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Choi WS, Kwon H, Yi E, Lee H, Kim JM, Park HJ, Choi EJ, Choi ME, Sung YH, Won CH, Sung CO, Kim HS. HPK1 Dysregulation-Associated NK Cell Dysfunction and Defective Expansion Promotes Metastatic Melanoma Progression. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2400920. [PMID: 38828677 PMCID: PMC11304315 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202400920] [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: 01/25/2024] [Revised: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Distant metastasis, the leading cause of cancer death, is efficiently kept in check by immune surveillance. Studies have uncovered peripheral natural killer (NK) cells as key antimetastatic effectors and their dysregulation during metastasis. However, the molecular mechanism governing NK cell dysfunction links to metastasis remains elusive. Herein, MAP4K1 encoding HPK1 is aberrantly overexpressed in dysfunctional NK cells in the periphery and the metastatic site. Conditional HPK1 overexpression in NK cells suffices to exacerbate melanoma lung metastasis but not primary tumor growth. Conversely, MAP4K1-deficient mice are resistant to metastasis and further protected by combined immune-checkpoint inhibitors. Mechanistically, HPK1 restrains NK cell cytotoxicity and expansion via activating receptors. Likewise, HPK1 limits human NK cell activation and associates with melanoma NK cell dysfunction couples to TGF-β1 and patient response to immune checkpoint therapy. Thus, HPK1 is an intracellular checkpoint controlling NK-target cell responses, which is dysregulated and hijacked by tumors during metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Seon Choi
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung‐Joon Kwon
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Eunbi Yi
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Haeun Lee
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Min Kim
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jin Park
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Ji Choi
- Department of DermatologyAsan Institute for Life SciencesAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Eun Choi
- Department of DermatologyAsan Institute for Life SciencesAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Young Hoon Sung
- Department of Cell and Genetic EngineeringAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Chong Hyun Won
- Department of DermatologyAsan Institute for Life SciencesAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Chang Ohk Sung
- Department of PathologyAsan Medical Institute of Convergence Science and TechnologyAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
| | - Hun Sik Kim
- Department of MicrobiologyStem Cell Immunomodulation Research CenterAsan Medical CenterUniversity of Ulsan College of MedicineSeoul05505Republic of Korea
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Karmakar S, Mishra A, Pal P, Lal G. Effector and cytolytic function of natural killer cells in anticancer immunity. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:235-252. [PMID: 37818891 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Adaptive immune cells play an important role in mounting antigen-specific antitumor immunity. The contribution of innate immune cells such as monocytes, macrophages, natural killer (NK) cells, dendritic cells, and gamma-delta T cells is well studied in cancer immunology. NK cells are innate lymphoid cells that show effector and regulatory function in a contact-dependent and contact-independent manner. The cytotoxic function of NK cells plays an important role in killing the infected and transformed host cells and controlling infection and tumor growth. However, several studies have also ascribed the role of NK cells in inducing pathophysiology in autoimmune diseases, promoting immune tolerance in the uterus, and antitumor function in the tumor microenvironment. We discuss the fundamentals of NK cell biology, its distribution in different organs, cellular and molecular interactions, and its cytotoxic and noncytotoxic functions in cancer biology. We also highlight the use of NK cell-based adoptive cellular therapy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Surojit Karmakar
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, MH-411007, India
| | - Amrita Mishra
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, MH-411007, India
| | - Pradipta Pal
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, MH-411007, India
| | - Girdhari Lal
- Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Tolerance, National Centre for Cell Science, Ganeshkhind, Pune, MH-411007, India
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3
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Li L, Li A, Jin H, Li M, Jia Q. Inhibitory receptors and checkpoints on NK cells: Implications for cancer immunotherapy. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 253:155003. [PMID: 38042093 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.155003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
With the success of immunosuppressive checkpoint in tumor therapy, the corresponding adverse response and drug resistance defects have been exposed. T cells and NK cells are the body's immune system of the two substantial main forces. in recent years, study of T cell checkpoints appeared a certain block, such as PD-1 the effect not benign, on the distribution of NK cell surface excitatory and inhibitory receptors under normal conditions to maintain steady, could be targeted in the tumor treatment blockade have therapeutic effect. This paper reviews the function of NK cells and the effects of corresponding receptors in various types of tumors, providing a direction for the selection of appropriate gate control sites for future treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingfei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Ang Li
- Department of Cardiology, 2nd Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, China.
| | - Mingyang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cancer Biology, Department of Pathology, Xijing Hospital and School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China.
| | - Qingge Jia
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Xi'an International Medical Center Hospital, Northwest University, Xi'an, China.
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4
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Yi M, Li T, Niu M, Mei Q, Zhao B, Chu Q, Dai Z, Wu K. Exploiting innate immunity for cancer immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:187. [PMID: 38008741 PMCID: PMC10680233 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01885-w] [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: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment paradigms of various types of cancers. However, most of these immunomodulatory strategies focus on harnessing adaptive immunity, mainly by inhibiting immunosuppressive signaling with immune checkpoint blockade, or enhancing immunostimulatory signaling with bispecific T cell engager and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell. Although these agents have already achieved great success, only a tiny percentage of patients could benefit from immunotherapies. Actually, immunotherapy efficacy is determined by multiple components in the tumor microenvironment beyond adaptive immunity. Cells from the innate arm of the immune system, such as macrophages, dendritic cells, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, neutrophils, natural killer cells, and unconventional T cells, also participate in cancer immune evasion and surveillance. Considering that the innate arm is the cornerstone of the antitumor immune response, utilizing innate immunity provides potential therapeutic options for cancer control. Up to now, strategies exploiting innate immunity, such as agonists of stimulator of interferon genes, CAR-macrophage or -natural killer cell therapies, metabolic regulators, and novel immune checkpoint blockade, have exhibited potent antitumor activities in preclinical and clinical studies. Here, we summarize the latest insights into the potential roles of innate cells in antitumor immunity and discuss the advances in innate arm-targeted therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yi
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianye Li
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengke Niu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Mei
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhao
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Chu
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Zhijun Dai
- Department of Breast Surgery, College of Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310000, People's Republic of China.
| | - Kongming Wu
- Cancer Center, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Science, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030032, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jiefang Avenue, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Zhang Y, Jin K, Dai Y, Hu N, Zhou T, Yang Z, Ding N, Zhang R, Xu R, Zhao J, Han Y, Zhu C, Zhu J, Li J. The change of Siglec-9 expression in peripheral blood NK cells of SFTS patients can affect the function of NK cells. Immunol Lett 2023; 263:97-104. [PMID: 37865296 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2023.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To investigate the changes and mechanism of Siglec-9 on NK cells in peripheral blood of patients with severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). METHODS First, we used single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze the frequency of NK cells in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of SFTS patients and healthy controls (HCs), as well as the differences in the genes on NK cells. Secondly, we analyzed the expression of Siglec-9 and other receptors on NK cells by flow cytometry. Thirdly, we analyzed the correlation between Siglec-9 on NK cells and DBV viral load in plasma. RESULTS Compared with HCs, the frequency of NK cells in peripheral blood of SFTS patients was significantly decreased, and the activating receptors on NK cells were reduced. The expression of Siglec-9 on NK cells and the frequency of Siglec-9+NK cells decreased significantly in SFTS patients. The expression of Siglec-9 on CD16+CD56dim NK cells was negatively correlated with DBV viral load. In addition, Siglec-9+NK cells expressed higher levels of activating receptors and exhibited stronger effector functions than Siglec-9-NK cells. CONCLUSIONS The decreased expression of Siglec-9 on NK cells predicts NK cell dysfunction in SFTS patients, suggesting that Siglec-9 may be a potential marker for functional NK cell subsets in SFTS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqin Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ke Jin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Dai
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nannan Hu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Huadong Medical Institute of Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhan Yang
- Huadong Medical Institute of Biotechniques, Nanjing, China
| | - Ning Ding
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ruowei Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiaying Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yaping Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chuanlong Zhu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jin Zhu
- Huadong Medical Institute of Biotechniques, Nanjing, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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6
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Gadwa J, Amann M, Bickett TE, Knitz MW, Darragh LB, Piper M, Van Court B, Bukkapatnam S, Pham TT, Wang XJ, Saviola AJ, Deak LC, Umaña P, Klein C, D'Alessandro A, Karam SD. Selective targeting of IL2Rβγ combined with radiotherapy triggers CD8- and NK-mediated immunity, abrogating metastasis in HNSCC. Cell Rep Med 2023; 4:101150. [PMID: 37586327 PMCID: PMC10439274 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2023.101150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
The implementation of cancer immunotherapies has seen limited clinical success in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Interleukin-2 (IL-2), which modulates the survival and functionality of lymphocytes, is an attractive target for new immunotherapies but one that is limited by presence of regulatory T cells (Tregs) expressing the high-affinity IL-2Rα. The bispecific immunocytokine PD1-IL2v preferentially delivers IL-2 signaling through IL-2Rβγ on PD-1-expressing cells. Selectively targeting the intermediate-affinity IL-2Rβγ can be leveraged to induce anti-tumor immune responses in effector T cells and natural killer (NK) cells while limiting the negative regulation of IL-2Rα activation on Tregs. Using radiation therapy (RT) in combination with PD1-IL2v improves local tumor control and survival, and controls metastatic spread in orthotopic HNSCC tumor models. PD1-IL2v drives systemic activation and expansion of circulating and tumor-infiltrating cytotoxic T cells and NK cells while limiting Treg-mediated immunosuppression. These data show that PD1-L2v induces durable systemic tumor control in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Gadwa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Maria Amann
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Thomas E Bickett
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Michael W Knitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Laurel B Darragh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Miles Piper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Benjamin Van Court
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sanjana Bukkapatnam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Tiffany T Pham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Anthony J Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Laura Codarri Deak
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Pablo Umaña
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Christian Klein
- Roche Innovation Center Zurich, Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development (pRED), 8952 Schlieren, Switzerland
| | - Angelo D'Alessandro
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; Department of Immunology & Microbiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA.
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7
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Imširović V, Lenartić M, Wensveen FM, Polić B, Jelenčić V. Largely preserved functionality after the combined loss of NKG2D, NCR1 and CD16 demonstrates the remarkable plasticity of NK cell responsiveness. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1191884. [PMID: 37520575 PMCID: PMC10374020 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1191884] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the early defense against tumors and virally infected cells. Their function is thought to be controlled by the balance between activating and inhibitory receptors, which often compete for the same ligands. Several activating receptors expressed on virtually all NK cells lack an inhibitory partner, most notably CD16, NCR1 and NKG2D. We therefore hypothesized that a signal through at least one of these receptors is always required for full NK cell activation. We generated animals lacking all three receptors (TKO) and analyzed their NK cells. In vitro, TKO NK cells did not show reduced ability to kill tumor targets but displayed hyperresponsiveness to NK1.1 stimulation. In vivo, TKO animals had a minor reduction in their ability to control non-hematopoietic tumors and cytomegalovirus infection, which was the result of reduced NK cell activity. Together, our findings show that activating NK cell receptors without an inhibitory partner do not provide a 'master' signal but are integrated in the cumulative balance of activating and inhibitory signals. Their activity is controlled through regulation of the responsiveness and expression of other activating receptors. Our findings may be important for future development of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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8
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Parodi M, Astigiano S, Carrega P, Pietra G, Vitale C, Damele L, Grottoli M, Guevara Lopez MDLL, Ferracini R, Bertolini G, Roato I, Vitale M, Orecchia P. Murine models to study human NK cells in human solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209237. [PMID: 37388731 PMCID: PMC10301748 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209237] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first studies, the mouse models have provided crucial support for the most important discoveries on NK cells, on their development, function, and circulation within normal and tumor tissues. Murine tumor models were initially set to study murine NK cells, then, ever more sophisticated human-in-mice models have been developed to investigate the behavior of human NK cells and minimize the interferences from the murine environment. This review presents an overview of the models that have been used along time to study NK cells, focusing on the most popular NOG and NSG models, which work as recipients for the preparation of human-in-mice tumor models, the study of transferred human NK cells, and the evaluation of various enhancers of human NK cell function, including cytokines and chimeric molecules. Finally, an overview of the next generation humanized mice is also provided along with a discussion on how traditional and innovative in-vivo and in-vitro approaches could be integrated to optimize effective pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parodi
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Simonetta Astigiano
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Carrega
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Damele
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Melania Grottoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Ferracini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Bone and Dental Bioengineering Laboratory, C.I.R Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Bertolini
- “Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors”, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Roato
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Bone and Dental Bioengineering Laboratory, C.I.R Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Orecchia
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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9
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Shin MH, Oh E, Kim Y, Nam DH, Jeon SY, Yu JH, Minn D. Recent Advances in CAR-Based Solid Tumor Immunotherapy. Cells 2023; 12:1606. [PMID: 37371075 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Adoptive cell therapy using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) technology is one of the most advanced engineering platforms for cancer immunotherapy. CAR-T cells have shown remarkable efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, their limitations in solid tumors include an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), insufficient tumor infiltration, toxicity, and the absence of tumor-specific antigens. Although recent advances in CAR-T cell design-such as the incorporation of co-stimulatory domains and the development of armored CAR-T cells-have shown promising results in treating solid tumors, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. To overcome these limitations, other immune cells, such as natural killer (NK) cells and macrophages (M), have been developed as attractive options for efficient cancer immunotherapy of solid tumors. CAR-NK cells exhibit substantial clinical improvements with "off-the-shelf" availability and low toxicity. CAR-M cells have promising therapeutic potential because macrophages can infiltrate the TME of solid tumors. Here, we review the recent advances and future perspectives associated with engineered immune cell-based cancer immunotherapies for solid tumors. We also summarize ongoing clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of engineered immune cells, such as CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M, for targeting solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Hwa Shin
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunha Oh
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Yunjeong Kim
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae-Hwan Nam
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - So Young Jeon
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Hyuk Yu
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
| | - Dohsik Minn
- Immune Research Institute, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
- Department of Diagnostic Immunology, Seegene Medical Foundation, Seoul 04805, Republic of Korea
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10
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Basílio-Queirós D, Mischak-Weissinger E. Natural killer cells- from innate cells to the discovery of adaptability. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1172437. [PMID: 37275911 PMCID: PMC10232812 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1172437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells have come a long way since their first description in the 1970's. The most recent reports of their adaptive-like behavior changed the way the immune system dichotomy is described. Adaptive NK cells present characteristics of both the innate and adaptive immune system. This NK cell subpopulation undergoes a clonal-like expansion in response to an antigen and secondary encounters with the same antigen result in an increased cytotoxic response. These characteristics can be of extreme importance in the clinical setting, especially as adoptive immunotherapies, since NK cells present several advantages compared other cell types. This review will focus on the discovery and the path to the current knowledge of the adaptive NK cell population.
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11
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Abstract
T cells and natural killer (NK) cells have complementary roles in tumor immunity, and dual T cell and NK cell attack thus offers opportunities to deepen the impact of immunotherapy. Recent work has also shown that NK cells play an important role in recruiting dendritic cells to tumors and thus enhance induction of CD8 T cell responses, while IL-2 secreted by T cells activates NK cells. Targeting of immune evasion mechanisms from the activating NKG2D receptor and its MICA and MICB ligands on tumor cells offers opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Interestingly, T cells and NK cells share several important inhibitory and activating receptors that can be targeted to enhance T cell- and NK cell-mediated immunity. These inhibitory receptor-ligand systems include CD161-CLEC2D, TIGIT-CD155, and NKG2A/CD94-HLA-E. We also discuss emerging therapeutic strategies based on inhibitory and activating cytokines that profoundly impact the function of both lymphocyte populations within tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleksandr Kyrysyuk
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
| | - Kai W Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA;
- Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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12
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Yu Y. The Function of NK Cells in Tumor Metastasis and NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082323. [PMID: 37190251 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic tumors cause the most deaths in cancer patients. Treating metastasis remains the primary goal of current cancer research. Although the immune system prevents and kills the tumor cells, the function of the immune system in metastatic cancer has been unappreciated for decades because tumors are able to develop complex signaling pathways to suppress immune responses, leading them to escape detection and elimination. Studies showed NK cell-based therapies have many advantages and promise for fighting metastatic cancers. We here review the function of the immune system in tumor progression, specifically focusing on the ability of NK cells in antimetastasis, how metastatic tumors escape the NK cell attack, as well as the recent development of effective antimetastatic immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanlin Yu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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13
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Giallauria F, Testa C, Cuomo G, Di Lorenzo A, Venturini E, Lauretani F, Maggio MG, Iannuzzo G, Vigorito C. Exercise Training in Elderly Cancer Patients: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061671. [PMID: 36980559 PMCID: PMC10046194 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the aging of the population, in 70% of cases, a new cancer diagnosis equals a cancer diagnosis in a geriatric patient. In this population, beyond the concept of mortality and morbidity, functional capacity, disability, and quality of life remain crucial. In fact, when the functional status is preserved, the pathogenetic curve towards disability will stop or even regress. The present systematic review investigated the effectiveness of physical exercise, as part of a holistic assessment of the patient, for preventing disability and improving the patient’s quality of life, and partially reducing all-cause mortality. This evidence must point towards decentralization of care by implementing the development of rehabilitation programs for elderly cancer patients either before or after anti-cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Giallauria
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
- Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of New England, Armidale, NSW 2351, Australia
- Correspondence:
| | - Crescenzo Testa
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Cuomo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Anna Di Lorenzo
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Elio Venturini
- Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit and Department of Cardiology, Azienda USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, “Cecina Civil Hospital”, 57023 Cecina, Italy
| | - Fulvio Lauretani
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Cognitive and Motor Center, Medicine and Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department of Parma, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Marcello Giuseppe Maggio
- Geriatric Clinic Unit, Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department, University Hospital, 43126 Parma, Italy
- Cognitive and Motor Center, Medicine and Geriatric-Rehabilitation Department of Parma, University Hospital of Parma, 43126 Parma, Italy
| | - Gabriella Iannuzzo
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlo Vigorito
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Naples, Italy
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14
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Smith KJ, Sciumè G, Amarnath S. Twenty-One Flavors of Type 1 Innate Lymphoid Cells with PD-1 (Programmed Cell Death-1 Receptor) Sprinkles. DISCOVERY IMMUNOLOGY 2023; 2:kyad003. [PMID: 38567059 PMCID: PMC10917210 DOI: 10.1093/discim/kyad003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are tissue-resident immune cells that have been recently implicated in initiating and driving anti-tumor responses. ILCs are classified into three main groups, namely type 1 ILCs (ILC1), type 2 ILCs, and type 3 ILCs. All three groups have been implicated in either eliciting pro or anti-tumor immune responses in different cancer subtypes with the consensus that ILCs cannot be overlooked within the field of anti-tumor immune responses. In this review, we will specifically expand on the knowledge on ILC1, their characterization, function, and plasticity in anti-cancer immune responses. Within this premise, we will discuss caveats of ILC1 characterization, and expand on the expression and function of immune checkpoint receptors within ILC1 subsets, specifically focusing on the role of programmed cell death-1 receptor in controlling specific ILC1 responses. We summarize that ILC1s are a vital component in initiating anti-tumor responses and can be boosted by checkpoint receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie J Smith
- The Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- The Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Giuseppe Sciumè
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia – Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Shoba Amarnath
- The Biosciences Institute, Newcastle University Biosciences Institute, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- The Centre for Cancer, Newcastle University Centre for Cancer, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
- Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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15
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Imianowski CJ, Whiteside SK, Lozano T, Evans AC, Benson JD, Courreges CJ, Sadiyah F, Lau CM, Zandhuis ND, Grant FM, Schuijs MJ, Vardaka P, Kuo P, Soilleux EJ, Yang J, Sun JC, Kurosaki T, Okkenhaug K, Halim TY, Roychoudhuri R. BACH2 restricts NK cell maturation and function, limiting immunity to cancer metastasis. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20211476. [PMID: 36178457 PMCID: PMC9529614 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20211476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical to immune surveillance against infections and cancer. Their role in immune surveillance requires that NK cells are present within tissues in a quiescent state. Mechanisms by which NK cells remain quiescent in tissues are incompletely elucidated. The transcriptional repressor BACH2 plays a critical role within the adaptive immune system, but its function within innate lymphocytes has been unclear. Here, we show that BACH2 acts as an intrinsic negative regulator of NK cell maturation and function. BACH2 is expressed within developing and mature NK cells and promotes the maintenance of immature NK cells by restricting their maturation in the presence of weak stimulatory signals. Loss of BACH2 within NK cells results in accumulation of activated NK cells with unrestrained cytotoxic function within tissues, which mediate augmented immune surveillance to pulmonary cancer metastasis. These findings establish a critical function of BACH2 as a global negative regulator of innate cytotoxic function and tumor immune surveillance by NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte J. Imianowski
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Sarah K. Whiteside
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Teresa Lozano
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | | | - Jayme D. Benson
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Firas Sadiyah
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Colleen M. Lau
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY
| | - Nordin D. Zandhuis
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Francis M. Grant
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Martijn J. Schuijs
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Panagiota Vardaka
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Paula Kuo
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | | | - Jie Yang
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
| | - Joseph C. Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY
| | - Tomohiro Kurosaki
- Laboratory of Lymphocyte Differentiation, World Premier International Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory for Lymphocyte Differentiation, RIKEN Center for Integrative Medical Sciences, Yokohama, Kanagawa, Japan
| | - Klaus Okkenhaug
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Rahul Roychoudhuri
- Department of Pathology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Immunology Programme, Babraham Institute, Babraham Research Campus, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK
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16
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To kill or not to kill - The role of the tumor microenvironment in shaping group 1 ILC functions. Semin Immunol 2022; 61-64:101670. [PMID: 36372017 PMCID: PMC7613863 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101670] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC) comprise two major IFN-γ producing populations, namely Natural Killer (NK) cells, and ILC1s. Recent studies have revealed a complex and diverse composition of group 1 ILC subsets infiltrating different tumors. In this review, we will outline the commonalities and differences between group 1 ILC subsets in both mice and humans, discuss how the tissue and tumor microenvironment shapes their phenotype and functions, as well as describe their contrasting roles in the response to different cancers.
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17
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Morgan HJ, Rees E, Lanfredini S, Powell KA, Gore J, Gibbs A, Lovatt C, Davies GE, Olivero C, Shorning BY, Tornillo G, Tonks A, Darley R, Wang EC, Patel GK. CD200 ectodomain shedding into the tumor microenvironment leads to NK cell dysfunction and apoptosis. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:150750. [PMID: 36074574 PMCID: PMC9621138 DOI: 10.1172/jci150750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The basis of immune evasion, a hallmark of cancer, can differ even when cancers arise from one cell type such as in the human skin keratinocyte carcinomas: basal and squamous cell carcinoma. Here we showed that the basal cell carcinoma tumor-initiating cell surface protein CD200, through ectodomain shedding, was responsible for the near absence of NK cells within the basal cell carcinoma tumor microenvironment. In situ, CD200 underwent ectodomain shedding by metalloproteinases MMP3 and MMP11, which released biologically active soluble CD200 into the basal cell carcinoma microenvironment. CD200 bound its cognate receptor on NK cells to suppress MAPK pathway signaling that in turn blocked indirect (IFN-γ release) and direct cell killing. In addition, reduced ERK phosphorylation relinquished negative regulation of PPARγ-regulated gene transcription and led to membrane accumulation of the Fas/FADD death receptor and its ligand, FasL, which resulted in activation-induced apoptosis. Blocking CD200 inhibition of MAPK or PPARγ signaling restored NK cell survival and tumor cell killing, with relevance to many cancer types. Our results thus uncover a paradigm for CD200 as a potentially novel and targetable NK cell-specific immune checkpoint, which is responsible for NK cell-associated poor outcomes in many cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huw J Morgan
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | - Elise Rees
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | | | - Kate A Powell
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | - Jasmine Gore
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | - Alex Gibbs
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | - Charlotte Lovatt
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | - Gemma E Davies
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | - Carlotta Olivero
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | - Boris Y Shorning
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | - Giusy Tornillo
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
| | - Alex Tonks
- Department of Haematology, Division of Cancer & Genetics, School of Medicine, and
| | - Richard Darley
- Department of Haematology, Division of Cancer & Genetics, School of Medicine, and
| | - Eddie Cy Wang
- Division of Infection and Immunity, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Girish K Patel
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute, School of Biosciences
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18
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Puzzolo MC, Breccia M, Mariglia P, Colafigli G, Pepe S, Scalzulli E, Mariggiò E, Latagliata R, Guarini A, Foà R. Immunomodulatory Effects of IFNα on T and NK Cells in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients in Deep Molecular Response Preparing for Treatment Discontinuation. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11195594. [PMID: 36233461 PMCID: PMC9570842 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11195594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
A deep and stable molecular response (DMR) is a prerequisite for a successful treatment-free remission (TFR) in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In order to better identify and analyze potential candidates of successful TFR, we examined the phenotypic and functional host immune compartment in DMR patients who had received TKI treatment only (TKI-only) or had been previously treated with interferon-alpha (IFNα + TKI) or had received IFNα treatment only (IFNα-only). The T/NK-cell subset distribution, NK- and T-cell cytokine production, activation and maturation markers were measured in 44 patients in DMR treated with IFNα only (9), with IFNα + TKI (11) and with TKI-only (24). IFNα + TKI and TKI-only groups were eligible to TKI discontinuation according to the NCCN and ESMO guidelines (stable MR4 for more than two years). In IFNα-treated patients, we documented an increased number of lymphocytes capable of producing IFNγ and TNFα compared to the TKI-only group. In INFα + TKI patients, the percentage of NKG2C expression and its mean fluorescence intensity were significantly higher compared to the TKI-only group and to the INFα-only group in the CD56dim/CD16+ NK cell subsets (INFα + TKI vs. TKI-only p = 0.041, p = 0.037; INFα + TKI vs. INFα-only p = 0.03, p = 0.033, respectively). Furthermore, in INFα-only treated patients, we observed an increase of NKp46 MFI in the CD56bright/CD16- NK cell subset that becomes significant compared to the INFα + TKI group (p = 0.008). Our data indicate that a previous exposure to IFNα substantially and persistently modified the immune system of CML patients in memory T lymphocytes, differentiated NKG2C+ “long-lived” NK cells responses, even years after the last IFNα contact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Puzzolo
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto 1, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Breccia
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto 1, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-857-951; Fax: +39-06-4424-1984
| | - Paola Mariglia
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto 1, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Gioia Colafigli
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto 1, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Pepe
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto 1, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Scalzulli
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto 1, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Mariggiò
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto 1, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Latagliata
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto 1, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Guarini
- Hematology, Department of Molecular Medicine, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Robin Foà
- Hematology, Department of Translational and Precision Medicine, Policlinico Umberto 1, ‘Sapienza’ University, 00161 Rome, Italy
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19
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Liu B, Yang GX, Sun Y, Tomiyama T, Zhang W, Leung PSC, He XS, Dhaliwal S, Invernizzi P, Gershwin ME, Bowlus CL. Decreased CD57 expression of natural killer cells enhanced cytotoxicity in patients with primary sclerosing cholangitis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:912961. [PMID: 36059513 PMCID: PMC9434697 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.912961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aims Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic inflammatory biliary disease for which the immunopathological basis remains an enigma. Natural killer (NK) cells are key components of innate immunity and seemingly play diversified roles in different autoimmune disorders (AIDs). The aim of this study was to determine the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of PSC. Methods The frequency and phenotype of circulating NK cells in a large cohort of patients with PSC and healthy controls (HCs) were systematically examined. In addition, the functional capacity of NK cells including cytotoxicity and cytokine production was studied. Results The frequency of CD3−CD56dimCD16+ (defined as CD56dim) NK cells in PSC patients was significantly lower in comparison to HCs. CD56dim NK cells from PSC displayed a more immature phenotype including high expression of the natural killing receptor NKp46 and downregulation of the highly differentiated NK cell marker CD57. Interestingly, the reduction of CD57 expression of NK cells was associated with the disease severity of PSC. In addition, PSC CD56dim NK cells exhibited increased CD107a degranulation and cytolytic activity toward target cells compared with HCs. Further analysis demonstrated that CD57−CD56dim NK cells from PSC had elevated expression of NKp46, NKp30, IL-2 receptor, and KLRG1 and higher cytotoxic capacity as compared to CD57+CD56dim NK cells. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that the differentiation of PSC NK cells is dysregulated with enhanced cytotoxic activity. This change is likely to be functionally involved in pathogenesis and disease progression, deducing the potential of NK-directed immunotherapy for PSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Liu
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Guo-Xiang Yang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Guo-Xiang Yang, ; Christopher L. Bowlus,
| | - Ying Sun
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Department of Liver Disease, Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Takashi Tomiyama
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Third Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Weici Zhang
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Patrick S. C. Leung
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Xiao-Song He
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sandeep Dhaliwal
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
| | - Pietro Invernizzi
- Division of Gastroenterology and Center for Autoimmune Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - M. Eric Gershwin
- Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Christopher L. Bowlus
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of California at Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Guo-Xiang Yang, ; Christopher L. Bowlus,
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20
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Seliger B, Koehl U. Underlying mechanisms of evasion from NK cells as rational for improvement of NK cell-based immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:910595. [PMID: 36045670 PMCID: PMC9422402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the family of innate immune cells with the capacity to recognize and kill tumor cells. Different phenotypes and functional properties of NK cells have been described in tumor patients, which could be shaped by the tumor microenvironment. The discovery of HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors controlling NK cell activity paved the way to the fundamental concept of modulating immune responses that are regulated by an array of inhibitory receptors, and emphasized the importance to explore the potential of NK cells in cancer therapy. Although a whole range of NK cell-based approaches are currently being developed, there are still major challenges that need to be overcome for improved efficacy of these therapies. These include escape of tumor cells from NK cell recognition due to their expression of inhibitory molecules, immune suppressive signals of NK cells, reduced NK cell infiltration of tumors, an immune suppressive micromilieu and limited in vivo persistence of NK cells. Therefore, this review provides an overview about the NK cell biology, alterations of NK cell activities, changes in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment contributing to immune escape or immune surveillance by NK cells and their underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the current status and novel aspects of NK cell-based therapeutic strategies including their genetic engineering and their combination with conventional treatment options to overcome tumor-mediated evasion strategies and improve therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Barbara Seliger,
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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21
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Warner K, Ghaedi M, Chung DC, Jacquelot N, Ohashi PS. Innate lymphoid cells in early tumor development. Front Immunol 2022; 13:948358. [PMID: 36032129 PMCID: PMC9411809 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.948358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate and adaptive immune cells monitor, recognize, and eliminate transformed cells. Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are innate counterparts of T cells that play a key role in many facets of the immune response and have a profound impact on disease states, including cancer. ILCs regulate immune responses by responding and integrating a wide range of signals within the local microenvironment. As primarily tissue-resident cells, ILCs are ideally suited to sense malignant transformation and initiate anti-tumor immunity. However, as ILCs have been associated with anti-tumor and pro-tumor activities in established tumors, they could potentially have dual functions during carcinogenesis by promoting or suppressing the malignant outgrowth of premalignant lesions. Here we discuss emerging evidence that shows that ILCs can impact early tumor development by regulating immune responses against transformed cells, as well as the environmental cues that potentially induce ILC activation in premalignant lesions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathrin Warner
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Maryam Ghaedi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Douglas C. Chung
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nicolas Jacquelot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Pamela S. Ohashi
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Pamela S. Ohashi,
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22
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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: 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: 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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23
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Venglar O, Bago JR, Motais B, Hajek R, Jelinek T. Natural Killer Cells in the Malignant Niche of Multiple Myeloma. Front Immunol 2022; 12:816499. [PMID: 35087536 PMCID: PMC8787055 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.816499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells represent a subset of CD3- CD7+ CD56+/dim lymphocytes with cytotoxic and suppressor activity against virus-infected cells and cancer cells. The overall potential of NK cells has brought them to the spotlight of targeted immunotherapy in solid and hematological malignancies, including multiple myeloma (MM). Nonetheless, NK cells are subjected to a variety of cancer defense mechanisms, leading to impaired maturation, chemotaxis, target recognition, and killing. This review aims to summarize the available and most current knowledge about cancer-related impairment of NK cell function occurring in MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondrej Venglar
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Julio Rodriguez Bago
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Benjamin Motais
- Faculty of Science, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Roman Hajek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
| | - Tomas Jelinek
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia.,Hematooncology Clinic, University Hospital Ostrava, Ostrava, Czechia
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24
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Maiorino L, Daßler-Plenker J, Sun L, Egeblad M. Innate Immunity and Cancer Pathophysiology. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2022; 17:425-457. [PMID: 34788549 PMCID: PMC9012188 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-032221-115501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation increases the risk of several cancers, including gastric, colon, and hepatic cancers. Conversely, tumors, similar to tissue injury, trigger an inflammatory response coordinated by the innate immune system. Cellular and molecular mediators of inflammation modulate tumor growth directly and by influencing the adaptive immune response. Depending on the balance of immune cell types and signals within the tumor microenvironment, inflammation can support or restrain the tumor. Adding to the complexity, research from the past two decades has revealed that innate immune cells are highly heterogeneous and plastic, with variable phenotypes depending on tumor type, stage, and treatment. The field is now on the cusp of being able to harness this wealth of data to (a) classify tumors on the basis of their immune makeup, with implications for prognosis, treatment choice, and clinical outcome, and (b) design therapeutic strategies that activate antitumor immune responses by targeting innate immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Maiorino
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | | | - Lijuan Sun
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
| | - Mikala Egeblad
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724, USA
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25
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Biber G, Sabag B, Raiff A, Ben‐Shmuel A, Puthenveetil A, Benichou JIC, Jubany T, Levy M, Killner S, Barda‐Saad M. Modulation of intrinsic inhibitory checkpoints using nano-carriers to unleash NK cell activity. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14073. [PMID: 34725941 PMCID: PMC8749471 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells provide a powerful weapon mediating immune defense against viral infections, tumor growth, and metastatic spread. NK cells demonstrate great potential for cancer immunotherapy; they can rapidly and directly kill cancer cells in the absence of MHC-dependent antigen presentation and can initiate a robust immune response in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Nevertheless, current NK cell-based immunotherapies have several drawbacks, such as the requirement for ex vivo expansion of modified NK cells, and low transduction efficiency. Furthermore, to date, no clinical trial has demonstrated a significant benefit for NK-based therapies in patients with advanced solid tumors, mainly due to the suppressive TME. To overcome current obstacles in NK cell-based immunotherapies, we describe here a non-viral lipid nanoparticle-based delivery system that encapsulates small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) to gene silence the key intrinsic inhibitory NK cell molecules, SHP-1, Cbl-b, and c-Cbl. The nanoparticles (NPs) target NK cells in vivo, silence inhibitory checkpoint signaling molecules, and unleash NK cell activity to eliminate tumors. Thus, the novel NP-based system developed here may serve as a powerful tool for future NK cell-based therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guy Biber
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Batel Sabag
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Anat Raiff
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Aviad Ben‐Shmuel
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Abhishek Puthenveetil
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Jennifer I C Benichou
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Tammir Jubany
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Moria Levy
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Shiran Killner
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
| | - Mira Barda‐Saad
- The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life SciencesBar‐Ilan UniversityRamat‐GanIsrael
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26
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Clara JA, Childs RW. Harnessing natural killer cells for the treatment of multiple myeloma. Semin Oncol 2022; 49:69-85. [DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2022.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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27
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Lian G, Mak TSK, Yu X, Lan HY. Challenges and Recent Advances in NK Cell-Targeted Immunotherapies in Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:164. [PMID: 35008589 PMCID: PMC8745474 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell is a powerful malignant cells killer, providing rapid immune responses via direct cytotoxicity without the need of antigen processing and presentation. It plays an essential role in preventing early tumor, metastasis and minimal residual disease. Although adoptive NK therapies achieved great success in clinical trials against hematologic malignancies, their accumulation, activation, cytotoxic and immunoregulatory functions are severely impaired in the immunosuppressive microenvironment of solid tumors. Now with better understandings of the tumor evasive mechanisms from NK-mediated immunosurveillance, immunotherapies targeting the key molecules for NK cell dysfunction and exhaustion have been developed and tested in both preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we introduce the challenges that NK cells encountered in solid tumor microenvironment (TME) and the therapeutic approaches to overcome these limitations, followed by an outline of the recent preclinical advances and the latest clinical outcomes of NK-based immunotherapies, as well as promising strategies to optimize current NK-targeted immunotherapies for solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Lian
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Research Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Thomas Shiu-Kwong Mak
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
| | - Xueqing Yu
- Guangdong-Hong Kong Joint Research Laboratory on Immunological and Genetic Kidney Diseases, Department of Pathology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China;
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Hui-Yao Lan
- Department of Medicine & Therapeutics, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China;
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P10s-PADRE vaccine combined with neoadjuvant chemotherapy in ER-positive breast cancer patients induces humoral and cellular immune responses. Oncotarget 2021; 12:2252-2265. [PMID: 34733416 PMCID: PMC8555684 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28083] [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: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer patients diagnosed with HR+/HER2– tumors face a persistent risk of distant recurrence long after completion of their treatment. Strategies to induce anti-tumor immune responses could complement standard-of-care therapies for these patients. The current study was performed to examine the feasibility, safety and immunogenicity of adding P10s-PADRE to standard-of-care chemotherapy in HR+/HER2− early-stage breast cancer patients. Twenty-five subjects were treated in a single-arm Phase Ib clinical trial. Five different immunization schedules were considered to evaluate the feasibility of eliciting an immune response. The primary immunogenicity endpoint was antibody titer. The expression of several activation markers on natural killer (NK) cells and serum concentrations of Th1/Th2 cytokines were also examined. The percentage of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) was determined. Antibody response was superior in schedule C where 3 weekly immunizations preceded the first dose of chemotherapy. A significant change in CD16, NKp46 and CD94 expression levels on NK cells and a rise in serum content of IFN-γ was observed after treatment. Schedule C showed an increase in TILs in residual lesions. The combination therapy is safe and immunogenic with treatment schedule C being immunologically promising. Randomized trials focused on long-term survival outcomes are needed to evaluate clinical benefits.
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29
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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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30
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Rowaiye AB, Asala T, Oli AN, Uzochukwu IC, Akpa A, Esimone CO. The Activating Receptors of Natural Killer Cells and Their Inter-Switching Potentials. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 21:1733-1751. [PMID: 32914713 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200910160929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The global incidence of cancer is on the increase and researchers are prospecting for specific and non-selective therapies derived from the immune system. The killer activating receptors of NK cells are known to be involved in immunosurveillance against tumor and virally-infected cells. These receptors belong to two main categories, namely the immunoglobulin like and C-lectin like families. Though they have different signal pathways, all the killer activating receptors have similar effector functions which include direct cytotoxicity and the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. To transduce signals that exceed the activation threshold for cytotoxicity, most of these receptors require synergistic effort. This review profiles 21 receptors: 13 immunoglobulin-like, 5 lectin-like, and 3 others. It critically explores their structural uniqueness, role in disease, respective transduction signal pathways and their status as current and prospective targets for cancer immunotherapy. While the native ligands of most of these receptors are known, much work is required to prospect for specific antibodies, peptides and multi-target small molecules with high binding affinities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Titilayo Asala
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Angus Nnamdi Oli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra state, Nigeria
| | - Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra state, Nigeria
| | - Alex Akpa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Charles Okechukwu Esimone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra state, Nigeria
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31
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Barros MDS, de Araújo ND, Magalhães-Gama F, Pereira Ribeiro TL, Alves Hanna FS, Tarragô AM, Malheiro A, Costa AG. γδ T Cells for Leukemia Immunotherapy: New and Expanding Trends. Front Immunol 2021; 12:729085. [PMID: 34630403 PMCID: PMC8493128 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, many discoveries have elucidated the cellular and molecular diversity in the leukemic microenvironment and improved our knowledge regarding their complex nature. This has allowed the development of new therapeutic strategies against leukemia. Advances in biotechnology and the current understanding of T cell-engineering have led to new approaches in this fight, thus improving cell-mediated immune response against cancer. However, most of the investigations focus only on conventional cytotoxic cells, while ignoring the potential of unconventional T cells that until now have been little studied. γδ T cells are a unique lymphocyte subpopulation that has an extensive repertoire of tumor sensing and may have new immunotherapeutic applications in a wide range of tumors. The ability to respond regardless of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) expression, the secretion of antitumor mediators and high functional plasticity are hallmarks of γδ T cells, and are ones that make them a promising alternative in the field of cell therapy. Despite this situation, in particular cases, the leukemic microenvironment can adopt strategies to circumvent the antitumor response of these lymphocytes, causing their exhaustion or polarization to a tumor-promoting phenotype. Intervening in this crosstalk can improve their capabilities and clinical applications and can make them key components in new therapeutic antileukemic approaches. In this review, we highlight several characteristics of γδ T cells and their interactions in leukemia. Furthermore, we explore strategies for maximizing their antitumor functions, aiming to illustrate the findings destined for a better mobilization of γδ T cells against the tumor. Finally, we outline our perspectives on their therapeutic applicability and indicate outstanding issues for future basic and clinical leukemia research, in the hope of contributing to the advancement of studies on γδ T cells in cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateus de Souza Barros
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Nilberto Dias de Araújo
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fábio Magalhães-Gama
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Instituto René Rachou - Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ) Minas, Belo Horizonte, Brazil
| | - Thaís Lohana Pereira Ribeiro
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Fabíola Silva Alves Hanna
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Andréa Monteiro Tarragô
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Hematologia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Adriana Malheiro
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Hematologia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Brazil
| | - Allyson Guimarães Costa
- Diretoria de Ensino e Pesquisa, Fundação Hospitalar de Hematologia e Hemoterapia do Amazonas (HEMOAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Imunologia Básica e Aplicada, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Amazonas (UFAM), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Aplicadas à Hematologia, Universidade do Estado do Amazonas (UEA), Manaus, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Tropical, UEA, Manaus, Brazil
- Instituto de Pesquisa Clínica Carlos Borborema, Fundação de Medicina Tropical Doutor Heitor Vieira Dourado (FMT-HVD), Manaus, Brazil
- Escola de Enfermagem de Manaus, UFAM, Manaus, Brazil
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Gardner G, Fraker CA. Natural Killer Cells as Key Mediators in Type I Diabetes Immunopathology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:722979. [PMID: 34489972 PMCID: PMC8417893 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.722979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The immunopathology of type I diabetes (T1D) presents a complicated case in part because of the multifactorial origin of this disease. Typically, T1D is thought to occur as a result of autoimmunity toward islets of Langerhans, resulting in the destruction of insulin-producing cells (β cells) and thus lifelong reliance on exogenous insulin. However, that explanation obscures much of the underlying mechanism, and the actual precipitating events along with the associated actors (latent viral infection, diverse immune cell types and their roles) are not completely understood. Notably, there is a malfunctioning in the regulation of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that target endocrine cells through antigen-mediated attack. Further examination has revealed the likelihood of an imbalance in distinct subpopulations of tolerogenic and cytotoxic natural killer (NK) cells that may be the catalyst of adaptive immune system malfunction. The contributions of components outside the immune system, including environmental factors such as chronic viral infection also need more consideration, and much of the recent literature investigating the origins of this disease have focused on these factors. In this review, the details of the immunopathology of T1D regarding NK cell disfunction is discussed, along with how those mechanisms stand within the context of general autoimmune disorders. Finally, the rarer cases of latent autoimmune, COVID-19 (viral), and immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) induced diabetes are discussed as their exceptional pathology offers insight into the evolution of the disease as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christopher A. Fraker
- Tissue and Biomedical Engineering Laboratory, Leonard M. Miller School of Medicine, Diabetes Research Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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Leung EYL, McNeish IA. Strategies to Optimise Oncolytic Viral Therapies: The Role of Natural Killer Cells. Viruses 2021; 13:1450. [PMID: 34452316 PMCID: PMC8402671 DOI: 10.3390/v13081450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic viruses (OVs) are an emerging class of anti-cancer agents that replicate selectively within malignant cells and generate potent immune responses. Their potential efficacy has been shown in clinical trials, with talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC or IMLYGIC®) now approved both in the United States and Europe. In healthy individuals, NK cells provide effective surveillance against cancer and viral infections. In oncolytic viral therapy, NK cells may render OV ineffective by rapid elimination of the propagating virus but could also improve therapeutic efficacy by preferential killing of OV-infected malignant cells. Existing evidence suggests that the overall effect of NK cells against OV is context dependent. In the past decade, the understanding of cancer and OV biology has improved significantly, which helped refine this class of treatments in early-phase clinical trials. In this review, we summarised different strategies that have been evaluated to modulate NK activities for improving OV therapeutic benefits. Further development of OVs will require a systematic approach to overcome the challenges of the production and delivery of complex gene and cell-based therapies in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaine Y. L. Leung
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Iain A. McNeish
- Ovarian Cancer Action Research Centre, Department of Surgery and Cancer, IRDB Building, Imperial College London, London W12 0NN, UK
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Immunomodulation: An immune regulatory mechanism in carcinoma therapeutics. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 99:107984. [PMID: 34303999 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.107984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer has been generally related to the possession of numerous mutations which interrupt important signaling pathways. Nevertheless, deregulated immunological signaling is considered as one of the key factors associated with the development and progression of cancer. The signaling pathways operate as modular network with different components interacting in a switch-like fashion with two proteins interplaying between each other leading to direct or indirect inhibition or stimulation of down-stream factors. Genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptomic alterations maintain the pathological conduit of different signaling pathways via affecting diverse mechanisms including cell destiny. At present, immunotherapy is one of the best therapies opted for cancer treatment. The cancer immunotherapy strategy includes harnessing the specificity and killing mechanisms of the immunological system to target and eradicate malignant cells. Targeted therapies utilizing several little molecules including Galunisertib, Astragaloside-IV, Melatonin, and Jervine capable of regulating key signaling pathways can effectively help in the management of different carcinomas.
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35
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Mattiola I. Immune Circuits to Shape Natural Killer Cells in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133225. [PMID: 34203391 PMCID: PMC8267947 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2021] [Revised: 06/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer (NK) cells are circulating innate lymphocytes endowed with antitumoral functions. NK cells are the innate counterpart of effector T cells and among the first cells responding to infections and tumors. In this review, the immune circuits regulating the NK cell antitumoral functions and the possible strategies to shape natural killing in cancer will be discussed. Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphoid cells playing an important role in anti-cancer immunity. NK cells are efficient in controlling the spreading of metastasis but are not very powerful in fighting against primary tumors. The NK cell capability to infiltrate and persist in the tumor microenvironment and to exert their antitumoral functions is often limited by tumor escape mechanisms. These tumor-mediated strategies not only induce NK cell tolerance but also interfere with the NK cell-dependent immune networking. This review will provide an overview of the tumor escape mechanisms impacting NK cells, identify the immune circuits regulating the NK cell-dependent antitumor immunity and revise the emerging therapeutic approaches to unleash NK cells in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irene Mattiola
- Laboratory of Innate Immunity, Department of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Hindenburgdamm 30, 12203 Berlin, Germany;
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Anna-Louisa-Karsch Strasse 2, 10117 Berlin, Germany
- Mucosal and Developmental Immunology, Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, Charitéplatz 1, 10117 Berlin, Germany
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Baltayeva J, Konwar C, Castellana B, Mara DL, Christians JK, Beristain AG. Obesogenic diet exposure alters uterine natural killer cell biology and impairs vasculature remodeling in mice†. Biol Reprod 2021; 102:63-75. [PMID: 31436293 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioz163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Prepregnancy obesity associates with adverse reproductive outcomes that impact maternal and fetal health. While obesity-driven mechanisms underlying adverse pregnancy outcomes remain unclear, local uterine immune cells are strong but poorly studied candidates. Uterine immune cells, particularly uterine natural killer cells (uNKs), play central roles in orchestrating developmental events in pregnancy. However, the effect of obesity on uNK biology is poorly understood. Using an obesogenic high-fat/high-sugar diet (HFD) mouse model, we set out to examine the effects of maternal obesity on uNK composition and establishment of the maternal-fetal interface. HFD exposure resulted in weight gain-dependent increases in systemic inflammation and rates of fetal resorption. While HFD did not affect total uNK frequencies, HFD exposure did lead to an increase in natural cytotoxicity receptor-1 expressing uNKs as well as overall uNK activity. Importantly, HFD-associated changes in uNK coincided with impairments in uterine artery remodeling in mid but not late pregnancy. Comparison of uNK mRNA transcripts from control and HFD mice identified HFD-directed changes in genes that play roles in promoting activity/cytotoxicity and vascular biology. Together, this work provides new insight into how obesity may impact uNK processes central to the establishment of the maternal-fetal interface in early and mid pregnancy. Moreover, these findings shed light on the cellular processes affected by maternal obesity that may relate to overall pregnancy health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennet Baltayeva
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Chaini Konwar
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Barbara Castellana
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Danielle L Mara
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Julian K Christians
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, Canada
| | - Alexander G Beristain
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, Canada.,Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Rettman P, Blunt MD, Fulton RJ, Vallejo AF, Bastidas-Legarda LY, España-Serrano L, Polak ME, Al-Shamkhani A, Retiere C, Khakoo SI. Peptide: MHC-based DNA vaccination strategy to activate natural killer cells by targeting killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e001912. [PMID: 34016721 PMCID: PMC8141441 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are increasingly being recognized as agents for cancer immunotherapy. The killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are expressed by NK cells and are immunogenetic determinants of the outcome of cancer. In particular, KIR2DS2 is associated with protective responses to several cancers and also direct recognition of cancer targets in vitro. Due to the high homology between activating and inhibitory KIR genes to date, it has been challenging to target individual KIR for therapeutic benefit. METHODS A novel KIR2DS2-targeting therapeutic peptide:MHC DNA vaccine was designed and used to immunize mice transgenic for KIR genes (KIR-Tg). NK cells were isolated from the livers and spleens of vaccinated mice and then analyzed for activation by flow cytometry, RNA profiling and cytotoxicity assays. In vivo assays of NK cell function using a syngeneic cancer model (B16 melanoma) and an adoptive transfer model for human hepatocellular carcinoma (Huh7) were performed. RESULTS Injecting KIR-Tg mice with the vaccine construct activated NK cells in both liver and spleens of mice, with preferential activation of KIR2DS2-positive NK cells. KIR-specific activation was most marked on the CD11b+CD27+ mature subset of NK cells. RNA profiling indicated that the DNA vaccine upregulated genes associated with cellular metabolism and downregulated genes related to histone H3 methylation, which are associated with immune cell maturation and NK cell function. Vaccination led to canonical and cross-reactive peptide:MHC-specific NK cell responses. In vivo, DNA vaccination led to enhanced antitumor responses against B16F10 melanoma cells and also enhanced responses against a tumor model expressing the KIR2DS2 ligand HLA-C*0102. CONCLUSION We show the feasibility of a peptide-based KIR-targeting vaccine strategy to activate NK cells and hence generate functional antitumor responses. This approach does not require detailed knowledge of the tumor peptidomes nor HLA matching with the patient. It therefore offers a novel opportunity for targeting NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cancer Vaccines/administration & dosage
- Cancer Vaccines/genetics
- Cancer Vaccines/immunology
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic/drug effects
- HLA-C Antigens/administration & dosage
- HLA-C Antigens/genetics
- HLA-C Antigens/immunology
- Haplotypes
- Humans
- Killer Cells, Natural/drug effects
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Lectins, C-Type/genetics
- Lectins, C-Type/immunology
- Lectins, C-Type/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/immunology
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Lymphocyte Activation/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/drug effects
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/immunology
- Lymphocytes, Tumor-Infiltrating/metabolism
- Melanoma, Experimental/drug therapy
- Melanoma, Experimental/genetics
- Melanoma, Experimental/immunology
- Melanoma, Experimental/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Transgenic
- Peptides/administration & dosage
- Peptides/genetics
- Peptides/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/genetics
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/metabolism
- Receptors, KIR/genetics
- Receptors, KIR/immunology
- Receptors, KIR/metabolism
- Skin Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Skin Neoplasms/genetics
- Skin Neoplasms/immunology
- Skin Neoplasms/metabolism
- Vaccination
- Vaccines, DNA/administration & dosage
- Vaccines, DNA/genetics
- Vaccines, DNA/immunology
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Rettman
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Rebecca J Fulton
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Andres F Vallejo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Leidy Y Bastidas-Legarda
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Laura España-Serrano
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Marta E Polak
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Aymen Al-Shamkhani
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Killing the Invaders: NK Cell Impact in Tumors and Anti-Tumor Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040595. [PMID: 33546248 PMCID: PMC7913353 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary NK cells are innate lymphoid cells involved in the control of tumor growth and metastatic spread. Given their significant cytolytic capacity, several promising strategies have been developed to target NK cells in cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Natural Killer cells belong to group 1 innate lymphoid cells, which also includes ILC1s. NK/ILC1s are highly heterogeneous cell types showing distinct phenotypes across tissues and conditions. NK cells have long been described as innate lymphocytes able to directly and rapidly kill tumor cells without antigen-restriction. Different mechanisms were shown to modulate NK cell activation and tumor resistance, mainly based on cytokine stimulation and receptor–ligand interactions, and several strategies have been developed to target NK cells in tumor immunotherapy to promote NK cell function and overcome tumor evasion. The characterization of ILC1 distinct phenotype and function and the specific role in tumors still needs further investigation and will be essential to better understand the impact of innate lymphoid cells in tumors. Here, we review key aspects of NK cell biology that are relevant in tumor immune surveillance, emphasizing the most recent findings in the field. We describe the novel therapeutical strategies that have been developed in tumor immunotherapy targeting NK cells, and we summarize some recent findings related to NK cell/ILC1 transition in tumor models.
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Sugawara S, Manickam C, Reeves K. TRIGGERED: could refocused cell signaling be key to natural killer cell-based HIV immunotherapeutics? AIDS 2021; 35:165-176. [PMID: 33116071 PMCID: PMC7775286 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the critical innate immune effector cells that directly kill tumors and virus-infected cells, and modulate other immune cells including dendritic cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Signals from activating and inhibitory surface receptors orchestrate the regulatory and cytotoxic functions of NK cells. Although a number of surface receptors are involved, multiple signaling molecules are shared so that NK cell responses are synergistically regulated. Many pathogens and tumors evade NK cell responses by targeting NK cell signaling. Particularly in HIV/simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) infection, the NK cell repertoire is diminished by changes in subsets of NK cells, expression of activating and inhibitory receptors, and intracellular signaling molecules. However, in-depth studies on intracellular signaling in NK cells in HIV/SIV infections remain limited. Checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells have demonstrated enhanced NK cell activities against tumors and viral infections. In addition, targeting intracellular signaling molecules by small molecules could also improve NK cell responses towards HIV/SIV infection in vivo. Therefore, further understanding of NK cell signaling including identification of key signaling molecules is crucial to maximize the efficacy of NK cell-based treatments. Herein, we review the current state of the literature and outline potential future avenues where optimized NK cells could be utilized in HIV-1 cure strategies and other immunotherapeutics in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sho Sugawara
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Cordelia Manickam
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Keith Reeves
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
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40
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Lee Y, Shin H, Kim J. In vivo Anti-Cancer Effects of Resveratrol Mediated by NK Cell Activation. J Innate Immun 2020; 13:94-106. [PMID: 32937636 DOI: 10.1159/000510315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune lymphocytes that play an important role in anti-viral and anti-tumour immune responses. Several cancer immunotherapy approaches targeting NK cells are currently in clinical or preclinical development. Here, we aimed to find food nutrients that activate NK cells and determine their usefulness as candidates for anti-cancer and anti-metastatic drugs. Resveratrol appeared to activate NK cells most effectively among the substances tested and synergistically increased IFN-γ secretion and NK cell cytotoxicity with interleukin-2 (IL-2). CD107a, NKp30, and NKG2D expression levels were upregulated on the surface of NK cells upon treatment with resveratrol in combination with IL-2 compared with treatment with IL-2 alone. Moreover, NK cell activity in human and mouse whole blood was enhanced upon treatment with resveratrol. Most importantly, administration of resveratrol effectively inhibited tumour growth and metastasis in mice. In conclusion, we suggest that resveratrol may represent a candidate anti-cancer drug that acts by activating NK cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoojin Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Heewook Shin
- Department of Microbiology and Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.,Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongsun Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea,
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Abstract
Immunotherapy with checkpoint blockade induces rapid and durable immune control of cancer in some patients and has driven a monumental shift in cancer treatment. Neoantigen-specific CD8+ T cells are at the forefront of current immunotherapy strategies, and the majority of drug discovery and clinical trials revolve around further harnessing these immune effectors. Yet the immune system contains a diverse range of antitumour effector cells, and these must function in a coordinated and synergistic manner to overcome the immune-evasion mechanisms used by tumours and achieve complete control with tumour eradication. A key antitumour effector is the natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic innate lymphocytes present at high frequency in the circulatory system and identified by their exquisite ability to spontaneously detect and lyse transformed or stressed cells. Emerging data show a role for intratumoural NK cells in driving immunotherapy response and, accordingly, there have been renewed efforts to further elucidate and target the pathways controlling NK cell antitumour function. In this Review, we discuss recent clinical evidence that NK cells are a key immune constituent in the protective antitumour immune response and highlight the major stages of the cancer-NK cell immunity cycle. We also perform a new analysis of publicly available transcriptomic data to provide an overview of the prognostic value of NK cell gene expression in 25 tumour types. Furthermore, we discuss how the role of NK cells evolves with tumour progression, presenting new opportunities to target NK cell function to enhance cancer immunotherapy response rates across a more diverse range of cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas D Huntington
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- oNKo-Innate Pty Ltd, Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Joseph Cursons
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
- oNKo-Innate Pty Ltd, Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Jai Rautela
- Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
- oNKo-Innate Pty Ltd, Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia
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42
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Obajdin J, Davies DM, Maher J. Engineering of chimeric natural killer cell receptors to develop precision adoptive immunotherapies for cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2020; 202:11-27. [PMID: 32544282 PMCID: PMC7488126 DOI: 10.1111/cei.13478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune effectors which play a crucial role in recognizing and eliminating virally infected and cancerous cells. They effectively distinguish between healthy and distressed self through the integration of signals delivered by germline‐encoded activating and inhibitory cell surface receptors. The frequent up‐regulation of stress markers on genetically unstable cancer cells has prompted the development of novel immunotherapies that exploit such innate receptors. One prominent example entails the development of chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) that detect cell surface ligands bound by NK receptors, coupling this engagement to the delivery of tailored immune activating signals. Here, we review strategies to engineer CARs in which specificity is conferred by natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) or other NK receptor types. Multiple preclinical studies have demonstrated the remarkable ability of chimeric NK receptor‐targeted T cells and NK cells to effectively and specifically eliminate cancer cells and to reject established tumour burdens. Importantly, such systems act not only acutely but, in some cases, they also incite immunological memory. Moreover, CARs targeted with the NKG2D ligand binding domain have also been shown to disrupt the tumour microenvironment, through the targeting of suppressive T regulatory cells, myeloid‐derived suppressor cells and tumour vasculature. Collectively, these findings have led to the initiation of early‐phase clinical trials evaluating both autologous and allogeneic NKG2D‐targeted CAR T cells in the haematological and solid tumour settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Obajdin
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, CAR Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - D M Davies
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, CAR Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK
| | - J Maher
- School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, CAR Mechanics Laboratory, Guy's Cancer Centre, King's College London, London, UK.,Department of Clinical Immunology and Allergy, King's College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK.,Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Eastbourne, UK.,Leucid Bio Ltd, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
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43
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Lo Presti E, Dieli F, Fourniè JJ, Meraviglia S. Deciphering human γδ T cell response in cancer: Lessons from tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells. Immunol Rev 2020; 298:153-164. [PMID: 32691450 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/30/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The finding that γδ T cells are present among tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in humans suggests they participate in tumor immune surveillance, but their relevance is unclear because the relative abundance of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells correlates with positive or negative, or even do not correlate with prognosis. This likely depends on the fact that tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells may play substantially different effector or regulatory functions, and correlation with patient's prognosis relies on distinct γδ T cell subsets in the context of the tumor. There is interest to exploit γδ T cells in tumor immunotherapy, but to make this approach successful there is urgent need to fully understand the biological functions of γδ T cells and of how they can be manipulated in vivo and ex vivo to safely provide benefit to the host. This review focuses on our previous and ongoing studies of tumor-infiltrating γδ T lymphocytes in different types of human cancer. Moreover, we discuss the interaction of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cells with other cells and molecules present in the tumor microenvironment, and their clinical relevance on the ground, that deep knowledge in this field can be used further for better immunotherapeutic intervention in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Lo Presti
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Jean Jacques Fourniè
- Centre de Recherches en Cancérologie de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Toulouse University, Toulouse, France.,ERL 5294 CNRS, Toulouse, France.,Institut Universitaire du Cancer-Oncopole de Toulouse, Toulouse, France.,Laboratoire d'Excellence 'TOUCAN', Toulouse, France
| | - Serena Meraviglia
- Central Laboratory of Advanced Diagnosis and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy.,Department of Biomedicine, Neurosciences and Advanced Diagnosis (BIND), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
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44
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Rautela J, Surgenor E, Huntington ND. Drug target validation in primary human natural killer cells using CRISPR RNP. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1397-1408. [PMID: 33463756 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2ma0620-074r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to genetically modify CD8 T cells using viral gene delivery has facilitated the development of next generation of cancer immunotherapies such as chimeric Ag receptor (CAR) T cells engineered to specifically kill tumor cells. Development of immunotherapies targeting NK cells have stalled in part by their resistance to traditional viral gene delivery systems. Here, an efficient approach is described to genetically edit human NK cells by electroporation and CRISPR-Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complexes. Electroporation pulse codes and buffer optimization for protein uptake by human NK cells and viability, and the efficiency of this approach over other methods are detailed. To highlight the transformative step this technique will have for NK cell immunotherapy drug discovery, NCR1 and CISH are deleted in primary human NK cells and murine findings are validated on their key roles in regulating NK cell antitumor function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jai Rautela
- Molecular Immunology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Elliot Surgenor
- Molecular Immunology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicholas D Huntington
- Molecular Immunology Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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45
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Meza Guzman LG, Keating N, Nicholson SE. Natural Killer Cells: Tumor Surveillance and Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040952. [PMID: 32290478 PMCID: PMC7226588 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in cancer immunotherapy due to their innate ability to detect and kill tumorigenic cells. The decision to kill is determined by the expression of a myriad of activating and inhibitory receptors on the NK cell surface. Cell-to-cell engagement results in either self-tolerance or a cytotoxic response, governed by a fine balance between the signaling cascades downstream of the activating and inhibitory receptors. To evade a cytotoxic immune response, tumor cells can modulate the surface expression of receptor ligands and additionally, alter the conditions in the tumor microenvironment (TME), tilting the scales toward a suppressed cytotoxic NK response. To fully harness the killing power of NK cells for clinical benefit, we need to understand what defines the threshold for activation and what is required to break tolerance. This review will focus on the intracellular signaling pathways activated or suppressed in NK cells and the roles signaling intermediates play during an NK cytotoxic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lizeth G. Meza Guzman
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (L.G.M.G.); (S.E.N.); Tel.: +61-9345-2555 (S.E.N.)
| | - Narelle Keating
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sandra E. Nicholson
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia;
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Correspondence: (L.G.M.G.); (S.E.N.); Tel.: +61-9345-2555 (S.E.N.)
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46
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El-Kenawi A, Hänggi K, Ruffell B. The Immune Microenvironment and Cancer Metastasis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:a037424. [PMID: 31501262 PMCID: PMC7117953 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a037424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The dynamic interplay between neoplastic cells and the immune microenvironment regulates every step of the metastatic process. Immune cells contribute to invasion by secreting a cornucopia of inflammatory factors that promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and remodeling of the stroma. Cancer cells then intravasate to the circulatory system assisted by macrophages and use several pathways to avoid recognition by cytotoxtic lymphocytes and phagocytes. Circulating tumor cells that manage to adhere to the vasculature and encounter premetastic niches are able to use the associated myeloid cells to extravasate into ectopic organs and establish a dormant microscopic colony. If successful at avoiding repetitive immune attack, dormant cells can subsequently grow into overt, clinically detectable metastatic lesions, which ultimately account to most cancer-related deaths. Understanding how disseminated tumor cells evade and corrupt the immune system during the final stages of metastasis will be pivotal in developing new therapeutic modalities that combat metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa El-Kenawi
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Kay Hänggi
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
| | - Brian Ruffell
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
- Department of Breast Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA
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47
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Melaiu O, Lucarini V, Cifaldi L, Fruci D. Influence of the Tumor Microenvironment on NK Cell Function in Solid Tumors. Front Immunol 2020; 10:3038. [PMID: 32038612 PMCID: PMC6985149 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.03038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 241] [Impact Index Per Article: 60.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a population of innate lymphoid cells playing a pivotal role in host immune responses against infection and tumor growth. These cells have a powerful cytotoxic activity orchestrated by an intricate network of inhibitory and activating signals. The importance of NK cells in controlling tumor growth and in mediating a robust anti-metastatic effect has been demonstrated in different experimental mouse cancer models. Consistently, high density of tumor-infiltrating NK cells has been linked with a good prognosis in multiple human solid tumors. However, there are also tumors that appear to be refractory to NK cell-mediated killing for the presence of an immunosuppressive microenvironment affecting NK cell function. Immunotherapeutic strategies aimed at restoring and increasing the cytotoxic activity of NK cells in solid tumors, including the adoptive transfer of NK and CAR-NK cells, are currently employed in preclinical and clinical studies. In this review, we outline recent advances supporting the direct role of NK cells in controlling expansion of solid tumors and their prognostic value in human cancers. We summarize the mechanisms adopted by cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment to affect NK cell function, and finally we evaluate current strategies to augment the antitumor function of NK cells for the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ombretta Melaiu
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy.,Department of Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Valeria Lucarini
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Cifaldi
- Academic Department of Pediatrics (DPUO), Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Doriana Fruci
- Paediatric Haematology/Oncology Department, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
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48
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Duval KEA, Petryk JD, Crary-Burney MA, Demidenko E, Wagner RJ, Hoopes PJ. mNP hyperthermia and hypofractionated radiation activate similar immunogenetic and cytotoxic pathways. Int J Hyperthermia 2020; 37:929-937. [PMID: 32757666 PMCID: PMC10795105 DOI: 10.1080/02656736.2020.1802070] [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: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/17/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The goal of this study is to better understand the immunogenetic expression and related cytotoxic responses of moderate but clinically relevant doses of hypofractionated radiation (1x15 Gy and 3x8 Gy) and magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia (mNPH, CEM43 30). METHODS Genetic, protein, immunopathology and tumor growth delay assessments were used to determine the immune and cytotoxic responses following radiation and mNPH alone and in combination. Although the thermal dose used, 43 C°/30 min (CEM43 30), typically results in modest independent cytotoxicity, it has shown the ability to stimulate an immune response and enhance other cancer treatments. The radiation doses studied (15 Gy and 3x8 Gy) are commonly used in preclinical research and are effective in selected stereotactic and palliative treatment settings, however they are not commonly used as first-line primary tumor treatment regimens. RESULTS Our RNA-based genetic results suggest that while many of the cytotoxic and immune gene and protein pathways for radiation and hyperthermia are similar, radiation, at the doses used, results in a more consistent and expansive anti-cancer immune/cytotoxic expression profile. These results were supported by immunohistochemistry based cytotoxic T-cell tumor infiltration and tumor growth delay studies. When used together radiation and hyperthermia led to greater immune and cytotoxic activity than either modality alone. CONCLUSION This study clearly shows that modest, but commonly used hypofractionated radiation and hyperthermia doses share many important immune and cytotoxic pathways and that combining the treatments, as compared to either treatment alone, results in genetic and biological anti-cancer benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - James D. Petryk
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
| | | | | | | | - P. Jack Hoopes
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
- Geisel School of Medicine, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH, USA
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49
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Mikulak J, Oriolo F, Bruni E, Roberto A, Colombo FS, Villa A, Bosticardo M, Bortolomai I, Lo Presti E, Meraviglia S, Dieli F, Vetrano S, Danese S, Della Bella S, Carvello MM, Sacchi M, Cugini G, Colombo G, Klinger M, Spaggiari P, Roncalli M, Prinz I, Ravens S, di Lorenzo B, Marcenaro E, Silva-Santos B, Spinelli A, Mavilio D. NKp46-expressing human gut-resident intraepithelial Vδ1 T cell subpopulation exhibits high antitumor activity against colorectal cancer. JCI Insight 2019; 4:125884. [PMID: 31689241 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.125884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells account for a large fraction of human intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IELs) endowed with potent antitumor activities. However, little is known about their origin, phenotype, and clinical relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC). To determine γδ IEL gut specificity, homing, and functions, γδ T cells were purified from human healthy blood, lymph nodes, liver, skin, and intestine, either disease-free, affected by CRC, or generated from thymic precursors. The constitutive expression of NKp46 specifically identifies a subset of cytotoxic Vδ1 T cells representing the largest fraction of gut-resident IELs. The ontogeny and gut-tropism of NKp46+/Vδ1 IELs depends both on distinctive features of Vδ1 thymic precursors and gut-environmental factors. Either the constitutive presence of NKp46 on tissue-resident Vδ1 intestinal IELs or its induced expression on IL-2/IL-15-activated Vδ1 thymocytes are associated with antitumor functions. Higher frequencies of NKp46+/Vδ1 IELs in tumor-free specimens from CRC patients correlate with a lower risk of developing metastatic III/IV disease stages. Additionally, our in vitro settings reproducing CRC tumor microenvironment inhibited the expansion of NKp46+/Vδ1 cells from activated thymic precursors. These results parallel the very low frequencies of NKp46+/Vδ1 IELs able to infiltrate CRC, thus providing insights to either follow-up cancer progression or to develop adoptive cellular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Mikulak
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Oriolo
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Bruni
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Federico S Colombo
- Humanitas Flow Cytometry Core, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy.,Istituto di Ricerca Genetica e Biomedica, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy
| | - Marita Bosticardo
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ileana Bortolomai
- San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy (SR-TIGET), Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Lo Presti
- Central Laboratory for Advanced Diagnostic and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR) and.,Department of Biopathology and Medical Biotechnologies (DIBIMED), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Serena Meraviglia
- Central Laboratory for Advanced Diagnostic and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR) and.,Department of Biopathology and Medical Biotechnologies (DIBIMED), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Francesco Dieli
- Central Laboratory for Advanced Diagnostic and Biomedical Research (CLADIBIOR) and.,Department of Biopathology and Medical Biotechnologies (DIBIMED), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Stefania Vetrano
- IBD Center, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Immunopathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvio Danese
- IBD Center, Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Immunopathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Della Bella
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Marco Klinger
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Plastic Surgery Unit, and
| | - Paola Spaggiari
- Department of Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Colon and Rectal Surgery Unit.,Otorhinolaryngology Department.,Plastic Surgery Unit, and.,Department of Pathology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sarina Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Biagio di Lorenzo
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, and.,Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine and.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Antonino Spinelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Colon and Rectal Surgery Unit
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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50
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Overgaard NH, Fan TM, Schachtschneider KM, Principe DR, Schook LB, Jungersen G. Of Mice, Dogs, Pigs, and Men: Choosing the Appropriate Model for Immuno-Oncology Research. ILAR J 2019; 59:247-262. [PMID: 30476148 DOI: 10.1093/ilar/ily014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays dual roles in response to cancer. The host immune system protects against tumor formation via immunosurveillance; however, recognition of the tumor by immune cells also induces sculpting mechanisms leading to a Darwinian selection of tumor cell variants with reduced immunogenicity. Cancer immunoediting is the concept used to describe the complex interplay between tumor cells and the immune system. This concept, commonly referred to as the three E's, is encompassed by 3 distinct phases of elimination, equilibrium, and escape. Despite impressive results in the clinic, cancer immunotherapy still has room for improvement as many patients remain unresponsive to therapy. Moreover, many of the preclinical results obtained in the widely used mouse models of cancer are lost in translation to human patients. To improve the success rate of immuno-oncology research and preclinical testing of immune-based anticancer therapies, using alternative animal models more closely related to humans is a promising approach. Here, we describe 2 of the major alternative model systems: canine (spontaneous) and porcine (experimental) cancer models. Although dogs display a high rate of spontaneous tumor formation, an increased number of genetically modified porcine models exist. We suggest that the optimal immuno-oncology model may depend on the stage of cancer immunoediting in question. In particular, the spontaneous canine tumor models provide a unique platform for evaluating therapies aimed at the escape phase of cancer, while genetically engineered swine allow for elucidation of tumor-immune cell interactions especially during the phases of elimination and equilibrium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nana H Overgaard
- Department of Micro- and Nanotechnology, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Timothy M Fan
- Department of Veterinary Clinical Medicine, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
| | | | - Daniel R Principe
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lawrence B Schook
- Department of Radiology, University of Illinois, Chicago, Illinois.,Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
| | - Gregers Jungersen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark
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