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Lu H, Zhao X, Liu L, Zhang L, Wang H. Increased TIGIT expression correlates with impaired NK cell function in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Front Oncol 2025; 15:1551061. [PMID: 40231264 PMCID: PMC11994634 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2025.1551061] [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: 12/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2025] [Indexed: 04/16/2025] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aims to investigate the status of natural killer (NK) cells and the role of T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and ITIM domains (TIGIT)-mediated regulation in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Methods Peripheral blood samples from 30 newly diagnosed DLBCL patients and 25 healthy controls were collected. Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to analyze the expression levels of TIGIT and its family molecules (CD226 and CD96) on NK cells, as well as to assess NK cell phenotype and function. The restorative effects of TIGIT blockade on NK cell cytotoxicity were evaluated through in vitro functional assays and in vivo animal models. Results Compared to healthy controls, DLBCL patients exhibited significantly reduced percentages and absolute numbers of NK cells. TIGIT expression was markedly upregulated on NK cells in DLBCL patients, while CD226 expression was downregulated; however, no significant difference in CD96 expression was observed. These alterations were associated with impaired NK cell function in DLBCL patients, including reduced secretion of activation factors such as granzyme B, perforin, and CD107a. Importantly, TIGIT blockade significantly enhanced the cytotoxic activity of NK cells against DLBCL cells in both in vitro and in vivo settings. Conclusion Dysregulated expression of TIGIT and its family molecules on NK cells contributes to NK cell dysfunction and promotes tumor immune escape in DLBCL. These findings highlight TIGIT as a promising therapeutic target for restoring NK cell-mediated antitumor immunity in DLBCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Lu
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhao
- Department of Pediatrics, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Liqiong Liu
- Department of Hematology, Shenzhen Nanshan People’s Hospital and the 6th Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Affiliated Shenzhen Sixth Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Lu Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huafang Wang
- Department of Hematology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Li S, Pan Y, Ye R, Wang Y, Li L. Immune checkpoints in B-cell Lymphoma: Still an Unmet challenge from Basic research to clinical practice. Int Immunopharmacol 2025; 146:113717. [PMID: 39673995 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.113717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2024] [Revised: 11/24/2024] [Accepted: 11/24/2024] [Indexed: 12/16/2024]
Abstract
In the last decade, advancements in immunotherapy knowledge have highlighted CTLA-4, PD-1, LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT, decisive immune checkpoints exhibiting within the tumor microenvironment (TME), as fundamental objects for cancer immunotherapy. The widespread clinical use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICls), employing PD-1/PD-L1 or CTLA-4 antibodies to obstruct crucial checkpoint regulators, is noted in treating B-cell lymphoma patients. Nevertheless, the prolonged advantages of the currently employed treatments against CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1 are uncommon among patients. Thus, recent focus has been progressively moved to additional immune checkpoints on T cells, like LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT, which are now seen as reassuring targets for treatment and broadly acknowledged. There are several types of immunecheckpoint molecules expressed by T cells, and inhibitors targeting immune checkpoints can revive and amplify the immune response of T lymphocytes against tumors, a crucial aspect in lymphoma therapy. However, there is little knowledge about their regulation. Herein, we discuss the anti-tumor effects and functions of ICIs in controlling T-cell activity, as well as the progress in combined application with other immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, PR China
| | - Yuanyuan Pan
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, PR China
| | - Ruyu Ye
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, PR China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, PR China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, PR China.
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Zhang A, Fan T, Liu Y, Yu G, Li C, Jiang Z. Regulatory T cells in immune checkpoint blockade antitumor therapy. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:251. [PMID: 39516941 PMCID: PMC11545879 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02156-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2024] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Regulatory T cells (Tregs), an essential component of the human immune system, are a heterogeneous group of T lymphocytes with the ability to suppress immune responses and maintain immune homeostasis. Recent evidence indicates that Tregs may impair antitumor immunity and facilitate cancer progression by weakening functions of effector T cells (Teffs). Consequently, targeting Tregs to eliminate them from tumor microenvironments to improve Teffs' activity could emerge as an effective strategy for cancer immunotherapy. This review outlines the biology of Tregs, detailing their origins, classification, and crucial markers. Our focus lies on the complex role of Tregs in cancer's development, progression and treatment, particularly on their suppressive role upon antitumor responses via multiple mechanisms. We delve into Tregs' involvement in immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) therapy, their dual effect on cancer immunotherapy and their potential biomarkers for ICB therapy effectiveness. We also summarize advances in the therapies that adjust Tregs to optimize ICB therapy, which may be crucial for devising innovative cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- An Zhang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Tao Fan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yixiao Liu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Guanhua Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Chunxiang Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zheng Jiang
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
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Baert L, Mahmudul HM, Stegall M, Joo H, Oh S. B Cell-mediated Immune Regulation and the Quest for Transplantation Tolerance. Transplantation 2024; 108:2021-2033. [PMID: 38389135 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000004948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Pathophysiologic function of B cells in graft rejection has been well recognized in transplantation. B cells promote alloantigen-specific T-cell response and secrete antibodies that can cause antibody-mediated graft failures and rejections. Therefore, strategies targeting B cells, for example, B-cell depletion, have been used for the prevention of both acute and chronic rejections. Interestingly, however, recent mounting evidence indicates that subsets of B cells yet to be further identified can display potent immune regulatory functions, and they contribute to transplantation tolerance and operational tolerance in both experimental and clinical settings, respectively. In this review, we integrate currently available information on B-cell subsets, including T-cell Ig domain and mucin domain 1-positive transitional and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain-positive memory B cells, displaying immune regulatory functions, with a focus on transplantation tolerance, by analyzing their mechanisms of action. In addition, we will discuss potential T-cell Ig domain and mucin domain 1-positive and T-cell immunoreceptor with Ig and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif domain-positive B cell-based strategies for the enhancement of operational tolerance in transplantation patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurie Baert
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
| | | | - Mark Stegall
- Department of Surgery, William J. von Liebig Transplant Center, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN
| | - HyeMee Joo
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
| | - SangKon Oh
- Department of Immunology, Mayo Clinic, Scottsdale, AZ
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Sun W, Hu S, Wang X. Advances and clinical applications of immune checkpoint inhibitors in hematological malignancies. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2024; 44:1071-1097. [PMID: 39073258 PMCID: PMC11492363 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/25/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints are differentially expressed on various immune cells to regulate immune responses in tumor microenvironment. Tumor cells can activate the immune checkpoint pathway to establish an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and inhibit the anti-tumor immune response, which may lead to tumor progression by evading immune surveillance. Interrupting co-inhibitory signaling pathways with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) could reinvigorate the anti-tumor immune response and promote immune-mediated eradication of tumor cells. As a milestone in tumor treatment, ICIs have been firstly used in solid tumors and subsequently expanded to hematological malignancies, which are in their infancy. Currently, immune checkpoints have been investigated as promising biomarkers and therapeutic targets in hematological malignancies, and novel immune checkpoints, such as signal regulatory protein α (SIRPα) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha-inducible protein 8-like 2 (TIPE2), are constantly being discovered. Numerous ICIs have received clinical approval for clinical application in the treatment of hematological malignancies, especially when used in combination with other strategies, including oncolytic viruses (OVs), neoantigen vaccines, bispecific antibodies (bsAb), bio-nanomaterials, tumor vaccines, and cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells. Moreover, the proportion of individuals with hematological malignancies benefiting from ICIs remains lower than expected due to multiple mechanisms of drug resistance and immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Close monitoring and appropriate intervention are needed to mitigate irAEs while using ICIs. This review provided a comprehensive overview of immune checkpoints on different immune cells, the latest advances of ICIs and highlighted the clinical applications of immune checkpoints in hematological malignancies, including biomarkers, targets, combination of ICIs with other therapies, mechanisms of resistance to ICIs, and irAEs, which can provide novel insight into the future exploration of ICIs in tumor treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyue Sun
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial HospitalShandong UniversityJinanShandongP. R. China
| | - Shunfeng Hu
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongP. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial HospitalShandong UniversityJinanShandongP. R. China
- Department of HematologyShandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical UniversityJinanShandongP. R. China
- Taishan Scholars Program of Shandong ProvinceJinanShandongP. R. China
- Branch of National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic DiseasesJinanShandongP. R. China
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseasesthe First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhouJiangsuP. R. China
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Pophali P, Varela JC, Rosenblatt J. Immune checkpoint blockade in hematological malignancies: current state and future potential. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1323914. [PMID: 38322418 PMCID: PMC10844552 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1323914] [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: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Malignant cells are known to evade immune surveillance by engaging immune checkpoints which are negative regulators of the immune system. By restoring the T-lymphocyte mediated anti-tumor effect, immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) have revolutionized the treatment of solid tumors but have met rather modest success in hematological malignancies. Currently, the only FDA approved indications for ICI therapy are in classic hodgkin lymphoma and primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma. Multiple clinical trials have assessed ICI therapy alone and in combination with standard of care treatments in other lymphomas, plasma cell neoplasms and myeloid neoplasms but were noted to have limited efficacy. These trials mostly focused on PD-1/PDL-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors. Recently, there has been an effort to target other T-lymphocyte checkpoints like LAG-3, TIM-3, TIGIT along with improving strategies of PD-1/PDL-1 and CTLA-4 inhibition. Drugs targeting the macrophage checkpoint, CD47, are also being tested. Long term safety and efficacy data from these ongoing studies are eagerly awaited. In this comprehensive review, we discuss the mechanism of immune checkpoint inhibitors, the key takeaways from the reported results of completed and ongoing studies of these therapies in the context of hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prateek Pophali
- Division of Hematology and Hematological Malignancies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Juan Carlos Varela
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Orlando Health Regional Medical Center, Orlando, FL, United States
| | - Jacalyn Rosenblatt
- Division of Hematology and Hematological Malignancies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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Zeven K, De Groof TW, Ceuppens H, Awad RM, Ertveldt T, de Mey W, Meeus F, Raes G, Breckpot K, Devoogdt N. Development and evaluation of nanobody tracers for noninvasive nuclear imaging of the immune-checkpoint TIGIT. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1268900. [PMID: 37799715 PMCID: PMC10548220 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1268900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction T cell Ig and ITIM domain receptor (TIGIT) is a next-generation immune checkpoint predominantly expressed on activated T cells and NK cells, exhibiting an unfavorable prognostic association with various malignancies. Despite the emergence of multiple TIGIT-blocking agents entering clinical trials, only a fraction of patients responded positively to anti-TIGIT therapy. Consequently, an urgent demand arises for noninvasive techniques to quantify and monitor TIGIT expression, facilitating patient stratification and enhancing therapeutic outcomes. Small antigen binding moieties such as nanobodies, are promising candidates for such tracer development. Methods We generated a panel of anti-human or anti-mouse TIGIT nanobodies from immunized llamas. In addition, we designed a single-chain variable fragment derived from the clinically tested monoclonal antibody Vibostolimab targeting TIGIT, and assessed its performance alongside the nanobodies. In vitro characterization studies were performed, including binding ability and affinity to cell expressed or recombinant TIGIT. After Technetium-99m labeling, the nanobodies and the single-chain variable fragment were evaluated in vivo for their ability to detect TIGIT expression using SPECT/CT imaging, followed by ex vivo biodistribution analysis. Results Nine nanobodies were selected for binding to recombinant and cell expressed TIGIT with low sub-nanomolar affinities and are thermostable. A six-fold higher uptake in TIGIT-overexpressing tumor was demonstrated one hour post- injection with Technetium-99m labeled nanobodies compared to an irrelevant control nanobody. Though the single-chain variable fragment exhibited superior binding to TIGIT-expressing peripheral blood mononuclear cells in vitro, its in vivo behavior yielded lower tumor-to-background ratios at one hour post- injection, indicating that nanobodies are better suited for in vivo imaging than the single-chain variable fragment. Despite the good affinity, high specificity and on-target uptake in mice in this setting, imaging of TIGIT expression on tumor- infiltrating lymphocytes within MC38 tumors remained elusive. This is likely due to the low expression levels of TIGIT in this model. Discussion The excellent affinity, high specificity and rapid on-target uptake in mice bearing TIGIT- overexpressing tumors showed the promising diagnostic potential of nanobodies to noninvasively image high TIGIT expression within the tumor. These findings hold promise for clinical translation to aid patient selection and improve therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katty Zeven
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Timo W.M. De Groof
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Hannelore Ceuppens
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Robin Maximilian Awad
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Thomas Ertveldt
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wout de Mey
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Fien Meeus
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Laboratory for Cellular and Molecular Immunology (CMIM), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
- Myeloid Cell Immunology Lab, Vlaams Instituut voor Biotechnologie (VIB) Center for Inflammation Research, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Karine Breckpot
- Laboratory for Molecular and Cellular Therapy (LMCT), Department of Biomedical Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- Laboratory of Molecular Imaging and Therapy (MITH), Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
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Cai L, Li Y, Tan J, Xu L, Li Y. Targeting LAG-3, TIM-3, and TIGIT for cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:101. [PMID: 37670328 PMCID: PMC10478462 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01499-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In one decade, immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint blockades (ICBs) has become a new pillar of cancer treatment following surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies. However, not all cancer patients benefit from single or combination therapy with anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies. Thus, an increasing number of immune checkpoint proteins (ICPs) have been screened and their effectiveness evaluated in preclinical and clinical trials. Lymphocyte activation gene-3 (LAG-3), T cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain-containing-3 (TIM-3), and T cell immunoreceptor with immunoglobulin and tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) domain (TIGIT) constitute the second wave of immunotherapy targets that show great promise for use in the treatment of solid tumors and leukemia. To promote the research and clinical application of ICBs directed at these targets, we summarize their discovery, immunotherapy mechanism, preclinical efficiency, and clinical trial results in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letong Cai
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jiaxiong Tan
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Ling Xu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
| | - Yangqiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education, Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
- Key Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis & Infection Prevention and Control (Jinan University), Ministry of Education, Guangzhou, 510632, China.
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