1
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Ma Y, Ping D, Huang K, Tao Y, Peng Y, Sun X, Liu C. Lower NKG2D expression in hepatic natural killer cells predicts poorer prognosis for chronic hepatitis B patients with cirrhosis. Hum Immunol 2024; 85:110775. [PMID: 38493049 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2024.110775] [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: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Natural killer cells (NK) acts a central player of the immune system in liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of activating intra-hepatic NK cell group 2D (NKG2D) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and analyzed the correlation between NKG2D expression and prognosis of liver cirrhosis in these patients. METHODS This was a cross-section study. Subjects with liver biopsy or sponge hemangioma surgery were included. The primary outcome was the NKG2D expression on intra-hepatic NK cells and their subtype cells in patients with CHB-related liver cirrhosis. Subsequently, the correlation of expression of NKG2D and clinical characteristic indicators were assayed RESULTS: Among 38 subjects, 11 (28.95%) normal liver sections adjacent the sponge hemangioma (healthy group) were collected during surgery, and 27 (71.05%) CHB-cirrhosis tissues (Cirrhosis group) were preserved after liver biopsy. Compared with healthy group, sections from cirrhosis group revealed more severe inflammation and collagen deposition and lower NKG2D expression in hepatic NK cells. The proportion of hepatic NK cells and the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of NKG2D on hepatic NK cells showed a positive correlation with serum albumin (Alb) level, platelet (Plt) count. Moreover, they had a significantly negative correlation with patient prothrombin time (PT), international standardized ratio (INR), the sirius red positive stained area and fibrosis stages. CONCLUSIONS Lower NKG2D expression in intra-hepatic NK cells may be predictive of poorer prognosis of CHB patients with cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangqing Ma
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528, Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Dabing Ping
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528, Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Kai Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528, Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yanyan Tao
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528, Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China
| | - Yuan Peng
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528, Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Xin Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528, Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528, Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528, Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, PR China.
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2
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Perez C, Plaza-Rojas L, Boucher JC, Nagy MZ, Kostenko E, Prajapati K, Burke B, Reyes MD, Austin AL, Zhang S, Le PT, Guevara-Patino JA. NKG2D receptor signaling shapes T cell thymic education. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:306-321. [PMID: 37949818 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad130] [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: 10/10/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of natural killer group 2D (NKG2D) in peripheral T cells as a costimulatory receptor is well established. However, its contribution to T cell thymic education and functional imprint is unknown. Here, we report significant changes in development, receptor signaling, transcriptional program, and function in T cells from mice lacking NKG2D signaling. In C57BL/6 (B6) and OT-I mice, we found that NKG2D deficiency results in Vβ chain usage changes and stagnation of the double-positive stage in thymic T cell development. We found that the expression of CD5 and CD45 in thymocytes from NKG2D deficient mice were reduced, indicating a direct influence of NKG2D on the strength of T cell receptor (TCR) signaling during the developmental stage of T cells. Depicting the functional consequences of NKG2D, peripheral OT-I NKG2D-deficient cells were unresponsive to ovalbumin peptide stimulation. Paradoxically, while αCD3/CD28 agonist antibodies led to phenotypic T cell activation, their ability to produce cytokines remained severely compromised. We found that OT-I NKG2D-deficient cells activate STAT5 in response to interleukin-15 but were unable to phosphorylate ERK or S6 upon TCR engagement, underpinning a defect in TCR signaling. Finally, we showed that NKG2D is expressed in mouse and human thymic T cells at the double-negative stage, suggesting an evolutionarily conserved function during T cell development. The data presented in this study indicate that NKG2D impacts thymic T cell development at a fundamental level by reducing the TCR threshold and affecting the functional imprint of the thymic progeny. In summary, understanding the impact of NKG2D on thymic T cell development and TCR signaling contributes to our knowledge of immune system regulation, immune dysregulation, and the design of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Perez
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Lourdes Plaza-Rojas
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Justin C Boucher
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Mate Z Nagy
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Elena Kostenko
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Kushal Prajapati
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Brianna Burke
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Michael Delos Reyes
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Anna L Austin
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
| | - Shubin Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - Phong T Le
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
| | - José A Guevara-Patino
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, 2160 S. First Ave, Maywood, IL 60153, United States
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, 12902 Magnolia Drive, Tampa, FL 33612, United States
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3
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Zhang Y, Luo F, Dong K. Soluble NKG2D ligands impair CD8 + T cell antitumor function dependent of NKG2D downregulation in neuroblastoma. Oncol Lett 2023; 26:297. [PMID: 37274476 PMCID: PMC10236264 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2023.13883] [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: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
T cell-based immunotherapy has achieved remarkable beneficial clinical outcomes. Tumor-derived NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) allow tumors to escape immunologic surveillance. However, the mechanism underlying NKG2DL-mediated immune escape in neuroblastoma (NB) remains incompletely understood. In the present study, first soluble NKG2DL, soluble major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I-related chain A and soluble UL-16 binding proteins expression levels were determined in both the serum from patients with NB and in NB cell line culture supernatants. NB cell-derived sNKG2DL was initially cleaved by ADAM10 and ADAM17. Furthermore, sNKG2DL expression levels were positively correlated with the immunosuppressive microenvironment and poor prognosis. Tumor-derived sNKG2DL induced degradation of NKG2D on CD8+ T cells and impaired CD8+ T cell proliferation, IFN-γ production, and CD107a translocation. More importantly, blockage of sNKG2DL increased the antitumor activity of CD8+ T cells. Thus, the results showed that NB-induced immunosuppression was achieved through tumor-derived sMICA and sULBP-2, and blockage of the tumor-derived sNKG2DLs with sNKG2DL neutralizing antibodies was a novel strategy to recover T-cell function and enhance antitumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, P.R. China
| | - Feifei Luo
- Biotherapy Research Center, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Kuiran Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, Shanghai 201102, P.R. China
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4
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Nakamichi R, Hishikawa A, Chikuma S, Yoshimura A, Sasaki T, Hashiguchi A, Abe T, Tokuhara T, Yoshimoto N, Nishimura ES, Hama EY, Azegami T, Nakayama T, Hayashi K, Itoh H. DNA-damaged podocyte-CD8 T cell crosstalk exacerbates kidney injury by altering DNA methylation. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112302. [PMID: 36989112 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112302] [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: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent epigenome-wide studies suggest an association between blood DNA methylation and kidney function. However, the pathological importance remains unclear. Here, we show that the homing endonuclease I-PpoI-induced DNA double-strand breaks in kidney glomerular podocytes cause proteinuria, glomerulosclerosis, and tubulointerstitial fibrosis with DNA methylation changes in blood cells as well as in podocytes. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis reveals an increase in cytotoxic CD8+ T cells with the activating/costimulatory receptor NKG2D in the kidneys, which exhibit a memory precursor effector cell phenotype, and the CD44high memory CD8+ T cells are also increased in the peripheral circulation. NKG2D blockade attenuates the renal phenotype caused by podocyte DNA damage. Blood methylome shows increased DNA methylation in binding sites for STAT1, a transcription factor contributing to CD8+ T cell homeostasis. Collectively, podocyte DNA damage alters the blood methylome, leading to changes in CD8+ T cells, which contribute to sustained renal injury in chronic kidney disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ran Nakamichi
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akihito Hishikawa
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Chikuma
- Department of Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akihiko Yoshimura
- Department of Immunology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takashi Sasaki
- Center for Supercentenarian Medical Research, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Akinori Hashiguchi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takaya Abe
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Tomoko Tokuhara
- Laboratory for Animal Resources and Genetic Engineering, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, Hyogo 650-0047, Japan
| | - Norifumi Yoshimoto
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Erina Sugita Nishimura
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Eriko Yoshida Hama
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Tatsuhiko Azegami
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Takashin Nakayama
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Kaori Hayashi
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Itoh
- Division of Nephrology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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5
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Paroli M, Gioia C, Accapezzato D. New Insights into Pathogenesis and Treatment of ANCA-Associated Vasculitis: Autoantibodies and Beyond. Antibodies (Basel) 2023; 12:antib12010025. [PMID: 36975372 PMCID: PMC10045085 DOI: 10.3390/antib12010025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis is a group of rare systemic diseases affecting small-caliber vessels. The damage caused by AAV mainly involves the lung and kidneys. AAV includes three different types: granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), microscopic polyangiitis (MPA), and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). Although the different phenotypic forms of AAV share common features, recent studies have shown that there are significant differences in terms of pathogenetic mechanisms involving both the adaptive and innate immune systems. Advances in our understanding of pathogenesis have enabled the development of immuno-targeted therapies. This review illustrates the characteristics of the various forms of AAV and the new therapies available for this disease that can have lethal consequences if left untreated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marino Paroli
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Gioia
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Daniele Accapezzato
- Division of Clinical Immunology, Department of Clinical, Anesthesiologic and Cardiovascular Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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6
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NKG2D signaling shifts the balance of CD8 T cells from single cytokine- to polycytokine-producing effector cells. Mol Immunol 2023; 155:1-6. [PMID: 36634520 PMCID: PMC9992161 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2022.12.013] [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: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
CD8 T cells play a critical role in immunity against intracellular pathogens and cancer. A primary objective of T cell-based vaccine strategies is the induction of durable and effective immune responses. Achieving this goal involves more than simply boosting the numbers of responding T cells. Of particular interest is the induction of CD8 T cells with polycytokine capability, specifically with the ability of CD8 T cells to co-produce IFNγ, TNFα and IL-2. The presence of these polycytokine-producing CD8 T cells correlates strongly with protection against foreign pathogens and cancer. Therefore, approaches capable of inducing such polyfunctional responses are needed. NKG2D engagement on CD8 T cells has been shown to result in increased effector response. However, the manner in which NKG2D engagement results in improved CD8 T cell effector response is unclear. Here we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo that NKG2D engagement by its natural ligand, Rae-1ε, shifts the balance from single cytokine to polycytokine (IL-2, IFNγ, and TFNα) production. These data define a previously unrecognized process in which NKG2D costimulation on CD8 T cells results in improved effector responses.
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7
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Gallo D, Baci D, Kustrimovic N, Lanzo N, Patera B, Tanda ML, Piantanida E, Mortara L. How Does Vitamin D Affect Immune Cells Crosstalk in Autoimmune Diseases? Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054689. [PMID: 36902117 PMCID: PMC10003699 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Vitamin D is a secosteroid hormone that is highly involved in bone health. Mounting evidence revealed that, in addition to the regulation of mineral metabolism, vitamin D is implicated in cell proliferation and differentiation, vascular and muscular functions, and metabolic health. Since the discovery of vitamin D receptors in T cells, local production of active vitamin D was demonstrated in most immune cells, addressing the interest in the clinical implications of vitamin D status in immune surveillance against infections and autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. T cells, together with B cells, are seen as the main immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases; however, growing interest is currently focused on immune cells of the innate compartment, such as monocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, and natural killer cells in the initiation phases of autoimmunity. Here we reviewed recent advances in the onset and regulation of Graves' and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, vitiligo, and multiple sclerosis in relation to the role of innate immune cells and their crosstalk with vitamin D and acquired immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Gallo
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Denisa Baci
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Molecular Cardiology Laboratory, IRCCS-Policlinico San Donato, San Donato Milanese, 20097 Milan, Italy
| | - Natasa Kustrimovic
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Disease—CAAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Nicola Lanzo
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Bohdan Patera
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Tanda
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Eliana Piantanida
- Endocrine Unit, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, ASST dei Sette Laghi, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Mortara
- Immunology and General Pathology Laboratory, Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
- Correspondence:
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8
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Ruppel KE, Fricke S, Köhl U, Schmiedel D. Taking Lessons from CAR-T Cells and Going Beyond: Tailoring Design and Signaling for CAR-NK Cells in Cancer Therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:822298. [PMID: 35371071 PMCID: PMC8971283 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.822298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapies utilize the capabilities of the immune system to efficiently target malignant cells. In recent years, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) equipped T cells showed promising results against B cell lymphomas. Autologous CAR-T cells require patient-specific manufacturing and thus extensive production facilities, resulting in high priced therapies. Along with potentially severe side effects, these are the major drawbacks of CAR-T cells therapies. Natural Killer (NK) cells pose an alternative for CAR equipped immune cells. Since NK cells can be safely transferred from healthy donors to cancer patients, they present a suitable platform for an allogeneic “off-the-shelf” immunotherapy. However, administration of activated NK cells in cancer therapy has until now shown poor anti-cancer responses, especially in solid tumors. Genetic modifications such as CARs promise to enhance recognition of tumor cells, thereby increasing anti-tumor effects and improving clinical efficacy. Although the cell biology of T and NK cells deviates in many aspects, the development of CAR-NK cells frequently follows within the footsteps of CAR-T cells, meaning that T cell technologies are simply adopted to NK cells. In this review, we underline the unique properties of NK cells and their potential in CAR therapies. First, we summarize the characteristics of NK cell biology with a focus on signaling, a fine-tuned interaction of activating and inhibitory receptors. We then discuss why tailored NK cell-specific CAR designs promise superior efficacy compared to designs developed for T cells. We summarize current findings and developments in the CAR-NK landscape: different CAR formats and modifications to optimize signaling, to target a broader pool of antigens or to increase in vivo persistence. Finally, we address challenges beyond NK cell engineering, including expansion and manufacturing, that need to be addressed to pave the way for CAR-NK therapies from the bench to the clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Eva Ruppel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for GMP Process Development & ATMP Design, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Stephan Fricke
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for GMP Process Development & ATMP Design, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ulrike Köhl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Leipzig, Germany
- Institute for Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Dominik Schmiedel
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology (IZI), Department for GMP Process Development & ATMP Design, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Dominik Schmiedel,
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9
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Zhao M, Liu Z, Shao F, Zhou W, Chen Z, Xia P, Wang S, Yang P. Communication Pattern Changes Along With Declined IGF1 of Immune Cells in COVID-19 Patients During Disease Progression. Front Immunol 2022; 12:729990. [PMID: 35095832 PMCID: PMC8795624 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.729990] [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: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The emergence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, represents a global crisis. Most patients developed mild/moderate symptoms, and the status of immune system varied in acute and regulatory stages. The crosstalk between immune cells and the dynamic changes of immune cell contact is rarely described. Here, we analyzed the features of immune response of paired peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples from the same patients during acute and regulatory stages. Consistent with previous reports, both myeloid and T cells turned less inflammatory and less activated at recovery phase. Additionally, the communication patterns of myeloid-T cell and T-B cell are obviously changed. The crosstalk analysis reveals that typical inflammatory cytokines and several chemokines are tightly correlated with the recovery of COVID-19. Intriguingly, the signal transduction of metabolic factor insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) is altered at recovery phase. Furthermore, we confirmed that the serum levels of IGF1 and several inflammatory cytokines are apparently dampened after the negative conversion of SARS-CoV-2 RNA. Thus, these results reveal several potential detection and therapeutic targets that might be used for COVID-19 recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhen Liu
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Shao
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjing Zhou
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Zhu Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pengyan Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China.,National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Medical Immunology, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Shuo Wang
- Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) Key Laboratory of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, Institute of Microbiology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Penghui Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Fifth Medical Center of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) General Hospital, Beijing, China
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10
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Lau CM, Wiedemann GM, Sun JC. Epigenetic regulation of natural killer cell memory. Immunol Rev 2022; 305:90-110. [PMID: 34908173 PMCID: PMC8955591 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Immunological memory is the underlying mechanism by which the immune system remembers previous encounters with pathogens to produce an enhanced secondary response upon re-encounter. It stands as the hallmark feature of the adaptive immune system and the cornerstone of vaccine development. Classic recall responses are executed by conventional T and B cells, which undergo somatic recombination and modify their receptor repertoire to ensure recognition of a vast number of antigens. However, recent evidence has challenged the dogma that memory responses are restricted to the adaptive immune system, which has prompted a reevaluation of what delineates "immune memory." Natural killer (NK) cells of the innate immune system have been at the forefront of these pushed boundaries, and have proved to be more "adaptable" than previously thought. Like T cells, we now appreciate that their "natural" abilities actually require a myriad of signals for optimal responses. In this review, we discuss the many signals required for effector and memory NK cell responses and the epigenetic mechanisms that ultimately endow their enhanced features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Colleen M. Lau
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - Gabriela M. Wiedemann
- Department of Internal Medicine II, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Joseph C. Sun
- Immunology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA,Department of Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA
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11
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Zhou L, Liu H, Liu K, Wei S. Gold Compounds and the Anticancer Immune Response. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:739481. [PMID: 34588987 PMCID: PMC8473785 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.739481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Gold compounds are not only well-explored for cytotoxic effects on tumors, but are also known to interact with the cancer immune system. The immune system deploys innate and adaptive mechanisms to protect against pathogens and prevent malignant transformation. The combined action of gold compounds with the activated immune system has shown promising results in cancer therapy through in vivo and in vitro experiments. Gold compounds are known to induce innate immune responses; however, these responses may contribute to adaptive immune responses. Gold compounds play the role of a major hapten that acts synergistically in innate immunity. Gold compounds support cancer cell antigenicity and promote anti-tumor immune response by inducing the release of CRT, ATP, HMGB1, HSP, and NKG2D to enhance immunogenicity. Gold compounds affect various immune cells (including suppressor regulatory T cells), inhibit myeloid derived suppressor cells, and enhance the function and number of dendritic cells. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have potential for improving the effect of immunotherapy and reducing the toxicity and side effects of the treatment process. Thus, AuNPs provide an ideal opportunity for exploring the combination of anticancer gold compounds and immunotherapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Zhou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huiguo Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kui Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Shuang Wei
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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12
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Alves E, McLeish E, Blancafort P, Coudert JD, Gaudieri S. Manipulating the NKG2D Receptor-Ligand Axis Using CRISPR: Novel Technologies for Improved Host Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:712722. [PMID: 34456921 PMCID: PMC8397441 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.712722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The activating immune receptor natural killer group member D (NKG2D) and its cognate ligands represent a fundamental surveillance system of cellular distress, damage or transformation. Signaling through the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis is critical for early detection of viral infection or oncogenic transformation and the presence of functional NKG2D ligands (NKG2D-L) is associated with tumor rejection and viral clearance. Many viruses and tumors have developed mechanisms to evade NKG2D recognition via transcriptional, post-transcriptional or post-translational interference with NKG2D-L, supporting the concept that circumventing immune evasion of the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis may be an attractive therapeutic avenue for antiviral therapy or cancer immunotherapy. To date, the complexity of the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis and the lack of specificity of current NKG2D-targeting therapies has not allowed for the precise manipulation required to optimally harness NKG2D-mediated immunity. However, with the discovery of clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPRs) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins, novel opportunities have arisen in the realm of locus-specific gene editing and regulation. Here, we give a brief overview of the NKG2D receptor-ligand axis in humans and discuss the levels at which NKG2D-L are regulated and dysregulated during viral infection and oncogenesis. Moreover, we explore the potential for CRISPR-based technologies to provide novel therapeutic avenues to improve and maximize NKG2D-mediated immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Alves
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Emily McLeish
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, The Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Jerome D. Coudert
- Centre for Molecular Medicine and Innovative Therapeutics, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Notre Dame, Fremantle, WA, Australia
| | - Silvana Gaudieri
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- Institute for Immunology and Infectious Diseases, Murdoch University, Perth, WA, Australia
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States
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13
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NKG2D Natural Killer Cell Receptor-A Short Description and Potential Clinical Applications. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061420. [PMID: 34200375 PMCID: PMC8229527 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are natural cytotoxic, effector cells of the innate immune system. They can recognize transformed or infected cells. NK cells are armed with a set of activating and inhibitory receptors which are able to bind to their ligands on target cells. The right balance between expression and activation of those receptors is fundamental for the proper functionality of NK cells. One of the best known activating receptors is NKG2D, a member of the CD94/NKG2 family. Due to a specific NKG2D binding with its eight different ligands, which are overexpressed in transformed, infected and stressed cells, NK cells are able to recognize and attack their targets. The NKG2D receptor has an enormous significance in various, autoimmune diseases, viral and bacterial infections as well as for transplantation outcomes and complications. This review focuses on the NKG2D receptor, the mechanism of its action, clinical relevance of its gene polymorphisms and a potential application in various clinical settings.
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14
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Plaza-Rojas L, Guevara-Patiño JA. The Role of the NKG2D in Vitiligo. Front Immunol 2021; 12:624131. [PMID: 33717132 PMCID: PMC7952755 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.624131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Vitiligo is an acquired multifactorial disease that affects melanocytes and results in skin depigmentation. In this review, we examine the role of cells stress and self-reactive T cells responses. Given the canonical and non-canonical functions of NKG2D, such as authenticating stressed target and enhance TCR signaling, we examine how melanocyte stress leads to the expression of ligands that are recognized by the activating receptor NKG2D, and how its signaling results in the turning of T cells against self (melanocyte suicide by proxy). We also discuss how this initiation phase is followed by T cell perpetuation, as NKG2D signaling results in self-sustained long-lasting T cells, with improved cytolytic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lourdes Plaza-Rojas
- Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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15
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Trembath AP, Krausz KL, Sharma N, Gerling IC, Mathews CE, Markiewicz MA. NKG2D Signaling Within the Pancreatic Islets Reduces NOD Diabetes and Increases Protective Central Memory CD8 + T-Cell Numbers. Diabetes 2020; 69:1749-1762. [PMID: 32535552 PMCID: PMC7372071 DOI: 10.2337/db19-0979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
NKG2D is implicated in autoimmune diabetes. However, the role of this receptor in diabetes pathogenesis is unclear owing to conflicting results with studies involving global inhibition of NKG2D signaling. We found that NKG2D and its ligands are present in human pancreata, with expression of NKG2D and its ligands increased in the islets of patients with type 1 diabetes. To directly assess the role of NKG2D in the pancreas, we generated NOD mice that express an NKG2D ligand in β-islet cells. Diabetes was reduced in these mice. The reduction corresponded with a decrease in the effector to central memory CD8+ T-cell ratio. Further, NKG2D signaling during in vitro activation of both mouse and human CD8+ T cells resulted in an increased number of central memory CD8+ T cells and diabetes protection by central memory CD8+ T cells in vivo. Taken together, these studies demonstrate that there is a protective role for central memory CD8+ T cells in autoimmune diabetes and that this protection is enhanced with NKG2D signaling. These findings stress the importance of anatomical location when determining the role NKG2D signaling plays, as well as when developing therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway, in type 1 diabetes development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Trembath
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Kelsey L Krausz
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Neekun Sharma
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
| | - Ivan C Gerling
- Department of Medicine, University of Tennessee, Memphis, TN
| | - Clayton E Mathews
- Department of Pathology, Immunology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, FL
| | - Mary A Markiewicz
- Department of Microbiology, Molecular Genetics and Immunology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS
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16
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Guevara-Patiño JA, Plaza-Rojas L. It Takes Two to Tango. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:1131-1133. [PMID: 32446332 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In the study by Jacquemin et al., the authors reported that ligands for NKG2D are upregulated in vitiligo perilesional skin and especially in patients with active disease. The reasons for the elevated expression of NKG2D ligands are unknown. This study, however, provides a framework for understanding vitiligo: Skin resident CD8 T cells recognize and kill melanocytes through NKG2D signaling. This event results in the increased production and release of cyto/chemokines and the development of long-lasting CD8 T cells, which in turn causes the recruitment of new T cells, thus perpetuating and disseminating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A Guevara-Patiño
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA.
| | - Lourdes Plaza-Rojas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois, USA
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17
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Tian Y, Li Y, Shao Y, Zhang Y. Gene modification strategies for next-generation CAR T cells against solid cancers. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:54. [PMID: 32423475 PMCID: PMC7236186 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00890-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies have become the backbone of cancer treatment. Among them, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells have demonstrated great success in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, CAR T therapy against solid tumors is less effective. Antigen targeting; an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME); and the infiltration, proliferation, and persistence of CAR T cells are the predominant barriers preventing the extension of CAR T therapy to solid tumors. To circumvent these obstacles, the next-generation CAR T cells will require more potent antitumor properties, which can be achieved by gene-editing technology. In this review, we summarize innovative strategies to enhance CAR T cell function by improving target identification, persistence, trafficking, and overcoming the suppressive TME. The construction of multi-target CAR T cells improves antigen recognition and reduces immune escape. Enhancing CAR T cell proliferation and persistence can be achieved by optimizing costimulatory signals and overexpressing cytokines. CAR T cells equipped with chemokines or chemokine receptors help overcome their poor homing to tumor sites. Strategies like knocking out immune checkpoint molecules, incorporating dominant negative receptors, and chimeric switch receptors can favor the depletion or reversal of negative T cell regulators in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonggui Tian
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yilu Li
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yupei Shao
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. .,Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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18
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Burke B, Eden C, Perez C, Belshoff A, Hart S, Plaza-Rojas L, Delos Reyes M, Prajapati K, Voelkel-Johnson C, Henry E, Gupta G, Guevara-Patiño J. Inhibition of Histone Deacetylase (HDAC) Enhances Checkpoint Blockade Efficacy by Rendering Bladder Cancer Cells Visible for T Cell-Mediated Destruction. Front Oncol 2020; 10:699. [PMID: 32500025 PMCID: PMC7243798 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.00699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitory checkpoint blockade therapy is an immunomodulatory strategy that results in the restoration of T cell functions, and its efficacy depends on the recognition of tumor cells for destruction. Considering the factors at play, one could propose that anti-tumor responses will not occur if tumor cells are immunologically invisible to T cells. In this study, we tested a strategy based on the modulation of cancer cell's immunovisibility through HDAC inhibition. In a model (heterotopic and orthotopic) of mouse urothelial bladder cancer, we demonstrated that the use of intratumoral or intravesical HDACi in combination with systemic anti-PD-1 was effective at inducing curative responses with durable anti-tumor immunity capable of preventing tumor growth at a distal site. Mechanistically, we determined that protective responses were dependent on CD8 cells, but not NK cells. Of significance, in an in vitro human model, we found that fully activated T cells fail at killing bladder cancer cells unless tumor cells were pretreated with HDACi. Complementary to this observation, we found that HDACi cause gene deregulation, that results in the upregulation of genes responsible for mediating immunorecognition, NKG2D ligands and HSP70. Taken together, these data indicate that HDAC inhibition results in the elimination of the tumor cell's “invisibility cloak” that prevents T cells from recognizing and killing them. Finally, as checkpoint blockade therapy moves into the adjuvant setting, its combined use with locally administrated HDACi represents a new approach to be included in our current therapeutic treatment toolbox.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna Burke
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Catherine Eden
- Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Cynthia Perez
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Alex Belshoff
- Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Spencer Hart
- Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Lourdes Plaza-Rojas
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Michael Delos Reyes
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Kushal Prajapati
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Christina Voelkel-Johnson
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Elizabeth Henry
- Department of Oncology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - Gopal Gupta
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States.,Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, United States
| | - José Guevara-Patiño
- Department of Surgery and Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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