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Wang X, Li H, Chen H, Fang K, Chang X. Overexpression of circulating CD38+ NK cells in colorectal cancer was associated with lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1309785. [PMID: 38463232 PMCID: PMC10921414 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1309785] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a critical prognostic factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Due to the potential influence of immune system on CRC progression, investigation into lymphocyte subsets as clinical markers has gained attention. The objective of this study was to assess the capability of lymphocyte subsets in evaluating the lymph node status and prognosis of CRC. Methods Lymphocyte subsets, including T cells (CD3+), natural killer cells (NK, CD3- CD56+), natural killer-like T cells (NK-like T, CD3+ CD56+), CD38+ NK cells (CD3- CD56+ CD38+) and CD38+ NK-like T cells (CD3+ CD56+ CD38+), were detected by flow cytometry. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to assess the risk factors of LNM. The prognostic role of parameters was evaluated by survival analysis. Results The proportion of CD38+ NK cells within the NK cell population was significantly higher in LNM-positive patients (p <0.0001). However, no significant differences were observed in the proportions of other lymphocyte subsets. Poorer histologic grade (odds ratio [OR] =4.76, p =0.03), lymphovascular invasion (LVI) (OR =22.38, p <0.01), and CD38+ NK cells (high) (OR =4.54, p <0.01) were identified as independent risk factors for LNM. Furthermore, high proportion of CD38+ NK cells was associated with poor prognosis of CRC patients (HR=2.37, p =0.03). Conclusions It was demonstrated that the proportion of CD38+ NK cells was a marker overexpressed in LNM-positive patients compared with LNM-negative patients. Moreover, an elevated proportion of CD38+ NK cells is a risk factor for LNM and poor prognosis in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueling Wang
- Center for Clinical Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Haoran Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huixian Chen
- Center for Clinical Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Kehua Fang
- Clinical Laboratory, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xiaotian Chang
- Center for Clinical Research, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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2
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Jia W, Zhang T, Yao Q, Li J, Nie Y, Lei X, Mao Z, Wang Y, Shi W, Song W. Tertiary Lymphatic Structures in Primary Hepatic Carcinoma: Controversy Cannot Overshadow Hope. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870458. [PMID: 35844587 PMCID: PMC9278517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) are organized aggregates of immune cells found in the tumor microenvironment. TLS can influence primary hepatic carcinoma (PHC) occurrence and have an active role in cancer. TLS can promote or inhibit the growth of PHC depending on their location, and although available findings are controversial, they suggest that TLS have a protective role in PHC tissues and a non-protective role in paracancerous tissues. In addition, the cellular composition of TLS can also influence the outcome of PHC. As an immunity marker, TLS can act as a marker of immunotherapy to predict its effect and help to identify patients who will respond well to immunotherapy. Modulation of TLS formation through the use of chemokines/cytokines, immunotherapy, or induction of high endothelial vein to interfere with tumor growth has been studied extensively in PHC and other cancers. In addition, new tools such as genetic interventions, cellular crosstalk, preoperative radiotherapy, and advances in materials science have been shown to influence the prognosis of malignant tumors by modulating TLS production. These can also be used to develop PHC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weili Jia
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Tianchen Zhang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Qianyun Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianhui Li
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Ye Nie
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xinjun Lei
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Zhenzhen Mao
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yanfang Wang
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Xi’an Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Wenjie Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Wenjie Song,
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Highly differential count of circulating and tumor infiltrating immune cells in patients with non-HCV/non-HBV hepatocellular carcinoma. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2021; 71:1103-1113. [PMID: 34585256 PMCID: PMC9015997 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-021-03061-9] [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: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Background Liver transplantation and liver resection are curative options for early hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The outcome is in part depended on the immunological response to the malignancy. In this study, we aimed to identify immunological profiles of non-HCV/non-HBV HCC patients. Methods Thirty-nine immune cell subsets were measured with multicolor flow cytometry. This immunophenotyping was performed in peripheral blood (PB) and tumor specimens of 10 HCC resection patients and 10 healthy donors. The signatures of the highly differential leukocyte count (hDIF) were analyzed using multidimensional techniques. Functional capability was measured using intracellular IFN-γ staining (Trial Registration DRKS00013567). Results The hDIF showed activation (subsets of T-, B-, NK- and dendritic cells) and suppression (subsets of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and T- and B-regulatory cells) of the antitumor response. Principal component analysis of PB and tumor infiltrating leukocytes (TIL) illustrated an antitumor activating gradient. TILs showed functional capability by secreting IFN-γ but did not kill HCC cells. Conclusions In conclusion, the measurement of the hDIF shows distinct differences in immune reactions against non-HBV/non-HCV HCC and illustrates an immunosuppressive gradient toward peripheral blood. Trial Registration DRKS00013567 Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00262-021-03061-9.
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The effects of stereotactic body radiotherapy on peripheral natural killer and CD3 +CD56 + NKT-like cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2021; 20:240-250. [PMID: 33454220 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both natural killer (NK) and CD3+CD56+natural killer T (NKT)-like cells play critical roles in the antitumor response. This study aimed to explore the effects of stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) on peripheral NK and NKT-like cells in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and to identify possible surface markers on these cells that correlate with the prognosis. METHODS Twenty-five HCC patients were prospectively enrolled in our study, and 10 healthy individuals were served as healthy controls. Flow cytometry was used to determine the counts and the percentages of peripheral NK and NKT-like cells, cells with certain receptors, and cells with intracellular interferon-γ and TNF-α secretion at different time points, including time points of prior to SBRT, at post-SBRT, and 3-month and 6-month after treatment. The Kaplan-Meier method with the log-rank test was applied for survival analysis. RESULTS The peripheral NKT-like cells was increased at post-SBRT. Meanwhile, elevated levels of inhibitory receptors and reduced levels of activating receptors of NK cells were also observed in NK cells at post-SBRT, but the levels was not significantly different at 3-month and 6-month as compared with the baseline levels. Lower percentage of NKp30+NK cells before SBRT and higher percentage of CD158b+NK cells after SBRT were associated with poor progression-free survival. In addition, higher percentage of CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells was associated with a higher overall survival rate in HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS SBRT has an apparent effect on both peripheral NK and CD3+CD56+NKT-like cells. Lower percentage of NKp30+NK cells before SBRT and higher percentage of CD158b+NK cells after SBRT are correlated with poor patients' PFS. Higher percentage of CD3+CD56+ NKT-like cells is associated with higher OS in HCC patients.
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Lundgren S, Micke P, Elebro J, Heby M, Hrynchyk I, Nodin B, Leandersson K, Mezheyeuski A, Jirström K. Topographical Distribution and Spatial Interactions of Innate and Semi-Innate Immune Cells in Pancreatic and Other Periampullary Adenocarcinoma. Front Immunol 2020; 11:558169. [PMID: 33013928 PMCID: PMC7511775 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.558169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical management of pancreatic and other periampullary neoplasms remains challenging. In contrast to other cancer types, immunotherapies are largely ineffective, and the reason for the deprived immune response and the immune inhibiting cellular composition is only fragmentarily understood. The aim of this study was to comprehensively map the abundance, topographic distribution and spatial interaction of innate and innate-like immune cells in the tumor microenvironment of periampullary adenocarcinoma. Methods Multiplexed immunofluorescent imaging was performed on tissue microarrays with tumors from a consecutive cohort of 175 patients with resected periampullary adenocarcinoma. To obtain a detailed spatial analysis of immune cell infiltration, two multiplex immune panels including antibodies against CD3, NKp46, CD56, CD68, CD163 and CD1a, CD208, CD123, CD15, CD68 and pan-cytokeratin were applied. Results The infiltration of natural killer (NK) and NK-like T (NKT) cells was lower in malignant compared to benign tissue. NKT cells were more abundant in intestinal type compared to pancreatobiliary type tumors, and were associated with more favorable clinicopathological features and a prolonged survival. The interaction of NKp46+ NKT cells with macrophages was also associated with a prolonged survival. Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive map of the innate immune landscape in periampullary adenocarcinoma. NK cells, and even more so NKT cells, are revealed to be central players in the local immune response in a clinically relevant context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Lundgren
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology and Therapeutic Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Patrick Micke
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jacob Elebro
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology and Therapeutic Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Margareta Heby
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology and Therapeutic Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Ina Hrynchyk
- City Clinical Pathologoanatomic Bureau, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Björn Nodin
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology and Therapeutic Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Karin Leandersson
- Department of Translational Medicine, Division of Cancer Immunology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Artur Mezheyeuski
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Karin Jirström
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Oncology and Therapeutic Pathology, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Sachdeva M, Arora SK. Prognostic role of immune cells in hepatocellular carcinoma. EXCLI JOURNAL 2020; 19:718-733. [PMID: 32636725 PMCID: PMC7332804 DOI: 10.17179/excli2020-1455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with rising incidence rates, is the most commonly occurring malignancy of the liver that exerts a heavy disease burden particularly in developing countries. A dynamic cross-talk between immune cells and malignant cells in tumor microenvironment governs the hepatocarcinogenesis. Monitoring immune contexture as prognostic markers is quite relevant and essential to evaluate clinical outcomes and to envisage response to therapy. In this review, we present an overview of the prognostic value of various tumor infiltrating immune cells and the continually evolving immune checkpoints as novel biomarkers during HCC. Tumor infiltration by immune cells such as T cells, NK cells and dendritic cells is linked with improved prognosis and favorable outcome, while the intra-tumoral presence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) or myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) on the other hand is associated with poor clinical outcome. In addition to these, the overexpression of negative regulatory molecules on tumor cells also provides inhibitory signals to T cells and is associated with poor prognosis. The limitation of a single marker can be overcome by advanced prognostication models and algorithms that evaluate multiple prognostic factors and ultimately aid the clinician in improving the disease free and overall survival of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Sachdeva
- Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Sunil K Arora
- Department of Immunopathology & Department of Translational & Regenerative Medicine, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
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Recent Advances in Molecular Mechanisms of the NKG2D Pathway in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020301. [PMID: 32075046 PMCID: PMC7094213 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma is a common malignant tumor with high mortality. Its malignant proliferation, invasion, and metastasis are closely related to the cellular immune function of the patients. NKG2D is a key activated and type II membrane protein molecule expressed on the surface of almost all NK cells. The human NKG2D gene is 270 kb long, located at 12p12.3-p13.1, and contains 10 exons and 9 introns. The three-dimensional structure of the NKG2D monomeric protein contains two alpha-helices, two beta-lamellae, and four disulfide bonds, and its' signal of activation is transmitted mainly by the adaptor protein (DAP). NKG2D ligands, including MICA, MICB, and ULBPs, can be widely expressed in hepatoma cells. After a combination of NKG2D and DAP10 in the form of homologous two polymers, the YxxM motif in the cytoplasm is phosphorylated and then signaling pathways are also gradually activated, such as PI3K, PLCγ2, JNK-cJunN, and others. Activated NK cells can enhance the sensitivity to hepatoma cells and specifically dissolve by releasing a variety of cytokines (TNF-α and IFN-γ), perforin, and high expression of FasL, CD16, and TRAIL. NK cells may specifically bind to the over-expressed MICA, MICB, and ULBPs of hepatocellular carcinoma cells through the surface activating receptor NKG2D, which can help to accurately identify hepatoma, play a critical role in anti-hepatoma via the pathway of cytotoxic effects, and obviously delay the poor progress of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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8
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Wang Z, Wang Z, Li B, Wang S, Chen T, Ye Z. Innate Immune Cells: A Potential and Promising Cell Population for Treating Osteosarcoma. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1114. [PMID: 31156651 PMCID: PMC6531991 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced, recurrent, or metastasized osteosarcomas remain challenging to cure or even alleviate. Therefore, the development of novel therapeutic strategies is urgently needed. Cancer immunotherapy has greatly improved in recent years, with options including adoptive cellular therapy, vaccination, and checkpoint inhibitors. As such, immunotherapy is becoming a potential strategy for the treatment of osteosarcoma. Innate immunocytes, the first line of defense in the immune system and the bridge to adaptive immunity, are one of the vital effector cell subpopulations in cancer immunotherapy. Innate immune cell-based therapy has shown potent antitumor activity against hematologic malignancies and some solid tumors, including osteosarcoma. Importantly, some immune checkpoints are expressed on both innate and adaptive immune cells, modulating their functions in tumor immunity. Therefore, blocking or activating immune checkpoint-mediated downstream signaling pathways can improve the therapeutic effects of innate immune cell-based therapy. In this review, we summarize the current status and future prospects of innate immune cell-based therapy for the treatment of osteosarcoma, with a focus on the potential synergistic effects of combination therapy involving innate immunotherapy and immune checkpoint inhibitors/oncolytic viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zenan Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Orthopedic Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhan Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Orthopedic Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Binghao Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Orthopedic Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shengdong Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Orthopedic Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Department of Orthopedics, Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Orthopedic Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhaoming Ye
- Department of Orthopedics, Musculoskeletal Tumor Center, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Institute of Orthopedic Research, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
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9
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Characterization of circulating T-, NK-, and NKT cell subsets in patients with colorectal cancer: the peripheral blood immune cell profile. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1011-1024. [PMID: 31053876 PMCID: PMC6529387 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02343-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective As the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC) are known to be affected by the immune system, cell subsets such as T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and natural killer T (NKT) cells are considered interesting targets for immunotherapy and clinical biomarker research. Until now, the role of systemic immune profiles in tumor progression remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to characterize the immunophenotype of circulating T cells, NK cells, and NKT-like cells in patients with CRC, and to subsequently correlate these immunophenotypes to clinical follow-up data. Methods Using multiparameter flow cytometry, the subset distribution and immunophenotype of T cells (CD3+CD56−), CD56dim NK cells (CD3−CD56dim), CD56bright NK cells (CD3−CD56bright), and NKT-like (CD3+CD56+) cells were investigated in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from 71 CRC patients and 19 healthy donors. Results CRC patients showed profound differences in immune cell subset distribution and their immunophenotype compared to healthy donors, as characterized by increased percentage of regulatory T cells, and reduced expression level of the natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp44 and NKp46 on both CD56dim NK cells and NKT-like cells. Finally, we showed in a multivariate analysis that above-median percentage of CD16+ NKT-like cells was independently associated with shorter disease-free survival in CRC patients. Conclusion The altered phenotype of circulating immune cell subsets in CRC and its association with clinical outcome highlight the potential use of PBMC subsets as prognostic biomarkers in CRC, thereby contributing to better insight into the role of systemic immune profiles in tumor progression. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s00262-019-02343-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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10
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Krijgsman D, Hokland M, Kuppen PJK. The Role of Natural Killer T Cells in Cancer-A Phenotypical and Functional Approach. Front Immunol 2018. [PMID: 29535734 PMCID: PMC5835336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 134] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer T (NKT) cells are a subset of CD1d-restricted T cells at the interface between the innate and adaptive immune system. NKT cells can be subdivided into functional subsets that respond rapidly to a wide variety of glycolipids and stress-related proteins using T- or natural killer (NK) cell-like effector mechanisms. Because of their major modulating effects on immune responses via secretion of cytokines, NKT cells are also considered important players in tumor immunosurveillance. During early tumor development, T helper (TH)1-like NKT cell subsets have the potential to rapidly stimulate tumor-specific T cells and effector NK cells that can eliminate tumor cells. In case of tumor progression, NKT cells may become overstimulated and anergic leading to deletion of a part of the NKT cell population in patients via activation-induced cell death. In addition, the remaining NKT cells become hyporesponsive, or switch to immunosuppressive TH2-/T regulatory-like NKT cell subsets, thereby facilitating tumor progression and immune escape. In this review, we discuss this important role of NKT cells in tumor development and we conclude that there should be three important focuses of future research in cancer patients in relation with NKT cells: (1) expansion of the NKT cell population, (2) prevention and breaking of NKT cell anergy, and (3) skewing of NKT cells toward TH1-like subsets with antitumor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands.,Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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