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Parodi M, Astigiano S, Carrega P, Pietra G, Vitale C, Damele L, Grottoli M, Guevara Lopez MDLL, Ferracini R, Bertolini G, Roato I, Vitale M, Orecchia P. Murine models to study human NK cells in human solid tumors. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1209237. [PMID: 37388731 PMCID: PMC10301748 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1209237] [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: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the first studies, the mouse models have provided crucial support for the most important discoveries on NK cells, on their development, function, and circulation within normal and tumor tissues. Murine tumor models were initially set to study murine NK cells, then, ever more sophisticated human-in-mice models have been developed to investigate the behavior of human NK cells and minimize the interferences from the murine environment. This review presents an overview of the models that have been used along time to study NK cells, focusing on the most popular NOG and NSG models, which work as recipients for the preparation of human-in-mice tumor models, the study of transferred human NK cells, and the evaluation of various enhancers of human NK cell function, including cytokines and chimeric molecules. Finally, an overview of the next generation humanized mice is also provided along with a discussion on how traditional and innovative in-vivo and in-vitro approaches could be integrated to optimize effective pre-clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Parodi
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Simonetta Astigiano
- Animal Facility, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Paolo Carrega
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Laura Damele
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Melania Grottoli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Università di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Riccardo Ferracini
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Bone and Dental Bioengineering Laboratory, C.I.R Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
- Department of Surgical Sciences (DISC), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giulia Bertolini
- “Epigenomics and Biomarkers of Solid Tumors”, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Roato
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Bone and Dental Bioengineering Laboratory, C.I.R Dental School, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Orecchia
- Unità Operativa UO Patologia e Immunologia Sperimentale, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genova, Italy
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2
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Lupo KB, Matosevic S. CD155 immunoregulation as a target for natural killer cell immunotherapy in glioblastoma. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:76. [PMID: 32532329 PMCID: PMC7291472 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00913-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are powerful immune effectors, modulating their anti-tumor function through a balance activating and inhibitor ligands on their cell surface. Though still emerging, cancer immunotherapies utilizing NK cells are proving promising as a modality for the treatment of a number of solid tumors, including glioblastoma (GBM) and other gliomas, but are often limited due to complex immunosuppression associated with the GBM tumor microenvironment which includes overexpression of inhibitory receptors on GBM cells. CD155, or poliovirus receptor (PVR), has recently emerged as a pro-tumorigenic antigen, overexpressed on GBM and contributing to increased GBM migration and aggressiveness. CD155 has also been established as an immunomodulatory receptor, able to both activate NK cells through interactions with CD226 (DNAM-1) and CD96 and inhibit them through interaction with TIGIT. However, NK cell TIGIT expression has been shown to be upregulated in cancer, establishing CD155 as a predominantly inhibitory receptor within the context of GBM and other solid tumors, and rendering it of interest as a potential target for antigen-specific NK cell-based immunotherapy. This review will explore the function of CD155 within GBM as it relates to tumor migration and NK cell immunoregulation, as well as pre-clinical and clinical targeting of CD155/TIGIT and the potential that this pathway holds for the development of emerging NK cell-based immunotherapies.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/immunology
- Antigens, CD/physiology
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/immunology
- Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte/physiology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cell Adhesion
- Cell Movement
- Glioblastoma/immunology
- Glioblastoma/pathology
- Glioblastoma/therapy
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/transplantation
- Mice
- Neoplasm Invasiveness/immunology
- Neoplasm Invasiveness/prevention & control
- Neoplasm Metastasis
- Oncolytic Virotherapy
- Poliovirus/physiology
- Reassortant Viruses/physiology
- Receptors, Immunologic/immunology
- Receptors, Immunologic/physiology
- Receptors, Virus/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Virus/immunology
- Rhinovirus/physiology
- Tumor Microenvironment/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle B Lupo
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA
| | - Sandro Matosevic
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, 47907, USA.
- Purdue Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, 47906, USA.
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3
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Mechanisms of Resistance to NK Cell Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12040893. [PMID: 32272610 PMCID: PMC7226138 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has recently been a major breakthrough in cancer treatment. Natural killer (NK) cells are suitable targets for immunotherapy owing to their potent cytotoxic activity that may target cancer cells in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and antigen-unrestricted manner. Current therapies targeting NK cells include monoclonal antibodies that promote NK cell antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the adoptive transfer of NK cells, the redirection of NK cells using chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells and the use of cytokines and immunostimulatory drugs to boost the anti-tumor activity of NK cells. Despite some encouraging clinical results, patients receiving these therapies frequently develop resistance, and a myriad of mechanisms of resistance affecting both the immune system and cancer cells have been reported. A first contributing factor that modulates the efficacy of the NK cell therapy is the genetic profile of the individual, which regulates all aspects of NK cell biology. Additionally, the resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis and the immunoediting of cancer cells, a process that decreases their immunogenicity and promotes immunosuppression, are major determinants of the resistance to NK cell therapy. Consequently, the efficacy of NK cell anti-tumor therapy is specific to each patient and disease. The elucidation of such immunosubversive mechanisms is crucial to developing new procedures and therapeutic strategies to fully harness the anti-tumor potential of NK cells.
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4
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Lérias JR, de Sousa E, Paraschoudi G, Martins J, Condeço C, Figueiredo N, Carvalho C, Dodoo E, Maia A, Castillo-Martin M, Beltrán A, Ligeiro D, Rao M, Zumla A, Maeurer M. Trained Immunity for Personalized Cancer Immunotherapy: Current Knowledge and Future Opportunities. Front Microbiol 2020; 10:2924. [PMID: 31998254 PMCID: PMC6967396 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2019.02924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Memory formation, guided by microbial ligands, has been reported for innate immune cells. Epigenetic imprinting plays an important role herein, involving histone modification after pathogen-/danger-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/DAMPs) recognition by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). Such "trained immunity" affects not only the nominal target pathogen, yet also non-related targets that may be encountered later in life. The concept of trained innate immunity warrants further exploration in cancer and how these insights can be implemented in immunotherapeutic approaches. In this review, we discuss our current understanding of innate immune memory and we reference new findings in this field, highlighting the observations of trained immunity in monocytic and natural killer cells. We also provide a brief overview of trained immunity in non-immune cells, such as stromal cells and fibroblasts. Finally, we present possible strategies based on trained innate immunity that may help to devise host-directed immunotherapies focusing on cancer, with possible extension to infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana R Lérias
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Eric de Sousa
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - João Martins
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carolina Condeço
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Nuno Figueiredo
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos Carvalho
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ernest Dodoo
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Andreia Maia
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mireia Castillo-Martin
- Molecular and Experimental Pathology Laboratory, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal.,Department of Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Antonio Beltrán
- Department of Pathology, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Dário Ligeiro
- Lisbon Centre for Blood and Transplantation, Instituto Português do Sangue e Transplantação, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Martin Rao
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Alimuddin Zumla
- Division of Infection and Immunity, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, UCL Hospitals, NHS Foundation Trust, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Markus Maeurer
- ImmunoSurgery Unit, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
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5
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Marayati R, Quinn CH, Beierle EA. Immunotherapy in Pediatric Solid Tumors-A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E2022. [PMID: 31847387 PMCID: PMC6966467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11122022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite advances in the treatment of many pediatric solid tumors, children with aggressive and high-risk disease continue to have a dismal prognosis. For those presenting with metastatic or recurrent disease, multiple rounds of intensified chemotherapy and radiation are the typical course of action, but more often than not, this fails to control the progression of the disease. Thus, new therapeutics are desperately needed to improve the outcomes for these children. Recent advances in our understanding of both the immune system's biology and its interaction with tumors have led to the development of novel immunotherapeutics as alternative treatment options for these aggressive malignancies. Immunotherapeutic approaches have shown promising results for pediatric solid tumors in early clinical trials, but challenges remain concerning safety and anti-tumor efficacy. In this review, we aim to discuss and summarize the main classes of immunotherapeutics used to treat pediatric solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elizabeth A. Beierle
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (R.M.); (C.H.Q.)
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6
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Natural Killer Cells as Allogeneic Effectors in Adoptive Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11060769. [PMID: 31163679 PMCID: PMC6628161 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11060769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are attractive within adoptive transfer settings in cancer immunotherapy due to their potential for allogeneic use; their alloreactivity is enhanced under conditions of killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR) mismatch with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) ligands on cancer cells. In addition to this, NK cells are platforms for genetic modification, and proliferate in vivo for a shorter time relative to T cells, limiting off-target activation. Current clinical studies have demonstrated the safety and efficacy of allogeneic NK cell adoptive transfer therapies as a means for treatment of hematologic malignancies and, to a lesser extent, solid tumors. However, challenges associated with sourcing allogeneic NK cells have given rise to controversy over the contribution of NK cells to graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Specifically, blood-derived NK cell infusions contain contaminating T cells, whose activation with NK-stimulating cytokines has been known to lead to heightened release of proinflammatory cytokines and trigger the onset of GvHD in vivo. NK cells sourced from cell lines and stem cells lack contaminating T cells, but can also lack many phenotypic characteristics of mature NK cells. Here, we discuss the available published evidence for the varying roles of NK cells in GvHD and, more broadly, their use in allogeneic adoptive transfer settings to treat various cancers.
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7
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Valipour B, Velaei K, Abedelahi A, Karimipour M, Darabi M, Charoudeh HN. NK cells: An attractive candidate for cancer therapy. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:19352-19365. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Revised: 03/17/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Behnaz Valipour
- Stem Cell Research Centre Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Kobra Velaei
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Ali Abedelahi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimipour
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
| | - Masoud Darabi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine Tabriz University of Medical Sciences Tabriz Iran
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8
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Roato I, Vitale M. The Uncovered Role of Immune Cells and NK Cells in the Regulation of Bone Metastasis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:145. [PMID: 30930851 PMCID: PMC6423901 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone is one of the main metastatic sites of solid tumors like breast, lung, and prostate cancer. Disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) and cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent the main target to counteract bone metastatization. These cells often localize in bone marrow (BM) at level of pre-metastatic niche: they can remain dormant for years or directly grow and create bone lesion, according to the different stimulations received in BM. The immune system in bone marrow is dampened and represents an appealing site for DTCs/CSCs. NK cells have an important role in controlling tumor progression, but their involvement in bone metastasis formation is an interesting and not fully investigated issue. Indeed, whether NK cells can interfere with CSC formation, kill them at the site of primary tumor, during circulation or in the pre-metastic niche needs to be elucidated. This review focuses on different aspects that regulate DTC/CSC life in bone and how NK cells potentially control bone metastasis formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Roato
- Center for Research and Medical Studies (CeRMS), A.O.U. Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
- *Correspondence: Ilaria Roato
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
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9
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Sun H, Xu J, Huang Q, Huang M, Li K, Qu K, Wen H, Lin R, Zheng M, Wei H, Xiao W, Sun R, Tian Z, Sun C. Reduced CD160 Expression Contributes to Impaired NK-cell Function and Poor Clinical Outcomes in Patients with HCC. Cancer Res 2018; 78:6581-6593. [PMID: 30232222 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-1049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2018] [Revised: 08/09/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
: We previously reported that deficiencies in natural killer (NK)-cell number and function play an important role in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain obscure. In this study, we analyzed the expression of CD160 on intrahepatic NK cells by evaluating peritumoral and intratumoral tissues of 279 patients with HCC and 20 healthy livers. We observed reduced expression of CD160 on intratumoral NK cells, and patients with lower CD160 cell densities within tumors exhibited worse disease and a higher recurrence rate. High-resolution microarray and gene set enrichment analysis of flow cytometry-sorted primary intrahepatic CD160+ and CD160- NK cells of healthy livers indicated that human CD160+ NK cells exhibited functional activation, high IFNγ production, and NK-mediated immunity. In addition, global transcriptomic analysis of sorted peritumoral and intratumoral CD160+ NK cells revealed that intratumoral CD160+ NK cells are more exhausted than peritumoral CD160+ NK cells and produce less IFNγ. High levels of TGFβ1 interfered with production of IFNγ by CD160+ NK cells, blocking of which specifically restored IFNγ production in CD160+ NK cells to normal levels. These findings indicate that reduced numbers of CD160+ NK cells, together with the functional impairment of CD160+ NK cells by TGFβ1, contribute to tumor immune escape. In addition, restoring the expression of CD160 and blocking TGFβ1 appear a promising therapeutic strategy against liver cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings show that reduced number and function of CD160+ NK cells in the tumor microenvironment contributes to immune escape of HCC; blocking TGFβ1 restores IFNγ production of CD160+ NK cells.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/78/23/6581/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Sun
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiang Huang
- Organ Transplant Center & Immunology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Mei Huang
- Organ Transplant Center & Immunology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Kun Li
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Kun Qu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Hao Wen
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Renyong Lin
- Sun Yat-Sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangzhou, China
| | - Meijuan Zheng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Haiming Wei
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Weihua Xiao
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Zhigang Tian
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. .,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Cheng Sun
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at Microscale, the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China. .,Institute of Immunology, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China.,Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Echinococcosis, Clinical Medical Research Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China.,Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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10
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Gaggero S, Bruschi M, Petretto A, Parodi M, Del Zotto G, Lavarello C, Prato C, Santucci L, Barbuto A, Bottino C, Candiano G, Moretta A, Vitale M, Moretta L, Cantoni C. Nidogen-1 is a novel extracellular ligand for the NKp44 activating receptor. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1470730. [PMID: 30228939 PMCID: PMC6140582 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2018.1470730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The release of soluble ligands of activating Natural Killer (NK) cell receptors may represent a regulatory mechanism of NK cell function both in physiologic and in pathologic conditions. Here, we identified the extracellular matrix protein Nidogen-1 (NID1) as a ligand of NKp44, an important activating receptor expressed by activated NK cells. When released as soluble molecule, NID1 regulates NK cell function by modulating NKp44-induced IFN-γ production or cytotoxicity. In particular, it also modulates IFN-γ production induced by Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)-DD following NKp44 engagement. We also show that NID1 may be present at the cell surface. In this form or when bound to a solid support (bNID1), NID1 fails to induce NK cell cytotoxicity or cytokine release. However, analysis by mass spectrometry revealed that exposure to bNID1 can induce in human NK cells relevant changes in the proteomic profiles suggesting an effect on different biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Gaggero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Maurizio Bruschi
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Monica Parodi
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Genny Del Zotto
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Lavarello
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carola Prato
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Laura Santucci
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Barbuto
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Candiano
- Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Moretta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UOC Immunologia, IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology area, IRCCS Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Dipartimento dei Laboratori di Ricerca, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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11
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Huergo-Zapico L, Parodi M, Cantoni C, Lavarello C, Fernández-Martínez JL, Petretto A, DeAndrés-Galiana EJ, Balsamo M, López-Soto A, Pietra G, Bugatti M, Munari E, Marconi M, Mingari MC, Vermi W, Moretta L, González S, Vitale M. NK-cell Editing Mediates Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition via Phenotypic and Proteomic Changes in Melanoma Cell Lines. Cancer Res 2018; 78:3913-3925. [PMID: 29752261 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-17-1891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cell plasticity is a major obstacle for the cure of malignancies as it makes tumor cells highly adaptable to microenvironmental changes, enables their phenotype switching among different forms, and favors the generation of prometastatic tumor cell subsets. Phenotype switching toward more aggressive forms involves different functional, phenotypic, and morphologic changes, which are often related to the process known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we report natural killer (NK) cells may increase the malignancy of melanoma cells by inducing changes relevant to EMT and, more broadly, to phenotype switching from proliferative to invasive forms. In coculture, NK cells induced effects on tumor cells similar to those induced by EMT-promoting cytokines, including upregulation of stemness and EMT markers, morphologic transition, inhibition of proliferation, and increased capacity for Matrigel invasion. Most changes were dependent on the engagement of NKp30 or NKG2D and the release of cytokines including IFNγ and TNFα. Moreover, EMT induction also favored escape from NK-cell attack. Melanoma cells undergoing EMT either increased NK-protective HLA-I expression on their surface or downregulated several tumor-recognizing activating receptors on NK cells. Mass spectrometry-based proteomic analysis revealed in two different melanoma cell lines a partial overlap between proteomic profiles induced by NK cells or by EMT cytokines, indicating that various processes or pathways related to tumor progression are induced by exposure to NK cells.Significance: NK cells can induce prometastatic properties on melanoma cells that escape from killing, providing important clues to improve the efficacy of NK cells in innovative antitumor therapies. Cancer Res; 78(14); 3913-25. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Parodi
- UOC Immunologia, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Claudia Cantoni
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Chiara Lavarello
- Core Facilities - Proteomics Laboratory, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Juan L Fernández-Martínez
- Group of Inverse Problems, Optimization and Machine Learning, Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Andrea Petretto
- Core Facilities - Proteomics Laboratory, Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrique J DeAndrés-Galiana
- Group of Inverse Problems, Optimization and Machine Learning, Departamento de Matemáticas, Universidad de Oviedo, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Mirna Balsamo
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Alejandro López-Soto
- Department of Functional Biology, IUOPA, University of Oviedo, Facultad de Medicina, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Gabriella Pietra
- UOC Immunologia, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mattia Bugatti
- Department of Pathology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enrico Munari
- Department of Pathology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (VR), Italy
| | - Marcella Marconi
- Department of Pathology, Sacro Cuore Don Calabria Hospital, Negrar (VR), Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Mingari
- UOC Immunologia, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - William Vermi
- Department of Pathology, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Immunology Area, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambin Gesù, Rome, Italy
| | - Segundo González
- Department of Functional Biology, IUOPA, University of Oviedo, Facultad de Medicina, Oviedo, Spain
| | - Massimo Vitale
- UOC Immunologia, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino Genova, Genoa, Italy.
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Abstract
A group of impressive immunotherapies for cancer treatment, including immune checkpoint-blocking antibodies, gene therapy and immune cell adoptive cellular immunotherapy, have been established, providing new weapons to fight cancer. Natural killer (NK) cells are a component of the first line of defense against tumors and virus infections. Studies have shown dysfunctional NK cells in patients with cancer. Thus, restoring NK cell antitumor functionality could be a promising therapeutic strategy. NK cells that are activated and expanded ex vivo can supplement malfunctional NK cells in tumor patients. Therapeutic antibodies, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), or bispecific proteins can all retarget NK cells precisely to tumor cells. Therapeutic antibody blockade of the immune checkpoints of NK cells has been suggested to overcome the immunosuppressive signals delivered to NK cells. Oncolytic virotherapy provokes antitumor activity of NK cells by triggering antiviral immune responses. Herein, we review the current immunotherapeutic approaches employed to restore NK cell antitumor functionality for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangxi Li
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
| | - Rui Sun
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230027, China
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13
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Dubois S, Conlon KC, Müller JR, Hsu-Albert J, Beltran N, Bryant BR, Waldmann TA. IL15 Infusion of Cancer Patients Expands the Subpopulation of Cytotoxic CD56 bright NK Cells and Increases NK-Cell Cytokine Release Capabilities. Cancer Immunol Res 2017; 5:929-938. [PMID: 28842470 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-17-0279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 06/28/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The cytokine IL15 is required for survival and activation of natural killer (NK) cells as well as expansion of NK-cell populations. Here, we compare the effects of continuous IL15 infusions on NK-cell subpopulations in cancer patients. Infusions affected the CD56bright NK-cell subpopulation in that the expansion rates exceeded those of CD56dim NK-cell populations with a 350-fold increase in their total cell numbers compared with 20-fold expansion for the CD56dim subset. CD56bright NK cells responded with increased cytokine release to various stimuli, as expected given their immunoregulatory functions. Moreover, CD56bright NK cells gained the ability to kill various target cells at levels that are typical for CD56dim NK cells. Some increased cytotoxic activities were also observed for CD56dim NK cells. IL15 infusions induced expression changes on the surface of both NK-cell subsets, resulting in a previously undescribed and similar phenotype. These data suggest that IL15 infusions expand and arm CD56bright NK cells that alone or in combination with tumor-targeting antibodies may be useful in the treatment of cancer. Cancer Immunol Res; 5(10); 929-38. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sigrid Dubois
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland.
| | - Kevin C Conlon
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jürgen R Müller
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Jennifer Hsu-Albert
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Nancy Beltran
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Bonita R Bryant
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Thomas A Waldmann
- Lymphoid Malignancies Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
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14
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Yin J, Markert JM, Leavenworth JW. Modulation of the Intratumoral Immune Landscape by Oncolytic Herpes Simplex Virus Virotherapy. Front Oncol 2017; 7:136. [PMID: 28695111 PMCID: PMC5483455 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Vaccines and immunotherapeutic approaches to cancers with the advent of immune checkpoint inhibitors and chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells have recently demonstrated preclinical success and entered clinical trials. Despite advances in these approaches and combinatorial therapeutic regimens, depending on the nature of the cancer and the immune and metabolic landscape within the tumor microenvironment, current immunotherapeutic modalities remain inadequate. Recent clinical trials have demonstrated clear evidence of significant, and sometimes dramatic, antitumor activity, and long-term survival effects of a variety of oncolytic viruses (OVs), particularly oncolytic herpes simplex virus (oHSV). Acting as a multifaceted gene therapy vector and potential adjuvant-like regimens, oHSV can carry genes encoding immunostimulatory molecules in its genome. The oncolytic effect of oHSV and the inflammatory response that the virus stimulates provide a one-two punch at attacking tumors. However, mechanisms underlying oHSV-induced restoration of intratumoral immunosuppression demand extensive research in order to further improve its therapeutic efficacy. In this review, we discuss the current OV-based therapy, with a focus on the unique aspects of oHSV-initiated antiviral and antitumor immune responses, arising from virus-mediated immunological cell death to intratumoral innate and adaptive immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - James M Markert
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jianmei W Leavenworth
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States.,Department of Microbiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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15
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Carrega P, Ferlazzo G. Natural Killers Are Made Not Born: How to Exploit NK Cells in Lung Malignancies. Front Immunol 2017; 8:277. [PMID: 28348567 PMCID: PMC5346886 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.00277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, progress has been made in the characterization of natural killer (NK) cells in lung malignancies, and we have now gained a better understanding of the frequency, localization, phenotype, and functional status of NK cells infiltrating these tumors. NK cell subset recruited in lung cancer is mainly capable of producing relevant cytokines rather than exerting direct cancer cell killing. Thus, the relevance of NK cells in tumor microenvironment might also go beyond the killing of tumor cells, being NK cells endowed with regulatory functions toward an ample array of immune effectors. Nevertheless, boosting their cytotoxic functions and redirecting the migration of cytotoxic NK cell subset to the tumor site might open new therapeutic avenues for lung cancer. Also, we believe that a deeper investigation into the impact of both conventional (e.g., chemotherapy) or new therapies (e.g., anti-immune checkpoints mAbs) on NK cell homeostasis in lung cancer patients is now required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Carrega
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Cell Factory Center, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Guido Ferlazzo
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biotherapy, Department of Human Pathology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Cell Factory Center, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Cell Therapy Program, University Hospital Policlinico G.Martino, Messina, Italy; Division of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital Policlinico G.Martino, Messina, Italy
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16
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Maghazachi AA, Sand KL, Al-Jaderi Z. Glatiramer Acetate, Dimethyl Fumarate, and Monomethyl Fumarate Upregulate the Expression of CCR10 on the Surface of Natural Killer Cells and Enhance Their Chemotaxis and Cytotoxicity. Front Immunol 2016; 7:437. [PMID: 27807435 PMCID: PMC5069502 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/04/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In vitro harnessing of immune cells is the most important advance in the field of cancer immunotherapy. Results shown in the current paper may be used to harness natural killer (NK) cells in vitro. It is observed that drugs used to treat multiple sclerosis such as glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate, and monomethyl fumarate upregulate the expression of chemokines receptor 10 (CCR10) on the surface of human IL-2-activated NK cells. This is corroborated with increased chemotaxis of these cells toward the concentration gradients of the ligands for CCR10, namely CCL27 and CCL28. It is also demonstrated that these three drugs enhance NK cell cytotoxicity against tumor target cells, an activity that is abrogated by prior incubation of the cells with anti-CCR10 antibody. Because CCL27 and CCL28 are secreted by selective tumor types such as malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinomas, and colorectal cancer, respectively, it is hypothesized that activated NK cells may be harnessed in vitro with any of these drugs before utilizing them as a therapeutic modality for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzam A. Maghazachi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, and the Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Zaidoon Al-Jaderi
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, and the Sharjah Institute for Medical Research (SIMR), University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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17
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Cacalano NA. Regulation of Natural Killer Cell Function by STAT3. Front Immunol 2016; 7:128. [PMID: 27148255 PMCID: PMC4827001 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, key members of a distinct hematopoietic lineage, innate lymphoid cells, are not only critical effectors that mediate cytotoxicity toward tumor and virally infected cells but also regulate inflammation, antigen presentation, and the adaptive immune response. It has been shown that NK cells can regulate the development and activation of many other components of the immune response, such as dendritic cells, which in turn, modulate the function of NK cells in multiple synergistic feed back loops driven by cell–cell contact, and the secretion of cytokines and chemokines that control effector function and migration of cells to sites of immune activation. The signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT)-3 is involved in driving almost all of the pathways that control NK cytolytic activity as well as the reciprocal regulatory interactions between NK cells and other components of the immune system. In the context of tumor immunology, NK cells are a first line of defense that eliminates pre-cancerous and transformed cells early in the process of carcinogenesis, through a mechanism of “immune surveillance.” Even after tumors become established, NK cells are critical components of anticancer immunity: dysfunctional NK cells are often found in the peripheral blood of cancer patients, and the lack of NK cells in the tumor microenvironment often correlates to poor prognosis. The pathways and soluble factors activated in tumor-associated NK cells, cancer cells, and regulatory myeloid cells, which determine the outcome of cancer immunity, are all critically regulated by STAT3. Using the tumor microenvironment as a paradigm, we present here an overview of the research that has revealed fundamental mechanisms through which STAT3 regulates all aspects of NK cell biology, including NK development, activation, target cell killing, and fine tuning of the innate and adaptive immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Cacalano
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA , Los Angeles, CA , USA
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