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Greppi M, De Franco F, Obino V, Rebaudi F, Goda R, Frumento D, Vita G, Baronti C, Melaiu O, Bozzo M, Candiani S, Vellone VG, Papaccio F, Pesce S, Marcenaro E. NK Cell Receptors in Anti-Tumor and Healthy Tissue Protection: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Advances. Immunol Lett 2024:106932. [PMID: 39303993 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2024.106932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Revised: 09/10/2024] [Accepted: 09/17/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are integral to the innate immune system, renowned for their ability to target and eliminate cancer cells without the need for antigen presentation, sparing normal tissues. These cells are crucial in cancer immunosurveillance due to their diverse array of activating and inhibitory receptors that modulate their cytotoxic activity. However, the tumor microenvironment can suppress NK cell function through various mechanisms. Over recent decades, research has focused on overcoming these tumor escape mechanisms. Initially, efforts concentrated on enhancing T cell activity, leading to impressive results with immunotherapeutic approaches aimed at boosting T cell responses. Nevertheless, a substantial number of patients do not benefit from these treatments and continue to seek effective alternatives. In this context, NK cells present a promising avenue for developing new treatments, given their potent cytotoxic capabilities, safety profile, and activity against T cell-resistant tumors, such as those lacking HLA-I expression. Recent advancements in immunotherapy include strategies to restore and amplify NK cell activity through immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, adoptive NK cell therapy, and CAR-NK cell technology. This review provides a comprehensive overview of NK cell receptors, the tumor escape mechanisms that hinder NK cell function, and the evolving field of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy, highlighting ongoing efforts to develop more effective and targeted cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabiana De Franco
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federico Rebaudi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Rayan Goda
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Davide Frumento
- Department of Education Sciences, University of Rome Tre, Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Vita
- Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Camilla Baronti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Ombretta Melaiu
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth, Environmental and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova
| | - Valerio G Vellone
- Department of Integrated Surgical and Diagnostic Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; Pathology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Federica Papaccio
- Department of Medicine, Surgery and Dentistry "Scuola Medica Salernitana", University of Salerno, Baronissi, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova.
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova.
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2
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Cooksey LC, Friesen DC, Mangan ED, Mathew PA. Prospective Molecular Targets for Natural Killer Cell Immunotherapy against Glioblastoma Multiforme. Cells 2024; 13:1567. [PMID: 39329751 PMCID: PMC11429815 DOI: 10.3390/cells13181567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2024] [Revised: 09/06/2024] [Accepted: 09/15/2024] [Indexed: 09/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common type of primary malignant brain tumor and has a dismal overall survival rate. To date, no GBM therapy has yielded successful results in survival for patients beyond baseline surgical resection, radiation, and chemotherapy. Immunotherapy has taken the oncology world by storm in recent years and there has been movement from researchers to implement the immunotherapy revolution into GBM treatment. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies are a rising candidate to treat GBM from multiple therapeutic vantage points: monoclonal antibody therapy targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), immune checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-NK cell therapy, Bi-specific killer cell engagers (BiKEs), and more. NK therapies often focus on tumor antigens for targeting. Here, we reviewed some common targets analyzed in the fight for GBM immunotherapy relevant to NK cells: EGFR, HER2, CD155, and IL-13Rα2. We further propose investigating the Lectin-like Transcript 1 (LLT1) and cell surface proliferating cell nuclear antigen (csPCNA) as targets for NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke C. Cooksey
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (L.C.C.); (D.C.F.); (E.D.M.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
| | - Derek C. Friesen
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (L.C.C.); (D.C.F.); (E.D.M.)
| | - Enrique D. Mangan
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (L.C.C.); (D.C.F.); (E.D.M.)
| | - Porunelloor A. Mathew
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA; (L.C.C.); (D.C.F.); (E.D.M.)
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA
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3
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Douka S, Papamoschou V, Raimo M, Mastrobattista E, Caiazzo M. Harnessing the Power of NK Cell Receptor Engineering as a New Prospect in Cancer Immunotherapy. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:1143. [PMID: 39339180 PMCID: PMC11434712 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16091143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/26/2024] [Accepted: 08/27/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have recently gained popularity as an alternative for cancer immunotherapy. Adoptive cell transfer employing NK cells offers a safer therapeutic option compared to T-cell-based therapies, due to their significantly lower toxicity and the availability of diverse autologous and allogeneic NK cell sources. However, several challenges are associated with NK cell therapies, including limited in vivo persistence, the immunosuppressive and hostile tumor microenvironment (TME), and the lack of effective treatments for solid tumors. To address these limitations, the modification of NK cells to stably produce cytokines has been proposed as a strategy to enhance their persistence and proliferation. Additionally, the overexpression of activating receptors and the blockade of inhibitory receptors can restore the NK cell functions hindered by the TME. To further improve tumor infiltration and the elimination of solid tumors, innovative approaches focusing on the enhancement of NK cell chemotaxis through the overexpression of chemotactic receptors have been introduced. This review highlights the latest advancements in preclinical and clinical studies investigating the engineering of activating, inhibitory, and chemotactic NK cell receptors; discusses recent progress in cytokine manipulation; and explores the potential of combining the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology with NK cell receptors engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Douka
- Pharmaceutics Division, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Vasilis Papamoschou
- Pharmaceutics Division, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Monica Raimo
- Glycostem Therapeutics B.V., Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, The Netherlands;
| | - Enrico Mastrobattista
- Pharmaceutics Division, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Massimiliano Caiazzo
- Pharmaceutics Division, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Utrecht University, Universiteitsweg 99, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Medical Biotechnology, University of Naples “Federico II”, Via Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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4
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Kwan A, Mcdermott-Brown I, Muthana M. Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen in the Era of Oncolytic Virotherapy. Viruses 2024; 16:1264. [PMID: 39205238 PMCID: PMC11359830 DOI: 10.3390/v16081264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2024] [Revised: 07/01/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is a well-documented accessory protein of DNA repair and replication. It belongs to the sliding clamp family of proteins that encircle DNA and acts as a mobile docking platform for interacting proteins to mount and perform their metabolic tasks. PCNA presence is ubiquitous to all cells, and when located in the nucleus it plays a role in DNA replication and repair, cell cycle control and apoptosis in proliferating cells. It also plays a crucial role in the infectivity of some viruses, such as herpes simplex viruses (HSVs). However, more recently it has been found in the cytoplasm of immune cells such as neutrophils and macrophages where it has been shown to be involved in the development of a pro-inflammatory state. PCNA is also expressed on the surface of certain cancer cells and can play a role in preventing immune cells from killing tumours, as well as being associated with cancer virulence. Given the growing interest in oncolytic viruses (OVs) as a novel cancer therapeutic, this review considers the role of PCNA in healthy, cancerous, and immune cells to gain an understanding of how PCNA targeted therapy and oncolytic virotherapy may interact in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Munitta Muthana
- Medical School, University of Sheffield, Beech Hill Road, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK; (A.K.)
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Cantoni C, Falco M, Vitale M, Pietra G, Munari E, Pende D, Mingari MC, Sivori S, Moretta L. Human NK cells and cancer. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2378520. [PMID: 39022338 PMCID: PMC11253890 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2378520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The long story of NK cells started about 50 y ago with the first demonstration of a natural cytotoxic activity within an undefined subset of circulating leukocytes, has involved an ever-growing number of researchers, fascinated by the apparently easy-to-reach aim of getting a "universal anti-tumor immune tool". In fact, in spite of the impressive progress obtained in the first decades, these cells proved far more complex than expected and, paradoxically, the accumulating findings have continuously moved forward the attainment of a complete control of their function for immunotherapy. The refined studies of these latter years have indicated that NK cells can epigenetically calibrate their functional potential, in response to specific environmental contexts, giving rise to extraordinarily variegated subpopulations, comprehensive of memory-like cells, tissue-resident cells, or cells in various differentiation stages, or distinct functional states. In addition, NK cells can adapt their activity in response to a complex body of signals, spanning from the interaction with either suppressive or stimulating cells (myeloid-derived suppressor cells or dendritic cells, respectively) to the engagement of various receptors (specific for immune checkpoints, cytokines, tumor/viral ligands, or mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity). According to this picture, the idea of an easy and generalized exploitation of NK cells is changing, and the way is opening toward new carefully designed, combined and personalized therapeutic strategies, also based on the use of genetically modified NK cells and stimuli capable of strengthening and redirecting their effector functions against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Wang D, Dou L, Sui L, Xue Y, Xu S. Natural killer cells in cancer immunotherapy. MedComm (Beijing) 2024; 5:e626. [PMID: 38882209 PMCID: PMC11179524 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, as innate lymphocytes, possess cytotoxic capabilities and engage target cells through a repertoire of activating and inhibitory receptors. Particularly, natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) receptor on NK cells recognizes stress-induced ligands-the MHC class I chain-related molecules A and B (MICA/B) presented on tumor cells and is key to trigger the cytolytic response of NK cells. However, tumors have developed sophisticated strategies to evade NK cell surveillance, which lead to failure of tumor immunotherapy. In this paper, we summarized these immune escaping strategies, including the downregulation of ligands for activating receptors, upregulation of ligands for inhibitory receptors, secretion of immunosuppressive compounds, and the development of apoptosis resistance. Then, we focus on recent advancements in NK cell immune therapies, which include engaging activating NK cell receptors, upregulating NKG2D ligand MICA/B expression, blocking inhibitory NK cell receptors, adoptive NK cell therapy, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells (CAR-NK), and NKG2D CAR-T cells, especially several vaccines targeting MICA/B. This review will inspire the research in NK cell biology in tumor and provide significant hope for improving cancer treatment outcomes by harnessing the potent cytotoxic activity of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- DanRu Wang
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LingYun Dou
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - LiHao Sui
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Yiquan Xue
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
| | - Sheng Xu
- National Key Lab of Immunity and Inflammation and Institute of Immunology Naval Medical University Shanghai China
- Shanghai Institute of Stem Cell Research and Clinical Translation Dongfang Hospital Shanghai China
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7
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Yi Y, Qin G, Yang H, Jia H, Zeng Q, Zheng D, Ye S, Zhang Z, Liu TM, Luo KQ, Deng CX, Xu RH. Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Increase the Natural Killer Resistance of Circulating Tumor Cells via Intercellular Signaling of cGAS-STING-IFNβ-HLA. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400888. [PMID: 38638003 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) shed from primary tumors must overcome the cytotoxicity of immune cells, particularly natural killer (NK) cells, to cause metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) protects tumor cells from the cytotoxicity of immune cells, which is partially executed by cancer-associated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs). However, the mechanisms by which MSCs influence the NK resistance of CTCs remain poorly understood. This study demonstrates that MSCs enhance the NK resistance of cancer cells in a gap junction-dependent manner, thereby promoting the survival and metastatic seeding of CTCs in immunocompromised mice. Tumor cells crosstalk with MSCs through an intercellular cGAS-cGAMP-STING signaling loop, leading to increased production of interferon-β (IFNβ) by MSCs. IFNβ reversely enhances the type I IFN (IFN-I) signaling in tumor cells and hence the expression of human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) on the cell surface, protecting the tumor cells from NK cytotoxicity. Disruption of this loop reverses NK sensitivity in tumor cells and decreases tumor metastasis. Moreover, there are positive correlations between IFN-I signaling, HLA-I expression, and NK tolerance in human tumor samples. Thus, the NK-resistant signaling loop between tumor cells and MSCs may serve as a novel therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Yi
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Guihui Qin
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Hao Jia
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Qibing Zeng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Dejin Zheng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Sen Ye
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Zhiming Zhang
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Tzu-Ming Liu
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Chu-Xia Deng
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
| | - Ren-He Xu
- Center of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Cancer Center, and Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, 999078, China
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8
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Søgaard CK, Otterlei M. Targeting proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) for cancer therapy. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2024; 100:209-246. [PMID: 39034053 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2024.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an essential scaffold protein in many cellular processes. It is best known for its role as a DNA sliding clamp and processivity factor during DNA replication, which has been extensively reviewed by others. However, the importance of PCNA extends beyond its DNA-associated functions in DNA replication, chromatin remodelling, DNA repair and DNA damage tolerance (DDT), as new non-canonical roles of PCNA in the cytosol have recently been identified. These include roles in the regulation of immune evasion, apoptosis, metabolism, and cellular signalling. The diverse roles of PCNA are largely mediated by its myriad protein interactions, and its centrality to cellular processes makes PCNA a valid therapeutic anticancer target. PCNA is expressed in all cells and plays an essential role in normal cellular homeostasis; therefore, the main challenge in targeting PCNA is to selectively kill cancer cells while avoiding unacceptable toxicity to healthy cells. This chapter focuses on the stress-related roles of PCNA, and how targeting these PCNA roles can be exploited in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline K Søgaard
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Marit Otterlei
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, NTNU Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway; APIM Therapeutics A/S, Trondheim, Norway.
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Tiberio L, Laffranchi M, Zucchi G, Salvi V, Schioppa T, Sozzani S, Del Prete A, Bosisio D. Inhibitory receptors of plasmacytoid dendritic cells as possible targets for checkpoint blockade in cancer. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1360291. [PMID: 38504978 PMCID: PMC10948453 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1360291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) are the major producers of type I interferons (IFNs), which are essential to mount antiviral and antitumoral immune responses. To avoid exaggerated levels of type I IFNs, which pave the way to immune dysregulation and autoimmunity, pDC activation is strictly regulated by a variety of inhibitory receptors (IRs). In tumors, pDCs display an exhausted phenotype and correlate with an unfavorable prognosis, which largely depends on the accumulation of immunosuppressive cytokines and oncometabolites. This review explores the hypothesis that tumor microenvironment may reduce the release of type I IFNs also by a more pDC-specific mechanism, namely the engagement of IRs. Literature shows that many cancer types express de novo, or overexpress, IR ligands (such as BST2, PCNA, CAECAM-1 and modified surface carbohydrates) which often represent a strong predictor of poor outcome and metastasis. In line with this, tumor cells expressing ligands engaging IRs such as BDCA-2, ILT7, TIM3 and CD44 block pDC activation, while this blocking is prevented when IR engagement or signaling is inhibited. Based on this evidence, we propose that the regulation of IFN secretion by IRs may be regarded as an "innate checkpoint", reminiscent of the function of "classical" adaptive immune checkpoints, like PD1 expressed in CD8+ T cells, which restrain autoimmunity and immunopathology but favor chronic infections and tumors. However, we also point out that further work is needed to fully unravel the biology of tumor-associated pDCs, the neat contribution of pDC exhaustion in tumor growth following the engagement of IRs, especially those expressed also by other leukocytes, and their therapeutic potential as targets of combined immune checkpoint blockade in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Tiberio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Mattia Laffranchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Zucchi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Salvi
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Schioppa
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvano Sozzani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory Affiliated to Institute Pasteur-Italia, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Annalisa Del Prete
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Bosisio
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
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10
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Nersesian S, Carter EB, Lee SN, Westhaver LP, Boudreau JE. Killer instincts: natural killer cells as multifactorial cancer immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1269614. [PMID: 38090565 PMCID: PMC10715270 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1269614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells integrate heterogeneous signals for activation and inhibition using germline-encoded receptors. These receptors are stochastically co-expressed, and their concurrent engagement and signaling can adjust the sensitivity of individual cells to putative targets. Against cancers, which mutate and evolve under therapeutic and immunologic pressure, the diversity for recognition provided by NK cells may be key to comprehensive cancer control. NK cells are already being trialled as adoptive cell therapy and targets for immunotherapeutic agents. However, strategies to leverage their naturally occurring diversity and agility have not yet been developed. In this review, we discuss the receptors and signaling pathways through which signals for activation or inhibition are generated in NK cells, focusing on their roles in cancer and potential as targets for immunotherapies. Finally, we consider the impacts of receptor co-expression and the potential to engage multiple pathways of NK cell reactivity to maximize the scope and strength of antitumor activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nersesian
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Emily B. Carter
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Stacey N. Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | | | - Jeanette E. Boudreau
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS, Canada
- Department of Pathology, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
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11
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Elanany MM, Mostafa D, Hamdy NM. Remodeled tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) parade via natural killer cells reprogramming in breast cancer. Life Sci 2023; 330:121997. [PMID: 37536617 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the main cause of cancer-related mortality among women globally. Despite substantial advances in the identification and management of primary tumors, traditional therapies including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation cannot completely eliminate the danger of relapse and metastatic illness. Metastasis is controlled by microenvironmental and systemic mechanisms, including immunosurveillance. This led to the evolvement of immunotherapies that has gained much attention in the recent years for cancer treatment directed to the innate immune system. The long forgotten innate immune cells known as natural killer (NK) cells have emerged as novel targets for more effective therapeutics for BC. Normally, NK cells has the capacity to identify and eradicate tumor cells either directly or by releasing cytotoxic granules, chemokines and proinflammatory cytokines. Yet, NK cells are exposed to inhibitory signals by cancer cells, which causes them to become dysfunctional in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) in BC, supporting tumor escape and spread. Potential mechanisms of NK cell dysfunction in BC metastasis have been recently identified. Understanding these immunologic pathways driving BC metastasis will lead to improvements in the current immunotherapeutic strategies. In the current review, we highlight how BC evades immunosurveillance by rendering NK cells dysfunctional and we shed the light on novel NK cell- directed therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona M Elanany
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina Mostafa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Nadia M Hamdy
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abassia, 11566 Cairo, Egypt.
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12
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Knaneh J, Hodak E, Fedida-Metula S, Edri A, Eren R, Yoffe Y, Amitay-Laish I, Prag Naveh H, Lubin I, Porgador A, Moyal L. mAb14, a Monoclonal Antibody against Cell Surface PCNA: A Potential Tool for Sezary Syndrome Diagnosis and Targeted Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4421. [PMID: 37686697 PMCID: PMC10486495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome (SS) are the most common types of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL). Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is expressed on the cell surface of cancer cells (csPCNA), but not on normal cells. It functions as an immune checkpoint ligand by interacting with natural killer (NK) cells through the NK inhibitory receptor NKp44, leading to the inhibition of NK cytotoxicity. A monoclonal antibody (mAb14) was established to detect csPCNA on cancer cells and block their interaction with NKp44. In this study, three CTCL cell lines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with SS and healthy donors were analyzed for csPCNA using mAb14, compared to monoclonal antibody PC10, against nuclear PCNA (nPCNA). The following assays were used: immunostaining, imaging flow cytometry, flow cytometry, cell sorting, cell cycle analysis, ELISA, and the NK-cell cytotoxic assay. mAb14 successfully detected PCNA on the membrane and in the cytoplasm of viable CTCL cell lines associated with the G2/M phase. In the Sézary PBMCs, csPCNA was expressed on lymphoma cells that had an atypical morphology and not on normal cells. Furthermore, it was not expressed on PBMCs from healthy donors. In the co-culture of peripheral blood NK (pNK) cells with CTCL lines, mAb14 increased the secretion of IFN-γ, indicating the reactivation of pNK activity. However, mAb14 did not enhance the cytotoxic activity of pNK cells against CTCL cell lines. The unique expression of csPCNA detected by mAb14 suggests that csPCNA and mAb14 may serve as a potential biomarker and tool, respectively, for detecting malignant cells in SS and possibly other CTCL variants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamal Knaneh
- Laboratory for Molecular Dermatology, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (J.K.); (E.H.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (I.A.-L.); (H.P.N.)
| | - Emmilia Hodak
- Laboratory for Molecular Dermatology, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (J.K.); (E.H.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (I.A.-L.); (H.P.N.)
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | | | - Avishay Edri
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410101, Israel; (A.E.); (A.P.)
| | - Rachel Eren
- PiNK Biopharma Ltd., Ness Ziona 7403648, Israel; (S.F.-M.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Yael Yoffe
- PiNK Biopharma Ltd., Ness Ziona 7403648, Israel; (S.F.-M.); (Y.Y.)
| | - Iris Amitay-Laish
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (I.A.-L.); (H.P.N.)
- Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - Hadas Prag Naveh
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (I.A.-L.); (H.P.N.)
- Division of Dermatology, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - Ido Lubin
- Core Facility, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Rabin Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel;
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410101, Israel; (A.E.); (A.P.)
- National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410101, Israel
| | - Lilach Moyal
- Laboratory for Molecular Dermatology, Felsenstein Medical Research Center, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (J.K.); (E.H.)
- Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 6997801, Israel; (I.A.-L.); (H.P.N.)
- Davidoff Cancer Center, Rabin Medical Center, Petach Tikva 4941492, Israel
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13
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van Vliet AA, Peters E, Vodegel D, Steenmans D, Raimo M, Gibbs S, de Gruijl TD, Duru AD, Spanholtz J, Georgoudaki AM. Early TRAIL-engagement elicits potent multimodal targeting of melanoma by CD34 + progenitor cell-derived NK cells. iScience 2023; 26:107078. [PMID: 37426355 PMCID: PMC10329179 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Umbilical cord blood (UCB) CD34+ progenitor cell-derived natural killer (NK) cells exert efficient cytotoxicity against various melanoma cell lines. Of interest, the relative cytotoxic performance of individual UCB donors was consistent throughout the melanoma panel and correlated with IFNγ, TNF, perforin and granzyme B levels. Importantly, intrinsic perforin and Granzyme B load predicts NK cell cytotoxic capacity. Exploring the mode of action revealed involvement of the activating receptors NKG2D, DNAM-1, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46 and most importantly of TRAIL. Strikingly, combinatorial receptor blocking led to more pronounced inhibition of cytotoxicity (up to 95%) than individual receptor blocking, especially in combination with TRAIL-blocking, suggesting synergistic cytotoxic NK cell activity via engagement of multiple receptors which was also confirmed in a spheroid model. Importantly, lack of NK cell-related gene signature in metastatic melanomas correlates with poor survival highlighting the clinical significance of NK cell therapies as a promising treatment for high-risk melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda A. van Vliet
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Ella Peters
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Denise Vodegel
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | | | - Monica Raimo
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Gibbs
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Tanja D. de Gruijl
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Adil D. Duru
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
| | - Jan Spanholtz
- Glycostem Therapeutics, Kloosterstraat 9, 5349 AB Oss, the Netherlands
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14
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Molfetta R, Petillo S, Cippitelli M, Paolini R. SUMOylation and related post-translational modifications in natural killer cell anti-cancer responses. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1213114. [PMID: 37313439 PMCID: PMC10258607 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1213114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMOylation is a reversible modification that involves the covalent attachment of small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) to target proteins, leading to changes in their localization, function, stability, and interactor profile. SUMOylation and additional related post-translational modifications have emerged as important modulators of various biological processes, including regulation of genomic stability and immune responses. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that play a critical role in host defense against viral infections and tumors. NK cells can recognize and kill infected or transformed cells without prior sensitization, and their activity is tightly regulated by a balance of activating and inhibitory receptors. Expression of NK cell receptors as well as of their specific ligands on target cells is finely regulated during malignant transformation through the integration of different mechanisms including ubiquitin- and ubiquitin-like post-translational modifications. Our review summarizes the role of SUMOylation and other related pathways in the biology of NK cells with a special emphasis on the regulation of their response against cancer. The development of novel selective inhibitors as useful tools to potentiate NK-cell mediated killing of tumor cells is also briefly discussed.
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15
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Legaz I, Muro M. Natural Killer Cells and Their Implications in Immune Response Diversification in Clinical Pathology and Neoplastic Processes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097743. [PMID: 37175450 PMCID: PMC10178591 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have examined the function of human immune system biomarkers regarding susceptibility, and prognostic, therapeutic, and predictive factors, in various solid and liquid tumors [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Legaz
- Department of Legal and Forensic Medicine, Biomedical Research Institute of Murcia (IMIB), Regional Campus of International Excellence "Campus Mare Nostrum", Faculty of Medicine, University of Murcia (UMU), 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Manuel Muro
- Immunology Service, University Clinical Hospital "Virgen de la Arrixaca"-IMIB, 30120 Murcia, Spain
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16
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Liu Q, Li J, Zheng H, Yang S, Hua Y, Huang N, Kleeff J, Liao Q, Wu W. Adoptive cellular immunotherapy for solid neoplasms beyond CAR-T. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:28. [PMID: 36750830 PMCID: PMC9903509 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01735-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor T cell (CAR-T) therapy are two milestone achievements in clinical immunotherapy. However, both show limited efficacies in most solid neoplasms, which necessitates the exploration of new immunotherapeutic modalities. The failure of CAR-T and immune checkpoint blockade in several solid neoplasms is attributed to multiple factors, including low antigenicity of tumor cells, low infiltration of effector T cells, and diverse mechanisms of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment. New adoptive cell therapies have been attempted for solid neoplasms, including TCR-T, CAR-natural killer cells (CAR-NK), and CAR-macrophages (CAR-M). Compared to CAR-T, these new adoptive cell therapies have certain advantages in treating solid neoplasms. In this review, we summarized the 40-year evolution of adoptive cell therapies, then focused on the advances of TCR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M in solid neoplasms and discussed their potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiaofei Liu
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Jiayi Li
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Huaijin Zheng
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Sen Yang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Yuze Hua
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Nan Huang
- grid.506261.60000 0001 0706 7839Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730 China
| | - Jorg Kleeff
- grid.9018.00000 0001 0679 2801Department of Visceral, Vascular and Endocrine Surgery, Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg, 06120 Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Quan Liao
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Wenming Wu
- Department of General Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, No.1 Shuai Fu Yuan, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100730, China.
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17
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Mace EM. Human natural killer cells: Form, function, and development. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 151:371-385. [PMID: 36195172 PMCID: PMC9905317 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2022.09.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Human natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells that mediate important effector functions in the control of viral infection and malignancy. Their ability to distinguish "self" from "nonself" and lyse virally infected and tumorigenic cells through germline-encoded receptors makes them important players in maintaining human health and a powerful tool for immunotherapeutic applications and fighting disease. This review introduces our current understanding of NK cell biology, including key facets of NK cell differentiation and the acquisition and execution of NK cell effector function. Further, it addresses the clinical relevance of NK cells in both primary immunodeficiency and immunotherapy. It is intended to provide an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of this important and interesting innate immune effector cell subset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Mace
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York.
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18
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Morimoto T, Nakazawa T, Maeoka R, Nakagawa I, Tsujimura T, Matsuda R. Natural Killer Cell-Based Immunotherapy against Glioblastoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032111. [PMID: 36768432 PMCID: PMC9916747 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive and malignant primary brain tumor in adults. Despite multimodality treatment involving surgical resection, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and tumor-treating fields, the median overall survival (OS) after diagnosis is approximately 2 years and the 5-year OS is poor. Considering the poor prognosis, novel treatment strategies are needed, such as immunotherapies, which include chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccine therapy, and oncolytic virus therapy. However, these therapies have not achieved satisfactory outcomes. One reason for this is that these therapies are mainly based on activating T cells and controlling GBM progression. Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy involves the new feature of recognizing GBM via differing mechanisms from that of T cell-based immunotherapy. In this review, we focused on NK cell-based immunotherapy as a novel GBM treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takayuki Morimoto
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara City Hospital, Nara 630-8305, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (T.N.); Tel.: +81-744-22-3051 (T.M.); +81-745-84-9335 (T.N.)
| | - Tsutomu Nakazawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Correspondence: (T.M.); (T.N.); Tel.: +81-744-22-3051 (T.M.); +81-745-84-9335 (T.N.)
| | - Ryosuke Maeoka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Ichiro Nakagawa
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tsujimura
- Grandsoul Research Institute for Immunology, Inc., Uda 633-2221, Japan
- Clinic Grandsoul Nara, Uda 633-2221, Japan
| | - Ryosuke Matsuda
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara 634-8521, Japan
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19
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ATX-101, a cell-penetrating protein targeting PCNA, can be safely administered as intravenous infusion in patients and shows clinical activity in a Phase 1 study. Oncogene 2023; 42:541-544. [PMID: 36564469 PMCID: PMC9918429 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02582-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) is a highly conserved protein essential for DNA replication, repair and scaffold functions in the cytosol. Specific inhibition of PCNA in cancer cells is an attractive anti-cancer strategy. ATX-101 is a first-in-class drug targeting PCNA, primarily in cellular stress regulation. Multiple in vivo and in vitro investigations demonstrated anti-cancer activity of ATX-101 in many tumor types and a potentiating effect on the activity of anti-cancer therapies. Healthy cells were less affected. Based on preclinical data, a clinical phase 1 study was initiated. Twenty-five patients with progressive, late-stage solid tumors were treated with weekly ATX-101 infusions at four dose levels (20, 30, 45, 60 mg/m2). ATX-101 showed a favorable safety profile supporting that vital cellular functions are not compromised in healthy cells. Mild and moderate infusion-related reactions were observed in 64% of patients. ATX-101 was quickly cleared from blood with elimination half-lives of less than 30 min at all dose levels, probably due to both, a quick cell penetration and peptide digestion in serum, as demonstrated in vivo. No tumor responses were observed but stable disease was seen in 70% of the efficacy population (n = 20). Further studies have been initiated to provide evidence of efficacy. Trial registration numbers: ANZCTR 375262 and ANZCTR 375319.
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20
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Zafarani A, Taghavi-Farahabadi M, Razizadeh MH, Amirzargar MR, Mansouri M, Mahmoudi M. The Role of NK Cells and Their Exosomes in Graft Versus Host Disease and Graft Versus Leukemia. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2023; 19:26-45. [PMID: 35994137 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-022-10449-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the innate immune cells that play an important role in preventing and controlling tumors and viral diseases, but their role in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HCT) is not yet fully understood. However, according to some research, these cells can prevent infections and tumor relapse without causing graft versus host disease (GVHD). In addition to NK cells, several studies are about the anti-leukemia effects of NK cell-derived exosomes that can highlight their roles in graft-versus-leukemia (GVL). In this paper, we intend to investigate the results of various articles on the role of NK cells in allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation and also their exosomes in GVL. Also, we have discussed the antiviral effects of these cells in post-HCT cytomegalovirus infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alireza Zafarani
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahsa Taghavi-Farahabadi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Amirzargar
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoure Mansouri
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Mahmoudi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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21
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NKp44-Derived Peptide Used in Combination Stimulates Antineoplastic Efficacy of Targeted Therapeutic Drugs. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214054. [PMID: 36430528 PMCID: PMC9692391 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment facilitate immune evasion that leads to failure of conventional chemotherapies, despite provisionally decided on the genetic diagnosis of patients in a clinical setup. The current study follows three lung cancer patients who underwent "personalized" chemotherapeutic intervention. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) were subjected to tumor microarray and treatment screening with chemotherapies, either individually or in combination with the peptide R11-NLS-pep8; this peptide targets both membrane-associated and nuclear PCNA. Ex vivo, employing PDX-derived explants, it was found that combination with R11-NLS-pep8 stimulated antineoplastic effect of chemotherapies that were, although predicted based on the patient's genetic mutation, inactive on their own. Furthermore, treatment in vivo of PDX-bearing mice showed an exactly similar trend in the result, corroborating the finding to be translated into clinical setup.
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22
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Harnessing natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy: dispatching the first responders. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:559-577. [PMID: 35314852 PMCID: PMC10019065 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00413-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have crucial roles in the innate immunosurveillance of cancer and viral infections. They are 'first responders' that can spontaneously recognize abnormal cells in the body, rapidly eliminate them through focused cytotoxicity mechanisms and potently produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines that recruit and activate other immune cells to initiate an adaptive response. From the initial discovery of the diverse cell surface receptors on NK cells to the characterization of regulatory events that control their function, our understanding of the basic biology of NK cells has improved dramatically in the past three decades. This advanced knowledge has revealed increased mechanistic complexity, which has opened the doors to the development of a plethora of exciting new therapeutics that can effectively manipulate and target NK cell functional responses, particularly in cancer patients. Here, we summarize the basic mechanisms that regulate NK cell biology, review a wide variety of drugs, cytokines and antibodies currently being developed and used to stimulate NK cell responses, and outline evolving NK cell adoptive transfer approaches to treat cancer.
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23
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Zhao W, Liu L, Li X, Xu S. EphA10 drives tumor progression and immune evasion by regulating the MAPK/ERK cascade in lung adenocarcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 110:109031. [PMID: 35839564 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Backgrounds Lung adenocarcinoma is the most frequent histological type among patients with lung cancer. Ephrin receptor A10 (EphA10), a member of the receptor tyrosine kinase family, has been reported to participate in tumor progression, but its role in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) remains unknown. Methods Immunohistochemistry staining and real-time PCR were employed to determine the expression of EphA10 in clinical LUAD samples. EphA10 silencing or overexpression in LUAD cells was achieved by transduction of lentivirus. The effects of EphA10 on LUAD cells were evaluated by CCK-8, EdU staining, flow cytometry, Transwell, and Western blot. The in vivo tumor growth was assessed in the xenograft mice model. Results EphA10 was overexpressed in LUAD tissues. Higher EphA10 expression was observed in the tissues at the advanced tumor stage and was positively correlated with the EGFR. Mechanistically, silencing of EphA10 suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of LUAD cells. Additionally, EphA10 knockdown significantly reduced the PD-L1 expression in LUAD cells and enhanced NK cell-mediated anti-tumor effects. Furthermore, EphA10 activated the MAPK/ERK pathway, and U0126, an inhibitor of MEK, markedly reversed the promoting impacts of EphA10 overexpression on LUAD cells. Consistently, results from subcutaneous tumor xenografts in nude mice confirmed that EphA10 knockdown significantly inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Conclusions This work demonstrates that EphA10 drives tumor progression and immune evasion by regulating the MAPK/ERK cascade in LUAD, implying that EphA10 has the potential to be a therapeutic target in treating LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Zhao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuehao Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, People's Republic of China
| | - Shun Xu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110001, Liaoning, People's Republic of China.
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Medjouel Khlifi H, Guia S, Vivier E, Narni-Mancinelli E. Role of the ITAM-Bearing Receptors Expressed by Natural Killer Cells in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:898745. [PMID: 35757695 PMCID: PMC9231431 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.898745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) capable of recognizing and directly killing tumor cells. They also secrete cytokines and chemokines, which participate in the shaping of the adaptive response. NK cells identify tumor cells and are activated through a net positive signal from inhibitory and activating receptors. Several activating NK cell receptors are coupled to adaptor molecules containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM). These receptors include CD16 and the natural cytotoxic receptors NKp46, NKp44, NKp30 in humans. The powerful antitumor NK cell response triggered by these activating receptors has made them attractive targets for exploitation in immunotherapy. In this review, we will discuss the different activating receptors associated with ITAM-bearing cell surface receptors expressed on NK cells, their modulations in the tumor context and the various therapeutic tools developed to boost NK cell responses in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakim Medjouel Khlifi
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| | - Sophie Guia
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France.,Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix-Marseille Université, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy (CIML), Marseille, France
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25
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Della Chiesa M, Setti C, Giordano C, Obino V, Greppi M, Pesce S, Marcenaro E, Rutigliani M, Provinciali N, Paleari L, DeCensi A, Sivori S, Carlomagno S. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1033. [PMID: 35891197 PMCID: PMC9323201 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Natural Killer (NK) cells are all round players in immunity thanks to their powerful and immediate response against transformed cells and the ability to modulate the subsequent adaptive immune response. The potential of immunotherapies based on NK cell involvement has been initially revealed in the hematological setting but has inspired the design of different immune tools to also be applied against solid tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Indeed, despite cancer prevention screening plans, surgery, and chemotherapy strategies, CRC is one of the most widespread cancers and with the highest mortality rate. Therefore, further efficient and complementary immune-based therapies are in urgent need. In this review, we gathered the most recent advances in NK cell-based immunotherapies aimed at fighting CRC, in particular, the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), immune checkpoint blockade, and adoptive NK cell therapy, including NK cells modified with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-NK).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Setti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Giordano
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | | | | | - Laura Paleari
- A.Li.Sa., Liguria Region Health Authority, 16121 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Andrea DeCensi
- Medical Oncology, Galliera Hospital, 16128 Genoa, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
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26
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Iraqi M, Edri A, Greenshpan Y, Goldstein O, Ofir N, Bolel P, Abu Ahmad M, Zektser M, Campbell KS, Rouvio O, Gazit R, Porgador A. Blocking the PCNA/NKp44 Checkpoint to Stimulate NK Cell Responses to Multiple Myeloma. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4717. [PMID: 35563109 PMCID: PMC9105815 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a devastating malignancy that evades immune destruction using multiple mechanisms. The NKp44 receptor interacts with PCNA (Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen) and may inhibit NK cells' functions. Here we studied in vitro the expression and function of PCNA on MM cells. First, we show that PCNA is present on the cell membrane of five out of six MM cell lines, using novel anti-PCNA mAb developed to recognize membrane-associated PCNA. Next, we stained primary bone marrow (BM) mononuclear cells from MM patients and showed significant staining of membrane-associated PCNA in the fraction of CD38+CD138+ BM cells that contain the MM cells. Importantly, blocking of the membrane PCNA on MM cells enhanced the activity of NK cells, including IFN-γ-secretion and degranulation. Our results highlight the possible blocking of the NKp44-PCNA immune checkpoint by the mAb 14-25-9 antibody to enhance NK cell responses against MM, providing a novel treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed Iraqi
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (A.E.); (Y.G.); (O.G.); (N.O.); (P.B.); (M.A.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Avishay Edri
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (A.E.); (Y.G.); (O.G.); (N.O.); (P.B.); (M.A.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Yariv Greenshpan
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (A.E.); (Y.G.); (O.G.); (N.O.); (P.B.); (M.A.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Oron Goldstein
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (A.E.); (Y.G.); (O.G.); (N.O.); (P.B.); (M.A.A.); (R.G.)
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Noa Ofir
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (A.E.); (Y.G.); (O.G.); (N.O.); (P.B.); (M.A.A.); (R.G.)
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Priyanka Bolel
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (A.E.); (Y.G.); (O.G.); (N.O.); (P.B.); (M.A.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Muhammad Abu Ahmad
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (A.E.); (Y.G.); (O.G.); (N.O.); (P.B.); (M.A.A.); (R.G.)
| | - Miri Zektser
- Internal Medicine A and Multiple Myeloma Clinic, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva 8489501, Israel; (M.Z.); (O.R.)
| | - Kerry S. Campbell
- Blood Cell Development and Host Defense Program, Research Institute at Fox Chase Cancer Center, Philadelphia, PA 19111, USA;
| | - Ory Rouvio
- Internal Medicine A and Multiple Myeloma Clinic, Soroka Medical Center, Beer Sheva 8489501, Israel; (M.Z.); (O.R.)
| | - Roi Gazit
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (A.E.); (Y.G.); (O.G.); (N.O.); (P.B.); (M.A.A.); (R.G.)
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Angel Porgador
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (M.I.); (A.E.); (Y.G.); (O.G.); (N.O.); (P.B.); (M.A.A.); (R.G.)
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Science, National Institute for Biotechnology in the Negev, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel
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27
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The tricks for fighting against cancer using CAR NK cells: A review. Mol Cell Probes 2022; 63:101817. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2022.101817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Mair KH, Crossman AJ, Wagner B, Babasyan S, Noronha L, Boyd P, Zarlenga D, Stadler M, van Dongen KA, Gerner W, Saalmüller A, Lunney JK. The Natural Cytotoxicity Receptor NKp44 (NCR2, CD336) Is Expressed on the Majority of Porcine NK Cells Ex Vivo Without Stimulation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:767530. [PMID: 35154097 PMCID: PMC8832162 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.767530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells have been studied extensively in humans and mice for their vital role in the vertebrate innate immune system. They are known to rapidly eliminate tumors or virus infected cells in an immune response utilizing their lytic properties. The natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) NKp30 (NCR3), NKp44 (NCR2), and NKp46 (NCR1) are important mediators of NK-cell cytotoxicity. NKp44 expression was reported for NK cells in humans as well as in some non-human primates and found exclusively on activated NK cells. Previously, no information was available on NKp44 protein expression and its role in porcine lymphocytes due to the lack of species-specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). For this study, porcine-specific anti-NKp44 mAbs were generated and their reactivity was tested on blood and tissue derived NK cells in pigs of different age classes. Interestingly, NKp44 expression was detected ex vivo already on resting NK cells; moreover, the frequency of NKp44+ NK cells was higher than that of NKp46+ NK cells in most animals analyzed. Upon in vitro stimulation with IL-2 or IL-15, the frequency of NKp44+ NK cells, as well as the intensity of NKp44 expression at the single cell level, were increased. Since little is known about swine NK cells, the generation of a mAb (clone 54-1) against NKp44 will greatly aid in elucidating the mechanisms underlying the differentiation, functionality, and activation of porcine NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kerstin H Mair
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,CD Laboratory for Optimized Prediction of Vaccination Success in Pigs, Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Assiatu J Crossman
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville, MD, United States.,Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Bettina Wagner
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Susanna Babasyan
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States
| | - Leela Noronha
- Department of Population Medicine and Diagnostic Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, United States.,United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Agricultural Research Service (ARS) Arthropod-Borne Animal Diseases Research Unit, Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Manhattan, KS, United States
| | - Patricia Boyd
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Dante Zarlenga
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville, MD, United States
| | - Maria Stadler
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Katinka A van Dongen
- CD Laboratory for Optimized Prediction of Vaccination Success in Pigs, Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Wilhelm Gerner
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,CD Laboratory for Optimized Prediction of Vaccination Success in Pigs, Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,The Pirbright Institute, Woking, United Kingdom
| | - Armin Saalmüller
- Institute of Immunology, Department of Pathobiology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Joan K Lunney
- Animal Parasitic Disease Laboratory, Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC) Agricultural Research Service (ARS), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Beltsville, MD, United States
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29
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Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Immunotherapy for Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030843. [PMID: 35159109 PMCID: PMC8833963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation in leukemia increase infection susceptibility, adverse side effects and immune cell inactivation. Natural killer (NK) cells are the first line of defense against cancer and are critical in the recognition and cytolysis of rapidly dividing and abnormal cell populations. In this review, we describe NK cells and NK cell receptors, functional impairment of NK cells in leukemia, NK cell immunotherapies currently under investigation including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-NKs (CAR-NKs), bi-specific/tri-specific killer engagers (BiKEs/TriKEs) and potential targets of NK cell-mediated immunotherapy for leukemia in the future. Abstract Leukemia is a malignancy of the bone marrow and blood resulting from the abnormal differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). There are four main types of leukemia including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While chemotherapy and radiation have been conventional forms of treatment for leukemia, these therapies increase infection susceptibility, adverse side effects and immune cell inactivation. Immunotherapies are becoming promising treatment options for leukemia, with natural killer (NK) cell-mediated therapy providing a specific direction of interest. The role of NK cells is critical for cancer cell elimination as these immune cells are the first line of defense against cancer proliferation and are involved in both recognition and cytolysis of rapidly dividing and abnormal cell populations. NK cells possess various activating and inhibitory receptors, which regulate NK cell function, signaling either inhibition and continued surveillance, or activation and subsequent cytotoxic activity. In this review, we describe NK cells and NK cell receptors, functional impairment of NK cells in leukemia, NK cell immunotherapies currently under investigation, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-NKs (CAR-NKs), bi-specific/tri-specific killer engagers (BiKEs/TriKEs) and future potential targets of NK cell-based immunotherapy for leukemia.
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30
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Dastagir N, Beal Z, Godwin J. Tissue origin of cytotoxic natural killer cells dictates their differential roles in mouse digit tip regeneration and progenitor cell survival. Stem Cell Reports 2022; 17:633-648. [PMID: 35120621 PMCID: PMC9039750 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Regeneration of amputated digit tips relies on mesenchymal progenitor cells and their differentiation into replacement bone and tissue stroma. Natural killer (NK) cells have well-characterized roles in antigen-independent killing of virally infected, pre-tumorous, or stressed cells; however, the potential for cytotoxic activity against regenerative progenitor cells is unclear. We identified NK cell recruitment to the regenerating digit tip, and NK cytotoxicity was observed against osteoclast and osteoblast progenitors. Adoptive cell transplants of spleen NK (SpNK) or thymus NK (ThNK) donor cells into immunodeficient mice demonstrated ThNK cell-induced apoptosis with a reduction in osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and proliferative cells, resulting in inhibition of regeneration. Adoptive transfer of NK cells deficient in NK cell activation genes identified that promotion of regeneration by SpNK cells requires Ncr1, whereas inhibition by ThNK cells is mediated via Klrk1 and perforin. Successful future therapies aimed at enhancing regeneration will require a deeper understanding of progenitor cell protection from NK cell cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadjib Dastagir
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA,Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Kathryn W. Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Aging, Salisbury Cove, ME 04609, USA,Medical School of Hanover, 30659 Hannover, Germany
| | - Zachery Beal
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - James Godwin
- The Jackson Laboratory, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA,Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, Kathryn W. Davis Center for Regenerative Biology and Aging, Salisbury Cove, ME 04609, USA,Corresponding author
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31
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Abomaray F, Wagner AK, Chrobok M, Ekblad-Nordberg Å, Gidlöf S, Alici E, Götherström C. The Effect of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Derived From Endometriotic Lesions on Natural Killer Cell Function. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:612714. [PMID: 34988070 PMCID: PMC8722454 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.612714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an inflammatory disease that presents with ectopic endometriotic lesions. Reduced immunosurveillance of these lesions has been proposed to be playing a role in the pathology of endometriosis. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) are found in ectopic lesions and may decrease immunosurveillance. In the present study, we examined if MSC contribute to reduced immunosurveillance through their immunosuppressive effects on natural killer (NK) cells. Stromal cells from endometriotic ovarian cysts (ESCcyst) and eutopic endometrium (ESCendo) of women with endometriosis and their conditioned medium were used in co-cultures with allogeneic peripheral blood NK cells. Following culture, NK cells were examined phenotypically for their expression of activating, inhibitory, maturation, and adhesion receptors and co-receptors, as well as the degranulation (CD107a) marker and the immunostimulatory (interferon-γ) and immunosuppressive (transforming growth factor beta 1 and interleukin-10) cytokines. Moreover, NK cell cytotoxicity was examined using chromium 51 release killing assays. There were no differences between ESCcyst and ESCendo regarding their effects on NK cell cytotoxicity in both conditioned medium and direct co-culture experiments. Additionally, there were no differences between ESCcyst and ESCendo regarding their impact on NK cells’ phenotype and degranulation in both conditioned medium and direct co-culture experiments. Although there were no differences found for DNAX accessory molecule-1 (DNAM-1) and NKp44, we found that the expression of the NK cell ligand CD155 that binds DNAM-1 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) that binds NKp44 was significantly less on ESCcyst than on ESCendo. These findings were not supported by the results that the expression of the known and unknown ligands on ESCcyst for DNAM-1 and NKp44 using chimeric proteins was not significantly different compared to ESCendo. In conclusion, the results suggest that ectopic MSC may not contribute to reduced immunosurveillance in endometriosis through their inhibitory effects on NK cells. This suggests that NK cell inhibition in the pelvic cavity of women with endometriosis develops due to other factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fawaz Abomaray
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Fawaz Abomaray, ,
| | - Arnika Kathleen Wagner
- Centre for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Chrobok
- Centre for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Åsa Ekblad-Nordberg
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Gidlöf
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stockholm South General Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Centre for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cecilia Götherström
- Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Vuletić A, Mirjačić Martinović K, Tišma Miletić N, Zoidakis J, Castellvi-Bel S, Čavić M. Cross-Talk Between Tumor Cells Undergoing Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Natural Killer Cells in Tumor Microenvironment in Colorectal Cancer. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:750022. [PMID: 34858978 PMCID: PMC8631470 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.750022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells undergoing epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and immune cells in tumor microenvironment (TME) reciprocally influence each other. Immune cells, by supplying TME with bioactive molecules including cytokines, chemokines, enzymes, metabolites, and by physical interactions with tumor cells via their receptors, represent an important factor that affects EMT. Chronical inflammation in TME favorizes tumor growth and invasiveness and stimulates synthesis of EMT promoting transcription factors. Natural killer (NK) cells, owing to their unique ability to exert cytotoxic function independent of major histocompatibility (MHC)-mediated antigen presentation, play a significant role in the control of metastasis in colorectal cancer (CRC). Although, the cross-talk between immune cells and tumor cells in general favors the induction of EMT and inhibition of antitumor immune responses, there are some changes in the immunogenicity of tumor cells during EMT of CRC cells that increase their susceptibility to NK cell cytotoxic lysis. However, suppressive TME downmodulates the expression of activating NK cell receptors, decreases the expression of activating and increases the expression of inhibitory NK cell ligands on tumor cells, and impairs NK cell metabolism that altogether negatively affects the overall NK cell function. Furthermore, process of EMT is often associated with increased expression of programmed cell death ligand (PD-L) and expression of immune checkpoint molecules PD-1, TIGIT, and TIM3 on functionally exhausted NK cells in TME in CRC. In this review we discuss modalities of cross-talk between tumor cells and NK cells, with regard of EMT-driven changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Vuletić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | | | - Nevena Tišma Miletić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Jerome Zoidakis
- Department of Biotechnology, Biomedical Research Foundation, Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Sergi Castellvi-Bel
- Gastroenterology Department, Hospital Clínic, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Institut d'Investigacions Biomčdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Milena Čavić
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology and Radiology of Serbia, Belgrade, Serbia
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Velichinskii RA, Streltsova MA, Kust SA, Sapozhnikov AM, Kovalenko EI. The Biological Role and Therapeutic Potential of NK Cells in Hematological and Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111385. [PMID: 34768814 PMCID: PMC8584101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy due to their potent antitumor activity. The main advantage of using NK cells as cytotoxic effectors over T cells is a reduced risk of graft versus host disease. At present, several variants of NK-cell-based therapies are undergoing clinical trials and show considerable effectiveness for hematological tumors. In these types of cancers, the immune cells themselves often undergo malignant transformation, which determines the features of the disease. In contrast, the current use of NK cells as therapeutic agents for the treatment of solid tumors is much less promising. Most studies are at the stage of preclinical investigation, but few progress to clinical trials. Low efficiency of NK cell migration and functional activity in the tumor environment are currently considered the major barriers to NK cell anti-tumor therapies. Various therapeutic combinations, genetic engineering methods, alternative sources for obtaining NK cells, and other techniques are aiming at the development of promising NK cell anticancer therapies, regardless of tumorigenesis. In this review, we compare the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of hematological and solid tumors and discuss current prospects of NK-cell-based therapy for hematological and solid tumors.
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Adoptive NK Cell Therapy: A Promising Treatment Prospect for Metastatic Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13184722. [PMID: 34572949 PMCID: PMC8471577 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The incidence of metastatic melanoma has been increasing over the past years with current therapies showing limited efficacy to cure the disease. Therefore, other options are being investigated, such as adoptive cell therapy (ACT) where activated immune cells are infused into a patient to attack melanoma. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immune system and extremely suitable for this kind of therapy since they show minimal toxicities in the clinical setting. In this review, we focus on current strategies for NK cell therapy and the development of new approaches that hold great promise for the treatment of advanced melanoma. Abstract Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) represents a promising alternative approach for patients with treatment-resistant metastatic melanoma. Lately, tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy have shown improved clinical outcome, compared to conventional chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Nevertheless, they are limited by immune escape of the tumor, cytokine release syndrome, and manufacturing challenges of autologous therapies. Conversely, the clinical use of Natural Killer (NK) cells has demonstrated a favorable clinical safety profile with minimal toxicities, providing an encouraging treatment alternative. Unlike T cells, NK cells are activated, amongst other mechanisms, by the downregulation of HLA class I molecules, thereby overcoming the hurdle of tumor immune escape. However, impairment of NK cell function has been observed in melanoma patients, resulting in deteriorated natural defense. To overcome this limitation, “activated” autologous or allogeneic NK cells have been infused into melanoma patients in early clinical trials, showing encouraging clinical benefit. Furthermore, as several NK cell-based therapeutics are being developed for different cancers, an emerging variety of approaches to increase migration and infiltration of adoptively transferred NK cells towards solid tumors is under preclinical investigation. These developments point to adoptive NK cell therapy as a highly promising treatment for metastatic melanoma in the future.
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Wang YL, Lee CC, Shen YC, Lin PL, Wu WR, Lin YZ, Cheng WC, Chang H, Hung Y, Cho YC, Liu LC, Xia WY, Ji JH, Liang JA, Chiang SF, Liu CG, Yao J, Hung MC, Wang SC. Evading immune surveillance via tyrosine phosphorylation of nuclear PCNA. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109537. [PMID: 34433039 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased DNA replication and metastasis are hallmarks of cancer progression, while deregulated proliferation often triggers sustained replication stresses in cancer cells. How cancer cells overcome the growth stress and proceed to metastasis remains largely elusive. Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) is an indispensable component of the DNA replication machinery. Here, we show that phosphorylation of PCNA on tyrosine 211 (pY211-PCNA) regulates DNA metabolism and tumor microenvironment. Abrogation of pY211-PCNA blocks fork processivity, resulting in biogenesis of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) through a MRE11-dependent mechanism. The cytosolic ssDNA subsequently induces inflammatory cytokines through a cyclic GMP-AMP synthetase (cGAS)-dependent cascade, triggering an anti-tumor immunity by natural killer (NK) cells to suppress distant metastasis. Expression of pY211-PCNA is inversely correlated with cytosolic ssDNA and associated with poor survival in patients with cancer. Our results pave the way to biomarkers and therapies exploiting immune responsiveness to target metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Liang Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Chun Lee
- Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Shen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Le Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Rong Wu
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - You-Zhe Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Chung Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Research Center for Tumor Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery Ph.D. Program, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Han Chang
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Yu Hung
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chun Cho
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan
| | - Liang-Chih Liu
- Department of Surgery, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Wei-Ya Xia
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jin-Huei Ji
- Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Ji-An Liang
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Radiation Oncology, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Fen Chiang
- Lab of Precision Medicine, Feng-Yuan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chang-Gong Liu
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Jun Yao
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mien-Chie Hung
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan; Research Center for Tumor Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery Ph.D. Program, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan.
| | - Shao-Chun Wang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Center for Molecular Medicine, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung 40447, Taiwan; Research Center for Tumor Medical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Drug Development Center, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Cancer Biology and Drug Discovery Ph.D. Program, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan; Department of Biotechnology, Asia University, Taichung 41354, Taiwan; Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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Goldstein O, Mandujano-Tinoco EA, Levy T, Talice S, Raveh T, Gershoni-Yahalom O, Voskoboynik A, Rosental B. Botryllus schlosseri as a Unique Colonial Chordate Model for the Study and Modulation of Innate Immune Activity. Mar Drugs 2021; 19:md19080454. [PMID: 34436293 PMCID: PMC8398012 DOI: 10.3390/md19080454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the mechanisms that sustain immunological nonreactivity is essential for maintaining tissue in syngeneic and allogeneic settings, such as transplantation and pregnancy tolerance. While most transplantation rejections occur due to the adaptive immune response, the proinflammatory response of innate immunity is necessary for the activation of adaptive immunity. Botryllus schlosseri, a colonial tunicate, which is the nearest invertebrate group to the vertebrates, is devoid of T- and B-cell-based adaptive immunity. It has unique characteristics that make it a valuable model system for studying innate immunity mechanisms: (i) a natural allogeneic transplantation phenomenon that results in either fusion or rejection; (ii) whole animal regeneration and noninflammatory resorption on a weekly basis; (iii) allogeneic resorption which is comparable to human chronic rejection. Recent studies in B. schlosseri have led to the recognition of a molecular and cellular framework underlying the innate immunity loss of tolerance to allogeneic tissues. Additionally, B. schlosseri was developed as a model for studying hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplantation, and it provides further insights into the similarities between the HSC niches of human and B. schlosseri. In this review, we discuss why studying the molecular and cellular pathways that direct successful innate immune tolerance in B. schlosseri can provide novel insights into and potential modulations of these immune processes in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oron Goldstein
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
| | - Edna Ayerim Mandujano-Tinoco
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
- Laboratory of Connective Tissue, Centro Nacional de Investigación y Atención de Quemados, Instituto Nacional de Rehabilitación “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Calzada Mexico-Xochimilco No. 289, Col. Arenal de Guadalupe, Tlalpan, Mexico City 14389, Mexico
| | - Tom Levy
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA; (T.L.); (T.R.); (A.V.)
| | - Shani Talice
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
| | - Tal Raveh
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA; (T.L.); (T.R.); (A.V.)
| | - Orly Gershoni-Yahalom
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
| | - Ayelet Voskoboynik
- Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Hopkins Marine Station, Stanford University, Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, Pacific Grove, CA 93950, USA; (T.L.); (T.R.); (A.V.)
| | - Benyamin Rosental
- Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research Center, The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva 8410501, Israel; (O.G.); (E.A.M.-T.); (S.T.); (O.G.-Y.)
- Correspondence:
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Sportoletti P, De Falco F, Del Papa B, Baldoni S, Guarente V, Marra A, Dorillo E, Rompietti C, Adamo FM, Ruggeri L, Di Ianni M, Rosati E. NK Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Their Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136665. [PMID: 34206399 PMCID: PMC8268440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Key features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are defects in the immune system and the ability of leukemic cells to evade immune defenses and induce immunosuppression, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections and disease progression. Several immune effectors are impaired in CLL, including T and natural killer (NK) cells. The role of T cells in defense against CLL and in CLL progression and immunotherapy has been extensively studied. Less is known about the role of NK cells in this leukemia, and data on NK cell alterations in CLL are contrasting. Besides studies showing that NK cells have intrinsic defects in CLL, there is a large body of evidence indicating that NK cell dysfunctions in CLL mainly depend on the escape mechanisms employed by leukemic cells. In keeping, it has been shown that NK cell functions, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), can be retained and/or restored after adequate stimulation. Therefore, due to their preserved ADCC function and the reversibility of CLL-related dysfunctions, NK cells are an attractive source for novel immunotherapeutic strategies in this disease, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy. Recently, satisfying clinical responses have been obtained in CLL patients using cord blood-derived CAR-NK cells, opening new possibilities for further exploring NK cells in the immunotherapy of CLL. However, notwithstanding the promising results of this clinical trial, more evidence is needed to fully understand whether and in which CLL cases NK cell-based immunotherapy may represent a valid, alternative/additional therapeutic option for this leukemia. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about phenotypic and functional alterations of NK cells in CLL and the mechanisms by which CLL cells circumvent NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance. Additionally, we discuss the potential relevance of using NK cells in CLL immunotherapy.
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MESH Headings
- Biomarkers
- Cell Communication
- Disease Management
- Disease Susceptibility
- Humans
- Immune System/immunology
- Immune System/metabolism
- Immunotherapy/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/etiology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Ligands
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Escape/genetics
- Tumor Escape/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Sportoletti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Filomena De Falco
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Beatrice Del Papa
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Stefano Baldoni
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Valerio Guarente
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Andrea Marra
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Erica Dorillo
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Chiara Rompietti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Francesco Maria Adamo
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Loredana Ruggeri
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Mauro Di Ianni
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Ospedale Civile “Santo Spirito”, ASL Pescara, 65124 Pescara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rosati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Mahmoud SS, Hussein S, Rashed H, Abdelghany EMA, Ali AI. Anticancer Effects of Tacrolimus on Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Mice. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:434-445. [PMID: 34061012 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210531164546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor widely used for immunological disorders. However, there is a significant controversy regarding its effect on the liver. The present study was conducted to evaluate the anticancer effects of tacrolimus on an induced murine hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) model and its possible hepatotoxicity at standard therapeutic doses. METHODS Fifty-four male mice were divided into five groups: a control healthy group, control HCC group, tacrolimus-treated group, doxorubicin (DOXO)-treated group, and combined tacrolimus- and DOXO-treated group. The activity of liver enzymes, including alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, alanine transaminase, and aspartate transaminase, was determined. Serum vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. A quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was conducted to measure the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Bax, and p53 mRNA. Immunohistochemical staining for cyclin D1 and VEGF was performed. RESULTS Mice that received combined treatment with tacrolimus and DOXO exhibited the best improvement in all parameters when compared with the groups that received DOXO or tacrolimus alone (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION The combination of DOXO and tacrolimus was more effective in the management of HCC compared with either agent alone. This improvement was detected by the reduction of liver enzymes and the improvement of the histopathological picture. The involved mechanisms included significant apoptosis induction demonstrated by upregulation of bax along with a reduction in angiogenesis demonstrated by downregulation of VEGF. This was accompanied by inhibition of cell cycle progression mediated by upregulated p53 and downregulated PCNA and cyclin D1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shireen Sami Mahmoud
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Samia Hussein
- Medical Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Hayam Rashed
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Eman M A Abdelghany
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Alaa I Ali
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Song X, Yan T, Tian F, Li F, Ren L, Li Q, Zhang S. Aptamer Functionalized Upconversion Nanotheranostic Agent With Nuclear Targeting as the Highly Localized Drug-Delivery System of Doxorubicin. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:639487. [PMID: 33692990 PMCID: PMC7937813 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.639487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As a widely used anticancer drug, doxorubicin (DOX) could induce cell death mainly via interfering with DNA activity; thus, DOX could perform therapeutic effects mainly in the cell nucleus. However, most of the reported drug delivery systems lacked the well localization in the nucleus and released DOX molecules into the cytoplasm. Due to formidable barriers formed in the nuclear envelope, only around 1% of DOX could reach the nucleus and keep active. Therefore, DOX molecules were inevitably overloaded to achieve the desired therapeutic efficacy, which would induce serious side effects. Herein, we developed a highly localized drug nanocarrier for in situ release of DOX molecules to their action site where they could directly interfere with the DNA activity. In this work, we used cationic polymer-modified upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as the luminescence core and gene carrier, while aptamers served as the DNA nanotrain to load DOX. Finally, the prepared nanotheranostic agent displayed good targetability, high cell apoptosis ratio (93.04%) with quite lower concentration than the LC50 of DOX, and obvious inhibition on tumor growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Song
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Shandong, China.,Materials Science and Engineering, Mobile Postdoctoral Center, Qingdao University, Shandong, China
| | - Tao Yan
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Shandong, China
| | - Feng Tian
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Shandong, China
| | - Fengyan Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Shandong, China
| | - Linlin Ren
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Shandong, China
| | - Qiong Li
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Shandong, China.,Materials Science and Engineering, Mobile Postdoctoral Center, Qingdao University, Shandong, China
| | - Shusheng Zhang
- Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Detection Technology for Tumor Markers, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Linyi University, Shandong, China
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Intratumor Regulatory Noncytotoxic NK Cells in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030614. [PMID: 33802077 PMCID: PMC7999652 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous studies support the role of natural killer (NK) cells in controlling hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, ambiguity remains about the multiplicity and the role of different NK cell subsets, as a pro-oncogenic function has been suggested. We performed phenotypic and functional characterization of NK cells infiltrating HCC, with the corresponding nontumorous tissue and liver from patients undergoing liver resection for colorectal liver metastasis used as controls. We identified a reduced number of NK cells in tumors with higher frequency of CD56BRIGHTCD16- NK cells associated with higher expression of NKG2A, NKp44, and NKp30 and downregulation of NKG2D. Liver-resident (CXCR6+) NK cells were reduced in the tumors where T-bethiEomeslo expression was predominant. HCCs showed higher expression of CD49a with particular enrichment in CD49a+Eomes+ NK cells, a subset typically represented in the decidua and playing a proangiogenic function. Functional analysis showed reduced TNF-α production along with impaired cytotoxic capacity that was inversely related to CXCR6-, T-bethiEomeslo, and CD49a+Eomes+ NK cells. In conclusion, we identified a subset of NK cells infiltrating HCC, including non-liver-resident cells that coexpressed CD49a and Eomes and showed reduced cytotoxic potential. This NK cell subset likely plays a regulatory role in proangiogenic function.
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Cantoni C, Serra M, Parisi E, Azzarone B, Sementa AR, Nasto LA, Moretta L, Candiano G, Bottino C, Ghiggeri GM, Spaggiari GM. Stromal-like Wilms tumor cells induce human Natural Killer cell degranulation and display immunomodulatory properties towards NK cells. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1879530. [PMID: 33758675 PMCID: PMC7946041 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1879530] [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] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The similarity of stromal-like Wilms tumor (str-WT) cells with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), suggests their relevant role in the interplay with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. We investigated the interaction between str-WT cells and NK cells. We observed that str-WT cells expressed some major ligands for activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors. Moreover, they expressed inhibitory checkpoint molecules involved in the negative regulation of anti-tumor immune response. The analysis of the interaction between str-WT cells and NK lymphocytes revealed that activated NK cells could efficiently degranulate upon interaction with str-WT cells. On the other hand, str-WT cells could exert potent inhibitory effects on cytokine-induced activation of NK cell proliferation and phenotype, which were mediated by the production of IDO and PGE2 inhibitory factors. Our data provide insight into the molecular interactions between str-WT cells and NK lymphocytes that may result in different outcomes possibly occurring in the WT microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Martina Serra
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Erica Parisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Aurelio Nasto
- Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Division of Nephrology, Dialysis & Transplantation, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Spaggiari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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Rosental B, Hadad U, Brusilovsky M, Campbell KS, Porgador A. A novel mechanism for cancer cells to evade immune attack by NK cells: The interaction between NKp44 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Oncoimmunology 2021; 1:572-574. [PMID: 22754791 PMCID: PMC3382898 DOI: 10.4161/onci.19366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
We recently reported proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as a ligand for the NK cell activating receptor, NKp44, which unexpectedly triggers inhibition. The recognition of nuclear proteins such as PCNA, by related NK cell receptors has been reported. Widespread upregulation of PCNA in tumor cells may therefore promote immune evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benyamin Rosental
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology and Immunology; Faculty of Health Sciences; Ben-Gurion University of the Negev; Beer Sheva, Israel
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43
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Influenza A Virus Hemagglutinin and Other Pathogen Glycoprotein Interactions with NK Cell Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30. Viruses 2021; 13:v13020156. [PMID: 33494528 PMCID: PMC7911750 DOI: 10.3390/v13020156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are part of the innate immunity repertoire, and function in the recognition and destruction of tumorigenic and pathogen-infected cells. Engagement of NK cell activating receptors can lead to functional activation of NK cells, resulting in lysis of target cells. NK cell activating receptors specific for non-major histocompatibility complex ligands are NKp46, NKp44, NKp30, NKG2D, and CD16 (also known as FcγRIII). The natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), NKp46, NKp44, and NKp30, have been implicated in functional activation of NK cells following influenza virus infection via binding with influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA). In this review we describe NK cell and influenza A virus biology, and the interactions of influenza A virus HA and other pathogen lectins with NK cell natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs). We review concepts which intersect viral immunology, traditional virology and glycobiology to provide insights into the interactions between influenza virus HA and the NCRs. Furthermore, we provide expert opinion on future directions that would provide insights into currently unanswered questions.
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Abstract
Natural killer cells are powerful effectors of innate immunity that constitute a first line of defense against cancer. NK cells express an array of germline-encoded receptors which allow them to eliminate transformed cells and spare normal, healthy cells. Owing to their ability to kill circulating tumor cells, NK cells play a major role in the protection against cancer metastases. There is also convincing evidence that NK cells protect against some hematological cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia. However, the importance of NK cells for the control of established solid tumors is rather uncertain. Several mechanisms impede NK cell-mediated elimination of solid tumors, starting with the incapacity of NK cells to infiltrate the core of the tumor. In addition, immune escape mechanisms are at play in both solid and hematological cancers. These include the immunoediting of tumor cells and aberrant chronic inflammation that renders NK cells ineffective. In this chapter, I review the phenotypic characteristics of NK cells within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, I describe the mechanisms by which NK cells contribute to antitumor immunity. Finally, I review the different immune-evasion factors that impair NK cell activity against cancer.
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45
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Bogunia-Kubik K, Łacina P. Non-KIR NK cell receptors: Role in transplantation of allogeneic haematopoietic stem cells. Int J Immunogenet 2020; 48:157-171. [PMID: 33352617 DOI: 10.1111/iji.12523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are of major significance in patients after allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). They are the first subset of lymphocytes to appear in peripheral blood after transplantation and play an important role in the immune responses against cancer and viral infections. The function of NK cells is controlled by various surface receptors, of which type I integral proteins with immunoglobulin-like domains (killer-cell immunoglobulin-like receptors, KIRs) have been the most extensively studied. The present review focuses on less studied NK cell receptors, such as type II integral proteins with lectin-like domains (CD94/NKG2, NKG2D), natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs), immunoglobulin-like transcripts (ILTs) and their ligands. Their potential role in patients with haematological disorders subjected to HSC transplant procedure in the context of post-transplant complications such as viral reactivation and acute graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) will be presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katarzyna Bogunia-Kubik
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Piotr Łacina
- Laboratory of Clinical Immunogenetics and Pharmacogenetics, Hirszfeld Institute of Immunology and Experimental Therapy, Polish Academy of Sciences, Wroclaw, Poland
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46
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Ferretti E, Carlomagno S, Pesce S, Muccio L, Obino V, Greppi M, Solari A, Setti C, Marcenaro E, Della Chiesa M, Sivori S. Role of the Main Non HLA-Specific Activating NK Receptors in Pancreatic, Colorectal and Gastric Tumors Surveillance. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3705. [PMID: 33321719 PMCID: PMC7763095 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 12/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Human NK cells can control tumor growth and metastatic spread thanks to their powerful cytolytic activity which relies on the expression of an array of activating receptors. Natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) NKG2D and DNAM-1 are those non-HLA-specific activating NK receptors that are mainly involved in sensing tumor transformation by the recognition of different ligands, often stress-induced molecules, on the surface of cancer cells. Tumors display several mechanisms aimed at dampening/evading NK-mediated responses, a relevant fraction of which is based on the downregulation of the expression of activating receptors and/or their ligands. In this review, we summarize the role of the main non-HLA-specific activating NK receptors, NCRs, NKG2D and DNAM-1, in controlling tumor growth and metastatic spread in solid malignancies affecting the gastrointestinal tract with high incidence in the world population, i.e., pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), colorectal cancer (CRC), and gastric cancer (GC), also describing the phenotypic and functional alterations induced on NK cells by their tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Ferretti
- Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Letizia Muccio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Marco Greppi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Agnese Solari
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Chiara Setti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (S.C.); (S.P.); (L.M.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (A.S.); (C.S.)
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Simona Sivori
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale (DIMES) and Centro di Eccellenza per la Ricerca Biomedica, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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47
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Krijgsman D, Roelands J, Andersen MN, Wieringa CHLA, Tollenaar RAEM, Hendrickx W, Bedognetti D, Hokland M, Kuppen PJK. Expression of NK cell receptor ligands in primary colorectal cancer tissue in relation to the phenotype of circulating NK- and NKT cells, and clinical outcome. Mol Immunol 2020; 128:205-218. [PMID: 33142138 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Revised: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Natural killer (NK) cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells are implicated in the development and progression of colorectal cancer (CRC). Tumor cells express NK cell receptor ligands that modulate their function. This study aimed to investigate the expression of such ligands in CRC in relation to the phenotype of circulating NK- and NKT cells, and clinical outcome. METHODS Primary tumor tissues were analyzed for protein expression of NK cell ligands using immunohistochemistry with automated image analysis in a cohort of 78 CRC patients. For 24 of the 78 patients, RNA expression of NK cell ligands was analyzed in primary tumor tissue using RNA sequencing. Receptor expression on circulating NK- and NKT cells was previously measured by us in 71 of the 78 patients using flow cytometry. RESULTS High Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) protein expression in the primary tumor associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) of CRC patients (P = 0.026). A trend was observed towards shorter DFS in CRC patients with above-median galectin-3 protein expression in the primary tumor (P = 0.055). High protein expression of galectin-3, CD1d, and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I, and high RNA expression of UL16-binding protein (ULBP)-1, -2, and -5, and HLA-E in the tumor tissue correlated with low expression of the corresponding receptors on circulating NK- or NKT cells (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Galectin-3 and PCNA expression in the primary tumor may be prognostic biomarkers in CRC patients. Furthermore, our results suggest that NK cell receptor ligands expressed by tumor cells may modulate the phenotype of circulating NK- and NKT cells, and facilitate immune escape of metastasizing cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Krijgsman
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jessica Roelands
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands; Cancer Research Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Morten N Andersen
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Hematology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | | | - Rob A E M Tollenaar
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Wouter Hendrickx
- Cancer Research Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Cancer Research Department, Research Branch, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Peter J K Kuppen
- Department of Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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48
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Cardano M, Tribioli C, Prosperi E. Targeting Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) as an Effective Strategy to Inhibit Tumor Cell Proliferation. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 20:240-252. [PMID: 31951183 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666200115162814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Targeting highly proliferating cells is an important issue for many types of aggressive tumors. Proliferating Cell Nuclear Antigen (PCNA) is an essential protein that participates in a variety of processes of DNA metabolism, including DNA replication and repair, chromatin organization and transcription and sister chromatid cohesion. In addition, PCNA is involved in cell survival, and possibly in pathways of energy metabolism, such as glycolysis. Thus, the possibility of targeting this protein for chemotherapy against highly proliferating malignancies is under active investigation. Currently, approaches to treat cells with agents targeting PCNA rely on the use of small molecules or on peptides that either bind to PCNA, or act as a competitor of interacting partners. Here, we describe the status of the art in the development of agents targeting PCNA and discuss their application in different types of tumor cell lines and in animal model systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriana Cardano
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare del C.N.R. "Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Pavia- 27100, Italy
| | - Carla Tribioli
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare del C.N.R. "Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Pavia- 27100, Italy
| | - Ennio Prosperi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare del C.N.R. "Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Pavia- 27100, Italy
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49
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Cantoni C, Wurzer H, Thomas C, Vitale M. Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1339-1360. [PMID: 32930468 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0820-652r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
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50
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Sivori S, Pende D, Quatrini L, Pietra G, Della Chiesa M, Vacca P, Tumino N, Moretta F, Mingari MC, Locatelli F, Moretta L. NK cells and ILCs in tumor immunotherapy. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 80:100870. [PMID: 32800530 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2020.100870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cells of the innate immunity play an important role in tumor immunotherapy. Thus, NK cells can control tumor growth and metastatic spread. Thanks to their strong cytolytic activity against tumors, different approaches have been developed for exploiting/harnessing their function in patients with leukemia or solid tumors. Pioneering trials were based on the adoptive transfer of autologous NK cell-enriched cell populations that were expanded in vitro and co-infused with IL-2. Although relevant results were obtained in patients with advanced melanoma, the effect was mostly limited to certain metastatic localizations, particularly to the lung. In addition, the severe IL-2-related toxicity and the preferential IL-2-induced expansion of Treg limited this type of approach. This limitation may be overcome by the use of IL-15, particularly of modified IL-15 molecules to improve its half-life and optimize the biological effects. Other approaches to harness NK cell function include stimulation via TLR, the use of bi- and tri-specific NK cell engagers (BiKE and TriKE) linking activating NK receptors (e.g. CD16) to tumor-associated antigens and even incorporating an IL-15 moiety (TriKE). As recently shown, in tumor patients, NK cells may also express inhibitory checkpoints, primarily PD-1. Accordingly, the therapeutic use of checkpoint inhibitors may unleash NK cells against PD-L1+ tumors. This effect may be predominant and crucial in tumors that have lost HLA cl-I expression, thus resulting "invisible" to T lymphocytes. Additional approaches in which NK cells may represent an important tool for cancer therapy, are to exploit the unique properties of the "adaptive" NK cells. These CD57+ NKG2C+ cells, despite their mature stage and a potent cytolytic activity, maintain a strong proliferating capacity. This property revealed to be crucial in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), particularly in the haplo-HSCT setting, to cure high-risk leukemias. T depleted haplo-HSCT (e.g. from one of the parents) allowed to save the life of thousands of patients lacking a HLA-compatible donor. In this setting, NK cells have been shown to play an essential role against leukemia cells and infections. Another major advance is represented by chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells. CAR-NK, different from CAR-T cells, may be obtained from allogeneic donors since they do not cause GvHD. Accordingly, they may represent "off-the-shelf" products to promptly treat tumor patients, with affordable costs. Different from NK cells, helper ILC (ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3), the innate counterpart of T helper cell subsets, remain rather ambiguous with respect to their anti-tumor activity. A possible exception is represented by a subset of ILC3: their frequency in peri-tumoral tissues in patients with NSCLC directly correlates with a better prognosis, possibly reflecting their ability to contribute to the organization of tertiary lymphoid structures, an important site of T cell-mediated anti-tumor responses. It is conceivable that innate immunity may significantly contribute to the major advances that immunotherapy has ensured and will continue to ensure to the cure of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Linda Quatrini
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Moretta
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, IRCCS Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Italy; UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy; Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.
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