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Mohseni R, Mahdavi Sharif P, Behfar M, Shojaei S, Shoae-Hassani A, Jafari L, Khosravi A, Nikfetrat Z, Hamidieh AA. Phase I study of safety and efficacy of allogeneic natural killer cell therapy in relapsed/refractory neuroblastomas post autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Sci Rep 2024; 14:20971. [PMID: 39251669 PMCID: PMC11385932 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-70958-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Despite low incidence, neuroblastoma, an immunologically cold tumor, is the most common extracranial solid neoplasm in pediatrics. In relapsed/refractory cases, the benefits of autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) and other therapies are limited. Natural killer (NK) cells apply cytotoxicity against tumor cells independently of antigen-presenting cells and the adaptive immune system. The primary endpoint of this trial was to assess the safety of the injection of allogenic, ex vivo-expanded and primed NK cells in relapsed/refractory neuroblastoma patients after auto-HSCT. The secondary endpoint included the efficacy of this intervention in controlling tumors. NK cells were isolated and primed ex vivo (by adding interleukin [IL]-2, IL-15, and IL-21) in a GMP-compliant CliniMACS system and administered to four patients with relapsed/refractory MYCN-positive neuroblastoma. NK cell injections (1 and 5 × 107 cells/kg in the first and second injections, respectively) were safe, and no acute or sub-acute adverse events were observed. During the follow-up period, one complete response (CR) and one partial response (PR) were observed, while two cases exhibited progressive disease (PD). In follow-up evaluations, two died due to disease progression, including the case with a PR. The patient with CR had regular growth at the 31-month follow-up, and another patient with PD is still alive and receiving chemotherapies 20 months after therapy. This therapy is an appealing and feasible approach for managing refractory neuroblastomas post-HSCT. Further studies are needed to explore its efficacy with higher doses and more frequent administrations for high-risk neuroblastomas and other immunologically cold tumors.Trial registration number: irct.behdasht.gov.ir (Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, No. IRCT20201202049568N1).
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashin Mohseni
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Pouya Mahdavi Sharif
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Maryam Behfar
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Sahar Shojaei
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Shoae-Hassani
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Jafari
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Abbas Khosravi
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Zeynab Nikfetrat
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Hamidieh
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell & Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
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Farrar Z, Afshar A, Zare A, Mussin NM, Kaliyev AA, Zhilisbayeva KR, Mahdipour M, Tamadon A. Tissue clearing and three-dimensional imaging of intact tissues: a review on FACT protocol. J Histotechnol 2024; 47:126-142. [PMID: 38752929 DOI: 10.1080/01478885.2024.2352695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/31/2024]
Abstract
FACT is a developed technique for clearing tissues that does not use acrylamide. Since the removal of lipids is crucial for transparency and efficient antibody staining throughout the tissue, especially for microscopy and imaging, it is a harmful process that can cause the loss of important biological molecules such as proteins. The FACT technique overcomes this by chemically bonding the membrane and intracellular proteins with the extracellular matrix, creating a massive 3D hydrogel matrix and providing structural support to fortify the tissue during processing. Compared to other acrylamide-based techniques, the FACT technique requires less labor and harmful chemicals and is therefore considered a more suitable option. In this study, we describe the complete FACT protocol for antibody staining and imaging of whole-cleared tissues while preserving structure and improving image quality. The protocol includes tissue perfusion, fixation, clearing, antibody staining, refractive index matching (RIM) (), microscopy, and imaging. The timing for each step varies depending on the size, weight, and type of tissue, as well as the type of immunostaining. We provide an example of the FACT protocol using mouse brain tissue, which demonstrates its suitability for molecular interrogation analysis of large tissues. The FACT technique has been successfully performed on different types of tissues, making it a favorable choice for a variety of applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Farrar
- Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Alireza Afshar
- Student Research Committee, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Afshin Zare
- Department of Research and Development, PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nadiar M Mussin
- Department of General Surgery, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Asset A Kaliyev
- Department of General Surgery, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Kulyash R Zhilisbayeva
- Department of Scientific Work, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
| | - Mahdi Mahdipour
- Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Medical Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Amin Tamadon
- Department of Research and Development, PerciaVista R&D Co., Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Natural Sciences, West Kazakhstan Marat Ospanov Medical University, Aktobe, Kazakhstan
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Hu B, Liu G, Zhao K, Zhang G. Diversity of extracellular HSP70 in cancer: advancing from a molecular biomarker to a novel therapeutic target. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1388999. [PMID: 38646439 PMCID: PMC11026673 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1388999] [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: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a highly conserved protein functioning as a "molecular chaperone", which is integral to protein folding and maturation. In addition to its high expression within cells upon stressful challenges, HSP70 can be translocated to the cell membrane or released from cells in free form or within extracellular vesicles (EVs). Such trafficking of HSP70 is also present in cancer cells, as HSP70 is overexpressed in various types of patient samples across a range of common malignancies, signifying that extracellular HSP70 (eHSP70) can serve as a tumor biomarker. eHSP70 is involved in a broad range of cancer-related events, including cell proliferation and apoptosis, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), angiogenesis, and immune response. eHSP70 can also induce cancer cell resistance to various treatments, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy. Though the role of eHSP70 in tumors is contradictory, characterized by both pro-tumor and anti-tumor effects, eHSP70 serves as a promising target in cancer treatment. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the current knowledge about the role of eHSP70 in cancer progression and treatment resistance and discussed the feasibility of eHSP70 as a cancer biomarker and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binbin Hu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Guihong Liu
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Kejia Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery and Institute of Thoracic Oncology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Western China Collaborative Innovation Center for Early Diagnosis and Multidisciplinary Therapy of Lung Cancer, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Gao Zhang
- Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Jacobs J, Iranpour R, Behrooz AB, da Silva Rosa SC, Ghavami S. The role of BCL2L13 in glioblastoma: turning a need into a target. Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 102:127-134. [PMID: 37988705 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2023-0221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common aggressive central nervous system cancer. GBM has a high mortality rate, with a median survival time of 12-15 months after diagnosis. A poor prognosis and a shorter life expectancy may result from resistance to standard treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy. Temozolomide has been the mainstay treatment for GBM, but unfortunately, there are high rates of resistance with GBM bypassing apoptosis. A proposed mechanism for bypassing apoptosis is decreased ceramide levels, and previous research has shown that within GBM cells, B cell lymphoma 2-like 13 (BCL2L13) can inhibit ceramide synthase. This review aims to discuss the causes of resistance in GBM cells, followed by a brief description of BCL2L13 and an explanation of its mechanism of action. Further, lipids, specifically ceramide, will be discussed concerning cancer and GBM cells, focusing on ceramide synthase and its role in developing GBM. By gathering all current information on BCL2L13 and ceramide synthase, this review seeks to enable an understanding of these pieces of GBM in the hope of finding an effective treatment for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joadi Jacobs
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Rosa Iranpour
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Amir Barzegar Behrooz
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Electrophysiology Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Simone C da Silva Rosa
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
| | - Saeid Ghavami
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, Max Rady College of Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
- Research Institute of Hematology and Oncology, Cancer Care Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0V9, Canada
- Faculty of Medicine in Zabrze, University of Technology in Katowice, Academia of Silesia, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
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Parvini N, Akbari ME, Hamidieh AA, Fathi F, Amini AA, Ebrahimi M, Vahabzadeh Z. CTLA-4 Blockade of Natural Killer Cells Increases Cytotoxicity against Acute Lymphoid Leukaemia Cells Neda. CELL JOURNAL 2024; 26:150-157. [PMID: 38459732 PMCID: PMC10924838 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2024.2015187.1444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE There is interest in using cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) immunotherapy to treat blood cancers. Unfortunately, patients with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) frequently exhibit resistance to treatment and natural killer (NK) cell exhaustion. This study aims to increase the cytotoxic potency of natural killer cells by using CTLA-4 to block the Nalm-6 leukaemia cell line. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, NK cells were purified from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 10 healthy people and assessed by flow cytometry for purity and viability. The purified cells were activated overnight at 37°C and 5% CO2 with interleukin-15 (IL-15, 10 ng/ml) followed by evaluation of expressions of CTLA-4, activating and inhibitory receptors, and the release of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and granzyme B (GZM B). CTLA-4 expression on NK cells from recurrent ALL patients was also evaluated. Finally, the cytotoxic activity of NK cells was assessed after the CTLA-4 blockade. RESULTS The purity of the isolated cells was 96.58 ± 2.57%. Isolated NK cells activated with IL-15 resulted in significantly higher CTLA-4 expression (8.75%, P<0.05). Similarly, CTLA-4 expression on the surface of NK cells from patients with ALL was higher (7.46%) compared to healthy individuals (1.46%, P<0.05). IL-15 reduced NKG2A expression (P<0.01), and increased expressions of NKP30 (P<0.05) and NKP46 (P<0.01). The activated NK cells released more IFN-γ (P<0.5) and GZM B (P<0.01) compared to unactivated NK cells. Blockade of CTLA-4 enhanced the NK cell killing potential against Nalm-6 cells (56.3%, P<0.05); however, IFN-γ and GZM B levels were not statistically different between the blocked and non-blocked groups. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that CTLA-4 blockage of Nalm-6 cells causes an increase in antitumour activity of NK cells against these cells. Our study also provides evidence for the potential of cancer immunotherapy treatment using blocking anti-CTLA-4 mAbs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neda Parvini
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cells, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Amir Ali Hamidieh
- Paediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Centre, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fardin Fathi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Amini
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cells, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Centre, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zakaria Vahabzadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran .
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
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Zhang B, Yang M, Zhang W, Liu N, Wang D, Jing L, Xu N, Yang N, Ren T. Chimeric antigen receptor-based natural killer cell immunotherapy in cancer: from bench to bedside. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:50. [PMID: 38221520 PMCID: PMC10788349 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06438-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has rapidly evolved in the past decades in the battle against cancer. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T cells have demonstrated significant success in certain hematologic malignancies, although they still face certain limitations, including high costs and toxic effects. Natural killer cells (NK cells), as a vital component of the immune system, serve as the "first responders" in the context of cancer development. In this literature review, we provide an updated understanding of NK cell development, functions, and their applications in disease therapy. Furthermore, we explore the rationale for utilizing engineered NK cell therapies, such as CAR-NK cells, and discuss the differences between CAR-T and CAR-NK cells. We also provide insights into the key elements and strategies involved in CAR design for engineered NK cells. In addition, we highlight the challenges currently encountered and discuss the future directions in NK cell research and utilization, including pre-clinical investigations and ongoing clinical trials. Based on the outstanding antitumor potential of NK cells, it is highly likely that they will lead to groundbreaking advancements in cancer treatment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Research, Yunnan University, Kunming, 650500, China.
| | - Mengzhe Yang
- Graduate School of Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Weiming Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Wuming Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530199, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Department of Hematology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology Union Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518052, China
| | - Daogang Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Liangfang Jing
- Department of Neonatology, Women and Children's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning, 530005, China
| | - Ning Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Ultrasound, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Yunnan, 650101, China.
| | - Tao Ren
- Department of Oncology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530000, China.
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Galat Y, Du Y, Perepitchka M, Li XN, Balyasnikova IV, Tse WT, Dambaeva S, Schneiderman S, Iannaccone PM, Becher O, Graham DK, Galat V. In vitro vascular differentiation system efficiently produces natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapies. Oncoimmunology 2023; 12:2240670. [PMID: 37720687 PMCID: PMC10501168 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2023.2240670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Immunotherapeutic innovation is crucial for limited operability tumors. CAR T-cell therapy displayed reduced efficiency against glioblastoma (GBM), likely due to mutations underlying disease progression. Natural Killer cells (NKs) detect cancer cells despite said mutations - demonstrating increased tumor elimination potential. We developed an NK differentiation system using human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Via this system, genetic modifications targeting cancer treatment challenges can be introduced during pluripotency - enabling unlimited production of modified "off-the-shelf" hPSC-NKs. Methods hPSCs were differentiated into hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) and NKs using our novel organoid system. These cells were characterized using flow cytometric and bioinformatic analyses. HPC engraftment potential was assessed using NSG mice. NK cytotoxicity was validated using in vitro and in vitro K562 assays and further corroborated on lymphoma, diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), and GBM cell lines in vitro. Results HPCs demonstrated engraftment in peripheral blood samples, and hPSC-NKs showcased morphology and functionality akin to same donor peripheral blood NKs (PB-NKs). The hPSC-NKs also displayed potential advantages regarding checkpoint inhibitor and metabolic gene expression, and demonstrated in vitro and in vivo cytotoxicity against various cancers. Conclusions Our organoid system, designed to replicate in vivo cellular organization (including signaling gradients and shear stress conditions), offers a suitable environment for HPC and NK generation. The engraftable nature of HPCs and potent NK cytotoxicity against leukemia, lymphoma, DIPG, and GBM highlight the potential of this innovative system to serve as a valuable tool that will benefit cancer treatment and research - improving patient survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yekaterina Galat
- Developmental Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- ARTEC Biotech Inc, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yuchen Du
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mariana Perepitchka
- Developmental Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- ARTEC Biotech Inc, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xiao-Nan Li
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Irina V Balyasnikova
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Neurological Surgery, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William T Tse
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Svetlana Dambaeva
- Microbiology and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sylvia Schneiderman
- Microbiology and Immunology, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Philip M Iannaccone
- Developmental Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Oren Becher
- Pediatrics, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Douglas K Graham
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Aflac Cancer and Blood Disorders Center Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Vasiliy Galat
- Developmental Biology Program, Stanley Manne Children’s Research Institute, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, IL, USA
- ARTEC Biotech Inc, Chicago, IL, USA
- Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
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Izadpanah A, Mohammadkhani N, Masoudnia M, Ghasemzad M, Saeedian A, Mehdizadeh H, Poorebrahim M, Ebrahimi M. Update on immune-based therapy strategies targeting cancer stem cells. Cancer Med 2023; 12:18960-18980. [PMID: 37698048 PMCID: PMC10557910 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulating data reveals that tumors possess a specialized subset of cancer cells named cancer stem cells (CSCs), responsible for metastasis and recurrence of malignancies, with various properties such as self-renewal, heterogenicity, and capacity for drug resistance. Some signaling pathways or processes like Notch, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), Hedgehog (Hh), and Wnt, as well as CSCs' surface markers such as CD44, CD123, CD133, and epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) have pivotal roles in acquiring CSCs properties. Therefore, targeting CSC-related signaling pathways and surface markers might effectively eradicate tumors and pave the way for cancer survival. Since current treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy cannot eradicate all of the CSCs and tumor relapse may happen following temporary recovery, improving novel and more efficient therapeutic options to combine with current treatments is required. Immunotherapy strategies are the new therapeutic modalities with promising results in targeting CSCs. Here, we review the targeting of CSCs by immunotherapy strategies such as dendritic cell (DC) vaccines, chimeric antigen receptors (CAR)-engineered immune cells, natural killer-cell (NK-cell) therapy, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), checkpoint inhibitors, and the use of oncolytic viruses (OVs) in pre-clinical and clinical studies. This review will mainly focus on blood malignancies but also describe solid cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
| | - Niloufar Mohammadkhani
- Department of Clinical BiochemistrySchool of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mina Masoudnia
- Department of ImmunologySchool of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Mahsa Ghasemzad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology‐Genetics, Faculty of Basic Sciences and Advanced Technologies in BiologyUniversity of Science and CultureTehranIran
| | - Arefeh Saeedian
- Radiation Oncology Research CenterCancer Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
- Department of Radiation OncologyCancer Institute, Imam Khomeini Hospital Complex, Tehran University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamid Mehdizadeh
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
| | - Mansour Poorebrahim
- Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Research Institute, University of CalgaryAlbertaCalgaryCanada
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECRTehranIran
- Department of regenerative medicineCell Science research Center, Royan Institute for stem cell biology and technology, ACECRTehranIran
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9
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Asl NS, Behfar M, Amiri RS, Mohseni R, Azimi M, Firouzi J, Faranoush M, Izadpanah A, Mohmmad M, Hamidieh AA, Habibi Z, Ebrahimi M. Intra-lesion injection of activated Natural Killer (NK) cells in recurrent malignant brain tumors. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 120:110345. [PMID: 37267858 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110345] [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: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite multi-modal therapies for patients with malignant brain tumors, their median survival is < 2 years. Recently, NK cells have provided cancer immune surveillance through their direct natural cytotoxicity and by modulating dendritic cells to enhance the presentation of tumor antigens and regulate T-cell-mediated antitumor responses. However, the success of this treatment modality in brain tumors is unclear. The main reasons are; the brain tumor microenvironment, the NK cell preparations and administration, and the donor selection. Our previous study showed that intracranial injection of activated haploidentical NK cells resulted in the eradication of glioblastoma tumor mass in the animal model without any evidence of tumor recurrence. Therefore, in the present study, we evaluated the safety of intra-surgical cavity or intra cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Injectionofex vivoactivated haploidentical NK cells in six patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiform (GBM) and malignant brain tumors resistance to chemo/radiotherapy. Our results indicated that activated haploidentical NK cells express activator and inhibitor markers and can kill the tumor cells. However, their cytotoxic potential on patient-derived GBM (PD-GBM) was more than that of its cell line. Also, their infusion increased the overall disease control rate by about 33.3%, with a mean survival of 400 days. Moreover, we showed that local administration of the activated haploidentical NK cells in malignant brain tumors is safe, feasible, tolerated at higher doses, and cost-effective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niloufar Shayan Asl
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Behfar
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rouzbeh Shams Amiri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Rashin Mohseni
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Firouzi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Faranoush
- Pediatric Growth and Development Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Monireh Mohmmad
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Ali Hamidieh
- Pediatric Cell and Gene Therapy Research Center, Gene, Cell and Tissue Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Children's Medical Center, Pediatrics Center of Excellence, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Habibi
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran; Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Zuo P, Li Y, He C, Wang T, Zheng X, Liu H, Wu Z, Zhang J, Liao X, Zhang L. Anti-tumor efficacy of anti-GD2 CAR NK-92 cells in diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1145706. [PMID: 37251413 PMCID: PMC10213244 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1145706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) are rare and fatal pediatric brainstem gliomas with no cure. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (NK) cells have been proven effective in treating glioblastoma (GBM) in preclinical studies. However, there are no relevant studies on the CAR-NK treatment for DIPG. Our study is the first to evaluate the anti-tumor activity and safety of GD2-CAR NK-92 cells treatment for DIPG. Methods Five patient-derived DIPG cells and primary pontine neural progenitor cell (PPC) were used to access disialoganglioside GD2 expression. Cell killing activity of GD2-CAR NK-92 cells was analyzed by in vitro cytotoxicity assays. Two DIPG patient-derived xenograft models were established to detect the anti-tumor efficacy of GD2-CAR NK-92 cells in vivo. Results Among the five patient-derived DIPG cells, four had high GD2 expression, and one had low GD2 expression. In in vitro assays, GD2-CAR NK-92 cells could effectively kill DIPG cells with high GD2 expression while having limited activity against DIPG cells with low GD2 expression. In in vivo assays, GD2-CAR NK-92 cells could inhibit tumor growth in TT150630 DIPG patient-derived xenograft mice (high GD2 expression) and prolong the overall survival of the mice. However, GD2-CAR NK-92 showed limited anti-tumor activity for TT190326DIPG patient-derived xenograft mice (low GD2 expression). Conclusion Our study demonstrates the potential and safety of GD2-CAR NK-92 cells for adoptive immunotherapy of DIPG. The safety and anti-tumor effect of this therapy need to be further demonstrated in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pengcheng Zuo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaopeng Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Chi He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Tantan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Zheng
- Yufan Biotechnology (Beijing) Co., LTD, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junting Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuebin Liao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Bioorganic Phosphorus Chemistry & Chemical Biology (Ministry of Education), Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Liwei Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases (NCRC-ND), Beijing, China
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11
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Fares J, Davis ZB, Rechberger JS, Toll SA, Schwartz JD, Daniels DJ, Miller JS, Khatua S. Advances in NK cell therapy for brain tumors. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:17. [PMID: 36792722 PMCID: PMC9932101 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00356-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in treatment regimens that comprise surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, outcome of many brain tumors remains dismal, more so when they recur. The proximity of brain tumors to delicate neural structures often precludes complete surgical resection. Toxicity and long-term side effects of systemic therapy remain a concern. Novel therapies are warranted. The field of NK cell-based cancer therapy has grown exponentially and currently constitutes a major area of immunotherapy innovation. This provides a new avenue for the treatment of cancerous lesions in the brain. In this review, we explore the mechanisms by which the brain tumor microenvironment suppresses NK cell mediated tumor control, and the methods being used to create NK cell products that subvert immune suppression. We discuss the pre-clinical studies evaluating NK cell-based immunotherapies that target several neuro-malignancies and highlight advances in molecular imaging of NK cells that allow monitoring of NK cell-based therapeutics. We review current and ongoing NK cell based clinical trials in neuro-oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Fares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Northwestern Medicine Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Zachary B Davis
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA
| | - Julian S Rechberger
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Stephanie A Toll
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Children's Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
| | - Jonathan D Schwartz
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - David J Daniels
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA
| | - Jeffrey S Miller
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Oncology and Transplantation, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55454, USA.
| | - Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Section of Neuro-Oncology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA.
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12
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Lamers-Kok N, Panella D, Georgoudaki AM, Liu H, Özkazanc D, Kučerová L, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Raimo M. Natural killer cells in clinical development as non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:164. [DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01382-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractNatural killer (NK) cells are unique immune effectors able to kill cancer cells by direct recognition of surface ligands, without prior sensitization. Allogeneic NK transfer is a highly valuable treatment option for cancer and has recently emerged with hundreds of clinical trials paving the way to finally achieve market authorization. Advantages of NK cell therapies include the use of allogenic cell sources, off-the-shelf availability, and no risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Allogeneic NK cell therapies have reached the clinical stage as ex vivo expanded and differentiated non-engineered cells, as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered or CD16-engineered products, or as combination therapies with antibodies, priming agents, and other drugs. This review summarizes the recent clinical status of allogeneic NK cell-based therapies for the treatment of hematological and solid tumors, discussing the main characteristics of the different cell sources used for NK product development, their use in cell manufacturing processes, the engineering methods and strategies adopted for genetically modified products, and the chosen approaches for combination therapies. A comparative analysis between NK-based non-engineered, engineered, and combination therapies is presented, examining the choices made by product developers regarding the NK cell source and the targeted tumor indications, for both solid and hematological cancers. Clinical trial outcomes are discussed and, when available, assessed in comparison with preclinical data. Regulatory challenges for product approval are reviewed, highlighting the lack of specificity of requirements and standardization between products. Additionally, the competitive landscape and business field is presented. This review offers a comprehensive overview of the effort driven by biotech and pharmaceutical companies and by academic centers to bring NK cell therapies to pivotal clinical trial stages and to market authorization.
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13
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Natural killer cell awakening: unleash cancer-immunity cycle against glioblastoma. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:588. [PMID: 35803912 PMCID: PMC9270460 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05041-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Due to the negligence of the complex tumor immune microenvironment, traditional treatment for glioblastoma has reached its limitation and cannot achieve a satisfying outcome in the past decade. The emergence of immunotherapy based on the theory of cancer-immunity cycle has brought a new dawn to glioblastoma patients. However, the results of most phase II and phase III clinical trials are not optimistic due to the simple focus on T cells activation rather than other immune cells involved in anti-tumor immunity. NK cells play a critical role in both innate and adaptive immunity, having the ability to coordinate immune response in inflammation, autoimmune disease and cancer. They are expected to cooperate with T cells to maximize the anti-tumor immune effect and have great potential in treating glioblastoma. Here, we describe the traditional treatment methods and current immunotherapy strategies for glioblastoma. Then, we list a microenvironment map and discuss the reasons for glioblastoma inhibitory immunity from multiple perspectives. More importantly, we focus on the advantages of NK cells as potential immune regulatory cells and the ways to maximize their anti-tumor immune effect. Finally, our outlook on the directions and potential applications of NK cell-based therapy combining with the advance technologies is presented. This review depicts NK cell awakening as the precondition to unleash the cancer-immunity cycle against glioblastoma and elaborate this idea from biology to clinical treatment.
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14
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Infiltrating natural killer cells bind, lyse and increase chemotherapy efficacy in glioblastoma stem-like tumorospheres. Commun Biol 2022; 5:436. [PMID: 35538218 PMCID: PMC9090761 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03402-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas remain the most lethal primary brain tumors. Natural killer (NK) cell-based therapy is a promising immunotherapeutic strategy in the treatment of glioblastomas, since these cells can select and lyse therapy-resistant glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSLCs). Immunotherapy with super-charged NK cells has a potential as antitumor approach since we found their efficiency to kill patient-derived GSLCs in 2D and 3D models, potentially reversing the immunosuppression also seen in the patients. In addition to their potent cytotoxicity, NK cells secrete IFN-γ, upregulate GSLC surface expression of CD54 and MHC class I and increase sensitivity of GSLCs to chemotherapeutic drugs. Moreover, NK cell localization in peri-vascular regions in glioblastoma tissues and their close contact with GSLCs in tumorospheres suggests their ability to infiltrate glioblastoma tumors and target GSLCs. Due to GSLC heterogeneity and plasticity in regards to their stage of differentiation personalized immunotherapeutic strategies should be designed to effectively target glioblastomas. “Super-charged” NK cells kill patient-derived glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSLCs) in 2D and 3D tumor models, secrete IFN-γ and upregulate the surface expression of CD54 and MHC class I in GSLCs.
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15
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da Silva LHR, Catharino LCC, da Silva VJ, Evangelista GCM, Barbuto JAM. The War Is on: The Immune System against Glioblastoma—How Can NK Cells Drive This Battle? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020400. [PMID: 35203609 PMCID: PMC8962431 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role in immunosurveillance, acting alongside other immune cells in the response against various types of malignant tumors and the prevention of metastasis. Since their discovery in the 1970s, they have been thoroughly studied for their capacity to kill neoplastic cells without the need for previous sensitization, executing rapid and robust cytotoxic activity, but also helper functions. In agreement with this, NK cells are being exploited in many ways to treat cancer. The broad arsenal of NK-based therapies includes adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded and activated cells, genetically engineered cells to contain chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-NKs), in vivo stimulation of NK cells (by cytokine therapy, checkpoint blockade therapies, etc.), and tumor-specific antibody-guided NK cells, among others. In this article, we review pivotal aspects of NK cells’ biology and their contribution to immune responses against tumors, as well as providing a wide perspective on the many antineoplastic strategies using NK cells. Finally, we also discuss those approaches that have the potential to control glioblastoma—a disease that, currently, causes inevitable death, usually in a short time after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Rodrigues da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Luana Correia Croda Catharino
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Viviane Jennifer da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Coeli Menezes Evangelista
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - José Alexandre Marzagão Barbuto
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7375
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16
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Attia N, Mashal M, Pemminati S, Omole A, Edmondson C, Jones W, Priyadarshini P, Mughal T, Aziz P, Zenick B, Perez A, Lacken M. Cell-Based Therapy for the Treatment of Glioblastoma: An Update from Preclinical to Clinical Studies. Cells 2021; 11:116. [PMID: 35011678 PMCID: PMC8750228 DOI: 10.3390/cells11010116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GB), an aggressive primary tumor of the central nervous system, represents about 60% of all adult primary brain tumors. It is notorious for its extremely low (~5%) 5-year survival rate which signals the unsatisfactory results of the standard protocol for GB therapy. This issue has become, over time, the impetus for the discipline of bringing novel therapeutics to the surface and challenging them so they can be improved. The cell-based approach in treating GB found its way to clinical trials thanks to a marvelous number of preclinical studies that probed various types of cells aiming to combat GB and increase the survival rate. In this review, we aimed to summarize and discuss the up-to-date preclinical studies that utilized stem cells or immune cells to treat GB. Likewise, we tried to summarize the most recent clinical trials using both cell categories to treat or prevent recurrence of GB in patients. As with any other therapeutics, cell-based therapy in GB is still hampered by many drawbacks. Therefore, we highlighted several novel techniques, such as the use of biomaterials, scaffolds, nanoparticles, or cells in the 3D context that may depict a promising future when combined with the cell-based approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha Attia
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, NanoBioCel Group, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
- Histology and Cell Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria 21561, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Mashal
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, NanoBioCel Group, School of Pharmacy, University of the Basque Country (UPV/EHU), Paseo de la Universidad 7, 01006 Vitoria-Gasteiz, Spain
| | - Sudhakar Pemminati
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Adekunle Omole
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Carolyn Edmondson
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Will Jones
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Priyanka Priyadarshini
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Temoria Mughal
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Pauline Aziz
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Blesing Zenick
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Ambar Perez
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Morgan Lacken
- The American University of Antigua-College of Medicine, Coolidge 1451, Antigua and Barbuda; (S.P.); (A.O.); (C.E.); (W.J.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (P.A.); (B.Z.); (A.P.); (M.L.)
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Wagner PM, Prucca CG, Caputto BL, Guido ME. Adjusting the Molecular Clock: The Importance of Circadian Rhythms in the Development of Glioblastomas and Its Intervention as a Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8289. [PMID: 34361055 PMCID: PMC8348990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are solid tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that originated from different glial cells. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these tumors into four groups (I-IV) with increasing malignancy. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor classified as grade IV. GBMs are resistant to conventional therapies with poor prognosis after diagnosis even when the Stupp protocol that combines surgery and radiochemotherapy is applied. Nowadays, few novel therapeutic strategies have been used to improve GBM treatment, looking for higher efficiency and lower side effects, but with relatively modest results. The circadian timing system temporally organizes the physiology and behavior of most organisms and daily regulates several cellular processes in organs, tissues, and even in individual cells, including tumor cells. The potentiality of the function of the circadian clock on cancer cells modulation as a new target for novel treatments with a chronobiological basis offers a different challenge that needs to be considered in further detail. The present review will discuss state of the art regarding GBM biology, the role of the circadian clock in tumor progression, and new chrono-chemotherapeutic strategies applied for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula M. Wagner
- CIQUIBIC-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (P.M.W.); (C.G.P.); (B.L.C.)
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - César G. Prucca
- CIQUIBIC-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (P.M.W.); (C.G.P.); (B.L.C.)
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Beatriz L. Caputto
- CIQUIBIC-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (P.M.W.); (C.G.P.); (B.L.C.)
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
| | - Mario E. Guido
- CIQUIBIC-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina; (P.M.W.); (C.G.P.); (B.L.C.)
- Departamento de Química Biológica Ranwel Caputto, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba 5000, Argentina
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Adjusting the Molecular Clock: The Importance of Circadian Rhythms in the Development of Glioblastomas and Its Intervention as a Therapeutic Strategy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8289. [PMID: 34361055 PMCID: PMC8348990 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158289;] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are solid tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) that originated from different glial cells. The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies these tumors into four groups (I-IV) with increasing malignancy. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and aggressive type of brain tumor classified as grade IV. GBMs are resistant to conventional therapies with poor prognosis after diagnosis even when the Stupp protocol that combines surgery and radiochemotherapy is applied. Nowadays, few novel therapeutic strategies have been used to improve GBM treatment, looking for higher efficiency and lower side effects, but with relatively modest results. The circadian timing system temporally organizes the physiology and behavior of most organisms and daily regulates several cellular processes in organs, tissues, and even in individual cells, including tumor cells. The potentiality of the function of the circadian clock on cancer cells modulation as a new target for novel treatments with a chronobiological basis offers a different challenge that needs to be considered in further detail. The present review will discuss state of the art regarding GBM biology, the role of the circadian clock in tumor progression, and new chrono-chemotherapeutic strategies applied for GBM treatment.
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Shokouhifar A, Anani Sarab G, Yazdanifar M, Fereidouni M, Nouri M, Ebrahimi M. Overcoming the UCB HSCs -Derived NK cells Dysfunction through Harnessing RAS/MAPK, IGF-1R and TGF-β Signaling Pathways. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:298. [PMID: 34098947 PMCID: PMC8185927 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-01983-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The natural killer (NK) cells differentiated from umbilical cord blood (UCB) hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) may be more suitable for cell-based immunotherapy compared to the NK cells from adult donors. This is due to the possibility to choose alloreactive donors and potentially more robust in vivo expansion. However, the cytotoxicity of UCB-HSC-derived NK cells against cancer cells might be suboptimal. To overcome this obstacle, we attempted to generate NK cells with potent antitumor activity by targeting RAS/MAPK, IGF-1R and TGF-β signaling pathways using IL-15, IGF-1 and SIS3 respectively. Methods The CD34 + cells were isolated from human UCB mononuclear cells through magnetic activation cell sorting (MACS) with purity of (≥ 90%) and were subjected to differentiate into NK cells. After 21 days of induction with SFTG36 (SCF, FLt-3L, TPO, GM-CSF, IL-3 and IL-6), IS721 (IGF-1, SIS3, IL-7 and IL-21) and IL-15/Hsp70 media, NK cells phenotypes were studied and their cytotoxicity against K562 human erythroleukemia cells and SKOV3 ovarian carcinoma cells was analyzed. Results The NK cells induced in SFTG36/IS721 medium were selected for activation due to their higher expression of CD56 + 16 + CD3 − (93.23% ± 0.75) and mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of NKG2D + (168.66 ± 20.00) and also a higher fold expansion potential (11.893 ± 1.712) compared to the other groups. These cells once activated with IL-15, demonstrated a higher cytotoxicity against K562 (≥ 90%; P ≤ 0.001) and SKOV3 tumor cells (≥ 65%; P ≤ 0.001) compared to IL-15/Hsp70-activated NK cells. Conclusions The differentiation of ex vivo expanded CD34 + cells through manipulation of RAS/MAPK, IGF-1R and TGF-β signaling pathways is an efficient approach for generating functional NK cells that can be used for cancer immunotherapy. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-01983-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Shokouhifar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Genomic Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gholamreza Anani Sarab
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran.
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mohammad Fereidouni
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Nouri
- R&D Department, Royan Stem Cell Technology Co, Tehran, Iran
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA.
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20
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Liu J, Zhang H, Zhang J, Bing Z, Wang Y, Li Q, Yang K. Identification of robust diagnostic and prognostic gene signatures in different grades of gliomas: a retrospective study. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11350. [PMID: 34026352 PMCID: PMC8121073 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Gliomas are the most common primary tumors of the central nervous system. The complexity and heterogeneity of the tumor makes it difficult to obtain good biomarkers for drug development. In this study, through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), we analyze the common diagnostic and prognostic moleculer markers in Caucasian and Asian populations, which can be used as drug targets in the future. Methods The RNA-seq data from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed to identify signatures. Based on the signatures, the prognosis index (PI) of every patient was constructed to predict the prognostic risk. Also, gene ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and KEGG analysis were conducted to investigate the biological functions of these mRNAs. Glioma patients’ data in the CGGA database were introduced to validate the effectiveness of the signatures among Chinese populations. Excluding the previously reported prognostic markers of gliomas from this study, the expression of HSPA5 and MTPN were examined by qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical assay. Results In total, 20 mRNAs were finally selected to build PI for patients from TCGA, including 16 high-risk genes and four low-risk genes. For Chinese patients, the log-rank test p values of PI were both less than 0.0001 in two independent datasets. And the AUCs were 0.831 and 0.907 for 3 years of two datasets, respectively. Moreover, among these 20 mRNAs, 10 and 15 mRNAs also had a significant predictive effect via univariate COX analysis in CGGA_693 and CGGA_325, respectively. qRT-PCR and Immunohistochemistry assay indicated that HSPA5 and MTPN over-expressed in Glioma samples compared to normal samples. Conclusion The 20-gene signature can forecast the risk of Glioma in TCGA effectively, moreover it can also predict the risks of Chinese patients through validation in the CGGA database. HSPA5 and MTPN are possible biomarkers of gliomas suitable for all populations to improve the prognosis of these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieting Liu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China.,Evidence-based Medicine Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Hongrui Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jingyun Zhang
- School of Public Health and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhitong Bing
- Department of Computational Physics, Institute of Modern Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China.,School of Nuclear Science and Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yingbin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Lanzhou University Second Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Kehu Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Evidence-based Medicine Center, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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21
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Nowzari F, Wang H, Khoradmehr A, Baghban M, Baghban N, Arandian A, Muhaddesi M, Nabipour I, Zibaii MI, Najarasl M, Taheri P, Latifi H, Tamadon A. Three-Dimensional Imaging in Stem Cell-Based Researches. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:657525. [PMID: 33937378 PMCID: PMC8079735 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.657525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have an important role in regenerative therapies, developmental biology studies and drug screening. Basic and translational research in stem cell technology needs more detailed imaging techniques. The possibility of cell-based therapeutic strategies has been validated in the stem cell field over recent years, a more detailed characterization of the properties of stem cells is needed for connectomics of large assemblies and structural analyses of these cells. The aim of stem cell imaging is the characterization of differentiation state, cellular function, purity and cell location. Recent progress in stem cell imaging field has included ultrasound-based technique to study living stem cells and florescence microscopy-based technique to investigate stem cell three-dimensional (3D) structures. Here, we summarized the fundamental characteristics of stem cells via 3D imaging methods and also discussed the emerging literatures on 3D imaging in stem cell research and the applications of both classical 2D imaging techniques and 3D methods on stem cells biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fariborz Nowzari
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Huimei Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Fudan Institutes of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Arezoo Khoradmehr
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mandana Baghban
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Neda Baghban
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Alireza Arandian
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahdi Muhaddesi
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Iraj Nabipour
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
| | - Mohammad I. Zibaii
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mostafa Najarasl
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Payam Taheri
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, Academic Center for Education, Culture and Research (ACECR), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Latifi
- Laser and Plasma Research Institute, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Physics, Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Tamadon
- The Persian Gulf Marine Biotechnology Research Center, The Persian Gulf Biomedical Sciences Research Institute, Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran
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22
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Burster T, Gärtner F, Bulach C, Zhanapiya A, Gihring A, Knippschild U. Regulation of MHC I Molecules in Glioblastoma Cells and the Sensitizing of NK Cells. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14030236. [PMID: 33800301 PMCID: PMC7998501 DOI: 10.3390/ph14030236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been established as an important area in the therapy of malignant diseases. Immunogenicity sufficient for immune recognition and subsequent elimination can be bypassed by tumors through altered and/or reduced expression levels of major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC I) molecules. Natural killer (NK) cells can eliminate tumor cells in a MHC I antigen presentation-independent manner by an array of activating and inhibitory receptors, which are promising candidates for immunotherapy. Here we summarize the latest findings in recognizing and regulating MHC I molecules that affect NK cell surveillance of glioblastoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timo Burster
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Ave. 53, 010000 Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(7172)-70-66-75
| | - Fabian Gärtner
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (F.G.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (U.K.)
| | - Christiane Bulach
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (F.G.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (U.K.)
| | - Anuar Zhanapiya
- Department of Biology, School of Sciences and Humanities, Nazarbayev University, Kabanbay Batyr Ave. 53, 010000 Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan;
| | - Adrian Gihring
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (F.G.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (U.K.)
| | - Uwe Knippschild
- Department of General and Visceral Surgery, Surgery Center, Ulm University Hospital, Albert-Einstein-Allee 23, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (F.G.); (C.B.); (A.G.); (U.K.)
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23
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Majc B, Novak M, Kopitar-Jerala N, Jewett A, Breznik B. Immunotherapy of Glioblastoma: Current Strategies and Challenges in Tumor Model Development. Cells 2021; 10:265. [PMID: 33572835 PMCID: PMC7912469 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma is the most common brain malignant tumor in the adult population, and immunotherapy is playing an increasingly central role in the treatment of many cancers. Nevertheless, the search for effective immunotherapeutic approaches for glioblastoma patients continues. The goal of immunotherapy is to promote tumor eradication, boost the patient's innate and adaptive immune responses, and overcome tumor immune resistance. A range of new, promising immunotherapeutic strategies has been applied for glioblastoma, including vaccines, oncolytic viruses, immune checkpoint inhibitors, and adoptive cell transfer. However, the main challenges of immunotherapy for glioblastoma are the intracranial location and heterogeneity of the tumor as well as the unique, immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Owing to the lack of appropriate tumor models, there are discrepancies in the efficiency of various immunotherapeutic strategies between preclinical studies (with in vitro and animal models) on the one hand and clinical studies (on humans) on the other hand. In this review, we summarize the glioblastoma characteristics that drive tolerance to immunotherapy, the currently used immunotherapeutic approaches against glioblastoma, and the most suitable tumor models to mimic conditions in glioblastoma patients. These models are improving and can more precisely predict patients' responses to immunotherapeutic treatments, either alone or in combination with standard treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernarda Majc
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (M.N.)
- International Postgraduate School Jozef Stefan, 39 Jamova ulica, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Metka Novak
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (M.N.)
| | - Nataša Kopitar-Jerala
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jozef Stefan Institute, 39 Jamova ulica, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
| | - Anahid Jewett
- Division of Oral Biology and Medicine, The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology, University of California School of Dentistry, 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA;
| | - Barbara Breznik
- Department of Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Biology, National Institute of Biology, 111 Večna pot, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (B.M.); (M.N.)
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24
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Simvastatin Induces Unfolded Protein Response and Enhances Temozolomide-Induced Cell Death in Glioblastoma Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112339. [PMID: 33105603 PMCID: PMC7690447 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most prevalent malignant primary brain tumor with a very poor survival rate. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the common chemotherapeutic agent used for GBM treatment. We recently demonstrated that simvastatin (Simva) increases TMZ-induced apoptosis via the inhibition of autophagic flux in GBM cells. Considering the role of the unfolded protein response (UPR) pathway in the regulation of autophagy, we investigated the involvement of UPR in Simva–TMZ-induced cell death by utilizing highly selective IRE1 RNase activity inhibitor MKC8866, PERK inhibitor GSK-2606414 (PERKi), and eIF2α inhibitor salubrinal. Simva–TMZ treatment decreased the viability of GBM cells and significantly increased apoptotic cell death when compared to TMZ or Simva alone. Simva–TMZ induced both UPR, as determined by an increase in GRP78, XBP splicing, eukaryote initiation factor 2α (eIF2α) phosphorylation, and inhibited autophagic flux (accumulation of LC3β-II and inhibition of p62 degradation). IRE1 RNase inhibition did not affect Simva–TMZ-induced cell death, but it significantly induced p62 degradation and increased the microtubule-associated proteins light chain 3 (LC3)β-II/LC3β-I ratio in U87 cells, while salubrinal did not affect the Simva–TMZ induced cytotoxicity of GBM cells. In contrast, protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) inhibition significantly increased Simva–TMZ-induced cell death in U87 cells. Interestingly, whereas PERK inhibition induced p62 accumulation in both GBM cell lines, it differentially affected the LC3β-II/LC3β-I ratio in U87 (decrease) and U251 (increase) cells. Simvastatin sensitizes GBM cells to TMZ-induced cell death via a mechanism that involves autophagy and UPR pathways. More specifically, our results imply that the IRE1 and PERK signaling arms of the UPR regulate Simva–TMZ-mediated autophagy flux inhibition in U251 and U87 GBM cells.
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