therapy, particularly CAR-T cell therapy, have transformed the treatment of hematological malignancies. Although an important step forward for the field, autologous CAR-T therapies are hindered by high costs, manufacturing challenges, and limited efficacy against solid tumors. With ongoing progress in gene editing and culture techniques, engineered stem cells and their application in cell therapy are poised to address some of these challenges. Here, we review stem cell-based immunotherapy approaches, stem cell sources, gene engineering and manufacturing strategies, therapeutic platforms, and clinical trials, as well as challenges and future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Zachary Spencer Dunn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Yanqi Yu
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Miao Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Pin Wang
- Mork Family Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA.
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
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10
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Look A, Burns D, Tews I, Roghanian A, Mansour S. Towards a better understanding of human iNKT cell subpopulations for improved clinical outcomes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1176724. [PMID: 37153585 PMCID: PMC10154573 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1176724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique T lymphocyte population expressing semi-invariant T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognise lipid antigens presented by CD1d. iNKT cells exhibit potent anti-tumour activity through direct killing mechanisms and indirectly through triggering the activation of other anti-tumour immune cells. Because of their ability to induce potent anti-tumour responses, particularly when activated by the strong iNKT agonist αGalCer, they have been the subject of intense research to harness iNKT cell-targeted immunotherapies for cancer treatment. However, despite potent anti-tumour efficacy in pre-clinical models, the translation of iNKT cell immunotherapy into human cancer patients has been less successful. This review provides an overview of iNKT cell biology and why they are of interest within the context of cancer immunology. We focus on the iNKT anti-tumour response, the seminal studies that first reported iNKT cytotoxicity, their anti-tumour mechanisms, and the various described subsets within the iNKT cell repertoire. Finally, we discuss several barriers to the successful utilisation of iNKT cells in human cancer immunotherapy, what is required for a better understanding of human iNKT cells, and the future perspectives facilitating their exploitation for improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Look
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Burns
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ivo Tews
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Roghanian
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salah Mansour
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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11
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CD1 and MR1: An update after a long-awaited reunion. Immunity 2022; 55:2211-2216. [PMID: 36516812 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2022.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
CD1 molecules and the MHC-related protein 1 (MR1) present lipid and small molecule antigens, respectively, for T cell surveillance. The biology of these molecules, the antigens they present, and the T cells that respond to them were recently discussed during the 12th International CD1-MR1 Meeting held in Gothenburg, Sweden.
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12
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Liu Y, An L, Huang R, Xiong J, Yang H, Wang X, Zhang X. Strategies to enhance CAR-T persistence. Biomark Res 2022; 10:86. [PMID: 36419115 PMCID: PMC9685914 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00434-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy has significantly improved the life expectancy for patients with refractory or relapse B cell lymphoma. As for B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL), although the primary response rate is promising, the high incidence of early relapse has caused modest long-term survival with CAR-T cell alone. One of the main challenges is the limited persistence of CAR-T cells. To further optimize the clinical effects of CAR-T cells, many studies have focused on modifying the CAR structure and regulating CAR-T cell differentiation. In this review, we focus on CAR-T cell persistence and summarize the latest progress and strategies adopted during the in vitro culture stage to optimize CAR-T immunotherapy by improving long-term persistence. Such strategies include choosing a suitable cell source, improving culture conditions, combining CAR-T cells with conventional drugs, and applying genetic manipulations, all of which may improve the survival of patients with hematologic malignancies by reducing the probability of recurrence after CAR-T cell infusion and provide clues for solid tumor CAR-T cell therapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Liu
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Lingna An
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Ruihao Huang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingkang Xiong
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Haoyu Yang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xi Zhang
- Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn and Combined Injury, Army Medical University, 400037, Chongqing, China. .,Jinfeng Laboratory, 401329, Chongqing, China.
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13
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Hackstein CP, Klenerman P. Emerging features of MAIT cells and other unconventional T cell populations in human viral disease and vaccination. Semin Immunol 2022; 61-64:101661. [PMID: 36374780 PMCID: PMC10933818 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
MAIT cells are one representative of a group of related unconventional or pre-set T cells, and are particularly abundant in humans. While these unconventional T cell types, which also include populations of Vδ2 cells and iNKT cells, recognise quite distinct ligands, they share functional features including the ability to sense "danger" by integration of cytokine signals. Since such signals are common to many human pathologies, activation of MAIT cells in particular has been widely observed. In this review we will discuss recent trends in these data, for example the findings from patients with Covid-19 and responses to novel vaccines. Covid-19 is an example where MAIT cell activation has been correlated with disease severity by several groups, and the pathways leading to activation are being clarified, but the overall role of the cells in vivo requires further exploration. Given the potential wide functional responsiveness of these cells, which ranges from tissue repair to cytotoxicity, and likely impacts on the activity of many other cell populations, defining the role of these cells - not only as sensitive biomarkers but also as mediators - across human disease remains an important task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carl-Philipp Hackstein
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Dept of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK; Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Dept of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Peter Medawar Building for Pathogen Research, Nuffield Dept of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3SY, UK; Translational Gastroenterology Unit, Nuffield Dept of Medicine, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford OX3 9DU, UK.
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14
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Schirrmacher V, van Gool S, Stuecker W. Counteracting Immunosuppression in the Tumor Microenvironment by Oncolytic Newcastle Disease Virus and Cellular Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13050. [PMID: 36361831 PMCID: PMC9655431 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
An apparent paradox exists between the evidence for spontaneous systemic T cell- mediated anti-tumor immune responses in cancer patients, observed particularly in their bone marrow, and local tumor growth in the periphery. This phenomenon, known as "concomitant immunity" suggests that the local tumor and its tumor microenvironment (TME) prevent systemic antitumor immunity to become effective. Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus (NDV), an agent with inherent anti-neoplastic and immune stimulatory properties, is capable of breaking therapy resistance and immunosuppression. This review updates latest information about immunosuppression by the TME and discusses mechanisms of how oncolytic viruses, in particular NDV, and cellular immunotherapy can counteract the immunosuppressive effect of the TME. With regard to cellular immunotherapy, the review presents pre-clinical studies of post-operative active-specific immunotherapy and of adoptive T cell-mediated therapy in immunocompetent mice. Memory T cell (MTC) transfer in tumor challenged T cell-deficient nu/nu mice demonstrates longevity and functionality of these cells. Graft-versus-leukemia (GvL) studies in mice demonstrate complete remission of late-stage disease including metastases and cachexia. T cell based immunotherapy studies with human cells in human tumor xenotransplanted NOD/SCID mice demonstrate superiority of bone marrow-derived as compared to blood-derived MTCs. Results from clinical studies presented include vaccination studies using two different types of NDV-modified cancer vaccine and a pilot adoptive T-cell mediated therapy study using re-activated bone marrow-derived cancer-reactive MTCs. As an example for what can be expected from clinical immunotherapy against tumors with an immunosuppressive TME, results from vaccination studies are presented from the aggressive brain tumor glioblastoma multiforme. The last decades of basic research in virology, oncology and immunology can be considered as a success story. Based on discoveries of these research areas, translational research and clinical studies have changed the way of treatment of cancer by introducing and including immunotherapy.
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15
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Li YR, Wilson M, Yang L. Target tumor microenvironment by innate T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:999549. [PMID: 36275727 PMCID: PMC9582148 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.999549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) remains one of the most prevailing barriers obstructing the implementation of effective immunotherapy against solid-state cancers. Eminently composed of immunosuppressive tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) among others, the TME attenuates the effects of immune checkpoint blockade and adoptive cell therapies, mandating a novel therapy capable of TME remediation. In this review we explore the potential of three innate-like T cell subsets, invariant natural killer T (iNKT), mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, and gamma delta T (γδT) cells, that display an intrinsic anti-TAM/MDSC capacity. Exhibiting both innate and adaptive properties, innate-like T cell types express a subset-specific TCR with distinct recombination, morphology, and target cell recognition, further supplemented by a variety of NK activating receptors. Both NK activating receptor and TCR activation result in effector cell cytotoxicity against targeted immunosuppressive cells for TME remediation. In addition, innate-like T cells showcase moderate levels of tumor cell killing, providing dual antitumor and anti-TAM/MDSC function. This latent antitumor capacity can be further bolstered by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineering for recognition of tumor specific antigens to enhance antitumor targeting. In contrast with established CAR-T cell therapies, adoption of these innate-like cell types provides an enhanced safety profile without the risk of graft versus host disease (GvHD), due to their non-recognition of mismatched major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, for use as widely accessible, allogeneic “off-the-shelf” cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Ruide Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Matthew Wilson
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Lili Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Molecular Genetics, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Lili Yang,
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