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Di Simone M, Corsale AM, Toia F, Shekarkar Azgomi M, Di Stefano AB, Lo Presti E, Cordova A, Montesano L, Dieli F, Meraviglia S. Tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells as targets of immune checkpoint blockade in melanoma. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:760-770. [PMID: 38324004 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiae023] [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: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is one of the most sensitive tumors to immune modulation, and the major challenge for melanoma patients' survival is immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. γδ T lymphocytes play an antitumoral role in a broad variety of tumors including melanoma and they are optimal candidates for cellular immunotherapy. Thus, a comprehensive analysis of the correlation between γδ T cells and immune checkpoint receptors in the context of melanoma was conducted, with the aim of devising an innovative combined immunotherapeutic strategy. In this study, using the GEPIA2.0 database, a significant positive correlation was observed between the expression of γδ T cell-related genes (TRGC1, TRGC2, TCRD) and immune checkpoint genes (PDCD1, HAVCR2, LAG3), highlighting the potential role of γδ T cells in the immune response within melanoma. Moreover, flow cytometry analysis unveiled a significant augmentation in the population of γδ T cells within melanoma lesions, which exhibited the expression of immune checkpoint receptors including LAG3, TIM3, and PD1. Analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing data revealed a significant enrichment and functional reprogramming of γδ T cell clusters in response to ICIs. Interestingly, the effects of ICI therapy varied between Vδ1 and Vδ2 γδ T cell subsets, with distinct changes in gene expression patterns. Last, a correlation analysis between γδ T cell abundance, immune checkpoint gene expression, and clinical outcomes in melanoma patients showed that low expression of immune checkpoint genes, including LAG3, HAVCR2, and PDCD1, was associated with improved 1-year overall survival, emphasizing the significance of these genes in predicting patient outcomes, potentially outweighing the impact of γδ T cell abundance. This study offers critical insights into the dynamic interaction between γδ T cells, immune checkpoint receptors, and melanoma, providing valuable perspectives for potential therapeutic avenues and predictive markers in this intricate interplay.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Di Simone
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Corsale
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesca Toia
- Laboratory of Biology and Regenerative Medicine-Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Mojtaba Shekarkar Azgomi
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Anna Barbara Di Stefano
- Laboratory of Biology and Regenerative Medicine-Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Elena Lo Presti
- National Research Council Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, Via Ugo La Malfa 153, 90146, Palermo, Italy
| | - Adriana Cordova
- Laboratory of Biology and Regenerative Medicine-Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Luigi Montesano
- Laboratory of Biology and Regenerative Medicine-Plastic Surgery, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncological and Oral Sciences, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
| | - Serena Meraviglia
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnosis, University of Palermo, Via del Vespro 129, 90127, Palermo, Italy
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Revesz IA, Joyce P, Ebert LM, Prestidge CA. Effective γδ T-cell clinical therapies: current limitations and future perspectives for cancer immunotherapy. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1492. [PMID: 38375329 PMCID: PMC10875631 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are a unique subset of T lymphocytes, exhibiting features of both innate and adaptive immune cells and are involved with cancer immunosurveillance. They present an attractive alternative to conventional T cell-based immunotherapy due, in large part, to their lack of major histocompatibility (MHC) restriction and ability to secrete high levels of cytokines with well-known anti-tumour functions. To date, clinical trials using γδ T cell-based immunotherapy for a range of haematological and solid cancers have yielded limited success compared with in vitro studies. This inability to translate the efficacy of γδ T-cell therapies from preclinical to clinical trials is attributed to a combination of several factors, e.g. γδ T-cell agonists that are commonly used to stimulate populations of these cells have limited cellular uptake yet rely on intracellular mechanisms; administered γδ T cells display low levels of tumour-infiltration; and there is a gap in the understanding of γδ T-cell inhibitory receptors. This review explores the discrepancy between γδ T-cell clinical and preclinical performance and offers viable avenues to overcome these obstacles. Using more direct γδ T-cell agonists, encapsulating these agonists into lipid nanocarriers to improve their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles and the use of combination therapies to overcome checkpoint inhibition and T-cell exhaustion are ways to bridge the gap between preclinical and clinical success. Given the ability to overcome these limitations, the development of a more targeted γδ T-cell agonist-checkpoint blockade combination therapy has the potential for success in clinical trials which has to date remained elusive.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabella A Revesz
- Clinical Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Paul Joyce
- Clinical Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Lisa M Ebert
- Centre for Cancer BiologySA Pathology and University of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
- Cancer Clinical Trials UnitRoyal Adelaide HospitalAdelaideSAAustralia
- School of MedicineThe University of AdelaideAdelaideSAAustralia
| | - Clive A Prestidge
- Clinical Health SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideSAAustralia
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3
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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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4
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Kurioka A, Klenerman P. Aging unconventionally: γδ T cells, iNKT cells, and MAIT cells in aging. Semin Immunol 2023; 69:101816. [PMID: 37536148 PMCID: PMC10804939 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2023.101816] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Unconventional T cells include γδ T cells, invariant Natural Killer T cells (iNKT) cells and Mucosal Associated Invariant T (MAIT) cells, which are distinguished from conventional T cells by their recognition of non-peptide ligands presented by non-polymorphic antigen presenting molecules and rapid effector functions that are pre-programmed during their development. Here we review current knowledge of the effect of age on unconventional T cells, from early life to old age, in both mice and humans. We then discuss the role of unconventional T cells in age-associated diseases and infections, highlighting the similarities between members of the unconventional T cell family in the context of aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayako Kurioka
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
| | - Paul Klenerman
- Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK; Translational Gastroenterology Unit, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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5
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Brouwer S, Rivera-Hernandez T, Curren BF, Harbison-Price N, De Oliveira DMP, Jespersen MG, Davies MR, Walker MJ. Pathogenesis, epidemiology and control of Group A Streptococcus infection. Nat Rev Microbiol 2023; 21:431-447. [PMID: 36894668 PMCID: PMC9998027 DOI: 10.1038/s41579-023-00865-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus; GAS) is exquisitely adapted to the human host, resulting in asymptomatic infection, pharyngitis, pyoderma, scarlet fever or invasive diseases, with potential for triggering post-infection immune sequelae. GAS deploys a range of virulence determinants to allow colonization, dissemination within the host and transmission, disrupting both innate and adaptive immune responses to infection. Fluctuating global GAS epidemiology is characterized by the emergence of new GAS clones, often associated with the acquisition of new virulence or antimicrobial determinants that are better adapted to the infection niche or averting host immunity. The recent identification of clinical GAS isolates with reduced penicillin sensitivity and increasing macrolide resistance threatens both frontline and penicillin-adjunctive antibiotic treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed a GAS research and technology road map and has outlined preferred vaccine characteristics, stimulating renewed interest in the development of safe and effective GAS vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Brouwer
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | | | - Bodie F Curren
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nichaela Harbison-Price
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - David M P De Oliveira
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Magnus G Jespersen
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark R Davies
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mark J Walker
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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6
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NKG2A Immune Checkpoint in Vδ2 T Cells: Emerging Application in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041264. [PMID: 36831606 PMCID: PMC9954046 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune regulation has revolutionized cancer treatment with the introduction of T-cell-targeted immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This successful immunotherapy has led to a more complete view of cancer that now considers not only the cancer cells to be targeted and destroyed but also the immune environment of the cancer cells. Current challenges associated with the enhancement of ICI effects are increasing the fraction of responding patients through personalized combinations of multiple ICIs and overcoming acquired resistance. This requires a complete overview of the anti-tumor immune response, which depends on a complex interplay between innate and adaptive immune cells with the tumor microenvironment. The NKG2A was revealed to be a key immune checkpoint for both Natural Killer (NK) cells and T cells. Monalizumab, a humanized anti-NKG2A antibody, enhances NK cell activity against various tumor cells and rescues CD8 αβ T cell function in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. In this review, we discuss the potential for targeting NKG2A expressed on tumor-sensing human γδ T cells, mostly on the specific Vδ2 T cell subset, in order to emphasize its importance and potential in the development of new ICI-based therapeutic approaches.
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7
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Gao Z, Bai Y, Lin A, Jiang A, Zhou C, Cheng Q, Liu Z, Chen X, Zhang J, Luo P. Gamma delta T-cell-based immune checkpoint therapy: attractive candidate for antitumor treatment. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:31. [PMID: 36793048 PMCID: PMC9930367 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01722-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
As a nontraditional T-cell subgroup, γδT cells have gained popularity in the field of immunotherapy in recent years. They have extraordinary antitumor potential and prospects for clinical application. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), which are efficacious in tumor patients, have become pioneer drugs in the field of tumor immunotherapy since they were incorporated into clinical practice. In addition, γδT cells that have infiltrated into tumor tissues are found to be in a state of exhaustion or anergy, and there is upregulation of many immune checkpoints (ICs) on their surface, suggesting that γδT cells have a similar ability to respond to ICIs as traditional effector T cells. Studies have shown that targeting ICs can reverse the dysfunctional state of γδT cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and exert antitumor effects by improving γδT-cell proliferation and activation and enhancing cytotoxicity. Clarification of the functional state of γδT cells in the TME and the mechanisms underlying their interaction with ICs will solidify ICIs combined with γδT cells as a good treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhifei Gao
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282 People’s Republic of China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Second Clinical Medical School, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yifeng Bai
- grid.54549.390000 0004 0369 4060The Department of Oncology, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731 China
| | - Anqi Lin
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282 People’s Republic of China
| | - Aimin Jiang
- grid.73113.370000 0004 0369 1660The Department of Urology, Changhai hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, China
| | - Chaozheng Zhou
- grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282 People’s Republic of China ,grid.284723.80000 0000 8877 7471The First Clinical Medical School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quan Cheng
- grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164The Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan China ,grid.216417.70000 0001 0379 7164National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zaoqu Liu
- grid.412633.10000 0004 1799 0733The Department of Interventional Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan China
| | - Xin Chen
- The Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Jian Zhang
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peng Luo
- The Department of Oncology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, 253 Industrial Avenue, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510282, People's Republic of China.
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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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Fameli A, Nardone V, Shekarkar Azgomi M, Bianco G, Gandolfo C, Oliva BM, Monoriti M, Saladino RE, Falzea A, Romeo C, Calandruccio ND, Azzarello D, Giannicola R, Pirtoli L, Giordano A, Tassone P, Tagliaferri P, Cusi MG, Mutti L, Botta C, Correale P. PD-1/PD-L1 immune-checkpoint blockade induces immune effector cell modulation in metastatic non-small cell lung cancer patients: A single-cell flow cytometry approach. Front Oncol 2022; 12:911579. [PMID: 36185285 PMCID: PMC9515511 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.911579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral immune-checkpoint blockade with mAbs to programmed cell death receptor-1 (PD-1) (either nivolumab or pembrolizumab) or PD-Ligand-1 (PD-L1) (atezolizumab, durvalumab, or avelumab) alone or in combination with doublet chemotherapy represents an expanding treatment strategy for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (mNSCLC) patients. This strategy lays on the capability of these mAbs to rescue tumor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) inactivated throughout PD-1 binding to PD-L1/2 in the tumor sites. This inhibitory interactive pathway is a physiological mechanism of prevention against dangerous overreactions and autoimmunity in case of prolonged and/or repeated CTL response to the same antigen peptides. Therefore, we have carried out a retrospective bioinformatics analysis by single-cell flow cytometry to evaluate if PD-1/PD-L1-blocking mAbs modulate the expression of specific peripheral immune cell subsets, potentially correlated with autoimmunity triggering in 28 mNSCLC patients. We recorded a treatment-related decline in CD4+ T-cell and B-cell subsets and in the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio coupled with an increase in natural killer T (NKT), CD8+PD1+ T cells, and eosinophils. Treatment-related increase in autoantibodies [mainly antinuclear antibodies (ANAs) and extractable nuclear antigen (ENA) antibodies] as well as the frequency of immune-related adverse events were associated with the deregulation of specific immune subpopulations (e.g., NKT cells). Correlative biological/clinical studies with deep immune monitoring are badly needed for a better characterization of the effects produced by PD-1/PD-L1 immune-checkpoint blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Fameli
- Medical Oncology Unit, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Valerio Nardone
- Section of Radiology and Radiotherapy, Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
| | - Mojtaba Shekarkar Azgomi
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Giovanna Bianco
- Medical Oncology Unit, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Claudia Gandolfo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Bianca Maria Oliva
- Laboratory of Flow Cytometry, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Marika Monoriti
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Rita Emilena Saladino
- Laboratory of HLA Typing and Immuno-Transplantation, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Antonella Falzea
- Medical Oncology Unit, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Caterina Romeo
- Medical Oncology Unit, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | | | - Domenico Azzarello
- Medical Oncology Unit, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Rocco Giannicola
- Medical Oncology Unit, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Luigi Pirtoli
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center of Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center of Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Pierfrancesco Tassone
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center of Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Maria Grazia Cusi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Luciano Mutti
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center of Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Cirino Botta
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties (PROMISE), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
- *Correspondence: Pierpaolo Correale, ; Cirino Botta,
| | - Pierpaolo Correale
- Medical Oncology Unit, “Bianchi Melacrino Morelli” Grand Metropolitan Hospital, Reggio Calabria, Italy
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center of Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Pierpaolo Correale, ; Cirino Botta,
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Cimini E, Grassi G, Beccacece A, Casetti R, Castilletti C, Capobianchi MR, Nicastri E, Agrati C. In Acute Dengue Infection, High TIM-3 Expression May Contribute to the Impairment of IFNγ Production by Circulating Vδ2 T Cells. Viruses 2022; 14:v14010130. [PMID: 35062334 PMCID: PMC8781730 DOI: 10.3390/v14010130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are innate cells able to quickly eliminate pathogens or infected/tumoral cells by their antiviral and adjuvancy activities. The role of γδ T cells during Dengue Viral Infection (DENV) infection is not fully elucidated. Nevertheless, human primary γδ T cells have been shown to kill in vitro DENV-infected cells, thus highlighting their possible antiviral function. The aim of this work was to characterize the phenotype and function of Vδ2 T cells in DENV patients. Fifteen DENV patients were enrolled for this study and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were used to analyze Vδ2-T-cell frequency, differentiation profile, activation/exhaustion status, and functionality by multiparametric flow cytometry. Our data demonstrated that DENV infection was able to significantly reduce Vδ2-T-cell frequency and to increase their activation (CD38 and HLA-DR) and exhaustion markers (PD-1 and TIM-3). Furthermore, Vδ2 T cells showed a reduced capability to produce IFN-γ after phosphoantigenic stimulation that can be associated to TIM-3 expression. Several studies are needed to depict the possible clinical impact of γδ-T-cell impairment on disease severity and to define the antiviral and immunoregulatory activities of γδ T cells in the first phases of infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Cimini
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology and Pharmacology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (G.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Germana Grassi
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology and Pharmacology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (G.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Alessia Beccacece
- Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (E.N.)
| | - Rita Casetti
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology and Pharmacology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (G.G.); (R.C.)
| | - Concetta Castilletti
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy;
| | - Maria Rosaria Capobianchi
- Department of Epidemiology, Pre-Clinical Research and Advanced Diagnostic, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy;
- Saint Camillus International University of Health Sciences, Via di Sant’Alessandro, 8, 00131 Roma, Italy
- Department of Infectious Tropical Diseases and Microbiology, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Via Don A. Sempreboni 5, 37024 Negrar di Valpolicella, Italy
| | - Emanuele Nicastri
- Clinical Department, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (A.B.); (E.N.)
| | - Chiara Agrati
- Laboratory of Cellular Immunology and Pharmacology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases “L. Spallanzani”, Via Portuense 292, 00149 Rome, Italy; (E.C.); (G.G.); (R.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-5517-0907
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Schönefeldt S, Wais T, Herling M, Mustjoki S, Bekiaris V, Moriggl R, Neubauer HA. The Diverse Roles of γδ T Cells in Cancer: From Rapid Immunity to Aggressive Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6212. [PMID: 34944832 PMCID: PMC8699114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are unique players in shaping immune responses, lying at the intersection between innate and adaptive immunity. Unlike conventional αβ T cells, γδ T cells largely populate non-lymphoid peripheral tissues, demonstrating tissue specificity, and they respond to ligands in an MHC-independent manner. γδ T cells display rapid activation and effector functions, with a capacity for cytotoxic anti-tumour responses and production of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ or IL-17. Their rapid cytotoxic nature makes them attractive cells for use in anti-cancer immunotherapies. However, upon transformation, γδ T cells can give rise to highly aggressive lymphomas. These rare malignancies often display poor patient survival, and no curative therapies exist. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of γδ T cells in immune surveillance and response, with a particular focus on cancer immunity. We summarise the intriguing dichotomy between pro- and anti-tumour functions of γδ T cells in solid and haematological cancers, highlighting the key subsets involved. Finally, we discuss potential drivers of γδ T-cell transformation, summarising the main γδ T-cell lymphoma/leukaemia entities, their clinical features, recent advances in mapping their molecular and genomic landscapes, current treatment strategies and potential future targeting options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Schönefeldt
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
| | - Tamara Wais
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
| | - Marco Herling
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vasileios Bekiaris
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
| | - Heidi A. Neubauer
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
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