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Beelen NA, Molenbroeck SJJ, Groeneveld L, Voorter CE, Bos GMJ, Wieten L. HLA class I NK-epitopes and KIR diversities in patients with multiple myeloma. Immunogenetics 2024; 76:155-164. [PMID: 38478091 PMCID: PMC11087314 DOI: 10.1007/s00251-024-01336-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy caused by the clonal expansion of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Myeloma cells are susceptible to killing by natural killer (NK) cells, but NK cells fail to control disease progression, suggesting immunosuppression. The activation threshold of NK-effector function is regulated by interaction between KIRs and self-HLA class I, during a process called "education" to ensure self-tolerance. NK cells can respond to diseased cells based on the absence of HLA class I expression ("Missing-self" hypothesis). The HLA and KIR repertoire is extremely diverse; thus, the present study aimed to characterize potential variances in genotypic composition of HLA Class I NK-epitopes and KIRs between MM patients and healthy controls. Genotypic expression of KIR and HLA (HLA-C group-C1/C2 and Bw4 motifs (including HLA-A*23, A*24, A*32) were analyzed in 172 MM patients and 195 healthy controls. Compared to healthy controls, we did not observe specific KIR genes or genotypes, or HLA NK-epitopes with higher prevalence among MM patients. The presence of all three HLA NK-epitopes (C1+C2+Bw4+) was not associated with MM occurrence. However, MM patients were more likely to be C1-/C2+/Bw4+ (p = 0.049, OR 1.996). In line with this, there was a trend of increased genetic co-occurrence of Bw4 and KIR3DL1 in MM patients (p = 0.05, OR 1.557). Furthermore, MM patients were more likely to genetically express both C2/KIR2DL1 and Bw4/KIR3DL1 (p = 0.019, OR 2.453). Our results reveal an HLA NK-epitope combination that is associated with the occurrence of MM. No specific KIR genotypes were associated with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky A Beelen
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Stefan J J Molenbroeck
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisette Groeneveld
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Christien E Voorter
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
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Beelen NA, Aberle MR, Bruno V, Olde Damink SWM, Bos GMJ, Rensen SS, Wieten L. Antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity-inducing antibodies enhance the natural killer cell anti-cancer response against patient-derived pancreatic cancer organoids. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1133796. [PMID: 37520563 PMCID: PMC10375290 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1133796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pancreatic cancer is associated with poor prognosis, and limited treatment options are available for the majority of patients. Natural killer (NK) cells in combination with antibodies inducing antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) could be a highly effective new therapeutic option in pancreatic cancer. Accurate predictive preclinical models are needed to develop successful NK cell immunotherapy. Tumor organoids, in vitro 3D organ-like structures that retain important pathophysiological characteristics of the in vivo tumor, may provide such a model. In the current study, we assessed the cytotoxic potential of adoptive NK cells against human pancreatic cancer organoids. We hypothesized that NK cell anti-tumor responses could be enhanced by including ADCC-triggering antibodies. Methods We performed cytotoxicity assays with healthy donor-derived IL-2-activated NK cells and pancreatic cancer organoids from four patients. A 3D cytotoxicity assay using live-cell-imaging was developed and enabled real-time assessment of the response. Results We show that NK cells migrate to and target pancreatic cancer organoids, resulting in an increased organoid death, compared to the no NK cell controls (reaching an average fold change from baseline of 2.1±0.8 vs 1.4±0.6). After 24-hours of co-culture, organoid 2D growth increased. Organoids from 2 out of 4 patients were sensitive to NK cells, while organoids from the other two patients were relatively resistant, indicating patient-specific heterogeneity among organoid cultures. The ADCC-inducing antibodies avelumab (anti-PD-L1) and trastuzumab (anti-HER2) increased NK cell-induced organoid cell death (reaching an average fold change from baseline of 3.5±1.0 and 4.5±1.8, respectively). Moreover, combination therapy with avelumab or trastuzumab resulted in complete disintegration of organoids. Finally, inclusion of ADCC-inducing antibodies was able to overcome resistance in NK-organoid combinations with low or no kill. Discussion These results support the use of organoids as a relevant and personalized model to study the anti-tumor response of NK cells in vitro and the potential of ADCC-inducing antibodies to enhance NK cell effector function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky A. Beelen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Merel R. Aberle
- Department of Surgery and School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, NUTRIM School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Virginia Bruno
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Steven W. M. Olde Damink
- Department of Surgery and School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of General, Visceral- and Transplantation Surgery, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Gerard M. J. Bos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Sander S. Rensen
- Department of Surgery and School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism (NUTRIM), School of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, Netherlands
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, Netherlands
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Beelen NA, Ehlers FAI, Bos GMJ, Wieten L. Inhibitory receptors for HLA class I as immune checkpoints for natural killer cell-mediated antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity in cancer immunotherapy. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2023; 72:797-804. [PMID: 36261539 PMCID: PMC10025219 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells mediate potent anti-tumor responses, which makes them attractive targets for immunotherapy. The anti-tumor response of endogenous- or allogeneic NK cells can be enhanced through clinically available monoclonal antibodies that mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). NK cell activation is regulated by interaction of inhibitory receptors with classical- and non-classical human leukocyte antigens (HLA) class I molecules. Inhibitory receptors of the killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) family interact with HLA-A, -B or -C epitopes, while NKG2A interacts with the non-classical HLA-E molecule. Both types of inhibitory interactions may influence the strength of the ADCC response. In the present review, we provide an overview of the effect of inhibitory KIRs and NKG2A on NK cell-mediated ADCC, which highlights the rationale for combination strategies with ADCC triggering antibodies and interference with the NK cell relevant inhibitory immune checkpoints, such as KIR and NKG2A.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky A. Beelen
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Femke A. I. Ehlers
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard M. J. Bos
- GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, Maastricht University Medical Center+, P. Debeyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ Maastricht, The Netherlands
- GROW, School for Oncology and Developmental Biology, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Beelen NA, Ehlers FAI, Kooreman LFS, Bos GMJ, Wieten L. An in vitro model to monitor natural killer cell effector functions against breast cancer cells derived from human tumor tissue. Methods Cell Biol 2023; 173:133-153. [PMID: 36653080 DOI: 10.1016/bs.mcb.2022.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Adoptive natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy poses a promising treatment approach in cancer. Despite minimal toxicities associated with NK cell infusion, the potential of NK cell therapy is inhibited by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Multiple approaches to improve anti-cancer NK cell effector functions are being investigated. While much of this preclinical research is currently performed with commercially available tumor cell lines, this approach lacks the influence of the TME and heterogeneity of the primary tumor in patients. Here, we describe a comprehensive protocol for NK cell cytotoxicity- and degranulation assays against tumor cells derived from primary breast cancer tissue. Treatments to boost NK cell anti-tumor effector functions can be implemented in this model. Moreover, by using culture supernatants in follow up assays or by including additional cell types in the co-culture system, other NK cell effector mechanisms that further orchestrate innate and adaptive immunity could be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicky A Beelen
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Femke A I Ehlers
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Loes F S Kooreman
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Pathology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard M J Bos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands; GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- GROW-School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands; Department of Transplantation Immunology, Tissue Typing Laboratory, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Beaumont JEJ, Beelen NA, Wieten L, Rouschop KMA. The Immunomodulatory Role of Hypoxic Tumor-Derived Extracellular Vesicles. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14164001. [PMID: 36010994 PMCID: PMC9406714 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14164001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hypoxia, a characteristic of many cancer types, can suppress the antitumor effector functions of the adaptive and innate immune system. Tumor-cell-derived extracellular vesicles, which function as a mechanism of communication between tumor cells and immune cells, are also affected by hypoxia, and may drive immunosuppression. The aim of this review is to summarize the current knowledge on hypoxic cancer-cell-derived extracellular vesicles in immunosuppression, and to provide an overview of enriched factors (i.e., miRNA and proteins) in hypoxic tumor-derived EVs and their role in immunomodulation. This complete overview may indicate relevant directions for future research into the role of hypoxia in immunosuppression during cancer. Abstract Tumor-associated immune cells frequently display tumor-supportive phenotypes. These phenotypes, induced by the tumor microenvironment (TME), are described for both the adaptive and the innate arms of the immune system. Furthermore, they occur at all stages of immune cell development, up to effector function. One major factor that contributes to the immunosuppressive nature of the TME is hypoxia. In addition to directly inhibiting immune cell function, hypoxia affects intercellular crosstalk between tumor cells and immune cells. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play an important role in this intercellular crosstalk, and changes in both the number and content of hypoxic cancer-cell-derived EVs are linked to the transfer of hypoxia tolerance. Here, we review the current knowledge about the role of these hypoxic cancer-cell-derived EVs in immunosuppression. In addition, we provide an overview of hypoxia-induced factors (i.e., miRNA and proteins) in tumor-derived EVs, and their role in immunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel E. J. Beaumont
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nicky A. Beelen
- Department of Internal Medicine, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Wieten
- Department of Transplantation Immunology, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Kasper M. A. Rouschop
- Department of Radiotherapy, GROW—School for Oncology and Reproduction, Maastricht University Medical Center+, 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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Beelen NA, Twijnstra A, van de Pol M, Menheere PP. Neuron-specific enolase in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with metastatic and non-metastatic neurological disease. Eur J Cancer 1993; 29A:193-5. [PMID: 8422282 DOI: 10.1016/0959-8049(93)90172-c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE) activities were measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in 361 patients with various neurological diseases. CSF was collected as part of the diagnostic procedure both in the control group, which consisted of 189 subjects with low back pain, and in the patient group (172 patients). The mean CSF NSE level in 189 control subjects was 7.14 +/- 1.94 micrograms/l. Slight elevations of CSF NSE (> or = 11.0 micrograms/l) were observed in 9 patients with non-malignant diseases and in 2 patients with malignant diseases. The findings of this study indicate that measurement of NSE in CSF cannot be used as an adjunctive diagnostic test for CNS metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- N A Beelen
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital of Maastricht, The Netherlands
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