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Masamoto Y, Kurokawa M. A key to engineering natural killer cells to attack acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2024; 109:1032-1034. [PMID: 37916393 PMCID: PMC10985451 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.284272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yosuke Masamoto
- Department of Cell Therapy and Transplantation Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital
| | - Mineo Kurokawa
- Department of Cell Therapy and Transplantation Medicine, The University of Tokyo Hospital; Department of Hematology and Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo.
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2
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Kaito Y, Sugimoto E, Nakamura F, Tsukune Y, Sasaki M, Yui S, Yamaguchi H, Goyama S, Nannya Y, Mitani K, Tamura H, Imai Y. Immune checkpoint molecule DNAM-1/CD112 axis is a novel target for natural killer-cell therapy in acute myeloid leukemia. Haematologica 2024; 109:1107-1120. [PMID: 37731380 PMCID: PMC10985452 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2023.282915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematologic malignancy that frequently relapses, even if remission can be achieved with intensive chemotherapy. One known relapse mechanism is the escape of leukemic cells from immune surveillance. Currently, there is no effective immunotherapy for AML because of the lack of specific antigens. Here, we aimed to elucidate the association between CD155 and CD112 in AML cell lines and primary AML samples and determine the therapeutic response. Briefly, we generated NK-92 cell lines (NK-92) with modified DNAX-associated molecule 1 (DNAM-1) and T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), which are receptors of CD155 and CD112, respectively. Analysis of 200 cases of AML indicated that the survival of patients with high expression of CD112 was shorter than that of patients with low expression. NK-92 DNAM-1 exhibited enhanced cytotoxic activity against AML cell lines and primary cells derived from patients with AML. DNAM-1 induction in NK-92 cells enhanced the expression of cytotoxicity-related genes, thus overcoming the inhibitory activity of TIGIT. Between CD155 and CD112, CD112 is an especially important target for natural killer (NK)-cell therapy of AML. Using a xenograft model, we confirmed the enhanced antitumor effect of NK-92 DNAM-1 compared with that of NK-92 alone. We also discovered that CD112 (Nectin-2), an immune checkpoint molecule belonging to the Nectin/Nectin-like family, functions as a novel target of immunotherapy. In conclusion, modification of the DNAM-1/CD112 axis in NK cells may be an effective novel immunotherapy for AML. Furthermore, our findings suggest that the levels of expression of these molecules are potential prognostic markers in AML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Nectins
- Immune Checkpoint Proteins/metabolism
- Killer Cells, Natural
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- Receptors, Immunologic
- Cell- and Tissue-Based Therapy
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/genetics
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kaito
- Division of Hematopoietic Disease Control, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Emi Sugimoto
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Fumi Nakamura
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi
| | - Yutaka Tsukune
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Makoto Sasaki
- Department of Hematology, Juntendo University School of Medicine, Tokyo
| | - Shunsuke Yui
- Department of Hematology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo
| | | | - Susumu Goyama
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Yasuhito Nannya
- Division of Hematopoietic Disease Control, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
| | - Kinuko Mitani
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi
| | - Hideto Tamura
- Division of Diabetes, Endocrinology and Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Dokkyo Medical University Saitama Medical Center, Saitama
| | - Yoichi Imai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi.
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Tu C, Buckle I, Leal Rojas I, Rossi GR, Sester DP, Moore AS, Radford K, Guillerey C, Souza‐Fonseca‐Guimaraes F. Exploring NK cell receptor dynamics in paediatric leukaemias: implications for immunotherapy and prognosis. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1501. [PMID: 38525380 PMCID: PMC10960520 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1501] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Immunotherapies targeting natural killer (NK) cell receptors have shown promise against leukaemia. Unfortunately, cancer immunosuppressive mechanisms that alter NK cell phenotype prevent such approaches from being successful. The study utilises advanced cytometry to examine how cancer immunosuppressive pathways affect NK cell phenotypic changes in clinical samples. Methods In this study, we conducted a high-dimensional examination of the cell surface expression of 16 NK cell receptors in paediatric patients with acute myeloid leukaemia and acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, as well as in samples of non-age matched adult peripheral blood (APB) and umbilical cord blood (UCB). An unsupervised analysis was carried out in order to identify NK cell populations present in paediatric leukaemias. Results We observed that leukaemia NK cells clustered together with UCB NK cells and expressed relatively higher levels of the NKG2A receptor compared to APB NK cells. In addition, CD56dimCD16+CD57- NK cells lacking NKG2A expression were mainly absent in paediatric leukaemia patients. However, CD56br NK cell populations expressing high levels of NKG2A were highly represented in paediatric leukaemia patients. NKG2A expression on leukaemia NK cells was found to be positively correlated with the expression of its ligand, suggesting that the NKG2A-HLA-E interaction may play a role in modifying NK cell responses to leukaemia cells. Conclusion We provide an in-depth analysis of NK cell populations in paediatric leukaemia patients. These results support the development of immunotherapies targeting immunosuppressive receptors, such as NKG2A, to enhance innate immunity against paediatric leukaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Tu
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Frazer Institute, The University of QueenslandWoolloongabbaQLDAustralia
| | - Irina Buckle
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ingrid Leal Rojas
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | | | - David P Sester
- TRI Flow Cytometry SuiteTranslational Research InstituteWoolloongabbaQLDAustralia
- Translational Research InstituteQueensland University of TechnologyBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Andrew S Moore
- Oncology ServiceChildren's Health Queensland Hospital & Health ServiceSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
- Child Health Research CentreThe University of QueenslandSouth BrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Kristen Radford
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Camille Guillerey
- Cancer Immunotherapies Laboratory, Mater Research Institute, Translational Research InstituteUniversity of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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Cao K, Wang X, Wang H, Xu C, Ma A, Zhang Y, Zheng M, Xu Y, Tang L. Phenotypic and functional exhaustion of circulating CD3 + CD56 + NKT-like cells in colorectal cancer patients. FASEB J 2024; 38:e23525. [PMID: 38430373 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301743r] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
CD3+ CD56+ NKT-like cells are crucial to antitumor immune surveillance and defense. However, research on circulating NKT-like cells in colorectal cancer (CRC) patients is limited. This investigation selected 113 patients diagnosed with primary CRC for preoperative peripheral blood collection. The blood from 106 healthy donors at the physical examination center was acquired as a healthy control (HC). The distribution of lymphocyte subsets, immunophenotype, and functional characteristics of NKT-like cells was comprehensively evaluated. Compared to HC, primary CRC patients had considerably fewer peripheral NKT-like cells in frequency and absolute quantity, and the fraction of NKT-like cells was further reduced in patients with vascular invasion compared to those without. The NKT-like cells in CRC patients had a reduced fraction of the activating receptor CD16, up-regulated expression of inhibitory receptors LAG-3 and NKG2A, impaired production of TNF-α and IFN-γ, as well as degranulation capacity. Moreover, the increased frequency of NKG2A+ NKT-like cells and the decreased expression of activation-related molecules were significantly correlated with tumor progression. In detail, NKG2A+ NKT-like cells indicated increased PD-1 and Tim-3 and reduced TNF-α than NKG2A- subgroup. Blocking NKG2A in vitro restored cytokine secretion capacity in NKT-like cells from CRC patients. Altogether, this research revealed that circulating NKT-like cells in CRC patients exhibited suppressive phenotype and functional impairment, which was more pronounced in NKG2A+ NKT-like cells. These findings suggest that NKG2A blockade may restore anti-tumor effector function in NKT-like cells, which provides a potential target for immunotherapy in CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kangli Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaowei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Centre of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cairui Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Along Ma
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuntao Zhang
- The First Clinical Medical School of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Meijuan Zheng
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ling Tang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
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Zhang P, Liu X, Gu Z, Jiang Z, Zhao S, Song Y, Yu J. Targeting TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy: recent advances and future directions. Biomark Res 2024; 12:7. [PMID: 38229100 PMCID: PMC10790541 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00543-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
As a newly identified checkpoint, T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) is highly expressed on CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). TIGIT has been associated with NK cell exhaustion in vivo and in individuals with various cancers. It not only modulates NK cell survival but also mediates T cell exhaustion. As the primary ligand of TIGIT in humans, CD155 may be the main target for immunotherapy due to its interaction with TIGIT. It has been found that the anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) treatment response in cancer immunotherapy is correlated with CD155 but not TIGIT. Anti-TIGIT alone and in combination with anti-PD-1 agents have been tested for cancer immunotherapy. Although two clinical studies on advanced lung cancer had positive results, the TIGIT-targeted antibody, tiragolumab, recently failed in two new trials. In this review, we highlight the current developments on TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy and discuss the characteristics and functions of TIGIT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Thoracic Oncology, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xinyuan Liu
- Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Bioinformatics Center, Henan Provincial Engineering Center for Tumor Molecular Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China
| | - Zhuoyu Gu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
- Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Thoracic Oncology, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Song Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Jifeng Yu
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of Nuclear Protein Gene Regulation, Henan University College of Medicine, Kaifeng, 475004, Henan, China.
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Carreira-Santos S, López-Sejas N, González-Sánchez M, Sánchez-Hernández E, Pera A, Hassouneh F, Durán E, Solana R, Casado JG, Tarazona R. Enhanced expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors on cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer cells correlates with effector function. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1256404. [PMID: 37908353 PMCID: PMC10613704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of the innate immune system, involved in defending the host against virus-infected cells and tumor immunosurveillance. Under in vitro culture conditions, IL-12/15/18 can induce a memory-like phenotype in NK cells. These cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells possess desirable characteristics for immunotherapies, including a longer lifespan and increased cytotoxicity. Methods In this study, NK cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors and stimulated with IL-12/15/18 to induce a memory-like phenotype or with IL-15 alone as a control. After seven days of culture, multiparametric flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate the phenotypic and functional profiles of CIML and control NK cells. Results Our results showed a significantly higher expression of CD25, CD69, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, TACTILE, and Granzyme B in CIML NK cells compared to control NK cells. In contrast, KIR2D expression was significantly lower in CIML NK cells than in control NK cells. Moreover, functional experiments demonstrated that CIML NK cells displayed enhanced degranulation capacity and increased intracellular IFN-γ production against the target cell line K562. Interestingly, the degranulation capacity of CIML NK cells was positively correlated with the expression of the activating receptors NKp46 and NKp30, as well as with the inhibitory receptor TACTILE. Discussion In conclusion, this study provides a deep phenotypic characterization of in vitro-expanded CIML NK cells. Moreover, the correlations found between NK cell receptors and degranulation capacity of CIML NK cells allowed the identification of several biomarkers that could be useful in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Carreira-Santos
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Nelson López-Sejas
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Eva Sánchez-Hernández
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alejandra Pera
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fakhri Hassouneh
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Esther Durán
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathological Anatomy Unit, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Immunology and Allergy Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier G. Casado
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- RICORS-TERAV Network, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Raquel Tarazona
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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7
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Almeida JS, Casanova JM, Santos-Rosa M, Tarazona R, Solana R, Rodrigues-Santos P. Natural Killer T-like Cells: Immunobiology and Role in Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032743. [PMID: 36769064 PMCID: PMC9917533 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
CD56+ T cells are generally recognized as a distinct population of T cells and are categorized as NKT-like cells. Although our understanding of NKT-like cells is far from satisfactory, it has been shown that aging and a number of disease situations have impacted these cells. To construct an overview of what is currently known, we reviewed the literature on human NKT-like cells. NKT-like cells are highly differentiated T cells with "CD1d-independent" antigen recognition and MHC-unrestricted cell killing. The genesis of NKT-like cells is unclear; however, it is proposed that the acquisition of innate characteristics by T cells could represent a remodeling process leading to successful aging. Additionally, it has been shown that NKT-like cells may play a significant role in several pathological conditions, making it necessary to comprehend whether these cells might function as prognostic markers. The quantification and characterization of these cells might serve as a cutting-edge indicator of individual immune health. Additionally, exploring the mechanisms that can control their killing activity in different contexts may therefore result in innovative therapeutic alternatives in a wide range of disease settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani-Sofia Almeida
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - José Manuel Casanova
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- University Clinic of Orthopedics, Orthopedics Service, Tumor Unit of the Locomotor Apparatus (UTAL), Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Center (CHUC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel Santos-Rosa
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Tarazona
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, University of Extremadura, 10003 Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba (IMIBIC), Reina Sofía University Hospital, 14004 Córdoba, Spain
- Immunology Unit, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, 14071 Córdoba, Spain
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (FMUC), 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
- Clinical Academic Centre of Coimbra (CACC), 3000-075 Coimbra, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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CD96 as a Potential Immune Regulator in Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021303. [PMID: 36674817 PMCID: PMC9866520 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of CTLA-4 and PD-1 checkpoints has prompted scientific researchers and the pharmaceutical industry to develop and conduct extensive research on tumor-specific inhibitors. As a result, the list of potential immune checkpoint molecules is growing over time. Receptors for nectin and nectin-like proteins have recently emerged as promising targets for cancer immunotherapy. Potential immune checkpoints, including CD226, TIGIT, and CD96, belong to this receptor class. Among them, CD96 has received little attention. In this mini-review, we aim to discuss the basic biology of CD96 as well as the most recent relevant research on this as a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy.
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Farhangnia P, Akbarpour M, Yazdanifar M, Aref AR, Delbandi AA, Rezaei N. Advances in therapeutic targeting of immune checkpoints receptors within the CD96-TIGIT axis: clinical implications and future perspectives. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2022; 18:1217-1237. [PMID: 36154551 DOI: 10.1080/1744666x.2022.2128107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The development of therapeutic antibodies targeting immune checkpoint molecules (ICMs) that induce long-term remissions in cancer patients has revolutionized cancer immunotherapy. However, a major drawback is that relapse after an initial response may be attributed to innate and acquired resistance. Additionally, these treatments are not beneficial to all patients. Therefore, the discovery and targeting of novel ICMs and their combination with other immunotherapeutics are urgently needed. AREAS COVERED There has been increasing evidence of the CD96-TIGIT axis as ICMs in cancer immunotherapy in the last five years. This review will highlight and discuss the current knowledge about the role of CD96 and TIGIT in hematological and solid tumor immunotherapy in the context of empirical studies and clinical trials, and provide a comprehensive list of ongoing cancer clinical trials on the blockade of these ICMs, as well as the rationale behind combinational therapies with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 agents, chemotherapy drugs, and radiotherapy. Moreover, we share our perspectives on anti-CD96/TIGIT-related combination therapies. EXPERT OPINION CD96-TIGIT axis regulates anti-tumor immune responses. Thus, the receptors within this axis are the potential candidates for cancer immunotherapy. Combining the inhibition of CD96-TIGIT with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 mAbs and chemotherapy drugs has shown relatively effective results in the context of preclinical studies and tumor models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooya Farhangnia
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahzad Akbarpour
- Immunology Board for Transplantation and Cell-Based Therapeutics (ImmunoTACT), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Advanced Cellular Therapeutics Facility (ACTF), Hematopoietic Cellular Therapy Program, Section of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Medicine, University of Chicago Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali-Akbar Delbandi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Immunology Research Center, Institute of Immunology and Infectious Disease, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Immune landscape after allo-HSCT: TIGIT- and CD161-expressing CD4 T cells are associated with subsequent leukemia relapse. Blood 2022; 140:1305-1321. [PMID: 35820057 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022015522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is the most effective treatment for selected patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and relies on a "graft-versus-leukemia" effect (GVL) where donor T lymphocytes mediate control of malignant cell growth. However, relapse remains the major cause of death after allo-HSCT. In various malignancies, several immunoregulatory mechanisms have been shown to restrain antitumor immunity, including ligand-mediated engagement of inhibitory receptors (IRs) on effector cells, and induction of immunosuppressive cell subsets, such as regulatory T cells (Tregs) or myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Relapse after HSCT remains a major therapeutic challenge, but immunoregulatory mechanisms involved in restraining the GVL effect must be better deciphered in humans. We used mass cytometry to comprehensively characterize circulating leukocytes in 2 cohorts of patients after allo-HSCT. We first longitudinally assessed various immunoregulatory parameters highlighting specific trends, such as opposite dynamics between MDSCs and Tregs. More generally, the immune landscape was stable from months 3 to 6, whereas many variations occurred from months 6 to 12 after HSCT. Comparison with healthy individuals revealed that profound alterations in the immune equilibrium persisted 1 year after HSCT. Importantly, we found that high levels of TIGIT and CD161 expression on CD4 T cells at month 3 after HSCT were distinct features significantly associated with subsequent AML relapse in a second cross-sectional cohort. Altogether, these data provide global insights into the reconstitution of the immunoregulatory landscape after HSCT and highlight non-canonical IRs associated with relapse, which could open the path to new prognostic tools or therapeutic targets to restore subverted anti-AML immunity.
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11
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Zúñiga TM, Baker FL, Smith KA, Batatinha H, Lau B, Gustafson MP, Katsanis E, Simpson RJ. Acute exercise mobilizes NKT-like cells with a cytotoxic transcriptomic profile but does not augment the potency of cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:938106. [PMID: 36189306 PMCID: PMC9519182 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.938106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
CD3+/CD56+ Natural killer (NK) cell-like T-cells (NKT-like cells) represent <5% of blood lymphocytes, display a cytotoxic phenotype, and can kill various cancers. NKT-like cells can be expanded ex vivo into cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, however this therapeutic cell product has had mixed results against hematological malignancies in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to determine if NKT-like cells mobilized during acute cycling exercise could be used to generate more potent anti-tumor CIK cells from healthy donors. An acute exercise bout increased NKT-like cell numbers in blood 2-fold. Single cell RNA sequencing revealed that exercise mobilized NKT-like cells have an upregulation of genes and transcriptomic programs associated with enhanced anti-tumor activity, including cytotoxicity, cytokine responsiveness, and migration. Exercise, however, did not augment the ex vivo expansion of CIK cells or alter their surface phenotypes after 21-days of culture. CIK cells expanded at rest, during exercise (at 60% and 80% VO2max) or after (1h post) were equally capable of killing leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma target cells with and without cytokine (IL-2) and antibody (OKT3) priming in vitro. We conclude that acute exercise in healthy donors mobilizes NKT-like cells with an upregulation of transcriptomic programs involved in anti-tumor activity, but does not augment the ex vivo expansion of CIK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany M. Zúñiga
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Forrest L. Baker
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Kyle A. Smith
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Helena Batatinha
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Branden Lau
- University of Arizona Genetics Core, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Michael P. Gustafson
- Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, United States
| | - Emmanuel Katsanis
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Pathology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Richard J. Simpson
- School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- The University of Arizona Cancer Center, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- Department of Immunobiology, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
- *Correspondence: Richard J. Simpson,
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12
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CD96 Downregulation Promotes the Immune Response of CD4 T Cells and Associates with Ankylosing Spondylitis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:3946754. [PMID: 35769669 PMCID: PMC9234051 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3946754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Inhibitory receptors (IRs) play an indispensable role in regulating T cell activation and expansion. This study is aimed at exploring the correlation between IRs and ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Bioinformatics analysis of two datasets (GSE25101 and GSE73754), including 68 AS cases and 36 healthy controls, demonstrated that “T cell receptor signaling pathway” was significantly enriched, and two IRs (CD112R and CD96) were downregulated in AS cases. Real-time Quantitative PCR Detecting System (qPCR) analysis confirmed the decreased expression of CD112R and CD96 in the peripheral blood of AS patients. Flow cytometry demonstrated that the frequency of CD96-positive cells among CD4 T cells in AS patients was significantly reduced and that expressed on the cells was also significantly lower than the healthy controls. In addition, the expression of CD96 was altered on human primary CD4 T cells extracted from 3 healthy volunteers and cocultured with allogeneic dendritic cells (DCs). Also, low expression of CD96 elevated the phosphorylation of ERK in CD4 T cells and increased the level of TNF-α, IL-23, IL-17A, IL-6, and IFN-γ in the cell culture supernatant. These results suggested that CD96 is crucial for the pathogenesis of AS and may be a potential target in the treatment of the disease.
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13
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Wang D, Gu Y, Yan X, Huo C, Wang G, Zhao Y, Teng M, Li Y. Role of CD155/TIGIT in Digestive Cancers: Promising Cancer Target for Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2022; 12:844260. [PMID: 35433470 PMCID: PMC9005749 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.844260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment restricts the function and survival of various immune cells by up-regulating inhibitory immune checkpoints, and participates in the immune escape of tumors. The development of immunotherapies targeting immune checkpoints, such as programmed cell death receptor 1 antibody and anti-cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 antibody, has provided many options for cancer treatment. The efficacy of other immune checkpoint inhibitors is also under development and research. Among them, T cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT) has shown excellent clinical application prospects. Correspondingly, poliovirus receptor (PVR, CD155), one of the main ligands of TIGIT, is mainly expressed in various human malignant tumors and myeloid cells. CD155 interacts with TIGIT on natural killer cells and T cells, mediating inhibitory immunomodulatory regulation. This study summarized the mechanism of CD155/TIGIT in regulating immune cells and its role in the occurrence and development of digestive system tumors, aiming to provide a new perspective for immunotherapy of digestive cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daijun Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yanmei Gu
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xin Yan
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chengdong Huo
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guan Wang
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Muzhou Teng
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yumin Li
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Digestive System Tumors of Gansu Province, Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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14
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Brauneck F, Seubert E, Wellbrock J, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Duan Y, Magnus T, Bokemeyer C, Koch-Nolte F, Menzel S, Fiedler W. Combined Blockade of TIGIT and CD39 or A2AR Enhances NK-92 Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity in AML. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312919. [PMID: 34884723 PMCID: PMC8657570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize different natural killer (NK) cell phenotypes on bone marrow and peripheral blood cells from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and healthy donors (HDs). Our data show that CD56dimCD16− and CD56brightCD16− NK cells represent the predominant NK cell subpopulations in AML, while the CD56dimCD16+ NK cells are significantly reduced compared to HDs. Moreover, TIGIT+ and PVRIG+ cells cluster on the CD56dimCD16+ subset whereas CD39+ and CD38+ cells do so on CD56brightCD16− NK cells in AML. Furthermore, functional effects of (co-)blockade of TIGIT and CD39 or A2AR on NK cell functionality were analyzed. These experiments revealed that the single blockade of the TIGIT receptor results in an increased NK-92 cell-mediated killing of AML cells in vitro. Combined targeting of CD39 or A2AR significantly augments the anti-TIGIT-mediated lysis of AML cells. Our data indicate that distinct NK cell subsets in AML exhibit different immunosuppressive patterns (via the TIGIT/PVRIG receptors and the purinergic pathway). In summary, we conclude that TIGIT, CD39, and A2AR constitute relevant inhibitory checkpoints of NK cells in AML patients. A combinatorial blockade synergistically strengthens NK-92 cell-mediated cytotoxicity. As inhibitors of TIGIT, CD39, and A2AR are clinically available, studies on their combined use could be conducted in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Brauneck
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Elisa Seubert
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Jasmin Wellbrock
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Yinghui Duan
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Stephan Menzel
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Walter Fiedler
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
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15
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Zeng X, Yao D, Liu L, Zhang Y, Lai J, Zhong J, Zha X, Lu Y, Jin Z, Chen S, Li Y, Xu L. Terminal differentiation of bone marrow NK cells and increased circulation of TIGIT + NK cells may be related to poor outcome in acute myeloid leukemia. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2021; 18:456-464. [PMID: 34811925 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM In order to further understand the feature of natural killer cell (NK) dysfunction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), The distribution of NK cell subset the expression of the inhibitory receptors immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), killer cell lectin-like receptor (KLRG1), and the expression of maturation marker CD57 in NK cell subsets and their correlation with patient outcomes were analyzed in this study. METHODS We collected peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples from de novo AML (AML-DN) patients, patients who achieved complete remission after chemotherapy (AML-CR), and healthy individuals. An eight-color flow cytometry panel was used to identify different NK subsets and their expression of TIGIT, CD57 and KLRG1. RESULTS Decreased percentage of CD56dim CD16+ NK cells was found only in the PB of AML-DN and AML-CR patients but not in the BM. The expression frequency of TIGIT and KLRG1 was elevated on NK cells from the PB of AML-DN patients, while it was recovered in AML-CR patients. Moreover, a higher percentage of CD57+ CD56dim CD16+ NK cells, representing a terminally differentiated NK subset with strong cytotoxic capacity but defective replication potential, was detected in the BM of AML-DN patients and predicted sub-optimal survival for patients. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the NK cell subsets in the PB of AML patients had an exhaustion phenotype, while the BM NK cells had a terminally differentiated phenotype, which correlated with short survival for AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbo Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Danlin Yao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yikai Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jing Lai
- Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jun Zhong
- Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xianfeng Zha
- Department of clinical laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuhong Lu
- Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenyi Jin
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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16
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Chashchina A, Märklin M, Hinterleitner C, Salih HR, Heitmann JS, Klimovich B. DNAM-1/CD226 is functionally expressed on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells and is associated with favorable prognosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:18012. [PMID: 34504191 PMCID: PMC8429762 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-97400-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
DNAM-1 is reportedly expressed on cytotoxic T and NK cells and, upon interaction with its ligands CD112 and CD155, plays an important role in tumor immunosurveillance. It has also been reported to be functionally expressed by myeloid cells, but expression and function on malignant cells of the myeloid lineage have not been studied so far. Here we analyzed expression of DNAM-1 in leukemic cells of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients. We found substantial levels of DNAM-1 to be expressed on leukemic blasts in 48 of 62 (> 75%) patients. Interaction of DNAM-1 with its ligands CD112 and CD155 induced release of the immunomodulatory cytokines IL-6, IL-8 IL-10 and TNF-α by AML cells and DNAM-1 expression correlated with a more differentiated phenotype. Multivariate analysis did not show any association of DNAM-1 positivity with established risk factors, but expression was significantly associated with clinical disease course: patients with high DNAM-1 surface levels had significantly longer progression-free and overall survival compared to DNAM-1low patients, independently whether patients had undergone allogenic stem cell transplantation or not. Together, our findings unravel a functional role of DNAM-1 in AML pathophysiology and identify DNAM-1 as a potential novel prognostic maker in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Chashchina
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 "Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy (iFIT)", 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Märklin
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 "Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy (iFIT)", 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Clemens Hinterleitner
- DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 "Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy (iFIT)", 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,Department of Medical Oncology and Pulmonology, University Hospital Tübingen, 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut R Salih
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 "Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy (iFIT)", 72076, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas S Heitmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany. .,DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 "Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy (iFIT)", 72076, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Boris Klimovich
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK) Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076, Tübingen, Germany.,DFG Cluster of Excellence 2180 "Image-Guided and Functional Instructed Tumor Therapy (iFIT)", 72076, Tübingen, Germany
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17
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Three-Dimensional Culture Models to Study Innate Anti-Tumor Immune Response: Advantages and Disadvantages. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143417. [PMID: 34298630 PMCID: PMC8303518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Several approaches have shown that the immune response against tumors strongly affects patients' clinical outcome. Thus, the study of anti-tumor immunity is critical to understand and potentiate the mechanisms underlying the elimination of tumor cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are members of innate immunity and represent powerful anti-tumor effectors, able to eliminate tumor cells without a previous sensitization. Thus, the study of their involvement in anti-tumor responses is critical for clinical translation. This analysis has been performed in vitro, co-incubating NK with tumor cells and quantifying the cytotoxic activity of NK cells. In vivo confirmation has been applied to overcome the limits of in vitro testing, however, the innate immunity of mice and humans is different, leading to discrepancies. Different activating receptors on NK cells and counter-ligands on tumor cells are involved in the antitumor response, and innate immunity is strictly dependent on the specific microenvironment where it takes place. Thus, three-dimensional (3D) culture systems, where NK and tumor cells can interact in a tissue-like architecture, have been created. For example, tumor cell spheroids and primary organoids derived from several tumor types, have been used so far to analyze innate immune response, replacing animal models. Herein, we briefly introduce NK cells and analyze and discuss in detail the properties of 3D tumor culture systems and their use for the study of tumor cell interactions with NK cells.
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18
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Shibru B, Fey K, Fricke S, Blaudszun AR, Fürst F, Weise M, Seiffert S, Weyh MK, Köhl U, Sack U, Boldt A. Detection of Immune Checkpoint Receptors - A Current Challenge in Clinical Flow Cytometry. Front Immunol 2021; 12:694055. [PMID: 34276685 PMCID: PMC8281132 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.694055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunological therapy principles are increasingly determining modern medicine. They are used to treat diseases of the immune system, for tumors, but also for infections, neurological diseases, and many others. Most of these therapies base on antibodies, but small molecules, soluble receptors or cells and modified cells are also used. The development of immune checkpoint inhibitors is amazingly fast. T-cell directed antibody therapies against PD-1 or CTLA-4 are already firmly established in the clinic. Further targets are constantly being added and it is becoming increasingly clear that their expression is not only relevant on T cells. Furthermore, we do not yet have any experience with the long-term systemic effects of the treatment. Flow cytometry can be used for diagnosis, monitoring, and detection of side effects. In this review, we focus on checkpoint molecules as target molecules and functional markers of cells of the innate and acquired immune system. However, for most of the interesting and potentially relevant parameters, there are still no test kits suitable for routine use. Here we give an overview of the detection of checkpoint molecules on immune cells in the peripheral blood and show examples of a possible design of antibody panels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Shibru
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Katharina Fey
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Friederike Fürst
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Max Weise
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Sabine Seiffert
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Maria Katharina Weyh
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Ulrich Sack
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
| | - Andreas Boldt
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
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19
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Machuldova A, Holubova M, Caputo VS, Cedikova M, Jindra P, Houdova L, Pitule P. Role of Polymorphisms of NKG2D Receptor and Its Ligands in Acute Myeloid Leukemia and Human Stem Cell Transplantation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:651751. [PMID: 33868289 PMCID: PMC8044845 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.651751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells possess key regulatory function in various malignant diseases, including acute myeloid leukemia. NK cell activity is driven by signals received through ligands binding activating or inhibitory receptors. Their activity towards elimination of transformed or virally infected cells can be mediated through MICA, MICB and ULBP ligands binding the activating receptor NKG2D. Given the efficiency of NK cells, potential target cells developed multiple protecting mechanisms to overcome NK cells killing on various levels of biogenesis of NKG2D ligands. Targeted cells can degrade ligand transcripts via microRNAs or modify them at protein level to prevent their presence at cell surface via shedding, with added benefit of shed ligands to desensitize NKG2D receptor and avert the threat of destruction via NK cells. NK cells and their activity are also indispensable during hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, crucial treatment option for patients with malignant disease, including acute myeloid leukemia. Function of both NKG2D and its ligands is strongly affected by polymorphisms and particular allelic variants, as different alleles can play variable roles in ligand-receptor interaction, influencing NK cell function and HSCT outcome differently. For example, role of amino acid exchange at position 129 in MICA or at position 98 in MICB, as well as the role of other polymorphisms leading to different shedding of ligands, was described. Finally, match or mismatch between patient and donor in NKG2D ligands affect HSCT outcome. Having the information beyond standard HLA typing prior HSCT could be instrumental to find the best donor for the patient and to optimize effects of treatment by more precise patient-donor match. Here, we review recent research on the NKG2D/NKG2D ligand biology, their regulation, description of their polymorphisms across the populations of patients with AML and the influence of particular polymorphisms on HSCT outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alena Machuldova
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Immunotherapy, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Monika Holubova
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Immunotherapy, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia.,Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Pilsen, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Valentina S Caputo
- Hugh & Josseline Langmuir Center for Myeloma Research, Center for Hematology, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom.,Cancer Biology and Therapy Laboratory, School of Applied Sciences, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Miroslava Cedikova
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Immunotherapy, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Pavel Jindra
- Department of Haematology and Oncology, University Hospital Pilsen, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Lucie Houdova
- NTIS, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czechia
| | - Pavel Pitule
- Laboratory of Tumor Biology and Immunotherapy, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia.,Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czechia
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20
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Gurney M, O’Dwyer M. Realizing Innate Potential: CAR-NK Cell Therapies for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1568. [PMID: 33805422 PMCID: PMC8036691 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 03/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Next-generation cellular immunotherapies seek to improve the safety and efficacy of approved CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell products or apply their principles across a growing list of targets and diseases. Supported by promising early clinical experiences, CAR modified natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapies represent a complementary and potentially off-the-shelf, allogeneic solution. While acute myeloid leukemia (AML) represents an intuitive disease in which to investigate CAR based immunotherapies, key biological differences to B-cell malignancies have complicated progress to date. As CAR-T cell trials treating AML are growing in number, several CAR-NK cell approaches are also in development. In this review we explore why CAR-NK cell therapies may be particularly suited to the treatment of AML. First, we examine the established role NK cells play in AML biology and the existing anti-leukemic activity of NK cell adoptive transfer. Next, we appraise potential AML target antigens and consider common and unique challenges posed relative to treating B-cell malignancies. We summarize the current landscape of CAR-NK development in AML, and potential targets to augment CAR-NK cell therapies pharmacologically and through genetic engineering. Finally, we consider the broader landscape of competing immunotherapeutic approaches to AML treatment. In doing so we evaluate the innate potential, status and remaining barriers for CAR-NK based AML immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Gurney
- Apoptosis Research Center, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
| | - Michael O’Dwyer
- Apoptosis Research Center, National University of Ireland Galway, H91 TK33 Galway, Ireland;
- ONK Therapeutics Ltd., H91 V6KV Galway, Ireland
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21
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Swatler J, Turos-Korgul L, Kozlowska E, Piwocka K. Immunosuppressive Cell Subsets and Factors in Myeloid Leukemias. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061203. [PMID: 33801964 PMCID: PMC7998753 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Effector immune system cells have the ability to kill tumor cells. However, as a cancer (such as leukemia) develops, it inhibits and evades the effector immune response. Such a state of immunosuppression can be driven by several factors – receptors, soluble cytokines, as well as by suppressive immune cells. In this review, we describe factors and cells that constitute immunosuppressive microenvironment of myeloid leukemias. We characterize factors of direct leukemic origin, such as inhibitory receptors, enzymes and extracellular vesicles. Furthermore, we describe suppressive immune cells, such as myeloid derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells. Finally, we sum up changes in these drivers of immune evasion in myeloid leukemias during therapy. Abstract Both chronic myeloid leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia evade the immune response during their development and disease progression. As myeloid leukemia cells modify their bone marrow microenvironment, they lead to dysfunction of cytotoxic cells, such as CD8+ T cells or NK cells, simultaneously promoting development of immunosuppressive regulatory T cells and suppressive myeloid cells. This facilitates disease progression, spreading of leukemic blasts outside the bone marrow niche and therapy resistance. The following review focuses on main immunosuppressive features of myeloid leukemias. Firstly, factors derived directly from leukemic cells – inhibitory receptors, soluble factors and extracellular vesicles, are described. Further, we outline function, properties and origin of main immunosuppressive cells - regulatory T cells, myeloid derived suppressor cells and macrophages. Finally, we analyze interplay between recovery of effector immunity and therapeutic modalities, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors and chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Swatler
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (J.S.); (L.T.-K.)
| | - Laura Turos-Korgul
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (J.S.); (L.T.-K.)
| | - Ewa Kozlowska
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Functional Biology and Ecology, University of Warsaw, 02-096 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Piwocka
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, 02-093 Warsaw, Poland; (J.S.); (L.T.-K.)
- Correspondence:
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