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Baiu DC, Sharma A, Schehr JL, Basu J, Smith KA, Ohashi M, Johannsen EC, Kenney SC, Gumperz JE. Human CD4 + iNKT cell adoptive immunotherapy induces anti-tumour responses against CD1d-negative EBV-driven B lymphoma. Immunology 2024; 172:627-640. [PMID: 38736328 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13799] [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: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a conserved population of innate T lymphocytes that are uniquely suitable as off-the-shelf cellular immunotherapies due to their lack of alloreactivity. Two major subpopulations of human iNKT cells have been delineated, a CD4- subset that has a TH1/cytolytic profile, and a CD4+ subset that appears polyfunctional and can produce both regulatory and immunostimulatory cytokines. Whether these two subsets differ in anti-tumour effects is not known. Using live cell imaging, we found that CD4- iNKT cells limited growth of CD1d+ Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-infected B-lymphoblastoid spheroids in vitro, whereas CD4+ iNKT cells showed little or no direct anti-tumour activity. However, the effects of the two subsets were reversed when we tested them as adoptive immunotherapies in vivo using a xenograft model of EBV-driven human B cell lymphoma. We found that EBV-infected B cells down-regulated CD1d in vivo, and administering CD4- iNKT cells had no discernable impact on tumour mass. In contrast, xenotransplanted mice bearing lymphomas showed rapid reduction in tumour mass after administering CD4+ iNKT cells. Immunotherapeutic CD4+ iNKT cells trafficked to both spleen and tumour and were associated with subsequently enhanced responses of xenotransplanted human T cells against EBV. CD4+ iNKT cells also had adjuvant-like effects on monocyte-derived DCs and promoted antigen-dependent responses of human T cells in vitro. These results show that allogeneic CD4+ iNKT cellular immunotherapy leads to marked anti-tumour activity through indirect pathways that do not require tumour cell CD1d expression and that are associated with enhanced activity of antigen-specific T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana C Baiu
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Akshat Sharma
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jennifer L Schehr
- Carbone Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jayati Basu
- Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Kelsey A Smith
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Makoto Ohashi
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Eric C Johannsen
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Shannon C Kenney
- Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Jenny E Gumperz
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Zhang H, Li Y, Liu YW, Liu YG, Chen X. Predictive value of lymphocyte subsets and lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio in assessing the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12799. [PMID: 38834662 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-61632-z] [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: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Lymphocyte subsets are the most intuitive expression of the body's immune ability, and the lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) also clearly reflect the degree of chronic inflammation activity. The purpose of this study is to investigate their predictive value of lymphocyte subsets and LMR to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT) efficacy in breast cancer patients. In this study, lymphocyte subsets and LMR were compared between breast cancer patients (n = 70) and benign breast tumor female populations (n = 48). Breast cancer patients were treated with NAT, and the chemotherapy response of the breast was evaluated using established criteria. The differences in lymphocyte subsets and LMR were also compared between pathological complete response (pCR) and non-pCR patients before and after NAT. Finally, data were analyzed using SPSS. The analytical results demonstrated that breast cancer patients showed significantly lower levels of CD3 + T cells, CD4 + T cells, CD4 + /CD8 + ratio, NK cells, and LMR compared to benign breast tumor women (P < 0.05). Among breast cancer patients, those who achieved pCR had higher levels of CD4 + T cells, NK cells, and LMR before NAT (P < 0.05). NAT increased CD4 + /CD8 + ratio and decreased CD8 + T cells in pCR patients (P < 0.05). Additionally, both pCR and non-pCR patients exhibited an increase in CD3 + T cells and CD4 + T cells after treatment, but the increase was significantly higher in pCR patients (P < 0.05). Conversely, both pCR and non-pCR patients experienced a decrease in LMR after treatment. However, this decrease was significantly lower in pCR patients (P < 0.05). These indicators demonstrated their predictive value for therapeutic efficacy. In conclusion, breast cancer patients experience tumor-related immunosuppression and high chronic inflammation response. But this phenomenon can be reversed to varying degrees by NAT. It has been found that lymphocyte subsets and LMR have good predictive value for pCR. Therefore, these markers can be utilized to identify individuals who are insensitive to NAT early on, enabling the adjustment of treatment plans and achieving precise breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zhang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Li
- School of Public Health, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ya-Wen Liu
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ye-Gang Liu
- Department of General Surgery, People's Hospital of Tongzi County, Zunyi, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
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Petrovic A, Jovanovic I, Stojanovic B, Dimitrijevic Stojanovic M, Stojanovic BS, Jurisevic M, Simovic Markovic B, Jovanovic M, Jovanovic M, Jovanovic M, Gajovic N. Harnessing Metformin's Immunomodulatory Effects on Immune Cells to Combat Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5869. [PMID: 38892058 PMCID: PMC11172298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115869] [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: 04/13/2024] [Revised: 05/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin, a medication known for its anti-glycemic properties, also demonstrates potent immune system activation. In our study, using a 4T1 breast cancer model in BALB/C WT mice, we examined metformin's impact on the functional phenotype of multiple immune cells, with a specific emphasis on natural killer T (NKT) cells due to their understudied role in this context. Metformin administration delayed the appearance and growth of carcinoma. Furthermore, metformin increased the percentage of IFN-γ+ NKT cells, and enhanced CD107a expression, as measured by MFI, while decreasing PD-1+, FoxP3+, and IL-10+ NKT cells in spleens of metformin-treated mice. In primary tumors, metformin increased the percentage of NKp46+ NKT cells and increased FasL expression, while lowering the percentages of FoxP3+, PD-1+, and IL-10-producing NKT cells and KLRG1 expression. Activation markers increased, and immunosuppressive markers declined in T cells from both the spleen and tumors. Furthermore, metformin decreased IL-10+ and FoxP3+ Tregs, along with Gr-1+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in spleens, and in tumor tissue, it decreased IL-10+ and FoxP3+ Tregs, Gr-1+, NF-κB+, and iNOS+ MDSCs, and iNOS+ dendritic cells (DCs), while increasing the DCs quantity. Additionally, increased expression levels of MIP1a, STAT4, and NFAT in splenocytes were found. These comprehensive findings illustrate metformin's broad immunomodulatory impact across a variety of immune cells, including stimulating NKT cells and T cells, while inhibiting Tregs and MDSCs. This dynamic modulation may potentiate its use in cancer immunotherapy, highlighting its potential to modulate the tumor microenvironment across a spectrum of immune cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andjela Petrovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Bojan Stojanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milica Dimitrijevic Stojanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Bojana S Stojanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milena Jurisevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Bojana Simovic Markovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Marina Jovanovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Milan Jovanovic
- Department of Abdominal Surgery, Military Medical Academy, University of Defence, Crnotravska 17, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Mihailo Jovanovic
- Clinic for Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University Clinical Center, Zmaj Jovina 30, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Nevena Gajovic
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Svetozara Markovica 69, 34000 Kragujevac, Serbia
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Ji S, Shi Y, Yin B. Macrophage barrier in the tumor microenvironment and potential clinical applications. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:74. [PMID: 38279145 PMCID: PMC10811890 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01424-6] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) constitutes a complex microenvironment comprising a diverse array of immune cells and stromal components. Within this intricate context, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) exhibit notable spatial heterogeneity. This heterogeneity contributes to various facets of tumor behavior, including immune response modulation, angiogenesis, tissue remodeling, and metastatic potential. This review summarizes the spatial distribution of macrophages in both the physiological environment and the TME. Moreover, this paper explores the intricate interactions between TAMs and diverse immune cell populations (T cells, dendritic cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and other immune cells) within the TME. These bidirectional exchanges form a complex network of immune interactions that influence tumor immune surveillance and evasion strategies. Investigating TAM heterogeneity and its intricate interactions with different immune cell populations offers potential avenues for therapeutic interventions. Additionally, this paper discusses therapeutic strategies targeting macrophages, aiming to uncover novel approaches for immunotherapy. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Ji
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China
| | - Yuqing Shi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shenyang 10th People's Hospital, Shenyang, 110096, China
| | - Bo Yin
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110022, China.
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5
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Das R. T Cell Receptor-Engaging Monoclonal Antibodies Mobilize the Anti-Tumor Functions of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells. Crit Rev Oncog 2024; 29:69-81. [PMID: 38421715 PMCID: PMC11062185 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2023049947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) are innate-type T lymphocytes that directly kill tumor cells or tumor-growth promoting immunosuppressive cells such astumor-associated macrophages. Additionally, iNKTs robustly transactivate the antitumor functions of T, B, natural killer, and dendritic cells as well as reinvigorate exhausted immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. As such, iNKTs make excellent candidates for inclusion in anti-cancer cellular therapies. However, to capitalize on the potential benefits of iNKT cell-based approaches, it is imperative that we develop new and clinically viable strategies to enhance their antitumor function. To that end, two novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that selectively bind to the human (NKTT320) or murine (NKT14m) invariant T cell receptor have been recently developed and characterized. Studies using purified human iNKTs (in vitro) and a model of non-human primate (in vivo) reveal that NKTT320 promotes swift, vigorous and sustained iNKT cell activation that is accompanied by robust production of inflammatory mediators and bystander immune cell activation. Furthermore, NKTT320 augments expression of cytotoxic markers and human iNKT cell degranulation. Similarly, NKT14m prompts dramatic murine iNKT cell activation and functional response both in vitro and in vivo. However, antitumor efficacy of a single dose of NKT14m injection in tumor-bearing mice is limited and tumor-model dependent. In contrast, combination treatment of NKT14m with either low dose interleukin (IL)-12 or the chemotherapeutic agent, cyclophosphamide results in a superior antitumor response in vivo. This is evident by activation of both iNKTs and other immune cells, prolonged survival of the tumor-challenged mice, and long-lasting immunity. Collectively, these recent studies justify further development of anti-iTCR mAbs that can be used alone or in conjunction with immunomodulatory agents to enhance iNKT cell antitumor immunity against various cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rupali Das
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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6
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Lee MS, Webb TJ. Novel lipid antigens for NKT cells in cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1173375. [PMID: 37908366 PMCID: PMC10613688 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1173375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy aims to unleash the power of the immune system against tumors without the side effects of traditional chemotherapy. Immunotherapeutic methods vary widely, but all follow the same basic principle: overcome the barriers utilized by cancers to avoid immune destruction. These approaches often revolve around classical T cells, such as with CAR T cells and neoantigen vaccines; however, the utility of the innate-like iNKT cell in cancer immunotherapy has gained significant recognition. iNKT cells parallel classic T cell recognition of peptide antigens presented on MHC through their recognition of lipid antigens presented on the MHC I-like molecule CD1d. Altered metabolism and a lipogenic phenotype are essential properties of tumor cells, representing a unique feature that may be exploited by iNKT cells. In this review, we will cover properties of iNKT cells, CD1d, and lipid antigen presentation. Next, we will discuss the cancer lipidome and how it may be exploited by iNKT cells through a window of opportunity. Finally, we will review, in detail, novel lipid antigens for iNKT cells in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael S. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Tonya J. Webb
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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McCord B, Day RM. Cytotoxic immune cells do not affect TDP-43 and p62 sarcoplasmic aggregation but influence TDP-43 localisation. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15935. [PMID: 37741931 PMCID: PMC10517962 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42824-5] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Sporadic inclusion body myositis (sIBM) is an idiopathic inflammatory myopathy with invasion of CD8 T cells in muscle and aggregation of proteins in the sarcoplasm. TDP-43 and p62 are two proteins that aggregate in affected muscle, and have been suggested as specific markers for sIBM over other inflammatory myopathies. TDP-43 is also mislocalised from the nucleus to the sarcoplasm in sIBM. It is not clear if inflammation precedes protein aggregation in sIBM. This study investigated if exposure to cytotoxic inflammatory cells caused TDP-43 and p62 aggregation or TDP-43 mislocalisation in cultured myotubes. TALL-104 coculture was highly cytotoxic to myotubes after 24 h. Secretion of IFNγ and TNFα were higher in cocultures compared to monocultured TALL-104 cells, indicating activation. TALL-104 cells attached to and infiltrated myotubes. There was no effect of TALL-104 coculture on TDP-43 or p62 sarcoplasmic aggregate size or frequency. However, there was decreased localisation of TDP-43 to the nucleus with TALL-104 coculture compared to control. In an in vitro setting, cytotoxic immune cells did not cause TDP-43 or p62 sarcoplasmic aggregation, suggesting cellular cytotoxicity may not trigger aggregation of these proteins. However TALL-104 coculture influenced TDP-43 localisation, suggesting cytotoxic immune cells may contribute to TDP-43 localisation shifts which is observed in sIBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryony McCord
- Centre for Precision Healthcare, UCL Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6JF, UK
| | - Richard M Day
- Centre for Precision Healthcare, UCL Division of Medicine, University College London, London, WC1E 6JF, UK.
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Wu H, Tang T, Deng H, Chen D, Zhang C, Luo J, Chen S, Zhang P, Yang J, Dong L, Chang T, Tang ZH. Immune checkpoint molecule Tim-3 promotes NKT cell apoptosis and predicts poorer prognosis in Sepsis. Clin Immunol 2023; 254:109249. [PMID: 36736642 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a leading cause of death among critically ill patients, which is defined as life-threatening organ dysfunction caused by a deregulated host immune response to infection. Immune checkpoint molecule Tim-3 plays important and complex roles in regulating immune responses and in inducing immune tolerance. Although immune checkpoint blockade would be expected as a promising therapeutic strategy for sepsis, but the underlying mechanism remain unknown, especially under clinical conditions. METHODS Tim-3 expression and apoptosis in NKT cells were compared in septic patients (27 patients with sepsis and 28 patients with septic shock). Phenotypic and functional characterization of Tim-3+ NKT cells were analysed, and then the relationship between Tim-3 + NKT cells and clinical prognosis were investigated in septic patients. α-lactose (Tim-3/Galectin-9 signalling inhibitor) and Tim-3 mutant mice (targeting mutation of the Tim-3 cytoplasmic domain) were utilized to evaluate the protective effect of Tim-3 signalling blockade following septic challenge. RESULTS There is a close correlation between Tim-3 expression and the functional status of NKT cells in septic patients, Upregulated Tim-3 expression promoted NKT cell activation and apoptosis during the early stage of sepsis, and it was associated with worse disease severity and poorer prognosis in septic patients. Blockade of the Tim-3/Galectin-9 signal axis using α-lactose inhibited in vitro apoptosis of NKT cells isolated from septic patients. Impaired activity of Tim-3 protected mice following septic challenge. CONCLUSIONS Overall, these findings demonstrated that immune checkpoint molecule Tim-3 in NKT cells plays a critical role in the immunopathogenesis of septic patients. Blockade of immune checkpoint molecule Tim-3 may be a promising immunomodulatory strategy in future clinical practice for the management of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Wu
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Thoracic Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China; Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, Chengdu 610072, China
| | - Tingxuan Tang
- Class 1901, School of Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430065, China
| | - Hai Deng
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; Department of Orthopedic Trauma, Wuhan Fourth Hospital, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Deng Chen
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jialiu Luo
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Shunyao Chen
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Peidong Zhang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Jingzhi Yang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Liming Dong
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China
| | - Teding Chang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
| | - Zhao-Hui Tang
- Division of Trauma & Surgical Critical Care, Department of Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China.
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David C, Ruck T, Rolfes L, Mencl S, Kraft P, Schuhmann MK, Schroeter CB, Jansen R, Langhauser F, Mausberg AK, Fender AC, Meuth SG, Kleinschnitz C. Impact of NKG2D Signaling on Natural Killer and T-Cell Function in Cerebral Ischemia. J Am Heart Assoc 2023:e029529. [PMID: 37301761 DOI: 10.1161/jaha.122.029529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Background Typically defined as a thromboinflammatory disease, ischemic stroke features early and delayed inflammatory responses, which determine the extent of ischemia-related brain damage. T and natural killer cells have been implicated in neuronal cytotoxicity and inflammation, but the precise mechanisms of immune cell-mediated stroke progression remain poorly understood. The activating immunoreceptor NKG2D is expressed on both natural killer and T cells and may be critically involved. Methods and Results An anti-NKG2D blocking antibody alleviated stroke outcome in terms of infarct volume and functional deficits, coinciding with reduced immune cell infiltration into the brain and improved survival in the animal model of cerebral ischemia. Using transgenic knockout models devoid of certain immune cell types and immunodeficient mice supplemented with different immune cell subsets, we dissected the functional contribution of NKG2D signaling by different NKG2D-expressing cells in stroke pathophysiology. The observed effect of NKG2D signaling in stroke progression was shown to be predominantly mediated by natural killer and CD8+ T cells. Transfer of T cells with monovariant T-cell receptors into immunodeficient mice with and without pharmacological blockade of NKG2D revealed activation of CD8+ T cells irrespective of antigen specificity. Detection of the NKG2D receptor and its ligands in brain samples of patients with stroke strengthens the relevance of preclinical observations in human disease. Conclusions Our findings provide a mechanistic insight into NKG2D-dependent natural killer- and T-cell-mediated effects in stroke pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina David
- Department of Neurology With Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS) University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen Essen Germany
| | - Tobias Ruck
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Leoni Rolfes
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Stine Mencl
- Department of Neurology With Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS) University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen Essen Germany
| | - Peter Kraft
- Department of Neurology Hospital Main-Spessart Lohr am Main Germany
- Department of Neurology University Hospital Würzburg Würzburg Germany
| | | | - Christina B Schroeter
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Robin Jansen
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Friederike Langhauser
- Department of Neurology With Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS) University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen Essen Germany
| | - Anne K Mausberg
- Department of Neurology With Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS) University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen Essen Germany
| | - Anke C Fender
- Department of Pharmacology University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen Essen Germany
| | - Sven G Meuth
- Department of Neurology, Medical Faculty Heinrich-Heine-University Düsseldorf Germany
| | - Christoph Kleinschnitz
- Department of Neurology With Center for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences (C-TNBS) University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen Essen Germany
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Hadiloo K, Tahmasebi S, Esmaeilzadeh A. CAR-NKT cell therapy: a new promising paradigm of cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:86. [PMID: 37158883 PMCID: PMC10165596 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02923-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Today, cancer treatment is one of the fundamental problems facing clinicians and researchers worldwide. Efforts to find an excellent way to treat this illness continue, and new therapeutic strategies are developed quickly. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) is a practical approach that has been emerged to improve clinical outcomes in cancer patients. In the ACT, one of the best ways to arm the immune cells against tumors is by employing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) via genetic engineering. CAR equips cells to target specific antigens on tumor cells and selectively eradicate them. Researchers have achieved promising preclinical and clinical outcomes with different cells by using CARs. One of the potent immune cells that seems to be a good candidate for CAR-immune cell therapy is the Natural Killer-T (NKT) cell. NKT cells have multiple features that make them potent cells against tumors and would be a powerful replacement for T cells and natural killer (NK) cells. NKT cells are cytotoxic immune cells with various capabilities and no notable side effects on normal cells. The current study aimed to comprehensively provide the latest advances in CAR-NKT cell therapy for cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaveh Hadiloo
- Student Research Committee, Department of immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Safa Tahmasebi
- Student Research Committee, Department of immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh
- Department of Immunology, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center (CGRC), Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.
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11
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Ruf B, Greten TF, Korangy F. Innate lymphoid cells and innate-like T cells in cancer - at the crossroads of innate and adaptive immunity. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:351-371. [PMID: 37081117 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00562-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Immunotherapies targeting conventional T cells have revolutionized systemic treatment for many cancers, yet only a subset of patients benefit from these approaches. A better understanding of the complex immune microenvironment of tumours is needed to design the next generation of immunotherapeutics. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and innate-like T cells (ILTCs) are abundant, tissue-resident lymphocytes that have recently been shown to have critical roles in many types of cancers. ILCs and ILTCs rapidly respond to changes in their surrounding environment and act as the first responders to bridge innate and adaptive immunity. This places ILCs and ILTCs as pivotal orchestrators of the final antitumour immune response. In this Review, we outline hallmarks of ILCs and ILTCs and discuss their emerging role in antitumour immunity, as well as the pathophysiological adaptations leading to their pro-tumorigenic function. We explore the pleiotropic, in parts redundant and sometimes opposing, mechanisms that underlie the delicate interplay between the different subsets of ILCs and ILTCs. Finally, we highlight their role in amplifying and complementing conventional T cell functions and summarize immunotherapeutic strategies for targeting ILCs and ILTCs in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Ruf
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Tim F Greten
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- NCI CCR Liver Cancer Program, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Firouzeh Korangy
- Gastrointestinal Malignancy Section, Thoracic and Gastrointestinal Malignancies Branch, Centre for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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12
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Jin G, Chang Y, Harris J, Bao X. Adoptive Immunotherapy: A Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Perspective. Cells Tissues Organs 2023; 212:439-467. [PMID: 36599319 PMCID: PMC10318121 DOI: 10.1159/000528838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The past decade has witnessed significant advances in cancer immunotherapy, particularly through the adoptive transfer of engineered T cells in treating advanced leukemias and lymphomas. Despite these excitements, challenges remain with scale, cost, and ensuring quality control of engineered immune cells, including chimeric antigen receptor T, natural killer cells, and macrophages. The advent of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs), including human embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells, has transformed immunotherapy by providing a scalable, off-the-shelf source of any desired immune cells for basic research, translational studies, and clinical interventions. The tractability of hPSCs for gene editing could also generate homogenous, universal cellular products with custom functionality for individual or combinatory therapeutic applications. This review will explore various immune cell types whose directed differentiation from hPSCs has been achieved and recently adapted for translational immunotherapy and feature forward-looking bioengineering techniques shaping the future of the stem cell field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyuhyung Jin
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Yun Chang
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Jackson Harris
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
| | - Xiaoping Bao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907
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13
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The Tumor Microenvironment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Untying an Intricate Immunological Network. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246151. [PMID: 36551635 PMCID: PMC9776867 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
HCC, the most prevalent form of primary liver cancer, is prototypically an inflammation-driven cancer developing after years of inflammatory insults. Consequently, the hepatic microenvironment is a site of complex immunological activities. Moreover, the tolerogenic nature of the liver can act as a barrier to anti-tumor immunity, fostering cancer progression and resistance to immunotherapies based on immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICB). In addition to being a site of primary carcinogenesis, many cancer types have high tropism for the liver, and patients diagnosed with liver metastasis have a dismal prognosis. Therefore, understanding the immunological networks characterizing the tumor microenvironment (TME) of HCC will deepen our understanding of liver immunity, and it will underpin the dominant mechanisms controlling both spontaneous and therapy-induced anti-tumor immune responses. Herein, we discuss the contributions of the cellular and molecular components of the liver immune contexture during HCC onset and progression by underscoring how the balance between antagonistic immune responses can recast the properties of the TME and the response to ICB.
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14
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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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15
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Gao MG, Zhao XS. Mining the multifunction of mucosal-associated invariant T cells in hematological malignancies and transplantation immunity: A promising hexagon soldier in immunomodulatory. Front Immunol 2022; 13:931764. [PMID: 36052080 PMCID: PMC9427077 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.931764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are evolutionarily conserved innate-like T cells capable of recognizing bacterial and fungal ligands derived from vitamin B biosynthesis. Under different stimulation conditions, MAIT cells can display different immune effector phenotypes, exerting immune regulation and anti-/protumor responses. Based on basic biological characteristics, including the enrichment of mucosal tissue, the secretion of mucosal repair protective factors (interleukin-17, etc.), and the activation of riboflavin metabolites by intestinal flora, MAIT cells may play an important role in the immune regulation effect of mucosal lesions or inflammation. At the same time, activated MAIT cells secrete granzyme B, perforin, interferon γ, and other toxic cytokines, which can mediate anti-tumor effects. In addition, since a variety of hematological malignancies express the targets of MAIT cell-specific effector molecules, MAIT cells are also a potentially attractive target for cell therapy or immunotherapy for hematological malignancies. In this review, we will provide an overview of MAIT research related to blood system diseases and discuss the possible immunomodulatory or anti-tumor roles that unique biological characteristics or effector phenotypes may play in hematological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Ge Gao
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Su Zhao
- Peking University People’s Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, Beijing, China
- Research Unit of Key Technique for Diagnosis and Treatments of Hematologic Malignancies, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center of Hematology, Peking University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Xiao-Su Zhao,
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16
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Human iNKT Cells Modulate Macrophage Survival and Phenotype. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071723. [PMID: 35885028 PMCID: PMC9313099 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CD1d-restricted invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are unconventional innate-like T cells whose functions highly depend on the interactions they establish with other immune cells. Although extensive studies have been reported on the communication between iNKT cells and macrophages in mice, less data is available regarding the relevance of this crosstalk in humans. Here, we dove into the human macrophage-iNKT cell axis by exploring how iNKT cells impact the survival and polarization of pro-inflammatory M1-like and anti-inflammatory M2-like monocyte-derived macrophages. By performing in vitro iNKT cell-macrophage co-cultures followed by flow cytometry analysis, we demonstrated that antigen-stimulated iNKT cells induce a generalized activated state on all macrophage subsets, leading to upregulation of CD40 and CD86 expression. CD40L blocking with a specific monoclonal antibody prior to co-cultures abrogated CD40 and CD86 upregulation, thus indicating that iNKT cells required CD40-CD40L co-stimulation to trigger macrophage activation. In addition, activated iNKT cells were cytotoxic towards macrophages in a CD1d-dependent manner, killing M1-like macrophages more efficiently than their naïve M0 or anti-inflammatory M2-like counterparts. Hence, this work highlighted the role of human iNKT cells as modulators of macrophage survival and phenotype, untangling key features of the human macrophage-iNKT cell axis and opening perspectives for future therapeutic modulation.
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17
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Nong C, Guan P, Li L, Zhang H, Hu H. Tumor immunotherapy: Mechanisms and clinical applications. MEDCOMM – ONCOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/mog2.8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Nong
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Pengbo Guan
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Li Li
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Huiyuan Zhang
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
| | - Hongbo Hu
- Center for Immunology and Hematology, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital Sichuan University Chengdu China
- Chongqing International Institution for Immunology Chongqing China
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18
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Delfanti G, Dellabona P, Casorati G, Fedeli M. Adoptive Immunotherapy With Engineered iNKT Cells to Target Cancer Cells and the Suppressive Microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:897750. [PMID: 35615083 PMCID: PMC9125179 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.897750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are T lymphocytes expressing a conserved semi-invariant TCR specific for lipid antigens (Ags) restricted for the monomorphic MHC class I-related molecule CD1d. iNKT cells infiltrate mouse and human tumors and play an important role in the immune surveillance against solid and hematological malignancies. Because of unique functional features, they are attractive platforms for adoptive cells immunotherapy of cancer compared to conventional T cells. iNKT cells can directly kill CD1d-expressing cancer cells, but also restrict immunosuppressive myelomonocytic populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) via CD1d-cognate recognition, promoting anti-tumor responses irrespective of the CD1d expression by cancer cells. Moreover, iNKT cells can be adoptively transferred across MHC barriers without risk of alloreaction because CD1d molecules are identical in all individuals, in addition to their ability to suppress graft vs. host disease (GvHD) without impairing the anti-tumor responses. Within this functional framework, iNKT cells are successfully engineered to acquire a second antigen-specificity by expressing recombinant TCRs or Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) specific for tumor-associated antigens, enabling the direct targeting of antigen-expressing cancer cells, while maintaining their CD1d-dependent functions. These new evidences support the exploitation of iNKT cells for donor unrestricted, and possibly off the shelf, adoptive cell therapies enabling the concurrent targeting of cancer cells and suppressive microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Delfanti
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- *Correspondence: Gloria Delfanti
| | - Paolo Dellabona
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Giulia Casorati
| | - Maya Fedeli
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation, and Infectious Diseases, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
- Maya Fedeli
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19
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Cruz MS, Loureiro JP, Oliveira MJ, Macedo MF. The iNKT Cell-Macrophage Axis in Homeostasis and Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031640. [PMID: 35163561 PMCID: PMC8835952 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are CD1d-restricted, lipid-reactive T cells that exhibit preponderant immunomodulatory properties. The ultimate protective or deleterious functions displayed by iNKT cells in tissues are known to be partially shaped by the interactions they establish with other immune cells. In particular, the iNKT cell–macrophage crosstalk has gained growing interest over the past two decades. Accumulating evidence has highlighted that this immune axis plays central roles not only in maintaining homeostasis but also during the development of several pathologies. Hence, this review summarizes the reported features of the iNKT cell–macrophage axis in health and disease. We discuss the pathophysiological significance of this interplay and provide an overview of how both cells communicate with each other to regulate disease onset and progression in the context of infection, obesity, sterile inflammation, cancer and autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana S. Cruz
- Cell Activation and Gene Expression Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.S.C.); (J.P.L.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro (UA), 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
| | - José Pedro Loureiro
- Cell Activation and Gene Expression Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.S.C.); (J.P.L.)
- Experimental Immunology Group, Department of Biomedicine (DBM), University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Hebelstrasse 20, 4031 Basel, Switzerland
| | - Maria J. Oliveira
- Tumour and Microenvironment Interactions Group, Instituto Nacional de Engenharia Biomédica (INEB), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Molecular Biology, ICBAS-Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar, Universidade do Porto, Rua Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria Fatima Macedo
- Cell Activation and Gene Expression Group, Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular (IBMC), Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde (i3S), Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal; (M.S.C.); (J.P.L.)
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Aveiro (UA), 3810-193 Aveiro, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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20
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Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers represent a complex array of cancers that affect the digestive system. This includes liver, pancreatic, colon, rectal, anal, gastric, esophageal, intestinal and gallbladder cancer. Patients diagnosed with certain GI cancers typically have low survival rates, so new therapeutic approaches are needed. A potential approach is to harness the potent immunoregulatory properties of natural killer T (NKT) cells which are true T cells, not natural killer (NK) cells, that recognize lipid instead of peptide antigens presented by the non-classical major histocompatibility (MHC) molecule CD1d. The NKT cell subpopulation is known to play a vital role in tumor immunity by bridging innate and adaptive immune responses. In GI cancers, NKT cells can contribute to either antitumor or protumor immunity depending on the cytokine profile expressed and type of cancer. This review discusses the complexities of the role of NKT cells in liver, colon, pancreatic and gastric cancers with an emphasis on type I NKT cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Burks
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA,CONTACT Julian Burks National Cancer Institute, National Institute of Health, Building 41/Room D702, 41 Medlars Drive, Bethesda, Maryland20892, USA
| | - Purevdorj B. Olkhanud
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jay A. Berzofsky
- Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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21
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Díaz‐Basabe A, Burrello C, Lattanzi G, Botti F, Carrara A, Cassinotti E, Caprioli F, Facciotti F. Human intestinal and circulating invariant natural killer T cells are cytotoxic against colorectal cancer cells via the perforin-granzyme pathway. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:3385-3403. [PMID: 34535957 PMCID: PMC8637555 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are lipid-specific T lymphocytes endowed with cytotoxic activities and are thus considered important in antitumor immunity. While several studies have demonstrated iNKT cell cytotoxicity against different tumors, very little is known about their cell-killing activities in human colorectal cancer (CRC). Our aim was to assess whether human iNKT cells are cytotoxic against colon cancer cells and the mechanisms underlying this activity. For this purpose, we generated stable iNKT cell lines from peripheral blood and colon specimens and used NK-92 and peripheral blood natural killer cells as cell-mediated cytotoxicity controls. In vitro cytotoxicity was assessed using a panel of well-characterized human CRC cell lines, and the cellular requirements for iNKT cell cytotoxic functions were evaluated. We demonstrated that both intestinal and circulating iNKT cells were cytotoxic against the entire panel of CRC lines, as well as against freshly isolated patient-derived colonic epithelial cancer cells. Perforin and/or granzyme inhibition impaired iNKT cell cytotoxicity, whereas T-cell receptor (TCR) signaling was a less stringent requirement for efficient killing. This study is the first evidence of tissue-derived iNKT cell cytotoxic activity in humans, as it shows that iNKT cells depend on the perforin-granzyme pathway and both adaptive and innate signal recognition for proper elimination of colon cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angélica Díaz‐Basabe
- Department of Experimental OncologyIEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCSMilanItaly
- Department of Oncology and Hemato‐oncologyUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Claudia Burrello
- Department of Experimental OncologyIEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCSMilanItaly
| | - Georgia Lattanzi
- Department of Experimental OncologyIEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCSMilanItaly
- Department of Oncology and Hemato‐oncologyUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Fiorenzo Botti
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
- Department of SurgeryFondazione IRCCS Cà GrandaOspedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Alberto Carrara
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
- Department of SurgeryFondazione IRCCS Cà GrandaOspedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Elisa Cassinotti
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
| | - Flavio Caprioli
- Department of Pathophysiology and TransplantationUniversità degli Studi di MilanoMilanItaly
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy UnitFondazione IRCCS Cà GrandaOspedale Maggiore PoliclinicoMilanItaly
| | - Federica Facciotti
- Department of Experimental OncologyIEO European Institute of Oncology IRCCSMilanItaly
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22
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Simonetta F, Lohmeyer JK, Hirai T, Maas-Bauer K, Alvarez M, Wenokur AS, Baker J, Aalipour A, Ji X, Haile S, Mackall CL, Negrin RS. Allogeneic CAR Invariant Natural Killer T Cells Exert Potent Antitumor Effects through Host CD8 T-Cell Cross-Priming. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6054-6064. [PMID: 34376537 PMCID: PMC8563377 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-1329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The development of allogeneic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies for off-the-shelf use is a major goal that faces two main immunologic challenges, namely the risk of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) induction by the transferred cells and the rejection by the host immune system limiting their persistence. In this work we assessed the direct and indirect antitumor effect of allogeneic CAR-engineered invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, a cell population without GvHD-induction potential that displays immunomodulatory properties. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN After assessing murine CAR iNKT cells direct antitumor effects in vitro and in vivo, we employed an immunocompetent mouse model of B-cell lymphoma to assess the interaction between allogeneic CAR iNKT cells and endogenous immune cells. RESULTS We demonstrate that allogeneic CAR iNKT cells exerted potent direct and indirect antitumor activity when administered across major MHC barriers by inducing tumor-specific antitumor immunity through host CD8 T-cell cross-priming. CONCLUSIONS In addition to their known direct cytotoxic effect, allogeneic CAR iNKT cells induce host CD8 T-cell antitumor responses, resulting in a potent antitumor effect lasting longer than the physical persistence of the allogeneic cells. The utilization of off-the-shelf allogeneic CAR iNKT cells could meet significant unmet needs in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Simonetta
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals and Translational Research Centre in Onco-Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Juliane K Lohmeyer
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Toshihito Hirai
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Kristina Maas-Bauer
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Arielle S Wenokur
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Jeanette Baker
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Amin Aalipour
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Xuhuai Ji
- Human Immune Monitoring Center, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California
| | - Samuel Haile
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Crystal L Mackall
- Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, California
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, California
| | - Robert S Negrin
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California.
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23
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Maas-Bauer K, Lohmeyer JK, Hirai T, Ramos TL, Fazal FM, Litzenburger UM, Yost KE, Ribado JV, Kambham N, Wenokur AS, Lin PY, Alvarez M, Mavers M, Baker J, Bhatt AS, Chang HY, Simonetta F, Negrin RS. Invariant natural killer T-cell subsets have diverse graft-versus-host-disease-preventing and antitumor effects. Blood 2021; 138:858-870. [PMID: 34036317 PMCID: PMC8432044 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021010887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a T-cell subset with potent immunomodulatory properties. Experimental evidence in mice and observational studies in humans indicate that iNKT cells have antitumor potential as well as the ability to suppress acute and chronic graft-versus-host-disease (GVHD). Murine iNKT cells differentiate during thymic development into iNKT1, iNKT2, and iNKT17 sublineages, which differ transcriptomically and epigenomically and have subset-specific developmental requirements. Whether distinct iNKT sublineages also differ in their antitumor effect and their ability to suppress GVHD is currently unknown. In this work, we generated highly purified murine iNKT sublineages, characterized their transcriptomic and epigenomic landscape, and assessed specific functions. We show that iNKT2 and iNKT17, but not iNKT1, cells efficiently suppress T-cell activation in vitro and mitigate murine acute GVHD in vivo. Conversely, we show that iNKT1 cells display the highest antitumor activity against murine B-cell lymphoma cells both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, we report for the first time that iNKT sublineages have distinct and different functions, with iNKT1 cells having the highest antitumor activity and iNKT2 and iNKT17 cells having immune-regulatory properties. These results have important implications for the translation of iNKT cell therapies to the clinic for cancer immunotherapy as well as for the prevention and treatment of GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Maas-Bauer
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Juliane K Lohmeyer
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Toshihito Hirai
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Teresa Lopes Ramos
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Arielle S Wenokur
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Po-Yu Lin
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Melissa Mavers
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Bass Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Diseases, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA
| | - Jeanette Baker
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Ami S Bhatt
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Department of Genetics, and
- Division of Hematology and
| | - Howard Y Chang
- Center for Personal Dynamic Regulomes
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; and
- Translational Research Center for Oncohematology, Department of Internal Medicine Specialties, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Robert S Negrin
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University, Stanford, CA
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Regulation and Functions of Protumoral Unconventional T Cells in Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143578. [PMID: 34298791 PMCID: PMC8304984 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of studies on T cell biology in tumor immunity have focused on peptide-reactive conventional T cells that are restricted to polymorphic major histocompatibility complex molecules. However, emerging evidence indicated that unconventional T cells, including γδ T cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells and mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are also involved in tumor immunity. Unconventional T cells span the innate-adaptive continuum and possess the unique ability to rapidly react to nonpeptide antigens via their conserved T cell receptors (TCRs) and/or to activating cytokines to orchestrate many aspects of the immune response. Since unconventional T cell lineages comprise discrete functional subsets, they can mediate both anti- and protumoral activities. Here, we review the current understanding of the functions and regulatory mechanisms of protumoral unconventional T cell subsets in the tumor environment. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of these deleterious subsets in solid cancers and why further feasibility studies are warranted.
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Schmid H, Ribeiro EM, Secker KA, Duerr-Stoerzer S, Keppeler H, Dong R, Munz T, Schulze-Osthoff K, Hailfinger S, Schneidawind C, Schneidawind D. Human invariant natural killer T cells promote tolerance by preferential apoptosis induction of conventional dendritic cells. Haematologica 2021; 107:427-436. [PMID: 33440919 PMCID: PMC8804566 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2020.267583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation. We recently showed in murine studies and in vitro human models that adoptively transferred invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells protect from GvHD and promote graft-versus-leukemia effects. The cellular mechanisms underlying GvHD prevention by iNKT cells in humans, however, remain unknown. In order to study relevant cellular interactions, dendritic cells (DC) were either generated from monocytes or isolated directly from blood of healthy donors or GvHD patients and co-cultured in a mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) with T cells obtained from healthy donors or transplantation bags. Addition of culture-expanded iNKT cells to the MLR-induced DC apoptosis in a cell contact-dependent manner, thereby preventing T-cell activation and proliferation. Annexin V/propidium iodide staining and image stream assays showed that CD4+CD8–, CD4–CD8+ and double negative iNKT cells are similarly able to induce DC apoptosis. Further MLR assays revealed that conventional DC (cDC) but not plasmacytoid DC (pDC) could induce alloreactive T-cell activation and proliferation. Interestingly, cDC were also more susceptible to apoptosis induced by iNKT cells, which correlates with their higher CD1d expression, leading to a bias in favor of pDC. Remarkably, these results could also be observed in GvHD patients. We propose a new mechanism how ex vivo expanded human iNKT cells prevent alloreactivity of T cells. iNKT cells modulate T-cell responses by selective apoptosis of DC subsets, resulting in suppression of T-cell activation and proliferation while enabling beneficial immune responses through pDC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Schmid
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen
| | - Emmanuelle M Ribeiro
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen
| | - Kathy-Ann Secker
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen
| | - Silke Duerr-Stoerzer
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen
| | - Hildegard Keppeler
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen
| | - Ruoyun Dong
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen
| | - Timo Munz
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen
| | | | - Stephan Hailfinger
- Interfaculty Institute of Biochemistry, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen
| | - Corina Schneidawind
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen
| | - Dominik Schneidawind
- Department of Medicine II, University Hospital Tuebingen, Eberhard Karls University, Tuebingen.
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26
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Rudak PT, Haeryfar SMM. In Vivo Cytotoxicity by α-GalCer-transactivated NK Cells. Methods Mol Biol 2021; 2388:157-174. [PMID: 34524671 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-1775-5_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like, lipid-reactive T lymphocytes known for their potent immunomodulatory properties. In addition to expressing and utilizing cytolytic effector molecules of their own against certain target cells, iNKT cells can be stimulated with α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer) to augment the cytotoxic capacity of natural killer (NK) cells. Herein, we describe a flow cytometry-based in vivo killing assay that enables examination of α-GalCer-promoted cytotoxicity against β2 microglobulin knockout (β2M-/-) target cells, which mimic tumor and virus-infected cells displaying little to no MHC class I molecules on their surface. Using an anti-asialo GM1 antibody, which depletes NK cells but not iNKT cells, we confirmed that the increased clearance of β2M-/- cells in α-GalCer-primed recipients was mediated by NK cells. The protocol detailed here can be leveraged to assess the functional fitness of iNKT cells and their crosstalk with NK cells and to further our understanding of α-GalCer-promoted cytotoxicity in preclinical immunotherapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Rudak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - S M Mansour Haeryfar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Western University, London, ON, Canada. .,Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Western University, London, ON, Canada. .,Centre for Human Immunology, Western University, London, ON, Canada. .,Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada.
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27
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Gong J, Zeng Q, Yu D, Duan YG. T Lymphocytes and Testicular Immunity: A New Insight into Immune Regulation in Testes. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010057. [PMID: 33374605 PMCID: PMC7793097 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune privilege of the testes is necessary to prevent immune attacks to gamete-specific antigens and paternal major histocompatibility complex (MHC) antigens, allowing for normal spermatogenesis. However, infection and inflammation of the male genital tract can break the immune tolerance and represent a significant cause of male infertility. Different T cell subsets have been identified in mammalian testes, which may be involved in the maintenance of immune tolerance and pathogenic immune responses in testicular infection and inflammation. We reviewed the evidence in the published literature on different T subtypes (regulatory T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, γδ T cells, and natural killer T cells) in human and animal testes that support their regulatory roles in infertility and the orchitis pathology. While many in vitro studies have indicated the regulation potential of functional T cell subsets and their possible interaction with Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, and spermatogenesis, both under physiological and pathological processes, there have been no in situ studies to date. Nevertheless, the normal distribution and function of T cell subsets are essential for the immune privilege of the testes and intact spermatogenesis, and T cell-mediated immune response drives testicular inflammation. The distinct function of different T cell subsets in testicular homeostasis and the orchitis pathology suggests a considerable potential of targeting specific T cell subsets for therapies targeting chronic orchitis and immune infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialei Gong
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Qunxiong Zeng
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
| | - Di Yu
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Yong-Gang Duan
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Fertility Regulation, Center of Assisted Reproduction and Embryology, The University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen 518053, China
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28
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Papadogianni G, Ravens I, Dittrich-Breiholz O, Bernhardt G, Georgiev H. Impact of Aging on the Phenotype of Invariant Natural Killer T Cells in Mouse Thymus. Front Immunol 2020; 11:575764. [PMID: 33193368 PMCID: PMC7662090 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.575764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 10/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells represent a subclass of T cells possessing a restricted repertoire of T cell receptors enabling them to recognize lipid derived ligands. iNKT cells are continuously generated in thymus and differentiate into three main subpopulations: iNKT1, iNKT2, and iNKT17 cells. We investigated the transcriptomes of these subsets comparing cells isolated from young adult (6–10 weeks old) and aged BALB/c mice (25–30 weeks of age) in order to identify genes subject to an age-related regulation of expression. These time points were selected to take into consideration the consequences of thymic involution that radically alter the existing micro-milieu. Significant differences were detected in the expression of histone genes affecting all iNKT subsets. Also the proliferative capacity of iNKT cells decreased substantially upon aging. Several genes were identified as possible candidates causing significant age-dependent changes in iNKT cell generation and/or function such as genes coding for granzyme A, ZO-1, EZH2, SOX4, IGF1 receptor, FLT4, and CD25. Moreover, we provide evidence that IL2 differentially affects homeostasis of iNKT subsets with iNKT17 cells engaging a unique mechanism to respond to IL2 by initiating a slow rate of proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Inga Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Günter Bernhardt
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Hristo Georgiev
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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29
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Sousa MEP, Gonzatti MB, Fernandes ER, Freire BM, Guereschi MG, Basso AS, Andersen ML, Rosa DS, Keller AC. Invariant Natural Killer T cells resilience to paradoxical sleep deprivation-associated stress. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 90:208-215. [PMID: 32827702 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.08.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Although several studies demonstrate that stressful situations, such as sleep disturbances, negatively impact the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, their influence on invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells remains unclear. iNKT cells are CD1d-restricted innate T cells that recognize glycolipid antigens and rapidly produce polarizing cytokines being key players in several immune responses, and a potential target for immunotherapy. iNKT cells differ in several aspects from conventional T lymphocytes, including a unique dependence on CD1d-expressing double-positive (DP) thymocytes for intrathymic maturation. As a consequence of stress, DP thymocytes undergo glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis, which might compromise iNKT developmental pathway. Therefore, we used a paradoxical sleep deprivation (SD) model to determine the impact of sleep disturbance on iNKT cell biology. After 72 h of SD, C57Bl/6 mice exhibited a significant increase in systemic glucocorticoid levels and thymus atrophy. Despite marked decrease in the number of DP thymocytes, the ratio CD1d+/CD1d- was higher in SD mice, and the number of thymic iNKT cells remained unaltered, suggesting that SD did not compromise the iNKT developmental pathway. In contrast, SD reduced hepatic IFN-γ, but not, IL-4-producing iNKT cells, without further effect in the spleen. Despite this fact, SD did not affect stimulation of IFN-γ production by iNKT cells, or cytokine release, in response to α-galactosylceramide, a specific antigen. Furthermore, although SD impaired splenic NK cells activity against tumor cells, it did not affect iNKT cell-specific cytotoxicity. Thus, our study shows that SD-induced stress did not impair the iNKT cells' responses to a cognate antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E P Sousa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), Rua Botucatu, 862, 4(th) floor. 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michelangelo B Gonzatti
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), Rua Botucatu, 862, 4(th) floor. 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Edgar R Fernandes
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), Rua Botucatu, 862, 4(th) floor. 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Freire
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), Rua Botucatu, 862, 4(th) floor. 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Márcia G Guereschi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), Rua Botucatu, 862, 4(th) floor. 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S Basso
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), Rua Botucatu, 862, 4(th) floor. 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Monica L Andersen
- Department of Psychobiology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), Rua Botucatu, 862, 1(st) floor, 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniela S Rosa
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), Rua Botucatu, 862, 4(th) floor. 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil; Institute for Investigation in Immunology (iii)-INCT, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Alexandre C Keller
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP/EPM), Rua Botucatu, 862, 4(th) floor. 04023-062 São Paulo, Brazil.
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30
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Guan P, Schaub R, Nichols KE, Das R. Combination of NKT14m and Low Dose IL-12 Promotes Invariant Natural Killer T Cell IFN-γ Production and Tumor Control. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21145085. [PMID: 32708464 PMCID: PMC7404385 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21145085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate-like T lymphocytes characterized by the expression of an invariant T cell receptor (iTCR) that recognizes glycolipid antigens presented by the MHC I-like CD1d molecule. Following antigenic stimulation, iNKT cells rapidly produce large amounts of cytokines that can trans-activate dendritic cells (DC) and promote the anti-tumor functions of cytotoxic lymphocytes, such as natural killer (NK) and CD8 T cells. Additionally, iNKT cells can mediate robust and direct cytotoxicity against CD1d+ tumor targets. However, many tumors down-regulate CD1d and evade iNKT cell attack. To circumvent this critical barrier to iNKT cell anti-tumor activity, a novel monoclonal antibody (mAb), NKT14 has been recently developed. This agonistic antibody binds directly and specifically to the iTCR of murine iNKT cells. In the current study, we demonstrate that NKT14m mediates robust activation, cytokine production and degranulation of murine iNKT cells, in vitro. Consistently, NKT14m also promoted iNKT cell activation and immunomodulatory functions, in vivo. Finally, administration of NKT14m with low dose interleukin (IL)-12 further augmented iNKT cell IFN-γ production in vivo, and this combination conferred superior suppression of tumor cell growth compared to NKT14m or IL-12 alone. Together, these data demonstrate that a combination treatment consisting of low dose IL-12 and iTCR-specific mAb may be an attractive alternative to activate iNKT cell anti-tumor functions.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/immunology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal/pharmacology
- Antigens, CD1d/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- Drug Synergism
- Drug Therapy, Combination/methods
- Immunomodulation/drug effects
- Interferon-gamma/metabolism
- Interleukin-12/pharmacology
- Lymphoma/drug therapy
- Lymphoma/immunology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Natural Killer T-Cells/drug effects
- Natural Killer T-Cells/immunology
- Natural Killer T-Cells/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Guan
- Division of Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Robert Schaub
- RGS Consulting, 118 Jeremy Hill Road Pelham, Pelham, NH 03076, USA;
| | - Kim E. Nichols
- Department of Oncology, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105, USA;
| | - Rupali Das
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-517-884-5049; Fax: +1-517-355-5125
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31
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Natural killer and NKT cells in the male reproductive tract. J Reprod Immunol 2020; 142:103178. [PMID: 32739646 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2020.103178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important effector lymphocytes that play a pivotal role in the innate and adaptive immune responses to tumors and viral infection. NKT cells are a heterogeneous group of T cells that share properties with both T cells and NK cells. They display immunoregulatory properties as they facilitate the cell-mediated immune response to tumors and infectious diseases, and inhibit cell-mediated immunity associated with autoimmune diseases and allograft rejection. However, the roles of NK and NKT cells in the male reproductive tract remain largely unexplored, in particular, NKT cells, tissue distribution, and state of health or disease. Infection and inflammation of the male genital tract are thought to be the primary etiological factors of male infertility. In this review, we considered this complex and rapidly growing field. We summarize the recent findings and the characterization and roles of NK and NKT cells in the male reproductive tract, including the testis, epididymis, prostate, seminal vesicle, and semen, to enhance our understanding of the immunological mechanisms of male infertility and for the design effective vaccines for male reproductive health in the future.
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32
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Aoki T, Takami M, Takatani T, Motoyoshi K, Ishii A, Hara A, Toyoda T, Okada R, Hino M, Koyama-Nasu R, Kiuchi M, Hirahara K, Kimura MY, Nakayama T, Shimojo N, Motohashi S. Activated invariant natural killer T cells directly recognize leukemia cells in a CD1d-independent manner. Cancer Sci 2020; 111:2223-2233. [PMID: 32324315 PMCID: PMC7385353 DOI: 10.1111/cas.14428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are innate‐like CD1d‐restricted T cells that express the invariant T cell receptor (TCR) composed of Vα24 and Vβ11 in humans. iNKT cells specifically recognize glycolipid antigens such as α‐galactosylceramide (αGalCer) presented by CD1d. iNKT cells show direct cytotoxicity toward CD1d‐positive tumor cells, especially when CD1d presents glycolipid antigens. However, iNKT cell recognition of CD1d‐negative tumor cells is unknown, and direct cytotoxicity of iNKT cells toward CD1d‐negative tumor cells remains controversial. Here, we demonstrate that activated iNKT cells recognize leukemia cells in a CD1d‐independent manner, however still in a TCR‐mediated way. iNKT cells degranulated and released Th1 cytokines toward CD1d‐negative leukemia cells (K562, HL‐60, REH) as well as αGalCer‐loaded CD1d‐positive Jurkat cells. The CD1d‐independent cytotoxicity was enhanced by natural killer cell‐activating receptors such as NKG2D, 2B4, DNAM‐1, LFA‐1 and CD2, but iNKT cells did not depend on these receptors for the recognition of CD1d‐negative leukemia cells. In contrast, TCR was essential for CD1d‐independent recognition and cytotoxicity. iNKT cells degranulated toward patient‐derived leukemia cells independently of CD1d expression. iNKT cells targeted myeloid malignancies more than acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These findings reveal a novel anti–tumor mechanism of iNKT cells in targeting CD1d‐negative tumor cells and indicate the potential of iNKT cells for clinical application to treat leukemia independently of CD1d.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Aoki
- Department of Medical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Mariko Takami
- Department of Medical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Tomozumi Takatani
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiwamu Motoyoshi
- Department of Medical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ayana Ishii
- Department of Medical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ayaka Hara
- Department of Medical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takahide Toyoda
- Department of Medical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Reona Okada
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Moeko Hino
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryo Koyama-Nasu
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kiuchi
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Hirahara
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Motoko Y Kimura
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Toshinori Nakayama
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Naoki Shimojo
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Motohashi
- Department of Medical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
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33
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Cancer Immunotherapeutic Potential of NKTT320, a Novel, Invariant, Natural Killer T Cell-Activating, Humanized Monoclonal Antibody. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21124317. [PMID: 32560408 PMCID: PMC7352964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21124317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKTs) directly kill tumor cells and trans-activate the anti-tumor functions of dendritic cells (DC), natural killer (NK) cells, and T and B cells. As such, iNKTs serve as a powerful tool for use in cell-based cancer immunotherapy. iNKT cell activation commonly requires engagement of the invariant T cell receptor (iTCR) by CD1d presenting glycolipid antigens. However, transformed cells often down-regulate CD1d expression, which results in a reduction of iNKT cell anti-tumor functions. One approach to circumvent this critical barrier to iNKT cell activation is to develop an agonistic antibody that binds directly to the iTCR without the requirement for CD1d-mediated antigen presentation. To this end, we have characterized the iNKT cell stimulatory properties of NKTT320, a novel, recombinant, humanized, monoclonal antibody that binds selectively and with high affinity to human iTCRs. Strikingly, immobilized NKTT320 mediated robust iNKT cell activation (upregulation of CD25 and CD69) and proliferation (carboxyfluorescein succinimidyl ester (CFSE) dilution), as well as Th1 and Th2 cytokine production. Additionally, iNKTs stimulated by plate-bound NKTT320 exhibited increased intracellular levels of granzyme B and degranulation (exposure of CD107 on the cell surface). Furthermore, both soluble and immobilized NKTT320 induced iNKT cell-mediated activation of bystander immune cells, suggesting that this novel anti-iTCR antibody facilitates both direct and indirect iNKT cell cytotoxicity. These studies are significant, as they provide a framework by which iNKT cell anti-cancer functions could be enhanced for therapeutic purposes.
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34
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License to Kill: When iNKT Cells Are Granted the Use of Lethal Cytotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21113909. [PMID: 32486268 PMCID: PMC7312231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells are a non-conventional, innate-like, T cell population that recognize lipid antigens presented by the cluster of differentiation (CD)1d molecule. Although iNKT cells are mostly known for mediating several immune responses due to their massive and diverse cytokine release, these cells also work as effectors in various contexts thanks to their cytotoxic potential. In this Review, we focused on iNKT cell cytotoxicity; we provide an overview of iNKT cell subsets, their activation cues, the mechanisms of iNKT cell cytotoxicity, the specific roles and outcomes of this activity in various contexts, and how iNKT killing functions are currently activated in cancer immunotherapies. Finally, we discuss the future perspectives for the better understanding and potential uses of iNKT cell killing functions in tumor immunosurveillance.
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Zhou L, Adrianto I, Wang J, Wu X, Datta I, Mi QS. Single-Cell RNA-Seq Analysis Uncovers Distinct Functional Human NKT Cell Sub-Populations in Peripheral Blood. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:384. [PMID: 32528956 PMCID: PMC7264113 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vα24-invariant human natural killer T (NKT) cells comprise a unique subset of CD1d-restricted T cells with potent immune regulatory function and are involved in the development of a variety of human diseases. However, the lack of comprehensive molecular subset identities limits their objective classification and clinical application. Using unbiased single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of over 4000 unstimulated and 7000 stimulated human peripheral blood NKT cells, we identified four and five clusters of NKT cells from each NKT group, respectively. Our study uncovers multiple previously unrecognized NKT subsets with potential functional specificities, including a cluster of NKT cells with regulatory T cell property. Flow cytometry and Ingenuity Pathway Analysis confirmed the existence of these NKT populations and indicated the related functional capacities. Our study provides the unbiased and more comprehensive molecular identities of human NKT subsets, which will eventually lead the way to tailored therapies targeting selected NKT subsets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhou
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Indra Adrianto
- Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Jie Wang
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Xiaojun Wu
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Indrani Datta
- Center for Bioinformatics, Department of Public Health Sciences, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Qing-Sheng Mi
- Center for Cutaneous Biology and Immunology Research, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
- Immunology Research Program, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, United States
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Enhancing the antitumor functions of invariant natural killer T cells using a soluble CD1d-CD19 fusion protein. Blood Adv 2020; 3:813-824. [PMID: 30858151 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2018028886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells comprise a unique lineage of CD1d-restricted lipid-reactive T lymphocytes that potently kill tumor cells and exhibit robust immunostimulatory functions. Optimal tumor-directed iNKT cell responses often require expression of the antigen-presenting molecule CD1d on tumors; however, many tumor cells downregulate CD1d and thus evade iNKT cell recognition. We generated a soluble bispecific fusion protein designed to direct iNKT cells to the site of B-cell cancers in a tumor antigen-specific but CD1d-independent manner. This fusion protein is composed of a human CD1d molecule joined to a single chain antibody FV fragment specific for CD19, an antigen widely expressed on B-cell cancers. The CD1d-CD19 fusion protein binds specifically to CD19-expressing, but not CD19-negative cells. Once loaded with the iNKT cell lipid agonist α-galactosyl ceramide (αGC), the CD1d-CD19 fusion induces robust in vitro activation of and cytokine production by human iNKT cells. iNKT cells stimulated by the αGC-loaded CD1d-CD19 fusion also strongly transactivate T-, B-, and NK-cell responses and promote dendritic cell maturation. Importantly, the αGC-loaded fusion induces robust lysis of CD19+CD1d- Epstein-Barr virus immortalized human B-lymphoblastoid cell lines that are otherwise resistant to iNKT cell killing. Consistent with these findings; administration of the αGC-loaded fusion protein controlled the growth of CD19+CD1d- tumors in vivo, suggesting that it can "link" iNKT cells and CD19+CD1d- targets in a therapeutically beneficial manner. Taken together, these preclinical studies demonstrate that this B cell-directed fusion protein can be used to effectively induce iNKT cell antitumor responses in vitro and in vivo.
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Sag D, Ayyildiz ZO, Gunalp S, Wingender G. The Role of TRAIL/DRs in the Modulation of Immune Cells and Responses. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101469. [PMID: 31574961 PMCID: PMC6826877 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of TRAIL (tumor necrosis factor–related apoptosis–inducing ligand) by immune cells can lead to the induction of apoptosis in tumor cells. However, it becomes increasingly clear that the interaction of TRAIL and its death receptors (DRs) can also directly impact immune cells and influence immune responses. Here, we review what is known about the role of TRAIL/DRs in immune cells and immune responses in general and in the tumor microenvironment in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Duygu Sag
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), 35340 Balcova/Izmir, Turkey.
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Balcova/Izmir, Turkey.
- Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Balcova/Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Zeynep Ozge Ayyildiz
- Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Balcova/Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Sinem Gunalp
- Department of Genome Sciences and Molecular Biotechnology, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Balcova/Izmir, Turkey.
| | - Gerhard Wingender
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center (IBG), 35340 Balcova/Izmir, Turkey.
- Department of Biomedicine and Health Technologies, Izmir International Biomedicine and Genome Institute, Dokuz Eylul University, 35340 Balcova/Izmir, Turkey.
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SLAM-SAP-Fyn: Old Players with New Roles in iNKT Cell Development and Function. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20194797. [PMID: 31569599 PMCID: PMC6801923 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20194797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 09/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique T cell lineage that develop in the thymus and emerge with a memory-like phenotype. Accordingly, following antigenic stimulation, they can rapidly produce copious amounts of Th1 and Th2 cytokines and mediate activation of several immune cells. Thus, it is not surprising that iNKT cells play diverse roles in a broad range of diseases. Given their pivotal roles in host immunity, it is crucial that we understand the mechanisms that govern iNKT cell development and effector functions. Over the last two decades, several studies have contributed to the current knowledge of iNKT cell biology and activity. Collectively, these studies reveal that the thymic development of iNKT cells, their lineage expansion, and functional properties are tightly regulated by a complex network of transcription factors and signaling molecules. While prior studies have clearly established the importance of the SLAM-SAP-Fyn signaling axis in iNKT cell ontogenesis, recent studies provide exciting mechanistic insights into the role of this signaling cascade in iNKT cell development, lineage fate decisions, and functions. Here we summarize the previous literature and discuss the more recent studies that guide our understanding of iNKT cell development and functional responses.
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Cortesi F, Delfanti G, Grilli A, Calcinotto A, Gorini F, Pucci F, Lucianò R, Grioni M, Recchia A, Benigni F, Briganti A, Salonia A, De Palma M, Bicciato S, Doglioni C, Bellone M, Casorati G, Dellabona P. Bimodal CD40/Fas-Dependent Crosstalk between iNKT Cells and Tumor-Associated Macrophages Impairs Prostate Cancer Progression. Cell Rep 2019. [PMID: 29539427 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2018.02.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterotypic cellular and molecular interactions in the tumor microenvironment (TME) control cancer progression. Here, we show that CD1d-restricted invariant natural killer (iNKT) cells control prostate cancer (PCa) progression by sculpting the TME. In a mouse PCa model, iNKT cells restrained the pro-angiogenic and immunosuppressive capabilities of tumor-infiltrating immune cells by reducing pro-angiogenic TIE2+, M2-like macrophages (TEMs), and sustaining pro-inflammatory M1-like macrophages. iNKT cells directly contacted macrophages in the PCa stroma, and iNKT cell transfer into tumor-bearing mice abated TEMs, delaying tumor progression. iNKT cells modulated macrophages through the cooperative engagement of CD1d, Fas, and CD40, which promoted selective killing of M2-like and survival of M1-like macrophages. Human PCa aggressiveness associate with reduced intra-tumoral iNKT cells, increased TEMs, and expression of pro-angiogenic genes, underscoring the clinical significance of this crosstalk. Therefore, iNKT cells may control PCa through mechanisms involving differential macrophage modulation, which may be harnessed for therapeutically reprogramming the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filippo Cortesi
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Gloria Delfanti
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Andrea Grilli
- Center for Genome Research Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy; PhD Program of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, 20090 Segrate, Italy
| | - Arianna Calcinotto
- Cellular Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Francesca Gorini
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy
| | | | - Roberta Lucianò
- Division of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Matteo Grioni
- Cellular Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Alessandra Recchia
- Centre for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabio Benigni
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Alberto Briganti
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Andrea Salonia
- Division of Experimental Oncology/Unit of Urology, URI, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan 20123, Italy; San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Michele De Palma
- Swiss Institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), School of Life Sciences, Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL), 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Silvio Bicciato
- Center for Genome Research Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Claudio Doglioni
- Division of Pathology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy; San Raffaele Vita-Salute University, Milan 20123, Italy
| | - Matteo Bellone
- Cellular Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy.
| | - Giulia Casorati
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy.
| | - Paolo Dellabona
- Experimental Immunology Unit, Division of Immunology, Transplantation and Infectious Diseases, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan 20123, Italy.
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Choi J, Rudak PT, Lesage S, Haeryfar SMM. Glycolipid Stimulation of Invariant NKT Cells Expands a Unique Tissue-Resident Population of Precursors to Mature NK Cells Endowed with Oncolytic and Antimetastatic Properties. THE JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 203:1808-1819. [PMID: 31462506 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.1900487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are innate-like T lymphocytes that recognize and respond to glycolipid Ags such as α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). This unique property has been exploited in clinical trials for multiple malignancies. While investigating mouse iNKT cell responses to α-GalCer in vivo, we found a dramatically enlarged tissue-resident population surprisingly coexpressing select dendritic cell, NK cell, and B cell markers. Further phenotypic and functional analyses revealed the identity of this B220+CD11c+MHC class II+NK1.1+ population as precursors to mature NK (pre-mNK) cells, which also expressed high levels of proliferation and tissue retention markers but diminished sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1, a receptor that facilitates tissue trafficking. Accordingly, FTY720, a sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 antagonist, failed to prevent pre-mNK cells' intrahepatic accumulation. We found iNKT cell-driven expansion of pre-mNK cells to be dependent on IL-12 and IL-18. Although α-GalCer-transactivated pre-mNK cells lost their capacity to process a model tumor Ag, they selectively expressed granzyme A and directly lysed YAC-1 thymoma cells through granule exocytosis. They also contributed to β2 microglobulin-deficient target cell destruction in vivo. Therefore, α-GalCer treatment skewed pre-mNK cell responses away from an APC-like phenotype and toward killer cell-like functions. Finally, the ability of α-GalCer to reduce the pulmonary metastatic burden of B16-F10 mouse melanoma was partially reversed by in vivo depletion of pre-mNK cells. To our knowledge, our findings shed new light on iNKT cells' mechanism of action and glycolipid-based immunotherapies. Therefore, we introduce pre-mNK cells as a novel downstream effector cell type whose anticancer properties may have been overlooked in previous investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Patrick T Rudak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Sylvie Lesage
- Department of Immunology-Oncology, Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, Quebec H1T 2M4, Canada
| | - S M Mansour Haeryfar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada; .,Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Department of Medicine, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5A5, Canada.,Division of General Surgery, Department of Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5A5, Canada; and.,Centre for Human Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario N6A 5C1, Canada
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Rudak PT, Gangireddy R, Choi J, Burhan AM, Summers KL, Jackson DN, Inoue W, Haeryfar SMM. Stress-elicited glucocorticoid receptor signaling upregulates TIGIT in innate-like invariant T lymphocytes. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 80:793-804. [PMID: 31108170 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.05.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is known to impede certain host defense mechanisms, including those governed by conventional T lymphocytes. However, whether innate-like T lymphocytes, such as invariant natural killer T (iNKT) and mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, are impacted by stress is unclear. Herein, we report that prolonged psychological stress caused by physical confinement results in robust upregulation of T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and ITIM domains (TIGIT), an immune checkpoint receptor that controls antitumor and antiviral immune responses. Elevated TIGIT expression was found not only on NK and conventional T cells, but also on iNKT and MAIT cells. Stress-provoked TIGIT upregulation was reversed through treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486, but not with 6-hydroxydopamine that induces chemical sympathectomy. A Cre/Lox gene targeting model in which GR was ablated in cells expressing Lck under its proximal promoter revealed that TIGIT upregulation in stressed animals stems from direct GR signaling in T and iNKT cells. In fact, long-term oral administration of exogenous corticosterone (CS) to wild-type C57BL/6 (B6) mice was sufficient to increase TIGIT expression levels on T and iNKT cells. In vitro treatment with CS also potently and selectively upregulated TIGIT, but not CTLA-4 or LAG-3, on mouse iNKT and MAIT hybridomas. These results were recapitulated using primary hepatic iNKT and MAIT cells from wild-type B6 and B6.MAITCAST mice, respectively. Subjecting B6.MAITCAST mice to physical restraint also raised the frequency of TIGIT+ cells among hepatic MAIT cells in a GR-dependent manner. Finally, we found that TIGIT is similarly upregulated in a chronic variable stress model in which animals are exposed to unpredictable heterotypic stressors without developing habituation. Taken together, our findings link, for the first time to our knowledge, GR signaling to TIGIT expression. We propose that glucocorticoid hormones dampen immune responses, in part, by enhancing TIGIT expression across multiple critical subsets of effector lymphocytes, including innate-like T cells. Therefore, TIGIT may constitute an attractive target in immune-enhancing interventions for sustained physiological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick T Rudak
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rakshith Gangireddy
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joshua Choi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amer M Burhan
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kelly L Summers
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dwayne N Jackson
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Wataru Inoue
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - S M Mansour Haeryfar
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada; Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Jahnke S, Schmid H, Secker KA, Einhaus J, Duerr-Stoerzer S, Keppeler H, Schober-Melms I, Baur R, Schumm M, Handgretinger R, Bethge W, Kanz L, Schneidawind C, Schneidawind D. Invariant NKT Cells From Donor Lymphocyte Infusions (DLI-iNKTs) Promote ex vivo Lysis of Leukemic Blasts in a CD1d-Dependent Manner. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1542. [PMID: 31354710 PMCID: PMC6629940 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is a curative treatment option for hematologic malignancies but relapse remains the most common cause of death. Infusion of donor lymphocytes (DLIs) can induce remission and prolong survival by exerting graft-vs.-leukemia (GVL) effects. However, sufficient tumor control cannot be established in all patients and occurrence of graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD) prevents further dose escalation. Previous data indicate that invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells promote anti-tumor immunity without exacerbating GVHD. In the present study we investigated lysis of leukemic blasts through iNKT cells from donor-derived lymphocytes for leukemia control and found that iNKT cells constitute about 0.12% of cryopreserved donor T cells. Therefore, we established a 2-week cell culture protocol allowing for a robust expansion of iNKT cells from cryopreserved DLIs (DLI-iNKTs) that can be used for further preclinical and clinical applications. Such DLI-iNKTs efficiently lysed leukemia cell lines and primary patient AML blasts ex vivo in a dose- and CD1d-dependent manner. Furthermore, expression of CD1d on target cells was required to release proinflammatory cytokines and proapoptotic effector molecules. Our results suggest that iNKT cells from donor-derived lymphocytes are involved in anti-tumor immunity after allo-HCT and therefore may reduce the risk of relapse and improve progression-free and overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Jahnke
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hannes Schmid
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Kathy-Ann Secker
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jakob Einhaus
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Silke Duerr-Stoerzer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Hildegard Keppeler
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Irmtraud Schober-Melms
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rebecca Baur
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University of Erlangen-Nuremberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Michael Schumm
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Rupert Handgretinger
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Children's University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Bethge
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lothar Kanz
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Corina Schneidawind
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Schneidawind
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Li Z, Wu Y, Wang C, Zhang M. Mouse CD8 +NKT-like cells exert dual cytotoxicity against mouse tumor cells and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2019; 68:1303-1315. [PMID: 31278476 PMCID: PMC6682577 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-019-02363-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Our previous work has demonstrated the high efficiency of CD8+ natural killer T (NKT)-like cells in killing antigen-bearing dendritic cells. To evaluate their role in the tumor microenvironment, we performed in vitro and in vivo antitumor experiments to investigate whether CD8+NKT-like cells could kill Yac-1 and B16 cells like NK cells and kill EL4-OVA8 cells in an antigen-specific manner like cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs). Unlike NK1.1−CTLs, CD8+NKT-like cells also exhibit the capability to kill myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in an antigen-specific manner, indicative of their potential role in clearing tumor antigen-bearing MDSCs to improve the antitumor microenvironment. In vitro blocking experiments showed that granzyme B inhibitor efficiently suppressed the cytotoxicity of CD8+NKT-like cells against tumor cells and MDSCs, while Fas ligand (FasL) or tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) inhibition failed to produce similar effects. Transcriptomic and phenotypic analyses of CD8+NKT-like cells, NK cells, and NK1.1−CTLs indicated that CD8+NKT-like cells expressed both T-cell activation markers and NK cell markers, thus bearing features of both the activated T cells and NK cells. Taken together, CD8+NKT-like cells could exert NK- and CTL-like antitumor effects through the elimination of both tumor cells and MDSCs in a granzyme B-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengyuan Li
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Yiqing Wu
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Chao Wang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Room B343, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China.
| | - Minghui Zhang
- School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Room B343, Haidian District, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Schäfer A, Hühr J, Schwaiger T, Dorhoi A, Mettenleiter TC, Blome S, Schröder C, Blohm U. Porcine Invariant Natural Killer T Cells: Functional Profiling and Dynamics in Steady State and Viral Infections. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1380. [PMID: 31316500 PMCID: PMC6611438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pigs are important livestock and comprehensive understanding of their immune responses in infections is critical to improve vaccines and therapies. Moreover, similarities between human and swine physiology suggest that pigs are a superior animal model for immunological studies. However, paucity of experimental tools for a systematic analysis of the immune responses in pigs represent a major disadvantage. To evaluate the pig as a biomedical model and additionally expand the knowledge of rare immune cell populations in swine, we established a multicolor flow cytometry analysis platform of surface marker expression and cellular responses for porcine invariant Natural Killer T cells (iNKT). In humans, iNKT cells are among the first line defenders in various tissues, respond to CD1d-restricted antigens and become rapidly activated. Naïve porcine iNKT cells were CD3+/CD4−/CD8+ or CD3+/CD4−/CD8− and displayed an effector- or memory-like phenotype (CD25+/ICOS+/CD5hi/CD45RA−/CCR7 ± /CD27+). Based on their expression of the transcription factors T bet and the iNKT cell-specific promyelocytic leukemia zinc finger protein (PLZF), porcine iNKT cells were differentiated into functional subsets. Analogous to human iNKT cells, in vitro stimulation of porcine leukocytes with the CD1d ligand α-galactosylceramide resulted in rapid iNKT cell proliferation, evidenced by an increase in frequency and Ki-67 expression. Moreover, this approach revealed CD25, CD5, ICOS, and the major histocompatibility complex class II (MHC II) as activation markers on porcine iNKT cells. Activated iNKT cells also expressed interferon-γ, upregulated perforin expression, and displayed degranulation. In steady state, iNKT cell frequency was highest in newborn piglets and decreased with age. Upon infection with two viruses of high relevance to swine and humans, iNKT cells expanded. Animals infected with African swine fever virus displayed an increase of iNKT cell frequency in peripheral blood, regional lymph nodes, and lungs. During Influenza A virus infection, iNKT cell percentage increased in blood, lung lymph nodes, and broncho-alveolar lavage. Our in-depth characterization of porcine iNKT cells contributes to a better understanding of porcine immune responses, thereby facilitating the design of innovative interventions against infectious diseases. Moreover, we provide new evidence that endorses the suitability of the pig as a biomedical model for iNKT cell research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Schäfer
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Jane Hühr
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Theresa Schwaiger
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Anca Dorhoi
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Thomas C Mettenleiter
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Sandra Blome
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Charlotte Schröder
- Department of Experimental Animal Facilities and Biorisk Management, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Ulrike Blohm
- Institute of Immunology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
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Rotolo R, Leuci V, Donini C, Cykowska A, Gammaitoni L, Medico G, Valabrega G, Aglietta M, Sangiolo D. CAR-Based Strategies beyond T Lymphocytes: Integrative Opportunities for Cancer Adoptive Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112839. [PMID: 31212634 PMCID: PMC6600566 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Revised: 05/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered T lymphocytes (CAR Ts) produced impressive clinical results against selected hematological malignancies, but the extension of CAR T cell therapy to the challenging field of solid tumors has not, so far, replicated similar clinical outcomes. Many efforts are currently dedicated to improve the efficacy and safety of CAR-based adoptive immunotherapies, including application against solid tumors. A promising approach is CAR engineering of immune effectors different from αβT lymphocytes. Herein we reviewed biological features, therapeutic potential, and safety of alternative effectors to conventional CAR T cells: γδT, natural killer (NK), NKT, or cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells. The intrinsic CAR-independent antitumor activities, safety profile, and ex vivo expansibility of these alternative immune effectors may favorably contribute to the clinical development of CAR strategies. The proper biological features of innate immune response effectors may represent an added value in tumor settings with heterogeneous CAR target expression, limiting the risk of tumor clonal escape. All these properties bring out CAR engineering of alternative immune effectors as a promising integrative option to be explored in future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Rotolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
| | - Valeria Leuci
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo TO, Italy.
| | - Chiara Donini
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
| | - Anna Cykowska
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
| | | | - Giovanni Medico
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
| | - Giorgio Valabrega
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo TO, Italy.
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo TO, Italy.
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10140 Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo TO, Italy.
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Nano spray dryer for vectorizing α-galactosylceramide in polymeric nanoparticles: A single step process to enhance invariant Natural Killer T lymphocyte responses. Int J Pharm 2019; 565:123-132. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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47
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Hildreth AD, O'Sullivan TE. Tissue-Resident Innate and Innate-Like Lymphocyte Responses to Viral Infection. Viruses 2019; 11:v11030272. [PMID: 30893756 PMCID: PMC6466361 DOI: 10.3390/v11030272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Infection is restrained by the concerted activation of tissue-resident and circulating immune cells. Recent discoveries have demonstrated that tissue-resident lymphocyte subsets, comprised of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and unconventional T cells, have vital roles in the initiation of primary antiviral responses. Via direct and indirect mechanisms, ILCs and unconventional T cell subsets play a critical role in the ability of the immune system to mount an effective antiviral response through potent early cytokine production. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of tissue-resident lymphocytes during initial viral infection and evaluate their redundant or nonredundant contributions to host protection or virus-induced pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Hildreth
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 900953, USA.
| | - Timothy E O'Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 900953, USA.
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Impairment of Vα24-Jα18+Vβ11+ natural killer T cells in adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients. Exp Cell Res 2019; 374:69-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Kriegsmann K, Kriegsmann M, von Bergwelt-Baildon M, Cremer M, Witzens-Harig M. NKT cells - New players in CAR cell immunotherapy? Eur J Haematol 2018; 101:750-757. [PMID: 30187578 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Low levels of peripheral blood natural killer T (NKT) cells in cancer patients and a favorable outcome associated with a high number of tumor-infiltrating NKT cells demonstrated in several studies indicated the important role of these immune cells in the antitumor response. With effective antitumor immunity via direct tumor lysis, cytokine modulation of effector cells and regulation of immunosuppressive cells, type I NKT cells display interesting features/properties for the rapidly developing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology. Due to their restriction to the monomorphic HLA-like molecule CD1d, but not to the polymorphic human leukocyte antigen (HLA), NKT CAR cells show potential for enabling autologous and allogeneic/off-the-shelf cancer immunotherapy. Promising results were obtained in preclinical NKT CAR cell studies, but clinical trials have not yet been conducted. In this review, we summarize the biological features of NKT cells, their role in antitumor immunity and recent advances in the development of NKT CAR cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Kriegsmann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mark Kriegsmann
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Martin Cremer
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mathias Witzens-Harig
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
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Murine DX5 +NKT Cells Display Their Cytotoxic and Proapoptotic Potentials against Colitis-Inducing CD4 +CD62L high T Cells through Fas Ligand. J Immunol Res 2018; 2018:8175810. [PMID: 30364054 PMCID: PMC6186349 DOI: 10.1155/2018/8175810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction It has been previously shown that immunoregulatory DX5+NKT cells are able to prevent colitis induced by CD4+CD62Lhigh T lymphocytes in a SCID mouse model. The aim of this study was to further investigate the underlying mechanism in vitro. Methods CD4+CD62Lhigh and DX5+NKT cells from the spleen of Balb/c mice were isolated first by MACS, followed by FACS sorting and cocultured for up to 96 h. After polyclonal stimulation with anti-CD3, anti-CD28, and IL-2, proliferation of CD4+CD62Lhigh cells was assessed using a CFSE assay and activity of proapoptotic caspase-3 was determined by intracellular staining and flow cytometry. Extrinsic apoptotic pathway was blocked using an unconjugated antibody against FasL, and activation of caspase-3 was measured. Results As previously shown in vivo, DX5+NKT cells inhibit proliferation of CD4+CD62Lhigh cells in vitro after 96 h coculture compared to a CD4+CD62Lhigh monoculture (proliferation index: 1.39 ± 0.07 vs. 1.76 ± 0.12; P = 0.0079). The antiproliferative effect of DX5+NKT cells was likely due to an induction of apoptosis in CD4+CD62Lhigh cells as evidenced by increased activation of the proapoptotic caspase-3 after 48 h (38 ± 3% vs. 28 ± 3%; P = 0.0451). Furthermore, DX5+NKT cells after polyclonal stimulation showed an upregulation of FasL on their cell surface (15 ± 2% vs. 2 ± 1%; P = 0.0286). Finally, FasL was blocked on DX5+NKT cells, and therefore, the extrinsic apoptotic pathway abrogated the activation of caspase-3 in CD4+CD62Lhigh cells. Conclusion Collectively, these data confirmed that DX5+NKT cells inhibit proliferation of colitis-inducing CD4+CD62Lhigh cells by induction of apoptosis. Furthermore, DX5+NKT cells likely mediate their cytotoxic and proapoptotic potentials via FasL, confirming recent reports about iNKT cells. Further studies will be necessary to evaluate the therapeutical potential of these immunoregulatory cells in patients with colitis.
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