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Kabelitz D, Cierna L, Juraske C, Zarobkiewicz M, Schamel WW, Peters C. Empowering γδ T-cell functionality with vitamin C. Eur J Immunol 2024:e2451028. [PMID: 38616772 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202451028] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a potent antioxidant and a cofactor for various enzymes including histone demethylases and methylcytosine dioxygenases. Vitamin C also exerts direct cytotoxicity toward selected tumor cells including colorectal carcinoma. Moreover, vitamin C has been shown to impact immune cell differentiation at various levels including maturation and/or functionality of T cells and their progenitors, dendritic cells, B cells, and NK cells. γδ T cells have recently attracted great interest as effector cells for cell-based cancer immunotherapy, due to their HLA-independent recognition of a large variety of tumor cells. While γδ T cells can thus be also applied as an allogeneic off-the-shelf product, it is obvious that the effector function of γδ T cells needs to be optimized to ensure the best possible clinical efficacy. Here we review the immunomodulatory mechanisms of vitamin C with a special focus on how vitamin C enhances the effector function of γδ T cells. We also discuss future directions of how vitamin C can be used in the clinical setting to boost the efficacy of adoptive cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lea Cierna
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Claudia Juraske
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, and Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Michal Zarobkiewicz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Wolfgang W Schamel
- Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, and Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Centre for Chronic Immunodeficiency (CCI), Medical Centre Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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2
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Ding N, Zeng Z, Luo J, Li K. The cross-sectional relationship between vitamin C and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels: insights from NHANES database. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1290749. [PMID: 38024382 PMCID: PMC10675847 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1290749] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Ascorbic acid or vitamin C has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may impact markers of inflammation like C-reactive protein (CRP). However, studies specifically on vitamin C and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) have been scarce. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017-2018 dataset including 5,380 U.S. adults aged ≥20 years. Multiple regression models examined the relationship between plasma vitamin C and serum hs-CRP while adjusting for potential confounders. Stratified analyses and curve fitting assessed effect modification and nonlinearity. Results An inverse association was found between plasma vitamin C and serum hs-CRP overall (β = -0.025, 95% CI: -0.033 to -0.017, p < 0.00001) and in subgroups except for the "other Hispanic" subgroup in model II (β = -0.009, 95% CI: (-0.040, 0.023), p = 0.5885). The relationship was nonlinear, with the greatest hs-CRP reduction observed up to a plasma vitamin C level of 53.1 μmol/L. Conclusion The results showed a non-linear negative correlation between vitamin C levels and hs-CRP in adults. These results suggest vitamin C intake may reduce inflammation and cardiovascular risk, but only up to 53.1 μmol/L plasma vitamin C.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Ding
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Zhao Zeng
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Ju Luo
- Department of Geriatrics, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
| | - Keng Li
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Changsha Central Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Changsha, China
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Ueki M, Sakamoto K, Nishioka N, Ohata H, Nobuta T, Takezaki S, Manabe A, Yamada M. Rheumatologic manifestations with elevated levels of IL-6, IL-17A, and IL-23 in a patient with scurvy. Mod Rheumatol Case Rep 2023; 7:302-306. [PMID: 35942728 DOI: 10.1093/mrcr/rxac059] [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: 06/14/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Symptomatic vitamin C deficiency, scurvy, is a relatively rare disease in developed countries, but it has been reported in patients with autism spectrum disorder or developmental delay who tend to have selective diets. Patients with scurvy often demonstrate musculoskeletal manifestations with unknown pathophysiology. Herein, we report a case of scurvy in an 11-year-old boy who presented with iron-deficiency anaemia, systemic osteomyelitis, myositis predominantly in the lower extremities, and right ventricular volume overload with mild pulmonary hypertension and was diagnosed with scurvy. He had a mild developmental disorder and a selective diet, which resulted in severe vitamin C deficiency. He received intravenous and oral vitamin C supplementation, which relieved his arthralgia and muscle pain in a week. Following 4 months of vitamin C supplementation, he demonstrated no abnormal manifestations on laboratory or imaging examination and recovered without sequelae. Inflammatory cytokine and chemokine evaluations demonstrated elevated levels of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-17A, and IL-23, which are associated with T-helper (Th) 17 cell activation. This study is the first to suggest the association between the inflammation seen in scurvy, rheumatic manifestations in the patient, and Th17 cell activation. Further analysis of the association between the inflammation and vitamin C supplementation may contribute to new insights for the comprehension and treatment of other inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masahiro Ueki
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Keita Sakamoto
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaidô, Japan
| | - Noriko Nishioka
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaidô, Japan
| | - Hiroki Ohata
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Takiko Nobuta
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | | | - Atsushi Manabe
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaidô, Japan
| | - Masafumi Yamada
- Department of Pediatrics, Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan.,Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Hokkaidô, Japan.,Department of Food and Human Wellness, Rakuno Gakuen University, Ebetsu, Japan
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4
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Szukiewicz D. Epigenetic regulation and T-cell responses in endometriosis – something other than autoimmunity. Front Immunol 2022; 13:943839. [PMID: 35935991 PMCID: PMC9355085 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.943839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is defined as the presence of endometrial-like glands and stroma located outside the uterine cavity. This common, estrogen dependent, inflammatory condition affects up to 15% of reproductive-aged women and is a well-recognized cause of chronic pelvic pain and infertility. Despite the still unknown etiology of endometriosis, much evidence suggests the participation of epigenetic mechanisms in the disease etiopathogenesis. The main rationale is based on the fact that heritable phenotype changes that do not involve alterations in the DNA sequence are common triggers for hormonal, immunological, and inflammatory disorders, which play a key role in the formation of endometriotic foci. Epigenetic mechanisms regulating T-cell responses, including DNA methylation and posttranslational histone modifications, deserve attention because tissue-resident T lymphocytes work in concert with organ structural cells to generate appropriate immune responses and are functionally shaped by organ-specific environmental conditions. Thus, a failure to precisely regulate immune cell transcription may result in compromised immunological integrity of the organ with an increased risk of inflammatory disorders. The coexistence of endometriosis and autoimmunity is a well-known occurrence. Recent research results indicate regulatory T-cell (Treg) alterations in endometriosis, and an increased number of highly active Tregs and macrophages have been found in peritoneal fluid from women with endometriosis. Elimination of the regulatory function of T cells and an imbalance between T helper cells of the Th1 and Th2 types have been reported in the endometria of women with endometriosis-associated infertility. This review aims to present the state of the art in recognition epigenetic reprogramming of T cells as the key factor in the pathophysiology of endometriosis in the context of T-cell-related autoimmunity. The new potential therapeutic approaches based on epigenetic modulation and/or adoptive transfer of T cells will also be outlined.
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Peters C, Klein K, Kabelitz D. Vitamin C and Vitamin D—friends or foes in modulating γδ T-cell differentiation? Cell Mol Immunol 2022; 19:1198-1200. [PMID: 35799058 PMCID: PMC9508071 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-022-00895-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
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6
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Kouakanou L, Peters C, Brown CE, Kabelitz D, Wang LD. Vitamin C, From Supplement to Treatment: A Re-Emerging Adjunct for Cancer Immunotherapy? Front Immunol 2021; 12:765906. [PMID: 34899716 PMCID: PMC8663797 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.765906] [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: 08/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitamin C (VitC), in addition to its role as a general antioxidant, has long been considered to possess direct anti-cancer activity at high doses. VitC acts through oxidant and epigenetic mechanisms, which at high doses can exert direct killing of tumor cells in vitro and delay tumor growth in vivo. Recently, it has also been shown that pharmacologic-dose VitC can contribute to control of tumors by modulating the immune system, and studies have been done interrogating the role of physiologic-dose VitC on novel adoptive cellular therapies (ACTs). In this review, we discuss the effects of VitC on anti-tumor immune cells, as well as the mechanisms underlying those effects. We address important unanswered questions concerning both VitC and ACTs, and outline challenges and opportunities facing the use of VitC in the clinical setting as an adjunct to immune-based anti-cancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Léonce Kouakanou
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christine E Brown
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Leo D Wang
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
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De la Fuente M, Sánchez C, Vallejo C, Díaz-Del Cerro E, Arnalich F, Hernanz Á. Vitamin C and vitamin C plus E improve the immune function in the elderly. Exp Gerontol 2020; 142:111118. [PMID: 33091525 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
With aging the immune response is impaired. This immunosenescence, in which an alteration of the redox state of the immune cells appears, is involved in the rate of aging. Since leukocyte function is a good marker of health and predictor of longevity, the effects of daily oral administration of the antioxidant vitamin C (500 mg), or both vitamin C (500 mg) and vitamin E (200 mg) on several blood neutrophil (adherence, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and superoxide anion levels) and lymphocyte (adherence, chemotaxis, proliferation, interleukin-2 secretion and natural killer activity) functions were studied in healthy elderly men and women. These parameters were analysed before supplementation, after 3 months of supplementation, and 6 months after the end of supplementation. The results showed that vitamin C, in elderly participants, improved the immune functions studied which achieved values close to those of young adults. These effects were maintained in several functions after 6 months without supplementation. Similar effects were found in the elderly supplemented with both vitamin C and E. Thus, a short period of vitamin C or vitamin C and E ingestion, with the doses used, improves the immune function in elderly men and women and could contribute to a healthy longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mónica De la Fuente
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology (Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
| | - Carmen Sánchez
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology (Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Vallejo
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology (Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain
| | - Estefanía Díaz-Del Cerro
- Department of Genetics, Physiology and Microbiology (Animal Physiology), Faculty of Biological Sciences, Complutense University of Madrid, Spain.
| | | | - Ángel Hernanz
- Biochemistry Department, Hospital La Paz, Madrid, Spain
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Xu Y, Xiang Z, Alnaggar M, Kouakanou L, Li J, He J, Yang J, Hu Y, Chen Y, Lin L, Hao J, Li J, Chen J, Li M, Wu Q, Peters C, Zhou Q, Li J, Liang Y, Wang X, Han B, Ma M, Kabelitz D, Xu K, Tu W, Wu Y, Yin Z. Allogeneic Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell immunotherapy exhibits promising clinical safety and prolongs the survival of patients with late-stage lung or liver cancer. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 18:427-439. [PMID: 32939032 PMCID: PMC8027668 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0515-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Vγ9Vδ2 T cells are promising candidates for cellular tumor immunotherapy. Due to their HLA-independent mode of action, allogeneic Vγ9Vδ2 T cells can be considered for clinical application. To apply allogeneic Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in adoptive immunotherapy, the methodology used to obtain adequate cell numbers with optimal effector function in vitro needs to be optimized, and clinical safety and efficacy also need to be proven. Therefore, we developed a novel formula to improve the expansion of peripheral γδ T cells from healthy donors. Then, we used a humanized mouse model to validate the therapeutic efficacy of expanded γδ T cells in vivo; furthermore, the expanded γδ T cells were adoptively transferred into late-stage liver and lung cancer patients. We found that the expanded cells possessed significantly improved immune effector functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and cancer cell killing, both in vitro and in the humanized mouse model. Furthermore, a phase I clinical trial in 132 late-stage cancer patients with a total of 414 cell infusions unequivocally validated the clinical safety of allogeneic Vγ9Vδ2 T cells. Among these 132 patients, 8 liver cancer patients and 10 lung cancer patients who received ≥5 cell infusions showed greatly prolonged survival, which preliminarily verified the efficacy of allogeneic Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell therapy. Our clinical studies underscore the safety and efficacy of allogeneic Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell immunotherapy, which will inspire further clinical investigations and eventually benefit cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Xu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.,Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Zheng Xiang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Mohammed Alnaggar
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.,Tongji Chibi Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Chibi, Hubei, PR China
| | - Léonce Kouakanou
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jiawei Li
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Junyi He
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jiashuang Yang
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Yi Hu
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yan Chen
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Li Lin
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jianlei Hao
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jingxia Li
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jibing Chen
- Fuda Cancer Hospital, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510665, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Man Li
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Qingling Wu
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Qinghua Zhou
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Jianshuang Li
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China.,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yingqing Liang
- Fuda Cancer Hospital, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510665, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Xiaohua Wang
- Fuda Cancer Hospital, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510665, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Baohui Han
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Meili Ma
- Shanghai Chest Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts-University Kiel, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Kecheng Xu
- The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.,Fuda Cancer Hospital, Faculty of Medical Science, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510665, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Wenwei Tu
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Yangzhe Wu
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China. .,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.
| | - Zhinan Yin
- Zhuhai Precision Medical Center, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated with Jinan University), Jinan University, Zhuhai, 519000, Guangdong, PR China. .,The Biomedical Translational Research Institute, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, PR China.
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9
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Kabelitz D, Serrano R, Kouakanou L, Peters C, Kalyan S. Cancer immunotherapy with γδ T cells: many paths ahead of us. Cell Mol Immunol 2020; 17:925-939. [PMID: 32699351 PMCID: PMC7609273 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-020-0504-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells play uniquely important roles in stress surveillance and immunity for infections and carcinogenesis. Human γδ T cells recognize and kill transformed cells independently of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) restriction, which is an essential feature of conventional αβ T cells. Vγ9Vδ2 γδ T cells, which prevail in the peripheral blood of healthy adults, are activated by microbial or endogenous tumor-derived pyrophosphates by a mechanism dependent on butyrophilin molecules. γδ T cells expressing other T cell receptor variable genes, notably Vδ1, are more abundant in mucosal tissue. In addition to the T cell receptor, γδ T cells usually express activating natural killer (NK) receptors, such as NKp30, NKp44, or NKG2D which binds to stress-inducible surface molecules that are absent on healthy cells but are frequently expressed on malignant cells. Therefore, γδ T cells are endowed with at least two independent recognition systems to sense tumor cells and to initiate anticancer effector mechanisms, including cytokine production and cytotoxicity. In view of their HLA-independent potent antitumor activity, there has been increasing interest in translating the unique potential of γδ T cells into innovative cellular cancer immunotherapies. Here, we discuss recent developments to enhance the efficacy of γδ T cell-based immunotherapy. This includes strategies for in vivo activation and tumor-targeting of γδ T cells, the optimization of in vitro expansion protocols, and the development of gene-modified γδ T cells. It is equally important to consider potential synergisms with other therapeutic strategies, notably checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy, or the (local) activation of innate immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Ruben Serrano
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Léonce Kouakanou
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Peters
- Institute of Immunology, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, D-24105, Kiel, Germany
| | - Shirin Kalyan
- Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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