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Perzolli A, Koedijk JB, Zwaan CM, Heidenreich O. Targeting the innate immune system in pediatric and adult AML. Leukemia 2024; 38:1191-1201. [PMID: 38459166 PMCID: PMC11147779 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02217-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2024] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
While the introduction of T cell-based immunotherapies has improved outcomes in many cancer types, the development of immunotherapies for both adult and pediatric AML has been relatively slow and limited. In addition to the need to identify suitable target antigens, a better understanding of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment is necessary for the design of novel immunotherapy approaches. To date, most immune characterization studies in AML have focused on T cells, while innate immune lineages such as monocytes, granulocytes and natural killer (NK) cells, received less attention. In solid cancers, studies have shown that innate immune cells, such as macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells and neutrophils are highly plastic and may differentiate into immunosuppressive cells depending on signals received in their microenvironment, while NK cells appear to be functionally impaired. Hence, an in-depth characterization of the innate immune compartment in the TME is urgently needed to guide the development of immunotherapeutic interventions for AML. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the innate immune compartment in AML, and we discuss how targeting its components may enhance T cell-based- and other immunotherapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alicia Perzolli
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost B Koedijk
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Michel Zwaan
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC/Sophia Children's Hospital, 3015 GD, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Olaf Heidenreich
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
- Wolfson Childhood Cancer Research Centre, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, UK.
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Wang Y, Huang B, Liang T, Jiang L, Wu M, Liu X, Zhu M, Song X, Zhao N, Wei H, Zheng C, Ni F. Venetoclax acts as an immunometabolic modulator to potentiate adoptive NK cell immunotherapy against leukemia. Cell Rep Med 2024:101580. [PMID: 38776913 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101580] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy holds promise for cancer treatment; however, its efficacy remains limited, necessitating the development of alternative strategies. Here, we report that venetoclax, an FDA-approved BCL-2 inhibitor, directly activates NK cells, enhancing their cytotoxicity against acute myeloid leukemia (AML) both in vitro and in vivo, likely independent of BCL-2 inhibition. Through comprehensive approaches, including bulk and single-cell RNA sequencing, avidity measurement, and functional assays, we demonstrate that venetoclax increases the avidity of NK cells to AML cells and promotes lytic granule polarization during immunological synapse (IS) formation. Notably, we identify a distinct CD161lowCD218b+ NK cell subpopulation that exhibits remarkable sensitivity to venetoclax treatment. Furthermore, venetoclax promotes mitochondrial respiration and ATP synthesis via the NF-κB pathway, thereby facilitating IS formation in NK cells. Collectively, our findings establish venetoclax as a multifaceted immunometabolic modulator of NK cell function and provide a promising strategy for augmenting NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Institute of Immunology, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Beibei Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Tingting Liang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Institute of Immunology, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lai Jiang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingming Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Institute of Immunology, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xinru Liu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Institute of Immunology, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Mingming Zhu
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Institute of Immunology, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xian Song
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Institute of Immunology, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Institute of Immunology, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Changcheng Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Fang Ni
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Key Laboratory of Immune Response and Immunotherapy, Center for Advanced Interdisciplinary Science and Biomedicine of IHM, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Institute of Immunology, The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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3
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Hadjis AD, McCurdy SR. The role and novel use of natural killer cells in graft-versus-leukemia reactions after allogeneic transplantation. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1358668. [PMID: 38817602 PMCID: PMC11137201 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1358668] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) has transformed over the past several decades through enhanced supportive care, reduced intensity conditioning (RIC), improved human leukocyte antigen (HLA) typing, and novel graft-versus-host disease (GVHD)-prevention and treatment strategies. Most notably, the implementation of post-transplantation cyclophosphamide (PTCy) has dramatically increased the safety and availability of this life-saving therapy. Given reductions in nonrelapse mortality (NRM) with these advances, the HCT community has placed even greater emphasis on developing ways to reduce relapse - the leading cause of death after HCT. When using RIC HCT, protection from relapse relies predominantly on graft-versus-leukemia (GVL) reactions. Donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI), adoptive cellular therapy, checkpoint inhibition, and post-HCT maintenance strategies represent approaches under study that aim to augment or synergize with the GVL effects of HCT. Optimizing donor selection algorithms to leverage GVL represents another active area of research. Many of these strategies seek to harness the effects of T cells, which for decades were felt to be the primary mediators of GVL and the focus of investigation in relapse reduction. However, there is growing interest in capitalizing on the ability of natural killer (NK) cells to yield potent anti-tumor effects. A potential advantage of NK cell-based approaches over T cell-mediated is the potential to reduce NRM in addition to relapse. By decreasing infection, without increasing the risk of GVHD, NK cells may mitigate NRM, while still yielding relapse reduction through identification and clearance of cancer cells. Most T cell-focused relapse-prevention strategies must weigh the benefits of relapse reduction against the increased risk of NRM from GVHD. In contrast, NK cells have the potential to reduce both, potentially tipping the scales significantly in favor of survival. Here, we will review the role of NK cells in GVL, optimization of NK cell match or mismatch, and burgeoning areas of research in NK cell therapy such as adoptive transfer and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley D. Hadjis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Shannon R. McCurdy
- Abramson Cancer Center and the Division of Hematology and Oncology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Kaito Y, Imai Y. Evolution of natural killer cell-targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia. Int J Hematol 2024:10.1007/s12185-024-03778-0. [PMID: 38693419 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-024-03778-0] [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: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
In hematologic oncology, acute myeloid leukemia (AML) presents a significant challenge due to its complex genetic landscape and resistance to conventional therapies. Despite advances in treatment, including intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the prognosis for many patients with AML remains poor. Recently, immunotherapy has emerged as a promising approach to improve outcomes by augmenting existing treatments. Natural killer (NK) cells, a subset of innate lymphoid cells, have garnered attention for their potent cytotoxic capabilities against AML cells. In this review, we discuss the role of NK cells in AML immunosurveillance, their dysregulation in patients with AML, and various therapeutic strategies leveraging NK cells in AML treatment. We explore the challenges and prospects associated with NK cell therapy, including approaches to enhance NK cell function, overcome immune evasion mechanisms, and optimize treatment efficacy. Finally, we emphasize the importance of further research to validate and refine patient-first NK cell-based immunotherapies for AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Kaito
- Department of Hematology, Nippon Medical School, 1-1-5 Sendagi, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, 113-8602, Japan.
| | - Yoichi Imai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
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Zhou J, Chng WJ. Unveiling novel insights in acute myeloid leukemia through single-cell RNA sequencing. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1365330. [PMID: 38711849 PMCID: PMC11070491 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1365330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a complex and heterogeneous group of aggressive hematopoietic stem cell disease. The presence of diverse and functionally distinct populations of leukemia cells within the same patient's bone marrow or blood poses a significant challenge in diagnosing and treating AML. A substantial proportion of AML patients demonstrate resistance to induction chemotherapy and a grim prognosis upon relapse. The rapid advance in next generation sequencing technologies, such as single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq), has revolutionized our understanding of AML pathogenesis by enabling high-resolution interrogation of the cellular heterogeneity in the AML ecosystem, and their transcriptional signatures at a single-cell level. New studies have successfully characterized the inextricably intertwined interactions among AML cells, immune cells and bone marrow microenvironment and their contributions to the AML development, therapeutic resistance and relapse. These findings have deepened and broadened our understanding the complexity and heterogeneity of AML, which are difficult to detect with bulk RNA-seq. This review encapsulates the burgeoning body of knowledge generated through scRNA-seq, providing the novel insights and discoveries it has unveiled in AML biology. Furthermore, we discuss the potential implications of scRNA-seq in therapeutic opportunities, focusing on immunotherapy. Finally, we highlight the current limitations and future direction of scRNA-seq in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Center for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Center for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, Center for Translational Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- NUS Center for Cancer Research, Center for Translational Medicine, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore (NCIS), The National University Health System (NUHS), Singapore, Singapore
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Ahmadnia A, Mohammadi S, Yamchi A, Kalani MR, Farazmandfar T, Khosravi A, Memarian A. Augmenting the Antitumor Efficacy of Natural Killer Cells via SynNotch Receptor Engineering for Targeted IL-12 Secretion. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:2931-2945. [PMID: 38666913 PMCID: PMC11048765 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46040183] [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: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial components of innate immunity, known for their potent tumor surveillance abilities. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) have shown promise in cancer targeting, but optimizing CAR designs for NK cell functionality remains challenging. CAR-NK cells have gained attention for their potential to reduce side effects and enable scalable production in cancer immunotherapy. This study aimed to enhance NK cell anti-tumor activity by incorporating PD1-synthetic Notch (synNotch) receptors. A chimeric receptor was designed using UniProt database sequences, and 3D structure models were generated for optimization. Lentiviral transduction was used to introduce PD1-Syn receptors into NK cells. The expression of PD1-Syn receptors on NK cell surfaces was assessed. Engineered NK cells were co-cultured with PDL1+ breast cancer cells to evaluate their cytotoxic activity and ability to produce interleukin-12 (IL-12) and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) upon interaction with the target cells. This study successfully expressed the PD1-Syn receptors on NK cells. CAR-NK cells secreted IL-12 and exhibited target-dependent IFNγ production when engaging PDL1+ cells. Their cytotoxic activity was significantly enhanced in a target-dependent manner. This study demonstrates the potential of synNotch receptor-engineered NK cells in enhancing anti-tumor responses, especially in breast cancer cases with high PDL1 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Ahmadnia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Saeed Mohammadi
- Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Ahad Yamchi
- Department of Biotechnology, Gorgan University of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources, Gorgan P.O. Box 386, Iran
| | - Mohamad Reza Kalani
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Touraj Farazmandfar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Ayyoub Khosravi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Medical Technologies, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
| | - Ali Memarian
- Medical Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
- Department of Medical Immunology, School of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan P.O. Box 665, Iran
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Zhang L, Sun Y, Xue CE, Wang S, Xu X, Zheng C, Chen C, Kong D. Uncovering the cellular and omics characteristics of natural killer cells in the bone marrow microenvironment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:106. [PMID: 38481242 PMCID: PMC10938822 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03300-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous hematologic malignancy and the most frequently acute leukemia of stem cell precursors and the myeloid derivatives in adult. Longitudinal studies have indicated the therapeutic landscape and drug resistance for patients with AML are still intractable, which largely attribute to the deficiency of detailed information upon the pathogenesis. METHODS In this study, we compared the cellular phenotype of resident NK cells (rAML-NKs, rHD-NKs) and expanded NK cells (eAML-NKs, eHD-NKs) from bone marrow of AML patients (AML) and healthy donors (HD). Then, we took advantage of the co-culture strategy for the evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxicity of NK cells upon diverse tumor cell lines (e.g., K562, Nalm6, U937). With the aid of RNA-sequencing (RNA-SEQ) and bioinformatics analyses (e.g., GOBP analysis, KEGG analysis, GSEA, volcano plot), we verified the similarities and differences of the omics features between eAML-NKs and eHD-NKs. RESULTS Herein, we verified the sharp decline in the content of total resident NK cells (CD3-CD56+) in rAML-NKs compared to rHD-NKs. Differ from the expanded eHD-NKs, eAML-NKs revealed decline in diverse NK cell subsets (NKG2D+, CD25+, NKp44+, NKp46+) and alterations in cellular vitality but conservations in cytotoxicity. According to transcriptomic analysis, AML-NKs and HD-NKs showed multifaceted distinctions in gene expression profiling and genetic variations. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data revealed the variations in the cytobiological and transcriptomic features between AML-NKs and HD-NKs in bone marrow environment. Our findings would benefit the further development of novel biomarkers for AML diagnosis and NK cell-based cytotherapy in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Zhang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Fourth People's Hospital of Jinan, The Teaching Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, 50 Shifan Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250031, Shandong, China.
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Yunyan Sun
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Chun-E Xue
- Department of Hematology, Langfang City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Langfang, 065000, China
| | - Shuling Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xianghong Xu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Chengyun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Cunrong Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Dexiao Kong
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China.
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Xie KY, Chen SZ, Wang Y, Zeng ML, Liu XY, Liang Y, Wei J. Establishment and validation of a prognostic immune-related lncRNA risk model for acute myeloid leukemia. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:3693-3702. [PMID: 38192996 PMCID: PMC10774049 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Background Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer arising in the bone marrow and is the most common type of adult leukemia. AML has a poor prognosis, and currently, its prognosis evaluation does not include immune status assessment. This study established an immune-related long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) prognostic risk model for AML based on immune lncRNAs screening. Methods To construct training and validation cohorts, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) public databases were accessed to obtain gene expression profiles and clinical data. The correlation between lncRNAs and immunity genes was analyzed using the "limma" package, and the immune-related lncRNAs were obtained. Through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, a prognostic model was established with immune-related lncRNAs. Using the median risk score, patients were divided into high- and low-risk groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis, whereas the accuracy of the risk model was evaluated using time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, risk score distribution, survival status, and risk heat maps. We utilized univariate and multivariate Cox regression to examine the association between risk score and clinical variables and AML survival and prognosis. Results In the immune-related lncRNA prognostic risk model, the prognosis was better for low-risk than for high-risk patients, indicating risk score of this model as an independent indicator of prognosis. The area under the curve value for 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival of TCGA patients was 0.817, 0.859, and 0.909, respectively, whereas that of GEO patients (of dataset GPL96-GSE37642) was 0.603, 0.652, and 0.624, respectively. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed the enrichment of multiple pathways, such as antigen processing, B-cell receptor signaling pathway, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity, and chemokines, in high-risk patients. Conclusions In this study, immune-related lncRNA prognostic risk models effectively predicted AML survival and provided potential treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun-Ying Xie
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Shu-Zhao Chen
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meng-Lan Zeng
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Liu
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Yang Liang
- Department of Hematologic Oncology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Hematology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
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9
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Sugimoto E, Li J, Hayashi Y, Iida K, Asada S, Fukushima T, Tamura M, Shikata S, Zhang W, Yamamoto K, Kawabata KC, Kawase T, Saito T, Yoshida T, Yamazaki S, Kaito Y, Imai Y, Denda T, Ota Y, Fukuyama T, Tanaka Y, Enomoto Y, Kitamura T, Goyama S. Hyperactive Natural Killer cells in Rag2 knockout mice inhibit the development of acute myeloid leukemia. Commun Biol 2023; 6:1294. [PMID: 38129572 PMCID: PMC10739813 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05606-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has attracted considerable attention as a therapeutic strategy for cancers including acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this study, we found that the development of several aggressive subtypes of AML is slower in Rag2-/- mice despite the lack of B and T lymphocytes, even compared to the immunologically normal C57BL/6 mice. Furthermore, an orally active p53-activating drug shows stronger antileukemia effect on AML in Rag2-/- mice than C57BL/6 mice. Intriguingly, Natural Killer (NK) cells in Rag2-/- mice are increased in number, highly express activation markers, and show increased cytotoxicity to leukemia cells in a coculture assay. B2m depletion that triggers missing-self recognition of NK cells impairs the growth of AML cells in vivo. In contrast, NK cell depletion accelerates AML progression in Rag2-/- mice. Interestingly, immunogenicity of AML keeps changing during tumor evolution, showing a trend that the aggressive AMLs generate through serial transplantations are susceptible to NK cell-mediated tumor suppression in Rag2-/- mice. Thus, we show the critical role of NK cells in suppressing the development of certain subtypes of AML using Rag2-/- mice, which lack functional lymphocytes but have hyperactive NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Sugimoto
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Jingmei Li
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasutaka Hayashi
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kohei Iida
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shuhei Asada
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Fukushima
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Moe Tamura
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shiori Shikata
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Wenyu Zhang
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keita Yamamoto
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kimihito Cojin Kawabata
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Kawase
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takeshi Saito
- Clinical Pharmacology Exploratory Development, Astellas Pharma, Westborough, MA, USA
| | - Taku Yoshida
- Drug Discovery Research, Astellas Pharma, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Satoshi Yamazaki
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Yuta Kaito
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, IMSUT Hospital, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoichi Imai
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Tamami Denda
- Department of Pathology, The Institute of Medical Science Research Hospital, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasunori Ota
- Department of Pathology, The Institute of Medical Science Research Hospital, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomofusa Fukuyama
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yosuke Tanaka
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yutaka Enomoto
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshio Kitamura
- Division of Cellular Therapy, Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Susumu Goyama
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan.
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10
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Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi M, Yazdanparast S, Mikanik F, Izadpanah A, Parkhideh S, Shahbaz Ghasabeh A, Roshandel E, Hajifathali A, Gharehbaghian A. Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like NK Cells: Emerging strategy for AML immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115718. [PMID: 37857247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115718] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease developed from the malignant expansion of myeloid precursor cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The implementation of intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has improved outcomes associated with AML, but relapse, along with suboptimal outcomes, is still a common scenario. In the past few years, exploring new therapeutic strategies to optimize treatment outcomes has occurred rapidly. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has attracted clinical interest due to its critical role in immunosurveillance and their capabilities to target AML blasts. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and directly inducing cytotoxicity. Although NK cells are well known as short-lived innate immune cells with non-specific responses that have limited their clinical applications, the discovery of cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells could overcome these challenges. NK cells pre-activated with the cytokine combination IL-12/15/18 achieved a long-term life span with adaptive immunity characteristics, termed CIML-NK cells. Previous studies documented that using CIML-NK cells in cancer treatment is safe and results in promising outcomes. This review highlights the current application, challenges, and opportunities of CIML-NK cell-based therapy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Yazdanparast
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mikanik
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Parkhideh
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Shahbaz Ghasabeh
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Roshandel
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Gharehbaghian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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Sauerer T, Velázquez GF, Schmid C. Relapse of acute myeloid leukemia after allogeneic stem cell transplantation: immune escape mechanisms and current implications for therapy. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:180. [PMID: 37951964 PMCID: PMC10640763 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01889-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease characterized by the expansion of immature myeloid cells in the bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) resulting in failure of normal hematopoiesis and life-threating cytopenia. Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HCT) is an established therapy with curative potential. Nevertheless, post-transplant relapse is common and associated with poor prognosis, representing the major cause of death after allo-HCT. The occurrence of relapse after initially successful allo-HCT indicates that the donor immune system is first able to control the leukemia, which at a later stage develops evasion strategies to escape from immune surveillance. In this review we first provide a comprehensive overview of current knowledge regarding immune escape in AML after allo-HCT, including dysregulated HLA, alterations in immune checkpoints and changes leading to an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. In the second part, we draw the line from bench to bedside and elucidate to what extend immune escape mechanisms of relapsed AML are yet exploited in treatment strategies. Finally, we give an outlook how new emerging technologies could help to improve the therapy for these patients, and elucidate potential new treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatjana Sauerer
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Giuliano Filippini Velázquez
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany
| | - Christoph Schmid
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Augsburg University Hospital and Medical Faculty, Bavarian Cancer Research Center (BZKF) and Comprehensive Cancer Center Augsburg, Augsburg, Germany.
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12
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Gurska L, Gritsman K. Unveiling T cell evasion mechanisms to immune checkpoint inhibitors in acute myeloid leukemia. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:674-687. [PMID: 37842238 PMCID: PMC10571054 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2023.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous and aggressive hematologic malignancy that is associated with a high relapse rate and poor prognosis. Despite advances in immunotherapies in solid tumors and other hematologic malignancies, AML has been particularly difficult to treat with immunotherapies, as their efficacy is limited by the ability of leukemic cells to evade T cell recognition. In this review, we discuss the common mechanisms of T cell evasion in AML: (1) increased expression of immune checkpoint molecules; (2) downregulation of antigen presentation molecules; (3) induction of T cell exhaustion; and (4) creation of an immunosuppressive environment through the increased frequency of regulatory T cells. We also review the clinical investigation of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in AML. We discuss the limitations of ICIs, particularly in the context of T cell evasion mechanisms in AML, and we describe emerging strategies to overcome T cell evasion, including combination therapies. Finally, we provide an outlook on the future directions of immunotherapy research in AML, highlighting the need for a more comprehensive understanding of the complex interplay between AML cells and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay Gurska
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Kira Gritsman
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
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13
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Park MN. The Therapeutic Potential of a Strategy to Prevent Acute Myeloid Leukemia Stem Cell Reprogramming in Older Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12037. [PMID: 37569414 PMCID: PMC10418941 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common and incurable leukemia subtype. Despite extensive research into the disease's intricate molecular mechanisms, effective treatments or expanded diagnostic or prognostic markers for AML have not yet been identified. The morphological, immunophenotypic, cytogenetic, biomolecular, and clinical characteristics of AML patients are extensive and complex. Leukemia stem cells (LSCs) consist of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and cancer cells transformed by a complex, finely-tuned interaction that causes the complexity of AML. Microenvironmental regulation of LSCs dormancy and the diagnostic and therapeutic implications for identifying and targeting LSCs due to their significance in the pathogenesis of AML are discussed in this review. It is essential to perceive the relationship between the niche for LSCs and HSCs, which together cause the progression of AML. Notably, methylation is a well-known epigenetic change that is significant in AML, and our data also reveal that microRNAs are a unique factor for LSCs. Multiple-targeted approaches to reduce the risk of epigenetic factors, such as the administration of natural compounds for the elimination of local LSCs, may prevent potentially fatal relapses. Furthermore, the survival analysis of overlapping genes revealed that specific targets had significant effects on the survival and prognosis of patients. We predict that the multiple-targeted effects of herbal products on epigenetic modification are governed by different mechanisms in AML and could prevent potentially fatal relapses. Thus, these strategies can facilitate the incorporation of herbal medicine and natural compounds into the advanced drug discovery and development processes achievable with Network Pharmacology research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moon Nyeo Park
- Department of Pathology, College of Korean Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Hoegidong Dongdaemungu, Seoul 05253, Republic of Korea
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14
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Spillane DR, Assouline S. Immunotherapy for myelodysplastic syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia: where do we stand? Expert Rev Hematol 2023; 16:819-834. [PMID: 37819154 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2023.2268273] [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: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are generally characterized by a poor prognosis with currently available therapies. Immunotherapies have already seen success in treating a variety of malignant disorders, and their role in managing myeloid cancers is evolving rapidly. AREAS COVERED This is a review of the immunotherapies tested in MDS and AML, including immune checkpoint inhibitors, bispecific antibodies, and cell therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy, T cell receptor (TCR) engineered T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells, with a focus on clinical trials conducted to date and future directions. EXPERT OPINION Initial clinical trials exploring checkpoint inhibitors in MDS and AML have demonstrated high toxicity and disappointing efficacy. However, ongoing trials adding novel checkpoint inhibitors to standard therapy are more promising. Technological advances are improving the outlook for bispecific antibodies, and cellular therapies like adoptive NK cell infusion have favorable efficacy and tolerability in early trials. As our understanding of the immune microenvironment in MDS and AML improves, the role for immunotherapy in the treatment of these diseases will become clearer.
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Affiliation(s)
- David R Spillane
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sarit Assouline
- Jewish General Hospital, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
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Zipinotti Dos Santos D, de Souza JC, Pimenta TM, da Silva Martins B, Junior RSR, Butzene SMS, Tessarolo NG, Cilas PML, Silva IV, Rangel LBA. The impact of lipid metabolism on breast cancer: a review about its role in tumorigenesis and immune escape. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:161. [PMID: 37370164 PMCID: PMC10304265 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01178-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the second most frequent type of cancer in the world and most common among women, configuring a major challenge to global health. BC is a complex and heterogeneous disease that can be subdivided into distinct tumor types based on the expression of molecular markers predicting patient outcomes and response to therapy. A growing number of studies have tried to expand the known markers by investigating the association of altered lipid metabolism with BC immune escape, progression, and metastasis. In this review, we describe the metabolic peculiarities of each BC subtype, understanding how this influences its aggressiveness and identifying whether these intrinsic vulnerabilities of each subtype can play a role in therapeutic management and may affect immune system cells in the tumor microenvironment. CONCLUSION The evidence suggests so far that when changes occur in lipid pathways, it can affect the availability of structural lipids for membrane synthesis, lipid synthesis, and degradation that contribute to energy homeostasis and cell signaling functions. These findings will guide the next steps on the path to understanding the mechanisms underlying how lipids alterations are related to disparities in chemotherapeutic response and immune escape in BC. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diandra Zipinotti Dos Santos
- Biotechnology Program/RENORBIO, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria (Espírito Santo), Brazil.
| | - Josiany Carlos de Souza
- Biotechnology Program/RENORBIO, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria (Espírito Santo), Brazil
| | - Tatiana Massariol Pimenta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Marechal Campos Avenue, MaruípeEspírito Santo, Vitória, 1468, Brazil
| | - Bárbara da Silva Martins
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Marechal Campos Avenue, MaruípeEspírito Santo, Vitória, 1468, Brazil
| | - Roberto Silva Ribeiro Junior
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Marechal Campos Avenue, MaruípeEspírito Santo, Vitória, 1468, Brazil
| | - Solenny Maria Silva Butzene
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Marechal Campos Avenue, MaruípeEspírito Santo, Vitória, 1468, Brazil
| | - Nayara Gusmão Tessarolo
- Viral Vector Laboratory, Center for Translational Investigation in Oncology, Cancer Institute of São Paulo/LIM24, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, São Paulo, (São Paulo), Brazil
| | | | - Ian Victor Silva
- Department of Morphology, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Espirito Santo, Brazil
| | - Leticia B A Rangel
- Biotechnology Program/RENORBIO, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitoria (Espírito Santo), Brazil.
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Marechal Campos Avenue, MaruípeEspírito Santo, Vitória, 1468, Brazil.
- Biochemistry Program, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Espirito Santo, Vitoria, Brazil.
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16
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Kim D, Jo S, Lee D, Kim SM, Seok JM, Yeo SJ, Lee JH, Lee JJ, Lee K, Kim TD, Park SA. NK cells encapsulated in micro/macropore-forming hydrogels via 3D bioprinting for tumor immunotherapy. Biomater Res 2023; 27:60. [PMID: 37349810 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00403-9] [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: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients face a serious threat if a solid tumor leaves behind partial residuals or cannot be completely removed after surgical resection. Immunotherapy has attracted attention as a method to prevent this condition. However, the conventional immunotherapy method targeting solid tumors, that is, intravenous injection, has limitations in homing in on the tumor and in vivo expansion and has not shown effective clinical results. METHOD To overcome these limitations, NK cells (Natural killer cells) were encapsulated in micro/macropore-forming hydrogels using 3D bioprinting to target solid tumors. Sodium alginate and gelatin were used to prepare micro-macroporous hydrogels. The gelatin contained in the alginate hydrogel was removed because of the thermal sensitivity of the gelatin, which can generate interconnected micropores where the gelatin was released. Therefore, macropores can be formed through bioprinting and micropores can be formed using thermally sensitive gelatin to make macroporous hydrogels. RESULTS It was confirmed that intentionally formed micropores could help NK cells to aggregate easily, which enhances cell viability, lysis activity, and cytokine release. Macropores can be formed using 3D bioprinting, which enables NK cells to receive the essential elements. We also characterized the functionality of NK 92 and zEGFR-CAR-NK cells in the pore-forming hydrogel. The antitumor effects on leukemia and solid tumors were investigated using an in vitro model. CONCLUSION We demonstrated that the hydrogel encapsulating NK cells created an appropriate micro-macro environment for clinical applications of NK cell therapy for both leukemia and solid tumors via 3D bioprinting. 3D bioprinting makes macro-scale clinical applications possible, and the automatic process shows potential for development as an off-the-shelf immunotherapy product. This immunotherapy system could provide a clinical option for preventing tumor relapse and metastasis after tumor resection. Micro/macropore-forming hydrogel with NK cells fabricated by 3D bioprinting and implanted into the tumor site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahong Kim
- Nano Convergence & Manufacturing Systems, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seona Jo
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjin Lee
- Nano Convergence & Manufacturing Systems, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
| | - Seok-Min Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Min Seok
- Nano Convergence & Manufacturing Systems, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
- Department of Applied Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Seon Ju Yeo
- Nano Convergence & Manufacturing Systems, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
| | - Jun Hee Lee
- Nano Convergence & Manufacturing Systems, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Jong Lee
- Nano Convergence & Manufacturing Systems, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea
| | - Kangwon Lee
- Department of Applied Bioengineering, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
- Research Institute for Convergence Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Don Kim
- Immunotherapy Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Daejeon, 34141, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Functional Genomics, KRIBB School of Bioscience, Korea University of Science and Technology (UST), Daejeon, 34113, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Mathematics Group, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34126, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biopharmaceutical Convergence, School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| | - Su A Park
- Nano Convergence & Manufacturing Systems, Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), Daejeon, 34103, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Pang Y, Holtzman NG. Immunopathogenic mechanisms and modulatory approaches to graft-versus-host disease prevention in acute myeloid leukaemia. Best Pract Res Clin Haematol 2023; 36:101475. [PMID: 37353287 PMCID: PMC10291443 DOI: 10.1016/j.beha.2023.101475] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023]
Abstract
Allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) remains the only potential cure for intermediate to high-risk acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). The therapeutic effect of HSCT is largely dependent on the powerful donor-derived immune response against recipient leukaemia cells, known as graft-versus-leukaemia effect (GvL). However, the donor-derived immune system can also cause acute or chronic damage to normal recipient organs and tissues, in a process known as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). GvHD is a leading cause of non-relapse mortality in HSCT recipients. There are many similarities and cross talk between the immune pathways of GvL and GvHD. Studies have demonstrated that both processes require the presence of mismatched alloantigens between the donor and recipient, and activation of immune responses centered around donor T-cells, which can be further modulated by various recipient or donor factors. Dissecting GvL from GvHD to achieve more effective GvHD prevention and enhanced GvL has been the holy grail of HSCT research. In this review, we focused on the key factors that contribute to the immune responses of GvL and GvHD, the effect on GvL with different GvHD prophylactic strategies, and the potential impact of various AML relapse prevention therapy or treatments on GvHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Pang
- Department of Haematologic Oncology and Blood Disorders, Levine Cancer Institute, Charlotte, NC, USA.
| | - Noa G Holtzman
- Immune Deficiency Cellular Therapy Program, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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18
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D’Silva SZ, Singh M, Pinto AS. NK cell defects: implication in acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1112059. [PMID: 37228595 PMCID: PMC10203541 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1112059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is a complex disease with rapid progression and poor/unsatisfactory outcomes. In the past few years, the focus has been on developing newer therapies for AML; however, relapse remains a significant problem. Natural Killer cells have strong anti-tumor potential against AML. This NK-mediated cytotoxicity is often restricted by cellular defects caused by disease-associated mechanisms, which can lead to disease progression. A stark feature of AML is the low/no expression of the cognate HLA ligands for the activating KIR receptors, due to which these tumor cells evade NK-mediated lysis. Recently, different Natural Killer cell therapies have been implicated in treating AML, such as the adoptive NK cell transfer, Chimeric antigen receptor-modified NK (CAR-NK) cell therapy, antibodies, cytokine, and drug treatment. However, the data available is scarce, and the outcomes vary between different transplant settings and different types of leukemia. Moreover, remission achieved by some of these therapies is only for a short time. In this mini-review, we will discuss the role of NK cell defects in AML progression, particularly the expression of different cell surface markers, the available NK cell therapies, and the results from various preclinical and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Z. D’Silva
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Meenakshi Singh
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute, Mumbai, India
| | - Andrea S. Pinto
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics Lab, Advanced Centre for Treatment, Education and Research in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, Navi Mumbai, India
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19
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Hojjatipour T, Maali A, Azad M. Natural killer cell epigenetic reprogramming in tumors and potential for cancer immunotherapy. Epigenomics 2023; 15:249-266. [PMID: 37125432 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical members of the innate lymphoid cell population and have a pivotal role in cancer eradication. NK cell maturation, development and function are tightly regulated by epigenetic modifications, which can also be recruited for cancer propagation and immune escape. NK cells have the potential to be activated against tumors through several epigenetic regulators. Given that epigenetic changes are inducible and reversible, focusing on aberrant epigenetic regulations recruited by tumor cells provides a tremendous opportunity for cancer treatment. This review presents a comprehensive picture of NK cell normal epigenetic regulation and cancer-driven epigenetic modifications. From our perspective, a better understanding of epigenetic regulators that can edit and revise NK cells' activity is a promising avenue for NK cell-based therapy in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology & Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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20
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Gan L, Zhao Y, Fu Y, Chen Q. The potential role of m6A modifications on immune cells and immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 160:114343. [PMID: 36758318 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114343] [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: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A), is the most prevalent and reversible post-transcriptional epigenetic modification of RNA in mammals. Dysregulation of m6A modifications impacts RNA procession, degradation, translocation, and translation, disrupting immune cell homeostasis and promoting tumor initiation and development. Here, we discuss an -up-to-date summary of the mechanisms by which m6A modifications regulate immune cell anti-tumor as well as self-homeostasis. We also present how the dysregulation of m6A modifications intrinsic to tumor cells regulates the function of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, we described some specific inhibitors targeting m6A modulators and discussed their potential use in cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linchuan Gan
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Yuxiang Zhao
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China
| | - Yajuan Fu
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China.
| | - Qi Chen
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Innate Immune Biology, Biomedical Research Center of South China, College of Life Science, Fujian Normal University Qishan Campus, College Town, Fuzhou, Fujian Province 350117, PR China.
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21
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Bazinet A, Kantarjian HM. Moving toward individualized target-based therapies in acute myeloid leukemia. Ann Oncol 2023; 34:141-151. [PMID: 36423744 DOI: 10.1016/j.annonc.2022.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease at the genetic level. The field of AML therapy is increasingly shifting away from uniform approaches based solely on intensive chemotherapy (such as '7 + 3') toward personalized therapy. The treatment of AML can now be individualized based on patient characteristics and cytogenetic/molecular disease features. In this review, we provide a comprehensive updated summary of personalized, target-directed therapy in AML. We first discuss the selection of intensive versus low-intensity treatment approaches based on the patient's age and/or comorbidities. We follow with a detailed review of specific molecularly defined AML subtypes that benefit from the addition of targeted agents. In this context, we highlight the urgent need for novel therapies in tumor protein p53 (TP53)-mutated AML. We then propose approaches to optimize AML therapy in patients without directly actionable mutations. We conclude with a discussion on the emerging role of using measurable residual disease to modify therapy based on the quality of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Bazinet
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA
| | - H M Kantarjian
- Department of Leukemia, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, USA.
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22
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Firouzi J, Hajifathali A, Azimi M, Parvini N, Ghaemi F, Shayan Asl N, Hedayati Asl AA, Safa M, Ebrahimi M. Hsp70, in Combination with IL-15 and PD-1 Blocker, Interferes with The Induction of Cytotoxic NK Cells in Relapsed Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients. CELL JOURNAL 2023; 25:92-101. [PMID: 36840455 PMCID: PMC9968373 DOI: 10.22074/cellj.2023.561054.1123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 02/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Natural killer (NK) cells are critical immune cells for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) targeting. However, little is known about the relationship between using checkpoint inhibitors and heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) as NK cell activators to control AML. Therefore, the study aims to find the best formulation of Hsp70, human PD-1 (Programmed cell death protein 1) blocker, and interleukin 15 (IL-15) to activate NK cells against AML. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this experimental study, the NK cells were isolated from mononuclear cells (MNCs) by using magnetic activation cell sorting (MACS) and were activated using the different combinations of Hsp70, PD-1 blocker, and IL-15 and then followed by immunophenotyping, functional assays to estimate their killing potential, and evaluation of expression pattern of PRF1, PIK3CB, PD-1, AKT-1, FAS-L, TRAIL, and GER A and B. RESULTS The expression of PD-1 was significantly (P<0.05) reduced after NK cell activation by the different formulas of IL-15, Hsp70, and PD-1 blocker. The expression of NKG2A in the treated NK cells was reduced particularly in the IL-15 (P<0.01) and IL-15+PD-1 blocker (P<0.05) groups. The addition of Hsp70 increased its expression. The cytotoxic effect of NK cells increased in all groups, especially in IL-15+PD-1 blocker besides increasing interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), Granzymes, and perforin expression (P<0.05). All IL-15+PD-1 blocker group changes were associated with the upregulation of PIK3CB and AKT-1 as key factors of NK cell activation. The presence of Hsp70 reduced IFN-γ releasing, and down-regulation of PIK3CB, AKT-1, Granzymes, and Perforin (P<0.05). CONCLUSION We suggested the combination of IL-15 and PD-1 blocker could enhance the killing potential of AMLNK cells. Moreover, Hsp70 in combination with IL-15 and PD-1 blocker interferes activation of AML-NK cells through unknown mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javad Firouzi
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University
of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and
Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran,Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Taleghani Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoumeh Azimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and
Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Neda Parvini
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Research Institute for Health Development, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences,
Kurdistan, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ghaemi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and
Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloufar Shayan Asl
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and
Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Abbas Hedayati Asl
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and
Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Safa
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University
of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Cellular and Molecular Research Centre, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran,P.O.Box: 1449614535Department of Hematology
and Blood BankingFaculty of Allied MedicineIran University of Medical
SciencesTehranIranP.O.Box: 16635-148Department of Stem Cells and Developmental BiologyCell
Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and TechnologyACECRTehranIran
Emails: ,
| | - Marzieh Ebrahimi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and
Technology, ACECR, Tehran, Iran,Department of Regenerative Medicine, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology,
ACECR, Tehran, Iran,P.O.Box: 1449614535Department of Hematology
and Blood BankingFaculty of Allied MedicineIran University of Medical
SciencesTehranIranP.O.Box: 16635-148Department of Stem Cells and Developmental BiologyCell
Science Research CenterRoyan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and TechnologyACECRTehranIran
Emails: ,
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23
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Serroukh Y, Hébert J, Busque L, Mercier F, Rudd CE, Assouline S, Lachance S, Delisle JS. Blasts in context: the impact of the immune environment on acute myeloid leukemia prognosis and treatment. Blood Rev 2023; 57:100991. [PMID: 35941029 DOI: 10.1016/j.blre.2022.100991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that originates from the bone marrow (BM). Under physiological conditions, the bone marrow supports the homeostasis of immune cells and hosts memory lymphoid cells. In this review, we summarize our present understanding of the role of the immune microenvironment on healthy bone marrow and on the development of AML, with a focus on T cells and other lymphoid cells. The types and function of different immune cells involved in the AML microenvironment as well as their putative role in the onset of disease and response to treatment are presented. We also describe how the immune context predicts the response to immunotherapy in AML and how these therapies modulate the immune status of the bone marrow. Finally, we focus on allogeneic stem cell transplantation and summarize the current understanding of the immune environment in the post-transplant bone marrow, the factors associated with immune escape and relevant strategies to prevent and treat relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmina Serroukh
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Erasmus Medical center Cancer Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Department of Hematology, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada.
| | - Josée Hébert
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada; The Quebec Leukemia Cell Bank, Canada
| | - Lambert Busque
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| | - François Mercier
- Division of Hematology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada
| | - Christopher E Rudd
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sarit Assouline
- Division of Hematology and Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada; Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, 3755 Côte-Sainte-Catherine Road, Montreal, Canada
| | - Silvy Lachance
- Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jean-Sébastien Delisle
- Centre de recherche de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, 5415 Boul. de L'Assomption, Montréal, Canada; Department of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; Institute for Hematology-Oncology, Transplantation, Cell and Gene Therapy, Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, Montreal, Canada
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24
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Wang D, Sun Z, Zhu X, Zheng X, Zhou Y, Lu Y, Yan P, Wang H, Liu H, Jin J, Zhu H, Sun R, Wang Y, Fu B, Tian Z, Wei H. GARP-mediated active TGF-β1 induces bone marrow NK cell dysfunction in AML patients with early relapse post-allo-HSCT. Blood 2022; 140:2788-2804. [PMID: 35981475 PMCID: PMC10653097 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022015474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Relapse is a leading cause of death after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). However, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Natural killer (NK) cells play a crucial role in tumor surveillance and cancer immunotherapy, and NK cell dysfunction has been observed in various tumors. Here, we performed ex vivo experiments to systematically characterize the mechanisms underlying the dysfunction of bone marrow-derived NK (BMNK) cells isolated from AML patients experiencing early relapse after allo-HSCT. We demonstrated that higher levels of active transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) were associated with impaired effector function of BMNK cells in these AML patients. TGF-β1 activation was induced by the overexpression of glycoprotein A repetitions predominant on the surface of CD4+ T cells. Active TGF-β1 significantly suppressed mTORC1 activity, mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation, the proliferation, and cytotoxicity of BMNK cells. Furthermore, pretreatment with the clinical stage TGF-β1 pathway inhibitor, galunisertib, significantly restored mTORC1 activity, mitochondrial homeostasis, and cytotoxicity. Importantly, the blockade of the TGF-β1 signaling improved the antitumor activity of NK cells in a leukemia xenograft mouse model. Thus, our findings reveal a mechanism explaining BMNK cell dysfunction and suggest that targeted inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling may represent a potential therapeutic intervention to improve outcomes in AML patients undergoing allo-HSCT or NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongyao Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Blood and Cell Therapy Institute, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Blood Research and Applications, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zimin Sun
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Blood and Cell Therapy Institute, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Blood Research and Applications, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Blood and Cell Therapy Institute, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Blood Research and Applications, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Xiaohu Zheng
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yonggang Zhou
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yichen Lu
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Peidong Yan
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huiru Wang
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Blood and Cell Therapy Institute, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Blood Research and Applications, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huilan Liu
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Blood and Cell Therapy Institute, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Blood Research and Applications, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Jin
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Huaiping Zhu
- Blood and Cell Therapy Institute, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Blood Research and Applications, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Binqing Fu
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Institute of Immunology, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- The CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Basic Medicine and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Blood and Cell Therapy Institute, Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Blood Research and Applications, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
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25
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Wang JN, Gu T, Hu Y, Huang H. Novel cellular immunotherapies for hematological malignancies: recent updates from the 2021 ASH annual meeting. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:61. [PMID: 36153595 PMCID: PMC9508791 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00316-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy, including the chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cell therapy and CAR- natural killer (CAR-NK) cell therapy, has undergone extensive clinical investigation and development in recent years. CAR-T cell therapy is now emerging as a powerful cancer therapy with enormous potential, demonstrating impressive anti-tumor activity in the treatment of hematological malignancies. At the 2021 ASH annual meeting, numerous breakthroughs were reported concerning acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), lymphoma, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), and multiple myeloma (MM). Universal CAR-T cell and CAR-NK cell therapy, as well as induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived immunotherapy, offer great “off-the-shelf” benefits. Major development and updates of cellular immunotherapy for hematological malignancies reported at the 2021 ASH annual meeting are summarized in this review.
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26
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Multifaceted characterization of the biological and transcriptomic signatures of natural killer cells derived from cord blood and placental blood. Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:291. [PMID: 36153574 PMCID: PMC9508758 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02697-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Perinatal blood including umbilical cord blood and placental blood are splendid sources for allogeneic NK cell generation with high cytotoxicity of combating pathogenic microorganism and malignant tumor. Despite the generation of NK cells from the aforementioned perinatal blood, yet the systematical and detailed information of the biological and transcriptomic signatures of UC-NKs and P-NKs before large-scale clinical applications in disease remodeling is still largely obscure. Methods Herein, we took advantage of the “3IL”-based strategy for high-efficient generation of NK cells from umbilical cord blood and placental blood (UC-NKs and P-NKs), respectively. On the one hand, we conducted flow cytometry (FCM) assay and coculture to evaluate the subpopulations, cellular vitality and cytotoxic activity of the aforementioned NK cells. On the other hand, with the aid of RNA-SEQ and multiple bioinformatics analyses, we further dissected the potential diversities of UC-NKs and P-NKs from the perspectives of transcriptomes. Results On the basis of the “3IL” strategy, high-efficient NKs were generated from mononuclear cells (MNCs) in perinatal blood. P-NKs revealed comparable ex vivo expansion but preferable activation and cytotoxicity upon K562 cells over UC-NKs. Both of the two NKs showed diversity in cellular vitality and transcriptome including apoptotic cells, cell cycle, gene expression profiling and the accompanied multifaceted biological processes. Conclusions Our data revealed the multifaceted similarities and differences of UC-NKs and P-NKs both at the cellular and molecular levels. Our findings supply new references for allogeneic NK cell-based immunotherapy in regenerative medicine and will benefit the further exploration for illuminating the underlying mechanism as well. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-022-02697-6.
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27
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Turk S, Baesmat AS, Yılmaz A, Turk C, Malkan UY, Ucar G, Haznedaroğlu IC. NK-cell dysfunction of acute myeloid leukemia in relation to the renin–angiotensin system and neurotransmitter genes. Open Med (Wars) 2022; 17:1495-1506. [PMID: 36213442 PMCID: PMC9490854 DOI: 10.1515/med-2022-0551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most heterogeneous hematological disorder and blast cells need to fight against immune system. Natural killer (NK) cells can elicit fast anti-tumor responses in response to surface receptors of tumor cells. NK-cell activity is often impaired in the disease, and there is a risk of insufficient tumor suppression and progression. The aim of this study is to assess the dysfunction of NK cells in AML patients via focusing on two important pathways. We obtained single-cell RNA-sequencing data from NK cells obtained from healthy donors and AML patients. The data were used to perform a wide variety of approaches, including DESeq2 (version 3.9), limma (version 3.26.8) power differential expression analyses, hierarchical clustering, gene set enrichment, and pathway analysis. ATP6AP2, LNPEP, PREP, IGF2R, CTSA, and THOP1 genes were found to be related to the renin–angiotensin system (RAS) family, while DPP3, GLRA3, CRCP, CHRNA5, CHRNE, and CHRNB1 genes were associated with the neurotransmitter pathways. The determined genes are expressed within different patterns in the AML and healthy groups. The relevant molecular pathways and clusters of genes were identified, as well. The cross-talks of NK-cell dysfunction in relation to the RAS and neurotransmitters seem to be important in the genesis of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyhan Turk
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06105, Turkey
| | - Ayriana Safari Baesmat
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, 06105, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Yılmaz
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, 06105, Turkey
| | - Can Turk
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Lokman Hekim University, Ankara, 06105, Turkey
| | - Umit Yavuz Malkan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Science, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06105, Turkey
| | - Gulberk Ucar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hacettepe University, Ankara, 06105, Turkey
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Management of Aggressive Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas in the Pediatric, Adolescent, and Young Adult Population: An Adult vs. Pediatric Perspective. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14122912. [PMID: 35740580 PMCID: PMC9221186 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14122912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This review details the diagnosis and treatment of primary non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in the pediatric and adolescent population. We also describe treatment modalities such as hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for relapsed or refractory NHL in patients that fail or do not respond to the initial therapy. We then detail the current advancements in treatment for patients that fail initial therapy such as CAR T-cell therapy, the use of immunotherapy that target surface makers on malignant cells and highlight areas where further research is needed. The purpose of our review is to inform the pediatric oncology community in regard to the various types of NHLs and emphasize areas where the science is evolving in the treatment of primary, relapsed or refractory disease. Abstract Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a broad entity which comprises a number of different types of lymphomatous malignancies. In the pediatric and adolescent population, the type and prognosis of NHL varies by age and gender. In comparison to adults, pediatric and adolescent patients generally have better outcomes following treatment for primary NHL. However, relapsed/refractory (R/R) disease is associated with poorer outcomes in many types of NHL such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma and Burkitt lymphoma. Newer therapies have been approved in the use of primary NHL in the pediatric and adolescent population such as Rituximab and other therapies such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR T-cell) therapy are under investigation for the treatment of R/R NHL. In this review, we feature the characteristics, diagnosis, and treatments of the most common NHLs in the pediatric and adolescent population and also highlight the differences that exist between pediatric and adult disease. We then detail the areas of treatment advances such as immunotherapy with CAR T-cells, brentuximab vedotin, and blinatumomab as well as cell cycle inhibitors and describe areas where further research is needed. The aim of this review is to juxtapose established research regarding pediatric and adolescent NHL with recent advancements as well as highlight treatment gaps where more investigation is needed.
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29
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Molecular Mechanisms and Therapies of Myeloid Leukaemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23116251. [PMID: 35682932 PMCID: PMC9181128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23116251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is defined as a malignant disorder of the bone marrow (BM) that is characterised by the clonal expansion and differentiation arrest of myeloid progenitor cells [...].
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30
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Rahmani S, Yazdanpanah N, Rezaei N. Natural killer cells and acute myeloid leukemia: promises and challenges. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2849-2867. [PMID: 35639116 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03217-1] [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: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is considered as one of the most malignant conditions of the bone marrow. Over the past few decades, despite substantial progresses in the management of AML, relapse remission remains a major problem. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are known as a unique component of the innate immune system. Due to swift tumor detection, distinct cytotoxic action, and extensive immune interaction, NK cells have been used in various cancer settings for decades. It has been a growing knowledge of therapeutic magnitudes ranging from adoptive NK cell transfer to chimeric antigen receptor NK cells, aiming to achieve better therapeutic responses in patients with AML. In this article, the potentials of NK cells for treatment of AML are highlighted, and challenges for such therapeutic methods are discussed. In addition, the clinical application of NK cells, mainly in patients with AML, is pictured according to the existing evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Rahmani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloufar Yazdanpanah
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran. .,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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31
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Zhang L, Liu M, Song B, Miao W, Zhan R, Yang S, Han Z, Cai H, Xu X, Zhao Y, Han Z, Guo T, Yao J, Huang Q. Decoding the multidimensional signatures of resident and expanded natural killer cells generated from perinatal blood. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:2132-2145. [PMID: 35693070 PMCID: PMC9185604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes and play a pivotal role in innate and adaptive immune responses against infections and malignancies. Longitudinal studies have indicated the feasibility of perinatal blood for large-scale NK cell generation, yet the systematic and detailed comparations of the signatures of resident and expanded NK cells (rNKs, eNKs) are largely obscure. Herein, we harvested rNKs from umbilical cord blood (rUC-NKs) and placental blood (rP-NKs) as well as the corresponding eNKs (eUC-NKs, eP-NKs). Furthermore, the biological properties and transcriptomic signatures including cellular subpopulations, cytotoxicity, gene expression profiling, genetic characteristics, signaling pathways and gene set-related biological process were investigated. The enriched rNKs and eNKs exhibited diversity in biomarker expression pattern, and eNKs with higher percentages of NKG2D+, NKG2A+, NKp44+ and NKp46+ subsets. rNKs or eNKs with different origins showed more similarities in transcriptomic signatures than those with the same origin. Our data revealed multifaceted similarities and differences of the indicated rNKs and pNKs both at the cellular and molecular levels. Our findings provide new references for further dissecting the efficacy and molecular mechanisms of rNKs and eNKs, which will collectively benefit the fundamental and translational studies of NK cell-based immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province & NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial HospitalLanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
- Center for Cellular Therapies, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical UniversityJinan 250014, Shandong, China
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Technology and Biophysics, Hefei Institute of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of SciencesHefei 230031, Anhui, China
- Institute of Health-Biotech, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd.Tianjin 301701, China
| | - Min Liu
- Veterinary Bureau, Department agriculture and Animal Husbandry of Inner Mongolia Autonomous RegionHohhot 010011, China
| | - Baoquan Song
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenjing Miao
- National Clinical Research Center for Hematologic Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow UniversitySuzhou 215006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rucai Zhan
- Center for Cellular Therapies, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical UniversityJinan 250014, Shandong, China
| | - Sijun Yang
- Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd.Shangrao 334000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zhihai Han
- Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd.Shangrao 334000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hui Cai
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province & NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial HospitalLanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Xianghong Xu
- Department of Biotherapy Center, Gansu Provincial HospitalLanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Yixiao Zhao
- College of Food Science and Engineering, Northwest Agriculture & Forestry UniversityYangling 712100, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zhongchao Han
- Institute of Health-Biotech, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd.Tianjin 301701, China
- Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd.Shangrao 334000, Jiangxi, China
- Stem Cell Bank of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Health-Biotech Biotechnology Co., Ltd.Guiyang 550000, Guizhou, China
| | - Tiankang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province & NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial HospitalLanzhou 730000, Gansu, China
| | - Jun Yao
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Fujian Medical UniversityFuzhou 350002, Fujian, China
| | - Qing Huang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Technology and Biophysics, Hefei Institute of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of SciencesHefei 230031, Anhui, China
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32
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Guo R, Li W, Li Y, Li Y, Jiang Z, Song Y. Generation and clinical potential of functional T lymphocytes from gene-edited pluripotent stem cells. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:27. [PMID: 35568954 PMCID: PMC9107657 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00285-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered T cells have been shown to be highly effective in cancer immunotherapy, although T cell exhaustion presents a challenge for their long-term function. Additional T-cell sources must be exploited to broaden the application of engineered T cells for immune defense and reconstitution. Unlimited sources of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have provided a potential opportunity to generate precise-engineered therapeutic induced T (iT) cells. Single-cell transcriptome analysis of PSC-derived induced hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (iHSPC)/iT identified the developmental pathways and possibilities of generating functional T cell from PSCs. To date, the PSC-to-iT platforms encounter several problems, including low efficiency of conventional T subset specification, limited functional potential, and restrictions on large-scale application, because of the absence of a thymus-like organized microenvironment. The updated PSC-to-iT platforms, such as the three-dimensional (3D) artificial thymic organoid (ATO) co-culture system and Runx1/Hoxa9-enforced iT lymphopoiesis, provide fresh perspectives for coordinating culture conditions and transcription factors, which may greatly improve the efficiency of T-cell generation greatly. In addition, the improved PSC-to-iT platform coordinating gene editing technologies will provide various functional engineered unconventional or conventional T cells. Furthermore, the clinical applications of PSC-derived immune cells are accelerating from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rongqun Guo
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yadan Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,Academy of Medical Science, Henan Medical College of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yingmei Li
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhongxing Jiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Yongping Song
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.
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33
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Zhang L, Meng Y, Feng X, Han Z. CAR-NK cells for cancer immunotherapy: from bench to bedside. Biomark Res 2022; 10:12. [PMID: 35303962 PMCID: PMC8932134 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique innate immune cells and manifest rapid and potent cytotoxicity for cancer immunotherapy and pathogen removal without the requirement of prior sensitization or recognition of peptide antigens. Distinguish from the T lymphocyte-based cythotherapy with toxic side effects, chimeric antigen receptor-transduced NK (CAR-NK) cells are adequate to simultaneously improve efficacy and control adverse effects including acute cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Moreover, considering the inherent properties of NK cells, the CAR-NK cells are “off-the-shelf” product satisfying the clinical demand for large-scale manufacture for cancer immunotherapy attribute to the cytotoxic effect via both NK cell receptor-dependent and CAR-dependent signaling cascades. In this review, we mainly focus on the latest updates of CAR-NK cell-based tactics, together with the opportunities and challenges for cancer immunotherapies, which represent the paradigm for boosting the immune system to enhance antitumor responses and ultimately eliminate malignancies. Collectively, we summarize and highlight the auspicious improvement in CAR-NK cells and will benefit the large-scale preclinical and clinical investigations in adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province & NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China. .,Center for Cellular Therapies, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Ji-nan, 250014, China. .,Key Laboratory of Radiation Technology and Biophysics, Hefei Institute of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui Province, China. .,Institute of Stem Cells, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 301700, China. .,Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd., Shangrao, 334000, China. .,Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 204 Donggangxi Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730013, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Yuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Zhongchao Han
- Institute of Stem Cells, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 301700, China. .,Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd., Shangrao, 334000, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China. .,Stem Cell Bank of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Health-Biotech Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guiyang, 550000, China.
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Harnessing Natural Killer Cells in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040605. [PMID: 35203256 PMCID: PMC8869885 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. There are two main subtypes: small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC accounts for 85% of lung cancer diagnoses. Early lung cancer very often has no specific symptoms, and many patients present with late stage disease. Despite the various treatments currently available, many patients experience tumor relapse or develop therapeutic resistance, highlighting the need for more effective therapies. The development of immunotherapies has revolutionized the cancer treatment landscape by enhancing the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are crucial anti-tumor immune cells, and their exclusion from the tumor microenvironment is associated with poorer survival. It is well established that NK cell frequencies and functions are impaired in NSCLC; thus, placing NK cell-based immunotherapies as a desirable therapeutic concept for this malignancy. Immunotherapies such as checkpoint inhibitors are transforming outcomes for NSCLC. This review explores the current treatment landscape for NSCLC, the role of NK cells and their dysfunction in the cancer setting, the advancement of NK cell therapies, and their future utility in NSCLC.
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Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Immunotherapy for Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030843. [PMID: 35159109 PMCID: PMC8833963 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation in leukemia increase infection susceptibility, adverse side effects and immune cell inactivation. Natural killer (NK) cells are the first line of defense against cancer and are critical in the recognition and cytolysis of rapidly dividing and abnormal cell populations. In this review, we describe NK cells and NK cell receptors, functional impairment of NK cells in leukemia, NK cell immunotherapies currently under investigation including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-NKs (CAR-NKs), bi-specific/tri-specific killer engagers (BiKEs/TriKEs) and potential targets of NK cell-mediated immunotherapy for leukemia in the future. Abstract Leukemia is a malignancy of the bone marrow and blood resulting from the abnormal differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). There are four main types of leukemia including acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), and chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). While chemotherapy and radiation have been conventional forms of treatment for leukemia, these therapies increase infection susceptibility, adverse side effects and immune cell inactivation. Immunotherapies are becoming promising treatment options for leukemia, with natural killer (NK) cell-mediated therapy providing a specific direction of interest. The role of NK cells is critical for cancer cell elimination as these immune cells are the first line of defense against cancer proliferation and are involved in both recognition and cytolysis of rapidly dividing and abnormal cell populations. NK cells possess various activating and inhibitory receptors, which regulate NK cell function, signaling either inhibition and continued surveillance, or activation and subsequent cytotoxic activity. In this review, we describe NK cells and NK cell receptors, functional impairment of NK cells in leukemia, NK cell immunotherapies currently under investigation, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), adoptive transfer, chimeric antigen receptor-NKs (CAR-NKs), bi-specific/tri-specific killer engagers (BiKEs/TriKEs) and future potential targets of NK cell-based immunotherapy for leukemia.
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36
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The Hematology of Tomorrow Is Here-Preclinical Models Are Not: Cell Therapy for Hematological Malignancies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030580. [PMID: 35158848 PMCID: PMC8833715 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cell therapy is revolutionizing the prospect of deadly hematological malignancies such as high-risk acute myeloid leukemia. Stem cell therapy of allogeneic source from compatible human leukocyte antigen donor has exceptional success promoting durable remissions, but the rate of relapse is currently still high and there is transplant-related mortality. This review presents the current knowledge on the clinical use of mesenchymal stromal cells to improve outcomes in hematopoietic stem cell transplants. As an alternative or adjuvant approach to prevent relapse, we summarize the status of the promising forms of cellular immunotherapy aimed at targeting not only the bulk but also the cells of origin of leukemia. Finally, we discuss the available in vivo models for disease modelling and treatment efficacy prediction in these contexts. Abstract The purpose of this review is to present the current knowledge on the clinical use of several forms of cell therapy in hematological malignancies and the preclinical models available for their study. In the context of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplants, mesenchymal stromal cells are pursued to help stem cell engraftment and expansion, and control graft versus host disease. We further summarize the status of promising forms of cellular immunotherapy including CAR T cell and CAR NK cell therapy aimed at eradicating the cells of origin of leukemia, i.e., leukemia stem cells. Updates on other forms of cellular immunotherapy, such as NK cells, CIK cells and CAR CIK cells, show encouraging results in AML. The considerations in available in vivo models for disease modelling and treatment efficacy prediction are discussed, with a particular focus on their strengths and weaknesses for the study of healthy and diseased hematopoietic stem cell reconstitution, graft versus host disease and immunotherapy. Despite current limitations, cell therapy is a rapidly evolving field that holds the promise of improved cure rates, soon. As a result, we may be witnessing the birth of the hematology of tomorrow. To further support its development, improved preclinical models including humanized microenvironments in mice are urgently needed.
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Challenges and Advances in Chimeric Antigen Receptor Therapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14030497. [PMID: 35158765 PMCID: PMC8833567 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14030497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The advent of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy has led to dramatic remission rates in multiple relapsed/refractory hematologic malignancies. While CAR T-cell therapy has been particularly successful as a treatment for B-cell malignancies, effectively treating acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with CARs has posed a larger challenge. AML not only creates an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment that dampens CAR T-cell responses, but it also lacks many unique tumor-associated antigens, making leukemic-specific targeting difficult. One advantage of CAR T-cell therapy compared to alternative treatment options is the ability to provide prolonged antigen-specific immune effector and surveillance functions. Since many AML CAR targets under investigation including CD33, CD117, and CD123 are also expressed on hematopoietic stem cells, CAR T-cell therapy can lead to severe and potentially lethal myeloablation. Novel strategies to combat these issues include creation of bispecific CARs, CAR T-cell "safety switches", TCR-like CARs, NK CARs, and universal CARs, but all vary in their ability to provide a sustained remission, and consolidation with an allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) will be necessary in most cases This review highlights the delicate balance between effectively eliminating AML blasts and leukemic stem cells, while preserving the ability for bone marrow to regenerate. The impact of CAR therapy on treatment landscape of AML and changing scope of allo-HCT is discussed. Continued advances in AML CAR therapy would be of great benefit to a disease that still has high morbidity and mortality.
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Hosseini R, Sarvnaz H, Arabpour M, Ramshe SM, Asef-Kabiri L, Yousefi H, Akbari ME, Eskandari N. Cancer exosomes and natural killer cells dysfunction: biological roles, clinical significance and implications for immunotherapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:15. [PMID: 35031075 PMCID: PMC8759167 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-021-01492-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-derived exosomes (TDEs) play pivotal roles in several aspects of cancer biology. It is now evident that TDEs also favor tumor growth by negatively affecting anti-tumor immunity. As important sentinels of immune surveillance system, natural killer (NK) cells can recognize malignant cells very early and counteract the tumor development and metastasis without a need for additional activation. Based on this rationale, adoptive transfer of ex vivo expanded NK cells/NK cell lines, such as NK-92 cells, has attracted great attention and is widely studied as a promising immunotherapy for cancer treatment. However, by exploiting various strategies, including secretion of exosomes, cancer cells are able to subvert NK cell responses. This paper reviews the roles of TDEs in cancer-induced NK cells impairments with mechanistic insights. The clinical significance and potential approaches to nullify the effects of TDEs on NK cells in cancer immunotherapy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Hosseini
- Department of Immunology School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran.
| | - Hamzeh Sarvnaz
- Department of Immunology School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maedeh Arabpour
- Department of Medical Genetics School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Molaei Ramshe
- Student Research Committee, Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine Shahid, Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Asef-Kabiri
- Surgical Oncologist Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hassan Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, LSUHSC School of Medicine, New Orleans, USA
| | - Mohammad Esmaeil Akbari
- Surgical Oncologist Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nahid Eskandari
- Department of Immunology School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
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Wu HY, Li KX, Pan WY, Guo MQ, Qiu DZ, He YJ, Li YH, Huang YX. Venetoclax enhances NK cell killing sensitivity of AML cells through the NKG2D/NKG2DL activation pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 104:108497. [PMID: 34999394 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2021.108497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Venetoclax, a selective B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL2) inhibitor, has a potential therapeutic effect when combined with demethylating agents in the first-line setting of unfit elderly patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML); however, efficacy is still limited in refractory/recurrent AML. Therefore, exploration of a suitable novel treatment scheme is urgently needed.However, combining venetoclax with NK cell-based immunotherapy has not been studied. METHODS The cytotoxicity of NK cell combined with venetoclax was assessed in vitro using flow cytometry. Venetoclax-induced natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) ligand (NKG2DL) expression was detected by flow cytometry and western blotting. Mechanisms underlying venetoclax-induced NKG2DL expression were found by GSE127200 analysis and investigated using real-time PCR (Q-PCR) and western blotting. RESULTS Flow cytometric analysis showed that combining venetoclax with NK cells produced synergistic anti-leukaemia effects similar to those of venetoclax + azacitidine. Venetoclax could render AML cell lines and primary AML cells sensitive to NK cell killing by promoting NK cell degranulation, NK-AML cell recognition and NK cell secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ and granzyme B. The synergistic effect resulted from venetoclax-induced NKG2DL upregulation in AML cells and could be undermined by blocking NKG2D on NK cells. This finding suggests that venetoclax enhances NK cell killing activity by activating the NKG2D/NKG2DL ligand-receptor pathway. Furthermore, the nuclear factor-kappa-B (NFKB) signalling pathway was involved in venetoclax-induced NKG2DL upregulation. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data confirm that venetoclax combined with NK cells induces synergistic AML cell cytolysis and preliminarily revealed that venetoclax could selectively induce NKG2DLs on AML cells via NFKB signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Yang Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Ke-Xin Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Wan-Ying Pan
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Meng-Qi Guo
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Dei-Zhi Qiu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Yan-Jie He
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Yu-Hua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China
| | - Yu-Xian Huang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510282, China.
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40
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Shen Z, Zhao H, Yao H, Pan X, Yang J, Zhang S, Han G, Zhang X. Dynamic metabolic change of cancer cells induced by natural killer cells at single-cell level studied by label-free mass cytometry. Chem Sci 2022; 13:1641-1647. [PMID: 35282636 PMCID: PMC8827047 DOI: 10.1039/d1sc06366a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells (NK cells) are important immune cells which have attracted increasing attention in cancer immunotherapy. Due to the heterogeneity of cells, individual cancer cells show different resistance to NK cytotoxicity, which has been revealed by flow cytometry. Here we used label-free mass cytometry (CyESI-MS) as a new tool to analyze the metabolites in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HepG2) cells at the single-cell level after the interaction with different numbers of NK92 MI cells. A large amount of chemical information from individual HepG2 cells was obtained showing the process of cell apoptosis induced by NK cells. Nineteen metabolites which consecutively change during cell apoptosis were revealed by calculating their average relative intensity. Four metabolic pathways were impacted during cell apoptosis which hit 4 metabolites including glutathione (GSH), creatine, glutamic acid and taurine. We found that the HepG2 cells could be divided into two phenotypes after co-culturing with NK cells according to the bimodal distribution of concentration of these 4 metabolites. The correlation between metabolites and different apoptotic pathways in the early apoptosis cell group was established by the 4 metabolites at the single-cell level. This is a new idea of using single-cell specific metabolites to reveal the metabolic heterogeneity in cell apoptosis which would be a powerful means for evaluating the cytotoxicity of NK cells. Label-free mass cytometry is utilized to study the dynamic metabolic change during apoptosis in HepG2 cells induced by NK92 MI cells at the single-cell level. The metabolic heterogeneity of individual HepG2 cells during apoptosis was revealed.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizheng Shen
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Hansen Zhao
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Huan Yao
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Xingyu Pan
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Jinlei Yang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Sichun Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
| | - Guojun Han
- Institute of Medical Technology, Peking University Health Science Center Beijing 100191 China
- Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology Beijing 100081 P. R. China
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Peking University Health Science Center Beijing 100191 P. R. China
| | - Xinrong Zhang
- Department of Chemistry, Tsinghua University Beijing 100084 China
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Zhang S, Pan C, Shang Q, Wang W, Hu T, Liu P, Chen S, Wang J, Fang Q. Overexpressed mitogen-and stress-activated protein kinase 1 promotes the resistance of cytarabine in acute myeloid leukemia through brahma related gene 1-mediated upregulation of heme oxygenase-1. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 917:174722. [PMID: 34953799 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174722] [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: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 12/07/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Drug resistance remains a major challenge in the current treatment of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Finding specific molecules responsible for mediating drug resistance in AML contributes to the effective reversal of drug resistance. Recent studies have found that mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase 1 (MSK1) is of great significance in the occurrence and development of tumors. In the current study, MSK1 was found highly expressed in drug-resistant AML patients. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) has been previously validated to be associated with drug resistance in AML. Our study revealed a positive correlation between MSK1 and HO-1 in patient samples. In vitro experiments revealed that the sensitivity of AML cell lines THP-1 and U937 to cytarabine (Ara-C) significantly decreased after overexpression of MSK1. Meanwhile, downregulation of MSK1 by siRNA transfection or treatment of pharmacological inhibitor SB-747651A in AML cell lines and primary AML cells enhanced the sensitivity to Ara-C. Flow cytometry analysis showed that downregulation of MSK1 in AML cells accelerated apoptosis and arrested cell cycle progression in G0/G1 phase. However, the increased cell sensitivity induced by MSK1 downregulation was reversed by the induction of HO-1 inducer Hemin. Through further mechanism exploration, real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and western blot analysis demonstrated that brahma related gene 1 (BRG1) was involved in the regulatory effect of MSK1 on HO-1. High expression of MSK1 could promote the resistance of AML through BRG1-mediated upregulation of HO-1. Downregulation of MSK1 enhanced the sensitivity of AML cells to Ara-C. Our findings provide novel ideas for developing effective anti-AML targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Chengyun Pan
- Department of Haematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Qin Shang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Weili Wang
- Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Department of Haematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Tianzhen Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Haematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China
| | - Siyu Chen
- Department of Clinical Medical School, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China
| | - Jishi Wang
- Laboratory of Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Centre of Guizhou Province, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Department of Haematology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guizhou, China.
| | - Qin Fang
- College of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China; Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China.
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Du Z, Ng YY, Zha S, Wang S. piggyBac system to co-express NKG2D CAR and IL-15 to augment the in vivo persistence and anti-AML activity of human peripheral blood NK cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:582-596. [PMID: 34853803 PMCID: PMC8609108 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Promising progress has been made in adoptive transfer of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells to treat relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this regard, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modification of NK cells is considered as a compelling approach to augment the specificity and cytotoxicity of NK cells against AML. Using a non-viral piggyBac transposon technology and human peripheral blood-derived primary NK cells, we generated CAR-NK cells to target NKG2D ligands and demonstrated their in vitro activity in lysing cancer cells expressing the ligands and in vivo efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth in a xenograft KG-1 AML model. We further generated CAR-NK cells co-expressing transgenes for the NKG2D CAR and interleukin-15 (IL-15). The ectopic expression of IL-15 improved the in vitro and in vivo persistence of NKG2D CAR-NK cells, leading to enhanced in vivo tumor control and significant prolongation of mouse survival in the KG-1 AML model. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the ectopic expression of IL-15 as an important means to improve the antileukemic activity of NKG2D CAR-NK cells. Our study further illustrates the feasibility of using the piggyBac non-viral platform as an efficient and cost-effective way for CAR-NK cell manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Du
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Yang Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shijun Zha
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore
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Brauneck F, Seubert E, Wellbrock J, Schulze zur Wiesch J, Duan Y, Magnus T, Bokemeyer C, Koch-Nolte F, Menzel S, Fiedler W. Combined Blockade of TIGIT and CD39 or A2AR Enhances NK-92 Cell-Mediated Cytotoxicity in AML. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312919. [PMID: 34884723 PMCID: PMC8657570 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to characterize different natural killer (NK) cell phenotypes on bone marrow and peripheral blood cells from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients and healthy donors (HDs). Our data show that CD56dimCD16− and CD56brightCD16− NK cells represent the predominant NK cell subpopulations in AML, while the CD56dimCD16+ NK cells are significantly reduced compared to HDs. Moreover, TIGIT+ and PVRIG+ cells cluster on the CD56dimCD16+ subset whereas CD39+ and CD38+ cells do so on CD56brightCD16− NK cells in AML. Furthermore, functional effects of (co-)blockade of TIGIT and CD39 or A2AR on NK cell functionality were analyzed. These experiments revealed that the single blockade of the TIGIT receptor results in an increased NK-92 cell-mediated killing of AML cells in vitro. Combined targeting of CD39 or A2AR significantly augments the anti-TIGIT-mediated lysis of AML cells. Our data indicate that distinct NK cell subsets in AML exhibit different immunosuppressive patterns (via the TIGIT/PVRIG receptors and the purinergic pathway). In summary, we conclude that TIGIT, CD39, and A2AR constitute relevant inhibitory checkpoints of NK cells in AML patients. A combinatorial blockade synergistically strengthens NK-92 cell-mediated cytotoxicity. As inhibitors of TIGIT, CD39, and A2AR are clinically available, studies on their combined use could be conducted in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska Brauneck
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Elisa Seubert
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Jasmin Wellbrock
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Julian Schulze zur Wiesch
- Infectious Diseases Unit, I. Department of Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Yinghui Duan
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Tim Magnus
- Department of Neurology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (Y.D.); (T.M.)
| | - Carsten Bokemeyer
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
| | - Friedrich Koch-Nolte
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Stephan Menzel
- Mildred Scheel Cancer Career Center HaTriCS4, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany;
| | - Walter Fiedler
- Department of Oncology, Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pneumology, Hubertus Wald University Cancer Center, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20251 Hamburg, Germany; (F.B.); (E.S.); (J.W.); (C.B.)
- Correspondence:
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Zeng X, Yao D, Liu L, Zhang Y, Lai J, Zhong J, Zha X, Lu Y, Jin Z, Chen S, Li Y, Xu L. Terminal differentiation of bone marrow NK cells and increased circulation of TIGIT + NK cells may be related to poor outcome in acute myeloid leukemia. Asia Pac J Clin Oncol 2021; 18:456-464. [PMID: 34811925 DOI: 10.1111/ajco.13723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
AIM In order to further understand the feature of natural killer cell (NK) dysfunction in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), The distribution of NK cell subset the expression of the inhibitory receptors immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT), killer cell lectin-like receptor (KLRG1), and the expression of maturation marker CD57 in NK cell subsets and their correlation with patient outcomes were analyzed in this study. METHODS We collected peripheral blood (PB) and bone marrow (BM) samples from de novo AML (AML-DN) patients, patients who achieved complete remission after chemotherapy (AML-CR), and healthy individuals. An eight-color flow cytometry panel was used to identify different NK subsets and their expression of TIGIT, CD57 and KLRG1. RESULTS Decreased percentage of CD56dim CD16+ NK cells was found only in the PB of AML-DN and AML-CR patients but not in the BM. The expression frequency of TIGIT and KLRG1 was elevated on NK cells from the PB of AML-DN patients, while it was recovered in AML-CR patients. Moreover, a higher percentage of CD57+ CD56dim CD16+ NK cells, representing a terminally differentiated NK subset with strong cytotoxic capacity but defective replication potential, was detected in the BM of AML-DN patients and predicted sub-optimal survival for patients. CONCLUSION The results indicated that the NK cell subsets in the PB of AML patients had an exhaustion phenotype, while the BM NK cells had a terminally differentiated phenotype, which correlated with short survival for AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangbo Zeng
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Danlin Yao
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Lian Liu
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yikai Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jing Lai
- Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Jun Zhong
- Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Xianfeng Zha
- Department of clinical laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Yuhong Lu
- Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Zhenyi Jin
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
| | - Shaohua Chen
- Key Laboratory for Regenerative Medicine of Ministry of Education; Institute of Hematology, School of Medicine; Jinan University, 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.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical 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.,Department of Hematology; First Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510632, China
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Yu W, Lei Q, Yang L, Qin G, Liu S, Wang D, Ping Y, Zhang Y. Contradictory roles of lipid metabolism in immune response within the tumor microenvironment. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:187. [PMID: 34742349 PMCID: PMC8572421 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01200-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Complex interactions between the immune system and tumor cells exist throughout the initiation and development of cancer. Although the immune system eliminates malignantly transformed cells in the early stage, surviving tumor cells evade host immune defense through various methods and even reprogram the anti-tumor immune response to a pro-tumor phenotype to obtain unlimited growth and metastasis. The high proliferation rate of tumor cells increases the demand for local nutrients and oxygen. Poorly organized vessels can barely satisfy this requirement, which results in an acidic, hypoxic, and glucose-deficient tumor microenvironment. As a result, lipids in the tumor microenvironment are activated and utilized as a primary source of energy and critical regulators in both tumor cells and related immune cells. However, the exact role of lipid metabolism reprogramming in tumor immune response remains unclear. A comprehensive understanding of lipid metabolism dysfunction in the tumor microenvironment and its dual effects on the immune response is critical for mapping the detailed landscape of tumor immunology and developing specific treatments for cancer patients. In this review, we have focused on the dysregulation of lipid metabolism in the tumor microenvironment and have discussed its contradictory roles in the tumor immune response. In addition, we have summarized the current therapeutic strategies targeting lipid metabolism in tumor immunotherapy. This review provides a comprehensive summary of lipid metabolism in the tumor immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weina Yu
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyang Lei
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yang
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Guohui Qin
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Shasha Liu
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Wang
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Ping
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center and Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, People's Republic of China. .,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China. .,School of Life Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450001, People's Republic of China. .,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, People's Republic of China.
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Xiao Y, Chen J, Wang J, Guan W, Wang M, Zhang L, Wang Z, Wang L, Yu L. Acute Myeloid Leukemia Epigenetic Immune Escape From Nature Killer Cells by ICAM-1. Front Oncol 2021; 11:751834. [PMID: 34722306 PMCID: PMC8548470 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.751834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a malignant disorder of hemopoietic stem cells. AML can escape immunosurveillance of natural killer (NK) by gene mutation, fusions, and epigenetic modification, while the mechanism is not clearly understood. Here we show that the expression of Intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1, CD54) is silenced in AML cells. Decitabine could upregulate ICAM-1 expression, which contributes to the NK-AML cell conjugates and helps NK cells kill AML cells. We also show that ICAM-1 high expression can reverse the AML immune evasion and activate NK cells function in vivo. This study suggests that a combination of the hypomethylating agent and NK cell infusion could be a new strategy to cure AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Xiao
- Department of Hematology and BMT Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jia Wang
- Department of Hematology and BMT Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Hematology and BMT Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mengzhen Wang
- Department of Hematology and BMT Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Linlin Zhang
- Department of Hematology and BMT Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiding Wang
- Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lixin Wang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Hematology and BMT Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,Department of Hematology and Oncology, International Cancer Center, Shenzhen Key Laboratory, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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Punatar S, Gokarn A, Nayak L, Bonda A, Mirgh S, Chichra A, Singh M, D’silva S, Khattry N. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles as predictive factors for benefit from lenalidomide in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). AMERICAN JOURNAL OF BLOOD RESEARCH 2021; 11:564-570. [PMID: 34824888 PMCID: PMC8610794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Lenalidomide is an active agent in acute myeloid leukemia (AML); response rates are about 15-30%. There are no well-defined predictive factors for benefit from lenalidomide in AML. One of the mechanisms of lenalidomide is natural killer (NK) cell activation; hence human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles (serving as killer immunoglobulin-like receptor ligands) could play a predictive role. We here evaluate the same when lenalidomide was used as a bridge to transplant. METHODS Consecutive AML patients started on lenalidomide as bridge to transplant between Aug-2013 to Aug-2018 were included in this single centre retrospective analysis. The starting dose and schedule of lenalidomide were at the discretion of the treating clinician. Lenalidomide was scheduled to be stopped about 2-4 weeks prior to planned transplant admission (or was stopped earlier if there was intolerance). For this study, event was defined as progression/relapse while on lenalidomide or within 4 weeks of stopping the drug. The primary endpoint was event free survival (EFS). Those who underwent transplant without an event were censored on the day of transplant. Toxicities and post-transplant outcomes were secondary endpoints. RESULTS Twelve patients (8 males, median age 29 years) were included. At start of lenalidomide, 7 had complete remission (CR)-1 (measurable residual disease or MRD by flow cytometry was positive in 3, negative in 3, and 1 unknown), 4 CR-2 (all MRD negative) and 1 active disease. In the whole cohort, median EFS was not reached with projected 3 year EFS being 80%. There was a significantly reduced risk of event with HLA A*24 (0% vs 75%, P=0.018) or with HLA B*40 (0% vs 60%, P=0.045). Only 1 patient needed discontinuation due to toxicities (cytopenias). Among patients who underwent transplant, grade II-IV acute graft versus host disease (GVHD) was seen in 83%. CONCLUSIONS This is first study to show that HLA alleles may have a bearing on the effect of lenalidomide in AML and could serve as predictive biomarkers. These findings need to be confirmed in larger prospective studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachin Punatar
- HSCT Unit, Department of Medical Oncology Tata Memorial Centre, HSCT Unit, ACTRECKharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Anant Gokarn
- HSCT Unit, Department of Medical Oncology Tata Memorial Centre, HSCT Unit, ACTRECKharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Lingaraj Nayak
- HSCT Unit, Department of Medical Oncology Tata Memorial Centre, HSCT Unit, ACTRECKharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Avinash Bonda
- HSCT Unit, Department of Medical Oncology Tata Memorial Centre, HSCT Unit, ACTRECKharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Sumeet Mirgh
- HSCT Unit, Department of Medical Oncology Tata Memorial Centre, HSCT Unit, ACTRECKharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Akanksha Chichra
- HSCT Unit, Department of Medical Oncology Tata Memorial Centre, HSCT Unit, ACTRECKharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 410210, India
| | - Meenakshi Singh
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 410210, India
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics, ACTREC, Tata Memorial CentreMumbai 410210, India
| | - Selma D’silva
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 410210, India
- Transplant Immunology and Immunogenetics, ACTREC, Tata Memorial CentreMumbai 410210, India
| | - Navin Khattry
- HSCT Unit, Department of Medical Oncology Tata Memorial Centre, HSCT Unit, ACTRECKharghar, Navi Mumbai 410210, Maharashtra, India
- Homi Bhabha National Institute (HBNI)Anushakti Nagar, Mumbai 410210, India
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Zhu S, Zhang T, Zheng L, Liu H, Song W, Liu D, Li Z, Pan CX. Combination strategies to maximize the benefits of cancer immunotherapy. J Hematol Oncol 2021; 14:156. [PMID: 34579759 PMCID: PMC8475356 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-021-01164-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and adoptive cell therapy (ACT) have revolutionized cancer treatment, especially in patients whose disease was otherwise considered incurable. However, primary and secondary resistance to single agent immunotherapy often results in treatment failure, and only a minority of patients experience long-term benefits. This review article will discuss the relationship between cancer immune response and mechanisms of resistance to immunotherapy. It will also provide a comprehensive review on the latest clinical status of combination therapies (e.g., immunotherapy with chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy), and discuss combination therapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. It will provide an overview of therapies targeting cytokines and other soluble immunoregulatory factors, ACT, virotherapy, innate immune modifiers and cancer vaccines, as well as combination therapies that exploit alternative immune targets and other therapeutic modalities. Finally, this review will include the stimulating insights from the 2020 China Immuno-Oncology Workshop co-organized by the Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network (CAHON), the China National Medical Product Administration (NMPA) and Tsinghua University School of Medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaoming Zhu
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Urology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tian Zhang
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, DUMC 103861, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Lei Zheng
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,The Sydney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Hongtao Liu
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Wenru Song
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,Kira Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Delong Liu
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA.,New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Zihai Li
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA. .,Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Chong-Xian Pan
- Chinese American Hematologist and Oncologist Network, New York, NY, USA. .,Harvard Medical School, West Roxbury, MA, 02132, USA.
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49
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Tang F, Tie Y, Wei YQ, Tu CQ, Wei XW. Targeted and immuno-based therapies in sarcoma: mechanisms and advances in clinical trials. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188606. [PMID: 34371128 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas represent a distinct group of rare malignant tumors with high heterogeneity. Limited options with clinical efficacy for the metastatic or local advanced sarcoma existed despite standard therapy. Recently, targeted therapy according to the molecular and genetic phenotype of individual sarcoma is a promising option. Among these drugs, anti-angiogenesis therapy achieved favorable efficacy in sarcomas. Inhibitors targeting cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6, poly-ADP-ribose polymerase, insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor, mTOR, NTRK, metabolisms, and epigenetic drugs are under clinical evaluation for sarcomas bearing the corresponding signals. Immunotherapy represents a promising and favorable method in advanced solid tumors. However, most sarcomas are immune "cold" tumors, with only alveolar soft part sarcoma and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Cellular therapies with TCR-engineered T cells, chimeric antigen receptor T cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, and nature killer cells transfer show therapeutic potential. Identifying tumor-specific antigens and exploring immune modulation factors arguing the efficacy of these immunotherapies are the current challenges. This review focuses on the mechanisms, advances, and potential strategies of targeted and immune-based therapies in sarcomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Tang
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Orthopeadics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Tie
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu-Quan Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chong-Qi Tu
- Department of Orthopeadics, Orthopedic Research Institute, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
| | - Xia-Wei Wei
- Laboratory of Aging Research and Cancer Drug Target, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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50
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Soyfer EM, Fleischman AG. Inflammation in Myeloid Malignancies: From Bench to Bedside. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOTHERAPY AND PRECISION ONCOLOGY 2021; 4:160-167. [PMID: 35663100 PMCID: PMC9138438 DOI: 10.36401/jipo-21-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Myeloid malignancies, stemming from a somatically mutated hematopoietic clone, can cause a wide variety of clinical consequences, including pancytopenia in myelodysplastic syndrome, overproduction of three myeloid lineages in myeloproliferative neoplasm, and the rapid growth of immature hematopoietic cells in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is becoming clear that inflammation is a hallmark feature of clonal myeloid conditions, ranging from clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential to AML. Fundamental findings from laboratory research on inflammation in myeloid malignancies has potential implications for diagnosis, prognostication, and treatment in these diseases. In this review, we highlighted some pertinent basic science findings regarding the role of inflammation in myeloid malignancies and speculated how these findings could impact the clinical care of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli M Soyfer
- School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Angela G Fleischman
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, UC Irvine Health, Irvine, CA, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Irvine, USA
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