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Ren Z, Zhang X, Fu YX. Facts and Hopes on Chimeric Cytokine Agents for Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2024; 30:2025-2038. [PMID: 38190116 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-1160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Cytokines are key mediators of immune responses that can modulate the antitumor activity of immune cells. Cytokines have been explored as a promising cancer immunotherapy. However, there are several challenges to cytokine therapy, especially a lack of tumor targeting, resulting in high toxicity and limited efficacy. To overcome these limitations, novel approaches have been developed to engineer cytokines with improved properties, such as chimeric cytokines. Chimeric cytokines are fusion proteins that combine different cytokine domains or link cytokines to antibodies (immunocytokines) or other molecules that can target specific receptors or cells. Chimeric cytokines can enhance the selectivity and stability of cytokines, leading to reduced toxicity and improved efficacy. In this review, we focus on two promising cytokines, IL2 and IL15, and summarize the current advances and challenges of chimeric cytokine design and application for cancer immunotherapy. Most of the current approaches focus on increasing the potency of cytokines, but another important goal is to reduce toxicity. Cytokine engineering is promising for cancer immunotherapy as it can enhance tumor targeting while minimizing adverse effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Xuhao Zhang
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
- Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yang-Xin Fu
- Changping Laboratory, Beijing, China
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
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Verner JM, Arbuthnott HF, Ramachandran R, Bharadwaj M, Chaudhury N, Jou E. Emerging roles of type 1 innate lymphoid cells in tumour pathogenesis and cancer immunotherapy. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2024; 5:296-315. [PMID: 38745765 PMCID: PMC11090689 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2024.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are the most recently discovered class of innate immune cells found to have prominent roles in various human immune-related pathologies such as infection and autoimmune diseases. However, their role in cancer was largely unclear until recently, where several emerging studies over the past few years unanimously demonstrate ILCs to be critical players in tumour immunity. Being the innate counterpart of T cells, ILCs are potent cytokine producers through which they orchestrate the overall immune response upstream of adaptive immunity thereby modulating T cell function. Out of the major ILC subsets, ILC1s have gained significant traction as potential immunotherapeutic candidates due to their central involvement with the anti-tumour type 1 immune response. ILC1s are potent producers of the well-established anti-tumour cytokine interferon γ (IFNγ), and exert direct cytotoxicity against cancer cells in response to the cytokine interleukin-15 (IL-15). However, in advanced diseases, ILC1s are found to demonstrate an exhausted phenotype in the tumour microenvironment (TME) with impaired effector functions, characterised by decreased responsiveness to cytokines and reduced IFNγ production. Tumour cells produce immunomodulatory cytokines such as transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) and IL-23, and through these suppress ILC1 anti-tumour actfivities and converts ILC1s to pro-tumoural ILC3s respectively, resulting in disease progression. This review provides a comprehensive overview of ILC1s in tumour immunity, and discusses the exciting prospects of harnessing ILC1s for cancer immunotherapy, either alone or in combination with cytokine-based treatment. The exciting prospects of targeting the upstream innate immune system through ILC1s may surmount the limitations associated with adaptive immune T cell-based strategies used in the clinic currently, and overcome cancer immunotherapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Raghavskandhan Ramachandran
- Medical Sciences Division, Oxford University Hospitals, OX3 9DU Oxford, United Kingdom
- Balliol College, University of Oxford, OX1 3BJ Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Manini Bharadwaj
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, SL2 4HL Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Natasha Chaudhury
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, SL2 4HL Slough, United Kingdom
| | - Eric Jou
- Medical Sciences Division, Oxford University Hospitals, OX3 9DU Oxford, United Kingdom
- Wexham Park Hospital, Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust, SL2 4HL Slough, United Kingdom
- Kellogg College, University of Oxford, OX2 6PN Oxford, United Kingdom
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Hu S, Meng K, Wang T, Qu R, Wang B, Xi Y, Yu T, Yuan Z, Cai Z, Tian Y, Zeng C, Wang X, Zou W, Fu X, Li L. Lung cancer cell-intrinsic IL-15 promotes cell migration and sensitizes murine lung tumors to anti-PD-L1 therapy. Biomark Res 2024; 12:40. [PMID: 38637902 PMCID: PMC11027539 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00586-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND IL-15 plays a vital role in enhancing NK cell- and T-cell-mediated antitumor immune responses; however, the direct effect of IL-15 on tumor cells has not been fully elucidated. Herein, we investigated the effect of IL-15 on lung adenocarcinoma cells. METHODS Silencing and overexpression techniques were used to modify endogenous IL-15 expression in tumor cells. Transwell assays were used to assess tumor cell migration and invasion; a live-cell analysis system was used to evaluate cell motility; cellular morphological changes were quantified by confocal fluorescence microscopy; the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of IL-15 on tumor cells were analyzed by western blotting; and RhoA and Cdc42 activities were evaluated by a pulldown assay. NCG and C57BL/6 mouse models were used to evaluate the functions of IL-15 in vivo. RESULTS Cancer cell-intrinsic IL-15 promoted cell motility and migration in vitro and metastasis in vivo via activation of the AKT-mTORC1 pathway; however, exogenous IL-15 inhibited cell motility and migration via suppression of the RhoA-MLC2 axis. Mechanistic analysis revealed that both the intracellular and extracellular IL-15-mediated effects required the expression of IL-15Rα by tumor cells. Detailed analyses revealed that the IL-2/IL-15Rβ and IL-2Rγ chains were undetected in the complex formed by intracellular IL-15 and IL-15Rα. However, when exogenous IL-15 engaged tumor cells, a complex containing the IL-15Rα, IL-2/IL-15Rβ, and IL-2Rγ chains was formed, indicating that the differential actions of intracellular and extracellular IL-15 on tumor cells might be caused by their distinctive modes of IL-15 receptor engagement. Using a Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) metastasis model, we showed that although IL-15 overexpression facilitated the lung metastasis of LLC cells, IL-15-overexpressing LLC tumors were more sensitive to anti-PD-L1 therapy than were IL-15-wild-type LLC tumors via an enhanced antitumor immune response, as evidenced by their increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration compared to that of their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS Cancer cell-intrinsic IL-15 and exogenous IL-15 differentially regulate cell motility and migration. Thus, cancer cell-intrinsic IL-15 acts as a double-edged sword in tumor progression. Additionally, high levels of IL-15 expressed by tumor cells might improve the responsiveness of tumors to immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojie Hu
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Kelin Meng
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Tianlai Wang
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Rirong Qu
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Boyu Wang
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Xi
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Taiyan Yu
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zhiwei Yuan
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Zihao Cai
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yitao Tian
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Chenxi Zeng
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xue Wang
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenbin Zou
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiangning Fu
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Lequn Li
- Thoracic Surgery Laboratory, Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 1095 Jie Fang Avenue, 430030, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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Hardtke-Wolenski M, Landwehr-Kenzel S. Tipping the balance in autoimmunity: are regulatory t cells the cause, the cure, or both? Mol Cell Pediatr 2024; 11:3. [PMID: 38507159 PMCID: PMC10954601 DOI: 10.1186/s40348-024-00176-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are a specialized subgroup of T-cell lymphocytes that is crucial for maintaining immune homeostasis and preventing excessive immune responses. Depending on their differentiation route, Tregs can be subdivided into thymically derived Tregs (tTregs) and peripherally induced Tregs (pTregs), which originate from conventional T cells after extrathymic differentiation at peripheral sites. Although the regulatory attributes of tTregs and pTregs partially overlap, their modes of action, protein expression profiles, and functional stability exhibit specific characteristics unique to each subset. Over the last few years, our knowledge of Treg differentiation, maturation, plasticity, and correlations between their phenotypes and functions has increased. Genetic and functional studies in patients with numeric and functional Treg deficiencies have contributed to our mechanistic understanding of immune dysregulation and autoimmune pathologies. This review provides an overview of our current knowledge of Treg biology, discusses monogenetic Treg pathologies and explores the role of Tregs in various other autoimmune disorders. Additionally, we discuss novel approaches that explore Tregs as targets or agents of innovative treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Hardtke-Wolenski
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Gastroenterology Hepatology, Infectious Diseases and Endocrinology, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany
- University Hospital Essen, Institute of Medical Microbiology, University Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstraße 55, Essen, 45122, Germany
| | - Sybille Landwehr-Kenzel
- Hannover Medical School, Department of Pediatric Pneumology, Allergology and Neonatology, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
- Hannover Medical School, Institute of Transfusion Medicine and Transplant Engineering, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, Hannover, 30625, Germany.
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Stenger TD, Miller JS. Therapeutic approaches to enhance natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1356666. [PMID: 38545115 PMCID: PMC10966407 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1356666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancing the cytotoxicity of natural killer (NK) cells has emerged as a promising strategy in cancer immunotherapy, due to their pivotal role in immune surveillance and tumor clearance. This literature review provides a comprehensive overview of therapeutic approaches designed to augment NK cell cytotoxicity. We analyze a wide range of strategies, including cytokine-based treatment, monoclonal antibodies, and NK cell engagers, and discuss criteria that must be considered when selecting an NK cell product to combine with these strategies. Furthermore, we discuss the challenges and limitations associated with each therapeutic strategy, as well as the potential for combination therapies to maximize NK cell cytotoxicity while minimizing adverse effects. By exploring the wealth of research on this topic, this literature review aims to provide a comprehensive resource for researchers and clinicians seeking to develop and implement novel therapeutic strategies that harness the full potential of NK cells in the fight against cancer. Enhancing NK cell cytotoxicity holds great promise in the evolving landscape of immunotherapy, and this review serves as a roadmap for understanding the current state of the field and the future directions in NK cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Terran D. Stenger
- Division of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, Department of Medicine, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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Leidner R, Conlon K, McNeel DG, Wang-Gillam A, Gupta S, Wesolowski R, Chaudhari M, Hassounah N, Lee JB, Ho Lee L, O'Keeffe JA, Lewis N, Pavlakis GN, Thompson JA. First-in-human phase I/Ib study of NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimer of IL-15 and IL-15Rα, as a single agent and in combination with spartalizumab in patients with advanced and metastatic solid tumors. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007725. [PMID: 37907221 PMCID: PMC10619015 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Preclinically, interleukin-15 (IL-15) monotherapy promotes antitumor immune responses, which are enhanced when IL-15 is used in combination with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This first-in-human study investigated NIZ985, a recombinant heterodimer comprising physiologically active IL-15 and IL-15 receptor α, as monotherapy and in combination with spartalizumab, an anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) monoclonal antibody, in patients with advanced solid tumors. METHODS This phase I/Ib study had two dose-escalation arms: single-agent NIZ985 administered subcutaneously thrice weekly (TIW, 2 weeks on/2 weeks off) or once weekly (QW, 3 weeks on/1 week off), and NIZ985 TIW or QW administered subcutaneously plus spartalizumab (400 mg intravenously every 4 weeks (Q4W)). The dose-expansion phase investigated NIZ985 1 µg/kg TIW/spartalizumab 400 mg Q4W in patients with anti-PD-1-sensitive or anti-PD-1-resistant tumor types stratified according to approved indications. The primary objectives were the safety, tolerability, and the maximum tolerated doses (MTDs) and/or recommended dose for expansion (RDE) of NIZ985 for the dose-expansion phase. RESULTS As of February 17, 2020, 83 patients (median age: 63 years; range: 28-85) were treated in dose escalation (N=47; single-agent NIZ985: n=27; NIZ985/spartalizumab n=20) and dose expansion (N=36). No dose-limiting toxicities occurred nor was the MTD identified. The most common treatment-related adverse event (TRAE) was injection site reaction (primarily grades 1-2; single-agent NIZ985: 85% (23/27)); NIZ985/spartalizumab: 89% [50/56]). The most common grade 3-4 TRAE was decreased lymphocyte count (single-agent NIZ985: 7% [2/27]; NIZ985/spartalizumab: 5% [3/56]). The best overall response was stable disease in the single-agent arm (30% (8/27)) and partial response in the NIZ985/spartalizumab arm (5% [3/56]; melanoma, pancreatic cancer, gastric cancer). In dose expansion, the disease control rate was 45% (5/11) in the anti-PD-1-sensitive and 20% (5/25) in the anti-PD-1-resistant tumor type cohorts. Pharmacokinetic parameters were similar across arms. The transient increase in CD8+ T cell and natural killer cell proliferation and induction of several cytokines occurred in response to the single-agent and combination treatments. CONCLUSIONS NIZ985 was well tolerated in the single-agent and NIZ985/spartalizumab regimens. The RDE was established at 1 µg/kg TIW. Antitumor activity of the combination was observed against tumor types known to have a poor response to ICIs. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02452268.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rom Leidner
- EACRI, Providence Cancer Institute, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Kevin Conlon
- National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Douglas G McNeel
- Department of Medicine, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
| | - Andrea Wang-Gillam
- Division of Oncology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sumati Gupta
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Robert Wesolowski
- Division of Medical Oncology, James Cancer Hospital and the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | - Nadia Hassounah
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jong Bong Lee
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - Lang Ho Lee
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jessica A O'Keeffe
- Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Nancy Lewis
- Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation, East Hanover, New Jersey, USA
| | - George N Pavlakis
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, Maryland, USA
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Lui G, Minnar CM, Soon-Shiong P, Schlom J, Gameiro SR. Exploiting an Interleukin-15 Heterodimeric Agonist (N803) for Effective Immunotherapy of Solid Malignancies. Cells 2023; 12:1611. [PMID: 37371081 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying effective immunotherapies for solid tumors remains challenging despite the significant clinical responses observed in subsets of patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a promising cytokine for the treatment of cancer as it stimulates NK and CD8+ lymphocytes. However, unfavorable pharmacokinetics and safety concerns render recombinant IL-15 (rIL-15) a less attractive modality. These shortcomings were addressed by the clinical development of heterodimeric IL-15 agonists, including N803. In preclinical tumor models, N803 elicited significant Th1 immune activation and tumor suppressive effects, primarily mediated by NK and CD8+ T lymphocytes. In addition, multiple clinical studies have demonstrated N803 to be safe for the treatment of cancer patients. The combination of N803 with the immune checkpoint inhibitor nivolumab demonstrated encouraging clinical responses in nivolumab-naïve and nivolumab-refractory patients with non-small cell lung cancer. In a recent Phase II/III clinical study, most Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-refractory bladder cancer patients treated with N803 plus BCG experienced durable complete responses. Currently, N803 is being evaluated preclinically and clinically in combination with various agents, including chemotherapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, vaccines, and other immuno-oncology agents. This report will review the mechanism(s) of action of N803 and how it relates to the preclinical and clinical studies of N803.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Lui
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Christine M Minnar
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | | | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Sofia R Gameiro
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Dickerson LK, Carter JA, Kohli K, Pillarisetty VG. Emerging interleukin targets in the tumour microenvironment: implications for the treatment of gastrointestinal tumours. Gut 2023:gutjnl-2023-329650. [PMID: 37258094 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-329650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
The effectiveness of antitumour immunity is dependent on intricate cytokine networks. Interleukins (ILs) are important mediators of complex interactions within the tumour microenvironment, including regulation of tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte proliferation, differentiation, migration and activation. Our evolving and increasingly nuanced understanding of the cell type-specific and heterogeneous effects of IL signalling has presented unique opportunities to fine-tune elaborate IL networks and engineer new targeted immunotherapeutics. In this review, we provide a primer for clinicians on the challenges and potential of IL-based treatment. We specifically detail the roles of IL-2, IL-10, IL-12 and IL-15 in shaping the tumour-immune landscape of gastrointestinal malignancies, paying particular attention to promising preclinical findings, early-stage clinical research and innovative therapeutic approaches that may properly place ILs to the forefront of immunotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason A Carter
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Karan Kohli
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Flatiron Bio, Palo Alto, California, USA
| | - Venu G Pillarisetty
- Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Tang J, Yang L, Guan F, Miller H, Camara NOS, James LK, Benlagha K, Kubo M, Heegaard S, Lee P, Lei J, Zeng H, He C, Zhai Z, Liu C. The role of Raptor in lymphocytes differentiation and function. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1146628. [PMID: 37283744 PMCID: PMC10239924 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1146628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Raptor, a key component of mTORC1, is required for recruiting substrates to mTORC1 and contributing to its subcellular localization. Raptor has a highly conserved N-terminus domain and seven WD40 repeats, which interact with mTOR and other mTORC1-related proteins. mTORC1 participates in various cellular events and mediates differentiation and metabolism. Directly or indirectly, many factors mediate the differentiation and function of lymphocytes that is essential for immunity. In this review, we summarize the role of Raptor in lymphocytes differentiation and function, whereby Raptor mediates the secretion of cytokines to induce early lymphocyte metabolism, development, proliferation and migration. Additionally, Raptor regulates the function of lymphocytes by regulating their steady-state maintenance and activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianing Tang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lu Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Fei Guan
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Heather Miller
- Cytek Biosciences, R&D Clinical Reagents, Fremont, CA, United States
| | - Niels Olsen Saraiva Camara
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Louisa K. James
- Centre for Immunobiology, Bizard Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Kamel Benlagha
- Université de Paris, Institut de Recherche Saint-Louis, EMiLy, Paris, France
| | - Masato Kubo
- Laboratory for Cytokine Regulation, Center for Integrative Medical Science (IMS), Rikagaku Kenkyusho, Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) Yokohama Institute, Yokohama, Japan
| | - Steffen Heegaard
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rigshospitalet Glostrup, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pamela Lee
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiahui Lei
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hu Zeng
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - Chengwei He
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zhimin Zhai
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chaohong Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College and State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Zoonostic Infectious Disease, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Cai M, Huang X, Huang X, Ju D, Zhu YZ, Ye L. Research progress of interleukin-15 in cancer immunotherapy. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1184703. [PMID: 37251333 PMCID: PMC10213988 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1184703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine that belongs to the interleukin-2 (IL-2) family and is essential for the development, proliferation, and activation of immune cells, including natural killer (NK) cells, T cells and B cells. Recent studies have revealed that interleukin-15 also plays a critical role in cancer immunotherapy. Interleukin-15 agonist molecules have shown that interleukin-15 agonists are effective in inhibiting tumor growth and preventing metastasis, and some are undergoing clinical trials. In this review, we will summarize the recent progress in interleukin-15 research over the past 5 years, highlighting its potential applications in cancer immunotherapy and the progress of interleukin-15 agonist development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Cai
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xuan Huang
- Minhang Hospital and Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiting Huang
- Minhang Hospital and Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dianwen Ju
- Minhang Hospital and Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhun Zhu
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Li Ye
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macau, Macau SAR, China
- Minhang Hospital and Department of Biological Medicines at School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Immunotherapeutics, School of Pharmacy, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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11
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Ma S, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Harnessing IL-15 signaling to potentiate NK cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:833-847. [PMID: 36058806 PMCID: PMC9612852 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, a crucial component of the innate immune system, have long been of clinical interest for their antitumor properties. Almost every aspect of NK cell immunity is regulated by interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine in the common γ-chain family. Several current clinical trials are using IL-15 or its analogs to treat various cancers. Moreover, NK cells are being genetically modified to produce membrane-bound or secretory IL-15. Here, we discuss the key role of IL-15 signaling in NK cell immunity and provide an up-to-date overview of IL-15 in NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA.
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA; Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, CA 91010, USA.
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12
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Wu F, Wang Z, Yang G, Jian J, Lu Y. Molecular characterization and expression analysis of interleukin-15 (IL-15) genes in orange-spotted grouper (Epinephelus coioides) in response to Vibrio harveyi challenge. FISH & SHELLFISH IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 128:327-334. [PMID: 35940540 DOI: 10.1016/j.fsi.2022.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As a member of the γc family, interleukin 15 plays an important function in the immune response. In this study, we cloned an IL15 from Epinephelus coioides (named Ec-IL15). The open reading frame of Ec-IL15 is 528 bp, encoding 175 amino acids. Sequence alignment analysis showed that EcIL-15 has a conserved Pfam: IL15 domain and four cysteine residues. Subcellular localization studies have shown that Ec-IL15 is distributed in whole cells. In healthy groupers, Ec-IL15 was expressed in all 11 tissues tested and the highest in liver. After ConA, PHA, LPS and poly I:C stimulation, Ec-IL15 expression of HKLs was significantly upregulated. After V. harveyi infection, the expression of Ec-IL15 in 9 tissues was significantly upregulated and peaked within 48 h. In addition, recombinant Ec-IL15 protein can not only stimulate HKLs proliferation and cytokine expression, but also has the potential as an immune enhancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Wu
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen, 51820, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquaic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang, 524025, China
| | - Zhiwen Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen, 51820, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquaic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang, 524025, China
| | - Guanjian Yang
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen, 51820, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquaic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang, 524025, China
| | - Jichang Jian
- College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquaic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang, 524025, China
| | - Yishan Lu
- Shenzhen Institute of Guangdong Ocean University, Shenzhen, 518120, China; Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center for Aquatic Animal Health Assessment, Shenzhen, 51820, China; College of Fishery, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, 524025, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Aquaic Animal Disease Control and Healthy Culture, Zhanjiang, 524025, China.
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13
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Kim D, Park JH, Kim TY, Kim DG, Byun JH, Kim HS. Enhanced half-life and antitumor activity of Interleukin-15 through genetic fusion of a serum albumin-specific protein binder. Int J Pharm 2022; 625:122059. [PMID: 35905933 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.122059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Human interleukin-15 (hIL-15) has attracted a considerable attention as a promising cancer immunotherapeutic due to its function to directly stimulate the proliferation and cytotoxic activity of NK and T cells. Nevertheless, a relatively short half-life of hIL-15 requires repeated administration and higher doses, causing serious side effects. Here, we demonstrate an enhanced blood half-life and biological activity of hIL-15 through genetic fusion of a human serum albumin-specific protein binder (rHSA). The fusion construct (rHSA-IL15) was observed to maintain respective binding activities for both hIL-15 receptor α and human serum albumin. The rHSA-IL15 led to a significant increase in the secretion of Granzyme B and INF-γ by immune cells compare to free hIL-15, expanding the population of activated T cell subset such as CD4 + T and CD8+ T cells. The terminal half-life of the rHSA-IL15 was prolonged by around a 40-fold in transgenic mice expressing human serum albumin, compared to free hIL-15. The rHSA-IL15 resulted in distinct anti-tumor activities in xenograft SCC (squamous cell carcinoma) mouse and allograft melanoma mouse models through activation of NK and CD8+ T cells. The rHSA-IL15 is expected to be used in cancer immunotherapy, assisting in the development of other cytokines as immunotherapeutic agents with greater efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dasom Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - Jin-Ho Park
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea
| | - Tae-Yoon Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea; Present address: Beckmann Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA, USA
| | - Dong-Gun Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea
| | - June-Ho Byun
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Gyeongsang National University School of Medicine and Gyeongsang National University Hospital, Jinju 52727, Korea; Department of Convergence Medical Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52727, Korea.
| | - Hak-Sung Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon 34141, Korea.
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14
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Interleukin 15 in Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137311. [PMID: 35806311 PMCID: PMC9266896 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-based cancer immunotherapy, such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered T and natural killer (NK) cell therapies, has become a revolutionary new pillar in cancer treatment. Interleukin 15 (IL-15), a potent immunostimulatory cytokine that potentiates T and NK cell immune responses, has demonstrated the reliability and potency to potentially improve the therapeutic efficacy of current cell therapy. Structurally similar to interleukin 2 (IL-2), IL-15 supports the persistence of CD8+ memory T cells while inhibiting IL-2-induced T cell death that better maintains long-term anti-tumor immunity. In this review, we describe the biology of IL-15, studies on administrating IL-15 and/or its derivatives as immunotherapeutic agents, and IL-15-armored immune cells in adoptive cell therapy. We also discuss the advantages and challenges of incorporating IL-15 in cell-based immunotherapy and provide directions for future investigation.
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15
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Meghnem D, Maillasson M, Barbieux I, Morisseau S, Keita D, Jacques Y, Quéméner A, Mortier E. Selective Targeting of IL-15Rα Is Sufficient to Reduce Inflammation. Front Immunol 2022; 13:886213. [PMID: 35592318 PMCID: PMC9110858 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.886213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are crucial molecules for maintaining the proper functioning of the immune system. Nevertheless, a dysregulation of cytokine expression could be involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases. Interleukin (IL)-15 is a key factor for natural killer cells (NK) and CD8 T cells homeostasis, necessary to fight cancer and infections but could also be considered as a pro-inflammatory cytokine involved in autoimmune inflammatory disease, including rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, along with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-6, and IL-1β. The molecular mechanisms by which IL-15 exerts its inflammatory function in these diseases are still unclear. In this study, we generated an IL-15-derived molecule called NANTIL-15 (New ANTagonist of IL-15), designed to selectively inhibit the action of IL-15 through the high-affinity trimeric IL-15Rα/IL-2Rβ/γc receptor while leaving IL-15 signaling through the dimeric IL-2Rβ/γc receptor unaffected. Administrating of NANTIL-15 in healthy mice did not affect the IL-15-dependent cell populations such as NK and CD8 T cells. In contrast, we found that NANTIL-15 efficiently reduced signs of inflammation in a collagen-induced arthritis model. These observations demonstrate that the inflammatory properties of IL-15 are linked to its action through the trimeric IL-15Rα/IL-2Rβ/γc receptor, highlighting the interest of selectively targeting this receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dihia Meghnem
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Mike Maillasson
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.,Nantes University, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, SFR Bonamy, UMS BioCore, IMPACT Platform, Nantes, France
| | - Isabelle Barbieux
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Sébastien Morisseau
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.,Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU), Nantes Hospital, Nantes, France
| | - Dalloba Keita
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Yannick Jacques
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Agnès Quéméner
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France
| | - Erwan Mortier
- Nantes University, CNRS, Inserm, CRCI2NA, Nantes, France.,LabEX IGO, Immuno-Onco-Greffe, Nantes, France.,Nantes University, Centre Hospitalo-Universitaire (CHU) Nantes, Inserm, CNRS, SFR Bonamy, UMS BioCore, IMPACT Platform, Nantes, France
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16
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Liu K, Cui JJ, Zhan Y, Ouyang QY, Lu QS, Yang DH, Li XP, Yin JY. Reprogramming the tumor microenvironment by genome editing for precision cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:98. [PMID: 35410257 PMCID: PMC8996591 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential for immune escape by tumor cells. It plays essential roles in tumor development and metastasis. The clinical outcomes of tumors are often closely related to individual differences in the patient TME. Therefore, reprogramming TME cells and their intercellular communication is an attractive and promising strategy for cancer therapy. TME cells consist of immune and nonimmune cells. These cells need to be manipulated precisely and safely to improve cancer therapy. Furthermore, it is encouraging that this field has rapidly developed in recent years with the advent and development of gene editing technologies. In this review, we briefly introduce gene editing technologies and systematically summarize their applications in the TME for precision cancer therapy, including the reprogramming of TME cells and their intercellular communication. TME cell reprogramming can regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, and function. Moreover, reprogramming the intercellular communication of TME cells can optimize immune infiltration and the specific recognition of tumor cells by immune cells. Thus, gene editing will pave the way for further breakthroughs in precision cancer therapy.
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17
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Holder PG, Lim SA, Huang CS, Sharma P, Dagdas YS, Bulutoglu B, Sockolosky JT. Engineering interferons and interleukins for cancer immunotherapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 182:114112. [PMID: 35085624 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Cytokines are a class of potent immunoregulatory proteins that are secreted in response to various stimuli and act locally to regulate many aspects of human physiology and disease. Cytokines play important roles in cancer initiation, progression, and elimination, and thus, there is a long clinical history associated with the use of recombinant cytokines to treat cancer. However, the use of cytokines as therapeutics has been limited by cytokine pleiotropy, complex biology, poor drug-like properties, and severe dose-limiting toxicities. Nevertheless, cytokines are crucial mediators of innate and adaptive antitumor immunity and have the potential to enhance immunotherapeutic approaches to treat cancer. Development of immune checkpoint inhibitors and combination immunotherapies has reinvigorated interest in cytokines as therapeutics, and a variety of engineering approaches are emerging to improve the safety and effectiveness of cytokine immunotherapy. In this review we highlight recent advances in cytokine biology and engineering for cancer immunotherapy.
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18
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He Y, Bo Q, Mao Z, Yang J, Liu M, Wang H, Kastin AJ, Pan W, Wang C, Sun Z. Reduced Serum Levels of Soluble Interleukin-15 Receptor α in Schizophrenia and Its Relationship to the Excited Phenotype. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:842003. [PMID: 35356722 PMCID: PMC8959406 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.842003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Our previous studies documented that interleukin-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα) knockout (KO) mice exhibited hyperactivity, memory impairment, and desperate behavior, which are core features of schizophrenia and depression. Due to the overlapping symptomology and pathogenesis observed for schizophrenia and depression, the present study attempted to determine whether IL-15Rα was associated with the risk of schizophrenia or depression. One hundred fifty-six participants, including 63 schizophrenia patients, 29 depressive patients, and 64 age-matched healthy controls, were enrolled in the study. We investigated the circulating levels of soluble IL-15Rα and analyzed potential links between the IL-15Rα levels and clinical symptoms present in schizophrenia or depressive patients. We observed reduced serum IL-15Rα levels in schizophrenia patients, but not depressive patients compared with controls. Moreover, a significant negative association was observed between the circulating IL-15Rα levels and excited phenotypes in the schizophrenia patients. The IL-15Rα KO mice displayed pronounced pre-pulse inhibition impairment, which was a typical symptom of schizophrenia. Interestingly, the IL-15Rα KO mice exhibited a remarkable elevation in the startle amplitude in the startle reflex test compared to wild type mice. These results demonstrated that serum levels of soluble IL-15Rα were reduced in schizophrenia and highlighted the relationship of IL-15Rα and the excited phenotype in schizophrenia patients and mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi He
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Qijing Bo
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Mao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Haixia Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Abba J Kastin
- Pennington Biomedical Research Center, Baton Rouge, LA, United States
| | - Weihong Pan
- BioPotentials Consult, Sedona, AZ, United States
| | - Chuanyue Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zuoli Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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19
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Waśkiel-Burnat A, Osińska M, Salińska A, Blicharz L, Goldust M, Olszewska M, Rudnicka L. The Role of Serum Th1, Th2, and Th17 Cytokines in Patients with Alopecia Areata: Clinical Implications. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123397. [PMID: 34943905 PMCID: PMC8699846 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alopecia areata is a type of non-scarring hair loss. The dysregulation of numerous systemic Th1 (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF, IL-12, and IL-18), Th2 (IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-9, IL-10, IL-13, IL-17E, IL-31 and IL-33) and Th17 (IL-17, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23 and TGF-β) cytokines was observed in patients with alopecia areata. Positive correlations between the severity of alopecia areata and an increased serum level of various cytokines including IL-2, TNF, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-17E were reported in the literature. An increased serum level of numerous cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-6, TNF, IL-12, IL-17E, and IL-22, was described as positively correlated with the duration of the disease. Moreover, it was shown that increased pre-treatment serum level of IL-12 was a positive, while increased serum levels of IL-4 and IL-13 were negative prognostic markers for the efficacy of diphenylcyclopropenone. In conclusion, alopecia areata is associated with the dysregulation of systemic Th1, Th2 and Th17 cytokines with their role in the pathogenesis, clinical manifestations and prognosis of the disease. Available data indicate the most significant role of serum IL-2, TNF, IL-12, IL-17, and IL-17E as markers of disease activity. The serum levels IL-4, IL-12 and IL-13 may be useful as potential predictors of diphenylcyclopropenone efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Waśkiel-Burnat
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.-B.); (M.O.); (A.S.); (L.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Marta Osińska
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.-B.); (M.O.); (A.S.); (L.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Anna Salińska
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.-B.); (M.O.); (A.S.); (L.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Leszek Blicharz
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.-B.); (M.O.); (A.S.); (L.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Mohamad Goldust
- Department of Dermatology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, 55122 Mainz, Germany;
| | - Małgorzata Olszewska
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.-B.); (M.O.); (A.S.); (L.B.); (M.O.)
| | - Lidia Rudnicka
- Department of Dermatology, Medical University of Warsaw, Koszykowa 82A, 02-008 Warsaw, Poland; (A.W.-B.); (M.O.); (A.S.); (L.B.); (M.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-22-502-13-24; Fax: +48-22-824-22-00
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20
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Mandó P, Rivero SG, Rizzo MM, Pinkasz M, Levy EM. Targeting ADCC: A different approach to HER2 breast cancer in the immunotherapy era. Breast 2021; 60:15-25. [PMID: 34454323 PMCID: PMC8399304 DOI: 10.1016/j.breast.2021.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The clinical outcome of patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) amplified breast carcinoma (BC) has improved with the development of anti-HER2 targeted therapies. However, patients can experience disease recurrence after curative intent and disease progression in the metastatic setting. In the current era of evolving immunotherapy agents, the understanding of the immune response against HER2 tumor cells developed by anti-HER2 antibodies (Abs) is rapidly evolving. Trastuzumab therapy promotes Natural Killer (NK) cell activation in patients with BC overexpressing HER2, indicating that the efficacy of short-term trastuzumab monotherapy, albeit direct inhibition of HER, could also be related with antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Currently, dual HER2 blockade using trastuzumab and pertuzumab is the standard of care in early and advanced disease as this combination could confer an additive effect in ADCC. In patients with disease relapse or progression, ADCC may be hampered by several factors such as FcγRIIIa polymorphism and an immunosuppressive environment, among others. Hence, new drug development strategies are being investigated aiming to boost the ADCC response triggered by anti-HER2 therapy. In this review, we summarize these strategies and the rationale, through mAbs engineering and combinatorial strategies, focusing on clinical results and ongoing trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Mandó
- Fundación Cáncer, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina; Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas "Norberto Quirno" (CEMIC), Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Sergio G Rivero
- Instituto Alexander Fleming, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Manglio M Rizzo
- Cancer Immunobiology, Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional, Facultad de Ciencias Biomédicas, CONICET, Universidad Austral, Derqui-Pilar, Argentina; Department of Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario Austral, Derqui-Pilar, Argentina
| | - Marina Pinkasz
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Fundación Cáncer, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Estrella M Levy
- Centro de Investigaciones Oncológicas, Fundación Cáncer, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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21
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Rowaiye AB, Asala T, Oli AN, Uzochukwu IC, Akpa A, Esimone CO. The Activating Receptors of Natural Killer Cells and Their Inter-Switching Potentials. Curr Drug Targets 2021; 21:1733-1751. [PMID: 32914713 DOI: 10.2174/1389450121666200910160929] [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: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The global incidence of cancer is on the increase and researchers are prospecting for specific and non-selective therapies derived from the immune system. The killer activating receptors of NK cells are known to be involved in immunosurveillance against tumor and virally-infected cells. These receptors belong to two main categories, namely the immunoglobulin like and C-lectin like families. Though they have different signal pathways, all the killer activating receptors have similar effector functions which include direct cytotoxicity and the release of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. To transduce signals that exceed the activation threshold for cytotoxicity, most of these receptors require synergistic effort. This review profiles 21 receptors: 13 immunoglobulin-like, 5 lectin-like, and 3 others. It critically explores their structural uniqueness, role in disease, respective transduction signal pathways and their status as current and prospective targets for cancer immunotherapy. While the native ligands of most of these receptors are known, much work is required to prospect for specific antibodies, peptides and multi-target small molecules with high binding affinities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Titilayo Asala
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Angus Nnamdi Oli
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra state, Nigeria
| | - Ikemefuna Chijioke Uzochukwu
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra state, Nigeria
| | - Alex Akpa
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, National Biotechnology Development Agency, Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Charles Okechukwu Esimone
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Agulu, Anambra state, Nigeria
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22
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Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are key effectors of the innate immune system which represent the first line of defense against viral infections. NK cell activation depends on the engagement of a complex receptor repertoire expressed on their surface, consisting of both activating and inhibitory receptors. Among the known NK cell receptors, the family of killer Ig-like receptors (KIRs) consists in activating/inhibitory receptors that interact with specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules expressed on target cells. In particular, the expression of peculiar KIRs have been reported to be associated to viral infection susceptibility. Interestingly, a significant association between the development and onset of different human pathologies, such as tumors, neurodegeneration and infertility, and a clonal KIRs expression on NK cells has been described in presence of viral infections, supporting the crucial role of KIRs in defining the effect of viral infections in different tissues and organs. This review aims to report the state of art about the role of KIRs receptors in NK cell activation and viral infection control.
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Robinson TO, Hegde SM, Chang AJ, Gangadharan A, Rivas S, Madakamutil L, Zalevsky J, Miyazaki T, Schluns KS. NKTR-255, a polymer-conjugated IL-15 with unique mechanisms of action on T and natural killer cells. J Clin Invest 2021; 131:e144365. [PMID: 34375310 DOI: 10.1172/jci144365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NKTR-255 is a novel polyethylene glycol (PEG)-conjugate of recombinant human IL-15 (rhIL-15) being examined as a potential cancer immunotherapeutic. Since IL-15 responses can be mediated by trans- or cis-presentation via IL-15Rα or soluble IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes, we investigated the role of IL-15Rα in driving NKTR-255 responses using defined naïve and memory ovalbumin-specific CD8 T cells (OT-I) CD8 T and NK cells in mice. NKTR-255 induced a 2.5 and 2.0-fold expansion of CD8 T and NK cells, respectively in WT mice. In adoptive transfer studies, proliferation of naïve and memory Wt OT-I T cells in response to NKTR-255 was not impaired in IL-15Rα-/- mice, suggesting trans-presentation was not utilized by NKTR-255. Interestingly, naïve IL-15Rα-/- OT-I cells had deficient responses to NKTR-255 while memory IL-15Rα-/- OT-I cell responses were partially impaired, suggesting that naive CD8 T cells are more dependent on cis-presentation of NKTR-255 than memory CD8 T cells. In bone marrow chimeras studies, IL-15Rα-/- and WT NK cells present in WT recipients had similar responses to NKTR-255, suggesting that cis-presentation is not utilized by NK cells. NKTR-255 could form soluble complexes with IL-15Rα; binding to murine IL-15Rα generated superagonists that preferentially stimulated NK cells showing that conversion to IL-15Rβ agonist biases the response towards NK cells. These findings highlight the ability of NKTR-255 to utilize IL-15Rα for cis-presentation and act as an IL-15Rαβ agonist on CD8 T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanya O Robinson
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Shweta M Hegde
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Allison J Chang
- Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Rice University, Houston, United States of America
| | - Achintyan Gangadharan
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Sarai Rivas
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
| | - Loui Madakamutil
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Jonathan Zalevsky
- Research and Development, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Takahiro Miyazaki
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, United States of America
| | - Kimberly S Schluns
- Department of Immunology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, United States of America
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24
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Zhang XY, Cui ZW, Zhou YY, Chen DD, Zhang YA. Neutrophil functions can be regulated by IL-35, which is mainly expressed in IL-15Rα + cells in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella). DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 121:104103. [PMID: 33857470 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2021.104103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
IL-35 plays a key role in regulatory T (Treg) and regulatory B (Breg) cell functions in mammals. CD25 has been demonstrated as one of the markers of Treg cells, and CD19+CD25hiCD71hi cells have been verified as a type of Breg cells in humans. These results indicate that there is a close relationship between IL-35 and CD25+ cells. In mammals, CD25 (alias IL-2Rα) has been identified as having high affinity and specificity for IL-2 binding, and is closely linked and structurally related to IL-15Rα, which having high affinity for IL-15 binding. In teleost, IL-15Rα can bind to both IL-2 and IL-15, with higher affinity to IL-15 than IL-2, and has been termed a CD25-like molecule in some research studies. To date, no studies of IL-35 and IL-15Rα have been documented in fish. In this work, five isoforms of IL-15Rα were cloned from grass carp, and a monoclonal antibody to the protein was developed. The results of flow cytometry and quantitative real-time PCR analyses demonstrated that grass carp IL-35 subunit genes EBI3a and IL-12p35 were mainly expressed in IL-15Rα+ cells, while the expression levels of IL-10 and TGF-β in IL-15Rα+ and IL-15Rα- cells were insignificant. Recombinant grass carp IL-35 (rgcIL-35) could increase the proportion of IL-15Rα+ cells in leukocytes, and a certain proportion of IL-15Rα+ cells also appeared in myeloid cell subset II after stimulation with rgcIL-35. Meanwhile, the migration, phagocytic ability, and bactericidal ability of grass carp neutrophils were significantly decreased after stimulation with certain concentrations of rgcIL-35. Moreover, neutrophil apoptosis could be significantly inhibited by rgcIL-35.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Yang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Zheng-Wei Cui
- Key Laboratory of Marine Biotechnology of Fujian Province, Institute of Oceanology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Zhou
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Dan-Dan Chen
- Institute of Hydrobiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, 430072, China
| | - Yong-An Zhang
- Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, 266071, China; State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Engineering Research Center of Green Development for Conventional Aquatic Biological Industry in the Yangtze River Economic Belt, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, 430070, China.
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25
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Khalil M, Wang D, Hashemi E, Terhune SS, Malarkannan S. Implications of a 'Third Signal' in NK Cells. Cells 2021; 10:cells10081955. [PMID: 34440725 PMCID: PMC8393955 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate and adaptive immune systems are evolutionarily divergent. Primary signaling in T and B cells depends on somatically rearranged clonotypic receptors. In contrast, NK cells use germline-encoded non-clonotypic receptors such as NCRs, NKG2D, and Ly49H. Proliferation and effector functions of T and B cells are dictated by unique peptide epitopes presented on MHC or soluble humoral antigens. However, in NK cells, the primary signals are mediated by self or viral proteins. Secondary signaling mediated by various cytokines is involved in metabolic reprogramming, proliferation, terminal maturation, or memory formation in both innate and adaptive lymphocytes. The family of common gamma (γc) cytokine receptors, including IL-2Rα/β/γ, IL-7Rα/γ, IL-15Rα/β/γ, and IL-21Rα/γ are the prime examples of these secondary signals. A distinct set of cytokine receptors mediate a ‘third’ set of signaling. These include IL-12Rβ1/β2, IL-18Rα/β, IL-23R, IL-27R (WSX-1/gp130), IL-35R (IL-12Rβ2/gp130), and IL-39R (IL-23Rα/gp130) that can prime, activate, and mediate effector functions in lymphocytes. The existence of the ‘third’ signal is known in both innate and adaptive lymphocytes. However, the necessity, context, and functional relevance of this ‘third signal’ in NK cells are elusive. Here, we define the current paradigm of the ‘third’ signal in NK cells and enumerate its clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Khalil
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.K.); (D.W.); (E.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Dandan Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.K.); (D.W.); (E.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Elaheh Hashemi
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.K.); (D.W.); (E.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
| | - Scott S. Terhune
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.T.); (S.M.)
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Blood Research Institute, Versiti, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA; (M.K.); (D.W.); (E.H.)
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI 53226, USA
- Correspondence: (S.S.T.); (S.M.)
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26
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Solé P, Santamaria P. Re-Programming Autoreactive T Cells Into T-Regulatory Type 1 Cells for the Treatment of Autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:684240. [PMID: 34335585 PMCID: PMC8320845 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.684240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic delivery of peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) class II-based nanomedicines can re-program cognate autoantigen-experienced CD4+ T cells into disease-suppressing T-regulatory type 1 (TR1)-like cells. In turn, these TR1-like cells trigger the formation of complex regulatory cell networks that can effectively suppress organ-specific autoimmunity without impairing normal immunity. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the transcriptional, phenotypic and functional make up of TR1-like cells as described in the literature. The true identity and direct precursors of these cells remain unclear, in particular whether TR1-like cells comprise a single terminally-differentiated lymphocyte population with distinct transcriptional and epigenetic features, or a collection of phenotypically different subsets sharing key regulatory properties. We propose that detailed transcriptional and epigenetic characterization of homogeneous pools of TR1-like cells will unravel this conundrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Solé
- Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pere Santamaria
- Institut D'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain.,Julia McFarlane Diabetes Research Centre (JMDRC) and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases and Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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27
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Bergin SM, Xiao R, Huang W, Judd CRT, Liu X, Mansour AG, Queen N, Widstrom KJ, Caligiuri MA, Cao L. Environmental activation of a hypothalamic BDNF-adipocyte IL-15 axis regulates adipose-natural killer cells. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 95:477-488. [PMID: 33989745 PMCID: PMC8493653 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Physical and social environments influence immune homeostasis within adipose tissue, yet the mechanisms remain poorly defined. We report that an enriched environment (EE) housing modulates the immune cell population in white adipose tissue of mice including an increase in the abundance of natural killer (NK) cells. EE upregulates the expression of IL-15 and its receptor IL-15Rα specifically within mature adipocytes. Mechanistically, we show that hypothalamic brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) upregulates IL-15 production in adipocytes via sympathetic β-adrenergic signaling. Overexpressing BDNF mediated by recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) vector in the hypothalamus expands adipose NK cells. Conversely, inhibition of hypothalamic BDNF signaling via gene transfer of a dominant negative TrkB receptor suppresses adipose NK cells. In white adipose tissue, overexpression of IL-15 using an adipocyte-specific rAAV vector stimulates adipose NK cells and inhibits the progression of subcutaneous melanoma, whereas local IL-15 knockdown blocks the EE effect. These results suggest that bio-behavioral factors regulate adipose NK cells via a hypothalamic BDNF-sympathoneural-adipocyte IL-15 axis. Targeting this pathway may have therapeutic significance for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen M Bergin
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Run Xiao
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Wei Huang
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - C Ryan T Judd
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Xianglan Liu
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Anthony G Mansour
- Department of Hematological Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, United States
| | - Nicholas Queen
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Kyle J Widstrom
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematological Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 91010, United States.
| | - Lei Cao
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Columbus, OH 43210, United States; Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States.
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28
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Chen C, Meng Z, Ren H, Zhao N, Shang R, He W, Hao J. The molecular mechanisms supporting the homeostasis and activation of dendritic epidermal T cell and its role in promoting wound healing. BURNS & TRAUMA 2021; 9:tkab009. [PMID: 34212060 PMCID: PMC8240510 DOI: 10.1093/burnst/tkab009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The epidermis is the outermost layer of skin and the first barrier against invasion. Dendritic epidermal T cells (DETCs) are a subset of γδ T cells and an important component of the epidermal immune microenvironment. DETCs are involved in skin wound healing, malignancy and autoimmune diseases. DETCs secrete insulin-like growth factor-1 and keratinocyte growth factor for skin homeostasis and re-epithelization and release inflammatory factors to adjust the inflammatory microenvironment of wound healing. Therefore, an understanding of their development, activation and correlative signalling pathways is indispensable for the regulation of DETCs to accelerate wound healing. Our review focuses on the above-mentioned molecular mechanisms to provide a general research framework to regulate and control the function of DETCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University), Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Ziyu Meng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Hormones and Development, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Metabolic Diseases, Tianjin Medical University Chu Hsien-I Memorial Hospital & Tianjin Institute of Endocrinology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300134, China
| | - He Ren
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Ruoyu Shang
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University), Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Weifeng He
- State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns, and Combined Injury, Institute of Burn Research, the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University (the Third Military Medical University), Chongqing Key Laboratory for Disease Proteomics, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Jianlei Hao
- Zhuhai Institute of Translational Medicine, Zhuhai People's Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University, Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, China
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29
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Miyazaki T, Maiti M, Hennessy M, Chang T, Kuo P, Addepalli M, Obalapur P, Sheibani S, Wilczek J, Pena R, Quach P, Cetz J, Moffett A, Tang Y, Kirk P, Huang J, Sheng D, Zhang P, Rubas W, Madakamutil L, Kivimäe S, Zalevsky J. NKTR-255, a novel polymer-conjugated rhIL-15 with potent antitumor efficacy. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:e002024. [PMID: 34001523 PMCID: PMC8130760 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND NKTR-255 is a novel polyethylene glycol-conjugate of recombinant human interleukin-15 (rhIL-15), which was designed to retain all known receptor binding interactions of the IL-15 molecule. We explored the biologic and pharmacologic differences between endogenous IL-15 receptor α (IL-15Rα)-dependent (NKTR-255 and rhIL-15) and IL-15Rα-independent (precomplexed rhIL-15/IL-15Rα) cytokines. METHODS In vitro pharmacological properties of rhIL-15, NKTR-255 and precomplex cytokines (rhIL-15/IL-15Rα and rhIL-15 N72D/IL-15Rα Fc) were investigated in receptor binding, signaling and cell function. In vivo pharmacokinetic (PK) and pharmacodynamic profile of the cytokines were evaluated in normal mice. Finally, immunomodulatory effect and antitumor activity were assessed in a Daudi lymphoma model. RESULTS NKTR-255 and rhIL-15 exhibited similar in vitro properties in receptor affinity, signaling and leukocyte degranulation, which collectively differed from precomplexed cytokines. Notably, NKTR-255 and rhIL-15 stimulated greater granzyme B secretion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells versus precomplexed cytokines. In vivo, NKTR-255 exhibited a PK profile with reduced clearance and a longer half-life relative to rhIL-15 and demonstrated prolonged IL-15R engagement in lymphocytes compared with only transient engagement observed for rhIL-15 and precomplexed rhIL-15 N72D/IL-15Rα Fc. As a consequent, NKTR-255 provided a durable and sustained proliferation and activation of natural killer (NK) and CD8+ T cells. Importantly, NKTR-255 is more effective than the precomplexed cytokine at inducing functionally competent, cytotoxic NK cells in the tumor microenvironment and the properties of NKTR-255 translated into superior antitumor activity in a B-cell lymphoma model versus the precomplexed cytokine. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that the novel immunotherapeutic, NKTR-255, retains the full spectrum of IL-15 biology, but with improved PK properties, over rhIL-15. These findings support the ongoing phase 1 first-in-human trial (NCT04136756) of NKTR-255 in participants with relapsed or refractory hematologic malignancies, potentially advancing rhIL-15-based immunotherapies for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takahiro Miyazaki
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Mekhala Maiti
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Marlene Hennessy
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Thomas Chang
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Peiwen Kuo
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Sara Sheibani
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Joanna Wilczek
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Rhoneil Pena
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Phi Quach
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Janet Cetz
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Andrew Moffett
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Yinyan Tang
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Peter Kirk
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jicai Huang
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Dawei Sheng
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Ping Zhang
- Protein Chemistry, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Werner Rubas
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Loui Madakamutil
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Saul Kivimäe
- Research Biology: Pharmacology, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jonathan Zalevsky
- Research and Development, Nektar Therapeutics, San Francisco, California, USA
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30
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Wang X, Zhao XY. Transcription Factors Associated With IL-15 Cytokine Signaling During NK Cell Development. Front Immunol 2021; 12:610789. [PMID: 33815365 PMCID: PMC8013977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.610789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes primarily involved in innate immunity and possess important functional properties in anti-viral and anti-tumor responses; thus, these cells have broad potential for clinical utilization. NK cells originate from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) through the following two independent and continuous processes: early commitment from HSCs to IL-15-responsive NK cell progenitors (NKPs) and subsequent differentiation into mature NK cells in response to IL-15. IL-15 is the most important cytokine for NK cell development, is produced by both hematopoietic and nonhematopoietic cells, and functions through a distinct delivery process termed transpresentation. Upon being transpresented to NK cells, IL-15 contributes to NK cell development via the activation of several downstream signaling pathways, including the Ras-MEK-MAPK, JAK-STAT5, and PI3K-ATK-mTOR pathways. Nonetheless, the exact role of IL-15 in NK cell development has not been discussed in a consecutive and comprehensive manner. Here, we review current knowledge about the indispensable role of IL-15 in NK cell development and address which cells produce IL-15 to support NK cell development and when IL-15 exerts its function during multiple developmental stages. Specifically, we highlight how IL-15 supports NK cell development by elucidating the distinct transpresentation of IL-15 to NK cells and revealing the downstream target of IL-15 signaling during NK cell development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Wang
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang-Yu Zhao
- Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University Institute of Hematology, Beijing Key Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation, National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Disease, Beijing, China.,Beijing Engineering Laboratory for Cellular Therapy, Beijing, China
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31
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Amarasekara DS, Kim S, Rho J. Regulation of Osteoblast Differentiation by Cytokine Networks. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22062851. [PMID: 33799644 PMCID: PMC7998677 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22062851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoblasts, which are bone-forming cells, play pivotal roles in bone modeling and remodeling. Osteoblast differentiation, also known as osteoblastogenesis, is orchestrated by transcription factors, such as runt-related transcription factor 1/2, osterix, activating transcription factor 4, special AT-rich sequence-binding protein 2 and activator protein-1. Osteoblastogenesis is regulated by a network of cytokines under physiological and pathophysiological conditions. Osteoblastogenic cytokines, such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-11, IL-18, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), cardiotrophin-1 and oncostatin M, promote osteoblastogenesis, whereas anti-osteoblastogenic cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), TNF-β, IL-1α, IL-4, IL-7, IL-12, IL-13, IL-23, IFN-α, IFN-β, leukemia inhibitory factor, cardiotrophin-like cytokine, and ciliary neurotrophic factor, downregulate osteoblastogenesis. Although there are gaps in the body of knowledge regarding the interplay of cytokine networks in osteoblastogenesis, cytokines appear to be potential therapeutic targets in bone-related diseases. Thus, in this study, we review and discuss our osteoblast, osteoblast differentiation, osteoblastogenesis, cytokines, signaling pathway of cytokine networks in osteoblastogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dulshara Sachini Amarasekara
- Department of Zoology and Environment Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Colombo, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka;
| | - Sumi Kim
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
| | - Jaerang Rho
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-42-821-6420; Fax: +82-42-822-7367
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32
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Heterodimeric IL-15 in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040837. [PMID: 33671252 PMCID: PMC7922495 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The rapidly expanding field of cancer immunotherapy uses diverse technologies, including cytokines, T cells, and antibody administration, with the aim to induce effective immune responses leading to tumor control. Interleukin-15 (IL-15), a cytokine discovered in 1994, supports the homeostasis of cytotoxic immune cells and shows promise as an anti-tumor agent. Many studies have elucidated IL-15 synthesis, regulation and biological function and explored its therapeutic efficacy in preclinical cancer models. Escherichia coli-derived single-chain IL-15 was tested in the first in-human trial in cancer patients. Its effects were limited by the biology of IL-15, which in vivo comprises a complex of the IL-15 chain with the IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) chain, together forming the IL-15 heterodimer (hetIL-15). Currently, single-chain IL-15 and several heterodimeric IL-15:IL-15Rα variants (hetIL-15, N-803 and RLI) are being tested in clinical trials. This review presents a summary of contemporary preclinical and clinical research on IL-15. Abstract Immunotherapy has emerged as a valuable strategy for the treatment of many cancer types. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) promotes the growth and function of cytotoxic CD8+ T and natural killer (NK) cells. It also enhances leukocyte trafficking and stimulates tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes expansion and activity. Bioactive IL-15 is produced in the body as a heterodimeric cytokine, comprising the IL-15 and the so-called IL-15 receptor alpha chain that are together termed “heterodimeric IL-15” (hetIL-15). hetIL-15, closely resembling the natural form of the cytokine produced in vivo, and IL-15:IL-15Rα complex variants, such as hetIL-15Fc, N-803 and RLI, are the currently available IL-15 agents. These molecules have showed favorable pharmacokinetics and biological function in vivo in comparison to single-chain recombinant IL-15. Preclinical animal studies have supported their anti-tumor activity, suggesting IL-15 as a general method to convert “cold” tumors into “hot”, by promoting tumor lymphocyte infiltration. In clinical trials, IL-15-based therapies are overall well-tolerated and result in the expansion and activation of NK and memory CD8+ T cells. Combinations with other immunotherapies are being investigated to improve the anti-tumor efficacy of IL-15 agents in the clinic.
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Wang J, Wang W, Xu J, Jia Z, Liu Q, Zhu X, Xia C, Zou J. Structural insights into the co-evolution of IL-2 and its private receptor in fish. DEVELOPMENTAL AND COMPARATIVE IMMUNOLOGY 2021; 115:103895. [PMID: 33065202 DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2020.103895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2020] [Revised: 10/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL) -2, a member of the four α-helical cytokine family, has broad regulatory roles in mediating vertebrate immune response. In mammals, IL-2 and IL-15 share a common evolutionary origin and possess overlapping but distinct functions. IL-2 and IL-15 bind to distinct private receptors for signaling. However, fish appear to possess a single IL-15Rα like gene whilst lack additional gene(s) coding for IL-2Rα. Whether the IL-2 and IL-15 interact with the same receptor in fish and how their functions and receptors have evolved are not fully understood. In this study, homologues of IL-2 and IL-2/15Rα were sequenced from a teleost species, grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), and the crystal structure of IL-2 was determined. The grass carp IL-2 (termed CiIL-2) displayed a classical cytokine structure consisting of four helical bundles which shares significant similarity with human IL-15. The key amino acids involved in the interface interaction of IL-2/15 and their receptors are well conserved. The CiIL-2 has been shown to bind the IL-2/15Rα like homologue with an affinity of 2.45 nM, supporting the notion that fish IL-2 and IL-15 may share a single common private receptor for exerting functions. Syntenic analysis suggests that the IL-2Rα of tetrapods has evolved from an IL-15Rα like homologue, in which a second sushi domain (D2) in the extracellular region has been duplicated to facilitate the specific interaction with IL-2. The CiIL-2 was predominantly expressed in lymphocyte-rich tissues such as the spleen, kidney and thymus, and could be induced by PHA and IL-21. In vivo challenge with grass carp reovirus and Flavobacterium columnare also resulted in upregulation of CiIL-2 expression. The recombinant CiIL-2 was shown to activate expression of STAT5b, IL-1β, IL-22 and IFN-γ, and to promote the proliferation of the primary cell cultures from head kidney leucocytes. Our results shed lights into the co-evolution of IL-2 and its private receptor, and the functional divergence of IL-2 and IL-15 during evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Jiawen Xu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Zhao Jia
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Qin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Xiaozhen Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China
| | - Chun Xia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Veterinary Medicine, China Agricultural University, Haidian District, Beijing, 100094, China.
| | - Jun Zou
- Key Laboratory of Exploration and Utilization of Aquatic Genetic Resources, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; International Research Center for Marine Biosciences at Shanghai Ocean University, Ministry of Science and Technology, 201306, China; National Demonstration Center for Experimental Fisheries Science Education, Shanghai Ocean University, Shanghai, 201306, China; Laboratory for Marine Biology and Biotechnology, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Zhang S, Zhao J, Bai X, Handley M, Shan F. Biological effects of IL-15 on immune cells and its potential for the treatment of cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 91:107318. [PMID: 33383444 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) has recently emerged as a novel immunomodulatory cytokine in cancer immunotherapy. IL-15 has the potential to reject and destroy cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment by expanding and activating natural killer (NK), natural killer T (NKT), and memory (m) CD8+T cells. Due to the feasible outcomes obtained from preclinical studies and phase 1/2 clinical trials, IL-15-based therapy, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell or CAR NK cell infusion following in vitro expansion in the presence of IL-15, used in combination with checkpoint inhibitors and other therapy may extend to clinical practice in the future. It is also important to understand the biological characteristics of IL-15 to ensure the maximal benefit of therapeutic strategies. Here, we summarize the current development of IL-15 in the following areas: anti-tumor mechanisms in the tumor microenvironment, advances in IL-15-based therapy itself or in combination with other methods, including biological agents, monoclonal antibodies, and adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuling Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Jianzhu Zhao
- Department of Oncology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Xueli Bai
- Department of Gynecology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110004, China
| | - Mike Handley
- Cytocm lnc, 3001 Aloma Ave, Winter Park, FL 32792, USA
| | - Fengping Shan
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China.
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Yang C, Malarkannan S. Transcriptional Regulation of NK Cell Development by mTOR Complexes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:566090. [PMID: 33240877 PMCID: PMC7683515 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.566090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is essential for multiple cellular processes. The unique roles of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) or mTOR2 in regulating immune functions are emerging. NK cells are the major lymphocyte subset of innate immunity, and their development and effector functions require metabolic reprogramming. Recent studies demonstrate that in NK cells, conditionally disrupting the formation of mTORC1 or mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) alters their development significantly. Transcriptomic profiling of NK cells at the single-cell level demonstrates that mTORC1 was critical for the early developmental progression, while mTORC2 regulated the terminal maturation. In this review, we summarize the essential roles of mTOR complexes in NK development and functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Yang
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
| | - Subramaniam Malarkannan
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology and Immunotherapy, Versiti Blood Research Institute, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, United States
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Yamaguchi T, Chang CJ, Karger A, Keller M, Pfaff F, Wangkahart E, Wang T, Secombes CJ, Kimoto A, Furihata M, Hashimoto K, Fischer U, Dijkstra JM. Ancient Cytokine Interleukin 15-Like (IL-15L) Induces a Type 2 Immune Response. Front Immunol 2020; 11:549319. [PMID: 33193315 PMCID: PMC7658486 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.549319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Related interleukin-2, -15, and -15-like (IL-2, -15, and -15L) are ancient cytokines, with all three genes surviving in extant fish and some mammals. The present study is the first to identify IL-15L functions, namely in rainbow trout. In isolated trout splenocytes, and in vivo, purified recombinant IL-15L+IL-15Rα molecules induced expression of IL-4 and IL-13 homologs, which are markers of type 2 immunity. In contrast, trout IL-15 stimulated type 1 immunity markers, thus IL-15 and IL-15L can have opposing functions. Trout IL-15L was more dependent on "in trans" presentation by the receptor chain IL-15Rα than IL-15, and stimulated CD4-CD8-(IgM-) lymphocytes from thymus and spleen. We propose an important role for IL-15L early in the type 2 immunity cytokine cascade. Trout IL-2 and IL-15 exhibited features reminiscent of their mechanistic and functional dichotomy observed in mammals; for example, IL-15 but not IL-2 required a receptor alpha chain (only IL-15Rα in the case of fish) for its stability, and only IL-15 was efficient in stimulating lymphocytes from mucosal tissues. Data suggest that IL-15L and IL-15 may be particularly effective in stimulating innate lymphocyte type 2 cells (ILC2) and natural killer (NK) cells, respectively, but further identification of the cell types is needed. An interesting finding different from in mammals was the efficient stimulation of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes by IL-2. In short, this study presents fundamental information on the evolution of the IL-2/15/15L cytokine family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Yamaguchi
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Chia Jung Chang
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Axel Karger
- Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Markus Keller
- Institute of Novel and Emerging Infectious Diseases, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Florian Pfaff
- Institute of Diagnostic Virology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Eakapol Wangkahart
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Tiehui Wang
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher J Secombes
- Scottish Fish Immunology Research Centre, School of Biological Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Azusa Kimoto
- Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Mitsuru Furihata
- Nagano Prefectural Fisheries Experimental Station, Nagano, Japan
| | - Keiichiro Hashimoto
- Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
| | - Uwe Fischer
- Institute of Infectology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Johannes M Dijkstra
- Institute for Comprehensive Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Toyoake, Japan
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Shirley SA, Lundberg CG, Heller R. Electrotransfer of IL-15/IL-15Rα Complex for the Treatment of Established Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12103072. [PMID: 33096755 PMCID: PMC7589551 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12103072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The stimulation of the immune system through the administration of immunomodulatory agents such as cytokines has the potential to be an effective anti-cancer therapy. Obtaining the correct dose is an important aspect with respect to minimizing toxicity and obtaining the desired effect. A method to decrease the toxicity of this type of treatment is to replace the high-dose recombinant protein injections by using DNA expressing genes for one or more of these anti-cancer agents. In this current study, we have evaluated the delivery of interleukin-15 and its receptor in the form of plasmid DNA in a mouse melanoma model. We utilize a delivery approach that can deliver plasmid DNA in a manner that results in the desired level of expression being produced and induces a potent anti-tumor response as well as an immune memory response. Abstract Gene electrotransfer (GET) is a safe, reliable, and effective method of delivering plasmid DNA (pDNA) to solid tumors. GET has been previously used to deliver interleukin-15 (IL-15) to mouse melanoma, resulting in long-term tumor regression and the survival of a percentage of treated animals after challenge. To enhance this effect, we evaluated modulating the expression levels of IL-15 and co-expressing its receptor, IL-15Rα. GET was used to deliver plasmids encoding IL-15 and IL-15Rα to established B16.F10 tumors on days 0, 4, and 7. Two delivery protocols that yielded different expression profiles were utilized. Mice that were tumor-free for 50 days were then challenged with B16.F10 cells on the opposite flank and monitored for an additional 50 days. The amount of IL-15 expressed and the presence or absence of IL-15Rα in the treated tumors did not significantly affect the tumor regression and long-term survival. Upon challenge, however, low levels of IL-15 were more protective and resulted in a greater production of anti-tumor cytokines such as IFN-γ and MIP-1β and a greater amount of CD11b+ and CD3e+ cells infiltrating tumors. While mice with high levels of IL-15 showed CD11b+ and CD3e+ cell infiltrate, there was a substantial presence of NK cells that was absent in other treated groups. We can conclude that the level of IL-15 expressed in tumors after GET is an important determinant of the therapeutic outcome, a finding that will help us finetune this type of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shawna A. Shirley
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Cathryn G. Lundberg
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
| | - Richard Heller
- Frank Reidy Research Center for Bioelectrics, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA 23508, USA; (S.A.S.); (C.G.L.)
- Department of Medical Engineering, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL 33512, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +01-813-974-1221
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Meissl K, Simonović N, Amenitsch L, Witalisz-Siepracka A, Klein K, Lassnig C, Puga A, Vogl C, Poelzl A, Bosmann M, Dohnal A, Sexl V, Müller M, Strobl B. STAT1 Isoforms Differentially Regulate NK Cell Maturation and Anti-tumor Activity. Front Immunol 2020; 11:2189. [PMID: 33042133 PMCID: PMC7519029 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.02189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important components of the innate immune defense against infections and cancers. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) is a transcription factor that is essential for NK cell maturation and NK cell-dependent tumor surveillance. Two alternatively spliced isoforms of STAT1 exist: a full-length STAT1α and a C-terminally truncated STAT1β isoform. Aberrant splicing is frequently observed in cancer cells and several anti-cancer drugs interfere with the cellular splicing machinery. To investigate whether NK cell-mediated tumor surveillance is affected by a switch in STAT1 splicing, we made use of knock-in mice expressing either only the STAT1α (Stat1α/α) or the STAT1β (Stat1β/β ) isoform. NK cells from Stat1α/α mice matured normally and controlled transplanted tumor cells as efficiently as NK cells from wild-type mice. In contrast, NK cells from Stat1β/β mice showed impaired maturation and effector functions, albeit less severe than NK cells from mice that completely lack STAT1 (Stat1-/- ). Mechanistically, we show that NK cell maturation requires the presence of STAT1α in the niche rather than in NK cells themselves and that NK cell maturation depends on IFNγ signaling under homeostatic conditions. The impaired NK cell maturation in Stat1β/β mice was paralleled by decreased IL-15 receptor alpha (IL-15Rα) surface levels on dendritic cells, macrophages and monocytes. Treatment of Stat1β/β mice with exogenous IL-15/IL-15Rα complexes rescued NK cell maturation but not their effector functions. Collectively, our findings provide evidence that STAT1 isoforms are not functionally redundant in regulating NK cell activity and that the absence of STAT1α severely impairs, but does not abolish, NK cell-dependent tumor surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrin Meissl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Natalija Simonović
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Lena Amenitsch
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Agnieszka Witalisz-Siepracka
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Klara Klein
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Caroline Lassnig
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Biomodels Austria, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ana Puga
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Claus Vogl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andrea Poelzl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Markus Bosmann
- Pulmonary Center, Department of Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Alexander Dohnal
- Tumor Immunology, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veronika Sexl
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Mathias Müller
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Biomodels Austria, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Birgit Strobl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Maruoka Y, Furusawa A, Okada R, Inagaki F, Wakiyama H, Kato T, Nagaya T, Choyke PL, Kobayashi H. Interleukin-15 after Near-Infrared Photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) Enhances T Cell Response against Syngeneic Mouse Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092575. [PMID: 32927646 PMCID: PMC7564397 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Near infrared photoimmunotherapy is a newly developed and highly selective cancer treatment that employs a monoclonal antibody conjugated to a photo-absorber dye, IRDye700DX, which is activated by 690 nm light. Cancer cell-targeted near infrared photoimmunotherapy selectively induces rapid necrotic/immunogenic cell death only on target cancer cells and this induces antitumor host immunity including re-priming and proliferation of multi-chronal T-cells that can react with cancer-specific antigens. Interleukin-15 is a type-I cytokine that activates natural killer-, B- and T-cells while having minimal effect on regulatory T-cells that lack the interleukin-15 receptor. Therefore, interleukin-15 administration combined with cancer cell-targeted near infrared photoimmunotherapy could further inhibit tumor growth by increasing antitumor host immunity. In tumor-bearing immunocompetent mice receiving this combination therapy, significant tumor growth inhibition and prolonged survival was demonstrated compared with either single therapy alone, and tumor infiltrating CD8+ T-cells increased in number in combination-treated mice. Interleukin-15 enhances therapeutic effects of cancer-targeted near infrared photoimmunotherapy. Abstract Near infrared photoimmunotherapy (NIR-PIT) is a newly developed and highly selective cancer treatment that employs a monoclonal antibody (mAb) conjugated to a photo-absorber dye, IRDye700DX, which is activated by 690 nm light. Cancer cell-targeted NIR-PIT induces rapid necrotic/immunogenic cell death (ICD) that induces antitumor host immunity including re-priming and proliferation of T cells. Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a cytokine that activates natural killer (NK)-, B- and T-cells while having minimal effect on regulatory T cells (Tregs) that lack the IL-15 receptor. Here, we hypothesized that IL-15 administration with cancer cell-targeted NIR-PIT could further inhibit tumor growth by increasing antitumor host immunity. Three syngeneic mouse tumor models, MC38-luc, LL/2, and MOC1, underwent combined CD44-targeted NIR-PIT and short-term IL-15 administration with appropriate controls. Comparing with the single-agent therapy, the combination therapy of IL-15 after NIR-PIT inhibited tumor growth, prolonged survival, and increased tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells more efficiently in tumor-bearing mice. IL-15 appears to enhance the therapeutic effect of cancer-targeted NIR-PIT.
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Allard-Chamard H, Mishra HK, Nandi M, Mayhue M, Menendez A, Ilangumaran S, Ramanathan S. Interleukin-15 in autoimmunity. Cytokine 2020; 136:155258. [PMID: 32919253 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2020.155258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a member of the IL-2 family of cytokines, which use receptor complexes containing the common gamma (γc) chain for signaling. IL-15 plays important roles in innate and adaptative immune responses and is implicated in the pathogenesis of several immune diseases. The IL-15 receptor consists of 3 subunits namely, the ligand-binding IL-15Rα chain, the β chain (also used by IL-2) and the γc chain. IL-15 uses a unique signaling pathway whereby IL-15 associates with IL-15Rα during biosynthesis, and this complex is 'trans-presented' to responder cells that expresses the IL-2/15Rβγc receptor complex. IL-15 is subject to post-transcriptional and post-translational regulation, and evidence also suggests that IL-15 cis-signaling can occur under certain conditions. IL-15 has been implicated in the pathology of various autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, autoimmune diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, coeliac disease and psoriasis. Studies with pre-clinical models have shown the beneficial effects of targeting IL-15 signaling in autoimmunity. Unlike therapies targeting other cytokines, anti-IL-15 therapies have not yet been successful in humans. We discuss the complexities of IL-15 signaling in autoimmunity and explore potential immunotherapeutic approaches to target the IL-15 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugues Allard-Chamard
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
| | - Hemant K Mishra
- Vet & Biomedical Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Madhuparna Nandi
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Marian Mayhue
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Alfredo Menendez
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Subburaj Ilangumaran
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada
| | - Sheela Ramanathan
- Centre de Recherche Clinique, Centre Hospitalier d'Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada; Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
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Seiffert P, Bugge K, Nygaard M, Haxholm GW, Martinsen JH, Pedersen MN, Arleth L, Boomsma W, Kragelund BB. Orchestration of signaling by structural disorder in class 1 cytokine receptors. Cell Commun Signal 2020; 18:132. [PMID: 32831102 PMCID: PMC7444064 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-020-00626-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Class 1 cytokine receptors (C1CRs) are single-pass transmembrane proteins responsible for transmitting signals between the outside and the inside of cells. Remarkably, they orchestrate key biological processes such as proliferation, differentiation, immunity and growth through long disordered intracellular domains (ICDs), but without having intrinsic kinase activity. Despite these key roles, their characteristics remain rudimentarily understood. METHODS The current paper asks the question of why disorder has evolved to govern signaling of C1CRs by reviewing the literature in combination with new sequence and biophysical analyses of chain properties across the family. RESULTS We uncover that the C1CR-ICDs are fully disordered and brimming with SLiMs. Many of these short linear motifs (SLiMs) are overlapping, jointly signifying a complex regulation of interactions, including network rewiring by isoforms. The C1CR-ICDs have unique properties that distinguish them from most IDPs and we forward the perception that the C1CR-ICDs are far from simple strings with constitutively bound kinases. Rather, they carry both organizational and operational features left uncovered within their disorder, including mechanisms and complexities of regulatory functions. CONCLUSIONS Critically, the understanding of the fascinating ability of these long, completely disordered chains to orchestrate complex cellular signaling pathways is still in its infancy, and we urge a perceptional shift away from the current simplistic view towards uncovering their full functionalities and potential. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pernille Seiffert
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Katrine Bugge
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Mads Nygaard
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Gitte W. Haxholm
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Jacob H. Martinsen
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Martin N. Pedersen
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 17, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Lise Arleth
- Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 17, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Wouter Boomsma
- Department of Computer Science, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 1, 2100 Copenhagen Ø, Denmark
| | - Birthe B. Kragelund
- REPIN, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
- Structural Biology and NMR Laboratory, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, Ole Maaloes Vej 5, DK-2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
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Papaevangelou E, Smolarek D, Smith RA, Dasgupta P, Galustian C. Targeting Prostate Cancer Using Intratumoral Cytotopically Modified Interleukin-15 Immunotherapy in a Syngeneic Murine Model. Immunotargets Ther 2020; 9:115-130. [PMID: 32802803 PMCID: PMC7394845 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s257443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prostate cancer microenvironment is highly immunosuppressive; immune cells stimulated in the periphery by systemic immunotherapies will be rendered inactive once entering this environment. Immunotherapies for prostate cancer need to break this immune tolerance. We have previously identified interleukin-15 (IL-15) as the only cytokine tested that activates and expands immune cells in the presence of prostate cancer cells. In the current study, we aimed to identify a method of boosting the efficacy of IL-15 in prostate cancer. Methods We engineered, by conjugation to a myristoylated peptide, a membrane-localising form of IL-15 (cyto-IL-15) and the checkpoint inhibitor antibodies cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) and programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) (cyto-abs) to enable them to bind to cell surfaces by non-specific anchoring to the phospholipid bilayer. The efficacy of these agents was investigated by intratumoral administration either alone (cyto-IL-15 or cyto-abs) or in combination (cyto-combo) in subcutaneous TRAMP-C2 prostate tumors in C57BL/6J mice and compared with their non-modified equivalents in vivo. Following the survival endpoint, histological analyses and RNA sequencing were performed on the tumors. Results Intratumoral injection of cyto-IL-15 or cyto-combo delayed tumor growth by 50% and increased median survival to 28 and 25 days, respectively, compared with vehicle (17 days), whereas non-modified IL-15 or antibodies alone had no significant effects on tumor growth or survival. Histological analysis showed that cyto-IL-15 and cyto-combo increased necrosis and infiltration of natural killer (NK) cells and CD8 T cells in the tumors compared with vehicle and non-modified agents. Overall, the efficacy of cyto-combo was not superior to that of cyto-IL-15 alone. Conclusion We have demonstrated that intratumoral injection of cyto-IL-15 leads to prostate cancer growth delay, induces tumor necrosis and increases survival. Hence, cytotopic modification in combination with intratumoral injection appears to be a promising novel approach for prostate cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Efthymia Papaevangelou
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Dorota Smolarek
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Richard A Smith
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Prokar Dasgupta
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK.,Urology Centre, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
| | - Christine Galustian
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, School of Immunology and Microbial Sciences, King's College London, Guy's Hospital, London, UK
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43
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Guo A, Li K, Xiao Q. Sarcopenic obesity: Myokines as potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets? Exp Gerontol 2020; 139:111022. [PMID: 32707318 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sarcopenic obesity (SO) is a condition characterized by the occurrence of both sarcopenia and obesity and imposes a heavy burden on the health of the elderly. Controversies and challenges regarding the definition, diagnosis and treatment of SO still remain because of its complex pathogenesis and limitations. Over the past few decades, numerous studies have revealed that myokines secreted from skeletal muscle play significant roles in the regulation of muscle mass and function as well as metabolic homeostasis. Abnormalities in myokines may trigger and promote the pathogenesis underlying age-related and metabolic diseases, including obesity, sarcopenia, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and SO. This review mainly focuses on the role of myokines as potential biomarkers for the early diagnosis and therapeutic targets in SO.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai Guo
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Qian Xiao
- Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China.
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44
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Transcriptional Regulation of Natural Killer Cell Development and Functions. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061591. [PMID: 32560225 PMCID: PMC7352776 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are the major lymphocyte subset of the innate immune system. Their ability to mediate anti-tumor cytotoxicity and produce cytokines is well-established. However, the molecular mechanisms associated with the development of human or murine NK cells are not fully understood. Knowledge is being gained about the environmental cues, the receptors that sense the cues, signaling pathways, and the transcriptional programs responsible for the development of NK cells. Specifically, a complex network of transcription factors (TFs) following microenvironmental stimuli coordinate the development and maturation of NK cells. Multiple TFs are involved in the development of NK cells in a stage-specific manner. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the understandings of TFs involved in the regulation of NK cell development, maturation, and effector function, in the aspects of their mechanisms, potential targets, and functions.
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45
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Guo L, Liu MF, Huang JN, Li JM, Jiang J, Wang JA. Role of interleukin-15 in cardiovascular diseases. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:7094-7101. [PMID: 32406586 PMCID: PMC7339208 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)‐15 is a recently identified cytokine, which belongs to the interleukin‐2(IL‐2) family, and plays an important role in innate and adaptive immunoreaction. Given the fact that the structure of IL‐15 is partially similar to IL‐2, they share some common biological effects, including immunoregulation. IL‐2 was proven to protect cardiac function in mouse myocardial infarction models. Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) dominate the cause of mortality worldwide. Besides atherosclerosis, inflammation is also widely involved in the pathogenesis of many CVDs including hypertension, heart failure (HF) and aneurysm. IL‐15, as a pro‐inflammatory cytokine, is up‐regulated in some cardiovascular diseases, such as myocardial infarction and atherosclerosis. The current understanding of IL‐15, including its signal pathway and cellular function, was described. Furthermore, IL‐15 has a protective effect in myocardial infarction and myocarditis by decreasing cardiomyocyte death and improving heart function. The inhibited effect of IL‐15 in ductus arteriosus (DA) should be focused on. IL‐15 promoted atherogenesis. IL‐15 may be a good target in treatment of cardiovascular diabetology. Finally, future research direction of IL‐15 deserves attention. Since IL‐15 plays several roles in CVDs, understanding the role of the IL‐15/IL‐15R system may provide a scientific basis for the development of new approaches that use IL‐15 for the treatment of CVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cardiovascular Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming-Fei Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cardiovascular Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ji-Niu Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cardiovascular Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Min Li
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cardiovascular Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jun Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cardiovascular Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jian-An Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.,Cardiovascular Key Lab of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, China
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46
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Affiliation(s)
- Todd A Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110
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47
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Venkateshaiah SU, Kandikattu HK, Mishra A. Significance of Interleukin (IL)-15 in IgE associated eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL IMMUNOLOGY 2019; 2:1-12. [PMID: 32296783 PMCID: PMC7158884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM IgE-mediated immune responses contribute to the pathogenesis of eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Interleukin (IL)-4 is a well-established cytokine involved in B cell activation, immunoglobulin (Ig) E production and isotype class switching. Earlier reports indicated that IL-15, B cells and IgE are induced in EoE pathogenesis. Therefore, we hypothesized that induced IL-15 and IgE may have a significant correlation in promoting EoE pathogenesis. METHODS Accordingly, we performed ELISA, qPCR, flowcytometric and immunostaining analyses to examine IgE, B cells, eosinophils and mast cells in the esophagus of IL-15 overexpressed mice following EoE induction. RESULTS Herein, we show that IL-15 overexpressed mice indeed have induced baseline IL-4, B cells, eosinophils, mast cells and IgE levels in the blood and esophagus. Further, we observed that IL-15 overexpressed mice show induction of IgE, and accumulation of degranulated eosinophils and mast cells in allergen-induced experimental EoE. Notably, despite induced blood IgE, esophageal eosinophilia is not induced in intestinal fatty acid binding protein IL-15 overexpressed gene (Fabpi-IL-15) mice. Fabpi-IL-15 transgenic mice showed IgE in the blood and intestine and intestinal eosinophilia, but no esophageal eosinophilia at baseline and comparable eosinophils in the esophagus of saline and allergen challenged Fabpi-IL-15 mice. Similarly, allergen challenged IL-15 gene-deficient mice show reduced IgE and esophageal eosinophilia in allergen-induced experimental EoE. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, we for the first time provide direct evidence that tissue-specific IL-15 induced IgE mediated responses, not systemic IgE is critical in promoting EoE pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anil Mishra
- Corresponding Author’s contact and Phone # 504-988-3840
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48
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Nolz JC, Richer MJ. Control of memory CD8 + T cell longevity and effector functions by IL-15. Mol Immunol 2019; 117:180-188. [PMID: 31816491 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2019.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
IL-15 is a member of the common gamma chain family of cytokines and plays important roles in regulating several aspects of innate and adaptive immunity. Besides its established role in controlling homeostatic proliferation and survival of memory CD8+ T cells and natural killer cells, recent findings demonstrate that inflammatory IL-15 can also stimulate a variety of effector functions, such as enhanced cytotoxicity, entry into the cell cycle, and trafficking into non-lymphoid tissues. Here, we discuss how IL-15 is critical in regulating many functions of memory CD8+ T cells and how these processes act collectively to ensure optimal protective cellular immunity against re-infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey C Nolz
- Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Cell, Developmental & Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States; Department of Radiation Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Road, Portland, OR 97239, United States.
| | - Martin J Richer
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, McGill University, 712 McIntyre Medical Building, 3655 promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
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Sivori S, Meazza R, Quintarelli C, Carlomagno S, Della Chiesa M, Falco M, Moretta L, Locatelli F, Pende D. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy for Hematological Malignancies. J Clin Med 2019; 8:E1702. [PMID: 31623224 PMCID: PMC6832127 DOI: 10.3390/jcm8101702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) lymphocytes are an integral component of the innate immune system and represent important effector cells in cancer immunotherapy, particularly in the control of hematological malignancies. Refined knowledge of NK cellular and molecular biology has fueled the interest in NK cell-based antitumor therapies, and recent efforts have been made to exploit the high potential of these cells in clinical practice. Infusion of high numbers of mature NK cells through the novel graft manipulation based on the selective depletion of T cells and CD19+ B cells has resulted into an improved outcome in children with acute leukemia given human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical hematopoietic transplantation. Likewise, adoptive transfer of purified third-party NK cells showed promising results in patients with myeloid malignancies. Strategies based on the use of cytokines or monoclonal antibodies able to induce and optimize NK cell activation, persistence, and expansion also represent a novel field of investigation with remarkable perspectives of favorably impacting on outcome of patients with hematological neoplasia. In addition, preliminary results suggest that engineering of mature NK cells through chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs deserve further investigation, with the goal of obtaining an "off-the-shelf" NK cell bank that may serve many different recipients for granting an efficient antileukemia activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy (S.C.); (M.D.C.)
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Raffaella Meazza
- Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Concetta Quintarelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (F.L.)
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy (S.C.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy (S.C.); (M.D.C.)
- Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Michela Falco
- Integrated Department of Services and Laboratories, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00146 Rome, Italy;
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, 00165 Rome, Italy; (C.Q.); (F.L.)
- Department of Gynecology/Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Sapienza University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Pende
- Department of Integrated Oncological Therapies, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genoa, Italy;
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50
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Hamo Z, Azrad M, Nitzan O, Peretz A. Characterization of the Immune Response during Infection Caused by Clostridioides difficile. Microorganisms 2019; 7:microorganisms7100435. [PMID: 31658740 PMCID: PMC6843454 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms7100435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2019] [Revised: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The high risk of complications and death following Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) requires identifying patients with severe disease and treating them accordingly. We characterized the immune response of CDI patients in relation to infection severity. Concentrations of 28 cytokines and chemokines were measured in serum samples, obtained from 54 CDI patients within a median timeframe of 24–48 h after laboratory confirmation of C. difficile infection. Demographic and clinical data were retrospectively collected from medical records. Disease severity score was determined by “Score indices for Clostridioides difficile infection severity”. Of 54 patients (mean age, 76.6 years, 61.1% female), 38 (70.4%) had mild disease and 16 (29.6%) had moderate disease. Seven cytokines were associated with a more severe CDI: granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (p = 0.0106), interleukin (IL)-1β (p = 0.004), IL-8 (p = 0.0098), IL-12p70 (p = 0.0118), interferon-α (p = 0.0282), IL-15 (p = 0.0015), and IL-2 (p = 0.0031). Additionally, there was an increased T-helper 1 response in more severe cases of CDI. Cytokines may serve as biomarkers for early prediction of CDI severity. Better and earlier assessment of illness severity will contribute to the adjustment of medical treatment, including monitoring and follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohar Hamo
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel.
- The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel.
| | - Maya Azrad
- The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel.
| | - Orna Nitzan
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel.
- Unit of Infectious Diseases, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel.
| | - Avi Peretz
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel.
- The Clinical Microbiology Laboratory, Baruch Padeh Medical Center, Poriya 15208, Israel.
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