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Bekhbat M. Glycolytic metabolism: Food for immune cells, fuel for depression? Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 40:100843. [PMID: 39263313 PMCID: PMC11387811 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is one biological pathway thought to impact the brain to contribute to major depressive disorder (MDD) and is reliably associated with resistance to standard antidepressant treatments. While peripheral immune cells, particularly monocytes, have been associated with aspects of increased inflammation in MDD and symptom severity, significant gaps in knowledge exist regarding the mechanisms by which these cells are activated to contribute to behavioral symptoms in MDD. One concept that has gained recent appreciation is that metabolic rewiring to glycolysis in activated myeloid cells plays a crucial role in facilitating these cells' pro-inflammatory functions, which may underlie myeloid contribution to systemic inflammation and its effects on the brain. Given emerging evidence from translational studies of depression that peripheral monocytes exhibit signs of glycolytic activation, better understanding the immunometabolic phenotypes of monocytes which are known to be elevated in MDD with high inflammation is a critical step toward comprehending and treating the impact of inflammation on the brain. This narrative review examines the extant literature on glycolytic metabolism of circulating monocytes in depression and discusses the functional implications of immunometabolic shifts at both cellular and systemic levels. Additionally, it proposes potential therapeutic applications of existing immunomodulators that target glycolysis and related metabolic pathways in order to reverse the impact of elevated inflammation on the brain and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandakh Bekhbat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
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Aehnlich P, Santiago MV, Dam SH, Saló SF, Rahbech A, Olsen LR, Thor Straten P, Desler C, Holmen Olofsson G. Glycolysis inhibition affects proliferation and cytotoxicity of Vγ9Vδ2 T cells expanded for adoptive cell therapy. Cytotherapy 2024; 26:1033-1045. [PMID: 38775775 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.04.072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/25/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are under investigation as alternative effector cells for adoptive cell therapy (ACT) in cancer. Despite promising in vitro results, anti-tumor efficacies in early clinical studies have been lower than expected, which could be ascribed to the complex interplay of tumor and immune cell metabolism competing for the same nutrients in the tumor microenvironment. METHODS To contribute to the scarce knowledge regarding gamma delta T-cell metabolism, we investigated the metabolic phenotype of 25-day-expanded Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and how it is intertwined with functionality. RESULTS We found that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells displayed a quiescent metabolism, utilizing both glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for energy production, as measured in Seahorse assays. Upon T-cell receptor activation, both pathways were upregulated, and inhibition with metabolic inhibitors showed that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells were dependent on glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway for proliferation. The dependency on glucose for proliferation was confirmed in glucose-free conditions. Cytotoxicity against malignant melanoma was reduced by glycolysis inhibition but not OXPHOS inhibition. CONCLUSIONS These findings lay the groundwork for further studies on manipulation of Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell metabolism for improved ACT outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia Aehnlich
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Marta Velasco Santiago
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Søren Helweg Dam
- Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Sara Fresnillo Saló
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Anne Rahbech
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark
| | - Lars Rønn Olsen
- Section for Bioinformatics, Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Per Thor Straten
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark; Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Desler
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Gitte Holmen Olofsson
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy, Department of Oncology, Copenhagen University Hospital Herlev, Herlev, Denmark.
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3
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Delconte RB, Owyong M, Santosa EK, Srpan K, Sheppard S, McGuire TJ, Abbasi A, Diaz-Salazar C, Chun J, Rogatsky I, Hsu KC, Jordan S, Merad M, Sun JC. Fasting reshapes tissue-specific niches to improve NK cell-mediated anti-tumor immunity. Immunity 2024; 57:1923-1938.e7. [PMID: 38878769 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2024.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Fasting is associated with improved outcomes in cancer. Here, we investigated the impact of fasting on natural killer (NK) cell anti-tumor immunity. Cyclic fasting improved immunity against solid and metastatic tumors in an NK cell-dependent manner. During fasting, NK cells underwent redistribution from peripheral tissues to the bone marrow (BM). In humans, fasting also reduced circulating NK cell numbers. NK cells in the spleen of fasted mice were metabolically rewired by elevated concentrations of fatty acids and glucocorticoids, augmenting fatty acid metabolism via increased expression of the enzyme CPT1A, and Cpt1a deletion impaired NK cell survival and function in this setting. In parallel, redistribution of NK cells to the BM during fasting required the trafficking mediators S1PR5 and CXCR4. These cells were primed by an increased pool of interleukin (IL)-12-expressing BM myeloid cells, which improved IFN-γ production. Our findings identify a link between dietary restriction and optimized innate immune responses, with the potential to enhance immunotherapy strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca B Delconte
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Mark Owyong
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Endi K Santosa
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Katja Srpan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sam Sheppard
- Department of Life Sciences, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Tomi J McGuire
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Aamna Abbasi
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Carlos Diaz-Salazar
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Jerold Chun
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Inez Rogatsky
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA; Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, The David Rosenzweig Genomics Center, New York, NY 10021, USA
| | - Katharine C Hsu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Stefan Jordan
- Institute of Microbiology, Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Miriam Merad
- Marc and Jennifer Lipschultz Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Joseph C Sun
- Immunology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA; Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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4
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Lauener MP, Tanaka E, Mei A, Abdossamadi S, Ostroumov E, Geltink RIK, Malarkannan S, Schultz KR. Expansion and characterization of immune suppressive CD56(bright)Perforin(-) regulatory-like natural killer cells in chronic graft-versus-host disease. Cytotherapy 2024:S1465-3249(24)00803-X. [PMID: 39127925 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2024.07.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGvHD) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality after Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation (HSCT). Previously, in large patient cohorts, we identified increased numbers of CD56brightPerforin- regulatory-like NK cells (NKreg-like) associated with cGvHD suppression. Thus, we hypothesized that NKreg-like cells may be a potential candidate for cGvHD cell therapy. AIM To expand NKreg-like cells while maintaining regulatory phenotype and function. METHODS Total NK cells were first expanded with IL-2, which was then combined with rapamycin, Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1), NECA (Adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) agonist), metformin, or dexamethasone, to prevent change in cell phenotype/function. The functional characteristics were evaluated via T cell suppression assays and the phenotype was measured using flow cytometry. The optimal expansion protocol was compared in terms of function and metabolism for three NK expansion media, and cells from cord vs. peripheral blood. Further, expanded NKreg-like cell gene expression was characterized using bulk RNA sequencing. Finally, NKreg-like cells were differentiated from CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and compared in terms of proliferation and function. RESULTS The expansion of total NK cells found the addition of TGF-β1 and/or NECA with the pulsing of rapamycin in IL-2 containing media to prevent NKreg-like differentiation (up to 200-fold expansion). Expanded NKreg-like cells maintained a phenotype, transcriptome, and T cell suppression similar to freshly isolated NKreg-like cells. NKreg-like expansion was greatest in the Immunocult media (up to 300-fold), and NKreg-like cells from peripheral blood demonstrated significantly greater proliferation than cells isolated from cord blood (65-fold). The metabolic profile of NKreg-like and cytolytic NK cells appeared similar at baseline, though rapamycin induced a shift to oxidative over glycolytic metabolism. Further, we demonstrated that suppressive NKreg-like cells may alternatively be expanded from CD34+ cells isolated from cord blood, reaching an average 340-fold expansion. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, our studies have optimized two alternative expansion approaches for deriving functional NKreg-like cells. Additionally, evaluating the transcriptomic and metabolic characteristics provides useful information regarding NKreg-like cell function and differentiation. With further optimization and in vivo validation, we may work towards preparing these cells as a therapy for cGvHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline P Lauener
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Erin Tanaka
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ao Mei
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, MCW, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Sayeh Abdossamadi
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elena Ostroumov
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Ramon I Klein Geltink
- British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Subra Malarkannan
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, MCW, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Kirk R Schultz
- Michael Cuccione Childhood Cancer Research Program, British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; British Columbia Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.
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Arellano-Ballestero H, Zubiak A, Dally C, Orchard K, Alrubayyi A, Charalambous X, Michael M, Torrance R, Eales T, Das K, Tran MGB, Sabry M, Peppa D, Lowdell MW. Proteomic and phenotypic characteristics of memory-like natural killer cells for cancer immunotherapy. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008717. [PMID: 39032940 PMCID: PMC11261707 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-008717] [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] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human and mouse natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to develop memory-like function after short-term exposure to the cocktail of IL-12/15/18 or to overnight co-culture with some tumor cell lines. The resulting cells retain enhanced lytic ability for up to 7 days as well as after cryopreservation, and memory-like NK cells (mlNK) have been shown to induce complete remissions in patients with hematological malignancies. No single phenotype has been described for mlNK and the physiological changes induced by the short-term cytokine or tumor-priming which are responsible for these enhanced functions have not been fully characterized. Here, we have generated mlNK by cytokine and tumor-priming to find commonalities to better define the nature of NK cell "memory" in vitro and, for the first time, in vivo. METHODS We initiated mlNK in vitro from healthy donors with cytokines (initiated cytokine-induced memory-like (iCIML)-NK) and by tumor priming (TpNK) overnight and compared them by high-dimensional flow cytometry, proteomic and metabolomic profiling. As a potential mechanism of enhanced cytolytic function, we analyzed the avidity of binding of the mlNK to NK-resistant tumors (z-Movi). We generated TpNK from healthy donors and from cancer patients to determine whether mlNK generated by interaction with a single tumor type could enhance lytic activity. Finally, we used a replication-incompetent tumor cell line (INKmune) to treat patients with myeloid leukaemias to potentiate NK cell function in vivo. RESULTS Tumor-primed mlNK from healthy donors and patients with cancer showed increased cytotoxicity against multiple tumor cell lines in vitro, analogous to iCIML-NK cells. Multidimensional cytometry identified distinct memory-like profiles of subsets of cells with memory-like characteristics; upregulation of CD57, CD69, CD25 and ICAM1. Proteomic profiling identified 41 proteins restricted to mlNK cells and we identified candidate molecules for the basis of NK memory which can explain how mlNK overcome inhibition by resistant tumors. Finally, of five patients with myelodysplastic syndrome or refractory acute myeloid leukemia treated with INKmune, three responded to treatment with measurable increases in NK lytic function and systemic cytokines. CONCLUSIONS NK cell "memory" is a physiological state associated with resistance to MHC-mediated inhibition, increased metabolic function, mitochondrial fitness and avidity to NK-resistant target cells.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Agnieszka Zubiak
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- INmuneBio Inc, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Chris Dally
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Kim Orchard
- Department of Haematology, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | | | | | | | | | - Trinity Eales
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Maxine G. B. Tran
- Department of Biotechnology, Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London, UK
- Specialist Centre for Kidney Cancer, Royal Free Hospital, London, UK
| | - May Sabry
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- INmuneBio Inc, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
| | - Dimitra Peppa
- Institute for Immunity and Transplantation, Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mark W. Lowdell
- Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- INmuneBio Inc, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
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Fan L, Zhang F, Yao C, Nong L, Li J, Huang W. Unraveling the H19/GAS1 axis in recurrent implantation failure: A potential biomarker for diagnosis and insight into immune microenvironment alteration. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0306244. [PMID: 38968269 PMCID: PMC11226067 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0306244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) presents a significant clinical challenge due to the lack of established diagnostic and therapeutic guidelines. Emerging evidence underscores the crucial role of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks in non-cancerous female reproductive disorders, yet the intricacies and operational characteristics of these networks in RIF are not fully understood. This study aims to demystify the ceRNA regulatory network and identify potential biomarkers for its diagnosis. We analyzed expression profiles of three RNA types (long noncoding RNAs [lncRNAs], microRNAs [miRNAs], and mRNAs) sourced from the GEO database, leading to the identification of the H19-hsa-miR-301a-3p-GAS1 ceRNA network. This network demonstrates significant diagnostic relevance for RIF. Notably, the H19/GAS1 axis within this ceRNA network, identified through correlation analysis, emerged as a promising diagnostic marker, as evidenced by operating receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Further investigation into the binding potential of miR-301a-3p with H19 and GAS1 revealed a close association of these genes with endometrial disorders and embryo loss, as per the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database. Additionally, our immune infiltration analysis revealed a lower proportion of T cells gamma delta (γδ) in RIF, along with distinct differences in the expression of immune cell type-specific markers between fertile patients and those with RIF. We also observed a correlation between aberrant expression of H19/GAS1 and these immune markers, suggesting that the H19/GAS1 axis might play a role in modifying the immune microenvironment, contributing to the pathogenesis of RIF. In conclusion, the ceRNA-based H19/GAS1 axis holds promise as a novel diagnostic biomarker for RIF, potentially enhancing our understanding of its underlying mechanisms and improving the success rates of implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Fan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center Liuzhou Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, China
- Guangxi Maternal and Obstetric Disease Research Center, Liuzhou, China
- Liuzhou Institute of Reproduction and Genetics, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center Liuzhou Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Chunling Yao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center Liuzhou Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Liuying Nong
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center Liuzhou Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Li
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center Liuzhou Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, China
- Guangxi Maternal and Obstetric Disease Research Center, Liuzhou, China
- Liuzhou Institute of Reproduction and Genetics, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Huang
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center Liuzhou Hospital, Liuzhou, Guangxi, China
- Reproductive Medicine Center, Liuzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Liuzhou, China
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Shrestha N, Dee MJ, Chaturvedi P, Leclerc GM, Mathyer M, Dufour C, Arthur L, Becker-Hapak M, Foster M, McClain E, Pena NV, Kage K, Zhu X, George V, Liu B, Egan J, Echeverri C, Wang M, You L, Kong L, Li L, Berrien-Elliott MM, Cooper ML, Fehniger TA, Rhode PR, Wong HC. A "Prime and Expand" strategy using the multifunctional fusion proteins to generate memory-like NK cells for cell therapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:179. [PMID: 38960949 PMCID: PMC11222348 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03765-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 06/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) using memory-like (ML) natural killer (NK) cells, generated through overnight ex vivo activation with IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18, has shown promise for treating hematologic malignancies. We recently reported that a multifunctional fusion molecule, HCW9201, comprising IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 domains could replace individual cytokines for priming human ML NK cell programming ("Prime" step). However, this approach does not include ex vivo expansion, thereby limiting the ability to test different doses and schedules. Here, we report the design and generation of a multifunctional fusion molecule, HCW9206, consisting of human IL-7, IL-15, and IL-21 cytokines. We observed > 300-fold expansion for HCW9201-primed human NK cells cultured for 14 days with HCW9206 and HCW9101, an IgG1 antibody, recognizing the scaffold domain of HCW9206 ("Expand" step). This expansion was dependent on both HCW9206 cytokines and interactions of the IgG1 mAb with CD16 receptors on NK cells. The resulting "Prime and Expand" ML NK cells exhibited elevated metabolic capacity, stable epigenetic IFNG promoter demethylation, enhanced antitumor activity in vitro and in vivo, and superior persistence in NSG mice. Thus, the "Prime and Expand" strategy represents a simple feeder cell-free approach to streamline manufacturing of clinical-grade ML NK cells to support multidose and off-the-shelf ACT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niraj Shrestha
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Michael J Dee
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | | | - Gilles M Leclerc
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michelle Becker-Hapak
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Mark Foster
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Ethan McClain
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - Karen Kage
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Xiaoyun Zhu
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Varghese George
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Bai Liu
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Jack Egan
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | | | - Meng Wang
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Lijing You
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Lin Kong
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Liying Li
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Melissa M Berrien-Elliott
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | | | - Todd A Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Peter R Rhode
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA
| | - Hing C Wong
- HCW Biologics Inc., 2929 N. Commerce Parkway, Miramar, FL, 33025, USA.
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8
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Ying D, Zhang G, Huang H, Tan WS, Cai H. Optimizing glutamine concentration enhances ex vivo expansion of natural killer cells through improved redox status. Biotechnol Prog 2024; 40:e3464. [PMID: 38558519 DOI: 10.1002/btpr.3464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
Amino acids are vital components of the serum-free medium that influence the expansion and function of NK cells. This study aimed to clarify the relationship between amino acid metabolism and expansion and cytotoxicity of NK cells. Based on analyzing the mino acid metabolism of NK-92 cells and Design of Experiments (DOE), we optimized the combinations and concentrations of amino acids in NK-92 cells culture medium. The results demonstrated that NK-92 cells showed a pronounced demand for glutamine, serine, leucine, and arginine, in which glutamine played a central role. Significantly, at a glutamine concentration of 13 mM, NK-92 cells expansion reached 161.9 folds, which was significantly higher than 55.5 folds at 2.5 mM. Additionally, under higher glutamine concentrations, NK-92 cells expressed elevated levels of cytotoxic molecules, the level of cytotoxic molecules expressed by NK-92 cells was increased and the cytotoxic rate was 68.42%, significantly higher than that of 58.08% under low concentration. In view of the close relationship between glutamine metabolism and intracellular redox state, we investigated the redox status within the cells. This study demonstrated that intracellular ROS levels in higher glutamine concentrations were significantly lower than those under lower concentration cultures with decreased intracellular GSH/GSSG ratio, NADPH/NADP+ ratio, and apoptosis rate. These findings indicate that NK-92 cells exhibit improved redox status when cultured at higher glutamine concentrations. Overall, our research provides valuable insights into the development of serum-free culture medium for ex vivo expansion of NK-92 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Ying
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Guofeng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Huimin Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Song Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Cai
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
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9
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Moynihan KD, Kumar MP, Sultan H, Pappas DC, Park T, Chin SM, Bessette P, Lan RY, Nguyen HC, Mathewson ND, Ni I, Chen W, Lee Y, Liao-Chan S, Chen J, Schumacher TN, Schreiber RD, Yeung YA, Djuretic IM. IL2 Targeted to CD8+ T Cells Promotes Robust Effector T-cell Responses and Potent Antitumor Immunity. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1206-1225. [PMID: 38563906 PMCID: PMC11215410 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
IL2 signals pleiotropically on diverse cell types, some of which contribute to therapeutic activity against tumors, whereas others drive undesired activity, such as immunosuppression or toxicity. We explored the theory that targeting of IL2 to CD8+ T cells, which are key antitumor effectors, could enhance its therapeutic index. To this aim, we developed AB248, a CD8 cis-targeted IL2 that demonstrates over 500-fold preference for CD8+ T cells over natural killer and regulatory T cells (Tregs), which may contribute to toxicity and immunosuppression, respectively. AB248 recapitulated IL2's effects on CD8+ T cells in vitro and induced selective expansion of CD8+T cells in primates. In mice, an AB248 surrogate demonstrated superior antitumor activity and enhanced tolerability as compared with an untargeted IL2Rβγ agonist. Efficacy was associated with the expansion and phenotypic enhancement of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T cells, including the emergence of a "better effector" population. These data support the potential utility of AB248 in clinical settings. Significance: The full potential of IL2 therapy remains to be unlocked. We demonstrate that toxicity can be decoupled from antitumor activity in preclinical models by limiting IL2 signaling to CD8+ T cells, supporting the development of CD8+ T cell-selective IL2 for the treatment of cancer. See related article by Kaptein et al. p. 1226.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Manu P. Kumar
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Hussein Sultan
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | | | - Terrence Park
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - S. Michael Chin
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Paul Bessette
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Ruth Y. Lan
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Henry C. Nguyen
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | | | - Irene Ni
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Wei Chen
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Yonghee Lee
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Sindy Liao-Chan
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Jessie Chen
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
| | - Ton N.M. Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam; Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Robert D. Schreiber
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Yik A. Yeung
- Asher Biotherapeutics, Inc., South San Francisco, California.
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10
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Zhang S, Zhang N, Han J, Sun Z, Jiang H, Huang W, Kong D, Li Q, Ren Y, Zhao S, Jiang Y, Liu P. Dynamic immune status analysis of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with Klebsiella pneumoniae bloodstream infection sepsis using single-cell RNA sequencing. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1380211. [PMID: 38898888 PMCID: PMC11185935 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1380211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Klebsiella pneumoniae is a common Gram-negative bacterium. Blood infection caused by K. pneumoniae is one of the most common causes of human sepsis, which seriously threatens the life of patients. The immune status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) based on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) in acute stage and recovery stage of sepsis caused by K. pneumoniae bloodstream infection has not been studied. Methods A total of 13 subjects were included in this study, 3 healthy controls, 7 patients with K. pneumoniae bloodstream infection in the acute stage (4 patients died), and 3 patients in the recovery stage. Peripheral blood of all patients was collected and PBMCs were isolated for scRNA-seq analysis. We studied the changes of PBMCs components, signaling pathways, differential genes, and cytokines in acute and recovery stages. Results During K. pneumoniae acute infection we observed a decrease in the proportion of T cells, most probably due to apoptosis and the function of T cell subtypes was disorder. The proportion of monocytes increased in acute stage. Although genes related to their phagocytosis function were upregulated, their antigen presentation capacity-associated genes were downregulated. The expression of IL-1β, IL-18, IFNGR1 and IFNGR2 genes was also increased in monocytes. The proportion of DCs was depleted during the acute stage and did not recover during sepsis recovery. DCs antigen presentation was weakened during the acute stage but recovered fast during the recovery stage. pDCs response to MCP-1 chemokine was weakened, they recovered it quickly during the recovery stage. B cells showed apoptosis both in the acute stage and recovery stage. Their response to complement was weakened, but their antigen presentation function was enhanced. The proportion of NK cells stable during all disease's stages, and the expression of IFN-γ gene was upregulated. Conclusion The proportion of PBMCs and their immune functions undergo variations throughout the course of the disease, spanning from the acute stage to recovery. These findings provide new insights into the mechanism of PBMCs immune function during K. pneumoniae bloodstream infection sepsis and recovery and sets the basis for further understanding and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengwei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- College of Mathematics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zeyu Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Decong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhao Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shishun Zhao
- College of Mathematics, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yongqiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Pathogen and Biosecurity, Beijing Institute of Microbiology and Epidemiology, Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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11
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Huang M, Liu Y, Yan Q, Peng M, Ge J, Mo Y, Wang Y, Wang F, Zeng Z, Li Y, Fan C, Xiong W. NK cells as powerful therapeutic tool in cancer immunotherapy. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2024; 47:733-757. [PMID: 38170381 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-023-00909-3] [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] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells have gained considerable attention and hold great potential for their application in tumor immunotherapy. This is mainly due to their MHC-unrestricted and pan-specific recognition capabilities, as well as their ability to rapidly respond to and eliminate target cells. To artificially generate therapeutic NK cells, various materials can be utilized, such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), umbilical cord blood (UCB), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and NK cell lines. Exploiting the therapeutic potential of NK cells to treat tumors through in vivo and in vitro therapeutic modalities has yielded positive therapeutic results. CONCLUSION This review provides a comprehensive description of NK cell therapeutic approaches for tumors and discusses the current problems associated with these therapeutic approaches and the prospects of NK cell therapy for tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mao Huang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yixuan Liu
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qijia Yan
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Junshang Ge
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yumin Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410078, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Fuyan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Alkek Building, RM N720, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Chunmei Fan
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, 410013, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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12
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Cubitt CC, Wong P, Dorando HK, Foltz JA, Tran J, Marsala L, Marin ND, Foster M, Schappe T, Fatima H, Becker-Hapak M, Zhou AY, Hwang K, Jacobs MT, Russler-Germain DA, Mace EM, Berrien-Elliott MM, Payton JE, Fehniger TA. Induced CD8α identifies human NK cells with enhanced proliferative fitness and modulates NK cell activation. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e173602. [PMID: 38805302 PMCID: PMC11291271 DOI: 10.1172/jci173602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
The surface receptor CD8α is present on 20%-80% of human (but not mouse) NK cells, yet its function on NK cells remains poorly understood. CD8α expression on donor NK cells was associated with a lack of therapeutic responses in patients with leukemia in prior studies, thus, we hypothesized that CD8α may affect critical NK cell functions. Here, we discovered that CD8α- NK cells had improved control of leukemia in xenograft models compared with CD8α+ NK cells, likely due to an enhanced capacity for proliferation. Unexpectedly, we found that CD8α expression was induced on approximately 30% of previously CD8α- NK cells following IL-15 stimulation. These induced CD8α+ (iCD8α+) NK cells had the greatest proliferation, responses to IL-15 signaling, and metabolic activity compared with those that sustained existing CD8α expression (sustained CD8α+) or those that remained CD8α- (persistent CD8α-). These iCD8α+ cells originated from an IL-15Rβhi NK cell population, with CD8α expression dependent on the transcription factor RUNX3. Moreover, CD8A CRISPR/Cas9 deletion resulted in enhanced responses through the activating receptor NKp30, possibly by modulating KIR inhibitory function. Thus, CD8α status identified human NK cell capacity for IL-15-induced proliferation and metabolism in a time-dependent fashion, and its presence had a suppressive effect on NK cell-activating receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pamela Wong
- Division of Oncology, Siteman Cancer Center, and
| | - Hannah K. Dorando
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | | | | | - Mark Foster
- Division of Oncology, Siteman Cancer Center, and
| | | | - Hijab Fatima
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emily M. Mace
- Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Jacqueline E. Payton
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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13
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Moinuddin A, Poznanski SM, Portillo AL, Monteiro JK, Ashkar AA. Metabolic adaptations determine whether natural killer cells fail or thrive within the tumor microenvironment. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:19-39. [PMID: 38459782 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13316] [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] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are a top contender in the development of adoptive cell therapies for cancer due to their diverse antitumor functions and ability to restrict their activation against nonmalignant cells. Despite their success in hematologic malignancies, NK cell-based therapies have been limited in the context of solid tumors. Tumor cells undergo various metabolic adaptations to sustain the immense energy demands that are needed to support their rapid and uncontrolled proliferation. As a result, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is depleted of nutrients needed to fuel immune cell activity and contains several immunosuppressive metabolites that hinder NK cell antitumor functions. Further, we now know that NK cell metabolic status is a main determining factor of their effector functions. Hence, the ability of NK cells to withstand and adapt to these metabolically hostile conditions is imperative for effective and sustained antitumor activity in the TME. With this in mind, we review the consequences of metabolic hostility in the TME on NK cell metabolism and function. We also discuss tumor-like metabolic programs in NK cell induced by STAT3-mediated expansion that adapt NK cells to thrive in the TME. Finally, we examine how other approaches can be applied to enhance NK cell metabolism in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adnan Moinuddin
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sophie M Poznanski
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ana L Portillo
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan K Monteiro
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ali A Ashkar
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Discovery in Cancer Research, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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14
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Li JH, Zhou A, Lee CD, Shah SN, Ji JH, Senthilkumar V, Padilla ET, Ball AB, Feng Q, Bustillos CG, Riggan L, Greige A, Divakaruni AS, Annese F, Cooley Coleman JA, Skinner SA, Cowan CW, O'Sullivan TE. MEF2C regulates NK cell effector functions through control of lipid metabolism. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:778-789. [PMID: 38589619 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01811-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical first line of defense against viral infection. Rare mutations in a small subset of transcription factors can result in decreased NK cell numbers and function in humans, with an associated increased susceptibility to viral infection. However, our understanding of the specific transcription factors governing mature human NK cell function is limited. Here we use a non-viral CRISPR-Cas9 knockout screen targeting genes encoding 31 transcription factors differentially expressed during human NK cell development. We identify myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C) as a master regulator of human NK cell functionality ex vivo. MEF2C-haploinsufficient patients and mice displayed defects in NK cell development and effector function, with an increased susceptibility to viral infection. Mechanistically, MEF2C was required for an interleukin (IL)-2- and IL-15-mediated increase in lipid content through regulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) pathways. Supplementation with oleic acid restored MEF2C-deficient and MEF2C-haploinsufficient patient NK cell cytotoxic function. Therefore, MEF2C is a critical orchestrator of NK cell antiviral immunity by regulating SREBP-mediated lipid metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joey H Li
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Adalia Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Cassidy D Lee
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Siya N Shah
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jeong Hyun Ji
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Vignesh Senthilkumar
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eddie T Padilla
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Andréa B Ball
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Qinyan Feng
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Christian G Bustillos
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Luke Riggan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alain Greige
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Ajit S Divakaruni
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Fran Annese
- Greenwood Genetic Center, Greenwood, SC, USA
| | | | | | - Christopher W Cowan
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Timothy E O'Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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15
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Kust SA, Ustiuzhanina MO, Streltsova MA, Shelyakin PV, Kryukov MA, Lutsenko GV, Sudarikova AV, Merzlyak EM, Britanova OV, Sapozhnikov AM, Kovalenko EI. HLA-DR Expression in Natural Killer Cells Marks Distinct Functional States, Depending on Cell Differentiation Stage. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4609. [PMID: 38731828 PMCID: PMC11083986 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
HLA-DR-positive NK cells, found in both healthy individuals and patients with different inflammatory diseases, are characterized as activated cells. However, data on their capacity for IFNγ production or cytotoxic response vary between studies. Thus, more precise investigation is needed of the mechanisms related to the induction of HLA-DR expression in NK cells, their associations with NK cell differentiation stage, and functional or metabolic state. In this work, HLA-DR-expressing NK cell subsets were investigated using transcriptomic analysis, metabolic activity assays, and analysis of intercellular signaling cascades. We demonstrated that HLA-DR+CD56bright NK cells were characterized by a proliferative phenotype, while HLA-DR+CD56dim NK cells exhibited features of adaptive cells and loss of inhibitory receptors with increased expression of MHC class II trans-activator CIITA. The activated state of HLA-DR-expressing NK cells was confirmed by higher levels of ATP and mitochondrial mass observed in this subset compared to HLA-DR- cells, both ex vivo and after stimulation in culture. We showed that HLA-DR expression in NK cells in vitro can be induced both through stimulation by exogenous IL-2 and IL-21, as well as through auto-stimulation by NK-cell-produced IFNγ. At the intracellular level, HLA-DR expression depended on the activation of STAT3- and ERK1/2-mediated pathways, with subsequent activation of isoform 3 of the transcription factor CIITA. The obtained results broaden the knowledge about HLA-DR-positive NK cell appearance, diversity, and functions, which might be useful in terms of understanding the role of this subset in innate immunity and assessing their possible implications in NK cell-based therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofya A. Kust
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Maria O. Ustiuzhanina
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Maria A. Streltsova
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | | | - Maxim A. Kryukov
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
- Federal State Autonomous Institution, N.N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125047 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Gennady V. Lutsenko
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Anna V. Sudarikova
- Federal State Autonomous Institution, N.N. Burdenko National Medical Research Center of Neurosurgery, the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 125047 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Ekaterina M. Merzlyak
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Olga V. Britanova
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexandr M. Sapozhnikov
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
| | - Elena I. Kovalenko
- Shemyakin & Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 117997 Moscow, Russia; (S.A.K.); (M.O.U.); (M.A.S.); (M.A.K.); (G.V.L.); (E.M.M.); (O.V.B.); (A.M.S.)
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16
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Oyer JL, Croom-Perez TJ, Hasan MF, Rivera-Huertas JA, Gitto SB, Mucha JM, Zhu X, Altomare DA, Igarashi RY, Copik AJ. PM21-particle stimulation augmented with cytokines enhances NK cell expansion and confers memory-like characteristics with enhanced survival. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383281. [PMID: 38711506 PMCID: PMC11070970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
NK cell therapeutics have gained significant attention as a potential cancer treatment. Towards therapeutic use, NK cells need to be activated and expanded to attain high potency and large quantities for an effective dosage. This is typically done by ex vivo stimulation with cytokines to enhance functionality or expansion for 10-14 days to increase both their activity and quantity. Attaining a robust methodology to produce large doses of potent NK cells for an off-the-shelf product is highly desirable. Notably, past reports have shown that stimulating NK cells with IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 endows them with memory-like properties, better anti-tumor activity, and persistence. While this approach produces NK cells with clinically favorable characteristics supported by encouraging early results for the treatment of hematological malignancies, its limited scalability, variability in initial doses, and the necessity for patient-specific production hinder its broader application. In this study, stimulation of NK cells with PM21-particles derived from K562-41BBL-mbIL21 cells was combined with memory-like induction using cytokines IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 to produce NK cells with enhanced anti-tumor function. The use of cytokines combined with PM21-particles (cytokine and particle, CAP) significantly enhanced NK cell expansion, achieving a remarkable 8,200-fold in 14 days. Mechanistically, this significant improvement over expansion with PM21-particles alone was due to the upregulation of receptors for key stimulating ligands (4-1BBL and IL-2), resulting in a synergy that drives substantial NK cell growth, showcasing the potential for more effective therapeutic applications. The therapeutic potential of CAP-NK cells was demonstrated by the enhanced metabolic fitness, persistence, and anti-tumor function both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, CAP-NK cells were amenable to current technologies used in developing therapeutic NK cell products, including CRISPR/Cas9-based techniques to generate a triple-gene knockout or a gene knock-in. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the addition of cytokines enhanced the already effective method of ex vivo generation of therapeutic NK cells with PM21-particles, yielding a superior NK cell product for manufacturing efficiency and potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alicja J. Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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17
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Dang Q, Li B, Jin B, Ye Z, Lou X, Wang T, Wang Y, Pan X, Hu Q, Li Z, Ji S, Zhou C, Yu X, Qin Y, Xu X. Cancer immunometabolism: advent, challenges, and perspective. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:72. [PMID: 38581001 PMCID: PMC10996263 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01981-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
For decades, great strides have been made in the field of immunometabolism. A plethora of evidence ranging from basic mechanisms to clinical transformation has gradually embarked on immunometabolism to the center stage of innate and adaptive immunomodulation. Given this, we focus on changes in immunometabolism, a converging series of biochemical events that alters immune cell function, propose the immune roles played by diversified metabolic derivatives and enzymes, emphasize the key metabolism-related checkpoints in distinct immune cell types, and discuss the ongoing and upcoming realities of clinical treatment. It is expected that future research will reduce the current limitations of immunotherapy and provide a positive hand in immune responses to exert a broader therapeutic role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Dang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Borui Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Jin
- School of Clinical Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zeng Ye
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Lou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Pan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Yijishan Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, China
| | - Qiangsheng Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shunrong Ji
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenjie Zhou
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi Qin
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xiaowu Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, China.
- Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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18
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Sheppard S, Srpan K, Lin W, Lee M, Delconte RB, Owyong M, Carmeliet P, Davis DM, Xavier JB, Hsu KC, Sun JC. Fatty acid oxidation fuels natural killer cell responses against infection and cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2319254121. [PMID: 38442180 PMCID: PMC10945797 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2319254121] [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: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are a vital part of the innate immune system capable of rapidly clearing mutated or infected cells from the body and promoting an immune response. Here, we find that NK cells activated by viral infection or tumor challenge increase uptake of fatty acids and their expression of carnitine palmitoyltransferase I (CPT1A), a critical enzyme for long-chain fatty acid oxidation. Using a mouse model with an NK cell-specific deletion of CPT1A, combined with stable 13C isotope tracing, we observe reduced mitochondrial function and fatty acid-derived aspartate production in CPT1A-deficient NK cells. Furthermore, CPT1A-deficient NK cells show reduced proliferation after viral infection and diminished protection against cancer due to impaired actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. Together, our findings highlight that fatty acid oxidation promotes NK cell metabolic resilience, processes that can be optimized in NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam Sheppard
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Katja Srpan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
| | - Wendy Lin
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
| | - Mariah Lee
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
| | - Rebecca B. Delconte
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
| | - Mark Owyong
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY10065
| | - Peter Carmeliet
- Laboratory of Angiogenesis and Vascular Metabolism, Center for Cancer Biology, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie and Department of Oncology, Leuven Cancer Institute, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Leuven3000, Belgium
| | - Daniel M. Davis
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, LondonSW7 2AZ, United Kingdom
| | - Joao B. Xavier
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
| | - Katharine C. Hsu
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
| | - Joseph C. Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY10065
- Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis Program, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY10065
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19
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Xu Y, Sun F, Tian Y, Zeng G, Lei G, Bai Z, Wang Y, Ge X, Wang J, Xiao C, Wang Z, Hu M, Song J, Yang P, Liu R. Enhanced NK cell activation via eEF2K-mediated potentiation of the cGAS-STING pathway in hepatocellular carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 129:111628. [PMID: 38320351 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cancer, particularly hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is characterized by a high mortality rate, attributed primarily to the establishment of an immunosuppressive microenvironment. Within this context, we aimed to elucidate the pivotal role of eukaryotic elongation factor 2 kinase (eEF2K) in orchestrating the infiltration and activation of natural killer (NK) cells within the HCC tumor microenvironment. By shedding light on the immunomodulatory mechanisms at play, our findings should clarify HCC pathogenesis and help identify potential therapeutic intervention venues. METHODS We performed a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis to determine the functions of eEF2K in the context of HCC. We initially used paired tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples from patients with HCC to measure eEF2K expression and its correlation with prognosis. Subsequently, we enrolled a cohort of patients with HCC undergoing immunotherapy to examine the ability of eEF2K to predict treatment efficacy. To delve deeper into the mechanistic aspects, we established an eEF2K-knockout cell line using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing. This step was crucial for verifying activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and the subsequent secretion of cytokines. To further elucidate the role of eEF2K in NK cell function, we applied siRNA-based techniques to effectively suppress eEF2K expression in vitro. For in vivo validation, we developed a tumor-bearing mouse model that enabled us to compare the infiltration and activation of NK cells within the tumor microenvironment following various treatment strategies. RESULTS We detected elevated eEF2K expression within HCC tissues, and this was correlated with an unfavorable prognosis (30.84 vs. 20.99 months, P = 0.033). In addition, co-culturing eEF2K-knockout HepG2 cells with dendritic cells led to activation of the cGAS-STING pathway and a subsequent increase in the secretion of IL-2 and CXCL9. Moreover, inhibiting eEF2K resulted in notable NK cell proliferation along with apoptosis reduction. Remarkably, after combining NH125 and PD-1 treatments, we found a significant increase in NK cell infiltration within HCC tumors in our murine model. Our flow cytometry analysis revealed reduced NKG2A expression and elevated NKG2D expression and secretion of granzyme B, TNF-α, and IFN-γ in NK cells. Immunohistochemical examination confirmed no evidence of damage to vital organs in the mice treated with the combination therapy. Additionally, we noted higher levels of glutathione peroxidase and lipid peroxidation in the peripheral blood serum of the treated mice. CONCLUSION Targeted eEF2K blockade may result in cGAS-STING pathway activation, leading to enhanced infiltration and activity of NK cells within HCC tumors. The synergistic effect achieved by combining an eEF2K inhibitor with PD-1 antibody therapy represents a novel and promising approach for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, China; Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Sun
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuying Tian
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Guineng Zeng
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Guanglin Lei
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhifang Bai
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Senior Department of Infectious Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinlan Ge
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Chaohui Xiao
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaohai Wang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Minggen Hu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Jianxun Song
- Department of Microbial Pathogenesis and Immunology, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Penghui Yang
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China.
| | - Rong Liu
- Faculty of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Surgery, the First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Institute of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Chinese PLA, Key Laboratory of Digital Hepatobiliary Surgery, PLA, Beijing, China.
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20
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Miao L, Lu C, Zhang B, Li H, Zhao X, Chen H, Liu Y, Cui X. Advances in metabolic reprogramming of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment on the impact of NK therapy. J Transl Med 2024; 22:229. [PMID: 38433193 PMCID: PMC10909296 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05033-w] [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: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique from other immune cells in that they can rapidly kill multiple neighboring cells without the need for antigenic pre-sensitization once the cells display surface markers associated with oncogenic transformation. Given the dynamic role of NK cells in tumor surveillance, NK cell-based immunotherapy is rapidly becoming a "new force" in tumor immunotherapy. However, challenges remain in the use of NK cell immunotherapy in the treatment of solid tumors. Many metabolic features of the tumor microenvironment (TME) of solid tumors, including oxygen and nutrient (e.g., glucose, amino acids) deprivation, accumulation of specific metabolites (e.g., lactate, adenosine), and limited availability of signaling molecules that allow for metabolic reorganization, multifactorial shaping of the immune-suppressing TME impairs tumor-infiltrating NK cell function. This becomes a key barrier limiting the success of NK cell immunotherapy in solid tumors. Restoration of endogenous NK cells in the TME or overt transfer of functionally improved NK cells holds great promise in cancer therapy. In this paper, we summarize the metabolic biology of NK cells, discuss the effects of TME on NK cell metabolism and effector functions, and review emerging strategies for targeting metabolism-improved NK cell immunotherapy in the TME to circumvent these barriers to achieve superior efficacy of NK cell immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linxuan Miao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, People's Republic of China
| | - Chenglin Lu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Bin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
| | - Huili Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, People's Republic of China
| | - Haoran Chen
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China
- Institute (College) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116000, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, 116001, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xiaonan Cui
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, People's Republic of China.
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21
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Picard LK, Niemann JA, Littwitz-Salomon E, Waldmann H, Watzl C. Restriction of Glycolysis Increases Serial Killing Capacity of Natural Killer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2917. [PMID: 38474166 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells rely heavily on glycolysis to meet their high metabolic demands. While this results in nutrient deprivation within the tumor microenvironment and has negative effects on infiltrating immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, it also creates a potential target for cancer therapies. Here we use Glupin, an inhibitor of glucose transporters, to study the effect of limited glucose uptake on NK cells and their anti-tumor functions. Glupin treatment effectively inhibited glucose uptake and restricted glycolysis in NK cells. However, acute treatment had no negative effect on NK cell cytotoxicity or cytokine production. Long-term restriction of glucose uptake via Glupin treatment only delayed NK cell proliferation, as they could switch to glutaminolysis as an alternative energy source. While IFN-γ production was partially impaired, long-term Glupin treatment had no negative effect on degranulation. Interestingly, the serial killing activity of NK cells was even slightly enhanced, possibly due to changes in NAD metabolism. This demonstrates that NK cell cytotoxicity is remarkably robust and insensitive to metabolic disturbances, which makes cellular metabolism an attractive target for immune-mediated tumor therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lea Katharina Picard
- Department for Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Jens Alexander Niemann
- Department for Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Littwitz-Salomon
- Institute for Virology, Institute for Translational HIV Research, University Hospital Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Herbert Waldmann
- Max Planck Institute of Molecular Physiology, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry, Chemical Biology, Technical University Dortmund, D-44227 Dortmund, Germany
| | - Carsten Watzl
- Department for Immunology, Leibniz Research Centre for Working Environment and Human Factors at TU Dortmund (IfADo), D-44139 Dortmund, Germany
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22
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Mylod E, O'Connell F, Donlon NE, Davern M, Marion C, Butler C, Reynolds JV, Lysaght J, Conroy MJ. Real-time ex vivo monitoring of NK cell migration toward obesity-associated oesophageal adenocarcinoma following modulation of CX3CR1. Sci Rep 2024; 14:4017. [PMID: 38369570 PMCID: PMC10874956 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-54390-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Oesophagogastric adenocarcinomas (OAC) are poor prognosis, obesity-associated cancers which may benefit from natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapies. Cellular immunotherapies encounter two key challenges to their success in OAC, namely recruitment to extratumoural tissues such as the omentum at the expense of the tumour and an immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment (TME) which can hamper NK cell function. Herein, we examined approaches to overcome the detrimental impact of obesity on NK cells and NK cell-based immunotherapies. We have demonstrated that NK cells migrate preferentially to the chemotactic signals of OAC patient-derived omentum over tumour in an ex vivo model of immune cell migration. We have identified CX3CR1 modulation and/or tumour chemokine profile remodelling as approaches to skew NK cell migration towards tumour. We also report targetable immunosuppressive facets of the obese OAC TME which dampen NK cell function, in particular cytotoxic capabilities. These data provide insights into approaches to therapeutically overcome key challenges presented by obesity and will inform superior design of NK cell-based immunotherapies for OAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona O'Connell
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Noel E Donlon
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maria Davern
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caroline Marion
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Christine Butler
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John V Reynolds
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Melissa J Conroy
- Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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23
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Zhou Y, Yuan J, Xu K, Li S, Liu Y. Nanotechnology Reprogramming Metabolism for Enhanced Tumor Immunotherapy. ACS NANO 2024; 18:1846-1864. [PMID: 38180952 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c11260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Mutation burden, hypoxia, and immunoediting contribute to altered metabolic profiles in tumor cells, resulting in a tumor microenvironment (TME) characterized by accumulation of toxic metabolites and depletion of various nutrients, which significantly hinder the antitumor immunity via multiple mechanisms, hindering the efficacy of tumor immunotherapies. In-depth investigation of the mechanisms underlying these phenomena are vital for developing effective antitumor drugs and therapies, while the therapeutic effects of metabolism-targeting drugs are restricted by off-target toxicity toward effector immune cells and high dosage-mediated side effects. Nanotechnologies, which exhibit versatility and plasticity in targeted delivery and metabolism modulation, have been widely applied to boost tumor immunometabolic therapies via multiple strategies, including targeting of metabolic pathways. In this review, recent advances in understanding the roles of tumor cell metabolism in both immunoevasion and immunosuppression are reviewed, and nanotechnology-based metabolic reprogramming strategies for enhanced tumor immunotherapies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangkai Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Ke Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Shilin Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Ying Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China, Beijing 100190, China
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24
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Moreno-Cubero E, Alrubayyi A, Balint S, Ogbe A, Gill US, Matthews R, Kinloch S, Burns F, Rowland-Jones SL, Borrow P, Schurich A, Dustin M, Peppa D. IL-15 reprogramming compensates for NK cell mitochondrial dysfunction in HIV-1 infection. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e173099. [PMID: 38385747 PMCID: PMC11143930 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.173099] [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: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Dynamic regulation of cellular metabolism is important for maintaining homeostasis and can directly influence immune cell function and differentiation, including NK cell responses. Persistent HIV-1 infection leads to a state of chronic immune activation, NK cell subset redistribution, and progressive NK cell dysregulation. In this study, we examined the metabolic processes that characterize NK cell subsets in HIV-1 infection, including adaptive NK cell subpopulations expressing the activating receptor NKG2C, which expand during chronic infection. These adaptive NK cells exhibit an enhanced metabolic profile in HIV-1- individuals infected with human cytomegalovirus (HCMV). However, the bioenergetic advantage of adaptive CD57+NKG2C+ NK cells is diminished during chronic HIV-1 infection, where NK cells uniformly display reduced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Defective OXPHOS was accompanied by increased mitochondrial depolarization, structural alterations, and increased DRP-1 levels promoting fission, suggesting that mitochondrial defects are restricting the metabolic plasticity of NK cell subsets in HIV-1 infection. The metabolic requirement for the NK cell response to receptor stimulation was alleviated upon IL-15 pretreatment, which enhanced mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) activity. IL-15 priming enhanced NK cell functionality to anti-CD16 stimulation in HIV-1 infection, representing an effective strategy for pharmacologically boosting NK cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefan Balint
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Ane Ogbe
- Nuffield Department of Clinical Medicine and
| | - Upkar S. Gill
- Department of Hepatology, Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sabine Kinloch
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Burns
- Institute for Global Health UCL, London, United Kingdom
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Anna Schurich
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Dustin
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Dimitra Peppa
- Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- Mortimer Market Centre, Department of HIV, CNWL NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
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25
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He C, Wang D, Shukla SK, Hu T, Thakur R, Fu X, King RJ, Kollala SS, Attri KS, Murthy D, Chaika NV, Fujii Y, Gonzalez D, Pacheco CG, Qiu Y, Singh PK, Locasale JW, Mehla K. Vitamin B6 Competition in the Tumor Microenvironment Hampers Antitumor Functions of NK Cells. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:176-193. [PMID: 37931287 PMCID: PMC10784745 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-0334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Nutritional factors play crucial roles in immune responses. The tumor-caused nutritional deficiencies are known to affect antitumor immunity. Here, we demonstrate that pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells can suppress NK-cell cytotoxicity by restricting the accessibility of vitamin B6 (VB6). PDAC cells actively consume VB6 to support one-carbon metabolism, and thus tumor cell growth, causing VB6 deprivation in the tumor microenvironment. In comparison, NK cells require VB6 for intracellular glycogen breakdown, which serves as a critical energy source for NK-cell activation. VB6 supplementation in combination with one-carbon metabolism blockage effectively diminishes tumor burden in vivo. Our results expand the understanding of the critical role of micronutrients in regulating cancer progression and antitumor immunity, and open new avenues for developing novel therapeutic strategies against PDAC. SIGNIFICANCE The nutrient competition among the different tumor microenvironment components drives tumor growth, immune tolerance, and therapeutic resistance. PDAC cells demand a high amount of VB6, thus competitively causing NK-cell dysfunction. Supplying VB6 with blocking VB6-dependent one-carbon metabolism amplifies the NK-cell antitumor immunity and inhibits tumor growth in PDAC models. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 5.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunbo He
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Dezhen Wang
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Surendra K. Shukla
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Tuo Hu
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Ravi Thakur
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Xiao Fu
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Ryan J. King
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sai Sundeep Kollala
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Kuldeep S. Attri
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Divya Murthy
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Nina V. Chaika
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Yuki Fujii
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Daisy Gonzalez
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Camila G. Pacheco
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Yudong Qiu
- Department of General Surgery, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Pankaj K. Singh
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Jason W. Locasale
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Kamiya Mehla
- Department of Oncology Science, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of Pathology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- OU Health Stephenson Cancer Center, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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26
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Giansanti M, Theinert T, Boeing SK, Haas D, Schlegel PG, Vacca P, Nazio F, Caruana I. Exploiting autophagy balance in T and NK cells as a new strategy to implement adoptive cell therapies. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:201. [PMID: 38071322 PMCID: PMC10709869 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01893-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an essential cellular homeostasis pathway initiated by multiple stimuli ranging from nutrient deprivation to viral infection, playing a key role in human health and disease. At present, a growing number of evidence suggests a role of autophagy as a primitive innate immune form of defense for eukaryotic cells, interacting with components of innate immune signaling pathways and regulating thymic selection, antigen presentation, cytokine production and T/NK cell homeostasis. In cancer, autophagy is intimately involved in the immunological control of tumor progression and response to therapy. However, very little is known about the role and impact of autophagy in T and NK cells, the main players in the active fight against infections and tumors. Important questions are emerging: what role does autophagy play on T/NK cells? Could its modulation lead to any advantages? Could specific targeting of autophagy on tumor cells (blocking) and T/NK cells (activation) be a new intervention strategy? In this review, we debate preclinical studies that have identified autophagy as a key regulator of immune responses by modulating the functions of different immune cells and discuss the redundancy or diversity among the subpopulations of both T and NK cells in physiologic context and in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Giansanti
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Tobias Theinert
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Katharina Boeing
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Dorothee Haas
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paul-Gerhardt Schlegel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Paola Vacca
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Nazio
- Immunology Research Area, Innate Lymphoid Cells Unit, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital (IRCCS), Rome, Italy.
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Ignazio Caruana
- Department of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany.
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Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi M, Yazdanparast S, Mikanik F, Izadpanah A, Parkhideh S, Shahbaz Ghasabeh A, Roshandel E, Hajifathali A, Gharehbaghian A. Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like NK Cells: Emerging strategy for AML immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115718. [PMID: 37857247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease developed from the malignant expansion of myeloid precursor cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The implementation of intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has improved outcomes associated with AML, but relapse, along with suboptimal outcomes, is still a common scenario. In the past few years, exploring new therapeutic strategies to optimize treatment outcomes has occurred rapidly. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has attracted clinical interest due to its critical role in immunosurveillance and their capabilities to target AML blasts. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and directly inducing cytotoxicity. Although NK cells are well known as short-lived innate immune cells with non-specific responses that have limited their clinical applications, the discovery of cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells could overcome these challenges. NK cells pre-activated with the cytokine combination IL-12/15/18 achieved a long-term life span with adaptive immunity characteristics, termed CIML-NK cells. Previous studies documented that using CIML-NK cells in cancer treatment is safe and results in promising outcomes. This review highlights the current application, challenges, and opportunities of CIML-NK cell-based therapy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Yazdanparast
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mikanik
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Parkhideh
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Shahbaz Ghasabeh
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Roshandel
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Gharehbaghian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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28
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Bekhbat M, Drake J, Reed EC, Lauten TH, Natour T, Vladimirov VI, Case AJ. Repeated social defeat stress leads to immunometabolic shifts in innate immune cells of the spleen. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100690. [PMID: 37791319 PMCID: PMC10543777 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychosocial stress has been shown to prime peripheral innate immune cells, which take on hyper-inflammatory phenotypes and are implicated in depressive-like behavior in mouse models. However, the impact of stress on cellular metabolic states that are thought to fuel inflammatory phenotypes in immune cells are unknown. Using single cell RNA-sequencing, we investigated mRNA enrichment of immunometabolic pathways in innate immune cells of the spleen in mice subjected to repeated social defeat stress (RSDS) or no stress (NS). RSDS mice displayed a significant increase in the number of splenic macrophages and granulocytes (p < 0.05) compared to NS littermates. RSDS-upregulated genes in macrophages, monocytes, and granulocytes significantly enriched immunometabolic pathways thought to play a role in myeloid-driven inflammation (glycolysis, HIF-1 signaling, MTORC1 signaling) as well as pathways related to oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and oxidative stress (p < 0.05 and FDR<0.1). These results suggest that the metabolic enhancement reflected by upregulation of glycolytic and OXPHOS pathways may be important for cellular proliferation of splenic macrophages and granulocytes following repeated stress exposure. A better understanding of these intracellular metabolic mechanisms may ultimately help develop novel strategies to reverse the impact of stress and associated peripheral immune changes on the brain and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandakh Bekhbat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 30322, USA
| | - John Drake
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Emily C. Reed
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Tatlock H. Lauten
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Tamara Natour
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Vladimir I. Vladimirov
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Arizona, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
- Lieber Institute for Brain Development, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - Adam J. Case
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
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29
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Jia H, Yang H, Xiong H, Luo KQ. NK cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1303605. [PMID: 38022646 PMCID: PMC10653587 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1303605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells kill mutant cells through death receptors and cytotoxic granules, playing an essential role in controlling cancer progression. However, in the tumor microenvironment (TME), NK cells frequently exhibit an exhausted status, which impairs their immunosurveillance function and contributes to tumor immune evasion. Emerging studies are ongoing to reveal the properties and mechanisms of NK cell exhaustion in the TME. In this review, we will briefly introduce the maturation, localization, homeostasis, and cytotoxicity of NK cells. We will then summarize the current understanding of the main mechanisms underlying NK cell exhaustion in the TME in four aspects: dysregulation of inhibitory and activating signaling, tumor cell-derived factors, immunosuppressive cells, and metabolism and exhaustion. We will also discuss the therapeutic approaches currently being developed to reverse NK cell exhaustion and enhance NK cell cytotoxicity in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Huaxing Xiong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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30
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Borde S, Matosevic S. Metabolic adaptation of NK cell activity and behavior in tumors: challenges and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:832-848. [PMID: 37770314 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The adaptation of natural killer (NK) cells to conditions in the microenvironment of tumors is deeply affected by their metabolic activity, itself a result of nutrient availability and the metabolism of the cancer cells themselves. Elevated rates of glycolysis and lipid metabolism in cancers not only lead to the accumulation of immunosuppressive byproducts but also contribute to an environment of elevated concentrations of extracellular metabolites. This results in altered NK cell bioenergetics through changes in transcriptional and translational profiles, ultimately affecting their pharmacology and impairing NK cell responses. However, understanding the metabolic processes that drive alterations in immunological signaling on NK cells remains both difficult and vastly underexplored. We discuss the varied and complex drivers of NK cell metabolism in homeostasis and the tumor microenvironment (TME), challenges associated with their targetability, and unexplored therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shambhavi Borde
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Sandro Matosevic
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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31
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Dong X, Xia S, Du S, Zhu MH, Lai X, Yao SQ, Chen HZ, Fang C. Tumor Metabolism-Rewriting Nanomedicines for Cancer Immunotherapy. ACS CENTRAL SCIENCE 2023; 9:1864-1893. [PMID: 37901179 PMCID: PMC10604035 DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.3c00702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy has become an established therapeutic paradigm in oncologic therapy, but its therapeutic efficacy remains unsatisfactory in the majority of cancer patients. Accumulating evidence demonstrates that the metabolically hostile tumor microenvironment (TME), characterized by acidity, deprivation of oxygen and nutrients, and accumulation of immunosuppressive metabolites, promotes the dysfunction of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) and thereby compromises the effectiveness of immunotherapy. This indicates the potential role of tumor metabolic intervention in the reinvigoration of antitumor immunity. With the merits of multiple drug codelivery, cell and organelle-specific targeting, controlled drug release, and multimodal therapy, tumor metabolism-rewriting nanomedicines have recently emerged as an attractive strategy to strengthen antitumor immune responses. This review summarizes the current progress in the development of multifunctional tumor metabolism-rewriting nanomedicines for evoking antitumor immunity. A special focus is placed on how these nanomedicines reinvigorate innate or adaptive antitumor immunity by regulating glucose metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism at the tumor site. Finally, the prospects and challenges in this emerging field are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Dong
- Department
of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Shanghai
University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Shu Xia
- Department
of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Shanghai
University, Shanghai 200444, China
| | - Shubo Du
- School
of Bioengineering, Dalian University of
Technology, Dalian 116024, China
| | - Mao-Hua Zhu
- Hongqiao
International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital and State Key
Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Department of Pharmacology
and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Xing Lai
- Hongqiao
International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital and State Key
Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Department of Pharmacology
and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
| | - Shao Q. Yao
- Department
of Chemistry, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Hong-Zhuan Chen
- Institute
of Interdisciplinary Integrative Biomedical Research, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203 China
| | - Chao Fang
- Hongqiao
International Institute of Medicine, Tongren Hospital and State Key
Laboratory of Systems Medicine for Cancer, Department of Pharmacology
and Chemical Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong
University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025 China
- Key
Laboratory of Basic Pharmacology of Ministry of Education & Joint
International Research Laboratory of Ethnomedicine of Ministry of
Education, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563003, China
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32
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De Barra C, O'Shea D, Hogan AE. NK cells vs. obesity: A tale of dysfunction & redemption. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109744. [PMID: 37604354 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical in protecting the body against infection and cancer. NK cells can rapidly respond to these threats by directly targeting the infected or transformed cell using their cytotoxic machinery or by initiating and amplifying the immune response via their production of cytokines. Additionally, NK cells are resident across many tissues including adipose, were their role extends from host protection to tissue homeostasis. Adipose resident NK cells can control macrophage polarization via cytokine production, whilst also regulating stressed adipocyte fate using their cytotoxic machinery. Obesity is strongly associated with increased rates of cancer and a heightened susceptibility to severe infections. This is in part due to significant obesity-related immune dysregulation, including defects in both peripheral and adipose tissue NK cells. In this review, we detail the literature to date on NK cells in the setting of obesity - outlining the consequences, mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor De Barra
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland
| | - Donal O'Shea
- Obesity Immunology Group, Education and Research Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, University College, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Andrew E Hogan
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Dublin 12, Ireland.
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33
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Lyu Y, Wang T, Huang S, Zhang Z. Mitochondrial Damage-Associated Molecular Patterns and Metabolism in the Regulation of Innate Immunity. J Innate Immun 2023; 15:665-679. [PMID: 37666239 PMCID: PMC10601681 DOI: 10.1159/000533602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The innate immune system, as the host's first line of defense against intruders, plays a critical role in recognizing, identifying, and reacting to a wide range of microbial intruders. There is increasing evidence that mitochondrial stress is a major initiator of innate immune responses. When mitochondria's integrity is disrupted or dysfunction occurs, the mitochondria's contents are released into the cytosol. These contents, like reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial DNA, and double-stranded RNA, among others, act as damage-related molecular patterns (DAMPs) that can bind to multiple innate immune sensors, particularly pattern recognition receptors, thereby leading to inflammation. To avoid the production of DAMPs, in addition to safeguarding organelles integrity and functionality, mitochondria may activate mitophagy or apoptosis. Moreover, mitochondrial components and specific metabolic regulations modify properties of innate immune cells. These include macrophages, dendritic cells, innate lymphoid cells, and so on, in steady state or in stimulation that are involved in processes ranging from the tricarboxylic acid cycle to oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid metabolism. Here we provide a brief summary of mitochondrial DAMPs' initiated and potentiated inflammatory response in the innate immune system. We also provide insights into how the state of activation, differentiation, and functional polarization of innate immune cells can be influenced by alteration to the metabolic pathways in mitochondria.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanmin Lyu
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyu Wang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Shuhong Huang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Zhaoqiang Zhang
- School of Clinical and Basic Medical Sciences, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
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34
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Sharma P, Sri Swetha Victoria V, Praneeth Kumar P, Karmakar S, Swetha M, Reddy A. Cross-talk between insulin resistance and nitrogen species in hypoxia leads to deterioration of tissue and homeostasis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110472. [PMID: 37392570 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia has been linked with insulin resistance as it produces changes in the metabolism of the cell; in which the adipocytes impede the insulin receptor tyrosine, phosphorylation, directing at decreased levels of transport of glucose. At this juncture, we are focusing on cross-talk between insulin resistance and nitrogen species in hypoxia, leading to the deterioration of tissue and homeostasis. Physiological levels of nitric oxide play a very crucial role in acting as a priority effector and signaling molecule, arbitrating the body's responses to hypoxia. Both ROS and RNS are associated with a reduction in IRS1 phosphorylation in tyrosine, which leads to reduced levels of IRS1 content and insulin response, which further leads to insulin resistance. Cellular hypoxia is a trigger to inflammatory mediators which signal tissue impairment and initiate survival requirements. But, hypoxia-mediated inflammation act as a protective role by an immune response and promotes wound healing during infection. In this review, we abridge the crosstalk between the inflammation and highlight the dysregulation in physiological consequences due to diabetes mellitus. Finally, we review various treatments available for its related physiological complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanshy Sharma
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nādu, India
| | - V Sri Swetha Victoria
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nādu, India
| | - P Praneeth Kumar
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nādu, India
| | - Sarbani Karmakar
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nādu, India
| | - Mudduluru Swetha
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nādu, India
| | - Amala Reddy
- Animal Cell Culture Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nādu, India.
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35
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Zhi L, Wang X, Gao Q, He W, Shang C, Guo C, Niu Z, Zhu W, Zhang X. Intrinsic and extrinsic factors determining natural killer cell fate: Phenotype and function. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 165:115136. [PMID: 37453199 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are derived from hematopoietic stem cells. They belong to the innate lymphoid cell family, which is an important part of innate immunity. This family plays a role in the body mainly through the release of perforin, granzyme, and various cytokines and is involved in cytotoxicity and cytokine-mediated immune regulation. NK cells involved in normal immune regulation and the tumor microenvironment (TME) can exhibit completely different states. Here, we discuss the growth, development, and function of NK cells in regard to intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Intrinsic factors are those that influence NK cells to promote cell maturation and exert their effector functions under the control of internal metabolism and self-related genes. Extrinsic factors include the metabolism of the TME and the influence of related proteins on the "fate" of NK cells. This review targets the potential of NK cell metabolism, cellular molecules, regulatory genes, and other mechanisms involved in immune regulation. We further discuss immune-mediated tumor therapy, which is the trend of current research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingtong Zhi
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Xing Wang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Qing Gao
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wenhui He
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Chongye Shang
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Changjiang Guo
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Zhiyuan Niu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China
| | - Wuling Zhu
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of Innovation for Synthetic Biology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan Province 453003, PR China.
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan 453003, PR China.
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Guo X, Tan S, Wang T, Sun R, Li S, Tian P, Li M, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Yan Y, Dong Z, Yan L, Yue X, Wu Z, Li C, Yamagata K, Gao L, Ma C, Li T, Liang X. NAD + salvage governs mitochondrial metabolism, invigorating natural killer cell antitumor immunity. Hepatology 2023; 78:468-485. [PMID: 35815363 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Natural killer (NK) cells are key players in tumor immunosurveillance, and metabolic adaptation manipulates their fate and functional state. The nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD + ) has emerged as a vital factor to link cellular metabolism and signaling transduction. Here, we identified NAD + metabolism as a central hub to determine the homeostasis and function of NK cells. APPROACH AND RESULTS NAD + level was elevated in activated NK cells. NAD + supplementation not only enhanced cytokine production and cytotoxicity but also improved the proliferation and viability of NK cells. Intriguingly, the salvage pathway was involved in maintaining NAD + homeostasis in activated NK cells. Genetic ablation or pharmacological blockade of nicotinamide phosphoribosyltransferase (NAMPT), the rate-limiting enzyme in the NAD + salvage pathway, markedly destroyed the viability and function of NK cells. Mechanistically, NAD + salvage dictated the mitochondrial homeostasis and oxidative phosphorylation activity to support the optimal function of NK cells. However, in human HCC tissues, NAMPT expression and NAD + level were significantly down-regulated in tumor-infiltrating NK cells, which negatively correlated with patient survival. And lactate accumulation in the tumor microenvironment was at least partially responsible for the transcriptional repression of NAMPT in NK cells. Further, deficiency of Nampt in NK cells accelerated the growth of HCC and melanoma. Supplementation of the NAD + precursor nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) significantly improved NK antitumor response in both mouse and human cell-derived xenografts. CONCLUSIONS These findings reveal NAD + salvage as an essential factor for NK-cell homeostasis and function, suggesting a potential strategy for invigorating NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Guo
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Siyu Tan
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Tixiao Wang
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Renhui Sun
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Shuangjie Li
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Panpan Tian
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Mengzhen Li
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Yuzhen Wang
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Yankun Zhang
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Yuchuan Yan
- Department of General Surgery , Qilu Hospital , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Zhaoru Dong
- Department of General Surgery , Qilu Hospital , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Lunjie Yan
- Department of General Surgery , Qilu Hospital , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Xuetian Yue
- Department of Cellular Biology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Zhuanchang Wu
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Chunyang Li
- Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of the Ministry of Education , Department of Histology and Embryology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Kazuya Yamagata
- Department of Medical Biochemistry , Faculty of Life Sciences , Kumamoto University , Kumamoto , Japan
| | - Lifen Gao
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy , Jinan , China
| | - Chunhong Ma
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy , Jinan , China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of General Surgery , Qilu Hospital , Shandong University , Jinan , China
| | - Xiaohong Liang
- Department of Immunology , Key Laboratory for Experimental Teratology of Ministry of Education , Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Infection & Immunology , School of Basic Medical Sciences , Shandong University , Jinan , China
- Shandong Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Equipment for Biological Diagnosis and Therapy , Jinan , China
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Xiao C, Xiong W, Xu Y, Zou J, Zeng Y, Liu J, Peng Y, Hu C, Wu F. Immunometabolism: a new dimension in immunotherapy resistance. Front Med 2023; 17:585-616. [PMID: 37725232 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1012-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have demonstrated unparalleled clinical responses and revolutionized the paradigm of tumor treatment, while substantial patients remain unresponsive or develop resistance to ICIs as a single agent, which is traceable to cellular metabolic dysfunction. Although dysregulated metabolism has long been adjudged as a hallmark of tumor, it is now increasingly accepted that metabolic reprogramming is not exclusive to tumor cells but is also characteristic of immunocytes. Correspondingly, people used to pay more attention to the effect of tumor cell metabolism on immunocytes, but in practice immunocytes interact intimately with their own metabolic function in a way that has never been realized before during their activation and differentiation, which opens up a whole new frontier called immunometabolism. The metabolic intervention for tumor-infiltrating immunocytes could offer fresh opportunities to break the resistance and ameliorate existing ICI immunotherapy, whose crux might be to ascertain synergistic combinations of metabolic intervention with ICIs to reap synergic benefits and facilitate an adjusted anti-tumor immune response. Herein, we elaborate potential mechanisms underlying immunotherapy resistance from a novel dimension of metabolic reprogramming in diverse tumor-infiltrating immunocytes, and related metabolic intervention in the hope of offering a reference for targeting metabolic vulnerabilities to circumvent immunotherapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chaoyue Xiao
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, 410078, China
| | - Yiting Xu
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Ji'an Zou
- Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Yue Zeng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Junqi Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Yurong Peng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Chunhong Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China
- Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, 410011, China
| | - Fang Wu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Hunan Cancer Mega-Data Intelligent Application and Engineering Research Centre, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Tumor Models and Individualized Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, China.
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38
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Maya J. Surveying the Metabolic and Dysfunctional Profiles of T Cells and NK Cells in Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11937. [PMID: 37569313 PMCID: PMC10418326 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241511937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Millions globally suffer from myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The inflammatory symptoms, illness onset, recorded outbreak events, and physiological variations provide strong indications that ME/CFS, at least sometimes, has an infectious origin, possibly resulting in a chronic unidentified viral infection. Meanwhile, studies exposing generalized metabolic disruptions in ME/CFS have stimulated interest in isolated immune cells with an altered metabolic state. As the metabolism dictates the cellular function, dissecting the biomechanics of dysfunctional immune cells in ME/CFS can uncover states such as exhaustion, senescence, or anergy, providing insights into the consequences of these phenotypes in this disease. Despite the similarities that are seen metabolically between ME/CFS and other chronic viral infections that result in an exhausted immune cell state, immune cell exhaustion has not yet been verified in ME/CFS. This review explores the evidence for immunometabolic dysfunction in ME/CFS T cell and natural killer (NK) cell populations, comparing ME/CFS metabolic and functional features to dysfunctional immune cell states, and positing whether anergy, exhaustion, or senescence could be occurring in distinct immune cell populations in ME/CFS, which is consistent with the hypothesis that ME/CFS is a chronic viral disease. This comprehensive review of the ME/CFS immunometabolic literature identifies CD8+ T cell exhaustion as a probable contender, underscores the need for further investigation into the dysfunctional state of CD4+ T cells and NK cells, and explores the functional implications of molecular findings in these immune-cell types. Comprehending the cause and impact of ME/CFS immune cell dysfunction is critical to understanding the physiological mechanisms of ME/CFS, and developing effective treatments to alleviate the burden of this disabling condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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39
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Ma L, Hostetler A, Morgan DM, Maiorino L, Sulkaj I, Whittaker CA, Neeser A, Pires IS, Yousefpour P, Gregory J, Qureshi K, Dye J, Abraham W, Suh H, Li N, Love JC, Irvine DJ. Vaccine-boosted CAR T crosstalk with host immunity to reject tumors with antigen heterogeneity. Cell 2023; 186:3148-3165.e20. [PMID: 37413990 PMCID: PMC10372881 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy effectively treats human cancer, but the loss of the antigen recognized by the CAR poses a major obstacle. We found that in vivo vaccine boosting of CAR T cells triggers the engagement of the endogenous immune system to circumvent antigen-negative tumor escape. Vaccine-boosted CAR T promoted dendritic cell (DC) recruitment to tumors, increased tumor antigen uptake by DCs, and elicited the priming of endogenous anti-tumor T cells. This process was accompanied by shifts in CAR T metabolism toward oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and was critically dependent on CAR-T-derived IFN-γ. Antigen spreading (AS) induced by vaccine-boosted CAR T enabled a proportion of complete responses even when the initial tumor was 50% CAR antigen negative, and heterogeneous tumor control was further enhanced by the genetic amplification of CAR T IFN-γ expression. Thus, CAR-T-cell-derived IFN-γ plays a critical role in promoting AS, and vaccine boosting provides a clinically translatable strategy to drive such responses against solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leyuan Ma
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA; The Raymond G. Perelman Center for Cellular and Molecular Therapeutics, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA.
| | - Alexander Hostetler
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Duncan M Morgan
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Laura Maiorino
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ina Sulkaj
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Charles A Whittaker
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Alexandra Neeser
- Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ivan Susin Pires
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Parisa Yousefpour
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Justin Gregory
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kashif Qureshi
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jonathan Dye
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Wuhbet Abraham
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Heikyung Suh
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Na Li
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - J Christopher Love
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Chemical Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Darrell J Irvine
- David H. Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Materials Science and Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Department of Biological Engineering, MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA.
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40
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Kim SH, Kim MJ, Lim M, Kim J, Kim H, Yun CK, Yoo YJ, Lee Y, Min K, Choi YS. Enhancement of the Anticancer Ability of Natural Killer Cells through Allogeneic Mitochondrial Transfer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3225. [PMID: 37370835 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
An in vitro culture period of at least 2 weeks is required to produce sufficient natural killer (NK) cells for immunotherapy, which are the key effectors in hematological malignancy treatment. Mitochondrial damage and fragmentation reduce the NK cell immune surveillance capacity. Thus, we hypothesized that the transfer of healthy mitochondria to NK cells could enhance their anticancer effects. Allogeneic healthy mitochondria isolated from WRL-68 cells were transferred to NK cells. We evaluated NK cells' proliferative capacity, cell cycle, and cytotoxic capacity against various cancer cell types by analyzing specific lysis and the cytotoxic granules released. The relationship between the transferred allogenic mitochondrial residues and NK cell function was determined. After mitochondrial transfer, the NK cell proliferation rate was 1.2-fold higher than that of control cells. The mitochondria-treated NK cells secreted a 2.7-, 4.1-, and 5-fold higher amount of granzyme B, perforin, and IFN-γ, respectively, when co-cultured with K562 cells. The specific lysis of various solid cancer cells increased 1.3-1.6-fold. However, once allogeneic mitochondria were eliminated, the NK cell activity returned to the pre-mitochondrial transfer level. Mitochondria-enriched NK cells have the potential to be used as a novel solid cancer treatment agent, without the need for in vitro cytokine-induced culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Hoon Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Jin Kim
- Department of Biotechnology, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Mina Lim
- Department of Biotechnology, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
- Research & Development Division, Humancellbio Co., Ltd., Suwon 16227, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihye Kim
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Hyunmin Kim
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Chang-Koo Yun
- Department of Biotechnology, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Yun-Joo Yoo
- Department of Biotechnology, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
| | - Youngjun Lee
- Research & Development Division, Humancellbio Co., Ltd., Suwon 16227, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyunghoon Min
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University School of Medicine, Seongnam 13496, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Soo Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, CHA University, Seongnam 13488, Republic of Korea
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41
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De Barra C, Khalil M, Mat A, O'Donnell C, Shaamile F, Brennan K, O'Shea D, Hogan AE. Glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy in people with obesity restores natural killer cell metabolism and effector function. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2023. [PMID: 37157931 DOI: 10.1002/oby.23772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE People with obesity (PWO) have functionally defective natural killer (NK) cells, with a decreased capacity to produce cytokines and kill target cells, underpinned by defective cellular metabolism. It is plausible that the changes in peripheral NK cell activity are contributing to the multimorbidity in PWO, which includes an increased risk of cancer. This study investigated whether therapy with long-acting glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues, which are an effective treatment for obesity, could restore NK cell functionality in PWO. METHODS In a cohort of 20 PWO, this study investigated whether 6 months of once weekly GLP-1 therapy (semaglutide) could restore human NK cell function and metabolism using multicolor flow cytometry, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and cytotoxicity assays. RESULTS These data demonstrate that PWO who received GLP-1 therapy have improved NK cell function, as measured by cytotoxicity and interferon-γ/granzyme B production. In addition, the study demonstrates increases in a CD98-mTOR-glycolysis metabolic axis, which is critical for NK cell cytokine production. Finally, it shows that the reported improvements in NK cell function appear to be independent of weight loss. CONCLUSIONS The restoration, by GLP-1 therapy, of NK cell functionality in PWO may be contributing to the overall benefits being seen with this class of medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor De Barra
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, County Kildare, Ireland
| | - Mohammed Khalil
- St Vincent's University Hospital & University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Arimin Mat
- St Vincent's University Hospital & University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Cliona O'Donnell
- St Vincent's University Hospital & University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Ferrah Shaamile
- St Vincent's University Hospital & University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | | | - Donal O'Shea
- St Vincent's University Hospital & University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Andrew E Hogan
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, County Kildare, Ireland
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Liu XF, Shao JH, Liao YT, Wang LN, Jia Y, Dong PJ, Liu ZZ, He DD, Li C, Zhang X. Regulation of short-chain fatty acids in the immune system. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1186892. [PMID: 37215145 PMCID: PMC10196242 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1186892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing body of research suggests that short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), metabolites produced by intestinal symbiotic bacteria that ferment dietary fibers (DFs), play a crucial role in the health status of symbiotes. SCFAs act on a variety of cell types to regulate important biological processes, including host metabolism, intestinal function, and immune function. SCFAs also affect the function and fate of immune cells. This finding provides a new concept in immune metabolism and a better understanding of the regulatory role of SCFAs in the immune system, which impacts the prevention and treatment of disease. The mechanism by which SCFAs induce or regulate the immune response is becoming increasingly clear. This review summarizes the different mechanisms through which SCFAs act in cells. According to the latest research, the regulatory role of SCFAs in the innate immune system, including in NLRP3 inflammasomes, receptors of TLR family members, neutrophils, macrophages, natural killer cells, eosinophils, basophils and innate lymphocyte subsets, is emphasized. The regulatory role of SCFAs in the adaptive immune system, including in T-cell subsets, B cells, and plasma cells, is also highlighted. In addition, we discuss the role that SCFAs play in regulating allergic airway inflammation, colitis, and osteoporosis by influencing the immune system. These findings provide evidence for determining treatment options based on metabolic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-feng Liu
- Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Jia-hao Shao
- Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Yi-Tao Liao
- Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Li-Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Jia
- Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Peng-jun Dong
- Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Zhi-zhong Liu
- Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Dan-dan He
- Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Chao Li
- Department of Spine, Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
| | - Xian Zhang
- Department of Spine, Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Wuxi, China
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43
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Cimpean M, Cooper MA. Metabolic regulation of NK cell antiviral functions during cytomegalovirus infection. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 113:525-534. [PMID: 36843434 PMCID: PMC11262056 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad018] [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: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells quickly mount cytotoxic responses, produce cytokines, and proliferate in response to infected or transformed cells. Moreover, they can develop memory, with enhanced effector responses following activation, in some cases with antigen specificity. To optimally execute these functions, NK cells undergo metabolic reprogramming. Here, we discuss the interplay between metabolism and NK cell function in the context of viral infections. We review findings supporting metabolic regulation of NK cell effector functions, with a focus on NK cell antiviral infection in the context of cytomegalovirus in the mouse (MCMV) and human (HCMV).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cimpean
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
| | - Megan A. Cooper
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology/Immunology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, USA
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Lizana-Vasquez GD, Torres-Lugo M, Dixon R, Powderly JD, Warin RF. The application of autologous cancer immunotherapies in the age of memory-NK cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1167666. [PMID: 37205105 PMCID: PMC10185894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1167666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has revolutionized the oncology field, yielding improved results against hematological and solid malignancies. NK cells have become an attractive alternative due to their capacity to activate upon recognition of "stress" or "danger" signals independently of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) engagement, thus making tumor cells a perfect target for NK cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy even as an allogeneic solution. While this allogeneic use is currently favored, the existence of a characterized memory function for NK cells ("memory-like" NK cells) advocates for an autologous approach, that would benefit from the allogeneic setting discoveries, but with added persistence and specificity. Still, both approaches struggle to exert a sustained and high anticancer effect in-vivo due to the immunosuppressive tumor micro-environment and the logistical challenges of cGMP production or clinical deployment. Novel approaches focused on the quality enhancement and the consistent large-scale production of highly activated therapeutic memory-like NK cells have yielded encouraging but still unconclusive results. This review provides an overview of NK biology as it relates to cancer immunotherapy and the challenge presented by solid tumors for therapeutic NKs. After contrasting the autologous and allogeneic NK approaches for solid cancer immunotherapy, this work will present the current scientific focus for the production of highly persistent and cytotoxic memory-like NK cells as well as the current issues with production methods as they apply to stress-sensitive immune cells. In conclusion, autologous NK cells for cancer immunotherapy appears to be a prime alternative for front line therapeutics but to be successful, it will be critical to establish comprehensives infrastructures allowing the production of extremely potent NK cells while constraining costs of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby D. Lizana-Vasquez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - Madeline Torres-Lugo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - R. Brent Dixon
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - John D. Powderly
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - Renaud F. Warin
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
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Chai W, Wang X, Lu Z, Zhang S, Wang W, Wang H, Chen C, Yang W, Cheng H, Wang H, Feng J, Yang S, Li Q, Song W, Jin F, Zhang H, Su Y, Gui J. Elevated exosome-transferrable lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1 in CD56 bright NK cells is responsible for the impaired NK function in neuroblastoma patients by suppressing cell glycolysis. Clin Immunol 2023; 250:109322. [PMID: 37024023 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
NK cells are one of key immune components in neuroblastoma (NB) surveillance and eradication. Glucose metabolism as a major source of fuel for NK activation is exquisitely regulated. Our data revealed a diminished NK activation and a disproportionally augmented CD56bright subset in NB. Further study showed that NK cells in NB presented with an arrested glycolysis accompanied by an elevated expression of the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) EPB41L4A-AS1, a known crucial participant in glycolysis regulation, in the CD56bright NK subset. The inhibitory function of lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1 was recapitulated. Interestingly, our study demonstrated that exosomal lncRNA EPB41L4A-AS1 was transferrable from CD56bright NK to CD56dim NK and was able to quench the glycolysis of target NK. Our data demonstrated that an arrested glycolysis in patient NK cells was associated with an elevated lncRNA in CD56bright NK subset and a cross-talk between heterogeneous NK subsets was achieved by transferring metabolic inhibitory lncRNA through exosomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjia Chai
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China; Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Xiaolin Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China; Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Zhengjing Lu
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China; Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Shihan Zhang
- Medical Oncology Department, Pediatric Oncology Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Clinical Discipline of Pediatric Oncology, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China; Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China; Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Chenghao Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Haiyan Cheng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Huanmin Wang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Jun Feng
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Shen Yang
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Qiliang Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Wenqi Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Fang Jin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children Health, Beijing 100045, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China; Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China
| | - Yan Su
- Medical Oncology Department, Pediatric Oncology Center, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing Key Laboratory of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, National Key Clinical Discipline of Pediatric Oncology, Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, China
| | - Jingang Gui
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China; Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, China.
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Lopes N, Vivier E, Narni-Mancinelli E. Natural killer cells and type 1 innate lymphoid cells in cancer. Semin Immunol 2023; 66:101709. [PMID: 36621291 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a group of innate lymphocytes that do not express RAG-dependent rearranged antigen-specific cell surface receptors. ILCs are classified into five groups according to their developmental trajectory and cytokine production profile. They encompass NK cells, which are cytotoxic, helper-like ILCs 1-3, which functionally mirror CD4+ T helper (Th) type 1, Th2 and Th17 cells respectively, and lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells. NK cell development depends on Eomes (eomesodermin), whereas the ILC1 program is regulated principally by the transcription factor T-bet (T-box transcription factor Tbx21), that of ILC2 is regulated by GATA3 (GATA-binding protein 3) and that of ILC3 is regulated by RORγt (RAR-related orphan receptor γ). NK cells were discovered close to fifty years ago, but ILC1s were first described only about fifteen years ago. Within the ILC family, NK and ILC1s share many similarities, as witnessed by their cell surface phenotype which largely overlap. NK cells and ILC1s have been reported to respond to tissue inflammation and intracellular pathogens. Several studies have reported an antitumorigenic role for NK cells in both humans and mice, but data for ILC1s are both scarce and contradictory. In this review, we will first describe the different NK cell and ILC1 subsets, their effector functions and development. We will then discuss their role in cancer and the effects of the tumor microenvironment on their metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noella Lopes
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France; Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France; APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
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Butyrate limits human natural killer cell effector function. Sci Rep 2023; 13:2715. [PMID: 36792800 PMCID: PMC9932090 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-29731-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota regulates chronic inflammation and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of a broad spectrum of disease including autoimmunity and cancer. Microbial short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) e.g., butyrate have demonstrated immunomodulatory effects and are thought to be key mediators of the host-microbiome interaction. Here, we investigated the effect of butyrate on effector functions of blood derived human NK cells stimulated for 18 h with a combination of IL-12/IL-15, a potent mix of cytokines that drive NK cell activation. We show that butyrate has a strong anti-inflammatory effect on NK cells. NK cells cultured in the presence of butyrate expressed lower levels of activating receptors (TRAIL, NKp30, NKp44) and produced lower levels of cytokines (IFNγ, TNF-α, IL-22, granzyme B, granzyme A, perforin) in response to IL-12/IL-15. Butyrate restricted NK cell function by downregulation of mTORC1 activity, c-Myc mRNA expression and metabolism. Using a shotgun proteomic approach, we confirmed the effect of butyrate on NK cell cytokine signaling and metabolism and identified BRD2, MAT2A and EHD1 as downstream mediators of these effects. This insight into the immunomodulatory activity of butyrate on human NK cell function might help to develop new ways to limit NK cell function during chronic inflammation.
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Schmitz RL, Tweed KE, Rehani P, Samimi K, Riendeau J, Jones I, Maly EM, Guzman EC, Forsberg MH, Shahi A, Capitini CM, Walsh AJ, Skala MC. Autofluorescence lifetime imaging classifies human lymphocyte activation and subtype. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.23.525260. [PMID: 36747690 PMCID: PMC9900834 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.23.525260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
New non-destructive tools are needed to reliably assess lymphocyte function for immune profiling and adoptive cell therapy. Optical metabolic imaging (OMI) is a label-free method that measures the autofluorescence intensity and lifetime of metabolic cofactors NAD(P)H and FAD to quantify metabolism at a single-cell level. Here, we investigate whether OMI can resolve metabolic changes between human quiescent versus IL4/CD40 activated B cells and IL12/IL15/IL18 activated memory-like NK cells. We found that quiescent B and NK cells were more oxidized compared to activated cells. Additionally, the NAD(P)H mean fluorescence lifetime decreased and the fraction of unbound NAD(P)H increased in the activated B and NK cells compared to quiescent cells. Machine learning classified B cells and NK cells according to activation state (CD69+) based on OMI parameters with up to 93.4% and 92.6% accuracy, respectively. Leveraging our previously published OMI data from activated and quiescent T cells, we found that the NAD(P)H mean fluorescence lifetime increased in NK cells compared to T cells, and further increased in B cells compared to NK cells. Random forest models based on OMI classified lymphocytes according to subtype (B, NK, T cell) with 97.8% accuracy, and according to activation state (quiescent or activated) and subtype (B, NK, T cell) with 90.0% accuracy. Our results show that autofluorescence lifetime imaging can accurately assess lymphocyte activation and subtype in a label-free, non-destructive manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelsey E. Tweed
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Peter Rehani
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Isabel Jones
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | | | - Matthew H. Forsberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Ankita Shahi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christian M. Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Melissa C. Skala
- Morgridge Institute for Research, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
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Maya J, Leddy SM, Gottschalk CG, Peterson DL, Hanson MR. Altered Fatty Acid Oxidation in Lymphocyte Populations of Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2010. [PMID: 36768336 PMCID: PMC9916395 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) is a disabling multisystem illness in which individuals are plagued with fatigue, inflammatory symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, and the hallmark symptom, post-exertional malaise. While the cause of this disease remains unknown, there is evidence of a potential infectious component that, along with patient symptoms and common onsets of the disease, implicates immune system dysfunction. To further our understanding of the state of ME/CFS lymphocytes, we characterized the role of fatty acids in isolated Natural Killer cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells in circulation and after overnight stimulation, through implicit perturbations to fatty acid oxidation. We examined samples obtained from at least 8 and as many as 20 subjects for immune cell fatty acid characterization in a variety of experiments and found that all three isolated cell types increased their utilization of lipids and levels of pertinent proteins involved in this metabolic pathway in ME/CFS samples, particularly during higher energy demands and activation. In T cells, we characterized the cell populations contributing to these metabolic shifts, which included CD4+ memory cells, CD4+ effector cells, CD8+ naïve cells, and CD8+ memory cells. We also discovered that patients with ME/CFS and healthy control samples had significant correlations between measurements of CD4+ T cell fatty acid metabolism and demographic data. These findings provide support for metabolic dysfunction in ME/CFS immune cells. We further hypothesize about the consequences that these altered fuel dependencies may have on T and NK cell effector function, which may shed light on the illness's mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Maya
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | - Sabrina M. Leddy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
| | | | - Daniel L. Peterson
- Simmaron Research, Incline Village, NV 89451, USA
- Sierra Internal Medicine, Incline Village, NV 89451, USA
| | - Maureen R. Hanson
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14850, USA
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Metabolic hallmarks of natural killer cells in the tumor microenvironment and implications in cancer immunotherapy. Oncogene 2023; 42:1-10. [PMID: 36473909 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02562-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the early responder group against cancerous cells and viral infection. Emerging evidence reveals that distinct metabolic reprogramming occurs concurrently with activation and memory formation of NK cells. However, metabolism of NK cells is disturbed in the tumor immune microenvironment, which may promote tumor progression while limiting immunotherapy responses. In this review, we highlight how cell metabolism influences NK cell activity, the key molecular regulators of NK cell metabolism, and emerging strategies to alter metabolism to improve cytotoxicity of NK cells to kill tumor cells for cancer patients.
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