Increase of IFN-γ and TNF-α production in CD107a + NK-92 cells co-cultured with cervical cancer cell lines pre-treated with the HO-1 inhibitor

Enhancing the physiological characteristics of chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cells by synthetic biology

Chimeric antigen receptor natural Killer (CAR-NK) cells therapy represents a next-generation immunotherapeutic approach following CAR-T cells therapy, offering inherent "off-the-shelf" compatibility and mitigated off-tumor toxicity. Despite these advantages, clinical translation remains constrained by poor in vivo persistence and functional exhaustion in immunosuppressive tumor microenvironments (TME). This review examines recent advancements in synthetic biology aimed at enhancing the physiological characteristics of CAR-NK cells. By delineating the synergy between NK cells and synthetic biology toolkits, this work provides a roadmap for developing next-generation CAR-NK therapies capable of addressing solid tumor challenges while maintaining favorable safety profiles.

Navigating heme pathways: the breach of heme oxygenase and hemin in breast cancer

Breast cancer remains a significant global health challenge, with diverse subtypes and complex molecular mechanisms underlying its development and progression. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in breast cancer research, with a focus on classification, molecular pathways, and the role of heme oxygenases (HO), heme metabolism implications, and therapeutic innovations. The classification of breast cancer subtypes based on molecular profiling has significantly improved diagnosis and treatment strategies, allowing for tailored approaches to patient care. Molecular studies have elucidated key signaling pathways and biomarkers implicated in breast cancer pathogenesis, shedding light on potential targets for therapeutic intervention. Notably, emerging evidence suggests a critical role for heme oxygenases, particularly HO-1, in breast cancer progression and therapeutic resistance, highlighting the importance of understanding heme metabolism in cancer biology. Furthermore, this review highlights recent advances in breast cancer therapy, including targeted therapies, immunotherapy, and novel drug delivery systems. Understanding the complex interplay between breast cancer subtypes, molecular pathways, and innovative therapeutic approaches is essential for improving patient outcomes and developing more effective treatment strategies in the fight against breast cancer.

Clinical significance of CD155 expression in surgically resected lung squamous cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Cluster of differentiation 155 (CD155) is expressed in many tumor types. CD155 is involved in the immune avoidance of tumor cells and contributes to tumor development and progression. Therefore, CD155 is a novel target for cancer immunotherapy. The clinical significance of CD155 expression in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) has not been fully elucidated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a retrospective analysis of 264 patients with surgically resected LUSC. Immunohistochemistry was used to evaluate CD155 expression. The association of CD155 expression with clinicopathological features and clinical outcomes was assessed. We also analyzed the relationship between CD155 expression and programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes.

RESULTS

Among the 264 patients, 137 patients (51.9%) were classified in the high CD155 expression group. High CD155 expression was significantly associated with pleural invasion, vascular invasion, PD-L1 positivity, and high CD3, CD4, and CD8 expressions. In multivariate analysis, the presence of pleural invasion and PD-L1 positivity were independent predictors of high CD155 expression. Kaplan-Meier curve analysis showed that high CD155 expression was significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival and overall survival. In multivariate analysis, high CD155 expression was an independent poor prognostic factor for overall survival, but not for disease-free survival. Subgroup analyses revealed that the prognostic effect of CD155 expression was observed in the PD-L1 positive group but not the PD-L1 negative group.

CONCLUSION

Our analysis revealed that high CD155 expression significantly predicted poor prognosis in patients with surgically resected LUSC, especially in patients with PD-L1-positive tumors.

Heme catabolism and heme oxygenase-1-expressing myeloid cells in pathophysiology

Although the pathological significance of myeloid cell heterogeneity is still poorly understood, new evidence indicates that distinct macrophage subsets are characterized by specific metabolic programs that influence disease onset and progression. Within this scenario, distinct subsets of macrophages, endowed with high rates of heme catabolism by the stress-responsive enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), play critical roles in physiologic and pathological conditions. Of relevance, the substrates of HO-1 activity are the heme groups that derive from cellular catabolism and are converted into carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin and Fe2+, which together elicit anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory activities and control oxidative damage. While high levels of expression of HO-1 enzyme by specialized macrophage populations (erythrophagocytes) guarantee the physiological disposal of senescent red blood cells (i.e. erythrocateresis), the action of HO-1 takes on pathological significance in various diseases, and abnormal CO metabolism has been observed in cancer, hematological diseases, hypertension, heart failure, inflammation, sepsis, neurodegeneration. Modulation of heme catabolism and CO production is therefore a feasible therapeutic opportunity in various diseases. In this review we discuss the role of HO-1 in different pathological contexts (i.e. cancer, infections, cardiovascular, immune-mediated and neurodegenerative diseases) and highlight new therapeutic perspectives on the modulation of the enzymatic activity of HO-1.

Transcription Factor E2F7 Hampers the Killing Effect of NK Cells against Colorectal Cancer Cells via Activating RAD18 Transcription

As a pivotal defensive line against multitudinous malignant tumors, natural killer (NK) cells exist in the tumor microenvironment (TME). RAD18 E3 Ubiquitin Protein Ligase (RAD18) has been reported to foster the malignant progression of multiple cancers, but its effect on NK function has not been mined. Here, the study was designed to mine the mechanism by which RAD18 regulates the killing effect of NK cells on colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Expression of E2F Transcription Factor 7 (E2F7) and RAD18 in CRC tissues, their correlation, binding sites, and RAD18 enrichment pathway were analyzed by bioinformatics. Expression of E2F7 and RAD18 in cells was assayed by qRT-PCR and western blot. Dual-luciferase assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay verified the regulatory relationship between E2F7 and RAD18. CCK-8 assay was utilized to assay cell viability, colony formation assay to detect cell proliferation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) test to assay NK cell cytotoxicity, ELISA to assay levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and immunofluorescence to detect expression of toxic molecules perforin and granzyme B. High expression of RAD18 and E2F7 was found in CRC tissues and cells. Silencing RAD18 could hamper the proliferation of CRC cells, foster viability and cytotoxicity of NK cells, and increase the secretion of GM-CSF, TNF-α, IFN-γ as well as the expression of perforin and granzyme B. Additionally, ChIP and dual-luciferase reporter assay ascertained the binding relationship between RAD18 promoter region and E2F7. E2F7 could activate the transcription of RAD18, and silencing RAD18 reversed the inhibitory effect of E2F7 overexpression on NK cell killing. This work clarified the inhibitory effect of the E2F7/RAD18 axis on NK cell killing in CRC, and proffered a new direction for immunotherapy of CRC in targeted immune microenvironment.

Antitumor activity of genetically engineered NK-cells in non-hematological solid tumor: a comprehensive review

Recent advancements in genetic engineering have made it possible to modify Natural Killer (NK) cells to enhance their ability to fight against various cancers, including solid tumors. This comprehensive overview discusses the current status of genetically engineered chimeric antigen receptor NK-cell therapies and their potential for treating solid tumors. We explore the inherent characteristics of NK cells and their role in immune regulation and tumor surveillance. Moreover, we examine the strategies used to genetically engineer NK cells in terms of efficacy, safety profile, and potential clinical applications. Our investigation suggests CAR-NK cells can effectively target and regress non-hematological malignancies, demonstrating enhanced antitumor efficacy. This implies excellent promise for treating tumors using genetically modified NK cells. Notably, NK cells exhibit low graft versus host disease (GvHD) potential and rarely induce significant toxicities, making them an ideal platform for CAR engineering. The adoptive transfer of allogeneic NK cells into patients further emphasizes the versatility of NK cells for various applications. We also address challenges and limitations associated with the clinical translation of genetically engineered NK-cell therapies, such as off-target effects, immune escape mechanisms, and manufacturing scalability. We provide strategies to overcome these obstacles through combination therapies and delivery optimization. Overall, we believe this review contributes to advancing NK-cell-based immunotherapy as a promising approach for cancer treatment by elucidating the underlying mechanisms, evaluating preclinical and clinical evidence, and addressing remaining challenges.

Sufficiently activated mature natural killer cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells substantially enhance antitumor activity

BACKGROUND

Peripheral blood-derived natural killer (NK) cells spontaneously lyse tumor cells without prior sensitization. However, NK cells in peripheral blood (PBNK cells) are in a resting state and exhibit inhibitory phenotypes and impaired cytotoxicity. Thus, strengthening the cytotoxic effector function of PBNK cells and improving NK cell expansion in vitro for a convenient allogeneic therapy are essential.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pure cytokine activation and expansion of NK cells (super NK [SNK]) from peripheral blood mononuclear cells were studied. Markers of activated and inhibited NK cells and cytokine secretion by NK cells were examined using flow cytometry. NK cell antitumor activity in vitro was assessed using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) cytotoxicity assay and an Incucyte real-time imaging system. Additionally, the function of SNK cells against ascites caused by ovarian cancer in NOD-Prkdc(em26Cd52)il2rg(em26Cd22)/Nju (NCG) mice was determined. In a further investigation of the differences between PBNK and SNK, the mRNA of both cells was sequenced and analyzed.

RESULTS

Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells showed selective NK cell expansion upon cytokine activation and culture. Both SNK and PBNK cells expressed activation markers, but at different levels, and SNK cells secreted more cytokines related to cytotoxicity than PBNK cells did. Accordingly, SNK cells exhibited strong antitumor activity ex vivo and improved NCG mice survival after intraperitoneal ovarian cancer transplantation. Mechanistically, SNK cells expressed more genes associated with nucleotide metabolism, fatty acid, and ATP metabolism than PBNK cells.

CONCLUSION

SNK cells derived from peripheral blood mononuclear cells have sufficiently activated mature characteristics and high antitumor activity, rendering them a highly promising and essential therapeutic approach for cancer treatment.

Cytoprotective Role of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Cancer Chemoresistance: Focus on Antioxidant, Antiapoptotic, and Pro-Autophagy Properties

Chemoresistance remains the foremost challenge in cancer therapy. Targeting reactive oxygen species (ROS) manipulation is a promising strategy in cancer treatment since tumor cells present high levels of intracellular ROS, which makes them more vulnerable to further ROS elevation than normal cells. Nevertheless, dynamic redox evolution and adaptation of tumor cells are capable of counteracting therapy-induced oxidative stress, which leads to chemoresistance. Hence, exploring the cytoprotective mechanisms of tumor cells is urgently needed to overcome chemoresistance. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), a rate-limiting enzyme of heme degradation, acts as a crucial antioxidant defense and cytoprotective molecule in response to cellular stress. Recently, emerging evidence indicated that ROS detoxification and oxidative stress tolerance owing to the antioxidant function of HO-1 contribute to chemoresistance in various cancers. Enhanced HO-1 expression or enzymatic activity was revealed to promote apoptosis resistance and activate protective autophagy, which also involved in the development of chemoresistance. Moreover, inhibition of HO-1 in multiple cancers was identified to reversing chemoresistance or improving chemosensitivity. Here, we summarize the most recent advances regarding the antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and pro-autophagy properties of HO-1 in mediating chemoresistance, highlighting HO-1 as a novel target for overcoming chemoresistance and improving the prognosis of cancer patients.

Fluorogenic Granzyme A Substrates Enable Real-Time Imaging of Adaptive Immune Cell Activity

Cytotoxic immune cells, including T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, are essential components of the host response against tumors. CTLs and NK cells secrete granzyme A (GzmA) upon recognition of cancer cells; however, there are very few tools that can detect physiological levels of active GzmA with high spatiotemporal resolution. Herein, we report the rational design of the near-infrared fluorogenic substrates for human GzmA and mouse GzmA. These activity-based probes display very high catalytic efficiency and selectivity over other granzymes, as shown in tissue lysates from wild-type and GzmA knock-out mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the probes can image how adaptive immune cells respond to antigen-driven recognition of cancer cells in real time.

Fluorogenic Granzyme A Substrates Enable Real-Time Imaging of Adaptive Immune Cell Activity

Cytotoxic immune cells, including T lymphocytes (CTLs) and natural killer (NK) cells, are essential components of the host response against tumors. CTLs and NK cells secrete granzyme A (GzmA) upon recognition of cancer cells; however, there are very few tools that can detect physiological levels of active GzmA with high spatiotemporal resolution. Herein, we report the rational design of the near-infrared fluorogenic substrates for human GzmA and mouse GzmA. These activity-based probes display very high catalytic efficiency and selectivity over other granzymes, as shown in tissue lysates from wild-type and GzmA knock-out mice. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the probes can image how adaptive immune cells respond to antigen-driven recognition of cancer cells in real time.

The Anticancer Potential of Psidium guajava (Guava) Extracts

The fruits, leaves, and bark of the guava (Psidium guajava) tree have traditionally been used to treat a myriad of ailments, especially in the tropical and subtropical regions. The various parts of the plant have been shown to exhibit medicinal properties, such as antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic activities. Recent studies have shown that the bioactive phytochemicals of several parts of the P. guajava plant exhibit anticancer activity. This review aims to present a concise summary of the in vitro and in vivo studies investigating the anticancer activity of the plant against various human cancer cell lines and animal models, including the identified phytochemicals that contributes to their activity via the different mechanisms. In vitro growth and cell viability studies, such as the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, the sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay, and the trypan blue exclusion test, were conducted using P. guajava extracts and their biomolecules to assess their effects on human cancer cell lines. Numerous studies have showcased that the P. guajava plant and its bioactive molecules, especially those extracted from its leaves, selectively suppress the growth of human cancer cells without cytotoxicity against the normal cells. This review presents the potential of the extracts of P. guajava and the bioactive molecules derived from it, to be utilized as a feasible alternative or adjuvant treatment for human cancers. The availability of the plant also contributes towards its viability as a cancer treatment in developing countries.

NK Cell Regulation in Cervical Cancer and Strategies for Immunotherapy

Cervical cancer is one of the most prevalent gynaecological malignancies worldwide and is related to human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, viral persistence, progression, and invasion. Therefore, the immune response is linked to HPV status. Natural killer (NK) cells play a central role against virus-infected cells and tumours through a delicate balance between activating and inhibitory receptors and secretion of cytokines and chemokines. These cells also play a crucial role in tumour immunosurveillance. For these reasons, there is growing interest in harnessing NK cells as an immunotherapy for cervical cancer. These studies are diverse and include many strategies such as transferring activated autologous or allogeneic NK cells, improving the activation and cytolytic activity of NK cells using cytokines or analogues and modifying chimeric antigen receptors to increase specificity and targeting NK cells. However, research regarding the application of NK cells in immunotherapy is limited. This article focuses on recent discoveries about using NK cells to prevent and treat cervical cancer and the possibility of cellular immunotherapy becoming one of the best strategies to exploit the immune system to fight tumours.

Magneto-Activation and Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Natural Killer Cells Labeled with Magnetic Nanocomplexes for the Treatment of Solid Tumors

Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has been considered a promising cell-based cancer treatment strategy with low side effects for early tumors and metastasis. However, the therapeutic efficacy is generally low in established solid tumors. Ex vivo activation of NK cells with exogenous cytokines is often essential but ineffective to generate high doses of functional NK cells for cancer treatment. Image-guided local delivery of NK cells is also suggested for the therapy. However, there is a lack of noninvasive tools for monitoring NK cells. Herein, magnetic nanocomplexes are fabricated with clinically available materials (hyaluronic acid, protamine, and ferumoxytol; HAPF) for labeling NK cells. The prepared HAPF-nanocomplexes effectively attach to the NK cells (HAPF-NK). An exogenous magnetic field application effectively achieves magneto-activation of NK cells, promoting the generation and secretion of lytic granules of NK cells. The magneto-activated HAPF-NK cells also allow an MR image-guided NK cell therapy to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) solid tumors via transcatheter intra-arterial infusion. Suppressed tumor growth after the treatment of IA infused magneto-activated NK cells demonstrated a potential enhanced therapeutic efficacy of image guided local delivery of magneto-activated HAPF-NK cells. Given the potential challenges of NK cell cancer immunotherapy against established solid tumors, the effective NK cell labeling with HAPF, magneto-activation, and MRI contrast effect of NK cells will be beneficial to enhance the NK cell-therapeutic efficacy in various cancers.

IFN-γ inhibits ovarian cancer progression via SOCS1/JAK/STAT signaling pathway

PURPOSE

Ovarian cancer (OC) is a common malignancy, and IFN-γ, a multifunctional cytokine, is unveiled to impede the multiplication and enhance apoptosis in diverse tumor cells in previous research. Nonetheless, its function and mechanism in OC are blurred.

METHODS

OC cell lines SKOV3 and OVCAR3 were dealt with different concentrations (0-40 ng/ml) of IFN-γ. CCK-8 experiment was utilized to examine cell multiplication; Flow cytometry was executed to detect apoptosis and cell cycle; Wound healing assay was utilized to detect cell migration; and Transwell experiment was implemented to examine cell invasion. qRT-PCR analysis was applied to detect STAT5, STAT3, JAK2 and JAK3 mRNA expression in OC cell lines. Western blot experiment was applied to detect the protein and phosphorylation levels of SOCS1, STAT5 and STAT3.

RESULTS

IFN-γ suppressed OC cell multiplication in a concentration-dependent manner. Relative to the control group, IFN-γ restrained OC cell migration, invasion, enhanced apoptosis and prevented cell transformation from G0/G1 to S phase. Further analysis revealed that IFN-γ up-modulated SOCS1 expression and impeded STAT5 and STAT3 protein phosphorylation levels, and knockdown of SOCS1 partially counteracted the inhibitory effect of IFN-γ on STAT5 and STAT3 protein phosphorylation levels.

CONCLUSION

IFN-γ represses OC progression by facilitating SOCS1 to suppress STAT3 and STAT5 protein phosphorylation.

Heme oxygenase 1: a novel oncogene in multiple gynecological cancers

Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), also known as heat shock protein 32 (HSP32), is a stress-inducible enzyme. In the past, it was believed to participate in maintaining cell homeostasis, reducing oxidative stress damage and exerting anti-apoptotic effects. When exposed to noxious stimulation, the expression of HO-1 in the body will increase, antagonizing these oxidative stresses and protecting our bodies. Recently, many studies showed that HO-1 was also highly-expressed in multiple gynecological cancers (such as ovarian cancer, cervical cancer and endometrial cancer), suggesting that it should be closely related to cell proliferation, metastasis, immune regulation and angiogenesis as an oncogene. This review summarizes the different effects of HO-1 under normal and diseased conditions with a brief discussion of its implications on the diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers, aiming to provide a new clue for prevention and treatment of diseases.

Clinical Significance of Heme Oxygenase 1 in Tumor Progression

Heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) plays a key role in cell adaptation to stressors through the antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties of its metabolic products. For these reasons, in cancer cells, HO-1 can favor aggressiveness and resistance to therapies, leading to poor prognosis/outcome. Genetic polymorphisms of HO-1 promoter have been associated with an increased risk of cancer progression and a high degree of therapy failure. Moreover, evidence from cancer biopsies highlights the possible correlation between HO-1 expression, pathological features, and clinical outcome. Indeed, high levels of HO-1 in tumor specimens often correlate with reduced survival rates. Furthermore, HO-1 modulation has been proposed in order to improve the efficacy of antitumor therapies. However, contrasting evidence on the role of HO-1 in tumor biology has been reported. This review focuses on the role of HO-1 as a promising biomarker of cancer progression; understanding the correlation between HO-1 and clinical data might guide the therapeutic choice and improve the outcome of patients in terms of prognosis and life quality.

Synthetic Antibody Mimics Based on Cancer-Targeting Immunostimulatory Peptides

De novo cancer-targeting immunostimulatory peptides have been designed and developed as synthetic antibody mimics. A series of bifunctional peptides incorporating NKp30-binding and NK-cell-activating domains were synthesized as linear dimers and then extended into branching trimeric peptides by the incorporation of GRP78-targeting and tumor-cell-binding sequences. A selected trimeric peptide from this small set of peptides displayed binding capabilities on GRP78+ HepG2 and A549 target cells. Cell binding diminished in the presence of an anti-GRP78 peptide blocker, thus suggesting GRP78-binding dependence. Similarly, the selected trimeric peptide was also found to exhibit NK cell binding in an NKp30-dependent manner, which translated into NK cell activation as indicated by cytokine secretion. In co-culture, fluorescence microscopy revealed that the target GFP-expressing A549 cells were visibly associated with the effector NK cells when pre-activated with lead trimeric peptide. Accordingly, A549 cells were found to be compromised, as evidenced by the loss of GFP signal and notable detection of early-/late-stage apoptosis. Investigation of the immunological markers related to toxicity revealed detectable secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-8. Furthermore, administration of peptide-activated NK cells into A549-tumor-bearing mice resulted in a consistent decrease in tumor growth when compared to the untreated control group. Taken together, the identification of a lead trimeric peptide capable of targeting and activating NK cells' immunotoxicity directly towards GRP78+ /B7H6- tumors provides a novel proof-of-concept for the development of cancer-targeting immunostimulatory peptide ligands that mimic antibody-targeting and -activating functions related to cancer immunotherapy applications.

The Diverse Roles of Heme Oxygenase-1 in Tumor Progression

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an inducible intracellular enzyme that is expressed in response to a variety of stimuli to degrade heme, which generates the biologically active catabolites carbon monoxide (CO), biliverdin and ferrous iron (Fe²⁺). HO-1 is expressed across a range of cancers and has been demonstrated to promote tumor progression through a variety of mechanisms. HO-1 can be expressed in a variety of cells within the tumor microenvironment (TME), including both the malignant tumor cells as well as stromal cell populations such as macrophages, dendritic cells and regulatory T-cells. Intrinsically to the cell, HO-1 activity provides antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and cytoprotective effects via its catabolites as well as clearing toxic intracellular heme. However, the catabolites of heme degradation can also diffuse outside of the cell to extrinsically modulate the wider TME, influencing cellular functionality and biological processes which promote tumor progression, such as facilitating angiogenesis and metastasis, as well as promoting anti-inflammation and immune suppression. Pharmacological inhibition of HO-1 has been demonstrated to be a promising therapeutic approach to promote anti-tumor immune responses and inhibit metastasis. However, these biological functions might be context, TME and cell type-dependent as there is also conflicting reports for HO-1 activity facilitating anti-tumoral processes. This review will consider our current understanding of the role of HO-1 in cancer progression and as a therapeutic target in cancer.

A novel endogenous CD16-Expressing Natural Killer Cell for cancer immunotherapy

Natural killer (NK) cells, as a potential source for off-the-shelf cell therapy, attack tumor cells with low risk of severe cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Fcγ receptor IIIA, also known as CD16, further confers NK cells with antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), one mechanism of action of antibody-based immunotherapy. Here, we establish a novel human NK cell line, oNK-1, endogenously expressing CD16 along with high levels of NK activation markers and low levels of NK inhibitory markers. The long-term expansion and CD16 expression of oNK-1 cells were demonstrated. Furthermore, oNK-1 cells elicit superior cytotoxicity against cancer cells than primary NK cells. In conclusion, this study suggests that endogenous CD16-expressing oNK-1 has the potential to develop an effective NK-based therapy.

Effect of Heme Oxygenase-1 on Melanoma Development in Mice-Role of Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells

OBJECTIVE

Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a cytoprotective, proangiogenic and anti-inflammatory enzyme that is often upregulated in tumors. Overexpression of HO-1 in melanoma cells leads to enhanced tumor growth, augmented angiogenesis and resistance to anticancer treatment. The effect of HO-1 in host cells on tumor development is, however, hardly known.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To clarify the effect of HO-1 expression in host cells on melanoma progression, C57BL/6xFvB mice of different HO-1 genotypes, HO-1+/+, HO-1+/-, and HO-1-/-, were injected with the syngeneic wild-type murine melanoma B16(F10) cell line. Lack of HO-1 in host cells did not significantly influence the host survival. Nevertheless, in comparison to the wild-type counterparts, the HO-1+/- and HO-1-/- males formed bigger tumors, and more numerous lung nodules; in addition, more of them had liver and spleen micrometastases. Females of all genotypes developed at least 10 times smaller tumors than males. Of importance, the growth of primary and secondary tumors was completely blocked in HO-1+/+ females. This was related to the increased infiltration of leukocytes (mainly lymphocytes T) in primary tumors.

CONCLUSIONS

Although HO-1 overexpression in melanoma cells can enhance tumor progression in mice, its presence in host cells, including immune cells, can reduce growth and metastasis of melanoma.

Rationally designed redirection of natural killer cells anchoring a cytotoxic ligand for pancreatic cancer treatment

The emergence of T-cell engineering with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) has led to attractive therapeutics; however, autologous CAR-T cells are associated with poor clinical outcomes in solid tumors because of low safety and efficacy. Therefore, the aim of our study was to develop a CAR therapy with enhanced cytotoxicity against solid cancer using allogeneic NK cells. In this study, we engineered "off-the-shelf" NK cells to redirect them towards pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) by improving their target-specific cytotoxic potential. By integrated bioinformatic and clinicopathological analyses, folate receptor alpha (FRα) and death receptor 4 (DR4) were significantly highly expressed in patient-derived tumor cells. The combined expression of FRα and DR4/5 was associated with inferior clinical outcomes, therefore indicating their use as potential targets for biomolecular treatment. Thus, FRα and DR4 expression pattern can be a strong prognostic factor as promising therapeutic targets for the treatment of PDAC. For effective PDAC treatment, allogeneic CAR-NK cells were reprogrammed to carry an apoptosis-inducing ligand and to redirect them towards FRα and initiate DR4/5-mediated cancer-selective cell death in FRα- and DR4/5-positive tumors. As a result, the redirected cytotoxic ligand-loaded NK cells led to a significantly enhanced tumor-selective apoptosis. Accordingly, use of allogeneic CAR-NK cells that respond to FRα and DR4/5 double-positive cancers might improve clinical outcomes based on personal genome profiles. Thus, therapeutic modalities based on allogeneic NK cells can potentially be used to treat large numbers of patients with optimally selective cytotoxicity.

Effect of interleukins (IL-2, IL-15, IL-18) on receptors activation and cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells in breast cancer cell

INTRODUCTION

Breast cancer is one of the leading cause of cancer deaths in women. Metastasis in BC is caused by immunosurveillance deficiency, such NK cell maturation, low NK activity and decreasing cytotoxicity. This study was performed to improve activating receptors and cytotoxicity of NK cells using interleukins (ILs).

METHODS

Human recombinant IL-2, -15, and -18 were used to induce NK cells. We measured the activating and inhibiting receptors, proliferation activity of NK cells, and the cytotoxicity of NK cells on BC cells (MCF7). The effects of ILs were tested on the NK cell receptors CD314, CD158a and CD107a with flowcytometry, proliferation at various incubation times with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxy methoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS) assay and concentrations of TNF-α and IFN-γ by NK cells with ELISA.

RESULTS

ILs increased NK cell receptor levels (CD314, CD158a, and CD107a) at 24 hours of incubation. ILs increased NK cell viability, which increased with longer incubation. Moreover, ILs-induced NK cells inhibited proliferation in MCF7 cells, as well as increased TNF-α, IFN-γ, PRF1 and GzmB secretion.

CONCLUSION

IL-2, IL-15, and IL-18 improved activating receptors and proliferation of NK cells. IL-induced NK cells increased TNF-α, IFN-γ, PRF1 and GzmB secretion and cytotoxic activity on BC cells. High NK cell numbers increased BC cell growth inhibition.

Leucine rich repeats and calponin homology domain containing 1 inhibits NK-92 cell cytotoxicity through attenuating Src signaling

NK-92 cell line has been used as anti-tumor cytotoxic effector cells in immunotherapy. Leucine-rich repeats and calponin homology domain containing 1 (LRCH1) is a novel gene of which the function is unclear. In the present study, we investigated the role of LRCH1 in NK-92 cell cytotoxicity. LRCH1 was ablated in NK-92 cells through CRISP-Cas9-mediated knockout. LRCH1 knockout did not influence the basal behavior of NK-92 cells such as cell survival, expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors, and proliferation. However, upon the contact with tumor cells, LRCH1 knockout promoted NK-92 cell cytotoxicity to tumor cells. Besides, LRCH1 knockout increased the production of cytotoxic mediators such as IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-2, and granzyme B in NK-92 cells after tumor cell contact. Similarly, LRCH1 knockout increased the production of cytokines and granzyme B upon NKp30 engagement. Further experiments revealed that LRCH1 knockout enhanced the activation of Src and Lck kinase which are important for natural killer cell cytotoxicity. The in vivo assay confirmed the up-regulation of the tumoricidal activity of LRCH1-/- NK-92 cells, as demonstrated by more robust tumor cell killing. Importantly, human primary natural killer cells exhibited a similar increase in the production of IFN-γ and TNF-α when LRCH1 was knocked out. In conclusion, our study revealed the role of LRCH1 as a negative regulator of NK-92 cell cytotoxicity.

NK cell-produced IFN-γ regulates cell growth and apoptosis of colorectal cancer by regulating IL-15

Globally, colorectal cancer (CC) is the third leading cause of mortality associated with cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are a major class of cells that are responsible for eliminating tumor cells and cytokine production. NK cell-mediated production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) has antiviral, immunoregulatory and anti-tumor properties. IL-15 is important in linking inflammation with cancer. For instance, IL-15 promotes humoral and cell-mediated immune responses to inhibit tumor growth. IL-15 inhibits colitis-associated colon carcinogenesis by inducing antitumor immunity. However, the effect of NK cell-mediated IFN-γ on IL-15 expression in CC progression remains unknown. mRNA and protein level were detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting, respectively. IFN-γ concentrations were detected using ELISAs. The cytotoxicity of NK-92 cells on SW480 cells was detected using cytoTox 96^® non-radioactive cytotoxicity assays. Cell apoptosis and cell proliferation was detected using flow cytometry and CCK-8 assays, respectively. IL-2 was used for NK-92 stimulation, IL-15 antibodies were used to neutralize IL-15 bioactivity. For the present study, 21 patients with CC and 21 healthy volunteers were enrolled at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University. IL-15 mRNA and protein expression were significantly lower in NK cells isolated from the CC group compared with healthy volunteer group. IL-2 enhanced the production/secretion of IFN-γ in addition to enhancing NK-92 cell-mediated killing of SW480 cells. Compared with the control group, NK-92 cells treated with IL-2 alone significantly increased cell apoptosis, BAX expression levels as well as phosphorylated (p)-Janus kinase 2 and p-STAT1 protein levels, whilst reducing cell viability and Bcl-2 protein levels in SW480 cells. These observations were not made when treated with IL-2 and polyclonal antibody (pAb) targeting IL-15. Taken together, NK cell-mediated IFN-γ served a pivotal role in CC by regulating IL-15. The effects of IL-2 induced IFN-γ were abolished by pAb IL-15 treatment. The mechanisms of action behind how IFN-γ regulates IL-2 is unclear, and is a promising area for future research.

Senescent hepatocytes enhance natural killer cell activity via the CXCL-10/CXCR3 axis

Cellular senescence and natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in liver diseases. Chemokines, a component of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype, can recruit NK cells and are involved in the development of various liver diseases. The effect of the C-X-C motif chemokine ligand (CXCL)-9, −10, −11/C-X-C motif chemokine receptor (CXCR)3 axis in senescent hepatocytes remains unknown. The chemokines secreted by senescent hepatocytes, the contribution of the CXCL-9, −10, −11/CXCR3 axis to the migration of NK cells, and the effect of senescent hepatocytes on the function of NK cells were investigated in the present study. The results demonstrated significantly increased levels of C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 and CXCL-1, −2 and −10 in the supernatant of senescent AML12 cells. Despite increased mRNA expression of CXCL-9, −10, and −11 in these cells, western blotting revealed significantly enhanced expression of only CXCL-10. The expression of CXCR3 on the surface of NK cells stimulated by senescent AML12 cells was upregulated (fold change, >3). Following incubation with the supernatant of senescent hepatocytes, both CD107a and interferon γ expression in NK cells increased by >2.5-fold. The cytotoxic effect of NK cells was notably higher stimulated by senescent AML12 cells. Chemotaxis and blocking assays demonstrated that the senescent hepatocytes enhanced the migration of NK cells via the CXCL-10/CXCR3 axis. The present study suggests that senescent hepatocytes secrete various chemokines, including CXCL-10, resulting in the upregulation and activation of CXCR3 in NK cells and the enhancement of NK cell migration via the CXCL-10/CXCR3 axis.

miR-24 inhibited the killing effect of natural killer cells to colorectal cancer cells by downregulating Paxillin

OBJECTIVE

To identify the molecular mechanism that modulates the killing effect of natural killer (NK) cells to colorectal cancer cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Expressions of miR-24 and Paxillin were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot. Secretions of IFN-γ and TNF-α were measured by ELISA. The killing effect of NK cells was detected by CytoTox 96 non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay. Luciferase reporter assay was conducted to confirm the regulation of miR-24 on Paxillin.

RESULTS

miR-24 was overexpressed in NK cells from patients with colorectal cancer than healthy volunteers. Secretions of IFN-γ and TNF-α in activated NK cells were significantly increased, indicating the enhancement of the killing effect of NK cells. Paxillin expression was overexpressed in activated NK cells. Interference of Paxillin significantly decreased Paxillin expression, secretions of IFN-γ and TNF-α, and the killing effect of NK cells to colorectal cancer cells. In addition, we confirmed that Paxillin was a direct target of miR-24, and miR-24 was negatively correlated with Paxillin. Moreover, overexpression of miR-24 inhibited secretions of IFN-γ and TNF-α, and decreased cytotoxicity by downregulating Paxillin expression. Finally, we observed that overexpression of Paxillin significantly decreased tumor volume of colorectal cancer.

CONCLUSION

Overexpression of miR-24 supressed the killing effect of NK cells to colorectal cancer cells by downregulating Paxillin expression.

Role of interleukin (IL)-17 and T-helper (Th)17 cells in cancer

Interleukin-17 (IL-17), a pleiotropic proinflammatory cytokine, is reported to be significantly generated by a distinct subset of CD4⁺ T-cells, upgrading cancer-elicited inflammation and preventing cancer cells from immune surveillance. T-helper (Th)17 cells produced from naive CD4⁺ T cells have recently been renowned and generally accepted, gaining eminence in cancer studies and playing the effective role in context of cancer. Th17 cells are the main source of IL-17-secreting cells, It was found that other cell types produced this cytokine as well, including Group 3 innate lymphoid cells (ILC3), δγT cells, invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells, lymphoid-tissue inducer (LTi)-like cells and Natural killer (NK) cells. Th17-associated cytokines give impetus to tumor progression, or inducing angiogenesis and metastasis. This review demonstrates an understanding on how the pro- or antitumor function of Th17 cells and IL-17 may change cancer progression, leading to the appearance of complex and pivotal biologic activities in tumor.

Combination Cancer Therapy Using Chimeric Antigen Receptor-Engineered Natural Killer Cells as Drug Carriers

The therapeutic limitations of conventional chemotherapeutic drugs include chemo-resistance, tumor recurrence, and metastasis. Numerous nanoparticle-based active targeting approaches have emerged to enhance the intracellular concentration of drugs in tumor cells; however, efficient delivery of these systems to the tumor site while sparing healthy tissue remains elusive. Recently, much attention has been given to human immune-cell-directed nanoparticle drug delivery, because immune cells can traffic to the tumor and inflammatory sites. Natural killer cells are a subset of cytotoxic lymphocytes that play critical roles in cancer immunosurveillance. Engineering of the human natural killer cell line, NK92, to express chimeric antigen receptors to redirect their antitumor specificity has shown significant promise. We demonstrate that the efficacy of chemotherapy can be enhanced in vitro and in vivo while reducing off-target toxicity by using chimeric antigen receptor-engineered NK92 cells as carriers to direct drug-loaded nanoparticles to the target site.

Zeylenone, a naturally occurring cyclohexene oxide, inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis in cervical carcinoma cells via PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways

There is a strong rationale to therapeutically target the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways in cervical carcinoma since they are highly deregulated in this disease. Previous study by our group have demonstrated that Zeylenone (Zey) exhibited strong suppressive activity on PI3K/AKT/mTOR and MAPK/ERK signaling, providing a foundation to investigate its antitumor activity in cervical carcinoma. Herein, the present study aimed to investigate suppressive effect of Zey on HeLa and CaSki cells, and further explore the underlying mechanisms. Cells were treated with Zey for indicated time, followed by measuring its effects on cell viability, colony formation, cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and signal pathways. In vivo antitumor activity of Zey was then assessed with nude xenografts. We found that Zey substantially suppressed cell proliferation, induced cell cycle arrest, and increased cell apoptosis, accompanied by increased production of ROS, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, activated caspase apoptotic cascade, and attenuated PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways. Additionally, in vivo experiments showed that Zey exerted good antitumor efficacy against HeLa bearing mice models via decreasing levels of p-PI3K and p-ERK. Collectively, these data clearly demonstrated the antitumor activity of Zey in cervical carcinoma cells, which is most likely via the regulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK/ERK pathways.

HO-1 Induction in Cancer Progression: A Matter of Cell Adaptation

The upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is one of the most important mechanisms of cell adaptation to stress. Indeed, the redox sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 is the pivotal regulator of HO-1 induction. Through the antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antinflammatory properties of its metabolic products, HO-1 plays a key role in healthy cells in maintaining redox homeostasis and in preventing carcinogenesis. Nevertheless, several lines of evidence have highlighted the role of HO-1 in cancer progression and its expression correlates with tumor growth, aggressiveness, metastatic and angiogenetic potential, resistance to therapy, tumor escape, and poor prognosis, even though a tumor- and tissue-specific activity has been observed. In this review, we summarize the current literature regarding the pro-tumorigenic role of HO-1 dependent tumor progression as a promising target in anticancer strategy.