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Franks ML, An JH, Leavenworth JW. The Role of Natural Killer Cells in Oncolytic Virotherapy: Friends or Foes? Vaccines (Basel) 2024; 12:721. [PMID: 39066359 PMCID: PMC11281503 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines12070721] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Oncolytic virotherapy (OVT) has emerged as a promising cancer immunotherapy, and is capable of potentiating other immunotherapies due to its capacity to increase tumor immunogenicity and to boost host antitumor immunity. Natural killer (NK) cells are a critical cellular component for mediating the antitumor response, but hold a mixed reputation for their role in mediating the therapeutic efficacy of OVT. This review will discuss the pros and cons of how NK cells impact OVT, and how to harness this knowledge for the development of effective strategies that could modulate NK cells to improve OVT-based therapeutic outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael L. Franks
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.L.F.)
- Graduate Biomedical Sciences Program, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Ju-Hyun An
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.L.F.)
| | - Jianmei W. Leavenworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (M.L.F.)
- The O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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2
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Jarjour NN, Dalzell TS, Maurice NJ, Wanhainen KM, Peng C, DePauw TA, Block KE, Valente WJ, Ashby KM, Masopust D, Jameson SC. Collaboration between IL-7 and IL-15 enables adaptation of tissue-resident and circulating memory CD8 + T cells. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596695. [PMID: 38895229 PMCID: PMC11185530 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is considered a critical regulator of memory CD8+ T cell homeostasis, but this is primarily based on analysis of circulating and not tissue-resident memory (TRM) subsets. Furthermore, the cell-intrinsic requirement for IL-7 signaling during memory homeostasis has not been directly tested. Using inducible deletion, we found that Il7ra loss had only a modest effect on persistence of circulating memory and TRM subsets and that IL-7Rα was primarily required for normal basal proliferation. Loss of IL-15 signaling imposed heightened IL-7Rα dependence on memory CD8+ T cells, including TRM populations previously described as IL-15-independent. In the absence of IL-15 signaling, IL-7Rα was upregulated, and loss of IL-7Rα signaling reduced proliferation in response to IL-15, suggesting cross-regulation in memory CD8+ T cells. Thus, across subsets and tissues, IL-7 and IL-15 act in concert to support memory CD8+ T cells, conferring resilience to altered availability of either cytokine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas N. Jarjour
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Talia S. Dalzell
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Nicholas J. Maurice
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Kelsey M. Wanhainen
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Changwei Peng
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Present address: Department of Immunology & HMS Center for Immune Imaging, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Taylor A. DePauw
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Katharine E. Block
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - William J. Valente
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - K. Maude Ashby
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David Masopust
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Stephen C. Jameson
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Lead contact
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3
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Ren Z, Zhang X, Fu YX. Facts and Hopes on Chimeric Cytokine Agents for Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2025-2038. [PMID: 38190116 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1160] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are key mediators of immune responses that can modulate the antitumor activity of immune cells. Cytokines have been explored as a promising cancer immunotherapy. However, there are several challenges to cytokine therapy, especially a lack of tumor targeting, resulting in high toxicity and limited efficacy. To overcome these limitations, novel approaches have been developed to engineer cytokines with improved properties, such as chimeric cytokines. Chimeric cytokines are fusion proteins that combine different cytokine domains or link cytokines to antibodies (immunocytokines) or other molecules that can target specific receptors or cells. Chimeric cytokines can enhance the selectivity and stability of cytokines, leading to reduced toxicity and improved efficacy. In this review, we focus on two promising cytokines, IL2 and IL15, and summarize the current advances and challenges of chimeric cytokine design and application for cancer immunotherapy. Most of the current approaches focus on increasing the potency of cytokines, but another important goal is to reduce toxicity. Cytokine engineering is promising for cancer immunotherapy as it can enhance tumor targeting while minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuhao Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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4
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Konecny AJ, Huang Y, Setty M, Prlic M. Signals that control MAIT cell function in healthy and inflamed human tissues. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:138-149. [PMID: 38520075 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13325] [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: 03/25/2024]
Abstract
Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells have a semi-invariant T-cell receptor that allows recognition of antigen in the context of the MHC class I-related (MR1) protein. Metabolic intermediates of the riboflavin synthesis pathway have been identified as MR1-restricted antigens with agonist properties. As riboflavin synthesis occurs in many bacterial species, but not human cells, it has been proposed that the main purpose of MAIT cells is antibacterial surveillance and protection. The majority of human MAIT cells secrete interferon-gamma (IFNg) upon activation, while some MAIT cells in tissues can also express IL-17. Given that MAIT cells are present in human barrier tissues colonized by a microbiome, MAIT cells must somehow be able to distinguish colonization from infection to ensure effector functions are only elicited when necessary. Importantly, MAIT cells have additional functional properties, including the potential to contribute to restoring tissue homeostasis by expression of CTLA-4 and secretion of the cytokine IL-22. A recent study provided compelling data indicating that the range of human MAIT cell functional properties is explained by plasticity rather than distinct lineages. This further underscores the necessity to better understand how different signals regulate MAIT cell function. In this review, we highlight what is known in regards to activating and inhibitory signals for MAIT cells with a specific focus on signals relevant to healthy and inflamed tissues. We consider the quantity, quality, and the temporal order of these signals on MAIT cell function and discuss the current limitations of computational tools to extrapolate which signals are received by MAIT cells in human tissues. Using lessons learned from conventional CD8 T cells, we also discuss how TCR signals may integrate with cytokine signals in MAIT cells to elicit distinct functional states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Konecny
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Yin Huang
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Herbold Computational Biology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Manu Setty
- Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Herbold Computational Biology Program, Public Health Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Martin Prlic
- Vaccine and Infectious Disease Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Department of Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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5
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Hall G. Interleukin-15 in kidney disease and therapeutics. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens 2024; 33:174-180. [PMID: 38164877 PMCID: PMC10893218 DOI: 10.1097/mnh.0000000000000964] [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: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Interleukin 15 (IL-15) is a member of the IL-2 family of common gamma chain receptor cytokines with well described anti-inflammatory, pro-survival and pro-proliferative signaling properties. The cytoprotective role of IL-15 in the kidney is now coming into focus with recent reports of its beneficial actions in various forms of kidney disease. This review will summarize what is currently known about IL-15 signaling in the kidney and highlight recent evidence of its beneficial effects on kidney physiology. RECENT FINDINGS IL-15 and its heterotrimeric receptor are expressed throughout the kidney. Like all IL-2 family cytokines, IL-15 can activate signaling through the Janus Kinase (JAK)/Signal transducer of activated T-cells (STAT), phosphoinositol-3 kinase (PI-3K)/AKT and mitogen activated protein kinase kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathways and recent evidence suggests that STAT5B is an essential transcriptional mediator of prosurvival signaling in glomerular visceral epithelial cells (i.e. podocytes). IL-15 has also been shown to suppress pro-apoptotic signaling in models of acute kidney injury and pro-fibrotic signaling in models of chronic kidney disease. SUMMARY The cytoprotective properties of IL-15 suggest that it may have potential as a nonimmunosuppresive therapeutic for kidney disease. A novel class of IL-15 immunotherapies has emerged for the treatment cancer and some have demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials. These well tolerated IL-15 agonists could possibly be repurposed for the treatment of kidney disease and warrant further exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gentzon Hall
- Division of Nephrology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Ye J, Liu Q, He Y, Song Z, Lin B, Hu Z, Hu J, Ning Y, Cai C, Li Y. Combined therapy of CAR-IL-15/IL-15Rα-T cells and GLIPR1 knockdown in cancer cells enhanced anti-tumor effect against gastric cancer. J Transl Med 2024; 22:171. [PMID: 38368374 PMCID: PMC10874561 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-04982-6] [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: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has shown remarkable responses in hematological malignancies with several approved products, but not in solid tumors. Patients suffer from limited response and tumor relapse due to low efficacy of CAR-T cells in the complicated and immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. This clinical challenge has called for better CAR designs and combined strategies to improve CAR-T cell therapy against tumor changes. METHODS In this study, IL-15/IL-15Rα was inserted into the extracellular region of CAR targeting mesothelin. In-vitro cytotoxicity and cytokine production were detected by bioluminescence-based killing and ELISA respectively. In-vivo xenograft mice model was used to evaluate the anti-tumor effect of CAR-T cells. RNA-sequencing and online database analysis were used to identify new targets in residual gastric cancer cells after cytotoxicity assay. CAR-T cell functions were detected in vitro and in vivo after GLI Pathogenesis Related 1 (GLIPR1) knockdown in gastric cancer cells. Cell proliferation and migration of gastric cancer cells were detected by CCK-8 and scratch assay respectively after GLIPR1 were overexpressed or down-regulated. RESULTS CAR-T cells constructed with IL-15/IL-15Rα (CAR-ss-T) showed significantly improved CAR-T cell expansion, cytokine production and cytotoxicity, and resulted in superior tumor control compared to conventional CAR-T cells in gastric cancer. GLIPR1 was up-regulated after CAR-T treatment and survival was decreased in gastric cancer patients with high GLIPR1 expression. Overexpression of GLIPR1 inhibited cytotoxicity of conventional CAR-T but not CAR-ss-T cells. CAR-T treatment combined with GLIPR1 knockdown increased anti-tumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSIONS Our data demonstrated for the first time that this CAR structure design combined with GLIPR1 knockdown in gastric cancer improved CAR-T cell-mediated anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbin Ye
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaoyuan Liu
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunxuan He
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenkun Song
- Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao Lin
- Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiwei Hu
- Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Juanyuan Hu
- Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunshan Ning
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Cheguo Cai
- Shenzhen Beike Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, 518000, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yan Li
- School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong, People's Republic of China.
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7
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Sprent J, Boyman O. Optimising IL-2 for Cancer Immunotherapy. Immune Netw 2024; 24:e5. [PMID: 38455463 PMCID: PMC10917570 DOI: 10.4110/in.2024.24.e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The key role of T cells in cancer immunotherapy is well established and is highlighted by the remarkable capacity of Ab-mediated checkpoint blockade to overcome T-cell exhaustion and amplify anti-tumor responses. However, total or partial tumor remission following checkpoint blockade is still limited to only a few types of tumors. Hence, concerted attempts are being made to devise new methods for improving tumor immunity. Currently, much attention is being focused on therapy with IL-2. This cytokine is a powerful growth factor for T cells and optimises their effector functions. When used at therapeutic doses for cancer treatment, however, IL-2 is highly toxic. Nevertheless, recent work has shown that modifying the structure or presentation of IL-2 can reduce toxicity and lead to effective anti-tumor responses in synergy with checkpoint blockade. Here, we review the complex interaction of IL-2 with T cells: first during normal homeostasis, then during responses to pathogens, and finally in anti-tumor responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Sprent
- Immunology Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Darlinghurst 2010, Australia
- St. Vincent’s Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney 1466, Australia
- Menzies Institute of Medical Research, Hobart 7000, Australia
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich 8091, Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine and Faculty of Science, University of Zurich, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
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8
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Dean I, Lee CYC, Tuong ZK, Li Z, Tibbitt CA, Willis C, Gaspal F, Kennedy BC, Matei-Rascu V, Fiancette R, Nordenvall C, Lindforss U, Baker SM, Stockmann C, Sexl V, Hammond SA, Dovedi SJ, Mjösberg J, Hepworth MR, Carlesso G, Clatworthy MR, Withers DR. Rapid functional impairment of natural killer cells following tumor entry limits anti-tumor immunity. Nat Commun 2024; 15:683. [PMID: 38267402 PMCID: PMC10808449 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44789-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune cell dysfunction within the tumor microenvironment (TME) undermines the control of cancer progression. Established tumors contain phenotypically distinct, tumor-specific natural killer (NK) cells; however, the temporal dynamics, mechanistic underpinning and functional significance of the NK cell compartment remains incompletely understood. Here, we use photo-labeling, combined with longitudinal transcriptomic and cellular analyses, to interrogate the fate of intratumoral NK cells. We reveal that NK cells rapidly lose effector functions and adopt a distinct phenotypic state with features associated with tissue residency. NK cell depletion from established tumors did not alter tumor growth, indicating that intratumoral NK cells cease to actively contribute to anti-tumor responses. IL-15 administration prevented loss of function and improved tumor control, generating intratumoral NK cells with both tissue-residency characteristics and enhanced effector function. Collectively, our data reveals the fate of NK cells after recruitment into tumors and provides insight into how their function may be revived.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac Dean
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Colin Y C Lee
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zewen K Tuong
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK
| | - Zhi Li
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Christopher A Tibbitt
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claire Willis
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Fabrina Gaspal
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Bethany C Kennedy
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Veronika Matei-Rascu
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Rémi Fiancette
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Caroline Nordenvall
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Pelvic Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ulrik Lindforss
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet and Department of Pelvic Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Syed Murtuza Baker
- Division of Informatics, Imaging & Data Science, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Veronika Sexl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | | | | | - Jenny Mjösberg
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Lung and Allergy Research, Medical unit for Lung and Allergy Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Matthew R Hepworth
- Lydia Becker Institute of Immunology and Inflammation, Division of Infection, Immunity and Respiratory Medicine, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, the University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, UK
| | | | - Menna R Clatworthy
- Department of Medicine, Molecular Immunity Unit, Medical Research Council Laboratory of Molecular Biology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
- Cellular Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Wellcome Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridge, UK.
| | - David R Withers
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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9
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Hou D, Wan H, Katz JL, Wang S, Castro BA, Vazquez-Cervantes GI, Arrieta VA, Dhiantravan S, Najem H, Rashidi A, Chia TY, Arjmandi T, Collado J, Billingham L, Lopez-Rosas A, Han Y, Sonabend AM, Heimberger AB, Zhang P, Miska J, Lee-Chang C. Antigen-presenting B cells promote TCF-1 + PD1 - stem-like CD8 + T-cell proliferation in glioblastoma. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1295218. [PMID: 38268923 PMCID: PMC10806106 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1295218] [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: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding the spatial relationship and functional interaction of immune cells in glioblastoma (GBM) is critical for developing new therapeutics that overcome the highly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Our study showed that B and T cells form clusters within the GBM microenvironment within a 15-μm radius, suggesting that B and T cells could form immune synapses within the GBM. However, GBM-infiltrating B cells suppress the activation of CD8+ T cells. To overcome this immunosuppression, we leveraged B-cell functions by activating them with CD40 agonism, IFNγ, and BAFF to generate a potent antigen-presenting B cells named BVax. BVax had improved antigen cross-presentation potential compared to naïve B cells and were primed to use the IL15-IL15Ra mechanism to enhance T cell activation. Compared to naïve B cells, BVax could improve CD8 T cell activation and proliferation. Compared to dendritic cells (DCs), which are the current gold standard professional antigen-presenting cell, BVax promoted highly proliferative T cells in-vitro that had a stem-like memory T cell phenotype characterized by CD62L+CD44- expression, high TCF-1 expression, and low PD-1 and granzyme B expression. Adoptive transfer of BVax-activated CD8+ T cells into tumor-bearing brains led to T cell reactivation with higher TCF-1 expression and elevated granzyme B production compared to DC-activated CD8+ T cells. Adoptive transfer of BVax into an irradiated immunocompetent tumor-bearing host promoted more CD8+ T cell proliferation than adoptive transfer of DCs. Moreover, highly proliferative CD8+ T cells in the BVax group had less PD-1 expression than those highly proliferative CD8+ T cells in the DC group. The findings of this study suggest that BVax and DC could generate distinctive CD8+ T cells, which potentially serve multiple purposes in cellular vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Hou
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hanxiao Wan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joshua L. Katz
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Si Wang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Brandyn A. Castro
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Gustavo I. Vazquez-Cervantes
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Victor A. Arrieta
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Silpol Dhiantravan
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Hinda Najem
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Aida Rashidi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tzu-yi Chia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Tarlan Arjmandi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Department of Biotechnology, McCormick School of Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, United States
| | - Jimena Collado
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Leah Billingham
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Aurora Lopez-Rosas
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Adam M. Sonabend
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Amy B. Heimberger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Jason Miska
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Catalina Lee-Chang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
- Lou and Jean Malnati Brain Tumor Institute, Chicago, IL, United States
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10
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Fantini M, Arlen PM, Tsang KY. Potentiation of natural killer cells to overcome cancer resistance to NK cell-based therapy and to enhance antibody-based immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1275904. [PMID: 38077389 PMCID: PMC10704476 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1275904] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cellular components of the innate immune system that can recognize and suppress the proliferation of cancer cells. NK cells can eliminate cancer cells through direct lysis, by secreting perforin and granzymes, or through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). ADCC involves the binding of the Fc gamma receptor IIIa (CD16), present on NK cells, to the constant region of an antibody already bound to cancer cells. Cancer cells use several mechanisms to evade antitumor activity of NK cells, including the accumulation of inhibitory cytokines, recruitment and expansion of immune suppressor cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (Tregs), modulation of ligands for NK cells receptors. Several strategies have been developed to enhance the antitumor activity of NK cells with the goal of overcoming cancer cells resistance to NK cells. The three main strategies to engineer and boost NK cells cytotoxicity include boosting NK cells with modulatory cytokines, adoptive NK cell therapy, and the employment of engineered NK cells to enhance antibody-based immunotherapy. Although the first two strategies improved the efficacy of NK cell-based therapy, there are still some limitations, including immune-related adverse events, induction of immune-suppressive cells and further cancer resistance to NK cell killing. One strategy to overcome these issues is the combination of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) that mediate ADCC and engineered NK cells with potentiated anti-cancer activity. The advantage of using mAbs with ADCC activity is that they can activate NK cells, but also favor the accumulation of immune effector cells to the tumor microenvironment (TME). Several clinical trials reported that combining engineered NK cells with mAbs with ADCC activity can result in a superior clinical response compared to mAbs alone. Next generation of clinical trials, employing engineered NK cells with mAbs with higher affinity for CD16 expressed on NK cells, will provide more effective and higher-quality treatments to cancer patients.
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11
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Devarajan P, Vong AM, Castonguay CH, Silverstein NJ, Kugler-Umana O, Bautista BL, Kelly KA, Luban J, Swain SL. Cytotoxic CD4 development requires CD4 effectors to concurrently recognize local antigen and encounter type I IFN-induced IL-15. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113182. [PMID: 37776519 PMCID: PMC10842051 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113182] [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: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Cytotoxic CD4 T cell effectors (ThCTLs) kill virus-infected major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II+ cells, contributing to viral clearance. We identify key factors by which influenza A virus infection drives non-cytotoxic CD4 effectors to differentiate into lung tissue-resident ThCTL effectors. We find that CD4 effectors must again recognize cognate antigen on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) within the lungs. Both dendritic cells and B cells are sufficient as APCs, but CD28 co-stimulation is not needed. Optimal generation of ThCTLs requires signals induced by the ongoing infection independent of antigen presentation. Infection-elicited type I interferon (IFN) induces interleukin-15 (IL-15), which, in turn, supports CD4 effector differentiation into ThCTLs. We suggest that these multiple spatial, temporal, and cellular requirements prevent excessive lung ThCTL responses when virus is already cleared but ensure their development when infection persists. This supports a model where continuing infection drives the development of multiple, more differentiated subsets of CD4 effectors by distinct pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Allen M Vong
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Catherine H Castonguay
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Noah J Silverstein
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Olivia Kugler-Umana
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Bianca L Bautista
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Karen A Kelly
- Department of Animal Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Jeremy Luban
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Susan L Swain
- Department of Pathology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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12
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Mansour AG, Teng KY, Li Z, Zhu Z, Chen H, Tian L, Ali A, Zhang J, Lu T, Ma S, Lin CM, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Off-the-shelf CAR-engineered natural killer cells targeting FLT3 enhance killing of acute myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2023; 7:6225-6239. [PMID: 37379267 PMCID: PMC10582841 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2022007405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) succumb to the disease or its complications, especially among older patients. Natural killer (NK) cells have been shown to have antileukemic activity in patients with AML; however, to our knowledge, primary NK cells armed with a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting antigens associated with AML as an "off-the-shelf" product for disease control have not been explored. We developed frozen, off-the-shelf allogeneic human NK cells engineered with a CAR recognizing FLT3 and secreting soluble interleukin-15 (IL-15) (FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK) to improve in vivo NK cell persistence and T-cell activation. FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells had higher cytotoxicity and interferon gamma secretion against FLT3+ AML cell lines when compared with activated NK cells lacking an FLT3 CAR or soluble IL-15. Frozen and thawed allogeneic FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells prolonged survival of both the MOLM-13 AML model as well as an orthotopic patient-derived xenograft AML model when compared with control NK cells. FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells showed no cytotoxicity against healthy blood mononuclear cells or hematopoietic stem cells. Collectively, our data suggest that FLT3 is an AML-associated antigen that can be targeted by frozen, allogeneic, off-the-shelf FLT3 CAR_sIL-15 NK cells that may provide a novel approach for the treatment of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony G. Mansour
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kun-Yu Teng
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zhiyao Li
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Zheng Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Hanyu Chen
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Aliya Ali
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Chih-Min Lin
- Department of Cellular Immunotherapy GMP Manufacturing, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Michael A. Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- President, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Hematology & Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA
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13
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Miao B, Hu Z, Mezzadra R, Hoeijmakers L, Fauster A, Du S, Yang Z, Sator-Schmitt M, Engel H, Li X, Broderick C, Jin G, Gomez-Eerland R, Rozeman L, Lei X, Matsuo H, Yang C, Hofland I, Peters D, Broeks A, Laport E, Fitz A, Zhao X, Mahmoud MAA, Ma X, Sander S, Liu HK, Cui G, Gan Y, Wu W, Xiao Y, Heck AJR, Guan W, Lowe SW, Horlings HM, Wang C, Brummelkamp TR, Blank CU, Schumacher TNM, Sun C. CMTM6 shapes antitumor T cell response through modulating protein expression of CD58 and PD-L1. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:1817-1828.e9. [PMID: 37683639 PMCID: PMC11113010 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
The dysregulated expression of immune checkpoint molecules enables cancer cells to evade immune destruction. While blockade of inhibitory immune checkpoints like PD-L1 forms the basis of current cancer immunotherapies, a deficiency in costimulatory signals can render these therapies futile. CD58, a costimulatory ligand, plays a crucial role in antitumor immune responses, but the mechanisms controlling its expression remain unclear. Using two systematic approaches, we reveal that CMTM6 positively regulates CD58 expression. Notably, CMTM6 interacts with both CD58 and PD-L1, maintaining the expression of these two immune checkpoint ligands with opposing functions. Functionally, the presence of CMTM6 and CD58 on tumor cells significantly affects T cell-tumor interactions and response to PD-L1-PD-1 blockade. Collectively, these findings provide fundamental insights into CD58 regulation, uncover a shared regulator of stimulatory and inhibitory immune checkpoints, and highlight the importance of tumor-intrinsic CMTM6 and CD58 expression in antitumor immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beiping Miao
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhaoqing Hu
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Riccardo Mezzadra
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Lotte Hoeijmakers
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Astrid Fauster
- Division of Biochemistry, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Shangce Du
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Zhi Yang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Melanie Sator-Schmitt
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Helena Engel
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xueshen Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
| | - Caroline Broderick
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Guangzhi Jin
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Tongren Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 1111, Xianxia Road, Shanghai 200336, China
| | - Raquel Gomez-Eerland
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette Rozeman
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Xin Lei
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Hitoshi Matsuo
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Chen Yang
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ingrid Hofland
- Core Facility Molecular Pathology & Biobanking, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dennis Peters
- Core Facility Molecular Pathology & Biobanking, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Annegien Broeks
- Core Facility Molecular Pathology & Biobanking, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Elke Laport
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annika Fitz
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xiyue Zhao
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mohamed A A Mahmoud
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Xiujian Ma
- Faculty of Medicine, Heidelberg University, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Molecular Neurogenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Sandrine Sander
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Adaptive Immunity and Lymphoma , Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hai-Kun Liu
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Molecular Neurogenetics, DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Guoliang Cui
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division T Cell Metabolism, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yu Gan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology, Hoboken, NJ 07030, USA
| | - Wei Wu
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands; Singapore Immunology Network (SIgN), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A(∗)STAR), Singapore 138648, Singapore; Department of Pharmacy, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore
| | - Yanling Xiao
- Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Albert J R Heck
- Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry and Proteomics, Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research and Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands; Netherlands Proteomics Centre, Padualaan 8, 3584 CH Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Wenxian Guan
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Scott W Lowe
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Hugo M Horlings
- Department of Pathology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Cun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Thijn R Brummelkamp
- Division of Biochemistry, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Christian U Blank
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Netherlands Cancer Institute (NKI), Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medical Oncology, Leiden University Medical Centre (LUMC), Leiden, The Netherlands.
| | - Ton N M Schumacher
- Division of Molecular Oncology & Immunology, Netherlands Cancer Institute, Oncode Institute, Plesmanlaan 121, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Chong Sun
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) Heidelberg, Division Immune Regulation in Cancer, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
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14
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Fukushima H, Furusawa A, Kato T, Wakiyama H, Takao S, Okuyama S, Choyke PL, Kobayashi H. Intratumoral IL15 Improves Efficacy of Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1215-1227. [PMID: 37461129 PMCID: PMC10592297 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0210] [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: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
IL15 is a potent inducer of differentiation and proliferation of CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells, making it a promising candidate for cancer immunotherapy. However, limited efficacy of systemic monotherapy utilizing intravenous IL15 suggests the needs for alternative routes of administration or combination treatment with other therapies. Near-infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a highly selective anticancer treatment that elicits a massive release of tumor antigens and immunogenic signals. Here, we investigated whether intratumoral IL15 can enhance the effectiveness of cancer cell-targeted NIR-PIT using syngeneic murine tumor models. Intratumoral injection of IL15 was more effective than intraperitoneal IL15 in vivo in suppressing tumor growth and inducing intratumoral immune responses. When the efficacy of CD44-targeted NIR-PIT was compared in vivo between IL15-secreting MC38 (hIL15-MC38) and parental MC38 tumors, the hIL15-MC38/NIR-PIT group showed the best tumor growth inhibition and survival. In addition, the hIL15-MC38/NIR-PIT group showed significant dendritic cell maturation and significant increases in the number and Granzyme B expression of tumor-infiltrating CD8+ T, NK, and natural killer T cells compared with the treated parental line. Furthermore, intratumoral IL15 injection combined with CD44-targeted NIR-PIT showed significant tumor control in MC38 and Pan02-luc tumor models. In bilateral tumor models, CD44-targeted NIR-PIT in hIL15-MC38 tumors significantly suppressed the growth of untreated MC38 tumors, suggesting abscopal effects. Mice that achieved complete response after the combination therapy completely rejected later tumor rechallenge. In conclusion, local IL15 administration synergistically improves the efficacy of cancer cell-targeted NIR-PIT probably by inducing stronger anticancer immunity, indicating its potential as an anticancer treatment strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Fukushima
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Aki Furusawa
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Takuya Kato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Hiroaki Wakiyama
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Seiichiro Takao
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Shuhei Okuyama
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Peter L Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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15
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Shakiba Y, Vorobyev PO, Yusubalieva GM, Kochetkov DV, Zajtseva KV, Valikhov MP, Kalsin VA, Zabozlaev FG, Semkina AS, Troitskiy AV, Baklaushev VP, Chumakov PM, Lipatova AV. Oncolytic therapy with recombinant vaccinia viruses targeting the interleukin-15 pathway elicits a synergistic response. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 29:158-168. [PMID: 37387795 PMCID: PMC10300409 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
We developed recombinant variants of oncolytic vaccinia virus LIVP strain expressing interleukin-15 (IL-15) or its receptor subunit alpha (IL-15Rα) to stimulate IL-15-dependent immune cells. We evaluated their oncolytic activity either alone or in combination with each other in vitro and in vivo using the murine CT26 colon carcinoma and 4T1 breast carcinoma models. We demonstrated that the admixture of these recombinant variants could promote the generation of the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex. In vitro studies indicated that 4T1 breast cancer cells were more susceptible to the developed recombinant viruses. In vivo studies showed significant survival benefits and tumor regression in 4T1 breast cancer syngeneic mice that received a combination of LIVP-IL15-RFP with LIVP-IL15Ra-RFP. Histological analysis showed recruited lymphocytes at the tumor region, while no harmful effects to the liver or spleen of the animals were detected. Evaluating tumor-infiltrated lymphocytes represented profound activation of cytotoxic T cells and macrophages in mice receiving combination therapy. Thus, our experiments showed superior oncolytic effectiveness of simultaneous injection of LIVP-IL15-RFP and LIVP-IL15Ra-RFP in breast cancer-bearing mice. The combined therapy by these recombinant variants represents a potent and versatile approach for developing new immunotherapies for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmin Shakiba
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Pavel O. Vorobyev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Gaukhar M. Yusubalieva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, FMBA of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry V. Kochetkov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ksenia V. Zajtseva
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Marat P. Valikhov
- Department of Neurobiology, Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Kalsin
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Fedor G. Zabozlaev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Alevtina S. Semkina
- Department of Neurobiology, Serbsky Federal Medical Research Centre of Psychiatry and Narcology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, 119034 Moscow, Russia
- Department of Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University 117997 Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander V. Troitskiy
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir P. Baklaushev
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
- Federal Research and Clinical Center for Specialized Types of Medical Care and Medical Technologies, FMBA of Russia, 115682 Moscow, Russian Federation
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, FMBA of Russia, 117513 Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Peter M. Chumakov
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
| | - Anastasia V. Lipatova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119991 Moscow, Russia
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16
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Badeński A, Badeńska M, Świętochowska E, Janek A, Gliwińska A, Morawiec-Knysak A, Szczepańska M. Assessment of Interleukin-15 (IL-15) Concentration in Children with Idiopathic Nephrotic Syndrome. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24086993. [PMID: 37108157 PMCID: PMC10139059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24086993] [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: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) is a chronic glomerular disease in children, characterized by severe proteinuria, hypoalbuminemia, and/or presence of edema and hyperlipidemia. The pathogenesis, however, has not been yet established. The clinical course of the disease is characterized by frequent relapses. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, that apart from its involvement in the immune system, was found to be playing a vital role in various cells' functioning, including renal tissue. It is desirable to look for new predictors of INS. Our study aimed to evaluate IL-15 as a potential marker in the early diagnosis of the disease. The cohort participating in the study consisted of patients hospitalized in Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Zabrze, from December 2019 to December 2021, including study group with INS (n = 30) and control group (n = 44). Results: The concentration of IL-15 in both serum and urine was significantly elevated in patients with INS, compared to healthy controls. The cytokine might serve as a marker of the disease, however, further research on larger study groups is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Badeński
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Marta Badeńska
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Świętochowska
- Department of Medical and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. Jordana 19, 41-808 Zabrze-Rokitnica, Poland
| | - Artur Janek
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Gliwińska
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Aurelia Morawiec-Knysak
- Department of Pediatric Nephrology with Dialysis Division for Children, Public Clinical Hospital No. 1 in Zabrze, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Maria Szczepańska
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia in Katowice, ul. 3 Maja 13/15, 41-800 Zabrze, Poland
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17
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Jain N, Zhao Z, Feucht J, Koche R, Iyer A, Dobrin A, Mansilla-Soto J, Yang J, Zhan Y, Lopez M, Gunset G, Sadelain M. TET2 guards against unchecked BATF3-induced CAR T cell expansion. Nature 2023; 615:315-322. [PMID: 36755094 PMCID: PMC10511001 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05692-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Further advances in cell engineering are needed to increase the efficacy of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and other T cell-based therapies1-5. As T cell differentiation and functional states are associated with distinct epigenetic profiles6,7, we hypothesized that epigenetic programming may provide a means to improve CAR T cell performance. Targeting the gene that encodes the epigenetic regulator ten-eleven translocation 2 (TET2)8 presents an interesting opportunity as its loss may enhance T cell memory9,10, albeit not cause malignancy9,11,12. Here we show that disruption of TET2 enhances T cell-mediated tumour rejection in leukaemia and prostate cancer models. However, loss of TET2 also enables antigen-independent CAR T cell clonal expansions that may eventually result in prominent systemic tissue infiltration. These clonal proliferations require biallelic TET2 disruption and sustained expression of the AP-1 factor BATF3 to drive a MYC-dependent proliferative program. This proliferative state is associated with reduced effector function that differs from both canonical T cell memory13,14 and exhaustion15,16 states, and is prone to the acquisition of secondary somatic mutations, establishing TET2 as a guardian against BATF3-induced CAR T cell proliferation and ensuing genomic instability. Our findings illustrate the potential of epigenetic programming to enhance T cell immunity but highlight the risk of unleashing unchecked proliferative responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayan Jain
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
- Centre for Cell Engineering and Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zeguo Zhao
- Centre for Cell Engineering and Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Judith Feucht
- Centre for Cell Engineering and Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
- University Children's Hospital, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Richard Koche
- Centre for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Archana Iyer
- Centre for Cell Engineering and Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Anton Dobrin
- Louis V. Gerstner Jr Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
- Centre for Cell Engineering and Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jorge Mansilla-Soto
- Centre for Cell Engineering and Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julie Yang
- Centre for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yingqian Zhan
- Centre for Epigenetics Research, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Lopez
- Centre for Cell Engineering and Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gertrude Gunset
- Centre for Cell Engineering and Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michel Sadelain
- Centre for Cell Engineering and Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Centre, New York, NY, USA.
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18
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Mortier E, Maillasson M, Quéméner A. Counteracting Interleukin-15 to Elucidate Its Modes of Action in Physiology and Pathology. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2023; 43:2-22. [PMID: 36651845 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-15 belongs to the common gamma-dependent cytokine family, along with IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, IL-9, and IL-21. IL-15 is crucial for the homeostasis of Natural Killer (NK) and memory CD8 T cells, and to fight against cancer progression. However, dysregulations of IL-15 expression could occur and participate in the emergence of autoimmune inflammatory diseases as well as hematological malignancies. It is therefore important to understand the different modes of action of IL-15 to decrease its harmful action in pathology without affecting its beneficial effects in the immune system. In this review, we present the different approaches used by researchers to inhibit the action of IL-15, from most broad to the most selective. Indeed, it appears that it is important to selectively target the mode of action of the cytokine rather than the cytokine itself as they are involved in numerous biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erwan Mortier
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Mike Maillasson
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Agnès Quéméner
- Nantes Université, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
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19
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Shen J, Zou Z, Guo J, Cai Y, Xue D, Liang Y, Wang W, Peng H, Fu YX. An engineered concealed IL-15-R elicits tumor-specific CD8+T cell responses through PD-1-cis delivery. J Exp Med 2022; 219:213502. [PMID: 36165896 PMCID: PMC9521244 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Checkpoint blockade immunotherapy releases the inhibition of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) but weakly induces TIL proliferation. Exogenous IL-15 could further expand TILs and thus synergize with αPD-L1 therapy. However, systemic delivery of IL-15 extensively expands peripheral NK cells, causing severe toxicity. To redirect IL-15 to intratumoral PD-1+CD8+T effector cells instead of NK cells for better tumor control and lower toxicity, we engineered an anti-PD-1 fusion with IL-15-IL-15Rα, whose activity was geographically concealed by immunoglobulin Fc region with an engineered linker (αPD-1-IL-15-R) to bypass systemic NK cells. Systematic administration of αPD-1-IL-15-R elicited extraordinary antitumor efficacy with undetectable toxicity. Mechanistically, cis-delivery of αPD-1-IL-15-R vastly expands tumor-specific CD8+T cells for tumor rejection. Additionally, αPD-1-IL-15-R upregulated PD-1 and IL-15Rβ on T cells to create a feedforward activation loop, thus rejuvenating TILs, not only resulting in tumor control in situ, but also suppressing tumor metastasis. Collectively, renavigating IL-15 to tumor-specific PD-1+CD8+T cells, αPD-1-IL-15-R elicits effective systemic antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Shen
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuangzhi Zou
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Jingya Guo
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yueqi Cai
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Diyuan Xue
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yong Liang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenyan Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Hua Peng
- Key Laboratory of Infection and Immunity, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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20
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Ahsan M, Garneau L, Aguer C. The bidirectional relationship between AMPK pathway activation and myokine secretion in skeletal muscle: How it affects energy metabolism. Front Physiol 2022; 13:1040809. [PMID: 36479347 PMCID: PMC9721351 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1040809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Myokines are peptides and proteins secreted by skeletal muscle cells, into the interstitium, or in the blood. Their regulation may be dependent or independent of muscle contraction to induce a variety of metabolic effects. Numerous myokines have been implicated in influencing energy metabolism via AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling. As AMPK is centrally involved in glucose and lipid metabolism, it is important to understand how myokines influence its signalling, and vice versa. Such insight will better elucidate the mechanism of metabolic regulation during exercise and at rest. This review encompasses the latest research conducted on the relationship between AMPK signalling and myokines within skeletal muscles via autocrine or paracrine signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Ahsan
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Léa Garneau
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort –Recherche, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Céline Aguer
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Institut du Savoir Montfort –Recherche, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University—Campus Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- School of Human Kinetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Interdisciplinary School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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21
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Responsiveness to interleukin-15 therapy is shared between tissue-resident and circulating memory CD8 + T cell subsets. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2022; 119:e2209021119. [PMID: 36260745 PMCID: PMC9618124 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2209021119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is often considered a central regulator of memory CD8+ T cells, based primarily on studies of recirculating subsets. However, recent work identified IL-15-independent CD8+ T cell memory populations, including tissue-resident memory CD8+ T cells (TRM) in some nonlymphoid tissues (NLTs). Whether this reflects the existence of IL-15-insensitive memory CD8+ T cells is unclear. We report that IL-15 complexes (IL-15c) stimulate rapid proliferation and expansion of both tissue-resident and circulating memory CD8+ T cell subsets across lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues with varying magnitude by tissue and memory subset, in some sites correlating with differing levels of the IL-2Rβ. This was conserved for memory CD8+ T cells recognizing distinct antigens and elicited by different pathogens. Following IL-15c-induced expansion, divided cells contracted to baseline numbers and only slowly returned to basal proliferation, suggesting a mechanism to transiently amplify memory populations. Through parabiosis, we showed that IL-15c drive local proliferation of TRM, with a degree of recruitment of circulating cells to some NLTs. Hence, irrespective of homeostatic IL-15 dependence, IL-15 sensitivity is a defining feature of memory CD8+ T cell populations, with therapeutic potential for expansion of TRM and other memory subsets in an antigen-agnostic and temporally controlled fashion.
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22
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Jeong S, Kim YG, Kim S, Kim K. Enhanced anticancer efficacy of primed natural killer cells via coacervate-mediated exogenous interleukin-15 delivery. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:5968-5979. [PMID: 36048163 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00876a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Effective exogenous delivery of interleukin (IL)-15 to natural killer (NK) cells with subsequent anticancer efficacy could be a promising immune cell-based cancer immunotherapy. For the protection of encapsulated cargo IL-15 while maintaining its bioactivity under physiological conditions, we utilized a coacervate (Coa) consisting of a cationic methoxy polyethylene glycol-poly(ethylene arginyl aspartate diglyceride) (mPEG-PEAD) polymer, anionic counterpart heparin, and cargo IL-15. mPEGylation into the backbone cation effectively preserved the colloidal stability of Coa in harsh environments and enhanced the protection of cargo IL-15 than normal Coa without mPEGylation. Proliferation and anticancer efficacy of primed NK cells through co-culture with multiple cancer cell lines were enhanced in the mPEG-Coa group due to the maintained bioactivity of cargo IL-15 during the ex vivo expansion of NK cells. These facilitated functions of NK cells were also supported by the increased expression of mRNAs related to anticancer effects of NK cells, including cytotoxic granules, death ligands, anti-apoptotic proteins, and activation receptors. In summary, our Coa-mediated exogenous IL-15 delivery could be an effective ex vivo priming technique for NK cells with sustained immune activation that can effectively facilitate its usage for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sehwan Jeong
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Young Guk Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Sungjun Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Kyobum Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Chen YW, Rini BI, Beckermann KE. Emerging Targets in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:4843. [PMID: 36230766 PMCID: PMC9561986 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The dual immune checkpoint blockade targeting CTLA-4 and PD-1 (ipilimumab/nivolumab) or the IO combinations targeting PD-1 and anti-VEGF TKIs (pembrolizumab/axitinib, nivolumab/cabozantinib, pembrolizumab/lenvatinib) have demonstrated an overall survival benefit in advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). Despite this significant improvement in clinical outcomes in the frontline setting from IO/IO or the IO/TKI combinations, there is a subset of patients of advanced ccRCC that do not respond to such combinations or will lose the initial efficacy and have disease progression. Therefore, a remarkable unmet need exists to develop new therapeutics to improve outcomes. With an enhanced understanding of ccRCC biology and its interaction with the tumor microenvironment, several new therapies are under development targeting ccRCC metabolism, cytokine-signaling, alternative immune checkpoint proteins, and novel biological pathways. In addition, microbiome products enhancing IO response, antibody-drug conjugates, and targeted radionuclides are also being investigated. This review summarizes selected emerging agents that are under development in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Wei Chen
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Brian I. Rini
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Kathryn E. Beckermann
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 1211 Medical Center Drive, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center, 2220 Pierce Ave, 777 Preston Research Building, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
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24
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Feng J, Xu H, Cinquina A, Wu Z, Zhang W, Sun L, Chen Q, Tian L, Song L, Pinz KG, Wada M, Jiang X, Hanes WM, Ma Y, Zhang H. Treatment of aggressive T-cell lymphoma/leukemia with anti-CD4 CAR T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997482. [PMID: 36172388 PMCID: PMC9511023 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
T-cell lymphomas are aggressive lymphomas that often resist current therapy options or present with relapsed disease, making the development of more effective treatment regimens clinically important. Previously, we have shown that CD4 CAR can effectively target T-cell malignancies in preclinical studies. As IL-15 has been shown to strengthen the anti-tumor response, we have modified CD4 CAR to secrete an IL-15/IL-15sushi complex. These CD4-IL15/IL15sushi CAR T cells and NK92 cells efficiently eliminated CD4+ leukemic cell lines in co-culture assays. Additionally, CD4-IL15/IL15sushi CAR out-performed CD4 CAR in in vivo models, demonstrating a benefit to IL-15/IL-15sushi inclusion. In a Phase I clinical trial, CD4-IL15/IL15sushi CAR T cells were tested for safety in three patients with different T-cell lymphomas. Infusion of CD4-IL15/IL15sushi CAR T cells was well-tolerated by the patients without significant adverse effects and led to the remission of their lymphomas. Additionally, infusion led to the depletion of CD4+ Treg cells and expansion of CD3+CD8+ T cells and NK cells. These results suggest that CD4-IL15/IL15sushi CAR T cells may be a safe and effective treatment for patients with relapsed or refractory T-cell lymphomas, where new treatment options are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Feng
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Haichan Xu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Andrew Cinquina
- iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Zehua Wu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenli Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lihua Sun
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Le Song
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kevin G. Pinz
- iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Masayuki Wada
- iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Xun Jiang
- iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - William M. Hanes
- iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Yupo Ma
- iCell Gene Therapeutics LLC, Research & Development Division, Long Island High Technology Incubator, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Hongyu Zhang, ; Yupo Ma,
| | - Hongyu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Hongyu Zhang, ; Yupo Ma,
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25
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Valeri A, García-Ortiz A, Castellano E, Córdoba L, Maroto-Martín E, Encinas J, Leivas A, Río P, Martínez-López J. Overcoming tumor resistance mechanisms in CAR-NK cell therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:953849. [PMID: 35990652 PMCID: PMC9381932 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.953849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the impressive results of autologous CAR-T cell therapy in refractory B lymphoproliferative diseases, CAR-NK immunotherapy emerges as a safer, faster, and cost-effective approach with no signs of severe toxicities as described for CAR-T cells. Permanently scrutinized for its efficacy, recent promising data in CAR-NK clinical trials point out the achievement of deep, high-quality responses, thus confirming its potential clinical use. Although CAR-NK cell therapy is not significantly affected by the loss or downregulation of its CAR tumor target, as in the case of CAR-T cell, a plethora of common additional tumor intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms that could also disable NK cell function have been described. Therefore, considering lessons learned from CAR-T cell therapy, the emergence of CAR-NK cell therapy resistance can also be envisioned. In this review we highlight the processes that could be involved in its development, focusing on cytokine addiction and potential fratricide during manufacturing, poor tumor trafficking, exhaustion within the tumor microenvironment (TME), and NK cell short in vivo persistence on account of the limited expansion, replicative senescence, and rejection by patient’s immune system after lymphodepletion recovery. Finally, we outline new actively explored alternatives to overcome these resistance mechanisms, with a special emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic engineering approaches, a promising platform to optimize CAR-NK cell function to eradicate refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Valeri
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena García-Ortiz
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Castellano
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Córdoba
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Maroto-Martín
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jessica Encinas
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Leivas
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Río
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Martínez-López
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Joaquín Martínez-López,
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26
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Kim D, Park JH, Kim TY, Kim DG, Byun JH, Kim HS. Enhanced half-life and antitumor activity of Interleukin-15 through genetic fusion of a serum albumin-specific protein binder. Int J Pharm 2022; 625:122059. [PMID: 35905933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122059] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human interleukin-15 (hIL-15) has attracted a considerable attention as a promising cancer immunotherapeutic due to its function to directly stimulate the proliferation and cytotoxic activity of NK and T cells. Nevertheless, a relatively short half-life of hIL-15 requires repeated administration and higher doses, causing serious side effects. Here, we demonstrate an enhanced blood half-life and biological activity of hIL-15 through genetic fusion of a human serum albumin-specific protein binder (rHSA). The fusion construct (rHSA-IL15) was observed to maintain respective binding activities for both hIL-15 receptor α and human serum albumin. The rHSA-IL15 led to a significant increase in the secretion of Granzyme B and INF-γ by immune cells compare to free hIL-15, expanding the population of activated T cell subset such as CD4 + T and CD8+ T cells. The terminal half-life of the rHSA-IL15 was prolonged by around a 40-fold in transgenic mice expressing human serum albumin, compared to free hIL-15. The rHSA-IL15 resulted in distinct anti-tumor activities in xenograft SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) mouse and allograft melanoma mouse models through activation of NK and CD8+ T cells. The rHSA-IL15 is expected to be used in cancer immunotherapy, assisting in the development of other cytokines as immunotherapeutic agents with greater efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasom Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Park
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Tae-Yoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea; Present address: Beckmann Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Dong-Gun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - June-Ho Byun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea.
| | - Hak-Sung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea.
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27
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Di Trani CA, Cirella A, Arrizabalaga L, Fernandez-Sendin M, Bella A, Aranda F, Melero I, Berraondo P. Overcoming the limitations of cytokines to improve cancer therapy. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 369:107-141. [PMID: 35777862 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are pleiotropic soluble proteins used by immune cells to orchestrate a coordinated response against pathogens and malignancies. In cancer immunotherapy, cytokine-based drugs can be developed potentiating pro-inflammatory cytokines or blocking immunosuppressive cytokines. However, the complexity of the mechanisms of action of cytokines requires the use of biotechnological strategies to minimize systemic toxicity, while potentiating the antitumor response. Sequence mutagenesis, fusion proteins and gene therapy strategies are employed to enhance the half-life in circulation, target the desired bioactivity to the tumor microenvironment, and to optimize the therapeutic window of cytokines. In this review, we provide an overview of the different strategies currently being pursued in pre-clinical and clinical studies to make the most of cytokines for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Augusta Di Trani
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Assunta Cirella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Leire Arrizabalaga
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Angela Bella
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fernando Aranda
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Oncology, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Pedro Berraondo
- Program of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Cima Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IDISNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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Peng Y, Fu S, Zhao Q. 2022 update on the scientific premise and clinical trials for IL-15 agonists as cancer immunotherapy. J Leukoc Biol 2022; 112:823-834. [PMID: 35616357 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.5mr0422-506r] [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: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse cytokines and their receptors on immune cells constitute a highly complex network in the immune system. Some therapeutic cytokines and their derivatives have been approved for cancer treatment. IL-15 is an immune-regulating cytokine with multiple functions, among which the function of activating the immunity of cancer patients has great potential in cancer immunotherapy. In this review, we introduce the functions of IL-15 and discuss its role in regulating the immune system in different immune cells. Meanwhile, we will address the applications of IL-15 agonists in cancer immunotherapy and provide prospects for the next generation of therapeutic designs. Although many challenges remain, IL-15 agonists offer a new therapeutic option in the future direction of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingjun Peng
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Shengyu Fu
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Cancer Centre, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
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Atallah-Yunes SA, Robertson MJ. Cytokine Based Immunotherapy for Cancer and Lymphoma: Biology, Challenges and Future Perspectives. Front Immunol 2022; 13:872010. [PMID: 35529882 PMCID: PMC9067561 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.872010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines regulate both the innate and adaptive immune responses to cancer. Although antitumor activity has been seen for several cytokines in preclinical models, they have had limited success as single therapeutic agents in clinical trials of cancer immunotherapy. However, the possible combinations of cytokines with other immune therapeutics and the advancement in genetic engineering, synthetic biology and cellular and immune therapy has led to the revival of interest in cytokines as anticancer agents. This article will review several immunostimulatory cytokines with anticancer activity, focusing on the those that have been studied in treatment of lymphoma and highlighting recent advances of potential clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suheil Albert Atallah-Yunes
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
| | - Michael J Robertson
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States
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Li Y, Wu L, Liu Y, Ma S, Huang B, Feng X, Wang H. A novel multifunctional anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 induces potent cancer cell killing in PD-L1-positive tumour cells. Transl Oncol 2022; 21:101424. [PMID: 35477065 PMCID: PMC9136603 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2022.101424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Anti-PD-L1 single-domain antibodies were identified from hPD-L1-immunized camels. Three novel multifunctional antibodies, anti-PD-L1-CD16a, anti-PD-L1-IL15, and anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15, target PD-L1-positive cancer cells. Anti-PD-L1-IL15 and anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15, but not anti-PD-L1-CD16a, stimulate immune cell proliferation in vitro. The anti-PD-L1 antibodies can bind PD-L1-positive cells. Anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 has the strongest antitumour activity, both in vitro and in vivo.
Cancer is the most acute disease and the leading cause of patient death worldwide. Both chemotherapy and molecular-based therapies play an important role in curing cancer. However, the median and overall survival of patients is poor. To date, immune therapies have changed the treatment methods for cancer patients. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1, also known as B-H1, CD274) is a well-studied tumor antigen. PD-L1 is overexpressed in colon cancer, lung cancer, and so on and plays a vital role in cancer development. In this study, anti-PD-L1 single-domain antibodies were identified from recombinant human PD-L1 (rhPD-L1)-immunized llamas. Then, we generated a novel multifunctional anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 antibody targeting PD-L1-positive tumor cells. Anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 was constructed by linking the Interleukin-2 (IL-2) signal peptide, anti-PD-L1 single domain antibody (anti-PD-L1-VHH) and anti-cluster of differentiation 16a single domain antibody (anti-CD16a-VHH), and Interleukin-15/Interleukin-15 receptor alpha (IL15/IL-15Rα). This anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 fusion protein can be expressed and purified from HEK-293F cells. In vitro, our data showed that the anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 fusion protein can recruit T cells and drive natural killer cells (NK) with specific killing of PD-L1-overexpressing tumor cells. Furthermore, in the xenograft model, the anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 fusion protein inhibited tumor growth with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). These data suggested that the anti-PD-L1-CD16a-IL15 fusion protein has a latent function in antitumour activity, with better guidance for future cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Lingjun Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yueying Liu
- Department of Hypertension, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Siwen Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Biyi Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xianjing Feng
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
| | - Hui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China.
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Rubinstein MP, Williams C, Mart C, Beall J, MacPherson L, Azar J, Swiderska-Syn M, Manca P, Gibney BC, Robinson MD, Krieg C, Hill EG, Taha SA, Rock AD, Lee JH, Soon-Shiong P, Wrangle J. Phase I Trial Characterizing the Pharmacokinetic Profile of N-803, a Chimeric IL-15 Superagonist, in Healthy Volunteers. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1362-1370. [PMID: 35228263 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The oncotherapeutic promise of IL-15, a potent immunostimulant, is limited by a short serum t 1/2 The fusion protein N-803 is a chimeric IL-15 superagonist that has a >20-fold longer in vivo t 1/2 versus IL-15. This phase 1 study characterized the pharmacokinetic (PK) profile and safety of N-803 after s.c. administration to healthy human volunteers. Volunteers received two doses of N-803, and after each dose, PK and safety were assessed for 9 d. The primary endpoint was the N-803 PK profile, the secondary endpoint was safety, and immune cell levels and immunogenicity were measures of interest. Serum N-803 concentrations peaked 4 h after administration and declined with a t 1/2 of ∼20 h. N-803 did not cause treatment-emergent serious adverse events (AEs) or grade ≥3 AEs. Injection site reactions, chills, and pyrexia were the most common AEs. Administration of N-803 was well tolerated and accompanied by proliferation of NK cells and CD8+ T cells and sustained increases in the number of NK cells. Our results suggest that N-803 administration can potentiate antitumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark P Rubinstein
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Cameron Williams
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Caroline Mart
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Jonathan Beall
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Linda MacPherson
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Joseph Azar
- The Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH
- Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
| | - Marzena Swiderska-Syn
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Paolo Manca
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Foundation - National Cancer Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Barry C Gibney
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Mark D Robinson
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences and SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Carsten Krieg
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | - Elizabeth G Hill
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
| | | | | | | | | | - John Wrangle
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC;
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC
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Kim C, Lim M, Woodworth GF, Arvanitis CD. The roles of thermal and mechanical stress in focused ultrasound-mediated immunomodulation and immunotherapy for central nervous system tumors. J Neurooncol 2022; 157:221-236. [PMID: 35235137 PMCID: PMC9119565 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-022-03973-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focused ultrasound (FUS) is an emerging technology, offering the capability of tuning and prescribing thermal and mechanical treatments within the brain. While early works in utilizing this technology have mainly focused on maximizing the delivery of therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier (BBB), the potential therapeutic impact of FUS-induced controlled thermal and mechanical stress to modulate anti-tumor immunity is becoming increasingly recognized. OBJECTIVE To better understand the roles of FUS-mediated thermal and mechanical stress in promoting anti-tumor immunity in central nervous system tumors, we performed a comprehensive literature review on focused ultrasound-mediated immunomodulation and immunotherapy in brain tumors. METHODS First, we summarize the current clinical experience with immunotherapy. Then, we discuss the unique and distinct immunomodulatory effects of the FUS-mediated thermal and mechanical stress in the brain tumor-immune microenvironment. Finally, we highlight recent findings that indicate that its combination with immune adjuvants can promote robust responses in brain tumors. RESULTS Along with the rapid advancement of FUS technologies into recent clinical trials, this technology through mild-hyperthermia, thermal ablation, mechanical perturbation mediated by microbubbles, and histotripsy each inducing distinct vascular and immunological effects, is offering the unique opportunity to improve immunotherapeutic trafficking and convert immunologically "cold" tumors into immunologically "hot" ones that are prone to generate prolonged anti-tumor immune responses. CONCLUSIONS While FUS technology is clearly accelerating concepts for new immunotherapeutic combinations, additional parallel efforts to detail rational therapeutic strategies supported by rigorous preclinical studies are still in need to leverage potential synergies of this technology with immune adjuvants. This work will accelerate the discovery and clinical implementation of new effective FUS immunotherapeutic combinations for brain tumor patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chulyong Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine (Oncology), of Neurology, of Otolaryngology, and of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Paulo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Graeme F Woodworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Costas D Arvanitis
- School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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da Silva LHR, Catharino LCC, da Silva VJ, Evangelista GCM, Barbuto JAM. The War Is on: The Immune System against Glioblastoma—How Can NK Cells Drive This Battle? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020400. [PMID: 35203609 PMCID: PMC8962431 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role in immunosurveillance, acting alongside other immune cells in the response against various types of malignant tumors and the prevention of metastasis. Since their discovery in the 1970s, they have been thoroughly studied for their capacity to kill neoplastic cells without the need for previous sensitization, executing rapid and robust cytotoxic activity, but also helper functions. In agreement with this, NK cells are being exploited in many ways to treat cancer. The broad arsenal of NK-based therapies includes adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded and activated cells, genetically engineered cells to contain chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-NKs), in vivo stimulation of NK cells (by cytokine therapy, checkpoint blockade therapies, etc.), and tumor-specific antibody-guided NK cells, among others. In this article, we review pivotal aspects of NK cells’ biology and their contribution to immune responses against tumors, as well as providing a wide perspective on the many antineoplastic strategies using NK cells. Finally, we also discuss those approaches that have the potential to control glioblastoma—a disease that, currently, causes inevitable death, usually in a short time after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Rodrigues da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Luana Correia Croda Catharino
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Viviane Jennifer da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Coeli Menezes Evangelista
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - José Alexandre Marzagão Barbuto
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7375
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Schmidt D, Ebrahimabadi S, Gomes KRDS, de Moura Aguiar G, Cariati Tirapelle M, Nacasaki Silvestre R, de Azevedo JTC, Tadeu Covas D, Picanço-Castro V. Engineering CAR-NK cells: how to tune innate killer cells for cancer immunotherapy. IMMUNOTHERAPY ADVANCES 2022; 2:ltac003. [PMID: 35919494 PMCID: PMC9327111 DOI: 10.1093/immadv/ltac003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell therapy is an innovative approach that permits numerous possibilities in the field of cancer treatment. CAR-T cells have been successfully used in patients with hematologic relapsed/refractory. However, the need for autologous sources for T cells is still a major drawback. CAR-NK cells have emerged as a promising resource using allogeneic cells that could be established as an off-the-shelf treatment. NK cells can be obtained from various sources, such as peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow, umbilical cord blood (CB), and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC), as well as cell lines. Genetic engineering of NK cells to express different CAR constructs for hematological cancers and solid tumors has shown promising preclinical results and they are currently being explored in multiple clinical trials. Several strategies have been employed to improve CAR-NK-cell expansion and cytotoxicity efficiency. In this article, we review the latest achievements and progress made in the field of CAR-NK-cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayane Schmidt
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Sima Ebrahimabadi
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Kauan Ribeiro de Sena Gomes
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Graziela de Moura Aguiar
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Mariane Cariati Tirapelle
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renata Nacasaki Silvestre
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Júlia Teixeira Cottas de Azevedo
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Dimas Tadeu Covas
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Department of Medical Imaging, Hematology, and Clinical Oncology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Virginia Picanço-Castro
- Regional Blood Center of the School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Leem G, Jeon M, Kim KW, Jeong S, Choi SJ, Lee YJ, Kim ES, Lee JI, Ha SY, Park SH, Shim HS, Lee JG, Kang SM, Shin EC. Tumour-infiltrating bystander CD8 + T cells activated by IL-15 contribute to tumour control in non-small cell lung cancer. Thorax 2021; 77:769-780. [PMID: 34853159 DOI: 10.1136/thoraxjnl-2021-217001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumour-unrelated, virus-specific bystander CD8+ T cells were recently shown to be abundant among tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). However, their roles in tumour immunity have not been elucidated yet. METHODS We studied the characteristics of bystander CD8+ TILs from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues (N=66) and their activation by interleukin (IL)-15 to repurpose them for tumour immunotherapy. RESULTS We show that bystander CD8+ TILs specific to various viruses are present in human NSCLC tissues. We stimulated CD8+ TILs ex vivo using IL-15 without cognate antigens and found that IL-15 treatment upregulated NKG2D expression on CD8+ TILs, resulting in NKG2D-dependent production of interferon (IFN)-γ (p=0.0006). Finally, we tested whether IL-15 treatment can control tumour growth in a murine NSCLC model with or without a history of murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection. IL-15 treatment reduced the number of tumour nodules in the lung only in mice with MCMV infection (p=0.0037). We confirmed that MCMV-specific bystander CD8+ TILs produced interferon (IFN)-γ after IL-15 treatment, and that IL-15 treatment in MCMV-infected mice upregulated tumour necrosis factor-α and IFN-γ responsive genes in tumour microenvironment. CONCLUSION Thus, the study demonstrates that bystander CD8+ TILs can be repurposed by IL-15 for tumour immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galam Leem
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Minwoo Jeon
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Kun Woo Kim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seongju Jeong
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seong Jin Choi
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Yong Joon Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eui-Soon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jae-Ik Lee
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Seung Yeon Ha
- Department of Pathology, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Hyo Sup Shim
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Jin Gu Lee
- Department of Pathology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Shin Myung Kang
- Division of Pulmonology and Allergy, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Medical Center, Incheon, Korea (the Republic of)
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea (the Republic of)
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Conlon K, Watson DC, Waldmann TA, Valentin A, Bergamaschi C, Felber BK, Peer CJ, Figg WD, Potter EL, Roederer M, McNeel DG, Thompson JA, Gupta S, Leidner R, Wang-Gillam A, Parikh NS, Long D, Kurtulus S, Ho Lee L, Chowdhury NR, Bender F, Pavlakis GN. Phase I study of single agent NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimeric IL-15 agonist, in adult patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003388. [PMID: 34799399 PMCID: PMC8606766 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background NIZ985 is a recombinant heterodimer of physiologically active interleukin (IL-)15 and IL-15 receptor alpha. In preclinical models, NIZ985 promotes cytotoxic lymphocyte proliferation, killing function, and organ/tumor infiltration, with resultant anticancer effects. In this first-in-human study, we assessed the safety, pharmacokinetics, and immune effects of NIZ985 in patients with metastatic or unresectable solid tumors. Methods Single agent NIZ985 dose escalation data are reported from a phase I dose escalation/expansion study of NIZ985 as monotherapy. Adult patients (N=14) received 0.25, 0.5, 1, 2 or 4 µg/kg subcutaneous NIZ985 three times weekly (TIW) for the first 2 weeks of each 28-day cycle, in an accelerated 3+3 dose escalation trial design. IL-15 and endogenous cytokines were monitored by ELISA and multiplexed electrochemiluminescent assays. Multiparameter flow cytometry assessed the frequency, phenotype and proliferation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Preliminary antitumor activity was assessed by overall response rate (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors V.1.1). Results As of March 2, 2020, median treatment duration was 7.5 weeks (range 1.1–77.1). Thirteen patients had discontinued and one (uveal melanoma) remains on treatment with stable disease. Best clinical response was stable disease (3 of 14 patients; 21%). The most frequent adverse events (AEs) were circular erythematous injection site reactions (100%), chills (71%), fatigue (57%), and fever (50%). Treatment-related grade 3/4 AEs occurred in six participants (43%); treatment-related serious AEs (SAEs) in three (21%). The per-protocol maximum tolerated dose was not reached. Pharmacokinetic accumulation of serum IL-15 in the first week was followed by significantly lower levels in week 2, likely due to more rapid cytokine consumption by an expanding lymphocyte pool. NIZ985 treatment was associated with increases in several cytokines, including interferon (IFN)-γ, IL-18, C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 10, and tumor necrosis factor-β, plus significant induction of cytotoxic lymphocyte proliferation (including natural killer and CD8+ T cells), increased CD16+ monocytes, and increased CD163+ macrophages at injection sites. Conclusions Subcutaneous NIZ985 TIW was generally well tolerated in patients with advanced cancer and produced immune activation paralleling preclinical observations, with induction of IFN-γ and proliferation of cytotoxic lymphocytes. Due to delayed SAEs at the two highest dose levels, administration is being changed to once-weekly in a revised protocol, as monotherapy and combined with checkpoint inhibitor spartalizumab. These alterations are expected to maximize the potential of NIZ985 as a novel immunotherapy. Trial registration number NCT02452268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Dionysios C Watson
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA.,University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Antonio Valentin
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Cristina Bergamaschi
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Barbara K Felber
- Human Retrovirus Pathogenesis Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
| | - Cody J Peer
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - William D Figg
- Clinical Pharmacology Program, Center for Cancer Research, NCI, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - E Lake Potter
- Vaccine Research Center, NIAID, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Douglas G McNeel
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | | | - Sumati Gupta
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Rom Leidner
- Earle A Chiles Research Institute, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in Saint Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Nehal S Parikh
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Debby Long
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sema Kurtulus
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lang Ho Lee
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Florent Bender
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research Inc, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Human Retrovirus Section, Vaccine Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute at Frederick, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Bickett TE, Knitz M, Darragh LB, Bhatia S, Van Court B, Gadwa J, Bhuvane S, Piper M, Nguyen D, Tu H, Lenz L, Clambey ET, Barry K, Karam SD. FLT3L Release by Natural Killer Cells Enhances Response to Radioimmunotherapy in Preclinical Models of HNSCC. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:6235-6249. [PMID: 34518311 PMCID: PMC8595694 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 06/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Natural killer (NK) cells are type I innate lymphoid cells that are known for their role in killing virally infected cells or cancer cells through direct cytotoxicity. In addition to direct tumor cell killing, NK cells are known to play fundamental roles in the tumor microenvironment through secretion of key cytokines, such as FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L). Although radiotherapy is the mainstay treatment in most cancers, the role of radiotherapy on NK cells is not well characterized. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN This study combines radiation, immunotherapies, genetic mouse models, and antibody depletion experiments to identify the role of NK cells in overcoming resistance to radiotherapy in orthotopic models of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. RESULTS We have found that NK cells are a crucial component in the development of an antitumor response, as depleting them removes efficacy of the previously successful combination treatment of radiotherapy, anti-CD25, and anti-CD137. However, in the absence of NK cells, the effect can be rescued through treatment with FLT3L. But neither radiotherapy with FLT3L therapy alone nor radiotherapy with anti-NKG2A yields any meaningful tumor growth delay. We also identify a role for IL2 in activating NK cells to secrete FLT3L. This activity, we show, is mediated through CD122, the intermediate affinity IL2 receptor, and can be targeted with anti-CD25 therapy. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the complexity of using radio-immunotherapies to activate NK cells within the tumor microenvironment, and the importance of NK cells in activating dendritic cells for increased tumor surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E Bickett
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Michael Knitz
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Laurel B Darragh
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Shilpa Bhatia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Benjamin Van Court
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Jacob Gadwa
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Shiv Bhuvane
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Miles Piper
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Diemmy Nguyen
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Hua Tu
- Lake Pharma, The Biologics Company, San Francisco, California
| | - Laurel Lenz
- Department of Immunology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Eric T Clambey
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Kevin Barry
- Immunotherapy Integrated Research Center, Fred Hutchinson Research Institute, Seattle, Washington
| | - Sana D Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado.
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De Gassart A, Le KS, Brune P, Agaugué S, Sims J, Goubard A, Castellano R, Joalland N, Scotet E, Collette Y, Valentin E, Ghigo C, Pasero C, Colazet M, Guillén J, Cano CE, Marabelle A, De Bonno J, Hoet R, Truneh A, Olive D, Frohna P. Development of ICT01, a first-in-class, anti-BTN3A antibody for activating Vγ9Vδ2 T cell-mediated antitumor immune response. Sci Transl Med 2021; 13:eabj0835. [PMID: 34669444 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abj0835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
[Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Armelle Goubard
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET preclinical platform, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Rémy Castellano
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET preclinical platform, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Noémie Joalland
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, and Oncology," Nantes F-44000, France
| | - Emmanuel Scotet
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCINA, F-44000 Nantes, France.,LabEx IGO "Immunotherapy, Graft, and Oncology," Nantes F-44000, France
| | - Yves Collette
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, TrGET preclinical platform, 13009 Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Aurélien Marabelle
- Département d'Innovation Thérapeutique et d'Essais Précoces (DITEP), Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Johann De Bonno
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, Institute of Cancer Research (ICR), London and Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Sutton SM2 5PT, UK
| | - René Hoet
- ImCheck Therapeutics, 13009 Marseille, France.,Biopharmaceutics, Dept. Pathology, University of Maastricht, 6200 MD Netherlands
| | | | - Daniel Olive
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Inserm, U1068, CNRS, UMR7258, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, Aix-Marseille University, UM 105, 13009 Marseille, France
| | - Paul Frohna
- ImCheck Therapeutics, 13009 Marseille, France
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Bernstein ZJ, Spangler JB. Insights into the anticancer mechanisms of interleukin-15 from engineered cytokine therapies. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:152857. [PMID: 34596048 DOI: 10.1172/jci152857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Innovative approaches in the field of cytokine engineering are revolutionizing the cancer therapeutic landscape. The IL-15 cytokine is particularly enticing as a cancer immunotherapy due to its natural propensity for stimulating the proliferation and activation of NK and CD8+ T cells. In a recent IL-15 engineering approach, the cytokine was conjugated to polyethylene glycol, and the resulting molecule (NKTR-255) exhibited potent antitumor activities. In this issue of the JCI, Robinson et al. mechanistically explored NKTR-255 and compared its immune profile to that of the unconjugated IL-15 cytokine. The authors found that NKTR-255 employs distinct activities on NK compared with CD8+ T cells. NKTR-255 signaling also showed less dependence on the expression of the IL-15 receptor-α (IL-15Rα) chain compared with unconjugated IL-15. Collectively, these findings will advance IL-15-based clinical therapies and, more generally, benefit the field of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jamie B Spangler
- Department of Biomedical Engineering.,Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering.,Translational Tissue Engineering Center.,Department of Oncology.,Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy.,Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and.,Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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40
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Bosch NC, Martin LM, Voskens CJ, Berking C, Seliger B, Schuler G, Schaft N, Dörrie J. A Chimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα Molecule Expressed on NFκB-Activated Dendritic Cells Supports Their Capability to Activate Natural Killer Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910227. [PMID: 34638566 PMCID: PMC8508776 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, members of the innate immune system, play an important role in the rejection of HLA class I negative tumor cells. Hence, a therapeutic vaccine, which can activate NK cells in addition to cells of the adaptive immune system might induce a more comprehensive cellular response, which could lead to increased tumor elimination. Dendritic cells (DCs) are capable of activating and expanding NK cells, especially when the NFκB pathway is activated in the DCs thereby leading to the secretion of the cytokine IL-12. Another prominent NK cell activator is IL-15, which can be bound by the IL-15 receptor alpha-chain (IL-15Rα) to be transpresented to the NK cells. However, monocyte-derived DCs do neither secrete IL-15, nor express the IL-15Rα. Hence, we designed a chimeric protein consisting of IL-15 and the IL-15Rα. Upon mRNA electroporation, the fusion protein was detectable on the surface of the DCs, and increased the potential of NFκB-activated, IL-12-producing DC to activate NK cells in an autologous cell culture system with ex vivo-generated cells from healthy donors. These data show that a chimeric IL-15/IL-15Rα molecule can be expressed by monocyte-derived DCs, is trafficked to the cell surface, and is functional regarding the activation of NK cells. These data represent an initial proof-of-concept for an additional possibility of further improving cellular DC-based immunotherapies of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi C. Bosch
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (N.C.B.); (B.S.)
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–EMN, NCT WERA, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Lena-Marie Martin
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Caroline J. Voskens
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–EMN, NCT WERA, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen–EMN, NCT WERA, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Deutsches Zentrum Immuntherapie (DZI), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin-Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, 06112 Halle (Saale), Germany; (N.C.B.); (B.S.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gerold Schuler
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Niels Schaft
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
| | - Jan Dörrie
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (L.-M.M.); (C.J.V.); (C.B.); (G.S.); (N.S.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-8531127
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Fiore PF, Di Matteo S, Tumino N, Mariotti FR, Pietra G, Ottonello S, Negrini S, Bottazzi B, Moretta L, Mortier E, Azzarone B. Interleukin-15 and cancer: some solved and many unsolved questions. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-001428. [PMID: 33203664 PMCID: PMC7674108 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-001428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble interleukin (IL)-15 exists under two forms: as monomer (sIL-15) or as heterodimeric complex in association with sIL-15Rα (sIL-15/IL-15Rα). Both forms have been successfully tested in experimental tumor murine models and are currently undergoing investigation in phase I/II clinical trials. Despite more than 20 years research on IL-15, some controversial issues remain to be addressed. A first point concerns the detection of the sIL-15/IL-15Rα in plasma of healthy donors or patients with cancer and its biological significance. The second and third unsolved question regards the protumorigenic role of the IL-15/IL-15Rα complex in human cancer and the detrimental immunological consequences associated to prolonged exposure of natural killer (NK) cells to both forms of soluble IL-15, respectively. Data suggest that in vivo prolonged or repeated exposure to monomeric sIL-15 or the soluble complex may lead to NK hypo-responsiveness through the expansion of the CD8+/CD44+ T cell subset that would suppress NK cell functions. In vitro experiments indicate that soluble complex and monomeric IL-15 may cause NK hyporesponsiveness through a direct effect caused by their prolonged stimulation, suggesting that this mechanism could also be effective in vivo. Therefore, a better knowledge of IL-15 and a more appropriate use of both its soluble forms, in terms of concentrations and time of exposure, are essential in order to improve their therapeutic use. In cancer, the overproduction of sIL-15/IL-15Rα could represent a novel mechanism of immune escape. The soluble complex may act as a decoy cytokine unable to efficiently foster NK cells, or could induce NK hyporesponsiveness through an excessive and prolonged stimulation depending on the type of IL-15Rα isoforms associated. All these unsolved questions are not merely limited to the knowledge of IL-15 pathophysiology, but are crucial also for the therapeutic use of this cytokine. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss key unanswered issues on the heterogeneity and biological significance of IL-15 isoforms, analyzing both their cancer-related biological functions and their therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sabina Di Matteo
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Nicola Tumino
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Pietra
- Immuology Unit, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Selene Ottonello
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DiMES), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa and Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Barbara Bottazzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Humanitas Clinical and Research Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Erwan Mortier
- University of Nantes, CNRS, Inserm, CRCINA, University of Nantes, Nantes, France .,Immunotherapy, Graft, Oncology, LabEx IGO, Nantes, France
| | - Bruno Azzarone
- Immunology Area, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
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Aloufi NA, Ali AK, Burke Schinkel SC, Molyer B, Barros PO, McBane JE, Lee SH, Angel JB. Soluble CD127 potentiates IL-7 activity in vivo in healthy mice. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2021; 9:1798-1808. [PMID: 34525268 PMCID: PMC8589376 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Introduction Soluble forms of cytokine receptors can be involved in the endogenous regulation of cytokine activity. Soluble interleukin 7 receptor α (sCD127) naturally binds IL‐7, therefore there is interest in its potential application as an immunotherapeutic agent to regulate IL‐7. With the hypothesis that sCD127 enhances IL‐7 activity, thus promoting T‐cell proliferation in vivo, we sought to assess the effect of sCD127, IL‐7 or IL‐7 + sCD127 treatment on CD4+ and CD8+ T‐cells in the blood and spleen of mice. Methods Peripheral blood mononuclear cells and splenocytes were prepared, and analyzed for T‐cell number, phenotype and proliferation (Ki67+) by flow cytometry. Results IL‐7 treatment induced T‐cell proliferation, increased T‐cell number, and triggered T‐cell differentiation each of which was enhanced with the addition of sCD127. IL‐7 + sCD127 treatment significantly increased spleen weight over that seen with IL‐7 treatment alone. More pronounced proliferation and a greater increase in cell number was observed in CD8+ T‐cells relative to the effect on CD4+ T‐cells. Conclusions These findings suggest that the addition of sCD127 enhances IL‐7‐mediated T‐cell proliferation and suggests a potential therapeutic use for sCD127.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nawaf A Aloufi
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Chronic Diseases Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alaa K Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Bengisu Molyer
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Chronic Diseases Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Priscila O Barros
- Chronic Diseases Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joanne E McBane
- Chronic Diseases Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), Canadian HIV Trials Network (CTN), Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Seung-Hwan Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jonathan B Angel
- Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Chronic Diseases Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Centre for Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, The Ottawa Hospital, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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43
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Harwood O, O’Connor S. Therapeutic Potential of IL-15 and N-803 in HIV/SIV Infection. Viruses 2021; 13:v13091750. [PMID: 34578331 PMCID: PMC8473246 DOI: 10.3390/v13091750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2021] [Revised: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-15, a proinflammatory cytokine critical for the generation, maintenance, and homeostasis of T cell responses, is produced naturally in response to HIV/SIV infection, but has also demonstrated therapeutic potential. IL-15 can boost CD4+ and CD8+ T cell and NK cell proliferation, activation, and function. However, IL-15 treatment may cause aberrant immune activation and accelerated disease progression in certain circumstances. Moreover, the relationship between the timing of IL-15 administration and disease progression remains unclear. The IL-15 superagonist N-803 was developed to expand the therapeutic potential of IL-15 by maximizing its tissue distribution and half-life. N-803 has garnered enthusiasm recently as a way to enhance the innate and cellular immune responses to HIV/SIV by improving CD8+ T cell recognition and killing of virus-infected cells and directing immune cells to mucosal sites and lymph nodes, the primary sites of virus replication. N-803 has also been evaluated in “shock and kill” strategies due to its potential to reverse latency (shock) and enhance antiviral immunity (kill). This review examines the current literature about the effects of IL-15 and N-803 on innate and cellular immunity, viral burden, and latency reversal in the context of HIV/SIV, and their therapeutic potential both alone and combined with additional interventions such as antiretroviral therapy (ART) and vaccination.
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44
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Robinson TO, Hegde SM, Chang AJ, Gangadharan A, Rivas S, Madakamutil L, Zalevsky J, Miyazaki T, Schluns KS. NKTR-255, a polymer-conjugated IL-15 with unique mechanisms of action on T and natural killer cells. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e144365. [PMID: 34375310 DOI: 10.1172/jci144365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NKTR-255 is a novel polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugate of recombinant human IL-15 (rhIL-15) being examined as a potential cancer immunotherapeutic. Since IL-15 responses can be mediated by trans- or cis-presentation via IL-15Rα or soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes, we investigated the role of IL-15Rα in driving NKTR-255 responses using defined naïve and memory ovalbumin-specific CD8 T cells (OT-I) CD8 T and NK cells in mice. NKTR-255 induced a 2.5 and 2.0-fold expansion of CD8 T and NK cells, respectively in WT mice. In adoptive transfer studies, proliferation of naïve and memory Wt OT-I T cells in response to NKTR-255 was not impaired in IL-15Rα-/- mice, suggesting trans-presentation was not utilized by NKTR-255. Interestingly, naïve IL-15Rα-/- OT-I cells had deficient responses to NKTR-255 while memory IL-15Rα-/- OT-I cell responses were partially impaired, suggesting that naive CD8 T cells are more dependent on cis-presentation of NKTR-255 than memory CD8 T cells. In bone marrow chimeras studies, IL-15Rα-/- and WT NK cells present in WT recipients had similar responses to NKTR-255, suggesting that cis-presentation is not utilized by NK cells. NKTR-255 could form soluble complexes with IL-15Rα; binding to murine IL-15Rα generated superagonists that preferentially stimulated NK cells showing that conversion to IL-15Rβ agonist biases the response towards NK cells. These findings highlight the ability of NKTR-255 to utilize IL-15Rα for cis-presentation and act as an IL-15Rαβ agonist on CD8 T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya O Robinson
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Shweta M Hegde
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Allison J Chang
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, United States of America
| | - Achintyan Gangadharan
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Sarai Rivas
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Loui Madakamutil
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Zalevsky
- Research and Development, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Takahiro Miyazaki
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Kimberly S Schluns
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
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Cody JW, Ellis-Connell AL, O’Connor SL, Pienaar E. Mathematical modeling of N-803 treatment in SIV-infected non-human primates. PLoS Comput Biol 2021; 17:e1009204. [PMID: 34319980 PMCID: PMC8351941 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulatory drugs could contribute to a functional cure for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes expansion and activation of CD8+ T cell and natural killer (NK) cell populations. In one study, an IL-15 superagonist, N-803, suppressed Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV) in non-human primates (NHPs) who had received prior SIV vaccination. However, viral suppression attenuated with continued N-803 treatment, partially returning after long treatment interruption. While there is evidence of concurrent drug tolerance, immune regulation, and viral escape, the relative contributions of these mechanisms to the observed viral dynamics have not been quantified. Here, we utilize mathematical models of N-803 treatment in SIV-infected macaques to estimate contributions of these three key mechanisms to treatment outcomes: 1) drug tolerance, 2) immune regulation, and 3) viral escape. We calibrated our model to viral and lymphocyte responses from the above-mentioned NHP study. Our models track CD8+ T cell and NK cell populations with N-803-dependent proliferation and activation, as well as viral dynamics in response to these immune cell populations. We compared mathematical models with different combinations of the three key mechanisms based on Akaike Information Criterion and important qualitative features of the NHP data. Two minimal models were capable of reproducing the observed SIV response to N-803. In both models, immune regulation strongly reduced cytotoxic cell activation to enable viral rebound. Either long-term drug tolerance or viral escape (or some combination thereof) could account for changes to viral dynamics across long breaks in N-803 treatment. Theoretical explorations with the models showed that less-frequent N-803 dosing and concurrent immune regulation blockade (e.g. PD-L1 inhibition) may improve N-803 efficacy. However, N-803 may need to be combined with other immune therapies to countermand viral escape from the CD8+ T cell response. Our mechanistic model will inform such therapy design and guide future studies. Immune therapy may be a critical component in the functional cure for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). N-803 is an immunotherapeutic drug that activates antigen-specific CD8+ T cells of the immune system. These CD8+ T cells eliminate HIV-infected cells in order to limit the spread of infection in the body. In one study, N-803 reduced plasma viremia in macaques that were infected with Simian Immunodeficiency Virus, an analog of HIV. Here, we used mathematical models to analyze the data from this study to better understand the effects of N-803 therapy on the immune system. Our models indicated that inhibitory signals may be reversing the stimulatory effect of N-803. Results also suggested the possibilities that tolerance to N-803 could build up within the CD8+ T cells themselves and that the treatment may be selecting for virus strains that are not targeted by CD8+ T cells. Our models predict that N-803 therapy may be made more effective if the time between doses is increased or if inhibitory signals are blocked by an additional drug. Also, N-803 may need to be combined with other immune therapies to target virus that would otherwise evade CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan W. Cody
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
| | - Amy L. Ellis-Connell
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Shelby L. O’Connor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Elsje Pienaar
- Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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IL-15 and PIM kinases direct the metabolic programming of intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4290. [PMID: 34257288 PMCID: PMC8277781 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-24473-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Intestinal intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL) are an abundant population of tissue-resident T cells that protect and maintain the intestinal barrier. IEL respond to epithelial cell-derived IL-15, which is complexed to the IL-15 receptor α chain (IL-15/Rα). IL-15 is essential both for maintaining IEL homeostasis and inducing IEL responses to epithelial stress, which has been associated with Coeliac disease. Here, we apply quantitative mass spectrometry to IL-15/Rα-stimulated IEL to investigate how IL-15 directly regulates inflammatory functions of IEL. IL-15/Rα drives IEL activation through cell cycle regulation, upregulation of metabolic machinery and expression of a select repertoire of cell surface receptors. IL-15/Rα selectively upregulates the Ser/Thr kinases PIM1 and PIM2, which are essential for IEL to proliferate, grow and upregulate granzyme B in response to inflammatory IL-15. Notably, IEL from patients with Coeliac disease have high PIM expression. Together, these data indicate PIM kinases as important effectors of IEL responses to inflammatory IL-15.
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Zumbaugh MD, Yen CN, Bodmer JS, Shi H, Gerrard DE. Skeletal Muscle O-GlcNAc Transferase Action on Global Metabolism Is Partially Mediated Through Interleukin-15. Front Physiol 2021; 12:682052. [PMID: 34326778 PMCID: PMC8313823 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.682052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Besides its roles in locomotion and thermogenesis, skeletal muscle plays a significant role in global glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity through complex nutrient sensing networks. Our previous work showed that the muscle-specific ablation of O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT) led to a lean phenotype through enhanced interleukin-15 (IL-15) expression. We also showed OGT epigenetically modified and repressed the Il15 promoter. However, whether there is a causal relationship between OGT ablation-induced IL-15 secretion and the lean phenotype remains unknown. To address this question, we generated muscle specific OGT and interleukin-15 receptor alpha subunit (IL-15rα) double knockout mice (mDKO). Deletion of IL-15rα in skeletal muscle impaired IL-15 secretion. When fed with a high-fat diet, mDKO mice were no longer protected against HFD-induced obesity compared to wild-type mice. After 22 weeks of HFD feeding, mDKO mice had an intermediate body weight and glucose sensitivity compared to wild-type and OGT knockout mice. Taken together, these data suggest that OGT action is partially mediated by muscle IL-15 production and provides some clarity into how disrupting the O-GlcNAc nutrient signaling pathway leads to a lean phenotype. Further, our work suggests that interfering with the OGT-IL15 nutrient sensing axis may provide a new avenue for combating obesity and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan D Zumbaugh
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Con-Ning Yen
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Jocelyn S Bodmer
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Hao Shi
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - David E Gerrard
- Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Ma R, Lu T, Li Z, Teng KY, Mansour AG, Yu M, Tian L, Xu B, Ma S, Zhang J, Barr T, Peng Y, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. An Oncolytic Virus Expressing IL15/IL15Rα Combined with Off-the-Shelf EGFR-CAR NK Cells Targets Glioblastoma. Cancer Res 2021; 81:3635-3648. [PMID: 34006525 PMCID: PMC8562586 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
IL15 is a pleiotropic cytokine with multiple roles that improve immune responses to tumor cells. Oncolytic viruses (OV) specifically lyse tumors and activate immune responses. Systemic administration of IL15 or its complex with the IL15Rα and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells are currently being tested in the clinic. Here, we generated a herpes simplex 1-based OV-expressing human IL15/IL15Rα sushi domain fusion protein (named OV-IL15C), as well as off-the-shelf EGFR-CAR NK cells, and studied their monotherapy and combination efficacy in vitro and in multiple glioblastoma (GBM) mouse models. In vitro, soluble IL15/IL15Rα complex was secreted from OV-IL15C-infected GBM cells, which promoted GBM cytotoxicity and improved survival of NK and CD8+ T cells. Frozen, readily available off-the-shelf EGFR-CAR NK cells showed enhanced killing of tumor cells compared with empty vector-transduced NK cells. In vivo, OV-IL15C significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged survival of GBM-bearing mice in the presence of CD8+ T cells compared with parental OV. OV-IL15C plus EGFR-CAR NK cells synergistically suppressed tumor growth and significantly improved survival compared with either monotherapy, correlating with increased intracranial infiltration and activation of NK and CD8+ T cells and elevated persistence of CAR NK cells in an immunocompetent model. Collectively, OV-IL15C and off-the-shelf EGFR-CAR NK cells represent promising therapeutic strategies for GBM treatment to improve the clinical management of this devastating disease. SIGNIFICANCE: The combination of an oncolytic virus expressing the IL15/IL15Rα complex and frozen, ready-to-use EGFR-CAR NK cells elicits strong antitumor responses in glioblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, P.R. China
| | - Ting Lu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Zhenlong Li
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kun-Yu Teng
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Anthony G Mansour
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Melissa Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Lei Tian
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bo Xu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jianying Zhang
- Department of Computational and Quantitative Medicine, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Tasha Barr
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Yong Peng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu, P.R. China.
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
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Desbois M, Béal C, Charrier M, Besse B, Meurice G, Cagnard N, Jacques Y, Béchard D, Cassard L, Chaput N. IL-15 superagonist RLI has potent immunostimulatory properties on NK cells: implications for antimetastatic treatment. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 8:jitc-2020-000632. [PMID: 32532840 PMCID: PMC7295443 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background As the immune system is compromised in patients with cancer, therapeutic strategies to stimulate immunity appear promising, to avoid relapse and increase long-term overall survival. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has similar properties to IL-2, but does not cause activation-induced cell death nor activation and proliferation of regulatory T cells (Treg), which makes it a serious candidate for anticancer immunotherapy. However, IL-15 has a short half-life and high doses are needed to achieve responses. Designed to enhance its activity, receptor-linker-IL-15 (RLI) (SO-C101) is a fusion molecule of human IL-15 covalently linked to the human IL-15Rα sushi+ domain currently assessed in a phase I/Ib clinical trial on patients with advanced/metastatic solid cancer. Methods We investigated the antimetastatic activity of RLI in a 4T1 mouse mammary carcinoma that spontaneously metastasizes and evaluated its immunomodulatory role in the metastatic lung microenvironment. We further characterized the proliferation, maturation and cytotoxic functions of natural killer (NK) cells in tumor-free mice treated with RLI. Finally, we explored the effect of RLI on human NK cells from healthy donors and patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Results RLI treatment displayed antimetastatic properties in the 4T1 mouse model. By characterizing the lung microenvironment, we observed that RLI restored the balance between NK cells and neutrophils (CD11b+ Ly6Ghigh Ly6Clow) that massively infiltrate lungs of 4T1-tumor bearing mice. In addition, the ratio between NK cells and Treg was strongly increased by RLI treatment. Further pharmacodynamic studies in tumor-free mice revealed superior proliferative and cytotoxic functions on NK cells after RLI treatment compared with IL-15 alone. Characterization of the maturation stage of NK cells demonstrated that RLI favored accumulation of CD11b+ CD27high KLRG1+ mature NK cells. Finally, RLI demonstrated potent immunostimulatory properties on human NK cells by inducing proliferation and activation of NK cells from healthy donors and enhancing cytotoxic responses to NKp30 crosslinking in NK cells from patients with NSCLC. Conclusions Collectively, our work demonstrates superior activity of RLI compared with rhIL-15 in modulating and activating NK cells and provides additional evidences for a therapeutic strategy using RLI as antimetastatic molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mélanie Desbois
- Analyse Moléculaire, Modélisation et Imagerie de la Maladie Cancéreuse, Laboratoire d'Immunomonitoring en Oncologie, Gustave Roussy Institute, INSERM, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France.,Cytune Pharma, Nantes, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Île-de-France, France
| | - Coralie Béal
- Centre d'investigation Clinique Biothérapie 1428, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Mélinda Charrier
- Analyse Moléculaire, Modélisation et Imagerie de la Maladie Cancéreuse, Laboratoire d'Immunomonitoring en Oncologie, Gustave Roussy Institute, INSERM, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France.,Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Île-de-France, France.,Centre d'investigation Clinique Biothérapie 1428, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Benjamin Besse
- Faculté de Médecine, Paris-Saclay University, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Île-de-France, France.,Comité de Pathologie Thoracique, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Guillaume Meurice
- Plateforme de Bioinformatique, Gustave Roussy Institute, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Nicolas Cagnard
- Plateforme de Bioinformatique, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, Île-de-France, France
| | | | | | - Lydie Cassard
- Analyse Moléculaire, Modélisation et Imagerie de la Maladie Cancéreuse, Laboratoire d'Immunomonitoring en Oncologie, Gustave Roussy Institute, INSERM, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France
| | - Nathalie Chaput
- Analyse Moléculaire, Modélisation et Imagerie de la Maladie Cancéreuse, Laboratoire d'Immunomonitoring en Oncologie, Gustave Roussy Institute, INSERM, CNRS, Paris-Saclay University, Villejuif, Île-de-France, France .,Faculty of Pharmacy, University Paris-Saclay, Chatenay-Malabry, France
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The use of cytokines in harnessing the immune system to eradicate cancer has been an important treatment modality. However, the dose-limiting toxicities of these cytokines limited their usage in clinic. Here, we review the basic biology of cytokines involved in the treatment of melanoma and discuss their therapeutic applications. Moreover, we describe several innovative technological approaches that have been developed to improve the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of these cytokines. RECENT FINDINGS The safety and the anti-tumor activity of newly engineered cytokines including PEGylated IL-2 (NKTR-214), PEGylated IL-10 (AM0010), and IL-15 super agonist (ALT-803) have been evaluated in clinical trials with encouraging clinical activity and acceptable safety profile, both as single agents and in combination with immuno-oncology agents. A greater understanding of the mechanisms of action and effective dosing of these newly engineered cytokine together with determination of optimum combination therapy regimens may yield greater clinical benefits in the future.
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