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Imeri J, Desterke C, Marcoux P, Chaker D, Oudrhiri N, Fund X, Faivre J, Bennaceur-Griscelli A, Turhan AG. Case report: Long-term voluntary Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (TKI) discontinuation in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): Molecular evidence of an immune surveillance. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1117781. [PMID: 37007090 PMCID: PMC10062417 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1117781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The classical natural history of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has been drastically modified by the introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies. TKI discontinuation is currently possible in patients in deep molecular responses, using strict recommendations of molecular follow-up due to risk of molecular relapse, especially during the first 6 months. We report here the case of a patient who voluntarily interrupted her TKI therapy. She remained in deep molecular remission (MR4) for 18 months followed by detection of a molecular relapse at +20 months. Despite this relapse, she declined therapy until the occurrence of the hematological relapse (+ 4 years and 10 months). Retrospective sequential transcriptome experiments and a single-cell transcriptome RNA-seq analysis were performed. They revealed a molecular network focusing on several genes involved in both activation and inhibition of NK-T cell activity. Interestingly, the single-cell transcriptome analysis showed the presence of cells expressing NKG7, a gene involved in granule exocytosis and highly involved in anti-tumor immunity. Single cells expressing as granzyme H, cathepsin-W, and granulysin were also identified. The study of this case suggests that CML was controlled for a long period of time, potentially via an immune surveillance phenomenon. The role of NKG7 expression in the occurrence of treatment-free remissions (TFR) should be evaluated in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jusuf Imeri
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)_S_1310, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Christophe Desterke
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)_S_1310, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- INGESTEM National IPSC Infrastructure, Villejuif, France
| | - Paul Marcoux
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)_S_1310, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
| | - Diana Chaker
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)_S_1310, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- CITHERA, Center for iPSC Therapies, Evry, France
| | - Noufissa Oudrhiri
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)_S_1310, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- INGESTEM National IPSC Infrastructure, Villejuif, France
- CITHERA, Center for iPSC Therapies, Evry, France
- APHP Paris Saclay, Division of Hematology, Paris Saclay University Hospitals, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, and Villejuif, France
| | - Xavier Fund
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)_S_1310, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- APHP Paris Saclay, Division of Hematology, Paris Saclay University Hospitals, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, and Villejuif, France
| | - Jamila Faivre
- APHP Paris Saclay, Division of Hematology, Paris Saclay University Hospitals, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, and Villejuif, France
- Inserm Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1193 Centre-Hepato Biliaire, Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Annelise Bennaceur-Griscelli
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)_S_1310, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- INGESTEM National IPSC Infrastructure, Villejuif, France
- APHP Paris Saclay, Division of Hematology, Paris Saclay University Hospitals, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, and Villejuif, France
- Inserm Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1193 Centre-Hepato Biliaire, Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
| | - Ali G. Turhan
- INSERM Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)_S_1310, Université Paris Saclay, Villejuif, France
- INGESTEM National IPSC Infrastructure, Villejuif, France
- APHP Paris Saclay, Division of Hematology, Paris Saclay University Hospitals, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, and Villejuif, France
- Inserm Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1193 Centre-Hepato Biliaire, Paul Brousse, Villejuif, France
- *Correspondence: Ali G. Turhan,
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2
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Viano ME, Baez NS, Savid-Frontera C, Lidon NL, Hodge DL, Herbelin A, Gombert JM, Barbarin A, Rodriguez-Galan MC. Virtual Memory CD8 + T Cells: Origin and Beyond. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2022; 42:624-642. [PMID: 36083273 PMCID: PMC9835308 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2022.0053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The presence of CD8+ T cells with a memory phenotype in nonimmunized mice has been noted for decades, but it was not until about 2 decades ago that they began to be studied in greater depth. Currently called virtual memory CD8+ T cells, they consist of a heterogeneous group of cells with memory characteristics, without any previous contact with their specific antigens. These cells were identified in mice, but a few years ago, a cell type with characteristics equivalent to the murine ones was described in healthy humans. In this review, we address the different aspects of its biology mainly developed in murine models and what is currently known about its cellular equivalent in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Estefania Viano
- Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Natalia Soledad Baez
- Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Constanza Savid-Frontera
- Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Nicolás Leonel Lidon
- Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | | | - André Herbelin
- Inserm U1313, Poitiers, France
- Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Gombert
- Inserm U1313, Poitiers, France
- Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
- Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Alice Barbarin
- Inserm U1313, Poitiers, France
- CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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3
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Kwaśnik P, Giannopoulos K. Treatment-Free Remission-A New Aim in the Treatment of Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. J Pers Med 2021; 11:697. [PMID: 34442340 PMCID: PMC8399881 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11080697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinases inhibitors (TKIs) revolutionized chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) treatment for many years, prolonging patients' life expectancy to be comparable to age-matched healthy individuals. According to the latest the European LeukemiaNet (ELN) recommendations, CML treatment aims to achieve long-term remission without treatment (TFR), which is feasible in more than 40% of patients. Nearly all molecular relapses occur during the first 6 months after TKI withdrawal and do not progress to clinical relapse. The mechanisms that are responsible for CML relapses remain unexplained. It is suggested that maintaining TFR is not directly related to the total disposing of the gene transcript BCR-ABL1, but it might be a result of the restoration of the immune surveillance in CML. The importance of the involvement of immunocompetent cells in the period of TKI withdrawal is also emphasized by the presence of specific symptoms in some patients with "withdrawal syndrome". The goal of this review is to analyze data from studies regarding TFRs in order to characterize the elements of the immune system of patients that might prevent CML molecular relapse. The role of modern droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (ddPCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) in better identification of low levels of BCR-ABL1 transcripts was also taken into consideration for refining the eligibility criteria to stop TKI therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Kwaśnik
- Department of Experimental Hematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Krzysztof Giannopoulos
- Department of Experimental Hematooncology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
- Department of Hematology, St John’s Cancer Center, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
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4
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Translating Unconventional T Cells and Their Roles in Leukemia Antitumor Immunity. J Immunol Res 2021; 2021:6633824. [PMID: 33506055 PMCID: PMC7808823 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6633824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, cell-mediated immune response in malignant neoplasms has become the focus in immunotherapy against cancer. However, in leukemia, most studies on the cytotoxic potential of T cells have concentrated only on T cells that recognize peptide antigens (Ag) presented by polymorphic molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC). This ignores the great potential of unconventional T cell populations, which include gamma-delta T cells (γδ), natural killer T cells (NKT), and mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT). Collectively, these T cell populations can recognize lipid antigens, specially modified peptides and small molecule metabolites, in addition to having several other advantages, which can provide more effective applications in cancer immunotherapy. In recent years, these cell populations have been associated with a repertoire of anti- or protumor responses and play important roles in the dynamics of solid tumors and hematological malignancies, thus, encouraging the development of new investigations in the area. This review focuses on the current knowledge regarding the role of unconventional T cell populations in the antitumor immune response in leukemia and discusses why further studies on the immunotherapeutic potential of these cells are needed.
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5
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Zhang W, Yang B, Weng L, Li J, Bai J, Wang T, Wang J, Ye J, Jing H, Jiao Y, Chen X, Liu H, Zeng YX. Single cell sequencing reveals cell populations that predict primary resistance to imatinib in chronic myeloid leukemia. Aging (Albany NY) 2020; 12:25337-25355. [PMID: 33226961 PMCID: PMC7803567 DOI: 10.18632/aging.104136] [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: 06/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a disease caused by t(9;22)(q34;q11) reciprocal translocation, has advanced largely through the use of targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). To identify molecular differences that might distinguish TKI responders from non-responders, we performed single cell RNA sequencing on cells (n = 41,723 cells) obtained from the peripheral blood of four CML patients at different stages of treatment to generate single cell expression profiles. Analysis of our single cell expression profiles in conjunction with those previously obtained from the bone marrow of additional CML patients and healthy donors (total = 69,263 cells) demonstrated that imatinib treatment significantly altered leukocyte population compositions in both responders and non-responders, and affected the expression profiles of multiple cell populations, including non-neoplastic cell types. Notably, in imatinib poor-responders, patient-specific pre-treatment unique stem/progenitor cells became enriched in peripheral blood compared to the responders. These results indicate that resistance to TKIs might be intrinsic in some CML patients rather than acquired, and that non-neoplastic immune cell types may also play vital roles in dispersing the responsiveness of patients to TKIs. Furthermore, these results demonstrated the potential utility of peripheral blood as a diagnostic tool in the TKI sensitivity of CML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilong Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China.,State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Beibei Yang
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Linqian Weng
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiangtao Li
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Jiefei Bai
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Ye
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Jing
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma Research Center, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Yuchen Jiao
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China
| | - Xixi Chen
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing 102206, China.,Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Hematology, Beijing Hospital, National Center of Gerontology, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Xin Zeng
- State Key Lab of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China.,Department of Experimental Research, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in Southern China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
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6
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Barbarin A, Abdallah M, Lefèvre L, Piccirilli N, Cayssials E, Roy L, Gombert JM, Herbelin A. Innate T-αβ lymphocytes as new immunological components of anti-tumoral "off-target" effects of the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib. Sci Rep 2020; 10:3245. [PMID: 32094501 PMCID: PMC7039999 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-60195-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinase inhibitors hold great potential as targeted therapy against malignant cells. Among them, the tyrosine kinase inhibitor dasatinib is known for a number of clinically relevant off-target actions, attributed in part to effects on components of the immune system, especially conventional T-cells and natural killer (NK)-cells. Here, we have hypothesized that dasatinib also influences non-conventional T-αβ cell subsets known for their potential anti-tumoral properties, namely iNKT cells and the distinct new innate CD8 T-cell subset. In mice, where the two subsets were originally characterized, an activated state of iNKT cells associated with a shift toward an iNKT cell Th1-phenotype was observed after dasatinib treatment in vivo. Despite decreased frequency of the total memory CD8 T-cell compartment, the proportion of innate-memory CD8 T-cells and their IFNγ expression in response to an innate-like stimulation increased in response to dasatinib. Lastly, in patients administered with dasatinib for the treatment of BCR-ABL-positive leukemias, we provided the proof of concept that the kinase inhibitor also influences the two innate T-cell subsets in humans, as attested by their increased frequency in the peripheral blood. These data highlight the potential immunostimulatory capacity of dasatinib on innate T-αβ cells, thereby opening new opportunities for chemoimmunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Barbarin
- INSERM, 1082, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | | | | | | | - Emilie Cayssials
- INSERM, 1082, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Service d'Oncologie Hématologique de Thérapie Cellulaire, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,INSERM CIC-1402, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Lydia Roy
- Service Clinique d'Hématologie, Hôpital Henri-Mondor, Créteil, France.,Université Paris-Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Jean-Marc Gombert
- INSERM, 1082, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - André Herbelin
- INSERM, 1082, Poitiers, France. .,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France. .,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
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7
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Almeida JS, Couceiro P, López-Sejas N, Alves V, Růžičková L, Tarazona R, Solana R, Freitas-Tavares P, Santos-Rosa M, Rodrigues-Santos P. NKT-Like (CD3+CD56+) Cells in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated With Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2493. [PMID: 31695700 PMCID: PMC6817724 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy with Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKI) aiming stable deep molecular response is the gold standard to treat Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML). NKT-like cells (CD3+CD56+) combine characteristics of T and NK cells. The physiopathological role of these cells remains unknown although the literature refers their association with inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer. Since the information regarding the role of NKT-like cells in CML is rare, we aimed at the characterization of these cells in CML patients treated with TKIs. Peripheral blood NKT-like cells from 48 CML patients and 40 healthy donors were analyzed by multiparametric flow cytometry. Functional tests consisting of co-culture with leukemic target cells (K562 cell line) were used to measure degranulation and cytokine production. Our results revealed that NKT-like cells are decreased in treated CML patients, although they present increased expression of activation markers (CD69 and HLA-DR), increased degranulation (CD107a) and impaired IFN-γ production. Significantly alterations on the expression of tumor recognition (NCRs and NKp80), and immune regulation receptors (LAG-3, TIM-3, and CD137) by NKT-like cells were observed in CML patients. Second generation TKIs increased cell activation (CD69) and decreased expression of NKp44 and NKp80 by NKT-like cells from CML patients when compared to Imatinib. CML patients that achieved deep molecular response (MR4.5) presented downregulation of NKp44 and LAG-3. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of these cells as biomarkers of therapy response and also to evaluate their value for discrimination of better candidates for sustained treatment-free remission after TKI discontinuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jani-Sofia Almeida
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Couceiro
- Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Nelson López-Sejas
- Department of Immunology, IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Vera Alves
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Lenka Růžičková
- Hematology Service, Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | | | - Rafael Solana
- Department of Immunology, IMIBIC - Reina Sofia University Hospital, University of Cordoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Paulo Freitas-Tavares
- Hematology Service, Coimbra Hospital and Universitary Centre (CHUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Manuel Santos-Rosa
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo Rodrigues-Santos
- Faculty of Medicine (FMUC), Institute of Immunology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Laboratory of Immunology and Oncology, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Center of Investigation in Environment, Genetics and Oncobiology (CIMAGO), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Faculty of Medicine, Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal.,Center for Innovation in Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
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8
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Konuma T, Kohara C, Watanabe E, Mizukami M, Nagai E, Kato S, Takahashi S, Tojo A. Circulating unconventional T-cell subsets during treatment with BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors for Philadelphia chromosome-positive leukemia. Eur J Haematol 2019; 103:623-625. [PMID: 31512295 DOI: 10.1111/ejh.13328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2019] [Revised: 09/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Takaaki Konuma
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Chisato Kohara
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eri Watanabe
- Department of IMSUT Clinical Flow Cytometry Laboratory, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Motoko Mizukami
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Etsuko Nagai
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Seiko Kato
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Takahashi
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Arinobu Tojo
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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9
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Cayssials E, Guilhot F. Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: Immunobiology and Novel Immunotherapeutic Approaches. BioDrugs 2018; 31:143-149. [PMID: 28501913 DOI: 10.1007/s40259-017-0225-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Imatinib has revolutionized the treatment and prognosis of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) with survival rates now approaching those of the age-matched healthy population. To be able to discontinue tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, it is necessary to develop complementary therapies to target minimal residual disease. Recent findings by a number of investigators in both CML mouse models and CML patients offer evidence that many factors in the leukemic microenvironment can collectively contribute to immune escape, including expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, programmed death-1/programmed death-1 ligand interactions resulting in T-cell impairment, expression of soluble suppressive factors such as soluble CD25, and down-regulation of MHC molecules by CML cells. Other investigators have studied the role of cytokines on the resistance to TKIs by leukemic stem cells (LSCs) and have highlighted the implication of the JAK/STAT pathway as well as the interleukin 1 (IL-1) signaling pathway. Distinct immunologic strategies have been considered to harness the immune system or trigger LSC death to allow more CML patients to discontinue TKI treatment (so-called functional cure). Successful immunotherapy and TKI combination and the optimal timing of immunotherapy determination represent major challenges for the future.
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10
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Barbarin A, Herbelin A, Gombert JM. [The CD8 + T cell innate function in the war against cancer]. Med Sci (Paris) 2017; 33:927-929. [PMID: 29200385 DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20173311004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Alice Barbarin
- Inserm U1082, Université de Poitiers - UFR Faculté de sciences fondamentales et appliquées (SFA), Pôle biologie santé (PBS) B36, 1, rue Georges Bonnet - TSA 51106, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France - CHU de Poitiers, 2, rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - André Herbelin
- Inserm U1082, Université de Poitiers - UFR Faculté de sciences fondamentales et appliquées (SFA), Pôle biologie santé (PBS) B36, 1, rue Georges Bonnet - TSA 51106, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France - CHU de Poitiers, 2, rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Gombert
- Inserm U1082, Université de Poitiers - UFR Faculté de sciences fondamentales et appliquées (SFA), Pôle biologie santé (PBS) B36, 1, rue Georges Bonnet - TSA 51106, 86073 Poitiers Cedex 9, France - CHU de Poitiers, 2, rue de la Milétrie, 86000 Poitiers, France
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11
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Lam PY, Nissen MD, Mattarollo SR. Invariant Natural Killer T Cells in Immune Regulation of Blood Cancers: Harnessing Their Potential in Immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1355. [PMID: 29109728 PMCID: PMC5660073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Accepted: 10/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a unique innate T lymphocyte population that possess cytolytic properties and profound immunoregulatory activities. iNKT cells play an important role in the immune surveillance of blood cancers. They predominantly recognize glycolipid antigens presented on CD1d, but their activation and cytolytic activities are not confined to CD1d expressing cells. iNKT cell stimulation and subsequent production of immunomodulatory cytokines serve to enhance the overall antitumor immune response. Crucially, the activation of iNKT cells in cancer often precedes the activation and priming of other immune effector cells, such as NK cells and T cells, thereby influencing the generation and outcome of the antitumor immune response. Blood cancers can evade or dampen iNKT cell responses by downregulating expression of recognition receptors or by actively suppressing or diverting iNKT cell functions. This review will discuss literature on iNKT cell activity and associated dysregulation in blood cancers as well as highlight some of the strategies designed to harness and enhance iNKT cell functions against blood cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pui Yeng Lam
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Michael D. Nissen
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Stephen R. Mattarollo
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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12
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Barbarin A, Cayssials E, Jacomet F, Nunez NG, Basbous S, Lefèvre L, Abdallah M, Piccirilli N, Morin B, Lavoue V, Catros V, Piaggio E, Herbelin A, Gombert JM. Phenotype of NK-Like CD8(+) T Cells with Innate Features in Humans and Their Relevance in Cancer Diseases. Front Immunol 2017; 8:316. [PMID: 28396661 PMCID: PMC5366313 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/06/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells are defined by their capacity to respond to signals other than the well-known complex of peptides and major histocompatibility complex proteins. Among the burgeoning family of unconventional T cells, innate-like CD8(+) T cells in the mouse were discovered in the early 2000s. This subset of CD8(+) T cells bears a memory phenotype without having encountered a foreign antigen and can respond to innate-like IL-12 + IL-18 stimulation. Although the concept of innate memory CD8(+) T cells is now well established in mice, whether an equivalent memory NK-like T-cell population exists in humans remains under debate. We recently reported that CD8(+) T cells responding to innate-like IL-12 + IL-18 stimulation and co-expressing the transcription factor Eomesodermin (Eomes) and KIR/NKG2A membrane receptors with a memory/EMRA phenotype may represent a new, functionally distinct innate T cell subset in humans. In this review, after a summary on the known innate CD8(+) T-cell features in the mouse, we propose Eomes together with KIR/NKG2A and CD49d as a signature to standardize the identification of this innate CD8(+) T-cell subset in humans. Next, we discuss IL-4 and IL-15 involvement in the generation of innate CD8(+) T cells and particularly its possible dependency on the promyelocytic leukemia zinc-finger factor expressing iNKT cells, an innate T cell subset well documented for its susceptibility to tumor immune subversion. After that, focusing on cancer diseases, we provide new insights into the potential role of these innate CD8(+) T cells in a physiopathological context in humans. Based on empirical data obtained in cases of chronic myeloid leukemia, a myeloproliferative syndrome controlled by the immune system, and in solid tumors, we observe both the possible contribution of innate CD8(+) T cells to cancer disease control and their susceptibility to tumor immune subversion. Finally, we note that during tumor progression, innate CD8(+) T lymphocytes could be controlled by immune checkpoints. This study significantly contributes to understanding of the role of NK-like CD8(+) T cells and raises the question of the possible involvement of an iNKT/innate CD8(+) T cell axis in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Barbarin
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Emilie Cayssials
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Service d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Biologique, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Florence Jacomet
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Nicolas Gonzalo Nunez
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France; SiRIC Translational Immunotherapy Team, Translational Research Department, Research Center, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie CICBT 1428, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Sara Basbous
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Myriam Abdallah
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | | | | | - Vincent Lavoue
- INSERM U1242, Rennes, France; CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Véronique Catros
- CHU de Rennes, Rennes, France; INSERM U991, Rennes, France; CRB Santé de Rennes, Rennes, France
| | - Eliane Piaggio
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, INSERM U932, Paris, France; SiRIC Translational Immunotherapy Team, Translational Research Department, Research Center, Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Paris, France; Centre d'Investigation Clinique Biothérapie CICBT 1428, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - André Herbelin
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Gombert
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation, CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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13
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Jacomet F, Cayssials E, Barbarin A, Desmier D, Basbous S, Lefèvre L, Levescot A, Robin A, Piccirilli N, Giraud C, Guilhot F, Roy L, Herbelin A, Gombert JM. The Hypothesis of the Human iNKT/Innate CD8(+) T-Cell Axis Applied to Cancer: Evidence for a Deficiency in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia. Front Immunol 2017; 7:688. [PMID: 28138330 PMCID: PMC5237805 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 12/23/2016] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
We recently identified a new human subset of NK-like [KIR/NKG2A(+)] CD8(+) T cells with a marked/memory phenotype, high Eomesodermin expression, potent antigen-independent cytotoxic activity, and the capacity to generate IFN-γ rapidly after exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines. These features support the hypothesis that this new member of the innate T cell family in humans, hereafter referred to as innate CD8(+) T cells, has a role in cancer immune surveillance analogous to invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells. Here, we report the first quantitative and functional analysis of innate CD8(+) T cells in a physiopathological context in humans, namely chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a well-characterized myeloproliferative disorder. We have chosen CML based on our previous report that IL-4 production by iNKT cells was deficient in CML patients at diagnosis and considering the recent evidence in mice that IL-4 promotes the generation/differentiation of innate CD8(+) T cells. We found that the pool of innate CD8(+) T cells was severely reduced in the blood of CML patients at diagnosis. Moreover, like iNKT and NK cells, innate CD8(+) T cells were functionally impaired, as attested by their loss of antigen-independent cytotoxic activity and IFN-γ production in response to innate-like stimulation with IL-12 + IL-18. Remarkably, as previously reported for IL-4 production by iNKT cells, both quantitative and functional deficiencies of innate CD8(+) T cells were at least partially corrected in patients having achieved complete cytogenetic remission following tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy. Finally, direct correlation between the functional potential of innate CD8(+) T and iNKT cells was found when considering all healthy donors and CML patients in diagnosis and remission, in accordance with the iNKT cell-dependent generation of innate CD8(+) T cells reported in mice. All in all, our data demonstrate that CML is associated with deficiencies of innate CD8(+) T cells that are restored upon remission, thereby suggesting their possible contribution to disease control. More generally, our study strongly supports the existence of an innate iNKT/innate CD8(+) T-cell axis in humans and reveals its potential contribution to the restoration of tumor immune surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Jacomet
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Emilie Cayssials
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Service d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Biologique, Poitiers, France
| | - Alice Barbarin
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Deborah Desmier
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Service d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Biologique, Poitiers, France
| | - Sara Basbous
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Lucie Lefèvre
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Aurélie Robin
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Christine Giraud
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Etablissement Français du Sang Centre-Atlantique, Site de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - François Guilhot
- CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; INSERM CIC-1402, Poitiers, France
| | - Lydia Roy
- INSERM CIC-1402, Poitiers, France; Service d'Hématologie Clinique, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France; Université Paris-Est, Créteil, France
| | - André Herbelin
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Gombert
- INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France; Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation, Poitiers, France; CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France; Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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14
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Basbous S, Levescot A, Piccirilli N, Brizard F, Guilhot F, Roy L, Bourmeyster N, Gombert JM, Herbelin A. The Rho-ROCKpathway as a new pathological mechanism of innate immune subversion in chronic myeloid leukaemia. J Pathol 2016; 240:262-268. [DOI: 10.1002/path.4779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 07/20/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sara Basbous
- INSERM U1082; Poitiers France
- Université de Poitiers; Poitiers France
| | | | | | - Françoise Brizard
- CHU de Poitiers; Poitiers France
- Service d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Biologique; Poitiers France
| | - François Guilhot
- Université de Poitiers; Poitiers France
- CHU de Poitiers; Poitiers France
- Service d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Biologique; Poitiers France
- INSERM-CIC 1402; Poitiers France
| | | | | | - Jean-Marc Gombert
- INSERM U1082; Poitiers France
- Université de Poitiers; Poitiers France
- CHU de Poitiers; Poitiers France
- Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation; Poitiers France
| | - André Herbelin
- INSERM U1082; Poitiers France
- Université de Poitiers; Poitiers France
- CHU de Poitiers; Poitiers France
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15
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Jacomet F, Cayssials E, Basbous S, Levescot A, Piccirilli N, Desmier D, Robin A, Barra A, Giraud C, Guilhot F, Roy L, Herbelin A, Gombert JM. Evidence for eomesodermin-expressing innate-like CD8(+) KIR/NKG2A(+) T cells in human adults and cord blood samples. Eur J Immunol 2015; 45:1926-33. [PMID: 25903796 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201545539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 03/25/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Polyclonal CD8(+) T cells, with a marked innate/memory phenotype, high eomesodermin (Eomes) expression, and the capacity to generate IFN-γ rapidly without prior exposure to antigen, have been described in mice. However, even though a pool of human CD8(+) T cells expressing killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs) was recently documented, the existence of a human equivalent of murine innate/memory CD8(+) T cells remains to be established. Here, we provide evidence for a population of KIR/NKG2A(+) CD8(+) T cells in healthy human adults sharing the same features, namely increased Eomes expression, prompt IFN-γ production in response to innate-like stimulation by IL-12+IL-18, and a potent antigen-independent cytotoxic activity along with a preferential terminally differentiated effector memory phenotype. None of the above functional characteristics applied to the KIR/NKG2A(-) fraction of the Eomes(+) CD8(+) T-cell population, thereby underlining the ability of KIR/NKG2A to distinguish between "innate/memory-like" and "conventional/memory" pools of CD8(+) T cells. Remarkably, KIR/NKG2A(+) Eomes(+) CD8(+) T cells with innate-like functions and a memory/terminally differentiated effector memory phenotype were also identified in human cord blood, suggesting that their development did not depend on cognate antigens. Taken together, our results support the conclusion that CD8(+) T cells co-expressing Eomes and KIR/NKG2A may represent a new, functionally distinct "innate/memory-like" subset in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florence Jacomet
- INSERM UMR S935, Poitiers and Villejuif, France.,Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Emilie Cayssials
- INSERM UMR S935, Poitiers and Villejuif, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Sara Basbous
- INSERM UMR S935, Poitiers and Villejuif, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Anaïs Levescot
- INSERM UMR S935, Poitiers and Villejuif, France.,Université Paris-Sud 11, Orsay, France.,INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France
| | | | - Deborah Desmier
- INSERM UMR S935, Poitiers and Villejuif, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Aurélie Robin
- CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France
| | - Anne Barra
- INSERM UMR S935, Poitiers and Villejuif, France.,Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Christine Giraud
- INSERM UMR S935, Poitiers and Villejuif, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Etablissement Français du Sang Centre-Atlantique, Site de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - François Guilhot
- CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Centre d'investigation clinique INSERM-1402, Poitiers, France.,Service d'Oncologie Hématologique et Thérapie Cellulaire, Poitiers, France
| | - Lydia Roy
- CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Centre d'investigation clinique INSERM-1402, Poitiers, France.,Service d'Oncologie Hématologique et Thérapie Cellulaire, Poitiers, France
| | - André Herbelin
- CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,INSERM 1082, Poitiers, France
| | - Jean-Marc Gombert
- INSERM UMR S935, Poitiers and Villejuif, France.,Service d'Immunologie et Inflammation, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.,Université de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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16
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Vonka V, Petráčková M. Immunology of chronic myeloid leukemia: current concepts and future goals. Expert Rev Clin Immunol 2015; 11:511-22. [PMID: 25728856 DOI: 10.1586/1744666x.2015.1019474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Although chronic myeloid leukemia is a rare malignancy, it has developed into a model system for the study of a variety of aspects of cancer biology and immunology. The introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors has resulted in a significant prolongation of the survival rates of chronic myeloid leukemia patients but has not resulted in a cure. There is a growing conviction that this aim can be achieved through immunotherapy. For this concept to be successful, a considerable increase in the present understanding of chronic myeloid leukemia immunology is required. The authors attempt to review and evaluate the current findings that demonstrate a number of immunological aberrations in patients prior to the start of any therapy and their normalization after achieving remission. They also discuss the recent clinical trials with experimental therapeutic vaccines and then present their own strategy on how to address the problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vladimír Vonka
- Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, U Nemocnice 1, 12820 Prague 2, Czech Republic
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17
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Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a clonal bone marrow stem cell neoplasia known to be responsive to immunotherapy. Despite the success of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) targeting the BCR-ABL1 oncokinase, patients are not considered to be cured with the current therapy modalities. However, there have been recent advancements in understanding the immunobiology of the disease (such as tumor specific antigens and immunostimulatory agents), and this may lead to the development of novel, curative treatment strategies. Already there are promising results showing that a small proportion of CML patients are able to discontinue the therapy although they have a minimal amount of residual leukemia cells left. This implies that the immune system is able to restrain the tumor cell expansion. In this review, we aim to give a brief update of the novel aspects of the immune system in CML patients and of the developing strategies for controlling CML by the means of immunotherapy.
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Weinkove R, Brooks CR, Carter JM, Hermans IF, Ronchese F. Functional invariant natural killer T-cell and CD1d axis in chronic lymphocytic leukemia: implications for immunotherapy. Haematologica 2012; 98:376-84. [PMID: 23065503 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2012.072835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Invariant natural killer T cells recognize glycolipid antigens such as α-galactosylceramide presented by CD1d. In preclinical models of B-cell malignancies, α-galactosylceramide is an adjuvant to tumor vaccination, enhancing tumor-specific T-cell responses and prolonging survival. However, numerical and functional invariant natural killer T-cell defects exist in patients with some cancers. Our aim was to assess this axis in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The numbers of circulating invariant natural killer T cells and the expression of CD1d on antigen-presenting cells were evaluated in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and age-matched controls. Cytokine profile and in vitro proliferative capacity were determined. Patient- and control-derived invariant natural killer T-cell lines were generated and characterized, and allogeneic and autologous responses to α-galactosylce-ramide-treated leukemia cells were assessed. Absolute numbers and phenotype of invariant natural killer T cells were normal in patients with untreated chronic lymphocytic leukemia, and cytokine profile and proliferative capacity were intact. Chemotherapy-treated patients had reduced numbers of invariant natural killer T cells and myeloid dendritic cells, but α-galactosylceramide-induced proliferation was preserved. Invariant natural killer T-cell lines from patients lysed CD1d-expressing targets. Irradiated α-galactosylceramide-treated leukemic cells elicited allogeneic and autologous invariant natural killer T-cell proliferation, and α-galactosylceramide treatment led to increased proliferation of conventional T cells in response to tumor. In conclusion, the invariant natural killer T-cell and CD1d axis is fundamentally intact in patients with early-stage chronic lymphocytic leukemia and, despite reduced circulating numbers, function is retained in fludarabine-treated patients. Immunotherapies exploiting the adjuvant effect of α-galactosylceramide may be feasible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Weinkove
- Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, Wellington, New Zealand.
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