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Yang Y, Li J, Li D, Zhou W, Yan F, Wang W. Humanized mouse models: A valuable platform for preclinical evaluation of human cancer. Biotechnol Bioeng 2024; 121:835-852. [PMID: 38151887 DOI: 10.1002/bit.28618] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Animal models are routinely employed to assess the treatments for human cancer. However, due to significant differences in genetic backgrounds, traditional animal models are unable to meet bioresearch needs. To overcome this restriction, researchers have generated and optimized immunodeficient mice, and then engrafted human genes, cells, tissues, or organs in mice so that the responses in the model mice could provide a more reliable reference for treatments. As a bridge connecting clinical application and basic research, humanized mice are increasingly used in the preclinical evaluation of cancer treatments, particularly after gene interleukin 2 receptor gamma mutant mice were generated. Human cancer models established in humanized mice support exploration of the mechanism of cancer occurrence and provide an efficient platform for drug screening. However, it is undeniable that the further application of humanized mice still faces multiple challenges. This review summarizes the construction approaches for humanized mice and their existing limitations. We also report the latest applications of humanized mice in preclinical evaluation for the treatment of cancer and point out directions for future optimization of these models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiaqian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Dan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Weilin Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feiyang Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Katsnelson EN, Spengler A, Domenico J, Couts KL, Loh L, Gapin L, McCarter MD, Tobin RP. Dysfunctional states of unconventional T-cell subsets in cancer. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:36-46. [PMID: 37837379 PMCID: PMC10843843 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells represent a promising therapeutic agent to overcome the current limitations of immunotherapies due to their universal T-cell receptors, ability to respond directly to cytokine stimulation, and capacity to recruit and modulate conventional immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Like conventional T cells, unconventional T cells can enter a dysfunctional state, and the functional differences associated with this state may provide insight into the discrepancies observed in their role in antitumor immunity in various cancers. The exhaustive signature of unconventional T cells differs from conventional αβ T cells, and understanding the differences in the mechanisms underlying exhaustive differentiation in these cell types may aid in the discovery of new treatments to improve sustained antitumor responses. Ongoing clinical trials investigating therapies that leverage unconventional T-cell populations have shown success in treating hematologic malignancies and reducing the immunosuppressive tumor environment. However, several hurdles remain to extend these promising results into solid tumors. Here we discuss the current knowledge on unconventional T-cell function/dysfunction and consider how the incorporation of therapies that modulate unconventional T-cell exhaustion may aid in overcoming the current limitations of immunotherapy. Additionally, we discuss how components of the tumor microenvironment alter the functions of unconventional T cells and how these changes can affect tumor infiltration by lymphocytes and alter conventional T-cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth N. Katsnelson
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Andrea Spengler
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Joanne Domenico
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Kasey L. Couts
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Liyen Loh
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Laurent Gapin
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Martin D. McCarter
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
| | - Richard P. Tobin
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E 19th Ave, Aurora, CO 80045, United States
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Tognarelli EI, Gutiérrez-Vera C, Palacios PA, Pasten-Ferrada IA, Aguirre-Muñoz F, Cornejo DA, González PA, Carreño LJ. Natural Killer T Cell Diversity and Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5737. [PMID: 38136283 PMCID: PMC10742272 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs), a type of unconventional T cells, share features with NK cells and have an invariant T cell receptor (TCR), which recognizes lipid antigens loaded on CD1d molecules, a major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-like protein. This interaction produces the secretion of a wide array of cytokines by these cells, including interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and interleukin 4 (IL-4), allowing iNKTs to link innate with adaptive responses. Interestingly, molecules that bind CD1d have been identified that enable the modulation of these cells, highlighting their potential pro-inflammatory and immunosuppressive capacities, as required in different clinical settings. In this review, we summarize key features of iNKTs and current understandings of modulatory α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) variants, a model iNKT cell activator that can shift the outcome of adaptive immune responses. Furthermore, we discuss advances in the development of strategies that modulate these cells to target pathologies that are considerable healthcare burdens. Finally, we recapitulate findings supporting a role for iNKTs in infectious diseases and tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo I. Tognarelli
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8330025, Chile; (E.I.T.); (C.G.-V.); (P.A.P.); (I.A.P.-F.); (F.A.-M.); (D.A.C.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Cristián Gutiérrez-Vera
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8330025, Chile; (E.I.T.); (C.G.-V.); (P.A.P.); (I.A.P.-F.); (F.A.-M.); (D.A.C.)
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Pablo A. Palacios
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8330025, Chile; (E.I.T.); (C.G.-V.); (P.A.P.); (I.A.P.-F.); (F.A.-M.); (D.A.C.)
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Ignacio A. Pasten-Ferrada
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8330025, Chile; (E.I.T.); (C.G.-V.); (P.A.P.); (I.A.P.-F.); (F.A.-M.); (D.A.C.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Fernanda Aguirre-Muñoz
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8330025, Chile; (E.I.T.); (C.G.-V.); (P.A.P.); (I.A.P.-F.); (F.A.-M.); (D.A.C.)
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
| | - Daniel A. Cornejo
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8330025, Chile; (E.I.T.); (C.G.-V.); (P.A.P.); (I.A.P.-F.); (F.A.-M.); (D.A.C.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Pablo A. González
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8330025, Chile; (E.I.T.); (C.G.-V.); (P.A.P.); (I.A.P.-F.); (F.A.-M.); (D.A.C.)
- Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8331150, Chile
| | - Leandro J. Carreño
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago 8330025, Chile; (E.I.T.); (C.G.-V.); (P.A.P.); (I.A.P.-F.); (F.A.-M.); (D.A.C.)
- Programa de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago 8380453, Chile
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Look A, Burns D, Tews I, Roghanian A, Mansour S. Towards a better understanding of human iNKT cell subpopulations for improved clinical outcomes. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1176724. [PMID: 37153585 PMCID: PMC10154573 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1176724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique T lymphocyte population expressing semi-invariant T cell receptors (TCRs) that recognise lipid antigens presented by CD1d. iNKT cells exhibit potent anti-tumour activity through direct killing mechanisms and indirectly through triggering the activation of other anti-tumour immune cells. Because of their ability to induce potent anti-tumour responses, particularly when activated by the strong iNKT agonist αGalCer, they have been the subject of intense research to harness iNKT cell-targeted immunotherapies for cancer treatment. However, despite potent anti-tumour efficacy in pre-clinical models, the translation of iNKT cell immunotherapy into human cancer patients has been less successful. This review provides an overview of iNKT cell biology and why they are of interest within the context of cancer immunology. We focus on the iNKT anti-tumour response, the seminal studies that first reported iNKT cytotoxicity, their anti-tumour mechanisms, and the various described subsets within the iNKT cell repertoire. Finally, we discuss several barriers to the successful utilisation of iNKT cells in human cancer immunotherapy, what is required for a better understanding of human iNKT cells, and the future perspectives facilitating their exploitation for improved clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Look
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Burns
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ivo Tews
- Biological Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Ali Roghanian
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Salah Mansour
- NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
- Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
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Relationship of Sulfatides Physiological Function and Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor α. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:2059-2065. [PMID: 36879104 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-023-03895-y] [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: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
Sulfatides are unique sphingolipids present in the serum and the plasma membrane. Sulfatides exert important functions in a number of systems in the human body, including the nervous, immune, cardiovascular, and coagulation systems.Furthermore, it is closely related to tumor occurrence, development, and metastasis. Peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor α (PPARα) is a class of the nuclear receptor superfamily of transcription factors, which is a potential regulator of sulfatides. This review not only summarizes the current knowledge on the physiological functions of sulfatides in various systems, but also discusses the possible PPARα regulatory mechanisms in sulfatide metabolism and functions. The results of the present analysis provide deep insights and further novel ideas for expanding the research on the physiological function and clinical application of sulfatides.
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Role of NKT cells in cancer immunotherapy-from bench to bed. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 40:29. [PMID: 36460881 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01888-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a specific T cell subset known to express the αβ-T cell receptor (TCR) for antigens identification and express typical NK cell specifications, such as surface expression of CD56 and CD16 markers as well as production of granzyme. Human NKT cells are divided into two subgroups based on their cytokine receptor and TCR repertoire. Both of them are CD1-restricted and recognize lipid antigens presented by CD1d molecules. Studies have demonstrated that these cells are essential in defense against malignancies. These cells secret proinflammatory and regulatory cytokines that stimulate or suppress immune system responses. In several murine tumor models, activation of type I NKT cells induces tumor rejection and inhibits metastasis's spread. However, type II NKT cells are associated with an inhibitory and regulatory function during tumor immune responses. Variant NKT cells may suppress tumor immunity via different mechanisms that require cross-talk with other immune-regulatory cells. NKT-like cells display high tumor-killing abilities against many tumor cells. In the recent decade, different studies have been performed based on the application of NKT-based immunotherapy for cancer therapy. Moreover, manipulation of NKT cells through administering autologous dendritic cell (DC) loaded with α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) and direct α-GalCer injection has also been tested. In this review, we described different subtypes of NKT cells, their function in the anti-tumor immune responses, and the application of NKT cells in cancer immunotherapy from bench to bed.
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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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