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Cantoni C, Falco M, Vitale M, Pietra G, Munari E, Pende D, Mingari MC, Sivori S, Moretta L. Human NK cells and cancer. Oncoimmunology 2024; 13:2378520. [PMID: 39022338 PMCID: PMC11253890 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2024.2378520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/05/2024] [Indexed: 07/20/2024] Open
Abstract
The long story of NK cells started about 50 y ago with the first demonstration of a natural cytotoxic activity within an undefined subset of circulating leukocytes, has involved an ever-growing number of researchers, fascinated by the apparently easy-to-reach aim of getting a "universal anti-tumor immune tool". In fact, in spite of the impressive progress obtained in the first decades, these cells proved far more complex than expected and, paradoxically, the accumulating findings have continuously moved forward the attainment of a complete control of their function for immunotherapy. The refined studies of these latter years have indicated that NK cells can epigenetically calibrate their functional potential, in response to specific environmental contexts, giving rise to extraordinarily variegated subpopulations, comprehensive of memory-like cells, tissue-resident cells, or cells in various differentiation stages, or distinct functional states. In addition, NK cells can adapt their activity in response to a complex body of signals, spanning from the interaction with either suppressive or stimulating cells (myeloid-derived suppressor cells or dendritic cells, respectively) to the engagement of various receptors (specific for immune checkpoints, cytokines, tumor/viral ligands, or mediating antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity). According to this picture, the idea of an easy and generalized exploitation of NK cells is changing, and the way is opening toward new carefully designed, combined and personalized therapeutic strategies, also based on the use of genetically modified NK cells and stimuli capable of strengthening and redirecting their effector functions against cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University and Hospital Trust of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- UO Pathology and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico, San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Bambino Gesù Children’s Hospital IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Czaplicka A, Lachota M, Pączek L, Zagożdżon R, Kaleta B. Chimeric Antigen Receptor T Cell Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer: A Review of Current Evidence. Cells 2024; 13:101. [PMID: 38201305 PMCID: PMC10777940 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010101] [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: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has revolutionized the treatment of malignant and non-malignant disorders. CARs are synthetic transmembrane receptors expressed on genetically modified immune effector cells, including T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, or macrophages, which are able to recognize specific surface antigens on target cells and eliminate them. CAR-modified immune cells mediate cytotoxic antitumor effects via numerous mechanisms, including the perforin and granzyme pathway, Fas and Fas Ligand (FasL) pathway, and cytokine secretion. High hopes are associated with the prospective use of the CAR-T strategy against solid cancers, especially the ones resistant to standard oncological therapies, such as pancreatic cancer (PC). Herein, we summarize the current pre-clinical and clinical studies evaluating potential tumor-associated antigens (TAA), CAR-T cell toxicities, and their efficacy in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Czaplicka
- Department of Internal Medicine and Gastroenterology, Mazovian “Bródnowski” Hospital, 03-242 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Mieszko Lachota
- Laboratory of Cellular and Genetic Therapies, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (R.Z.)
| | - Leszek Pączek
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Radosław Zagożdżon
- Laboratory of Cellular and Genetic Therapies, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-091 Warsaw, Poland; (M.L.); (R.Z.)
| | - Beata Kaleta
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-006 Warsaw, Poland;
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Zarei M, Abdoli S, Farazmandfar T, Shahbazi M. Lenalidomide improves NKG2D-based CAR-T cell activity against colorectal cancer cells invitro. Heliyon 2023; 9:e20460. [PMID: 37790973 PMCID: PMC10543764 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e20460] [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: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although CAR-based immunotherapy is viewed as a promising treatment for tumors, particularly hematological malignancies, solid tumors can pose challenges. It has been suggested that the immunomodulatory medication Lenalidomide (LEN) may increase the effectiveness of CAR T cells in the treatment of solid tumors. The purpose of our study was to investigate the effect of NKG2D-based CAR T cell therapy on colorectal cancer cell lines, and then we assessed combinatorial therapy using NKG2D CAR T cells and lenalidomide in vitro. Methods and results To prepare NKG2D CAR T cells, a second-generation NKG2D-CAR construct was designed and transfected into the T cells using a lentiviral system. The NKG2D CAR T cells showed significantly higher cytotoxic activity against colorectal cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480, compared to untransduced T cells. In addition, our data demonstrated that the cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion of NKG2D CAR T cells significantly increased in the presence of higher doses of lenalidomide. Conclusions The study findings suggest that combinational therapy, utilizing NKG2D-based CAR T cells and lenalidomide, has a high potential for effectively eliminating tumor cells in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Zarei
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Shahriyar Abdoli
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Touraj Farazmandfar
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Majid Shahbazi
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
- AryaTina Gene (ATG) Biopharmaceutical Company Gorgan, Iran
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Jiang J, Liu Y, Zeng Y, Fang B, Chen Y. Annihilation of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer by NKG2D CAR-T Cells Produced from T Cells from Peripheral Blood of Healthy Donors. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:445-454. [PMID: 37819621 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2023.0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Some progress has been made in immunotherapy with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells targeting NKG2D-NKG2DL with the purpose of eradicating solid tumors. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been shown to express NKG2DL. This study hence evaluated the therapeutic effect of NKG2D CAR-T cells on NSCLC. Accordingly, NKG2D CAR-T cells were obtained from diverse human autologous T cell sources. T cells from peripheral blood T lymphocytes of healthy volunteers (without NKG2D CAR insertion) were used as NT-T cells. Coculture of effector cells (CAR-T cells or NT-T cells) with target cells (NSCLC cells such as PC-9 or NCL-H460 cells) was performed at different ratios. The cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells was examined using lactate dehydrogenase assay kits. Murine xenograft assay was conducted to investigate the in vivo antitumor effect of CAR-T cells. Cytokines secreted from CAR-T cells were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. CAR-T cell infiltration into xenografts was observed through immunochemical assay. Based on the results, NKG2DL was highly expressed in NSCLC cells. Compared with NT-T cells, NKG2D CAR-T cells from different sources of T cells delivered stronger toxicity, and secreted more effector and memory function-related cytokines to NSCLC cells, and those from the peripheral blood of healthy donors (H-T cells) exhibited the strongest effect. Furthermore, compared with NT-T cells, H-T cells and NKG2D CAR-T cells from NSCLC patients' peripheral blood diminished tumor, improved survival, increased body weight and tumor-infiltrating capacity, and upregulated serum IFN-γ level in NOG mice. Collectively speaking, NKG2D CAR-T cells exhibit a robust effect on eradicating NSCLC in a NKG2DL-dependent manner, thus making themselves a promising therapeutic candidate for NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhong Jiang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui City, China
| | - Yonghua Liu
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui City, China
| | - Yuxiao Zeng
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui City, China
| | - Bingmu Fang
- The Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Lishui City, China
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Mao D, Zhou Z, Chen H, Liu X, Li D, Chen X, He Y, Liu M, Zhang C. Pleckstrin-2 promotes tumour immune escape from NK cells by activating the MT1-MMP-MICA signalling axis in gastric cancer. Cancer Lett 2023; 572:216351. [PMID: 37591356 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Immune escape is a major challenge in tumour immunotherapy. Pleckstrin-2(PLEK2) plays a critical role in tumour progression, but its role in immune escape in gastric cancer (GC) remains uncharacterized. RNA sequencing was used to explore the differentially expressed genes in a GC cell line that was resistant to the antitumor effect of Natural killer (NK) cells. Apoptosis and the expression of IFN-γ and TNF-α were detected by flow cytometry (FCM). PLEK2 expression was examined by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC). PLEK2 was upregulated in MGC803R cells that were resistant to the antitumor effect of NK cells. PLEK2 knockout increased the sensitivity of GC cells to NK cell killing. PLEK2 expression was negatively correlated with MICA and positively correlated with MT1-MMP expression both in vitro and in vivo. PLEK2 promoted Sp1 phosphorylation through the PI3K-AKT pathway, thereby upregulating MT1-MMP expression, which ultimately led to MICA shedding. In mouse xenograft models, PLEK2 knockout inhibited intraperitoneal metastasis of GC cells and promoted NK cell infiltration. In summary, PLEK2 suppressed NK cell immune surveillance by promoting MICA shedding, which serves as a potential therapeutic target for GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deli Mao
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhijun Zhou
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Department of Medicine, The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, 73104, United States
| | - Hengxing Chen
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinran Liu
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Dongsheng Li
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiancong Chen
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China
| | - Yulong He
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery of the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 58 Zhongshan 2nd Road, Guangzhou, 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingyang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, China.
| | - Changhua Zhang
- Digestive Diseases Center, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Digestive Cancer Research, The Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, No. 628 Zhenyuan Road, Shenzhen, 518107, Guangdong, China.
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Wen J, Chen Y, Yang J, Dai C, Yu S, Zhong W, Liu L, He C, Zhang W, Yang T, Liu L, Hu J. Valproic acid increases CAR T cell cytotoxicity against acute myeloid leukemia. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e006857. [PMID: 37524506 PMCID: PMC10391797 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-006857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of B cell malignancies has dramatically changed with the introduction of immunotherapy, especially chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy. However, only limited efficacy is observed in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). In the study, We detected CD123 and CLL-1 expression on leukaemia cells from Relapsed/Refractory AML (R/R AML) patients. Then, we constructed anti-CD123 CAR and CLL-1 CAR with different co-stimulation domains (CD28 or 4-1BB) and detected their anti-AML effects. To increase the efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy, we tested different strategies, including application of combined checkpoint inhibitors and histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) in vivo and in vitro We found CD123 and CLL-1 were highly expressed on AML cells. The proportions of T cell subsets and NK cells involved in anti-tumour or anti-inflammation processes in AML patients significantly decreased when compared with healthy donors. Both CD123 CAR and CLL-1 CAR displayed specific anti-AML effects in vitro To improve the lysis effects of CAR-T cells, we combined CAR-T cell therapy with different agents. PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies only slightly improved the potency of CAR-T cell therapy (CD123 CAR-T 60.92% ± 2.9087% vs. 65.43% ± 2.1893%, 60.92% ± 2.9087% vs. 67.43% ± 3.4973%; 37.37% ± 3.908% vs. 41.89% ± 5.1568%, 37.37% ± 3.908% vs. 42.84% ± 4.2635%). However, one HDACi (valproic acid [VPA]) significantly improved CAR-T cell potency against AML cells (CLL-1 CAR-T 34.97% ± 0.3051% vs. 88.167% ± 1.5327%, p < 0.0001; CD123 CAR-T 26.87% ± 2.7010% vs. 82.56% ± 3.086%, p < 0.0001 in MV411; CLL-1 CAR-T 78.77% ± 1.2061% vs. 93.743% ± 1.2333%, p < 0.0001; CD123 CAR-T 64.10% ± 1.5130% vs. 94.427% ± 0.142%, p = 0.0001 in THP-1). Combination therapy prolonged the overall survival of mice when compared with single CD123 CAR-T cell therapy (median survival: 180 days vs. unfollowed). A possible mechanism is that activated CD8+T cells upregulate natural-killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), and VPA upregulates NKG2D ligand expression in AML cells, contributing to NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells against tumour cells. In conclusion, CD123 and CLL-1 are promising targets for AML CAR-T cell therapy. A combination of VPA pre-treatment and CAR-T against AML exhibits synergic effects.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Mice
- Valproic Acid/pharmacology
- Valproic Acid/therapeutic use
- Receptors, Chimeric Antigen/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- NK Cell Lectin-Like Receptor Subfamily K/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
- T-Lymphocytes
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Wen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Lymphoma, Fujian Cancer Hospital, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanxin Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiajie Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunye Dai
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenjie Yu
- Department of Internal medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenting Zhong
- Department of Research and Development, ST Phi Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lilin Liu
- Department of Research and Development, ST Phi Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chengguanng He
- Department of Research and Development, ST Phi Therapeutics Co., Ltd, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wenmin Zhang
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
- Pathological Diagnosis Center & Oncology Institution, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
| | - Lingfeng Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianda Hu
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Hematology, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fujian Institute of Hematology, Fuzhou, China
- Institute of Precision Medicine, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, People's Republic of China
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Carannante V, Wiklund M, Önfelt B. In vitro models to study natural killer cell dynamics in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1135148. [PMID: 37457703 PMCID: PMC10338882 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1135148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is revolutionizing cancer therapy. The rapid development of new immunotherapeutic strategies to treat solid tumors is posing new challenges for preclinical research, demanding novel in vitro methods to test treatments. Such methods should meet specific requirements, such as enabling the evaluation of immune cell responses like cytotoxicity or cytokine release, and infiltration into the tumor microenvironment using cancer models representative of the original disease. They should allow high-throughput and high-content analysis, to evaluate the efficacy of treatments and understand immune-evasion processes to facilitate development of new therapeutic targets. Ideally, they should be suitable for personalized immunotherapy testing, providing information for patient stratification. Consequently, the application of in vitro 3-dimensional (3D) cell culture models, such as tumor spheroids and organoids, is rapidly expanding in the immunotherapeutic field, coupled with the development of novel imaging-based techniques and -omic analysis. In this paper, we review the recent advances in the development of in vitro 3D platforms applied to natural killer (NK) cell-based cancer immunotherapy studies, highlighting the benefits and limitations of the current methods, and discuss new concepts and future directions of the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Carannante
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Martin Wiklund
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Clinical Significance of Plasma Soluble MICB in Children With EBV-associated Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis. J Pediatr Hematol Oncol 2023; 45:e446-e454. [PMID: 36898046 DOI: 10.1097/mph.0000000000002652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a potentially fatal systemic inflammation disease in children. The most common cause is Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection. MHC class I polypeptide-related sequence B (MICB) is a membrane protein inducibly expressed upon cellular stress, viral infection, or malignant transformation, thus marking these cells for clearance through natural killer group 2 member D-positive lymphocytes. MICB can be released into plasma through several mechanisms, reducing NK cell cytotoxicity. METHODS We conducted clinical research on HLH patients and cell research in vitro. In the retrospective clinical part, 112 HLH patients (including EBV-HLH group and non-EBV-HLH group), 7 infectious mononucleosis patients, and 7 chronic active EBV infection patients were treated in Beijing Children's Hospital, affiliated with Capital Medical University, from January 2014 to December 2020, were enrolled in this study. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methods, and lactate dehydrogenase release tests were used to examine the expression of MICB mRNA, the soluble MICB (sMICB) levels, and the activity of NK cells in those patients. In vitro research, MICB overexpression-vector virus, MICB knockdown-vector virus, and empty-vector virus were transfected into two kinds of target cells, such as K562 and MCF7. The level of sMICB and NK cell killing activity between other groups was compared. Finally, we compared NK92 cell killing activity in different concentrations of sMICB. RESULTS In clinical studies, compared with the non-EBV-HLH group, the EBV-HLH group had lower NK cell killing activity (P < 0.05). The level of sMICB in the EBV-HLH group was significantly higher than in non-EBV-HLH, infectious mononucleosis, and chronic active EBV infection patients (P<0.05). A high level of sMICB was associated with poor treatment response and poor prognosis (P<0. 05). Cellular studies showed that an increased level of membrane MICB could positively correlate with the killing activity of NK92 cells (P<0. 05), and a high level of sMICB (1250 to 5000pg/ml) could reduce the killing activity of NK92 cells (P < 0.05). A high level of sMICB (2500pg/ml) could increase the release of cytokines from NK92 cells. CONCLUSION The expression level of sMICB in EBV-HLH patients increased, and a high level of sMICB at the initial onset indicated a poor treatment response. The killing activity of NK cells in EBV-HLH patients decreased more significantly. The high level of sMICB may inhibit the killing activity but increase the release of cytokines of NK92 cells.
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION New methods in cancer immunotherapy, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, have shown promising results in destroying malignant cells. However, limitations and side effects of CAR-T cell therapy, such as graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), neurotoxicity, and cytokine release syndrome, have motivated researchers to investigate safer alternative cells like natural killer (NK) cells. AREA COVERED NK cells can effectively recognize hematologic malignant cells and destroy them. Many clinical and preclinical studies investigate the efficacy of CAR-NK cells in treating lymphoma and other hematologic malignancies. The results of published clinical trials and preclinical studies have shown that CAR-NK cells could be an appropriate choice for treating lymphoma. In this review, we discuss the characteristics of CAR-NK cells, their role in treating B-cell and T-cell lymphoma, and the challenges faced by using them. We also highlight clinical trials using CAR-NK cells for treating lymphoma. EXPERT OPINION CAR-NK cells have shown promising results in cancer therapy, especially B-cell lymphoma, with a much lower risk for GVHD, cytokine release syndrome, and neurotoxicity than CAR-T cells. Further investigations are required to overcome the obstacles of CAR-NK cell therapy, both generally, and in cancers like T-cell lymphoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaghayegh Khanmohammadi
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Hong Y, Zhang Y, Zhao H, Chen H, Yu QQ, Cui H. The roles of lncRNA functions and regulatory mechanisms in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1051306. [PMID: 36467404 PMCID: PMC9716033 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1051306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most frequent and deadly type of liver cancer. While the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood, it is documented that lncRNAs may play key roles. Many HCC-associated lncRNAs have been linked to HBV and HCV infection, mediating gene expression, cell growth, development, and death. Studying the regulatory mechanisms and biological functions of HCC-related lncRNAs will assist our understanding of HCC pathogenesis as well as its diagnosis and management. Here, we address the potential of dysregulated lncRNAs in HCC as diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers, and we evaluate the oncogenic or tumor-suppressive properties of these lncRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Hong
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yunxing Zhang
- Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical College, Jining, China
| | - Haibo Zhao
- Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical College, Jining, China
| | - Hailing Chen
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Qing-Qing Yu
- Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical College, Jining, China
| | - Hongxia Cui
- Jining First People’s Hospital, Jining Medical College, Jining, China
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11
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Casado JA, Valeri A, Sanchez-Domínguez R, Vela P, Lopez A, Navarro S, Alberquilla O, Hanenberg H, Pujol R, Segovia JC, Minguillón J, Surrallés J, Diaz-de-Heredia C, Sevilla J, Rio P, Bueren JA. Upregulation of NKG2D ligands impairs hematopoietic stem cell function in Fanconi anemia. J Clin Invest 2022; 132:142842. [PMID: 35671096 PMCID: PMC9337828 DOI: 10.1172/jci142842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fanconi anemia (FA) is the most prevalent inherited bone marrow failure (BMF) syndrome. Nevertheless, the pathophysiological mechanisms of BMF in FA have not been fully elucidated. Since FA cells are defective in DNA repair, we hypothesized that FA hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) might express DNA damage–associated stress molecules such as natural killer group 2 member D ligands (NKG2D-Ls). These ligands could then interact with the activating NKG2D receptor expressed in cytotoxic NK or CD8+ T cells, which may result in progressive HSPC depletion. Our results indeed demonstrated upregulated levels of NKG2D-Ls in cultured FA fibroblasts and T cells, and these levels were further exacerbated by mitomycin C or formaldehyde. Notably, a high proportion of BM CD34+ HSPCs from patients with FA also expressed increased levels of NKG2D-Ls, which correlated inversely with the percentage of CD34+ cells in BM. Remarkably, the reduced clonogenic potential characteristic of FA HSPCs was improved by blocking NKG2D–NKG2D-L interactions. Moreover, the in vivo blockage of these interactions in a BMF FA mouse model ameliorated the anemia in these animals. Our study demonstrates the involvement of NKG2D–NKG2D-L interactions in FA HSPC functionality, suggesting an unexpected role of the immune system in the progressive BMF that is characteristic of FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose A Casado
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Valeri
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Rebeca Sanchez-Domínguez
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Vela
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea Lopez
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Susana Navarro
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Omaira Alberquilla
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Helmut Hanenberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Roser Pujol
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jose C Segovia
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jordi Minguillón
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Surrallés
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Universitat Autónoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Julián Sevilla
- Hospital Universitari Vall d'Hebron, Vall d'Hebron Institut de Recerca, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Rio
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan A Bueren
- Division of Innovative Therapies, CIEMAT and Advanced Therapies Unit, IIS-Fundación Jimenez Diaz and Autónoma University, Madrid, Spain
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12
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Vaněk O, Kalousková B, Abreu C, Nejadebrahim S, Skořepa O. Natural killer cell-based strategies for immunotherapy of cancer. ADVANCES IN PROTEIN CHEMISTRY AND STRUCTURAL BIOLOGY 2022; 129:91-133. [PMID: 35305726 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apcsb.2022.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a family of lymphocytes with a natural ability to kill infected, harmed, or malignantly transformed cells. As these cells are part of the innate immunity, the cytotoxic mechanisms are activated upon recognizing specific patterns without prior antigen sensitization. This recognition is crucial for NK cell function in the maintenance of homeostasis and immunosurveillance. NK cells not only act directly toward malignant cells but also participate in the complex immune response by producing cytokines or cross-talk with other immune cells. Cancer may be seen as a break of all immune defenses when malignant cells escape the immunity and invade surrounding tissues creating a microenvironment supporting tumor progression. This process may be reverted by intervening immune response with immunotherapy, which may restore immune recognition. NK cells are important effector cells for immunotherapy. They may be used for adoptive cell transfer, genetically modified with chimeric antigen receptors, or triggered with appropriate antibodies and other antibody-fragment-based recombinant therapeutic proteins tailored specifically for NK cell engagement. NK cell receptors, responsible for target recognition and activation of cytotoxic response, could also be targeted in immunotherapy, for example, by various bi-, tri-, or multi-specific fusion proteins designed to bridge the gap between tumor markers present on target cells and activation receptors expressed on NK cells. However, this kind of immunoactive therapeutics may be developed only with a deep functional and structural knowledge of NK cell receptor: ligand interactions. This review describes the recent developments in the fascinating protein-engineering field of NK cell immunotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ondřej Vaněk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Barbora Kalousková
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Celeste Abreu
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Shiva Nejadebrahim
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Ondřej Skořepa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
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13
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Gao Y, Lin H, Guo D, Cheng S, Zhou Y, Zhang L, Yao J, Farooq MA, Ajmal I, Duan Y, He C, Tao L, Wu S, Liu M, Jiang W. Suppression of 4.1R enhances the potency of NKG2D-CAR T cells against pancreatic carcinoma via activating ERK signaling pathway. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:62. [PMID: 34548478 PMCID: PMC8455638 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00353-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is one of the most common malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells has achieved remarkable efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, lack of tumor-specific targets and the existence of inhibitory factors limit the function of CAR T cells when treating solid tumors. 4.1R has been reported to suppress the anti-tumor activity of T cell responses. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of 4.1R deletion in natural killer group 2D (NKG2D)-CAR T cells against PC. The CAR T cells were obtained by transfecting T cells with lentiviral vector carrying NKG2D-CAR, NC-NKG2D-CAR, or KD2-NKG2D-CAR. In vitro, NKG2D-CAR T cells showed higher cytotoxicity than Mock T cells. However, compared to NKG2D-CAR T cells, furtherly higher cytotoxicity against PC cells in a dose-dependent manner was found in KD2-NKG2D-CAR T cells. In addition, the proliferation rate and cytotoxic activity of KD2-NKG2D-CAR T cells were significantly higher than those of NKG2D-CAR T cells. Besides, the inhibitory receptors PD-1 and TIM-3 were expressed in lower level on KD2-NKG2D-CAR T cells. In vivo, KD2-NKG2D-CAR T cells suppressed tumor growth more effectively in a xenograft model compared to NKG2D-CAR T cells. Mechanistically, 4.1R regulated CAR T cell function via activating ERK signaling pathway. Therefore, the study provides a new idea to enhance the anti-tumor efficiency of CAR T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoxin Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Haizhen Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Sijia Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad Asad Farooq
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Iqra Ajmal
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Duan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Tao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijia Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzheng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Zhong X, Liao H, Hu S, Luo K, Zhu H. The diterpenoid adenanthin upregulates the expression of natural killer group 2D receptor ligands in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Mol Cell Probes 2021; 59:101759. [PMID: 34265372 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcp.2021.101759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Revised: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The natural killer (NK) group 2D (NKG2D) receptor plays a crucial role in NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. NKG2D anti-proliferative effect is mediated by direct interactions of the receptor with its ligands that may be considered as a potential target for NK-based immunotherapeutic strategy in cancer cells. METHODS Here we report that a natural product adenanthin significantly promotes NKG2D ligands expression in hepatoma cells. The effect was determined using flow cytometry analysis. The activity of NK cell was evaluated by measuring its degranulation activity and cytotoxicity. RESULTS Our data indicates that the induction of NKG2D ligand binding to liver cancer cell surface receptors greatly improves the killing activity of NK cells against the cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report of a new mechanism anti-cancer effects of adenanthin mediated by an indirect activation of NK cells. Our data suggests that adenanthin may be used to sensitize NK cells in tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zhong
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China
| | - Hongqun Liao
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China
| | - Shaowen Hu
- College of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China
| | - Kaiyuan Luo
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China; Children's Medical Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China.
| | - Huifang Zhu
- Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China; Children's Medical Research Institute, Children's Medical Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou, 341400, China.
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15
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Cantoni C, Serra M, Parisi E, Azzarone B, Sementa AR, Nasto LA, Moretta L, Candiano G, Bottino C, Ghiggeri GM, Spaggiari GM. Stromal-like Wilms tumor cells induce human Natural Killer cell degranulation and display immunomodulatory properties towards NK cells. Oncoimmunology 2021; 10:1879530. [PMID: 33758675 PMCID: PMC7946041 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.1879530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The similarity of stromal-like Wilms tumor (str-WT) cells with mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), suggests their relevant role in the interplay with immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. We investigated the interaction between str-WT cells and NK cells. We observed that str-WT cells expressed some major ligands for activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors. Moreover, they expressed inhibitory checkpoint molecules involved in the negative regulation of anti-tumor immune response. The analysis of the interaction between str-WT cells and NK lymphocytes revealed that activated NK cells could efficiently degranulate upon interaction with str-WT cells. On the other hand, str-WT cells could exert potent inhibitory effects on cytokine-induced activation of NK cell proliferation and phenotype, which were mediated by the production of IDO and PGE2 inhibitory factors. Our data provide insight into the molecular interactions between str-WT cells and NK lymphocytes that may result in different outcomes possibly occurring in the WT microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Martina Serra
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Erica Parisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Luigi Aurelio Nasto
- Department of Paediatric Orthopaedics, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gian Marco Ghiggeri
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy.,Division of Nephrology, Dialysis & Transplantation, IRCCS Giannina Gaslini Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Spaggiari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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16
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Cantoni C, Wurzer H, Thomas C, Vitale M. Escape of tumor cells from the NK cell cytotoxic activity. J Leukoc Biol 2020; 108:1339-1360. [PMID: 32930468 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.2mr0820-652r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, NK cells, initially identified as potent cytotoxic effector cells, have revealed an unexpected complexity, both at phenotypic and functional levels. The discovery of different NK cell subsets, characterized by distinct gene expression and phenotypes, was combined with the characterization of the diverse functions NK cells can exert, not only as circulating cells, but also as cells localized or recruited in lymphoid organs and in multiple tissues. Besides the elimination of tumor and virus-infected cells, these functions include the production of cytokines and chemokines, the regulation of innate and adaptive immune cells, the influence on tissue homeostasis. In addition, NK cells display a remarkable functional plasticity, being able to adapt to the environment and to develop a kind of memory. Nevertheless, the powerful cytotoxic activity of NK cells remains one of their most relevant properties, particularly in the antitumor response. In this review, the process of tumor cell recognition and killing mediated by NK cells, starting from the generation of cytolytic granules and recognition of target cell, to the establishment of the NK cell immunological synapse, the release of cytotoxic molecules, and consequent tumor cell death is described. Next, the review focuses on the heterogeneous mechanisms, either intrinsic to tumors or induced by the tumor microenvironment, by which cancer cells can escape the NK cell-mediated attack.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto G. Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Hannah Wurzer
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Clément Thomas
- Cytoskeleton and Cancer Progression, Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UO Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
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17
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Cantoni C, Granata S, Bruschi M, Spaggiari GM, Candiano G, Zaza G. Recent Advances in the Role of Natural Killer Cells in Acute Kidney Injury. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1484. [PMID: 32903887 PMCID: PMC7438947 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Growing evidence is revealing a central role for natural killer (NK) cells, cytotoxic cells belonging to the broad family of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), in acute and chronic forms of renal disease. NK cell effector functions include both the recognition and elimination of virus-infected and tumor cells and the capability of sensing pathogens through Toll-like receptor (TLR) engagement. Notably, they also display immune regulatory properties, exerted thanks to their ability to secrete cytokines/chemokines and to establish interactions with different innate and adaptive immune cells. Therefore, because of their multiple functions, NK cells may have a major pathogenic role in acute kidney injury (AKI), and a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms driving NK cell activation in AKI and their downstream interactions with intrinsic renal cells and infiltrating immune cells could help to identify new potential biomarkers and to select clinically valuable novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we discuss the current literature regarding the potential involvement of NK cells in AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Cantoni
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Granata
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University-Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Grazia Maria Spaggiari
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- Laboratory of Molecular Nephrology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Zaza
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University-Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
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18
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Wu X, Zhang Y, Li Y, Schmidt-Wolf IG. Increase of Antitumoral Effects of Cytokine-Induced Killer Cells by Antibody-Mediated Inhibition of MICA Shedding. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071818. [PMID: 32645836 PMCID: PMC7408690 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) receptor plays a pivotal role in cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity against malignancies, and the expression of NKG2D ligands might allow targets to be more susceptible to the CIK cell-mediated destruction. In this study, we investigated the synergistic effects of CIK cells antitumor activity and antibody-mediated inhibition of MICA/B shedding. This monoclonal antibody (7C6) has been previously shown to be able to specifically target MICA/B a3 domain on tumor cells, resulting in the increase in cell surface MICA/B expression by inhibition of their shedding. In the current study, we show that 7C6 antibody could substantially inhibit MICA shedding and stabilize the expression of MICA/B on Hela cells and MDA-MB-231 cells. In combination with 7C6, CIK cells showed higher degranulation rate, more IFN-γ production and elevated cytotoxic capacity against tumor cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that NKG2D-MICA/B ligation could lead to activation of both CD3+ CD56− T cells and CD3+CD56+ NKT subset cells of CIK culture and NKT subset was more sensitive to NKG2D signaling than the counterpart T cells. 7C6-mediated inhibition of MICA shedding could strengthen this signal and eventually enhance the antitumor activity of CIK cells. With multiple advantages of easy ex vivo expansion, minor GVHD, natural tumor trafficking and non-MHC restricted, CIK cell-based therapy may serve as a potent combination partner with MICA antibody-mediated immunotherapy.
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19
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Roussine Codo G, Khennas S. [NKG2D CAR-T cells as an immunotherapy in hepatocellular carcinoma]. Med Sci (Paris) 2020; 36:662-664. [PMID: 32614319 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/2020118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gilles Roussine Codo
- Master 2 Immunologie Intégrative et Systémique, Mention BMC, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Sarra Khennas
- Master 2 Immunologie Intégrative et Systémique, Mention BMC, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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20
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Buller CW, Mathew PA, Mathew SO. Roles of NK Cell Receptors 2B4 (CD244), CS1 (CD319), and LLT1 (CLEC2D) in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071755. [PMID: 32630303 PMCID: PMC7409338 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a pivotal role in the immune system, especially in the recognition and clearance of cancer cells and infected cells. Their effector function is controlled by a delicate balance between the activating and inhibitory signals. We have identified 2B4 (CD244, SLAMF4) and CS1 (CD319, SLAMF7) as NK cell receptors regulating NK cell cytotoxicity. Lectin-like transcript 1 (LLT1), a member of the C-type lectin-like domain family 2 (CLEC2D), induced IFN-γ production but did not directly regulate cytolytic activity. Interestingly, LLT1 expressed on other cells acts as a ligand for an NK cell inhibitory receptor NKRP1A (CD161) and inhibits NK cytolytic function. Extensive research has been done on novel therapies that target these receptors to increase the effector function of NK cells. The 2B4 receptor is involved in the rejection of melanoma cells in mice. Empliciti, an FDA-approved monoclonal antibody, explicitly targets the CS1 receptor and enhances the NK cell cytotoxicity against multiple myeloma cells. Our studies revealed that LLT1 is expressed on prostate cancer and triple-negative breast cancer cells and allows them to evade NK-cell-mediated killing. In this review, we describe NK cell receptors 2B4, CS1, and LLT1 and their potential in targeting cancer cells for NK-cell-mediated immunotherapy. New cancer immunotherapies like chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) and NK (CAR-NK) cells are showing great promise in the treatment of cancer, and CAR cells specific to these receptors would be an attractive therapeutic option.
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21
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Phenotypic and Functional Changes in Peripheral Blood Natural Killer Cells in Crohn Disease Patients. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:6401969. [PMID: 32148442 PMCID: PMC7049869 DOI: 10.1155/2020/6401969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
We investigated activation status, cytotoxic potential, and gut homing ability of the peripheral blood Natural Killer (NK) cells in Crohn disease (CD) patients. For this purpose, we compared the expression of different activating and inhibitory receptors (KIR and non-KIR) and integrins on NK cells as well as their recent degranulation history between the patients and age-matched healthy controls. The study was conducted using freshly obtained peripheral blood samples from the study participants. Multiple color flow cytometry was used for these determinations. Our results show that NK cells from treatment-naïve CD patients expressed higher levels of activating KIR as well as other non-KIR activating receptors vis-à-vis healthy controls. They also showed increased frequencies of the cells expressing these receptors. The expression of several KIR and non-KIR inhibitory receptors tended to decrease compared with the cells from healthy donors. NK cells from the patients also expressed increased levels of different gut-homing integrin molecules and showed a history of increased recent degranulation events both constitutively and in response to their in vitro stimulation. Furthermore, treatment of the patients tended to reverse these NK cell changes. Our results demonstrate unequivocally, for the first time, that peripheral blood NK cells in treatment-naïve CD patients are more activated and are more poised to migrate to the gut compared to their counterpart cells from healthy individuals. Moreover, they show that treatment of the patients tends to normalize their NK cells. The results suggest that NK cells are very likely to play a role in the immunopathogenesis of Crohn disease.
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22
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Zhong R, Tian J, Fu M, Ma S, Liu L, Li J, Shen N, Ke J, Yang Y, Gong Y, Zhu Y, Wang Y, Gong J, Chang J, Lei P, Cheng X, Huang K, Shen G, Miao X. LINC01149 variant modulates MICA expression that facilitates hepatitis B virus spontaneous recovery but increases hepatocellular carcinoma risk. Oncogene 2019; 39:1944-1956. [PMID: 31754211 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1117-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interpreting disease-causing variants, especially in noncoding regions by genome-wide association studies (GWAS), has become one of the most challenging and demanding tasks. We hypothesized that functional lncRNAs variants in GWAS-identified loci might alter expression level of genes associated with persistent HBV infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Integrated bioinformatics approaches were used to prioritize potentially functional variants and a two-stage case-control study (2473 HBV positive HCC patients, 2248 persistent HBV carriers and 2294 spontaneously recovered subjects) was performed to assess the roles of these variants. The rs2844512 G > C variant in LINC01149 was identified to facilitate HBV spontaneous recovery (OR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.77-0.92) but increase the risk of HCC (OR = 1.21, 95% CI = 1.11-1.32) in combined samples. Subsequent biological assays indicated this variant created a binding site for miR-128-3p and upregulated MICA expression by serving as a miRNA sponge, which might recruit NK-cells to lyse infected cells, but release highly soluble MICA by shedding to induce NK-cells exhaustion and tumor immune evasion. These findings highlight a regulatory circuit between LINC01149 and MICA, mediating by miR-128-3p, and the important role of upregulated MICA in conferring susceptibility to persistent HBV infection and HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rong Zhong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jianbo Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Mingpeng Fu
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Simin Ma
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiaoyuan Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Na Shen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Juntao Ke
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yajie Gong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Virology, Wuhan Centers for Disease Prevention and Control, Wuhan, China
| | - Jing Gong
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiang Chang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ping Lei
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiang Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Guanxin Shen
- Department of Immunology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoping Miao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics and Ministry of Education Key Lab of Environment and Health, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China.
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23
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BCL11B regulates MICA/B-mediated immune response by acting as a competitive endogenous RNA. Oncogene 2019; 39:1514-1526. [PMID: 31673069 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-019-1083-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Revised: 10/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immune surveillance is an important host protection process that inhibits carcinogenesis and maintains cellular homeostasis. The major histocompatibility complex class I-related molecules A and B (MICA and MICB) are NKG2D ligands that play important roles in tumor immune surveillance. In the present study, by a combined bioinformatics prediction and experimental approach, we identify BCL11B 3'-UTR as a putative MICA and MICB ceRNA. We demonstrate in several human cell lines of different origins that the knockdown of BCL11B downregulates surface expression of MICA and MICB. Furthermore, we demonstrate miRNA dependency of BCL11B-mediated MICA and MICB regulation in Dicer knockdown HCT116 cells. In addition, MICA/B-targeting miRNAs (miR-17, miR-93, miR-20a, miR-20b, miR-106a, and miR-106b) repressed the expression of BCL11B by targeting its 3'-UTR. Moreover, we showed that the BCL11B knockdown-mediated downregulation of MICA/B resulted in reduced NK cell elimination in vitro and in vivo through reduced recognition of NKG2D. Of particular significance, BCL11B displays tumor-suppressive properties. The expression of BCL11B is downregulated in colon cancer tissues and associated with a reduced median survival of colon cancer patients. Taken together, our study revealed a new mechanism of BCL11B that prevents immune evasion of cancerous cells by upregulation of the NKG2D ligands MICA and MICB in a ceRNA manner.
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Sun B, Yang D, Dai H, Liu X, Jia R, Cui X, Li W, Cai C, Xu J, Zhao X. Eradication of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by NKG2D-Based CAR-T Cells. Cancer Immunol Res 2019; 7:1813-1823. [PMID: 31484657 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-19-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the great success of chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T)-cell therapy in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, CAR-T-cell therapy is limited in solid tumors, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). NK group 2 member D (NKG2D) ligands (NKG2DL) are generally absent on the surface of normal cells but are overexpressed on malignant cells, offering good targets for CAR-T therapy. Indeed, analysis of The Cancer Genome Atlas and HCC tumor samples showed that the expression of most NKG2DLs was elevated in tumors compared with normal tissues. Thus, we designed a novel NKG2D-based CAR comprising the extracellular domain of human NKG2D, 4-1BB, and CD3ζ signaling domains (BBz). NKG2D-BBz CAR-T cells efficiently killed the HCC cell lines SMMC-7721 and MHCC97H in vitro, which express high levels of NKG2DLs, whereas they less efficiently killed NKG2DL-silenced SMMC-7721 cells or NKG2DL-negative Hep3B cells. Overexpression of MICA or ULBP2 in Hep3B improved the killing capacity of NKG2D-BBz CAR-T cells. T cells expressing the NKG2D-BBz CAR effectively eradicated SMMC-7721 HCC xenografts. Collectively, these results suggested that NKG2D-BBz CAR-T cells could potently eliminate NKG2DL-high HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo, thereby providing a promising therapeutic intervention for patients with NKG2DL-positive HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Sun
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Nanjing Kaedi Biotech Co. Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dong Yang
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Nanjing Kaedi Biotech Co. Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongjiu Dai
- Nanjing Kaedi Biotech Co. Ltd., Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiuyun Liu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Ru Jia
- Department of GI Oncology, the 307 Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyue Cui
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenxuan Li
- College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Changchun Cai
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianming Xu
- Department of GI Oncology, the 307 Hospital of Academy of Military Medical Science, Beijing, China
| | - Xudong Zhao
- Laboratory of Animal Tumor Models, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences/Key Laboratory of Bioactive Peptides of Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, Yunnan, China.,Center for Excellence in Animal Evolution and Genetics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
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25
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Murata S, Mushino T, Hosoi H, Kuriyama K, Nishikawa A, Nagakura S, Horikawa K, Yonemura Y, Nakakuma H, Sonoki T, Hanaoka N. Soluble NKG2D Ligands Are Potential Biomarkers and Sentinels of Immune-Mediated Bone Marrow Injury in Bone Marrow Failure Syndromes. Acta Haematol 2019; 143:33-39. [PMID: 31216534 DOI: 10.1159/000500657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Immune-mediated processes are considered important in the pathogenesis of bone marrow failure syndromes (BFS). We previously reported that natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) ligands were expressed on pathological blood cells of patients with BFS and that NKG2D immunity may be involved in bone marrow failure. In addition to membranous NKG2D ligands on the cell surface, soluble NKG2D ligands can exist in plasma. We therefore examined the relationship between soluble NKG2D ligands and blood cell counts in 86 patients with BFS, including aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome with single lineage dysplasia, and paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria. Approximately half of the BFS patients were positive for soluble NKG2D ligands in the plasma by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and soluble NKG2D ligand-positive BFS patients exhibited severe cytopenia regardless of membranous NKG2D ligand expression. In vitroanalyses demonstrated that soluble ULBP1, an NKG2D ligand, down-regulated NKG2D receptors on CD2-positive cells in peripheral blood. Moreover, soluble ULBP1 attenuated the cytotoxic effects of peripheral blood mononuclear cells on K562, which express membranous ULBP1. Our results suggest that soluble NKG2D ligands can be easy-to-measure biomarkers for the prediction of activity of immune-meditated bone marrow injury in BFS and that soluble NKG2D ligands suppress redundant immune-mediated bone marrow injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shogo Murata
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Toshiki Mushino
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Hiroki Hosoi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Kodai Kuriyama
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Akinori Nishikawa
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Shoichi Nagakura
- Department of Hematology, National Hospital Organization Kumamotominami National Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | | | - Yuji Yonemura
- Department of Blood Transfusion Medicine and Cell Therapy, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideki Nakakuma
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Sonoki
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan,
| | - Nobuyoshi Hanaoka
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama, Japan
- Department of General Medicine, National Hospital Organization Kumamotominami National Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Hematology, National Hospital Organization Kumamotominami National Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
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26
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Vitale M, Cantoni C, Della Chiesa M, Ferlazzo G, Carlomagno S, Pende D, Falco M, Pessino A, Muccio L, De Maria A, Marcenaro E, Moretta L, Sivori S. An Historical Overview: The Discovery of How NK Cells Can Kill Enemies, Recruit Defense Troops, and More. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1415. [PMID: 31316503 PMCID: PMC6611392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells were originally defined as effector lymphocytes of innate immunity characterized by the unique ability of killing tumor and virally infected cells without any prior priming and expansion of specific clones. The "missing-self" theory, proposed by Klas Karre, the seminal discovery of the first prototypic HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors, and, later, of the Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors (NCRs) by Alessandro Moretta, provided the bases to understand the puzzling behavior of NK cells. Actually, those discoveries proved crucial also for many of the achievements that, along the years, have contributed to the modern view of these cells. Indeed, NK cells, besides killing susceptible targets, are now known to functionally interact with different immune cells, sense pathogens using TLR, adapt their responses to the local environment, and, even, mount a sort of immunological memory. In this review, we will specifically focus on the main activating NK receptors and on their crucial role in the ever-increasing number of functions assigned to NK cells and other innate lymphoid cells (ILCs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Vitale
- U.O.C. Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- U.O.C. Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annamaria Pessino
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Letizia Muccio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute (DISSAL), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Clinica Malattie Infettive, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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27
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Meckawy GR, Mohamed AM, Zaki WK, Khattab MA, Amin MM, ElDeeb MA, El-Najjar MR, Safwat NA. Natural killer NKG2A and NKG2D in patients with colorectal cancer. J Gastrointest Oncol 2019; 10:218-225. [PMID: 31032088 DOI: 10.21037/jgo.2018.12.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Natural-killer group 2 (NKG2), a characteristic receptor of natural killer (NK) cell family, assumes a vital role in modulating NK cytotoxic function. We aimed to detect mRNA expression of both NKG2A and NKG2D in serum NK cells obtained from colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Methods We enrolled 36 patients with newly diagnosed CRC, as well as 15 group matched healthy individuals. The patients were further classified into: 23 non-metastatic CRC (group 1) and 13 metastatic CRC (group 2). We detected the expression of NKG2A and NKG2D serum levels for all participants utilizing real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results NKG2D and NKG2A mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were significantly elevated in patients with CRC compared to controls (P<0.01). NKG2D or NKG2A showed sensitivity (77.8, 83.33%) and specificity (73.33, 100%) respectively using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis for discrimination between patients and controls, whereas group 1 and group 2 showed no statistical significant difference in NKG2D and NKG2A levels (P>0.05). Conclusions Our work is one of the first research that could detect an increase in NKG2D in CRC. In spite of their defensive role in tumor immune surveillance, NKG2D and NKG2A and their ligands could have misused as tumor survival tool, empowering immune avoidance and suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada R Meckawy
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M Mohamed
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Wafaa K Zaki
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona A Khattab
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mariam M Amin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai A ElDeeb
- Department of Internal Medicine, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa R El-Najjar
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nesma A Safwat
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
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28
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Picard E, Godet Y, Laheurte C, Dosset M, Galaine J, Beziaud L, Loyon R, Boullerot L, Lauret Marie Joseph E, Spehner L, Jacquin M, Eberst G, Gaugler B, Le Pimpec-Barthes F, Fabre E, Westeel V, Caignard A, Borg C, Adotévi O. Circulating NKp46 + Natural Killer cells have a potential regulatory property and predict distinct survival in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Oncoimmunology 2018; 8:e1527498. [PMID: 30713781 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1527498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2018] [Revised: 09/13/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate effector lymphocytes widely involved in cancer immunosurveillance. In this study, we described three circulating NK cell subsets in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Compared to healthy donors (HD), lower rate of the cytotoxic CD56dim CD16+ NK cells was found in NSCLC patients (76.1% vs 82.4%, P = 0.0041). In contrast, the rate of CD56bright NK cells was similar between patients and HD. We showed in NSCLC patients a higher rate of a NK cell subset with CD56dim CD16- phenotype (16.7% vs 9.9% P = 0.0001). The degranulation property and cytokines production were mainly drive by CD56dim CD16- NK cell subset in patients. Analysis of natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCRs) expression identified four distinct clusters of patients with distinct NK cell subset profiles as compared to one major cluster in HD. Notably the cluster characterized by a low circulating level of NKp46+ NK cell subsets was absent in HD. We showed that the rate of circulating NKp46+ CD56dim CD16+ NK cells influenced the patients' survival. Indeed, the median overall survival in patients exhibiting high versus low level of this NK cell subset was 16 and 27 months respectively (P = 0.02). Finally, we demonstrated that blocking NKp46 receptor in vitro was able to restore spontaneous tumor specific T cell responses in NSCLC patients. In conclusion, this study showed a distinct distribution and phenotype of circulating NK cell subsets in NSCLC. It also supports the regulatory role of NKp46+ NK cell subset in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilie Picard
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | - Yann Godet
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | - Caroline Laheurte
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France.,University Hospital of Besançon, INSERM CIC-1431 Clinical Investigation Center in Biotherapies, Besançon, France
| | - Magalie Dosset
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | - Jeanne Galaine
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | - Laurent Beziaud
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | - Romain Loyon
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | - Laura Boullerot
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | | | - Laurie Spehner
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | - Marion Jacquin
- University Hospital of Besançon, INSERM CIC-1431 Clinical Investigation Center in Biotherapies, Besançon, France
| | - Guillaume Eberst
- University Hospital of Besançon, Department of Pneumology, Besançon, France
| | - Béatrice Gaugler
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France
| | | | - Elizabeth Fabre
- Service d'Oncologie Médicale, AP-HP, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, Paris, France
| | - Virginie Westeel
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France.,University Hospital of Besançon, Department of Pneumology, Besançon, France
| | - Anne Caignard
- INSERM, UMR1160, Institut Universitaire d'hématologie, Paris, France
| | - Christophe Borg
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France.,University Hospital of Besançon, Department of Medical Oncology, Besançon, France
| | - Olivier Adotévi
- University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, INSERM, EFS BFC, UMR1098, LabEx LipSTIC, Besançon, France.,University Hospital of Besançon, Department of Medical Oncology, Besançon, France
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29
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Parodi M, Raggi F, Cangelosi D, Manzini C, Balsamo M, Blengio F, Eva A, Varesio L, Pietra G, Moretta L, Mingari MC, Vitale M, Bosco MC. Hypoxia Modifies the Transcriptome of Human NK Cells, Modulates Their Immunoregulatory Profile, and Influences NK Cell Subset Migration. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2358. [PMID: 30459756 PMCID: PMC6232835 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia, which characterizes most tumor tissues, can alter the function of different immune cell types, favoring tumor escape mechanisms. In this study, we show that hypoxia profoundly acts on NK cells by influencing their transcriptome, affecting their immunoregulatory functions, and changing the chemotactic responses of different NK cell subsets. Exposure of human peripheral blood NK cells to hypoxia for 16 or 96 h caused significant changes in the expression of 729 or 1,100 genes, respectively. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis demonstrated that these changes followed a consensus hypoxia transcriptional profile. As assessed by Gene Ontology annotation, hypoxia-targeted genes were implicated in several biological processes: metabolism, cell cycle, differentiation, apoptosis, cell stress, and cytoskeleton organization. The hypoxic transcriptome also showed changes in genes with immunological relevance including those coding for proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and chemokine-receptors. Quantitative RT-PCR analysis confirmed the modulation of several immune-related genes, prompting further immunophenotypic and functional studies. Multiplex ELISA demonstrated that hypoxia could variably reduce NK cell ability to release IFNγ, TNFα, GM-CSF, CCL3, and CCL5 following PMA+Ionomycin or IL15+IL18 stimulation, while it poorly affected the response to IL12+IL18. Cytofluorimetric analysis showed that hypoxia could influence NK chemokine receptor pattern by sustaining the expression of CCR7 and CXCR4. Remarkably, this effect occurred selectively (CCR7) or preferentially (CXCR4) on CD56bright NK cells, which indeed showed higher chemotaxis to CCL19, CCL21, or CXCL12. Collectively, our data suggest that the hypoxic environment may profoundly influence the nature of the NK cell infiltrate and its effects on immune-mediated responses within tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parodi
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Federica Raggi
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Davide Cangelosi
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Claudia Manzini
- Laboratorio di Immunologia Clinica e Sperimentale, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Mirna Balsamo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabiola Blengio
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Eva
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Luigi Varesio
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambin Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy.,Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Maria Carla Bosco
- Laboratorio di Biologia Molecolare, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
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30
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Abel AM, Yang C, Thakar MS, Malarkannan S. Natural Killer Cells: Development, Maturation, and Clinical Utilization. Front Immunol 2018; 9:1869. [PMID: 30150991 PMCID: PMC6099181 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.01869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 641] [Impact Index Per Article: 106.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the predominant innate lymphocyte subsets that mediate anti-tumor and anti-viral responses, and therefore possess promising clinical utilization. NK cells do not express polymorphic clonotypic receptors and utilize inhibitory receptors (killer immunoglobulin-like receptor and Ly49) to develop, mature, and recognize “self” from “non-self.” The essential roles of common gamma cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-2, IL-7, and IL-15 in the commitment and development of NK cells are well established. However, the critical functions of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12, IL-18, IL-27, and IL-35 in the transcriptional-priming of NK cells are only starting to emerge. Recent studies have highlighted multiple shared characteristics between NK cells the adaptive immune lymphocytes. NK cells utilize unique signaling pathways that offer exclusive ways to genetically manipulate to improve their effector functions. Here, we summarize the recent advances made in the understanding of how NK cells develop, mature, and their potential translational use in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex M Abel
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Chao Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Monica S Thakar
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Blood Center of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Center of Excellence in Prostate Cancer, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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31
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Gaggero S, Bruschi M, Petretto A, Parodi M, Del Zotto G, Lavarello C, Prato C, Santucci L, Barbuto A, Bottino C, Candiano G, Moretta A, Vitale M, Moretta L, Cantoni C. Nidogen-1 is a novel extracellular ligand for the NKp44 activating receptor. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1470730. [PMID: 30228939 PMCID: PMC6140582 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1470730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The release of soluble ligands of activating Natural Killer (NK) cell receptors may represent a regulatory mechanism of NK cell function both in physiologic and in pathologic conditions. Here, we identified the extracellular matrix protein Nidogen-1 (NID1) as a ligand of NKp44, an important activating receptor expressed by activated NK cells. When released as soluble molecule, NID1 regulates NK cell function by modulating NKp44-induced IFN-γ production or cytotoxicity. In particular, it also modulates IFN-γ production induced by Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)-DD following NKp44 engagement. We also show that NID1 may be present at the cell surface. In this form or when bound to a solid support (bNID1), NID1 fails to induce NK cell cytotoxicity or cytokine release. However, analysis by mass spectrometry revealed that exposure to bNID1 can induce in human NK cells relevant changes in the proteomic profiles suggesting an effect on different biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gaggero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Parodi
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Genny Del Zotto
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Lavarello
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carola Prato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Santucci
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Barbuto
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology area, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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32
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Dhar P, Wu JD. NKG2D and its ligands in cancer. Curr Opin Immunol 2018; 51:55-61. [PMID: 29525346 PMCID: PMC6145810 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2018.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2017] [Revised: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
NKG2D is an activating immune receptor expressed by NK and effector T cells. Induced expression of NKG2D ligand on tumor cell surface during oncogenic insults renders cancer cells susceptible to immune destruction. In advanced human cancers, tumor cells shed NKG2D ligand to produce an immune soluble form as a means of immune evasion. Soluble NKG2D ligands have been associated with poor clinical prognosis in cancer patients. Harnessing NKG2D pathway is considered a viable avenue in cancer immunotherapy over recent years. In this review, we will discuss the progress and perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Payal Dhar
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States; Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States
| | - Jennifer D Wu
- Department of Urology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States; Robert Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University, Chicago IL60611, United States.
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33
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Chen CC, Chang YT, Liu HN, Chen YJ. Cancer risk in patients with alopecia areata: a nationwide population-based matched cohort study. Cancer Med 2018; 7:2153-2159. [PMID: 29577672 PMCID: PMC5943418 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.1448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alopecia areata (AA) is an organ-specific autoimmune disorder. Defective immune system related disorders are prone to increase the risk of cancer formation. However, the association among AA and variety of cancer types had never been studied. A nationwide population-based matched cohort study was conducted to evaluate the cancer risk in patients with AA. Records from Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database were analyzed. Cases of AA from 1997 to 2013 and cancers registered in the catastrophic illness profile from the same time period were collected. The standard incidence ratio (SIR) of each cancer was calculated. In total, 2099 cancers among 162,499 patients with AA and without prior cancers were identified. The overall cancer risks in AA patients were slightly decreased, especially among male subjects (SIR: 0.89). Refer to individual cancer, the cancer risk of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) (SIR: 0.59), upper GI cancer (SIR: 0.70), liver cancer (SIR: 0.82), uterine, and cervix cancer (SIR: 0.84) were significantly lower in patients with AA. In contrast, AA patients were inclined to have lymphoma, breast cancer, kidney, and urinary bladder cancer with the SIR of 1.55, 2.93, and 2.95, respectively. Age stratified analyses revealed female AA patients younger than 50 years old have even higher risk of breast cancer (SIR: 3.37). Further sensitivity analysis showed similar results after excluding major autoimmune disorders. Cancer risk in AA patients is organ specific, and it is not associated with the underlying autoimmune disorders in patients with AA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Chiang Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ting Chang
- Department of Dermatology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Nan Liu
- Department of Dermatology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Chen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Dermatology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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34
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Gorkiewicz G, Moschen A. Gut microbiome: a new player in gastrointestinal disease. Virchows Arch 2018; 472:159-172. [PMID: 29243124 PMCID: PMC5849673 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-017-2277-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The gastrointestinal (GI) tract harbors a diverse and host-specific gut microbial community. Whereas host-microbe interactions are based on homeostasis and mutualism, the microbiome also contributes to disease development. In this review, we summarize recent findings connecting the GI microbiome with GI disease. Starting with a description of biochemical factors shaping microbial compositions in each gut segment along the longitudinal axis, improved histological techniques enabling high resolution visualization of the spatial microbiome structure are highlighted. Subsequently, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases of the esophagus, stomach, and small and large intestines are discussed and the respective changes in microbiome compositions summarized. Finally, approaches aiming to restore disturbed microbiome compositions thereby promoting health are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregor Gorkiewicz
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Neue Stiftingtalstrasse 6, 8010 Graz, Austria
| | - Alexander Moschen
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Mucosal Immunology & Division of Internal Medicine I, Department of Medicine, Medical University Innsbruck, Peter-Mayr-Strasse 1, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
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35
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Onyeaghala G, Nelson HH, Thyagarajan B, Linabery AM, Panoskaltsis-Mortari A, Gross M, Anderson KE, Prizment AE. Soluble MICA is elevated in pancreatic cancer: Results from a population based case-control study. Mol Carcinog 2017; 56:2158-2164. [PMID: 28470829 PMCID: PMC5590635 DOI: 10.1002/mc.22667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 05/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is diagnosed at a late stage and has one of the highest cancer mortality rates in the United States, creating an urgent need for novel early detection tools. A candidate biomarker for use in early detection is the soluble MHC class I-related chain A (s-MICA) ligand, which pancreatic tumors shed to escape immune detection. The objective of this study was to define the association between s-MICA levels and pancreatic cancer, in a population-based case-control study. S-MICA was measured in 143 pancreatic cancer cases and 459 controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratio (OR) for pancreatic cancer and 95% confidence intervals (CI). There was a positive association between increasing s-MICA levels and pancreatic cancer: compared to the lowest tertile, the ORs for pancreatic cancer were 1.25 (95%CI: 0.75-2.07) and 2.10 (95%CI: 1.29-3.42) in the second and highest tertiles, respectively (P-trend = 0.02). Our study supports previous work demonstrating a positive association between plasma s-MICA levels and pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillaume Onyeaghala
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Heather H Nelson
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Bharat Thyagarajan
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Amy M Linabery
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Angela Panoskaltsis-Mortari
- Division of Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Myron Gross
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Kristin E Anderson
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Anna E Prizment
- Division of Epidemiology and Community Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
- University of Minnesota Masonic Cancer Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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36
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Wongfieng W, Jumnainsong A, Chamgramol Y, Sripa B, Leelayuwat C. 5'-UTR and 3'-UTR Regulation of MICB Expression in Human Cancer Cells by Novel microRNAs. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8090213. [PMID: 28850101 PMCID: PMC5615347 DOI: 10.3390/genes8090213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2017] [Revised: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The treatment of cancer through the induction of natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) ligands is of interest, but understanding of mechanisms controlling expression of individual ligand is limited. The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain related protein B (MICB) is a member of NKG2D ligands. We aimed to investigate the role of 3′-untranslated (3′-UTR) and 5′-untranslated regions (5′-UTR) in post-transcriptional regulation of MICB. Nine novel microRNAs (miRNAs) predicted to interact with 3′-UTR and 5′-UTR using TargetScan, RNAhybrid and miBridge were identified. Their regulation of 3′-UTR, 5′-UTR and both 3′- and 5′-UTR sequences of MICB were indicated by the reduction of luciferase activities of luciferase reporter constructs. Mutations of miRNA binding sites at 3′- and 5′-UTRs resulted in increased luciferase activities confirming the regulation of nine candidate miRNAs. In addition, overexpression of candidate miRNAs also down-regulated the expression of reporter constructs. Consequently, the overexpression and inhibition of candidate miRNAs lead to the decreased and increased. MICB protein expressions on the cells tested, respectively. This study has identified a new role of miRNAs in regulation of MICB expression via both 3′-UTR and 5′-UTR sequences applicable for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wipaporn Wongfieng
- Biomedical Sciences Program, Graduates School of Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
- The Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (CMDL), Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Amonrat Jumnainsong
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
- The Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (CMDL), Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Yaovalux Chamgramol
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Banchob Sripa
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
| | - Chanvit Leelayuwat
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Sciences, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
- Liver Fluke and Cholangiocarcinoma Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
- The Centre for Research and Development of Medical Diagnostic Laboratories (CMDL), Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand.
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37
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Abstract
In contrast to conventional T lymphocytes, which carry an αβ T-cell receptor and recognize antigens as peptides presented by major histocompatibility complex class I or class II molecules, human γδ T cells recognize different metabolites such as non-peptidic pyrophosphate molecules that are secreted by microbes or overproduced by tumor cells. Hence, γδ T cells play a role in immunosurveillance of infection and cellular transformation. Until recently, it has been unknown how the γδ T-cell receptor senses such pyrophosphates in the absence of known antigen-presenting molecules. Recent studies from several groups have identified a unique role of butyrophilin (BTN) protein family members in this process, notably of BTN3A1. BTNs are a large family of transmembrane proteins with diverse functions in lipid secretion and innate and adaptive immunity. Here we discuss current models of how BTN molecules regulate γδ T-cell activation. We also address the implications of these recent findings on the design of novel immunotherapeutic strategies based on the activation of γδ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Marcus Lettau
- Institute of Immunology, University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Ottmar Janssen
- Institute of Immunology, University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building 17, D-24105 Kiel, Germany
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38
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Maccalli C, Giannarelli D, Chiarucci C, Cutaia O, Giacobini G, Hendrickx W, Amato G, Annesi D, Bedognetti D, Altomonte M, Danielli R, Calabrò L, Di Giacomo AM, Marincola FM, Parmiani G, Maio M. Soluble NKG2D ligands are biomarkers associated with the clinical outcome to immune checkpoint blockade therapy of metastatic melanoma patients. Oncoimmunology 2017; 6:e1323618. [PMID: 28811958 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1323618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2017] [Revised: 04/20/2017] [Accepted: 04/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The introduction of immune checkpoint blockade into the clinical practice resulted in improvement of survival of a significant portion of melanoma patients. Consequently, predictive biomarkers of response are needed to optimize patient's stratification and the development of combination therapies. The aim of this study was to determine whether levels of soluble NKG2D ligands (MICA, MICB, ULBP1, 2 and 3; sNKG2DLs) in the serum of melanoma patients can serve as useful predictors of response to the treatment with immune checkpoint blockade. sNKG2DLs were measured by ELISA in baseline and post-treatment serum and these results were correlated with the clinical outcome of melanoma patients (N = 194). The same determinations were performed also in a cohort of patients (N = 65) treated with either chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or mutated BRAF inhibitors (BRAFi). Absence of soluble MICB and ULBP-1 in baseline serum correlated with improved survival (OS = 21.6 and 25.3 mo and p = 0.02 and 0.01, respectively) of patients treated with immunological therapies while detectable levels of these molecules were found in poor survivors (OS = 8.8 and 12.1 mo, respectively). Multivariate analysis showed that LDH (p <0.0001), sULBP-1 (p = 0.02), and sULBP-2 (p = 0.02) were independent predictors of clinical outcome for the cohort of melanoma patients treated with immune checkpoint blockade. Only LDH but not sNKG2DLs was significantly associated with the clinical outcome of patients treated with standard or BRAFi regimens. These findings highlight the relevance of sNKG2DLs in the serum of melanoma patients as biomarkers for patients' stratification and optimization of immune checkpoint inhibition regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Maccalli
- Research Branch, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Diana Giannarelli
- Unit of Statistics, Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Chiarucci
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy.,University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Ornella Cutaia
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy.,University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Gianluca Giacobini
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy.,University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Wouter Hendrickx
- Research Branch, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Giovanni Amato
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Diego Annesi
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Davide Bedognetti
- Research Branch, Division of Translational Medicine, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maresa Altomonte
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Riccardo Danielli
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Luana Calabrò
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
| | - Francesco M Marincola
- Office of the Chief Research Officer (CRO), Research Branch, Sidra Medical and Research Center, Doha, Qatar
| | - Giorgio Parmiani
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy.,Italian Network for Bio-therapy of Tumors-(NIBIT)-Laboratory, Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- Medical Oncology and Immunotherapy, University Hospital of Siena, Istituto Toscano Tumori, Siena, Italy
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39
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Qian X, Hu C, Han S, Lin Z, Xiao W, Ding Y, Zhang Y, Qian L, Jia X, Zhu G, Gong W. NK1.1 - CD4 + NKG2D + T cells suppress DSS-induced colitis in mice through production of TGF-β. J Cell Mol Med 2017; 21:1431-1444. [PMID: 28224733 PMCID: PMC5487917 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.13072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/25/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
CD4+NKG2D+ T cells are associated with tumour, infection and autoimmune diseases. Some CD4+NKG2D+ T cells secrete IFN‐γ and TNF‐α to promote inflammation, but others produce TGF‐β and FasL to facilitate tumour evasion. Here, murine CD4+NKG2D+ T cells were further classified into NK1.1−CD4+NKG2D+ and NK1.1+CD4+NKG2D+ subpopulations. The frequency of NK1.1−CD4+NKG2D+ cells decreased in inflamed colons, whereas more NK1.1+CD4+NKG2D+ cells infiltrated into colons of mice with DSS‐induced colitis. NK1.1−CD4+NKG2D+ cells expressed TGF‐β and FasL without secreting IFN‐γ, IL‐21 and IL‐17 and displayed no cytotoxicity. The adoptive transfer of NK1.1−CD4+NKG2D+ cells suppressed DSS‐induced colitis largely dependent on TGF‐β. NK1.1−CD4+NKG2D+ cells did not expressed Foxp3, CD223 (LAG‐3) and GITR. The subpopulation was distinct from NK1.1+CD4+NKG2D+ cells in terms of surface markers and RNA transcription. NK1.1−CD4+NKG2D+ cells also differed from Th2 or Th17 cells because the former did not express GATA‐3 and ROR‐γt. Thus, NK1.1−CD4+NKG2D+ cells exhibited immune regulatory functions, and this T cell subset could be developed to suppress inflammation in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Qian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Chunxia Hu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Sen Han
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Lin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China
| | - Weiming Xiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yanbing Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou, China
| | - Li Qian
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoqing Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou, China
| | - Guoqiang Zhu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
| | - Weijuan Gong
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of Senile Diseases, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Yangzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Clinical Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China
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40
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Isernhagen A, Malzahn D, Bickeböller H, Dressel R. Impact of the MICA-129Met/Val Dimorphism on NKG2D-Mediated Biological Functions and Disease Risks. Front Immunol 2016; 7:588. [PMID: 28018354 PMCID: PMC5149524 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related A (MICA) is the most polymorphic non-classical MHC class I gene in humans. It encodes a ligand for NKG2D (NK group 2, member D), an activating natural killer (NK) receptor that is expressed mainly on NK cells and CD8+ T cells. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs1051792 causing a valine (Val) to methionine (Met) exchange at position 129 of the MICA protein is of specific interest. It separates MICA into isoforms that bind NKG2D with high (Met) and low affinities (Val). Therefore, this SNP has been investigated for associations with infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Here, we systematically review these studies and analyze them in view of new data on the functional consequences of this polymorphism. It has been shown recently that the MICA-129Met variant elicits a stronger NKG2D signaling, resulting in more degranulation and IFN-γ production in NK cells and in a faster costimulation of CD8+ T cells than the MICA-129Val variant. However, the MICA-129Met isoform also downregulates NKG2D more efficiently than the MICA-129Val isoform. This downregulation impairs NKG2D-mediated functions at high expression intensities of the MICA-Met variant. These features of the MICA-129Met/Val dimorphism need to be considered when interpreting disease association studies. Particularly, in the field of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, they help to explain the associations of the SNP with outcome including graft-versus-host disease and relapse of malignancy. Implications for future disease association studies of the MICA-129Met/Val dimorphism are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Isernhagen
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Dörthe Malzahn
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Heike Bickeböller
- Institute of Genetic Epidemiology, University Medical Center Göttingen , Göttingen , Germany
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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Shiraishi K, Mimura K, Kua LF, Koh V, Siang LK, Nakajima S, Fujii H, Shabbir A, Yong WP, So J, Takenoshita S, Kono K. Inhibition of MMP activity can restore NKG2D ligand expression in gastric cancer, leading to improved NK cell susceptibility. J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:1101-1111. [PMID: 27002316 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-016-1197-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND METHODS Natural killer (NK) cells can react with tumor cells through the balance of inhibitory and stimulatory signals between NK cell surface receptors and their ligands, such as MHC class I chain-related A (MICA), MHC class I chain-related B (MICB), and several UL16-binding proteins (ULBPs). In the present study, we evaluated the relationship between NKG2D ligand expression and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity in in vitro culture systems of a panel of gastric cancer cell lines (n = 10) and clinical samples (n = 102). RESULTS First, the surface expression of NK group 2 member D (NKG2D) ligands (MICA, MICB, ULBP-2, and ULBP-3) on tumor cells was markedly downregulated on in vitro culture, in parallel to the upregulation of MMPs analyzed by gelatin zymography and gene expression microarray, whereas the transcript levels of NKG2D ligands remained unchanged on in vitro culture. Second, MMP-specific inhibitors could restore the downregulated expression of NKG2D ligands and functionally improve susceptibilities to NK cells in vitro. Third, the production of soluble NKG2D ligands was increased on in vitro culture and was inhibited by MMP-specific inhibitors. Finally, there was a significant inverse correlation between MMP-9 expression and NKG2D ligand expression as analyzed by immunohistochemistry in clinical tumor samples. CONCLUSION The present study is a comprehensive study demonstrating that upregulation of MMP activity can induce a downregulation of expression of NKG2D ligands in gastric cancer cells, leading to lower-level susceptibility to NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kensuke Shiraishi
- Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kousaku Mimura
- Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ley-Fang Kua
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Vivien Koh
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lim Kee Siang
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shotaro Nakajima
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Hideki Fujii
- First Department of Surgery, University of Yamanashi, Kofu, Japan
| | - Asim Shabbir
- Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wei-Peng Yong
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jimmy So
- Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seiichi Takenoshita
- Department of Advanced Cancer Immunotherapy, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, 960-1295, Japan
| | - Koji Kono
- Department of Surgery, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. .,Department of Advanced Cancer Immunotherapy, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, 960-1295, Japan. .,Department of Organ Regulatory Surgery, Fukushima Medical University, 1 Hikarigaoka, Fukushima City, 960-1295, Japan.
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42
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Montalban-Arques A, Wurm P, Trajanoski S, Schauer S, Kienesberger S, Halwachs B, Högenauer C, Langner C, Gorkiewicz G. Propionibacterium acnes overabundance and natural killer group 2 member D system activation in corpus-dominant lymphocytic gastritis. J Pathol 2016; 240:425-436. [PMID: 27538697 PMCID: PMC5111592 DOI: 10.1002/path.4782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2016] [Revised: 07/15/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Corpus‐dominant lymphocytic gastritis (LyG) is characterized by CD8+ T‐cell infiltration of the stomach epithelium by a so far uncharacterized mechanism. Although Helicobacter pylori is typically undetectable in LyG, patients respond to H. pylori antibiotic eradication therapy, suggesting a non‐H. pylori microbial trigger for the disease. Comparative microbiota analysis of specimens from LyG, H. pylori gastritis and healthy controls precluded involvement of H. pylori in LyG but identified Propionibacterium acnes as a possible disease trigger. In addition, the natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) system and the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)‐15 are significantly upregulated in the gastric mucosa of LyG patients, and gastric epithelial cells respond to microbe‐derived stimuli, including live P. acnes and the microbial products short‐chain fatty acids, with induction of NKG2D ligands. In contrast, H. pylori infection does not activate or even repress NKG2D ligands. Together, our findings identify P. acnes as a possible causative agent for LyG, which is dependent on the NKG2D system and IL‐15 activation. © 2016 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Montalban-Arques
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Philipp Wurm
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Slave Trajanoski
- Centre for Medical Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Silvia Schauer
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Sabine Kienesberger
- Institute of Molecular Biosciences, University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed, Interuniversity Cooperation, Graz, Austria
| | - Bettina Halwachs
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed, Interuniversity Cooperation, Graz, Austria
| | - Christoph Högenauer
- Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Cord Langner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Gregor Gorkiewicz
- Institute of Pathology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,Theodor Escherich Laboratory for Medical Microbiome Research, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria.,BioTechMed, Interuniversity Cooperation, Graz, Austria
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43
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Robinette ML, Colonna M. Innate lymphoid cells and the MHC. HLA 2016; 87:5-11. [PMID: 26812060 DOI: 10.1111/tan.12723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 11/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a new class of immune cells that include natural killer (NK) cells and appear to be the innate counterparts to CD4(+) helper T cells and CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells based on developmental and functional similarities. Like T cells, both NK cells and other ILCs also show connections to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In human and mouse, NK cells recognize and respond to classical and nonclassical MHC I molecules as well as structural homologues, whereas mouse ILCs have recently been shown to express MHC II. We describe the history of MHC I recognition by NK cells and discuss emerging roles for MHC II expression by ILC subsets, making comparisons between both mouse and human when possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- M L Robinette
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - M Colonna
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
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Peipp M, Derer S, Lohse S, Staudinger M, Klausz K, Valerius T, Gramatzki M, Kellner C. HER2-specific immunoligands engaging NKp30 or NKp80 trigger NK-cell-mediated lysis of tumor cells and enhance antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Oncotarget 2016; 6:32075-88. [PMID: 26392331 PMCID: PMC4741660 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2014] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells detect tumors through activating surface receptors, which bind self-antigens that are frequently expressed upon malignant transformation. To increase the recognition of tumor cells, the extracellular domains of ligands of the activating NK cell receptors NKp30, NKp80 and DNAM-1 (i.e. B7-H6, AICL and PVR, respectively) were fused to a single-chain fragment variable (scFv) targeting the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), which is displayed by various solid tumors. The resulting immunoligands, designated B7-H6:HER2-scFv, AICL:HER2-scFv, and PVR:HER2-scFv, respectively, bound HER2 and the addressed NK cell receptor. However, whereas B7-H6:HER2-scFv and AICL:HER2-scFv triggered NK cells to kill HER2-positive breast cancer cells at nanomolar concentrations, PVR:HER2-scFv was not efficacious. Moreover, NK cell cytotoxicity was enhanced synergistically when B7-H6:HER2-scFv or AICL:HER2-scFv were applied in combination with another HER2-specific immunoligand engaging the stimulatory receptor NKG2D. In contrast, no improvements were achieved by combining B7-H6:HER2-scFv with AICL:HER2-scFv. Additionally, B7-H6:HER2-scFv and AICL:HER2-scFv enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by the therapeutic antibodies trastuzumab and cetuximab synergistically, with B7-H6:HER2-scFv exhibiting a higher efficacy. In summary, antibody-derived proteins engaging NKp30 or NKp80 may represent attractive biologics to further enhance anti-tumor NK cell responses and may provide an innovative approach to sensitize tumor cells for antibody-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Peipp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefanie Derer
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stefan Lohse
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Staudinger
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Thomas Valerius
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Gramatzki
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, 2nd Department of Medicine, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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45
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Human NK cells: From surface receptors to clinical applications. Immunol Lett 2016; 178:15-9. [PMID: 27185471 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2016.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells play a major role in innate defenses against pathogens, primarily viruses, and are also thought to be part of the immunosurveillance against tumors. They express an array of surface receptors that mediate NK cell function. The human leukocytes antigen (HLA) class I-specific inhibitory receptors allow NK cells to detect and kill cells that have lost or under-express HLA class I antigens, a typical feature of tumor or virally infected cells. However, NK cell activation and induction of cytolytic activity and cytokine production depends on another important checkpoint, namely the expression on target cells of ligands recognized by activating NK receptors. Despite their potent cytolytic activity, NK cells frequently fail to eliminate tumors. This is due to mechanisms of tumor escape, determined by the tumor cells themselves or by tumor-associated cells (i.e. the tumor microenvironment) via the release of soluble suppressive factors or the induction of inhibitory loops involving induction of regulatory T cells, M2-polarized macrophages and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. The most important clinical application involving NK cells is the cure of high-risk leukemias in the haplo-identical hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) setting. NK cells originated from hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) of HLA-haploidentical donors may express Killer Immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) that are mismatched with the HLA class I alleles of the recipient. This allows NK cells to kill leukemia blasts residual after the conditioning regimen, while sparing normal cells (that do not express ligands for activating NK receptors). More recent approaches based on the specific removal of TCR α/β(+) T cells and of CD19(+) B cells, allow the infusion, together with CD34(+) HSC, of mature KIR(+) NK cells and of TCR γ/δ(+) T cells, both characterized by a potent anti-leukemia activity. This greatly reduces the time interval necessary to obtain alloreactive, KIR(+) NK cells derived from donor HSC. Another promising approach is based on the use of anti-KIR blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), rendering alloreactive any KIR(+) NK cells.
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46
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Tonnerre P, Gérard N, Gavlovsky PJ, Mazalrey S, Hourmant M, Cheneau ML, Cesbron-Gautier A, Renaudin K, Bressollette-Bodin C, Charreau B. MICAMutant A5.1 Influences BK Polyomavirus Reactivation and Associated Nephropathy After Kidney Transplantation. J Infect Dis 2016; 214:807-16. [DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiw168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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47
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Pietra G, Vitale C, Pende D, Bertaina A, Moretta F, Falco M, Vacca P, Montaldo E, Cantoni C, Mingari MC, Moretta A, Locatelli F, Moretta L. Human natural killer cells: news in the therapy of solid tumors and high-risk leukemias. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2016; 65:465-76. [PMID: 26289090 PMCID: PMC11028670 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-015-1744-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 07/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
It is well established that natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the immunity against cancer, while the involvement of other recently identified, NK-related innate lymphoid cells is still poorly defined. In the haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for the therapy of high-risk leukemias, NK cells have been shown to exert a key role in killing leukemic blasts residual after conditioning. While the clinical results in the cure of leukemias are excellent, the exploitation of NK cells in the therapy of solid tumors is still limited and unsatisfactory. In solid tumors, NK cell function may be inhibited via different mechanisms, occurring primarily at the tumor site. The cellular interactions in the tumor microenvironment involve tumor cells, stromal cells and resident or recruited leukocytes and may favor tumor evasion from the host's defenses. In this context, a number of cytokines, growth factors and enzymes synthesized by tumor cells, stromal cells, suppressive/regulatory myeloid and lymphoid cells may substantially impair the function of different tumor-reactive effector cells, including NK cells. The identification and characterization of such mechanisms may offer clues for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies to restore effective anti-tumor responses. In order to harness NK cell-based immunotherapies, several approaches have been proposed, including reinforcement of NK cell cytotoxicity by means of specific cytokines, antibodies or drugs. These new tools may improve NK cell function and/or increase tumor susceptibility to NK-mediated killing. Hence, the integration of NK-based immunotherapies with conventional anti-tumor therapies may increase chances of successful cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Pietra
- IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Francesca Moretta
- Department of Medicine, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
- Ospedale Sacro Cuore, Negrar, Verona, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini n. 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Paola Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Montaldo
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini n. 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Via G. Gaslini n. 5, 16147, Genoa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- IRCCS AOU San Martino-IST, Genoa, Italy
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
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48
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Ribeiro CH, Kramm K, Gálvez-Jirón F, Pola V, Bustamante M, Contreras HR, Sabag A, Garrido-Tapia M, Hernández CJ, Zúñiga R, Collazo N, Sotelo PH, Morales C, Mercado L, Catalán D, Aguillón JC, Molina MC. Clinical significance of tumor expression of major histocompatibility complex class I-related chains A and B (MICA/B) in gastric cancer patients. Oncol Rep 2015; 35:1309-17. [PMID: 26708143 PMCID: PMC4750752 DOI: 10.3892/or.2015.4510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is the third most common cause of cancer death worldwide. Natural killer cells play an important role in the immune defense against transformed cells. They express the activating receptor NKG2D, whose ligands belong to the MIC and ULBP/RAET family. Although it is well established that these ligands are generally expressed in tumors, the association between their expression in the tumor and gastric mucosa and clinical parameters and prognosis of GC remains to be addressed. In the present study, MICA and MICB expression was analyzed, by flow cytometry, in 23 and 20 pairs of gastric tumor and adjacent non-neoplasic gastric mucosa, respectively. Additionally, ligands expression in 13 tumors and 7 gastric mucosa samples from GC patients were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of MICA in 9 pairs of tumor and mucosa were determined by quantitative PCR. Data were associated with the clinicopathological characteristics and the patient outcome. MICA expression was observed in 57% of tumors (13/23) and 44% of mucosal samples (10/23), while MICB was detected in 50% of tumors (10/20) and 45% of mucosal tissues (9/20). At the protein level, ligand expression was significantly higher in the tumor than in the gastric mucosa. MICA mRNA levels were also increased in the tumor as compared to the mucosa. However, clinicopathological analysis indicated that, in patients with tumors >5 cm, the expression of MICA and MICB in the tumor did not differ from that of the mucosa, and tumors >5 cm showed significantly higher MICA and MICB expression than tumors ≤5 cm. Patients presenting tumors >5 cm that expressed MICA and MICB had substantially shorter survival than those with large tumors that did not express these ligands. Our results suggest that locally sustained expression of MICA and MICB in the tumor may contribute to the malignant progression of GC and that expression of these ligands predicts an unfavorable prognosis in GC patients presenting large tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Hager Ribeiro
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Karina Kramm
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Felipe Gálvez-Jirón
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Víctor Pola
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marco Bustamante
- Departamento de Cirugía Digestiva, Hospital del Salvador, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Hector R Contreras
- Programa de Fisiología y Biofísica, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Sabag
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Macarena Garrido-Tapia
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carolina J Hernández
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Roberto Zúñiga
- Facultad de Química, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
| | - Norberto Collazo
- Centro de InmunoBiotecnología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Hernán Sotelo
- Centro de InmunoBiotecnología, ICBM, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Camila Morales
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Luis Mercado
- Instituto de Biología, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Diego Catalán
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Aguillón
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Carmen Molina
- Programa Disciplinario de Inmunología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas (ICBM), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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Isernhagen A, Schilling D, Monecke S, Shah P, Elsner L, Walter L, Multhoff G, Dressel R. The MICA-129Met/Val dimorphism affects plasma membrane expression and shedding of the NKG2D ligand MICA. Immunogenetics 2015; 68:109-23. [PMID: 26585323 PMCID: PMC4728179 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-015-0884-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The MHC class I chain-related molecule A (MICA) is a ligand for the activating natural killer (NK) cell receptor NKG2D. A polymorphism causing a valine to methionine exchange at position 129 affects binding to NKG2D, cytotoxicity, interferon-γ release by NK cells and activation of CD8+ T cells. It is known that tumors can escape NKG2D-mediated immune surveillance by proteolytic shedding of MICA. Therefore, we investigated whether this polymorphism affects plasma membrane expression (pmMICA) and shedding of MICA. Expression of pmMICA was higher in a panel of tumor (n = 16, P = 0.0699) and melanoma cell lines (n = 13, P = 0.0429) carrying the MICA-129Val/Val genotype. MICA-129Val homozygous melanoma cell lines released more soluble MICA (sMICA) by shedding (P = 0.0015). MICA-129Met or MICA-129Val isoforms differing only in this amino acid were expressed in the MICA-negative melanoma cell line Malme, and clones with similar pmMICA expression intensity were selected. The MICA-129Met clones released more sMICA (P = 0.0006), and a higher proportion of the MICA-129Met than the MICA-129Val variant was retained in intracellular compartments (P = 0.0199). The MICA-129Met clones also expressed more MICA messenger RNA (P = 0.0047). The latter phenotype was also observed in mouse L cells transfected with the MICA expression constructs (P = 0.0212). In conclusion, the MICA-129Met/Val dimorphism affects the expression density of MICA on the plasma membrane. More of the MICA-129Met variants were retained intracellularly. If expressed at the cell surface, the MICA-129Met isoform was more susceptible to shedding. Both processes appear to limit the cell surface expression of MICA-129Met variants that have a high binding avidity to NKG2D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Isernhagen
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 34, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Daniela Schilling
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Innovative Radiotherapy (iRT), Radiation Immune Biology, Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Monecke
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 34, 37073, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Pranali Shah
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 34, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Leslie Elsner
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 34, 37073, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Lutz Walter
- Primate Genetics Laboratory, German Primate Center, Göttingen, Germany.,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Multhoff
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München (TUM), Munich, Germany.,Institute of Innovative Radiotherapy (iRT), Radiation Immune Biology, Department of Radiation Sciences (DRS), Helmholtz Zentrum München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ralf Dressel
- Institute of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Humboldtallee 34, 37073, Göttingen, Germany. .,DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner site Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany.
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Fionda C, Abruzzese MP, Zingoni A, Cecere F, Vulpis E, Peruzzi G, Soriani A, Molfetta R, Paolini R, Ricciardi MR, Petrucci MT, Santoni A, Cippitelli M. The IMiDs targets IKZF-1/3 and IRF4 as novel negative regulators of NK cell-activating ligands expression in multiple myeloma. Oncotarget 2015; 6:23609-30. [PMID: 26269456 PMCID: PMC4695140 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.4603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2015] [Accepted: 06/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs (IMiDs) have potent anti-tumor activities in multiple myeloma (MM) and are able to enhance the cytotoxic function of natural killer (NK) cells, important effectors of the immune response against MM. Here, we show that these drugs can enhance the expression of the NKG2D and DNAM-1 activating receptor ligands MICA and PVR/CD155 in human MM cell lines and primary malignant plasma cells. Depletion of cereblon (CRBN) by shRNA interference strongly impaired upregulation of these ligands and, more interestingly, IMiDs/CRBN-mediated downregulation of the transcription factors Ikaros (IKZF1), Aiolos (IKZF3) and IRF4 was critical for these regulatory mechanisms. Indeed, shRNA knockdown of IKZF1 or IKZF3 expression was both necessary and sufficient for the upregulation of MICA and PVR/CD155 expression, suggesting that these transcription factors can repress these genes; accordingly, the direct interaction and the negative role of IKZF1 and IKZF3 proteins on MICA and PVR/CD155 promoters were demonstrated. Finally, MICA expression was enhanced in IRF4-silenced cells, indicating a specific suppressive role of this transcription factor on MICA gene expression in MM cells.Taken together, these findings describe novel molecular pathways involved in the regulation of MICA and PVR/CD155 gene expression and identify the transcription factors IKZF-1/IKZF-3 and IRF4 as repressors of these genes in MM cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cinzia Fionda
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Pia Abruzzese
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Zingoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Cecere
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vulpis
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giovanna Peruzzi
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, CLNS@Sapienza, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Soriani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Molfetta
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Paolini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosaria Ricciardi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Teresa Petrucci
- Division of Hematology, Department of Cellular Biotechnologies and Hematology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Santoni
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- Istituto Mediterraneo di Neuroscienze Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Marco Cippitelli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Istituto Pasteur-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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