151
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Zhou Q, Yuan O, Cui H, Hu T, Xiao GG, Wei J, Zhang H, Wu C. Bioinformatic analysis identifies HPV-related tumor microenvironment remodeling prognostic biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:1007950. [PMID: 36425786 PMCID: PMC9679011 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.1007950] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are highly aggressive tumors with rapid progression and poor prognosis. Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection has been identified as one of the most important carcinogens for HNSCC. As an early event in HNSCC, infection with HPV leads to altered immune profiles in the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME plays a key role in the progression and transformation of HNSCC. However, the TME in HNSCC is a complex and heterogeneous mix of tumor cells, fibroblasts, different types of infiltrating immune cells, and extracellular matrix. Biomarkers relevant to the TME, and the biological role of these biomarkers, remain poorly understood. To this end, we performed comprehensive analysis of the RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data from tumor tissue of 502 patients with HNSCC and healthy tissue of 44 control samples. In total, we identified 4,237 differentially expressed genes, including 2,062 upregulated and 2,175 downregulated genes. Further in-depth bioinformatic analysis suggested 19 HNSCC tumor tissue-specific genes. In the subsequent analysis, we focused on the biomarker candidates shown to be significantly associated with unfavorable patient survival: ITGA5, PLAU, PLAUR, SERPINE1, TGFB1, and VEGFC. We found that the expression of these genes was negatively regulated by DNA methylation. Strikingly, all of these potential biomarkers are profoundly involved in the activation of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) pathway in HNSCCs. In addition, these targets were found to be positively correlated with the immune invasion levels of CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, but negatively correlated with B-cell infiltration and CD8+ T-cell invasion. Notably, our data showed that the expression levels of ITGA5, PLAU, PLAUR, SERPINE1, and TGFB1 were significantly overexpressed in HPV-positive HNSCCs compared to normal controls, indicating the potential role of these biomarkers as transformation and/or malignant progression markers for HNSCCs in patients with HPV infection. Taken together, the results of our study propose ITGA5, PLAU, PLAUR, SERPINE1, and TGFB1 as potential prognostic biomarkers for HNSCCs, which might be involved in the HPV-related TME remodeling of HNSCC. Our findings provide important implications for the development and/or improvement of patient stratification and customized immunotherapies in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qimin Zhou
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ouyang Yuan
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongtu Cui
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Tao Hu
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Gary Guishan Xiao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Dalian University of Technology, Dalian, China
| | - Jiao Wei
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Honglei Zhang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Air Force Medical Centre, People's Liberation Army (PLA), Beijing, China
| | - Chengjun Wu
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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152
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Abstract
Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is a double-edged sword in cancer treatment because of its pivotal yet complex and roles played during cancer initiation/development. Current anti-cancer strategies involving TGF-β largely view TGF-β as an onco-therapeutic target that not only substantially hinders its full utilisation for cancer control, but also considerably restricts innovations in this field. Thereby, how to take advantages of therapeutically favourable properties of TGF-β for cancer management represents an interesting and less investigated problem. Here, by categorising cancer hallmarks into four critical transition events and one enabling characteristic controlling cancer initiation and progression, and delineating TGF-β complexities according to these cancer traits, we identify the suppressive role of TGF-β in tumour initiation and early-stage progression and its promotive functionalities in cancer metastasis as well as other cancer hallmarks. We also propose the feasibility and possible scenarios of combining cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) with onco-therapeutics utilising TGF-β for cancer control given the intrinsic properties of CAP against cancer hallmarks.
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153
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Yu H, Jacquelot N, Belz GT. Metabolic features of innate lymphoid cells. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20221140. [PMID: 36301303 PMCID: PMC9617479 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate and adaptive immune cells are found in distinct tissue niches where they orchestrate immune responses. This requires intrinsic and temporal metabolic adaptability to coordinately activate the immune response cascade. Dysregulation of this program is a key feature of immunosuppression. Direct or indirect metabolic immune cell reprogramming may offer new approaches to modulate immune cells behavior for therapy to overcome dysregulation. In this review, we explored how metabolism regulates lymphocytes beyond the classical T cell subsets. We focus on the innate lymphoid cell (ILC) family, highlighting the distinct metabolic characteristics of these cells, the impact of environmental factors, and the receptors that could alter immune cell functions through manipulation of metabolic pathways to potentially prevent or treat various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiyang Yu
- The University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nicolas Jacquelot
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Gabrielle T. Belz
- The University of Queensland, Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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154
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Khalil M, Malarkannan S. Innatus immunis: Evolving paradigm of adaptive NK cells. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20221254. [PMID: 36066493 PMCID: PMC9449531 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20221254] [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] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms that govern the development of adaptive-like NK cells are elusive. Shemesh et al. (2022. J. Exp. Med.https://doi.org/10.1084/jem.20220551) report that the development of FcRγ-/low adaptive-like NK cells requires reduced mTOR activity and depends on TGF-β or IFN-α. These findings provide exciting new molecular blueprints explaining the development and functions of adaptive-like NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Khalil
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Bone Marrow Transplantation, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI
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155
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Shemesh A, Su Y, Calabrese DR, Chen D, Arakawa-Hoyt J, Roybal KT, Heath JR, Greenland JR, Lanier LL. Diminished cell proliferation promotes natural killer cell adaptive-like phenotype by limiting FcεRIγ expression. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20220551. [PMID: 36066491 PMCID: PMC9448639 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20220551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Human adaptive-like natural killer (NK) cells express low levels of FcεRIγ (FcRγ-/low) and are reported to accumulate during COVID-19 infection; however, the mechanism underlying and regulating FcRγ expression in NK cells has yet to be fully defined. We observed lower FcRγ protein expression in NK cell subsets from lung transplant patients during rapamycin treatment, suggesting a link with reduced mTOR activity. Further, FcRγ-/low NK cell subsets from healthy donors displayed reduced mTOR activity. We discovered that FcRγ upregulation is dependent on cell proliferation progression mediated by IL-2, IL-15, or IL-12, is sensitive to mTOR suppression, and is inhibited by TGFβ or IFNα. Accordingly, the accumulation of adaptive-like FcRγ-/low NK cells in COVID-19 patients corresponded to increased TGFβ and IFNα levels and disease severity. Our results show that an adaptive-like NK cell phenotype is induced by diminished cell proliferation and has an early prognostic value for increased TGFβ and IFNα levels in COVID-19 infection associated with disease severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishai Shemesh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Yapeng Su
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
| | - Daniel R. Calabrese
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
| | - Daniel Chen
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
- Department of Microbiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- Department of Informatics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - Janice Arakawa-Hoyt
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
| | - Kole T. Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
- Gladstone University of California, San Francisco Institute for Genetic Immunology, San Francisco, CA
- University of California, San Francisco Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, CA
| | - James R. Heath
- Institute for Systems Biology, Seattle, WA
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
| | - John R. Greenland
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA
- Medical Service, Veterans Affairs Health Care System, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lewis L. Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
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156
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Cheng X, Zhang H, Hamad A, Huang H, Tsung A. Surgery-mediated tumor-promoting effects on the immune microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:408-419. [PMID: 35066156 PMCID: PMC11770836 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Surgical resection continues to be the mainstay treatment for solid cancers even though chemotherapy and immunotherapy have significantly improved patient overall survival and progression-free survival. Numerous studies have shown that surgery induces the dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and that the resultant inflammatory response promotes occult tumor growth and the metastatic process by forming a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME). Surgery-induced platelet activation is one of the initial responses to a wound and the formation of fibrin clots can provide the scaffold for recruited inflammatory cells. Activated platelets can also shield CTCs to protect them from blood shear forces and promote CTCs evasion of immune destruction. Similarly, neutrophils are recruited to the fibrin clot and enhance cancer metastatic dissemination and progression by forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Activated macrophages are also recruited to surgical sites to facilitate the metastatic spread. More importantly, the body's response to surgical insult results in the recruitment and expansion of immunosuppressive cell populations (i.e. myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells) and in the suppression of natural killer (NK) cells that contribute to postoperative cancer recurrence and metastasis. In this review, we seek to provide an overview of the pro-tumorigenic mechanisms resulting from surgery's impact on these cells in the TME. Further understanding of these events will allow for the development of perioperative therapeutic strategies to prevent surgery-associated metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Cheng
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Hongji Zhang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Ahmad Hamad
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Hai Huang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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157
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Development of the Novel Bifunctional Fusion Protein BR102 That Simultaneously Targets PD-L1 and TGF-β for Anticancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194964. [PMID: 36230887 PMCID: PMC9562016 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), such as anti-PD-1/PD-L1 antibodies, have revolutionized the therapy landscape of cancer immunotherapy. However, poor clinical response to ICIs and drug resistance are the main challenges for ICIs immunotherapy. TGF-β produced in the TME was found to confer resistance to PD-1/PD-L1-targeted immunotherapy. The independent and complementary immunosuppressive role of PD-L1 and TGF-β in cancer progression provides a rationale for simultaneously targeting TGF-β and PD-L1 to improve anti-PD-L1 therapy. Consequently, we develop and characterize a novel anti-PD-L1/TGF-β bifunctional fusion protein termed BR102. The data suggest that BR102 could simultaneously disrupt TGF-β- and PD-L1-mediated signals and display high antitumor efficacy and safety. The data support further clinical advancement of BR102 as a promising approach to cancer immunotherapy. Abstract Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are remarkable breakthroughs in treating various types of cancer, but many patients still do not derive long-term clinical benefits. Increasing evidence shows that TGF-β can promote cancer progression and confer resistance to ICI therapies. Consequently, dual blocking of TGF-β and immune checkpoint may provide an effective approach to enhance the effectiveness of ICI therapies. Here, we reported the development and preclinical characterization of a novel bifunctional anti-PD-L1/TGF-β fusion protein, BR102. BR102 comprises an anti-PD-L1 antibody fused to the extracellular domain (ECD) of human TGF-βRII. BR102 is capable of simultaneously binding to TGF-β and PD-L1. Incorporating TGF-βRII into BR102 does not alter the PD-L1 blocking activity of BR102. In vitro characterization further demonstrated that BR102 could disrupt TGF-β-induced signaling. Moreover, BR102 significantly inhibits tumor growth in vivo and exerts a superior antitumor effect compared to anti-PD-L1. Administration of BR102 to cynomolgus monkeys is well-tolerated, with only minimal to moderate and reversing red cell changes noted. The data demonstrated the efficacy and safety of the novel anti-PD-L1/TGF-β fusion protein and supported the further clinical development of BR102 for anticancer therapy.
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158
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Mendoza-Valderrey A, Alvarez M, De Maria A, Margolin K, Melero I, Ascierto ML. Next Generation Immuno-Oncology Strategies: Unleashing NK Cells Activity. Cells 2022; 11:3147. [PMID: 36231109 PMCID: PMC9562848 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has become a powerful therapeutic option against multiple malignancies. The unique capacity of natural killer (NK) cells to attack cancer cells without antigen specificity makes them an optimal immunotherapeutic tool for targeting tumors. Several approaches are currently being pursued to maximize the anti-tumor properties of NK cells in the clinic, including the development of NK cell expansion protocols for adoptive transfer, the establishment of a favorable microenvironment for NK cell activity, the redirection of NK cell activity against tumor cells, and the blockage of inhibitory mechanisms that constrain NK cell function. We here summarize the recent strategies in NK cell-based immunotherapies and discuss the requirement to further optimize these approaches for enhancement of the clinical outcome of NK cell-based immunotherapy targeting tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Mendoza-Valderrey
- Rosalie and Harold Rae Brown Cancer Immunotherapy Research Program, Borstein Family Melanoma Program, Translational Immunology Department, Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrea De Maria
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Genoa, 16126 Genova, Italy
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Kim Margolin
- Borstein Family Melanoma Program, Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), 31008 Pamplona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, 31008 Pamplona, Spain
| | - Maria Libera Ascierto
- Rosalie and Harold Rae Brown Cancer Immunotherapy Research Program, Borstein Family Melanoma Program, Translational Immunology Department, Saint John’s Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA 90404, USA
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159
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Chan MKK, Chung JYF, Tang PCT, Chan ASW, Ho JYY, Lin TPT, Chen J, Leung KT, To KF, Lan HY, Tang PMK. TGF-β signaling networks in the tumor microenvironment. Cancer Lett 2022; 550:215925. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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160
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Helmin-Basa A, Gackowska L, Balcerowska S, Ornawka M, Naruszewicz N, Wiese-Szadkowska M. The application of the natural killer cells, macrophages and dendritic cells in treating various types of cancer. PHYSICAL SCIENCES REVIEWS 2022. [DOI: 10.1515/psr-2019-0058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Innate immune cells such as natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are involved in the surveillance and clearance of tumor. Intensive research has exposed the mechanisms of recognition and elimination of tumor cells by these immune cells as well as how cancers evade immune response. Hence, harnessing the immune cells has proven to be an effective therapy in treating a variety of cancers. Strategies aimed to harness and augment effector function of these cells for cancer therapy have been the subject of intense researches over the decades. Different immunotherapeutic possibilities are currently being investigated for anti-tumor activity. Pharmacological agents known to influence immune cell migration and function include therapeutic antibodies, modified antibody molecules, toll-like receptor agonists, nucleic acids, chemokine inhibitors, fusion proteins, immunomodulatory drugs, vaccines, adoptive cell transfer and oncolytic virus–based therapy. In this review, we will focus on the preclinical and clinical applications of NK cell, macrophage and DC immunotherapy in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Helmin-Basa
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Lidia Gackowska
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Sara Balcerowska
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Marcelina Ornawka
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Natalia Naruszewicz
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
| | - Małgorzata Wiese-Szadkowska
- Department of Immunology , Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun , 85-094 Bydgoszcz , Poland
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161
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Talaat IM, Elemam NM, Zaher S, Saber-Ayad M. Checkpoint molecules on infiltrating immune cells in colorectal tumor microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:955599. [PMID: 36072957 PMCID: PMC9441912 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.955599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with a high mortality rate due to metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains multiple interactions between the tumor and the host, thus determining CRC initiation and progression. Various immune cells exist within the TME, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). The immunotherapy approach provides novel opportunities to treat solid tumors, especially toward immune checkpoints. Despite the advances in the immunotherapy of CRC, there are still obstacles to successful treatment. In this review, we highlighted the role of these immune cells in CRC, with a particular emphasis on immune checkpoint molecules involved in CRC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman M. Talaat
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Elemam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Shroque Zaher
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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162
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Sun N, Tian Y, Chen Y, Guo W, Li C. Metabolic rewiring directs melanoma immunology. Front Immunol 2022; 13:909580. [PMID: 36003368 PMCID: PMC9393691 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.909580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma results from the malignant transformation of melanocytes and accounts for the most lethal type of skin cancers. In the pathogenesis of melanoma, disordered metabolism is a hallmark characteristic with multiple metabolic paradigms involved in, e.g., glycolysis, lipid metabolism, amino acid metabolism, oxidative phosphorylation, and autophagy. Under the driving forces of oncogenic mutations, melanoma metabolism is rewired to provide not only building bricks for macromolecule synthesis and sufficient energy for rapid proliferation and metastasis but also various metabolic intermediates for signal pathway transduction. Of note, metabolic alterations in tumor orchestrate tumor immunology by affecting the functions of surrounding immune cells, thereby interfering with their antitumor capacity, in addition to the direct influence on tumor cell intrinsic biological activities. In this review, we first introduced the epidemiology, clinical characteristics, and treatment proceedings of melanoma. Then, the components of the tumor microenvironment, especially different populations of immune cells and their roles in antitumor immunity, were reviewed. Sequentially, how metabolic rewiring contributes to tumor cell malignant behaviors in melanoma pathogenesis was discussed. Following this, the proceedings of metabolism- and metabolic intermediate-regulated tumor immunology were comprehensively dissertated. Finally, we summarized currently available drugs that can be employed to target metabolism to intervene tumor immunology and modulate immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningyue Sun
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yangzi Tian
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yuhan Chen
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Chunying Li, ; Weinan Guo,
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Chunying Li, ; Weinan Guo,
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163
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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: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [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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164
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Shemesh A, Pickering H, Roybal KT, Lanier LL. Differential IL-12 signaling induces human natural killer cell activating receptor-mediated ligand-specific expansion. J Exp Med 2022; 219:e20212434. [PMID: 35758909 PMCID: PMC9240274 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20212434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-12 is an essential cytokine involved in the generation of memory or memory-like NK cells. Mouse cytomegalovirus infection triggers NK receptor-induced, ligand-specific IL-12-dependent NK cell expansion, yet specific IL-12 stimulation ex vivo leading to NK cell proliferation and expansion is not established. Here, we show that IL-12 alone can sustain human primary NK cell survival without providing IL-2 or IL-15 but was insufficient to promote human NK cell proliferation. IL-12 signaling analysis revealed STAT5 phosphorylation and weak mTOR activation, which was enhanced by activating NK receptor upregulation and crosslinking leading to STAT5-dependent, rapamycin-sensitive, or TGFβ-sensitive NK cell IL-12-dependent expansion, independently of IL-12 receptor upregulation. Prolonged IL-2 culture did not impair IL-12-dependent ligand-specific NK cell expansion. These findings demonstrate that activating NK receptor stimulation promotes differential IL-12 signaling, leading to human NK cell expansion, and suggest adopting strategies to provide IL-12 signaling in vivo for ligand-specific IL-2-primed NK cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avishai Shemesh
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
| | - Harry Pickering
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
| | - Kole T. Roybal
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
- Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA
- Gladstone University of California, San Francisco Institute for Genetic Immunology, San Francisco, CA
- University of California, San Francisco Cell Design Institute, San Francisco, CA
| | - Lewis L. Lanier
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
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165
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Nikoo M, Rudiansyah M, Bokov DO, Jainakbaev N, Suksatan W, Ansari MJ, Thangavelu L, Chupradit S, Zamani A, Adili A, Shomali N, Akbari M. Potential of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected immune cells in breast cancer therapies: Recent advances. J Cell Mol Med 2022; 26:4137-4156. [PMID: 35762299 PMCID: PMC9344815 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.17465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite substantial developments in conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, endocrine therapy, and molecular-targeted therapy, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer mortality in women. Currently, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-redirected immune cell therapy has emerged as an innovative immunotherapeutic approach to ameliorate survival rates of breast cancer patients by eliciting cytotoxic activity against cognate tumour-associated antigens expressing tumour cells. As a crucial component of adaptive immunity, T cells and NK cells, as the central innate immune cells, are two types of pivotal candidates for CAR engineering in treating solid malignancies. However, the biological distinctions between NK cells- and T cells lead to differences in cancer immunotherapy outcomes. Likewise, optimal breast cancer removal via CAR-redirected immune cells requires detecting safe target antigens, improving CAR structure for ideal immune cell functions, promoting CAR-redirected immune cells filtration to the tumour microenvironment (TME), and increasing the ability of these engineered cells to persist and retain within the immunosuppressive TME. This review provides a concise overview of breast cancer pathogenesis and its hostile TME. We focus on the CAR-T and CAR-NK cells and discuss their significant differences. Finally, we deliver a summary based on recent advancements in the therapeutic capability of CAR-T and CAR-NK cells in treating breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marzieh Nikoo
- Department of Immunology, School of MedicineKermanshah University of Medical SciencesKermanshahIran
| | - Mohammad Rudiansyah
- Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas Lambung Mangkurat / Ulin HospitalBanjarmasinIndonesia
| | - Dmitry Olegovich Bokov
- Institute of PharmacySechenov First Moscow State Medical UniversityMoscowRussian Federation
- Laboratory of Food ChemistryFederal Research Center of Nutrition, Biotechnology and Food SafetyMoscowRussian Federation
| | | | - Wanich Suksatan
- Faculty of Nursing, HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical ScienceChulabhorn Royal AcademyBangkokThailand
| | - Mohammad Javed Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of PharmacyPrince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz UniversityAl‐kharjSaudi Arabia
| | - Lakshmi Thangavelu
- Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical ScienceSaveetha UniversityChennaiIndia
| | - Supat Chupradit
- Department of Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Associated Medical SciencesChiang Mai UniversityChiang MaiThailand
| | - Amir Zamani
- Shiraz Transplant Center, Abu Ali Sina HospitalShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Ali Adili
- Department of OncologyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
- Senior Adult Oncology Department, Moffitt Cancer Center, University of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Navid Shomali
- Department of ImmunologyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Department of ImmunologyTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
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166
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Li L, Wen Q, Ding R. Therapeutic targeting of VEGF and/or TGF-β to enhance anti-PD-(L)1 therapy: The evidence from clinical trials. Front Oncol 2022; 12:905520. [PMID: 35957885 PMCID: PMC9360509 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.905520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Normalizing the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a potential strategy to improve the effectiveness of immunotherapy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β pathways play an important role in the development and function of the TME, contributing to the immunosuppressive status of TME. To inhibit VEGF and/or TGF-β pathways can restore TME from immunosuppressive to immune-supportive status and enhance sensitivity to immunotherapy such as programmed death protein-1 (PD-1)/programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors. In this review, we described the existing preclinical and clinical evidence supporting the use of anti-VEGF and/or anti-TGF-β therapies to enhance cancer immunotherapy. Encouragingly, adopting anti-VEGF and/or anti-TGF-β therapies as a combination treatment with anti-PD-(L)1 therapy have been demonstrated as effective and tolerable in several solid tumors in clinical trials. Although several questions need to be solved, the clinical value of this combination strategy is worthy to be studied further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linwei Li
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Qinglian Wen
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qinglian Wen, ; Ruilin Ding,
| | - Ruilin Ding
- Institute of Drug Clinical Trial/GCP Center, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qinglian Wen, ; Ruilin Ding,
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167
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Hope HC, Pickersgill G, Ginefra P, Vannini N, Cook GP, Salmond RJ. TGFβ limits Myc-dependent TCR-induced metabolic reprogramming in CD8 + T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:913184. [PMID: 35958566 PMCID: PMC9360539 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.913184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell activation is dependent upon the integration of antigenic, co-stimulatory and cytokine-derived signals and the availability and acquisition of nutrients from the environment. Furthermore, T cell activation is accompanied by reprogramming of cellular metabolism to provide the energy and building blocks for proliferation, differentiation and effector function. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) has pleiotropic effects on T cell populations, having both an essential role in the maintenance of immune tolerance but also context-dependent pro-inflammatory functions. We set out to define the mechanisms underpinning the suppressive effects of TGFβ on mouse CD8+ T cell activation. RNA-sequencing analysis of TCR-stimulated T cells determined that Myc-regulated genes were highly enriched within gene sets downregulated by TGFβ. Functional analysis demonstrated that TGFβ impeded TCR-induced upregulation of amino acid transporter expression, amino acid uptake and protein synthesis. Furthermore, TCR-induced upregulation of Myc-dependent glycolytic metabolism was substantially inhibited by TGFβ treatment with minimal effects on mitochondrial respiration. Thus, our data suggest that inhibition of Myc-dependent metabolic reprogramming represents a major mechanism underpinning the suppressive effects of TGFβ on CD8+ T cell activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Carrasco Hope
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Gabriella Pickersgill
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Pierpaolo Ginefra
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Vannini
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Graham P. Cook
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Robert J. Salmond
- Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James’s, University of Leeds, Wellcome Trust Brenner Building, St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, United Kingdom
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168
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Wang L, Wang X, Guo E, Mao X, Miao S. Emerging roles of platelets in cancer biology and their potential as therapeutic targets. Front Oncol 2022; 12:939089. [PMID: 35936717 PMCID: PMC9355257 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.939089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The main role of platelets is to control bleeding and repair vascular damage via thrombosis. They have also been implicated to promote tumor metastasis through platelet-tumor cell interactions. Platelet-tumor cell interactions promote tumor cell survival and dissemination in blood circulation. Tumor cells are known to induce platelet activation and alter platelet RNA profiles. Liquid biopsies based on tumor-educated platelet biomarkers can detect tumors and correlate with prognosis, personalized therapy, treatment monitoring, and recurrence prediction. Platelet-based strategies for cancer prevention and tumor-targeted therapy include developing drugs that target platelet receptors, interfere with the release of platelet particles, inhibit platelet-specific enzymes, and utilize platelet-derived “nano-platelets” as a targeted drug delivery platform for tumor therapy. This review elaborates on platelet-tumor cell interactions and the molecular mechanisms and discusses future research directions for platelet-based liquid biopsy techniques and platelet-targeted anti-tumor strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Erliang Guo
- Department of Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xionghui Mao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Xionghui Mao, ; Susheng Miao,
| | - Susheng Miao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, China
- *Correspondence: Xionghui Mao, ; Susheng Miao,
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169
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Gameiro SR, Strauss J, Gulley JL, Schlom J. Preclinical and clinical studies of bintrafusp alfa, a novel bifunctional anti-PD-L1/TGFβRII agent: Current status. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 247:1124-1134. [PMID: 35473390 PMCID: PMC9335510 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221089910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Bintrafusp alfa (anti-PD-L1/TGFβRII) is a first-in-class bifunctional agent designed to act both as a checkpoint inhibitor and as a "trap" for TGFβ in the tumor microenvironment (TME). This article is designed to review the preclinical studies interrogating the mode of action of bintrafusp alfa and to present a comprehensive overview of recent bintrafusp alfa clinical studies. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that bintrafusp alfa immune-mediating and antitumor activity can be enhanced by combining it with a human papillomavirus (HPV) therapeutic cancer vaccine, a tumor-targeting interleukin 12 (IL-12) immunocytokine and/or an IL-15 superagonist. The importance of TGFβ in HPV-associated malignancies is also reviewed. The clinical studies reviewed span extended phase I cohorts in patients with a spectrum of malignancies, two randomized phase II studies in lung and one in biliary tract cancers in which bintrafusp alfa did not demonstrate superiority over standard-of-care therapies, and provocative results in patients with HPV-associated malignancies, where as a monotherapy, bintrafusp alfa has shown response rates of 35%, compared to overall response rate (ORR) of 12-24% seen with other Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved or standard-of-care agents. This article also reviews preliminary phase II study results of patients with HPV+ malignancies employing bintrafusp alfa in combination with an HPV therapeutic vaccine and a tumor-targeting IL-12 immunocytokine in which the combination therapy outperforms standard-of-care therapies in both checkpoint naïve and checkpoint refractory patients. This review thus provides an example of the importance of conducting clinical studies in an appropriate patient population - in this case, exemplified by the role of TGFβ in HPV-associated malignancies. This review also provides preclinical and preliminary clinical study results of the combined use of multiple immune-modulating agents, each designed to engage different immune components and tumor cells in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofia R Gameiro
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Julius Strauss
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- Genitourinary Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Laboratory of Tumor Immunology and Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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170
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Xiang X, Niu YR, Wang ZH, Ye LL, Peng WB, Zhou Q. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: Vital suppressors of the immune response in the tumor microenvironment. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 67:35-48. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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171
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Zhang Y, Tong S, Li S, Wang X, Ren H, Yin W. Increased ILT2 expression contributes to dysfunction of CD56dimCD16+NK cells in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. Antiviral Res 2022; 205:105385. [DOI: 10.1016/j.antiviral.2022.105385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
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172
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Franzén AS, Raftery MJ, Pecher G. Implications for Immunotherapy of Breast Cancer by Understanding the Microenvironment of a Solid Tumor. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:3178. [PMID: 35804950 PMCID: PMC9264853 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is poorly immunogenic due to immunosuppressive mechanisms produced in part by the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME is a peritumoral area containing significant quantities of (1) cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF), (2) tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) and (3) tumor-associated macrophages (TAM). This combination protects the tumor from effective immune responses. How these protective cell types are generated and how the changes in the developing tumor relate to these subsets is only partially understood. Immunotherapies targeting solid tumors have proven ineffective largely due to this protective TME barrier. Therefore, a better understanding of the interplay between the tumor, the tumor microenvironment and immune cells would both advance immunotherapeutic research and lead to more effective immunotherapies. This review will summarize the current understanding of the microenvironment of breast cancer giving implications for future immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Gabriele Pecher
- Competence Center of Immuno-Oncology and Translational Cell Therapy, Department of Hematology, Oncology and Tumorimmunology, CCM, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin Institute of Health @ Charité, 10117 Berlin, Germany; (A.S.F.); (M.J.R.)
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173
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Souza-Fonseca Guimaraes F, Rossi GR, Dagley LF, Foroutan M, McCulloch TR, Yousef J, Park HY, Gunter JH, Beavis PA, Lin CY, Hediyeh-Zadeh S, Camilleri T, Davis MJ, Huntington ND. TGF-β and CIS inhibition overcomes NK cell suppression to restore anti-tumor immunity. Cancer Immunol Res 2022; 10:1047-1054. [PMID: 35759796 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-21-1052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Antibodies targeting "immune checkpoints" have revolutionized cancer therapy by reactivating tumor-resident cytotoxic lymphocytes, primarily CD8+ T cells. Interest in targeting analogous pathways in other cytotoxic lymphocytes is growing. Natural killer (NK) cells are key to cancer immunosurveillance by eradicating metastases and driving solid tumor inflammation. NK cell anti-tumor function is dependent on the cytokine interleukin (IL)-15. Ablation of the IL-15 signaling inhibitor CIS (Cish) enhances NK cell anti-tumor immunity by increasing NK cell metabolism and persistence within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The TME has also been shown to impair NK cell fitness via the production of immunosuppressive TGF-β, a suppression which occurs even in the presence of high IL-15 signaling. Here, we identified an unexpected interaction between CIS and the TGF-β signaling pathway in NK cells. Independently, Cish- and Tgfbr2-deficient NK cells are both hyper-responsive to IL-15 and hypo-responsive to TGF-β, with dramatically enhanced anti-tumor immunity. Remarkably, when both these immunosuppressive genes are simultaneously deleted in NK cells, mice are largely resistant to tumor development, suggesting that combining suppression of these two pathways might represent a novel therapeutic strategy to enhance innate anti-cancer immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Laura F Dagley
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Jumana Yousef
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | | | - Paul A Beavis
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Research Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Cheng-Yu Lin
- University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | | | | | - Melissa J Davis
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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174
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Coman D, Coales I, Roberts LB, Neves JF. Helper-Like Type-1 Innate Lymphoid Cells in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Front Immunol 2022; 13:903688. [PMID: 35844597 PMCID: PMC9285720 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.903688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is an idiopathic condition characterized by chronic relapsing inflammation in the intestine. While the precise etiology of IBD remains unknown, genetics, the gut microbiome, environmental factors, and the immune system have all been shown to contribute to the disease pathophysiology. In recent years, attention has shifted towards the role that innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) may play in the dysregulation of intestinal immunity observed in IBD. ILCs are a group of heterogenous immune cells which can be found at mucosal barriers. They act as critical mediators of the regulation of intestinal homeostasis and the orchestration of its inflammatory response. Despite helper-like type 1 ILCs (ILC1s) constituting a particularly rare ILC population in the intestine, recent work has suggested that an accumulation of intestinal ILC1s in individuals with IBD may act to exacerbate its pathology. In this review, we summarize existing knowledge on helper-like ILC1 plasticity and their classification in murine and human settings. Moreover, we discuss what is currently understood about the roles that ILC1s may play in the progression of IBD pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Coman
- Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Coales
- Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Luke B. Roberts
- School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Joana F. Neves
- Centre for Host Microbiome Interactions, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Joana F. Neves,
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175
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Chen B, Mu C, Zhang Z, He X, Liu X. The Love-Hate Relationship Between TGF-β Signaling and the Immune System During Development and Tumorigenesis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:891268. [PMID: 35720407 PMCID: PMC9204485 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.891268] [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] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Since TGF-β was recognized as an essential secreted cytokine in embryogenesis and adult tissue homeostasis a decade ago, our knowledge of the role of TGF-β in mammalian development and disease, particularly cancer, has constantly been updated. Mounting evidence has confirmed that TGF-β is the principal regulator of the immune system, as deprivation of TGF-β signaling completely abrogates adaptive immunity. However, enhancing TGF-β signaling constrains the immune response through multiple mechanisms, including boosting Treg cell differentiation and inducing CD8+ T-cell apoptosis in the disease context. The love-hate relationship between TGF-β signaling and the immune system makes it challenging to develop effective monotherapies targeting TGF-β, especially for cancer treatment. Nonetheless, recent work on combination therapies of TGF-β inhibition and immunotherapy have provide insights into the development of TGF-β-targeted therapies, with favorable outcomes in patients with advanced cancer. Hence, we summarize the entanglement between TGF-β and the immune system in the developmental and tumor contexts and recent progress on hijacking crucial TGF-β signaling pathways as an emerging area of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baode Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Key Laboratory of Clinical In Vitro Diagnostic Techniques of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenglin Mu
- Institute for Intelligent Bio/Chem Manufacturing (iBCM), Zhejiang University (ZJU)-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiwei Zhang
- Institute for Intelligent Bio/Chem Manufacturing (iBCM), Zhejiang University (ZJU)-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuelin He
- Kidney Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xia Liu
- Institute for Intelligent Bio/Chem Manufacturing (iBCM), Zhejiang University (ZJU)-Hangzhou Global Scientific and Technological Innovation Center, Hangzhou, China
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176
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Azadehrah M, Vosoogh S, Azadehrah M. The roles and therapeutic applications of cytokines in endometrial cancer. J Reprod Immunol 2022; 152:103652. [PMID: 35753146 DOI: 10.1016/j.jri.2022.103652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Endometrial cancer (EC) is a common gynecological cancer globally and the most frequent gynecologic malignancy in industrialized countries. Patients are typically diagnosed when the disease is still restricted to the uterus. 5-year overall survival ranges from 70 % to 90 % in patients without metastatic disease; however, the metastatic form of the disease affects 16 % of EC patients, with a 5-year survival rate of 16.8 %. The immune system can detect abnormal cells as non-self in the early stages of carcinogenesis, producing the appropriate pro-inflammatory environment to eliminate cancer cells. In a second phase, cancer cells use various immune-editing systems to alter the profile of the immune response from pro to anti-inflammatory, resulting in immune escape. The directors of this immune switching mechanism are cytokines. Studies have reported the increased expression of several pro-and anti-inflammatory cytokines in EC tissues and cell lines, including Interleukin (IL)- 6, IL-8, IL-31, IL-33, IL-10, TGF-β, VEGF, and IL-1Ra. Immune cells producing these cytokines have also been reported to be present in EC tissues. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to show the possible mechanisms of the mentioned cytokines on EC progression, as well as the most current and prospective advancements in cytokine-based therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malihe Azadehrah
- Cancer Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Shohre Vosoogh
- Clinical Research Development Unit (CRDU), Sayad Shirazi Hospital, Golestan university of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Mahboobeh Azadehrah
- Cancer Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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177
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Baumann Z, Auf der Maur P, Bentires‐Alj M. Feed-forward loops between metastatic cancer cells and their microenvironment-the stage of escalation. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e14283. [PMID: 35506376 PMCID: PMC9174884 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202114283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women, and metastases in distant organs are the leading cause of the cancer-related deaths. While survival of early-stage breast cancer patients has increased dramatically, the 5-year survival rate of metastatic patients has barely improved in the last 20 years. Metastases can arise up to decades after primary tumor resection, hinting at microenvironmental factors influencing the sudden outgrowth of disseminated tumor cells (DTCs). This review summarizes how the environment of the most common metastatic sites (lung, liver, bone, brain) is influenced by the primary tumor and by the varying dormancy of DTCs, with a special focus on how established metastases persist and grow in distant organs due to feed-forward loops (FFLs). We discuss in detail the importance of FFL of cancer cells with their microenvironment including the secretome, interaction with specialized tissue-specific cells, nutrients/metabolites, and that novel therapies should target not only the cancer cells but also the tumor microenvironment, which are thick as thieves.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zora Baumann
- Tumor Heterogeneity Metastasis and ResistanceDepartment of BiomedicineUniversity Hospital BaselUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Priska Auf der Maur
- Tumor Heterogeneity Metastasis and ResistanceDepartment of BiomedicineUniversity Hospital BaselUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
| | - Mohamed Bentires‐Alj
- Tumor Heterogeneity Metastasis and ResistanceDepartment of BiomedicineUniversity Hospital BaselUniversity of BaselBaselSwitzerland
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178
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Li L, Zhao C, Kong F, Li YC, Wang C, Chen S, Tan HY, Liu Y, Wang D. Calf Thymus Polypeptide Restrains the Growth of Colorectal Tumor via Regulating the Intestinal Microbiota-Mediated Immune Function. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:898906. [PMID: 35662701 PMCID: PMC9160181 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.898906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Calf thymus polypeptide (CTP), with a molecular mass of <10 kDa, is prepared from the thymus of less than 30-day-old newborn cattle. In the present study, the inhibitory function of CTP in colorectal cancer (CRC) was investigated in B6/JGpt-Apcem1Cin(MinC)/Gpt (ApcMin/+) mice. CTP hampered tumor development and enhanced the ratio of CD3e−NK1.1+ cells by 113.0% and CD3e+CD28+ cells by 84.7% in the peripheral blood of ApcMin/+ mice. CTP improved the richness, diversity, and evenness of the intestinal microbiota of ApcMin/+ mice, particularly by regulating the abundance of immune-related microorganisms. CTP effectively regulated the expression of immune-related cytokines, such as interleukin (IL)-2 (15.19% increment), IL-12 (17.47% increment), and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β (11.19% reduction). Additionally, it enhanced the levels of CD4 and CD8, as well as the ratio of helper T lymphocytes (Th)1/Th2 in the spleen and tumors of ApcMin/+ mice. In CTP-treated mice, reduced levels of programmed death-1 (PD-1), programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4), activated nuclear factor of activated T cells 1 (NFAT1), and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 signaling were noted. Collectively, the anti-CRC effect of CTP is related to the modulation of intestinal microbiota-mediated immune function, which provides a reference for CTP as a therapeutic drug or a combination drug used in CRC treatment in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanzhou Li
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Chenfei Zhao
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Fange Kong
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Yi-Cong Li
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Chunxia Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Shanshan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Hor-Yue Tan
- Centre for Chinese Herbal Medicine Drug Development, School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China
| | - Di Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Chinese Ministry of Education for Edible and Medicinal Fungi, Jilin Agricultural University, Changchun, China.,School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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179
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Corvino D, Kumar A, Bald T. Plasticity of NK cells in Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:888313. [PMID: 35619715 PMCID: PMC9127295 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.888313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial to various facets of human immunity and function through direct cytotoxicity or via orchestration of the broader immune response. NK cells exist across a wide range of functional and phenotypic identities. Murine and human studies have revealed that NK cells possess substantial plasticity and can alter their function and phenotype in response to external signals. NK cells also play a critical role in tumor immunity and form the basis for many emerging immunotherapeutic approaches. NK cells can directly target and lyse malignant cells with their inherent cytotoxic capabilities. In addition to direct targeting of malignant cells, certain subsets of NK cells can mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) which is integral to some forms of immune checkpoint-blockade immunotherapy. Another important feature of various NK cell subsets is to co-ordinate anti-tumor immune responses by recruiting adaptive and innate leukocytes. However, given the diverse range of NK cell identities it is unsurprising that both pro-tumoral and anti-tumoral NK cell subsets have been described. Here, NK cell subsets have been shown to promote angiogenesis, drive inflammation and immune evasion in the tumor microenvironment. To date, the signals that drive tumor-infiltrating NK cells towards the acquisition of a pro- or anti-tumoral function are poorly understood. The notion of tumor microenvironment-driven NK cell plasticity has substantial implications for the development of NK-based immunotherapeutics. This review will highlight the current knowledge of NK cell plasticity pertaining to the tumor microenvironment. Additionally, this review will pose critical and relevant questions that need to be addressed by the field in coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon Corvino
- Tumor-Immunobiology, Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ananthi Kumar
- Tumor-Immunobiology, Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Tobias Bald
- Tumor-Immunobiology, Institute for Experimental Oncology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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180
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McCulloch TR, Rossi GR, Schreuder J, Belz GT, Wells TJ, Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes F. CIS and TGF-β regulatory pathways influence immunity to bacterial infection. Immunology 2022; 167:54-63. [PMID: 35611558 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer therapy by reactivating tumor-resident cytotoxic lymphocytes. More recently, immunotherapy has emerged to restore immunity against infectious agents, including bacterial infections. Immunotherapy primarily targets inhibitory pathways in T cells, however interest in other effector populations, such as natural killer (NK) cells, is growing. We have previously discovered that NK cell metabolism, proliferation, and activation can be neutralized through the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β immunosuppressive pathway by inducing plasticity of NK cells and differentiation into innate lymphoid cell (ILC)1-like subsets. NK cells are also regulated through cytokine-inducible SH2-containing protein (CIS), which is induced by interleukin (IL)-15 and is a potent intracellular checkpoint suppressing NK cell survival and function. Targeting these two distinct pathways to restore NK cell function has shown promise in cancer models, but their application in bacterial infection remains unknown. Here, we investigate whether enhancement of NK cell function can improve anti-bacterial immunity, using Salmonella Typhimurium as a model. We identified conversion of NK cells to ILC1-like for the first time in the context of bacterial infection, where TGF-β signaling contributed to this plasticity. Future work should focus on identifying further drivers of ILC1 plasticity and its functional implication in bacterial infection models. We further describe that CIS-deficient mice displayed enhanced pro-inflammatory function and dramatically enhanced anti-bacterial immunity. Inhibition of CIS may present as a viable therapeutic option to enhance immunity towards bacterial infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timothy R McCulloch
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Gustavo R Rossi
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Jaring Schreuder
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Gabrielle T Belz
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Timothy J Wells
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.,Australian Infectious Diseases Research Centre, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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181
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Zecca A, Barili V, Olivani A, Biasini E, Boni C, Fisicaro P, Montali I, Tiezzi C, Dalla Valle R, Ferrari C, Cariani E, Missale G. Targeting Stress Sensor Kinases in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Infiltrating Human NK Cells as a Novel Immunotherapeutic Strategy for Liver Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:875072. [PMID: 35677052 PMCID: PMC9168800 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.875072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells may become functionally exhausted entering hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and this has been associated with tumor progression and poor clinical outcome. Hypoxia, low nutrients, immunosuppressive cells, and soluble mediators characterize the intratumor microenvironment responsible for the metabolic deregulation of infiltrating immune cells such as NK cells. HCC-infiltrating NK cells from patients undergoing liver resection for HCC were sorted, and genome-wide transcriptome profiling was performed. We have identified a marked general upregulation of gene expression profile along with metabolic impairment of glycolysis, OXPHOS, and autophagy as well as functional defects of NK cells. Targeting p38 kinase, a stress-responsive mitogen-activated protein kinase, we could positively modify the metabolic profile of NK cells with functional restoration in terms of TNF-α production and cytotoxicity. We found a metabolic and functional derangement of HCC-infiltrating NK cells that is part of the immune defects associated with tumor progression and recurrence. NK cell exhaustion due to the hostile tumor microenvironment may be restored with p38 inhibitors with a selective mechanism that is specific for tumor-infiltrating-not affecting liver-infiltrating-NK cells. These results may represent the basis for the development of a new immunotherapeutic strategy to integrate and improve the available treatments for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Zecca
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Valeria Barili
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Olivani
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Biasini
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Carolina Boni
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Fisicaro
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Montali
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Camilla Tiezzi
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Carlo Ferrari
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Gabriele Missale
- Unit of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Laboratory of Viral Immunopathology, Azienda Ospedaliero–Universitaria of Parma, Parma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
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182
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Chaudhry K, Dowlati E, Long MD, Geiger A, Lang H, Gomez EC, Muniraj N, Sanchez CE, Singh PK, Liu S, Bollard CM, Cruz CRY. Comparable transforming growth factor beta-mediated immune suppression in ex vivo-expanded natural killer cells from cord blood and peripheral blood: implications for adoptive immunotherapy. Cytotherapy 2022; 24:802-817. [PMID: 35589475 PMCID: PMC10258734 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2022.04.001] [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: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
T cell-based therapies like genetically modified immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors have shown robust anti-cancer activity in vivo, especially in patients with blood cancers. However, extending this approach to an "off-the-shelf" setting can be challenging, as allogeneic T cells carry a significant risk of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). By contrast, allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells recognize malignant cells without the need for prior antigen exposure and have been used safely in multiple cancer settings without the risk of GVHD. However, similar to T cells, NK cell function is negatively impacted by tumor-induced transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) secretion, which is a ubiquitous and potent immunosuppressive mechanism employed by most malignancies. Allogeneic NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy can be sourced from peripheral blood (PB) or cord blood (CB), and the authors' group and others have previously shown that ex vivo expansion and gene engineering can overcome CB-derived NK cells' functional immaturity and poor cytolytic activity, including in the presence of exogenous TGF-β. However, a direct comparison of the effects of TGF-β-mediated immune suppression on ex vivo-expanded CB- versus PB-derived NK cell therapy products has not previously been performed. Here the authors show that PB- and CB-derived NK cells have distinctive gene signatures that can be overcome by ex vivo expansion. Additionally, exposure to exogenous TGF-β results in an upregulation of inhibitory receptors on NK cells, a novel immunosuppressive mechanism not previously described. Finally, the authors provide functional and genetic evidence that both PB- and CB-derived NK cells are equivalently susceptible to TGF-β-mediated immune suppression. The authors believe these results provide important mechanistic insights to consider when using ex vivo-expanded, TGF-β-resistant PB- or CB-derived NK cells as novel immunotherapy agents for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kajal Chaudhry
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Ehsan Dowlati
- Department of Neurosurgery, Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Mark D Long
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Ashley Geiger
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Haili Lang
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Eduardo C Gomez
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Nethaji Muniraj
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Carlos E Sanchez
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Prashant K Singh
- Genomics Shared Resource, Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Song Liu
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York, USA
| | - Catherine M Bollard
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA; George Washington University Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
| | - Conrad Russell Y Cruz
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Hospital, 111 Michigan Ave NW, Washington, DC 20010, USA; George Washington University Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA.
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183
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Wong DCP, Lee EHC, Er J, Yow I, Koean RAG, Ang O, Xiao J, Low BC, Ding JL. Lung Cancer Induces NK Cell Contractility and Cytotoxicity Through Transcription Factor Nuclear Localization. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:871326. [PMID: 35652099 PMCID: PMC9149376 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.871326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Actomyosin-mediated cellular contractility is highly conserved for mechanotransduction and signalling. While this phenomenon has been observed in adherent cell models, whether/how contractile forces regulate the function of suspension cells like natural killer (NK) cells during cancer surveillance, is unknown. Here, we demonstrated in coculture settings that the evolutionarily conserved NK cell transcription factor, Eomes, undergoes nuclear shuttling during lung cancer cell surveillance. Biophysical and biochemical analyses revealed mechanistic enhancement of NK cell actomyosin-mediated contractility, which is associated with nuclear flattening, thus enabling nuclear entry of Eomes associated with enhanced NK cytotoxicity. We found that NK cells responded to the presumed immunosuppressive TGFβ in the NK-lung cancer coculture medium to sustain its intracellular contractility through myosin light chain phosphorylation, thereby promoting Eomes nuclear localization. Therefore, our results demonstrate that lung cancer cells provoke NK cell contractility as an early phase activation mechanism and that Eomes is a plausible mechano-responsive protein for increased NK cytotoxicity. There is scope for strategic application of actomyosin-mediated contractility modulating drugs ex vivo, to reinvigorate NK cells prior to adoptive cancer immunotherapy in vivo (177 words).
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Affiliation(s)
- Darren Chen Pei Wong
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - E Hui Clarissa Lee
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Junzhi Er
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Ivan Yow
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | | | - Owen Ang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jingwei Xiao
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Boon Chuan Low
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- University Scholars Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jeak Ling Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Integrative Sciences and Engineering Programme, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
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184
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Song J, Song H, Wei H, Sun R, Tian Z, Peng H. Requirement of RORα for maintenance and antitumor immunity of liver-resident natural killer cells/ILC1s. Hepatology 2022; 75:1181-1193. [PMID: 34510508 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUD AND AIMS Liver type 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILC1s), also known as liver-resident natural killer (LrNK) cells, comprise a high proportion of total hepatic ILCs. However, factors regulating their maintenance and function remain unclear. APPROACH AND RESULTS In this study, we found high expression of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor alpha (RORα) in LrNK cells/ILC1s. Mice with conditional ablation of retinoid-related orphan nuclear receptor alpha (Rorα) in LrNK cells/ILC1s and conventional natural killer (cNK) cells had decreased LrNK cells/ILC1s but normal numbers of cNK cells. RORα-deficient LrNK cells/ILC1s displayed increased apoptosis and significantly altered transcriptional profile. Using a murine model of colorectal cancer liver metastasis, we found that RORα conditional deficiency resulted in more aggressive liver tumor progression and impaired effector molecule expression in LrNK cells/ILC1s. Consequently, treatment with the RORα agonist efficiently limited liver metastases and promoted effector molecule expression of LrNK cells/ILC1s. CONCLUSIONS This study reveals a role of RORα in LrNK cell/ILC1 maintenance and function, providing insights into the harnessing of LrNK cell/ILC1 activity in the treatment of liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaxi Song
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Hao Song
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Haiming Wei
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Rui Sun
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Research Unit of NK Cell StudyChinese Academy of Medical SciencesHefeiChina
| | - Hui Peng
- Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Institute of ImmunologyUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
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185
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Chen RP, Shinoda K, Rampuria P, Jin F, Bartholomew T, Zhao C, Yang F, Chaparro-Riggers J. Bispecific antibodies for immune cell retargeting against cancer. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2022; 22:965-982. [PMID: 35485219 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2022.2072209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Following the approval of the T-cell engaging bispecific antibody blinatumomab, immune cell retargeting with bispecific or multispecific antibodies has emerged as a promising cancer immunotherapy strategy, offering alternative mechanisms compared to immune checkpoint blockade. As we gain more understanding of the complex tumor microenvironment, rules and design principles have started to take shape on how to best harness the immune system to achieve optimal anti-tumor activities. AREAS COVERED In the present review, we aim to summarize the most recent advances and challenges in using bispecific antibodies for immune cell retargeting and to provide insights into various aspects of antibody engineering. Discussed herein are studies that highlight the importance of considering antibody engineering parameters, such as binding epitope, affinity, valency, and geometry to maximize the potency and mitigate the toxicity of T cell engagers. Beyond T cell engaging bispecifics, other bispecifics designed to recruit the innate immune system are also covered. EXPERT OPINION Diverse and innovative molecular designs of bispecific/multispecific antibodies have the potential to enhance the efficacy and safety of immune cell retargeting for the treatment of cancer. Whether or not clinical data support these different hypotheses, especially in solid tumor settings, remains to be seen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca P Chen
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Kenta Shinoda
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Fang Jin
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Chunxia Zhao
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Fan Yang
- Pfizer BioMedicine Design, Pfizer Inc, San Diego, CA, USA
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186
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Lee HH, Cho H. Apigenin Increases Natural Killer Cytotoxicity to Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Expressing HIF-1α through High Interaction of CD95/CD95L. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:397-404. [PMID: 35283421 PMCID: PMC9628789 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2201.01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell activity is more attenuated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients than normal. Hypoxic-inducible factor (HIF)-1α is highly expressed in tumors to maintain their metabolism in a hypoxic environment. The expression of HIF-1α in cancers can lead to cell growth, proliferation, invasion/metastasis and immune escape. Although apigenin, a flavonoid, is known to have various biological activities, it has not been demonstrated in NK cell immune activity in HCC cells. In this study, NK-92 cells were directly cocultured with HCC SK-Hep1 cells for 24 h to evaluate NK cell activity in HCC cells or HCC cells expressing HIF-1α by apigenin. NK cell cytotoxicity to HCC cells expressing HIF-1α was significantly increased, and NK cell-activating receptors, NKG2D, NKp30 and NKp44 were highly expressed. The activating effect of apigenin on NK cells substantially induced apoptosis in HCC cells expressing HIF-1α through high expression of CD95L on the surface of NK-92 cells. Moreover, apigenin excellently inhibited the level of TGF-β1 in a coculture of NK cells and HCC cells. In conclusion, apigenin seems to be a good compound that increases NK cell cytotoxicity to HCC cells by controlling HIF-1α expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hwan Hee Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Republic of Korea,Duksung Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Republic of Korea,Corresponding authors H.H. Lee Phone: +82-2-901-8734 Fax: +82-2-901-8386 E-mail:
| | - Hyosun Cho
- Department of Pharmacy, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Republic of Korea,Duksung Innovative Drug Center, Duksung Women’s University, Seoul 01369, Republic of Korea,
H. Cho Phone: +82-2-901-8678 Fax: +82-2-901-8386 E-mail:
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187
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Yan S, Dong J, Qian C, Chen S, Xu Q, Lei H, Wang X. The mTORC1 Signaling Support Cellular Metabolism to Dictate Decidual NK Cells Function in Early Pregnancy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:771732. [PMID: 35359988 PMCID: PMC8960317 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.771732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular metabolism plays an important role in regulating both human and murine NK cell functions. However, it remains unclear whether cellular metabolic process impacts on the function of decidual NK cells (dNK), essential tissue-resident immune cells maintaining the homeostasis of maternal-fetal interface. Remarkably, we found that glycolysis blockage enhances dNK VEGF-A production but restrains its proliferation. Furthermore, levels of IFN-γ and TNF-α secreted by dNK get decreased when glycolysis or oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) is inhibited. Additionally, glycolysis, OXPHOS, and fatty acid oxidation disruption has little effects on the secretion and the CD107a-dependent degranulation of dNK. Mechanistically, we discovered that the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling inhibition leads to decreased glycolysis and OXPHOS in dNK. These limited metabolic processes are associated with attenuated dNK functions, which include restricted production of cytokines including IFN-γ and TNF-α, diminished CD107a-dependent degranulation, and restrained dNK proliferation. Finally, we reported that the protein levels of several glycolysis-associated enzymes are altered and the mTORC1 activity is significantly lower in the decidua of women with recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) compared with normal pregnancy, which might give new insights about the pathogenesis of RPL. Collectively, our data demonstrate that glucose metabolism and mTORC1 signaling support dNK functions in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Song Yan
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jie Dong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Chenxi Qian
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Shuqiang Chen
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Qian Xu
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hui Lei
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xiaohong Wang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Medical University, Xi'an, China
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188
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Rocca Y, Pouxvielh K, Marotel M, Benezech S, Jaeger B, Allatif O, Bendriss-Vermare N, Marçais A, Walzer T. Combinatorial Expression of NK Cell Receptors Governs Cell Subset Reactivity and Effector Functions but Not Tumor Specificity. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:1802-1812. [PMID: 35288470 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
NK cell receptors allow NK cells to recognize targets such as tumor cells. Many of them are expressed on a subset of NK cells, independently of each other, which creates a vast diversity of receptor combinations. Whether these combinations influence NK cell antitumor responses is not well understood. We addressed this question in the C57BL/6 mouse model and analyzed the individual effector response of 444 mouse NK cell subsets, defined by combinations of 12 receptors, against tumor cell lines originating from different tissues and mouse strains. We found a wide range of reactivity among NK subsets, but the same hierarchy of responses was observed for the different tumor types, showing that the repertoire of NK cell receptors does not encode for different tumor specificities but for different intrinsic reactivities. The coexpression of CD27, NKG2A, and DNAM-1 identified subsets with relative cytotoxic specialization, whereas reciprocally, CD11b and KLRG1 defined the best IFN-γ producers. The expression of educating receptors Ly49C, Ly49I, and NKG2A was also strongly correlated with IFN-γ production, but this effect was suppressed by unengaged receptors Ly49A, Ly49F, and Ly49G2. Finally, IL-15 coordinated NK cell effector functions, but education and unbound inhibitory receptors retained some influence on their response. Collectively, these data refine our understanding of the mechanisms governing NK cell reactivity, which could help design new NK cell therapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamila Rocca
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Lyon, France.,Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Kevin Pouxvielh
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Lyon, France
| | - Marie Marotel
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Lyon, France
| | - Sarah Benezech
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Lyon, France
| | - Baptiste Jaeger
- Faculty of Medicine, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; and.,Faculty of Science, Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Omran Allatif
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Lyon, France
| | - Nathalie Bendriss-Vermare
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, Lyon, France
| | - Antoine Marçais
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Lyon, France;
| | - Thierry Walzer
- Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie, INSERM U1111, Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, Université Lyon 1, CNRS, UMR 5308, Lyon, France;
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189
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Huang M, Cai H, Han B, Xia Y, Kong X, Gu J. Natural Killer Cells in Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury. Front Immunol 2022; 13:870038. [PMID: 35418990 PMCID: PMC8996070 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.870038] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemia-reperfusion injury can be divided into two phases, including insufficient supply of oxygen and nutrients in the first stage and then organ injury caused by immune inflammation after blood flow recovery. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion is an important cause of liver injury post-surgery, consisting of partial hepatectomy and liver transplantation, and a central driver of graft dysfunction, which greatly leads to complications and mortality after liver transplantation. Natural killer (NK) cells are the lymphocyte population mainly involved in innate immune response in the human liver. In addition to their well-known role in anti-virus and anti-tumor defense, NK cells are also considered to regulate the pathogenesis of liver ischemia-reperfusion injury under the support of more and more evidence recently. The infiltration of NK cells into the liver exacerbates the hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, which could be significantly alleviated after depletion of NK cells. Interestingly, NK cells may contribute to both liver graft rejection and tolerance according to their origins. In this article, we discussed the development of liver NK cells, their role in ischemia-reperfusion injury, and strategies of inhibiting NK cell activation in order to provide potential possibilities for translation application in future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Huang
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Cai
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Han
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuhan Xia
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoni Kong
- Central Laboratory, Department of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinyang Gu
- Department of Transplantation, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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190
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Moreau JM, Velegraki M, Bolyard C, Rosenblum MD, Li Z. Transforming growth factor-β1 in regulatory T cell biology. Sci Immunol 2022; 7:eabi4613. [PMID: 35302863 PMCID: PMC10552796 DOI: 10.1126/sciimmunol.abi4613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 42.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) is inextricably linked to regulatory T cell (Treg) biology. However, precisely untangling the role for TGF-β1 in Treg differentiation and function is complicated by the pleiotropic and context-dependent activity of this cytokine and the multifaceted biology of Tregs. Among CD4+ T cells, Tregs are the major producers of latent TGF-β1 and are uniquely able to activate this cytokine via expression of cell surface docking receptor glycoprotein A repetitions predominant (GARP) and αv integrins. Although a preponderance of evidence indicates no essential roles for Treg-derived TGF-β1 in Treg immunosuppression, TGF-β1 signaling is crucial for Treg development in the thymus and periphery. Furthermore, active TGF-β1 instructs the differentiation of other T cell subsets, including TH17 cells. Here, we will review TGF-β1 signaling in Treg development and function and discuss knowledge gaps, future research, and the TGF-β1/Treg axis in the context of cancer immunotherapy and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua M. Moreau
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria Velegraki
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chelsea Bolyard
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Michael D. Rosenblum
- Department of Dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center—James Cancer Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
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191
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Bunting MD, Vyas M, Requesens M, Langenbucher A, Schiferle EB, Manguso RT, Lawrence MS, Demehri S. Extracellular matrix proteins regulate NK cell function in peripheral tissues. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabk3327. [PMID: 35294229 PMCID: PMC8926340 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abk3327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells reject major histocompatibility complex class I (MHC-I)-deficient bone marrow through direct cytotoxicity but not solid organ transplants devoid of MHC-I. Here, we demonstrate an immediate switch in NK cell function upon exit from the circulation, characterized by a shift from direct cytotoxicity to chemokine/cytokine production. In the skin transplant paradigm, combining an NK cell-specific activating ligand, m157, with missing self MHC-I resulted in complete graft rejection, which was dependent on NK cells as potential helpers and T cells as effectors. Extracellular matrix proteins, collagen I, collagen III, and elastin, blocked NK cell cytotoxicity and promoted their chemokine/cytokine production. NK cell cytotoxicity against MHC-I-deficient melanoma in the skin was markedly increased by blocking tumor collagen deposition. MHC-I down-regulation occurred in solid human cancers but not leukemias, which could be directly targeted by circulating cytotoxic NK cells. Our findings uncover a fundamental mechanism that restricts direct NK cell cytotoxicity in peripheral tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D. Bunting
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Maulik Vyas
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Marta Requesens
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Adam Langenbucher
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Erik B. Schiferle
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Robert T. Manguso
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
| | - Michael S. Lawrence
- Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
- Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Shadmehr Demehri
- Center for Cancer Immunology and Cutaneous Biology Research Center, Department of Dermatology and Center for Cancer Research, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- Corresponding author.
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192
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Brauning A, Rae M, Zhu G, Fulton E, Admasu TD, Stolzing A, Sharma A. Aging of the Immune System: Focus on Natural Killer Cells Phenotype and Functions. Cells 2022; 11:cells11061017. [PMID: 35326467 PMCID: PMC8947539 DOI: 10.3390/cells11061017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging is the greatest risk factor for nearly all major chronic diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases of aging. Age-related impairment of immune function (immunosenescence) is one important cause of age-related morbidity and mortality, which may extend beyond its role in infectious disease. One aspect of immunosenescence that has received less attention is age-related natural killer (NK) cell dysfunction, characterized by reduced cytokine secretion and decreased target cell cytotoxicity, accompanied by and despite an increase in NK cell numbers with age. Moreover, recent studies have revealed that NK cells are the central actors in the immunosurveillance of senescent cells, whose age-related accumulation is itself a probable contributor to the chronic sterile low-grade inflammation developed with aging (“inflammaging”). NK cell dysfunction is therefore implicated in the increasing burden of infection, malignancy, inflammatory disorders, and senescent cells with age. This review will focus on recent advances and open questions in understanding the interplay between systemic inflammation, senescence burden, and NK cell dysfunction in the context of aging. Understanding the factors driving and enforcing NK cell aging may potentially lead to therapies countering age-related diseases and underlying drivers of the biological aging process itself.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Brauning
- SENS Research Foundation, Mountain View, CA 94041, USA; (A.B.); (M.R.); (G.Z.); (E.F.); (T.D.A.)
| | - Michael Rae
- SENS Research Foundation, Mountain View, CA 94041, USA; (A.B.); (M.R.); (G.Z.); (E.F.); (T.D.A.)
| | - Gina Zhu
- SENS Research Foundation, Mountain View, CA 94041, USA; (A.B.); (M.R.); (G.Z.); (E.F.); (T.D.A.)
| | - Elena Fulton
- SENS Research Foundation, Mountain View, CA 94041, USA; (A.B.); (M.R.); (G.Z.); (E.F.); (T.D.A.)
| | - Tesfahun Dessale Admasu
- SENS Research Foundation, Mountain View, CA 94041, USA; (A.B.); (M.R.); (G.Z.); (E.F.); (T.D.A.)
| | - Alexandra Stolzing
- SENS Research Foundation, Mountain View, CA 94041, USA; (A.B.); (M.R.); (G.Z.); (E.F.); (T.D.A.)
- Centre for Biological Engineering, Wolfson School of Electrical, Material and Manufacturing Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough LE11 3TU, UK
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (A.S.)
| | - Amit Sharma
- SENS Research Foundation, Mountain View, CA 94041, USA; (A.B.); (M.R.); (G.Z.); (E.F.); (T.D.A.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (A.S.)
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193
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that are critical to the body's antitumor and antimetastatic defense. As such, novel therapies are being developed to utilize NK cells as part of a next generation of immunotherapies to treat patients with metastatic disease. Therefore, it is essential for us to examine how metastatic cancer cells and NK cells interact with each other throughout the metastatic cascade. In this Review, we highlight the recent body of work that has begun to answer these questions. We explore how the unique biology of cancer cells at each stage of metastasis alters fundamental NK cell biology, including how cancer cells can evade immunosurveillance and co-opt NK cells into cells that promote metastasis. We also discuss the translational potential of this knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac S. Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and
- Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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194
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Mylod E, Lysaght J, Conroy MJ. Natural killer cell therapy: A new frontier for obesity-associated cancer. Cancer Lett 2022; 535:215620. [PMID: 35283210 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell infiltration of solid tumours is associated with better outcomes, placing augmentation of NK cell abundance in tumours as an attractive immunotherapeutic approach. The unique ability of NK cells to target cancer cells without antigen specificity increases their versatility and applicability as an immunotherapeutic tool. However, successful utilisation of NK cell-based therapies in solid tumours is still at an early stage. Obesity has become a global health epidemic, and the prevalence of obesity-associated cancers has significantly increased. Obesity-associated malignancies provide a unique challenge for the successful application of cell-based immunotherapies including NK cell-based therapies because significant numbers of NK and T cells are recruited to the visceral adipose tissue at the expense of successful tumour infiltration and eradication. As such, immunotherapy efficacy has been disappointing for obesity-associated malignancies such as oesophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma. Therefore, immunotherapies for obesity-associated cancers warrant our further attention. Indeed, it is becoming ever more obvious that more innovative approaches are needed to re-invigorate anti-tumour immunity and overcome immune exclusion in such tumours. In this review, we briefly summarise the dysfunctionality of NK cells in obesity-associated cancer. We outline the NK cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches which hold promise as effective treatments in this disease space, including CAR-NK cells. Furthermore, we suggest future avenues which possess the potential to transform immunotherapy and specifically NK cell therapy efficacy for obesity-associated cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eimear Mylod
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland
| | - Joanne Lysaght
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland
| | - Melissa J Conroy
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Group, Department of Surgery, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute and Trinity St. James's Cancer Institute, St. James's Hospital, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 8, Ireland; Cancer Immunology Research Group, Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, 2, Ireland.
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195
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Liu H, Chen YG. The Interplay Between TGF-β Signaling and Cell Metabolism. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:846723. [PMID: 35359452 PMCID: PMC8961331 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.846723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling plays a critical role in the development and tissue homeostasis in metazoans, and deregulation of TGF-β signaling leads to many pathological conditions. Mounting evidence suggests that TGF-β signaling can actively alter metabolism in diverse cell types. Furthermore, metabolic pathways, beyond simply regarded as biochemical reactions, are closely intertwined with signal transduction. Here, we discuss the role of TGF-β in glucose, lipid, amino acid, redox and polyamine metabolism with an emphasis on how TGF-β can act as a metabolic modulator and how metabolic changes can influence TGF-β signaling. We also describe how interplay between TGF-β signaling and cell metabolism regulates cellular homeostasis as well as the progression of multiple diseases, including cancer.
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196
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Mafi S, Mansoori B, Taeb S, Sadeghi H, Abbasi R, Cho WC, Rostamzadeh D. mTOR-Mediated Regulation of Immune Responses in Cancer and Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2022; 12:774103. [PMID: 35250965 PMCID: PMC8894239 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.774103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a downstream mediator in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathways, which plays a pivotal role in regulating numerous cellular functions including cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism by integrating a variety of extracellular and intracellular signals in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway is frequently reported in many types of human tumors, and targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway has been considered an attractive potential therapeutic target in cancer. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling transduction pathway is important not only in the development and progression of cancers but also for its critical regulatory role in the tumor microenvironment. Immunologically, mTOR is emerging as a key regulator of immune responses. The mTOR signaling pathway plays an essential regulatory role in the differentiation and function of both innate and adaptive immune cells. Considering the central role of mTOR in metabolic and translational reprogramming, it can affect tumor-associated immune cells to undergo phenotypic and functional reprogramming in TME. The mTOR-mediated inflammatory response can also promote the recruitment of immune cells to TME, resulting in exerting the anti-tumor functions or promoting cancer cell growth, progression, and metastasis. Thus, deregulated mTOR signaling in cancer can modulate the TME, thereby affecting the tumor immune microenvironment. Here, we review the current knowledge regarding the crucial role of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in controlling and shaping the immune responses in TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahar Mafi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Behzad Mansoori
- The Wistar Institute, Molecular & Cellular Oncogenesis Program, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shahram Taeb
- Department of Radiology, School of Paramedical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Medical Biotechnology Research Center, School of Paramedical Sciences, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Hossein Sadeghi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Reza Abbasi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - William C. Cho
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Davoud Rostamzadeh
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
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197
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Vitale C, Marzagalli M, Scaglione S, Dondero A, Bottino C, Castriconi R. Tumor Microenvironment and Hydrogel-Based 3D Cancer Models for In Vitro Testing Immunotherapies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1013. [PMID: 35205760 PMCID: PMC8870468 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 02/12/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising novel therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment. In a relevant percentage of patients, however, clinical benefits are lower than expected, pushing researchers to deeply analyze the immune responses against tumors and find more reliable and efficient tools to predict the individual response to therapy. Novel tissue engineering strategies can be adopted to realize in vitro fully humanized matrix-based models, as a compromise between standard two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures and animal tests, which are costly and hardly usable in personalized medicine. In this review, we describe the main mechanisms allowing cancer cells to escape the immune surveillance, which may play a significant role in the failure of immunotherapies. In particular, we discuss the role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the establishment of a milieu that greatly favors cancer malignant progression and impact on the interactions with immune cells. Then, we present an overview of the recent in vitro engineered preclinical three-dimensional (3D) models that have been adopted to resemble the interplays between cancer and immune cells and for testing current therapies and immunotherapeutic approaches. Specifically, we focus on 3D hydrogel-based tools based on different types of polymers, discussing the suitability of each of them in reproducing the TME key features based on their intrinsic or tunable characteristics. Finally, we introduce the possibility to combine the 3D models with technological fluid dynamics platforms, reproducing the dynamic complex interactions between tumor cells and immune effectors migrated in situ via the systemic circulation, pointing out the challenges that still have to be overcome for setting more predictive preclinical assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.V.); (A.D.); (R.C.)
| | | | - Silvia Scaglione
- React4life SRL, 16121 Genova, Italy; (M.M.); (S.S.)
- National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Electronics, Information Engineering and Telecommunications (IEIIT), 16149 Genova, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dondero
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.V.); (A.D.); (R.C.)
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.V.); (A.D.); (R.C.)
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (C.V.); (A.D.); (R.C.)
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198
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Schulz AM, Zehn D. Mastering an exhausting marathon: how CD8 + T cells fine-tune metabolic fitness. Immunol Cell Biol 2022; 100:83-86. [PMID: 34989026 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
A recent study by Gabriel et al. provides novel insight into the metabolic pathways that contribute to T cell differentiation in chronic infection. The researchers discovered that metabolic plasticity and the function of exhausted T cells is regulated via the TGF-β-mTOR signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna M Schulz
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
| | - Dietmar Zehn
- Division of Animal Physiology and Immunology, School of Life Sciences Weihenstephan, Technical University of Munich, Freising, Germany
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199
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Zhang J, Rousseaux N, Walzer T. Eomes and T‐bet, a dynamic duo regulating NK cell differentiation. Bioessays 2022; 44:e2100281. [DOI: 10.1002/bies.202100281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 01/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Zhang
- Department of Dermatology Brigham and Women's Hospital Harvard Medical School Boston Massachusetts USA
| | - Noémi Rousseaux
- CIRI Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 Lyon France
| | - Thierry Walzer
- CIRI Centre International de Recherche en Infectiologie CNRS, UMR5308, ENS de Lyon Univ Lyon, Inserm, U1111, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1 Lyon France
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200
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Das R, Langou S, Le TT, Prasad P, Lin F, Nguyen TD. Electrical Stimulation for Immune Modulation in Cancer Treatments. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 9:795300. [PMID: 35087799 PMCID: PMC8788921 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.795300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is becoming a very common treatment for cancer, using approaches like checkpoint inhibition, T cell transfer therapy, monoclonal antibodies and cancer vaccination. However, these approaches involve high doses of immune therapeutics with problematic side effects. A promising approach to reducing the dose of immunotherapeutic agents given to a cancer patient is to combine it with electrical stimulation, which can act in two ways; it can either modulate the immune system to produce the immune cytokines and agents in the patient's body or it can increase the cellular uptake of these immune agents via electroporation. Electrical stimulation in form of direct current has been shown to reduce tumor sizes in immune-competent mice while having no effect on tumor sizes in immune-deficient mice. Several studies have used nano-pulsed electrical stimulations to activate the immune system and drive it against tumor cells. This approach has been utilized for different types of cancers, like fibrosarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, human papillomavirus etc. Another common approach is to combine electrochemotherapy with immune modulation, either by inducing immunogenic cell death or injecting immunostimulants that increase the effectiveness of the treatments. Several therapies utilize electroporation to deliver immunostimulants (like genes encoded with cytokine producing sequences, cancer specific antigens or fragments of anti-tumor toxins) more effectively. Lastly, electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve can trigger production and activation of anti-tumor immune cells and immune reactions. Hence, the use of electrical stimulation to modulate the immune system in different ways can be a promising approach to treat cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ritopa Das
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Sofia Langou
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Thinh T. Le
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Pooja Prasad
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
| | - Thanh D. Nguyen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
- Institute of Materials Science, University of Connecticut, Mansfield, CT, United States
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