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Zu S, Lu Y, Xing R, Chen X, Zhang L. Changes in subset distribution and impaired function of circulating natural killer cells in patients with colorectal cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12188. [PMID: 38806640 PMCID: PMC11133342 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-63103-x] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are closely associated with malignant tumor progression and metastasis. However, studies on their relevance in colorectal cancer (CRC) are limited. We aimed to comprehensively analyze the absolute counts, phenotypes, and function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC using multiparametric flow cytometry. The distribution of NK cell subsets in the peripheral circulation of patients with CRC was significantly altered relative to the control group. This is shown by the decreased frequency and absolute count of CD56dimCD16+ NK cells with antitumor effects, contrary to the increased frequency of CD56bright NK and CD56dimCD16- NK cells with poor or ineffective antitumor effects. NK cells in patients with CRC were functionally impaired, with decreased intracellular interferon (IFN)-γ secretion and a significantly lower percentage of cell surface granzyme B and perforin expression. In addition, IFN-γ expression decreased significantly with the tumor stage progression. Based on a comprehensive analysis of the absolute counts, phenotypes, and functional markers of NK cells, we found an altered subset distribution and impaired function of circulating NK cells in patients with CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujin Zu
- Department of Reproductive Center, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 60 West Wuning Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Lu
- Clinical Laboratory, DongYang People's Hospital, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 60 West Wuning Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui Xing
- The Department of Hematology, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences Laboratory, Affiliated DongYang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Dongyang, Zhejiang, China
| | - Longyi Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, DongYang People's Hospital, Affiliated Dongyang Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, 60 West Wuning Road, Dongyang, 322100, Zhejiang, China.
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Evans L, Walker R, MacDiarmid J, Brahmbhatt H, Anazodo A, McCowage G, Gifford AJ, Kavallaris M, Trahair T, Ziegler DS. A Phase 1 Study of Intravenous EGFR-ErbituxEDVsMIT in Children with Solid or CNS Tumours Expressing Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor. Target Oncol 2024; 19:333-342. [PMID: 38546944 PMCID: PMC11111512 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-024-01051-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrent or refractory solid and central nervous system (CNS) tumours in paediatric patients have limited treatment options and carry a poor prognosis. The EnGeneIC Dream Vector (EDV) is a novel nanocell designed to deliver cytotoxic medication directly to the tumour. The epidermal growth factor receptor is expressed in several CNS and solid tumours and is the target for bispecific antibodies attached to the EDV. OBJECTIVE To assess the safety and tolerability of EGFR-Erbitux receptor EnGeneIC Dream Vector with mitoxantrone (EEDVsMit) in children with recurrent / refractory solid or CNS tumours expressing EGFR. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients aged 2-21 years with relapsed or refractory CNS and solid tumours, or radiologically diagnosed diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG), were treated in this phase I open-label study of single agent EEDVsMit. Thirty-seven patients' tumours were screened for EGFR expression. EEDVsMit was administered twice weekly in the first cycle and weekly thereafter. Standard dose escalation with a rolling 6 design was employed. Dosing commenced at 5 × 108 EEDVsMit per dose and escalated to 5 × 109 EEDVsMit per dose. RESULTS EGFR expression was detected in 12 (32%) of the paediatric tumours tested. Nine patients were enrolled and treated on the trial, including three patients with diffuse midline glioma. Overall, EEDVsMit was well tolerated, with no dose-limiting toxicities observed. The most common drug-related adverse events were grade 1-2 fever, nausea and vomiting, rash, lymphopaenia, and mildly deranged liver function tests. All patients had disease progression, including one patient who achieved a mixed response as the best response. CONCLUSIONS EGFR-Erbitux receptor targeted EnGeneIC Dream Vector with mitoxantrone can be safely delivered in paediatric patients aged 2-21 years with solid or CNS tumours harbouring EGFR expression. The discovery of EGFR expression in a high proportion of paediatric gliomas means that EGFR may be useful as a target for other treatment strategies. Targeted therapeutic-loaded EDVs may be worth exploring further for their role in stimulating an anti-tumour immune response. CLINICALTRIALS GOV IDENTIFIER NCT02687386.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise Evans
- Michael Rice Centre for Haematology and Oncology, Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA, 5006, Australia
| | - Rick Walker
- Queensland Children's Hospital, South Brisbane, QL, 4101, Australia
- School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QL, 4006, Australia
| | | | | | - Antoinette Anazodo
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | | | - Andrew J Gifford
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Anatomical Pathology, NSW Heath Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Maria Kavallaris
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
- Australian Centre for Nanomedicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Toby Trahair
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - David S Ziegler
- Kids Cancer Centre, Sydney Children's Hospital, Randwick, NSW, 2031, Australia.
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Children's Cancer Institute, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Darvishvand R, Rezaeifard S, Kiani R, Tahmasebi S, Faghih Z, Erfani N. Natural killer cell subsets and their functional molecules in peripheral blood of the patients with breast cancer. Immun Inflamm Dis 2024; 12:e1255. [PMID: 38652012 PMCID: PMC11037257 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.1255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells, CD3- lymphocytes, are critical players in cancer immune surveillance. This study aimed to assess two types of CD3- NK cell classifications (subsets), that is, convectional subsets (based on CD56 and CD16 expression) and new subsets (based on CD56, CD27, and CD11b expression), and their functional molecules in the peripheral blood of patients with breast cancer (BC) in comparison with healthy donors (HDs). METHODS Thirty untreated females with BC and 20 age-matched healthy women were enrolled. Peripheral blood samples were collected and directly incubated with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies against CD3, CD56, CD16, CD27, CD11b, CD96, NKG2C, NKG2D, NKp44, CXCR3, perforin, and granzyme B. Red blood cells were then lysed using lysing solution, and the stained cells were acquired on four-color flow cytometer. RESULT Our results indicated 15% of lymphocytes in peripheral blood of patients with BC and HDs had NK cells phenotype. However, the frequency of total NK cells (CD3-CD56+), and NK subsets (based on conventional and new classifications) was not significantly different between patients and HDs. We observed mean fluorescent intensity (MFI) of CXCR3 in total NK cells (p = .02) and the conventional cytotoxic (CD3-CD56dim CD16+) NK cells (p = .03) were significantly elevated in the patients with BC compared to HDs. Despite this, the MFI of granzyme B expression in conventional regulatory (CD3-CD56brightCD16- /+) NK cells and CD3-CD56-CD16+ NK cells (p = .03 and p = .004, respectively) in the patients was lower than healthy subjects. CONCLUSION The higher expression of chemokine receptor CXCR3 on total NK cells in patients with BC may be associated with increased chemotaxis-related NK cell infiltration. However, lower expression of granzyme B in conventional regulatory NK cells and CD3-CD56-CD16+ NK cells in the patients compared to HDs suggests reduced cytotoxic activity of the NK cells in BC. These results might demonstrate accumulating NK subsets with a dysfunctional phenotype in the peripheral blood of patients with BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reza Darvishvand
- Department of Immunology, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- School of Medicine, Shiraz Institute for Cancer ResearchShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Somayeh Rezaeifard
- School of Medicine, Shiraz Institute for Cancer ResearchShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Razie Kiani
- School of Medicine, Shiraz Institute for Cancer ResearchShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Sedigheh Tahmasebi
- Breast Diseases Research CenterShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Zahra Faghih
- School of Medicine, Shiraz Institute for Cancer ResearchShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
| | - Nasrollah Erfani
- Department of Immunology, School of MedicineShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
- School of Medicine, Shiraz Institute for Cancer ResearchShiraz University of Medical SciencesShirazIran
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Rodriguez-Mogeda C, van Ansenwoude CMJ, van der Molen L, Strijbis EMM, Mebius RE, de Vries HE. The role of CD56 bright NK cells in neurodegenerative disorders. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:48. [PMID: 38350967 PMCID: PMC10865604 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03040-8] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests a potential role for natural killer (NK) cells in neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. However, the precise function of NK cells in these diseases remains ambiguous. The existence of two NK cell subsets, CD56bright and CD56dim NK cells, complicates the understanding of the contribution of NK cells in neurodegeneration as their functions within the context of neurodegenerative diseases may differ significantly. CD56bright NK cells are potent cytokine secretors and are considered more immunoregulatory and less terminally differentiated than their mostly cytotoxic CD56dim counterparts. Hence, this review focusses on NK cells, specifically on CD56bright NK cells, and their role in neurodegenerative diseases. Moreover, it explores the mechanisms underlying their ability to enter the central nervous system. By consolidating current knowledge, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview on the role of CD56bright NK cells in neurodegenerative diseases. Elucidating their impact on neurodegeneration may have implications for future therapeutic interventions, potentially ameliorating disease pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Rodriguez-Mogeda
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Chaja M J van Ansenwoude
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lennart van der Molen
- IQ Health Science Department, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Eva M M Strijbis
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reina E Mebius
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Infection and Immunity Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Helga E de Vries
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology and Immunology, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- MS Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC Location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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5
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Arjmand B, Hamidpour SK, Tayanloo-Beik A, Arjmand R, Rezaei-Tavirani M, Aghayan H, Rajaeinejad M, Larijani B. Isolation and Phenotypic Characterization of Tumor-Infiltrating NK Cells in Skin Carcinoma. Methods Mol Biol 2024. [PMID: 38329617 DOI: 10.1007/7651_2023_512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
In oncological research, the function of tumor-infiltrating natural killer (NK) cells in skin carcinoma presents a viable avenue for novel therapeutic methods. NK cells are essential to the body's defense against malignancies, including skin cancer, and are especially important in more sophisticated cancer immunotherapies such as vaccinations containing dendritic cells. The deadliest type of skin cancer, malignant melanoma, still has a poor prognosis even with advancements in early-stage therapies, which emphasizes the need for novel therapeutic strategies. NK cells from human melanoma metastases were subjected to single-cell RNA-seq analysis, which demonstrated notable variations in the transcriptional programs of tumor-infiltrating and circulating NK cells. Different transcriptional states are displayed by NK cells that have invaded tumors, indicating that they are functionally specialized in areas like chemokine production and cytotoxicity. These results emphasize the functions of NK cells in recruiting other significant immune cell types, such as cross-presenting dendritic cells, and in direct cytotoxicity against malignant cells. Investigating NK cells that infiltrate tumors in skin carcinomas presents a viable approach to comprehending and may be modifying the immune environment surrounding these cancers. It is essential to comprehend the distinct characteristics and roles of NK cells inside the tumor microenvironment in order to create more potent immunotherapeutic approaches to treat skin cancer. In order to perhaps open the door for new directions in cancer immunotherapy, the project intends to establish a thorough technique for the isolation and thorough phenotypic characterization of tumor-infiltrating NK cells in skin carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babak Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | | | - Akram Tayanloo-Beik
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Rasta Arjmand
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Hamidreza Aghayan
- Cell Therapy and Regenerative Medicine Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Molecular-Cellular Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Rajaeinejad
- AJA Cancer Epidemiology Research and Treatment Center (AJA-CERTC), AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Bagher Larijani
- Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Center, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Ma S, Caligiuri MA, Yu J. Harnessing Natural Killer Cells for Lung Cancer Therapy. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3327-3339. [PMID: 37531223 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-1097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Although natural killer (NK) cells are garnering interest as a potential anticancer therapy because they selectively recognize and eliminate cancer cells, their use in treating solid tumors, including lung cancer, has been limited due to impediments to their efficacy, such as their limited ability to reach tumor tissues, the reduced antitumor activity of tumor-infiltrating NK cells, and the suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). This comprehensive review provides an in-depth analysis of the cross-talk between the lung cancer TME and NK cells. We highlight the various mechanisms used by the TME to modulate NK-cell phenotypes and limit infiltration, explore the role of the TME in limiting the antitumor activity of NK cells, and discuss the current challenges and obstacles that hinder the success of NK-cell-based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Potential opportunities and promising strategies to address these challenges have been implemented or are being developed to optimize NK-cell-based immunotherapy for lung cancer. Through critical evaluation of existing literature and emerging trends, this review provides a comprehensive outlook on the future of NK-cell-based immunotherapy for treating lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoubao Ma
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
| | - Michael A Caligiuri
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
| | - Jianhua Yu
- Department of Hematology and Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Hematologic Malignancies and Stem Cell Transplantation Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Los Angeles, California
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Los Angeles, California
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7
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Moschella F, Buccione C, Ruspantini I, Castiello L, Rozo Gonzalez A, Iacobone F, Ferraresi V, Palermo B, Nisticò P, Belardelli F, Proietti E, Macchia I, Urbani F. Blood immune cells as potential biomarkers predicting relapse-free survival of stage III/IV resected melanoma patients treated with peptide-based vaccination and interferon-alpha. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1145667. [PMID: 37274275 PMCID: PMC10233106 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1145667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Despite the recent approval of several therapies in the adjuvant setting of melanoma, tumor relapse still occurs in a significant number of completely resected stage III-IV patients. In this context, the use of cancer vaccines is still relevant and may increase the response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. We previously demonstrated safety, immunogenicity and preliminary evidence of clinical efficacy in stage III/IV resected melanoma patients subjected to a combination therapy based on peptide vaccination together with intermittent low-dose interferon-α2b, with or without dacarbazine preconditioning (https://www.clinicaltrialsregister.eu/ctr-search/search, identifier: 2008-008211-26). In this setting, we then focused on pre-treatment patient immune status to highlight possible factors associated with clinical outcome. Methods Multiparametric flow cytometry was used to identify baseline immune profiles in patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells and correlation with the patient clinical outcome. Receiver operating characteristic curve, Kaplan-Meier survival and principal component analyses were used to evaluate the predictive power of the identified markers. Results We identified 12 different circulating T and NK cell subsets with significant (p ≤ 0.05) differential baseline levels in patients who later relapsed with respect to patients who remained free of disease. All 12 parameters showed a good prognostic accuracy (AUC>0.7, p ≤ 0.05) and 11 of them significantly predicted the relapse-free survival. Remarkably, 3 classifiers also predicted the overall survival. Focusing on immune cell subsets that can be analyzed through simple surface staining, three subsets were identified, namely regulatory T cells, CD56dimCD16- NK cells and central memory γδ T cells. Each subset showed an AUC>0.8 and principal component analysis significantly grouped relapsing and non-relapsing patients (p=0.034). These three subsets were used to calculate a combination score that was able to perfectly distinguish relapsing and non-relapsing patients (AUC=1; p=0). Noticeably, patients with a combined score ≥2 demonstrated a strong advantage in both relapse-free (p=0.002) and overall (p=0.011) survival as compared to patients with a score <2. Discussion Predictive markers may be used to guide patient selection for personalized therapies and/or improve follow-up strategies. This study provides preliminary evidence on the identification of peripheral blood immune biomarkers potentially capable of predicting the clinical response to combined vaccine-based adjuvant therapies in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Moschella
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Buccione
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Rozo Gonzalez
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Floriana Iacobone
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Ferraresi
- Department of Medical Oncology 1, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Belinda Palermo
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Nisticò
- Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Research, Advanced Diagnostics and Technological Innovation, Scientific Institute for Research, Hospitalization and Healthcare (IRCCS) Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, Italy
| | - Filippo Belardelli
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology, National Research Council (CNR), Rome, Italy
| | - Enrico Proietti
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Iole Macchia
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Urbani
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
- Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine PhD School, II University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, Rome, Italy
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Savchenko AA, Kudryavtsev IV, Isakov DV, Sadowski IS, Belenyuk VD, Borisov AG. Recombinant Human Interleukin-2 Corrects NK Cell Phenotype and Functional Activity in Patients with Post-COVID Syndrome. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16040537. [PMID: 37111294 PMCID: PMC10144656 DOI: 10.3390/ph16040537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-COVID syndrome develops in 10–20% of people who have recovered from COVID-19 and it is characterized by impaired function of the nervous, cardiovascular, and immune systems. Previously, it was found that patients who recovered from infection with the SARS-CoV-2 virus had a decrease in the number and functional activity of NK cells. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2) administered to correct NK cell phenotype and functional activity in patients with post-COVID syndrome. Patients were examined after 3 months for acute COVID-19 of varying severity. The phenotype of the peripheral blood NK cells was studied by flow cytometry. It was found that disturbances in the cell subset composition in patients with post-COVID syndrome were characterized by low levels of mature (p = 0.001) and cytotoxic NK cells (p = 0.013), with increased release of immature NK cells (p = 0.023). Functional deficiency of NK cells in post-COVID syndrome was characterized by lowered cytotoxic activity due to the decreased count of CD57+ (p = 0.001) and CD8+ (p < 0.001) NK cells. In the treatment of patients with post-COVID syndrome with recombinant IL-2, peripheral blood NK cell count and functional potential were restored. In general, the effectiveness of using rhIL-2 in treatment of post-COVID syndrome has been proven in patients with low levels of NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrei A. Savchenko
- Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center” of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Igor V. Kudryavtsev
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, 197376 St. Petersburg, Russia
- School of Biomedicine, Far Eastern Federal University, 690922 Vladivostok, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Isakov
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Pavlov First St. Petersburg State Medical University of the Russian Federation Ministry of Healthcare, 197022 St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Ivan S. Sadowski
- Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center” of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Vasily D. Belenyuk
- Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center” of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
| | - Alexandr G. Borisov
- Federal Research Center “Krasnoyarsk Science Center” of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Scientific Research Institute of Medical Problems of the North, 660022 Krasnoyarsk, Russia
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Ruffin AT, Li H, Vujanovic L, Zandberg DP, Ferris RL, Bruno TC. Improving head and neck cancer therapies by immunomodulation of the tumour microenvironment. Nat Rev Cancer 2023; 23:173-188. [PMID: 36456755 PMCID: PMC9992112 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-022-00531-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 33.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Targeted immunotherapy has improved patient survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but less than 20% of patients produce a durable response to these treatments. Thus, new immunotherapies that consider all key players of the complex HNSCC tumour microenvironment (TME) are necessary to further enhance tumour-specific T cell responses in patients. HNSCC is an ideal tumour type in which to evaluate immune and non-immune cell differences because of two distinct TME aetiologies (human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive and HPV-negative disease), multiple anatomic sites for tumour growth, and clear distinctions between patients with locally advanced disease and those with recurrent and/or metastatic disease. Recent technological and scientific advancements have provided a more complete picture of all cellular constituents within this complex TME and have evaluated the interplay of both immune and non-immune cells within HNSCC. Here, we include a comprehensive analysis of the complete ecosystem of the HNSCC TME, performed utilizing data-rich resources such as The Cancer Genome Atlas, and cutting-edge techniques, such as single-cell RNA sequencing, high-dimensional flow cytometry and spatial multispectral imaging, to generate improved treatment strategies for this diverse disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayana T Ruffin
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Graduate Program of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Housaiyin Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Molecular Genetics and Developmental Biology (MGDB) Graduate Program, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dan P Zandberg
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Robert L Ferris
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Tullia C Bruno
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Tumour Microenvironment Center, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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10
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Zhao X, He Y, Pan Y, Ye L, Liu L, Mou X, Fu L. Integrated clinical analysis and data mining assessed the impact of NOX4 on the immune microenvironment and prognosis of pancreatic cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1044526. [PMID: 36874093 PMCID: PMC9978331 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1044526] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic cancer is complex. which forms forms a microenvironment with high immunosuppression, ischemia and hypoxia, which promotes tumor proliferation and migration, inhibit the anti-tumor immune response. NOX4 plays an important role in tumor microenvironment and has a significant relationship with the occurrence, development and drug resistance of tumor. Methods Firstly, NOX4 expression in pancreatic cancer tissues under different pathological conditions was detected by applying immunohistochemical staining of tissue microarray (TMA). Transcriptome RNA sequencing data and clinical data of 182 pancreatic cancer samples were downloaded and collated from the UCSC xena database. 986 NOX4-related lncRNAs were filtered by Spearman correlation analysis. prognosis-related NOX4-related lncRNAs and NRlncSig Score were finally obtained by univariate and multivariate Cox regression with Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (Lasso) analysis in pancreatic cancer patients. we plotted Kaplan -Meier and time-dependent ROC curves (ROC) to assess the validity in predicting the prognosis of pancreatic cancer. The ssGSEA analysis was applied to explore the immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer patients as well as to discuss the immune cells and immune status separately. Results We found that a mature tumor marker, NOX4, play different roles in different clinical subgroups by immunohistochemical analysis and clinical data. Finally, 2 NOX4-related lncRNAs were determined by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) analysis, univariate Cox analysis and multivariate COX analysis. The ROC curve and DCA curve showed that NRS Score had better predictive ability than independent prognosis-related lncRNA and other clinicopathologic indicators. We obtained the relative abundance of 28 infiltrating immune cells by ssGSEA analysis and found a significant positive correlation between the abundance of anti-tumor immune cells and tumor-promoting immune cells in the risk-classified microenvironment. No matter NRS Score or AC092667.2, RP11-349A8.3 was significantly correlated with immune infiltrating cells. Meanwhile, the IC50 of conventional chemotherapeutic agents in high-score group were significantly lower than those in low-score group. Conclusion As a mature tumor marker, NOX4-related lncRNAs provide new research strategies for prognostic evaluation, molecular mechanism and clinical treatment of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhao
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yichen He
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,College of pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Pan
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,College of pharmacy, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luyi Ye
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Longcai Liu
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaozhou Mou
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Luoqin Fu
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery and Minimally Invasive Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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11
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D’Angelo A, Kilili H, Chapman R, Generali D, Tinhofer I, Luminari S, Donati B, Ciarrocchi A, Giannini R, Moretto R, Cremolini C, Pietrantonio F, Sobhani N, Bonazza D, Prins R, Song SG, Jeon YK, Pisignano G, Cinelli M, Bagby S, Urrutia AO. Immune-related pan-cancer gene expression signatures of patient survival revealed by NanoString-based analyses. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280364. [PMID: 36649303 PMCID: PMC9844904 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a central role in the onset and progression of cancer. A better understanding of transcriptional changes in immune cell-related genes associated with cancer progression, and their significance in disease prognosis, is therefore needed. NanoString-based targeted gene expression profiling has advantages for deployment in a clinical setting over RNA-seq technologies. We analysed NanoString PanCancer Immune Profiling panel gene expression data encompassing 770 genes, and overall survival data, from multiple previous studies covering 10 different cancer types, including solid and blood malignancies, across 515 patients. This analysis revealed an immune gene signature comprising 39 genes that were upregulated in those patients with shorter overall survival; of these 39 genes, three (MAGEC2, SSX1 and ULBP2) were common to both solid and blood malignancies. Most of the genes identified have previously been reported as relevant in one or more cancer types. Using Cibersort, we investigated immune cell levels within individual cancer types and across groups of cancers, as well as in shorter and longer overall survival groups. Patients with shorter survival had a higher proportion of M2 macrophages and γδ T cells. Patients with longer overall survival had a higher proportion of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T memory cells, NK cells and, unexpectedly, T regulatory cells. Using a transcriptomics platform with certain advantages for deployment in a clinical setting, our multi-cancer meta-analysis of immune gene expression and overall survival data has identified a specific transcriptional profile associated with poor overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto D’Angelo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Oncology Department, Royal United Hospital, Bath, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - Huseyin Kilili
- Milner Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Robert Chapman
- Department of Medicine, The Princess Alexandra Hospital, Harlow, United Kingdom
| | - Daniele Generali
- Multidisciplinary Unit of Breast Pathology and Translational Research, Cremona Hospital, Cremona, Italy
| | - Ingeborg Tinhofer
- Department of Radiooncology and Radiotherapy, Charite´ University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefano Luminari
- Hematology Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Surgical, Medical and Dental Department of Morphological Sciences Related to Transplant, Oncology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Benedetta Donati
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Alessia Ciarrocchi
- Translational Research Laboratory, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Riccardo Giannini
- Department of Surgery, Clinical, Molecular and Critical Care Pathology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberto Moretto
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | - Chiara Cremolini
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Navid Sobhani
- Section of Epidemiology and Population Science, Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, United States of America
| | - Debora Bonazza
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Health Sciences, Cattinara Hospital, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Robert Prins
- Department of Neurosurgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California, United States of America
| | - Seung Geun Song
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoon Kyung Jeon
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Mattia Cinelli
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Bagby
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
| | - Araxi O. Urrutia
- Milner Centre, Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, United Kingdom
- Instituto de Ecologia, UNAM, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
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12
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Bahmanyar M, Vakil MK, Al-Awsi GRL, Kouhpayeh SA, Mansoori Y, Mansoori B, Moravej A, Mazarzaei A, Ghasemian A. Anticancer traits of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)-Natural Killer (NK) cells as novel approaches for melanoma treatment. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:1220. [PMID: 36434591 PMCID: PMC9701052 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-10320-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Owing to non-responsiveness of a high number of patients to the common melanoma therapies, seeking novel approaches seem as an unmet requirement. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells were initially employed against recurrent or refractory B cell malignancies. However, advanced stages or pretreated patients have insufficient T cells (lymphopenia) amount for collection and clinical application. Additionally, this process is time-consuming and logistically cumbersome. Another limitation of this approach is toxicity and cytokine release syndrome (CRS) progress and neurotoxicity syndrome (NS). Natural killer (NK) cells are a versatile component of the innate immunity and have several advantages over T cells in the application for therapies such as availability, unique biological features, safety profile, cost effectiveness and higher tissue residence. Additionally, CAR NK cells do not develop Graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and are independent of host HLA genotype. Notably, the NK cells number and activity is affected in the tumor microenvironment (TME), paving the way for developing novel approaches by enhancing their maturation and functionality. The CAR NK cells short lifespan is a double edge sword declining toxicity and reducing their persistence. Bispecific and Trispecific Killer Cell Engagers (BiKE and Trike, respectively) are emerging and promising immunotherapies for efficient antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC). CAR NK cells have some limitations in terms of expanding and transducing NK cells from donors to achieve clinical response. Clinical trials are in scarcity regarding the CAR NK cell-based cancer therapies. The CAR NK cells short life span following irradiation before infusion limits their efficiency inhibiting their in vivo expansion. The CAR NK cells efficacy enhancement in terms of lifespan TME preparation and stability is a goal for melanoma treatment. Combination therapies using CAR NK cells and chemotherapy can also overcome therapy limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Bahmanyar
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Mohammad Kazem Vakil
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | | | - Seyed Amin Kouhpayeh
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Yaser Mansoori
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Behnam Mansoori
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Ali Moravej
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Abdulbaset Mazarzaei
- grid.512728.b0000 0004 5907 6819Department of Immunology, Iranshahr University of Medical Sciences, Iranshahr, Iran
| | - Abdolmajid Ghasemian
- grid.411135.30000 0004 0415 3047Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
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13
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Sander CA, Rush EA, Shi J, Arantes LMRB, Tesi RJ, Ross MA, Calderon MJ, Watkins SC, Kirkwood JM, Ferris RL, Butterfield LH, Vujanovic L. Co-expression of TNF receptors 1 and 2 on melanomas facilitates soluble TNF-induced resistance to MAPK pathway inhibitors. J Transl Med 2022; 20:331. [PMID: 35879777 PMCID: PMC9310383 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03538-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effectiveness of MAPK pathway inhibitors (MAPKi) used to treat patients with BRAF-mutant melanoma is limited by a range of resistance mechanisms, including soluble TNF (solTNF)-mediated NF-kB signaling. solTNF preferentially signals through type-1 TNF receptor (TNFR1), however, it can also bind to TNFR2, a receptor that is primarily expressed on leukocytes. Here, we investigate the TNFR2 expression pattern on human BRAFV600E+ melanomas and its role in solTNF-driven resistance reprogramming to MAPKi. METHODS Flow cytometry was used to test TNFR1, TNFR2 and CD271 expression on, as well as NF-kB phosphorylation in human BRAF-mutant melanoma. The ability of melanoma cell lines to acquire MAPKi resistance in response to recombinant or macrophage-derived TNF was evaluated using the MTT cytotoxicity assay. Gene editing was implemented to knock out or knock in TNF receptors in melanoma cell lines. Knockout and knock-in cell line variants were employed to assess the intrinsic roles of these receptors in TNF-induced resistance to MAPKi. Multicolor immunofluorescence microscopy was utilized to test TNFR2 expression by melanoma in patients receiving MAPKi therapy. RESULTS TNFR1 and TNFR2 are co-expressed at various levels on 4/7 BRAFV600E+ melanoma cell lines evaluated in this study. In vitro treatments with solTNF induce MAPKi resistance solely in TNFR2-expressing BRAFV600E+ melanoma cell lines. TNFR1 and TNFR2 knockout and knock-in studies indicate that solTNF-mediated MAPKi resistance in BRAFV600E+ melanomas is predicated on TNFR1 and TNFR2 co-expression, where TNFR1 is the central mediator of NF-kB signaling, while TNFR2 plays an auxiliary role. solTNF-mediated effects are transient and can be abrogated with biologics. Evaluation of patient specimens indicates that TNFR2 is expressed on 50% of primary BRAFV600E+ melanoma cells and that MAPKi therapy may lead to the enrichment of TNFR2-expressing tumor cells. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that TNFR2 is essential to solTNF-induced MAPKi resistance and a possible biomarker to identify melanoma patients that can benefit from solTNF-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cindy A. Sander
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, L2.19 Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Rush
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, L2.19 Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Jian Shi
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, L2.19 Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Lidia M. R. B. Arantes
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, L2.19 Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.427783.d0000 0004 0615 7498Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, SP Brazil
| | | | - Mark A. Ross
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Michael J. Calderon
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Simon C. Watkins
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - John M. Kirkwood
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, L2.19 Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Robert L. Ferris
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, L2.19 Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
| | - Lisa H. Butterfield
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, L2.19 Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000School of Medicine Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.489192.f0000 0004 7782 4884Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA USA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, L2.19 Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA ,grid.21925.3d0000 0004 1936 9000Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA USA
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14
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Papak I, Chruściel E, Dziubek K, Kurkowiak M, Urban-Wójciuk Z, Marjański T, Rzyman W, Marek-Trzonkowska N. What Inhibits Natural Killers’ Performance in Tumour. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137030. [PMID: 35806034 PMCID: PMC9266640 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are innate lymphocytes with the ability to lyse tumour cells depending on the balance of their activating and inhibiting receptors. Growing numbers of clinical trials show promising results of NK cell-based immunotherapies. Unlike T cells, NK cells can lyse tumour cells independent of antigen presentation, based simply on their activation and inhibition receptors. Various strategies to improve NK cell-based therapies are being developed, all with one goal: to shift the balance to activation. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of ways NK cells can lyse tumour cells and all the inhibitory signals stopping their cytotoxic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ines Papak
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Elżbieta Chruściel
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Katarzyna Dziubek
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Małgorzata Kurkowiak
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Zuzanna Urban-Wójciuk
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
| | - Tomasz Marjański
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (T.M.); (W.R.)
| | - Witold Rzyman
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland; (T.M.); (W.R.)
| | - Natalia Marek-Trzonkowska
- International Centre for Cancer Vaccine Science, University of Gdansk, Ul. Kładki 24, 80-822 Gdansk, Poland; (I.P.); (E.C.); (K.D.); (M.K.); (Z.U.-W.)
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation and Cellular Therapies, Department of Family Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence:
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15
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Wang YF, Li JW, Wang DP, Jin K, Hui JJ, Xu HY. Anti-Hyperglycemic Agents in the Adjuvant Treatment of Sepsis: Improving Intestinal Barrier Function. Drug Des Devel Ther 2022; 16:1697-1711. [PMID: 35693534 PMCID: PMC9176233 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s360348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intestinal barrier injury and hyperglycemia are common in patients with sepsis. Bacteria translocation and systemic inflammatory response caused by intestinal barrier injury play a significant role in sepsis occurrence and deterioration, while hyperglycemia is linked to adverse outcomes in sepsis. Previous studies have shown that hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for intestinal barrier injury. Concurrently, increasing evidence has indicated that some anti-hyperglycemic agents not only improve intestinal barrier function but are also beneficial in managing sepsis-induced organ dysfunction. Therefore, we assume that these agents can block or reduce the severity of sepsis by improving intestinal barrier function. Accordingly, we explicated the connection between sepsis, intestinal barrier, and hyperglycemia, overviewed the evidence on improving intestinal barrier function and alleviating sepsis-induced organ dysfunction by anti-hyperglycemic agents (eg, metformin, peroxisome proliferators activated receptor-γ agonists, berberine, and curcumin), and summarized some common characteristics of these agents to provide a new perspective in the adjuvant treatment of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Feng Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Wei Li
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Da-Peng Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Jin
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiao-Jie Hui
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yang Xu
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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16
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Fan J, Wang L, Chen M, Zhang J, Li J, Song F, Gu A, Yin D, Yi Y. Analysis of the expression and prognosis for leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B in human liver cancer. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:92. [PMID: 35321724 PMCID: PMC8943947 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02562-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily B (LILRB), including 5 subtypes, is a group of inhibitory receptors in the immune system. The LILRB family is known to be involved in the tumor progression of various cancer types, especially liver cancer. However, the expression patterns and prognostic values of LILRB family members in liver cancer tissues remain unclear. Methods We used the Oncomine database, GEPIA database, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, Timer, and TISIDB to assess the expression and prognostic value of the LILRB family in liver cancer patients. We also verified the expression of the LILRB family in tumor tissues and tumor-free liver tissues at the protein level by using immunohistochemistry. The STRING website was used to explore the interaction between the LILRB family and their related genes. The DAVID database was used to perform the gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. Flow cytometry was used to assess the infiltrated NK cells in liver cancer tissues. Results Our study revealed that the mRNA expression of LILRB1, LILRB2, LILRB3, and LILRB5 was downregulated, while compared with normal tissues, the mRNA expression of LILRB4 was upregulated in liver cancer tissues. Survival analysis revealed that LILRB2 and LILRB5 mRNA expression levels were significantly positively associated with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DSS) and that the mRNA expression of all LILRB family members was significantly positively correlated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Next, we further found that the mRNA expression of all LILRB family members was significantly associated with the infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells in liver cancer. Finally, GO and KEGG analyses found that the LILRB family and its related genes were involved in antigen processing and presentation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways. Conclusions Our study suggested that LILRB family expression was associated with the prognosis of liver cancer patients and infiltrated immune cells. The LILRB family might be involved in antigen processing and presentation and natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxicity pathways. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12957-022-02562-w.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Fan
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 210003
| | - Lili Wang
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 210003
| | - Miao Chen
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Han Zhong Road, Jianye District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 210029
| | - Jiakang Zhang
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Han Zhong Road, Jianye District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 210029
| | - Jiayan Li
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 210003
| | - Fangnan Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 210003
| | - Aidong Gu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 210003
| | - Dandan Yin
- Clinical Research Center, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 210003
| | - Yongxiang Yi
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Zhong Fu Road, Gulou District, Nanjing, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China, 210003.
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Zenhausern R, Day AS, Safavinia B, Han S, Rudy PE, Won YW, Yoon JY. Natural killer cell detection, quantification, and subpopulation identification on paper microfluidic cell chromatography using smartphone-based machine learning classification. Biosens Bioelectron 2022; 200:113916. [PMID: 34974261 PMCID: PMC8766938 DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2021.113916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are immune cells that defend against viral infections and cancer and are used in cancer immunotherapies. Subpopulations of NK cells include CD56dim and CD56bright which either produce cytokines or cytotoxically kill cells directly. The absolute number and proportion of these cells in peripheral blood are tied to proper immune function. Current methods of cytokine detection and proportion of NK cell subpopulations require fluorescent dyes and highly specialized equipment, e.g., flow cytometry, thus rapid cell quantification and subpopulation analysis are needed in the clinical setting. Here, a smartphone-based device and a two-component paper microfluidic chip were used towards identifying NK cell subpopulation and inflammatory markers. One unit measured flow velocity via smartphone-captured video, determining cytokine (IL-2) and total NK cell concentrations in undiluted buffy coat blood samples. The other, single flow lane unit performs spatial separation of CD56dim and CD56bright and cells over its length using differential binding of anti-CD56 nanoparticles. A smartphone microscope combined with cloud-based machine learning predictive modeling (utilizing a random forest classification algorithm) analyzed both flow data and NK cell subpopulation differentiation. Limits of detection for cytokine and cell concentrations were 98 IU/mL and 68 cells/mL, respectively, and cell subpopulation analysis showed 89% accuracy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Zenhausern
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Alexander S Day
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Babak Safavinia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Seungmin Han
- Department of Surgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Paige E Rudy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Young-Wook Won
- Department of Surgery, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States
| | - Jeong-Yeol Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, United States.
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18
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Bidirectional Crosstalk between Therapeutic Cancer Vaccines and the Tumor Microenvironment: Beyond Tumor Antigens. FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fmre.2022.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
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19
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da Silva LHR, Catharino LCC, da Silva VJ, Evangelista GCM, Barbuto JAM. The War Is on: The Immune System against Glioblastoma—How Can NK Cells Drive This Battle? Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020400. [PMID: 35203609 PMCID: PMC8962431 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that play an important role in immunosurveillance, acting alongside other immune cells in the response against various types of malignant tumors and the prevention of metastasis. Since their discovery in the 1970s, they have been thoroughly studied for their capacity to kill neoplastic cells without the need for previous sensitization, executing rapid and robust cytotoxic activity, but also helper functions. In agreement with this, NK cells are being exploited in many ways to treat cancer. The broad arsenal of NK-based therapies includes adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded and activated cells, genetically engineered cells to contain chimeric antigen receptors (CAR-NKs), in vivo stimulation of NK cells (by cytokine therapy, checkpoint blockade therapies, etc.), and tumor-specific antibody-guided NK cells, among others. In this article, we review pivotal aspects of NK cells’ biology and their contribution to immune responses against tumors, as well as providing a wide perspective on the many antineoplastic strategies using NK cells. Finally, we also discuss those approaches that have the potential to control glioblastoma—a disease that, currently, causes inevitable death, usually in a short time after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Henrique Rodrigues da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Luana Correia Croda Catharino
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - Viviane Jennifer da Silva
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
| | - Gabriela Coeli Menezes Evangelista
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
| | - José Alexandre Marzagão Barbuto
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciencias Biomedicas, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 05508000, Brazil; (L.H.R.d.S.); (L.C.C.C.); (V.J.d.S.); (G.C.M.E.)
- Laboratory of Medical Investigation in Pathogenesis and Targeted Therapy in Onco-Immuno-Hematology (LIM-31), Departamento de Hematologia, Hospital das Clínicas HCFMUSP, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo 0124690, Brazil
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +55-11-3091-7375
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20
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Esen F, Deniz G, Aktas EC. PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, and TIGIT: The roles of immune checkpoint receptors on the regulation of human NK cell phenotype and functions. Immunol Lett 2021; 240:15-23. [PMID: 34599946 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 09/17/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The roles of immune checkpoint receptors were defined in many cancers and autoimmune diseases, while there is limited information on their functional roles in the NK cells of healthy individuals. Immune checkpoint receptor expression of NK cell subsets and their association with NK cell functions (cytotoxic capacity and cytokine production) in healthy population were investigated. PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3 and TIGIT expression of peripheral blood NK cells, cytokine levels (TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-10) and cytotoxic functions (granzyme A, perforin, CD107a; with/without K562 target cell stimulation) were evaluated by flow cytometry. CD56dimCD16dim NK cells had the highest expression of TIGIT, while CD56dimCD16- NK cells had highest expression of PD-1, CTLA-4 and LAG-3. PD-1+ NK cells, CTLA-4+ NK cells and LAG-3+ NK cells had increased amount of IL-10 however, reduced IFN-γ and TNF-α levels. Cytotoxic granule expressions (perforin and granzyme A) were reduced in PD-1+ NK cells, CTLA-4+ NK cells and LAG-3+ NK cells. However, TIGIT expression did not alter perforin and granzyme A expressions. Degranulation capacity was reduced in three groups of NK cells (PD-1+ or LAG-3+ or TIGIT+). TIGIT+ NK cells responded strongly to target cell stimulation, while NK cells in the other groups (PD-1+ or CTLA-4+ or LAG-3+) were resistant. PD-1+ NK cells, CTLA-4+ NK cells and LAG-3+ NK cells had a regulatory phenotype, impaired cytotoxic functions, and response to target cell stimulation. In contrast, TIGIT+ NK cells had strong baseline cytotoxic activity that further increased in response to target cell stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fehim Esen
- Istanbul University, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Immunology, Istanbul, Turkey; Istanbul Medeniyet University Medical Faculty, Department of Ophthalmology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Günnur Deniz
- Istanbul University, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Immunology, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Esin Cetin Aktas
- Istanbul University, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Department of Immunology, Istanbul, Turkey.
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21
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Xie Q, Chu H, Yi J, Yu H, Gu T, Guan Y, Liu X, Liang J, Li Y, Wang J. Identification of a prognostic immune-related signature for small cell lung cancer. Cancer Med 2021; 10:9115-9128. [PMID: 34741430 PMCID: PMC8683526 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.4402] [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: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose As a subgroup of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is characterized by a short tumor doubling time, high rates of early occurred distant cancer spread, and poor outcomes. Despite its exquisite sensitivity to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, acquired drug resistance and tumor progression are typical. This study aimed to develop a robust signature based on immune‐related genes to predict the outcome of patients with SCLC. Methods The expression data of 77 SCLC patients from George's cohort were divided into training set and testing set, and 1534 immune‐related genes from ImmPort database were used to generate and validate the signature. Cox proportional hazards and the Kaplan–Meier analysis were used for developing and testing the prognostic signature. Single‐sample gene set enrichment analysis was used to determine immune cell infiltration phenotypes. Results A 10‐gene model comprising NR3C1, NR1D2, TANK, ARAF, HDGF, INHBE, LRSAM1, PLXNA1, PML, and SP1 with the highest frequency after 1000 interactions, was chosen to construct immune‐related signature. This signature showed robust predictive value for SCLC patients’ survival in both training and testing sets. This signature was weakly associated with the clinic pathological values like TNM stage. Furthermore, patients with low risk presented with activation of immune signal pathways, and specific immune cell infiltration with high levels of CD56bright NK cells but low levels of CD8+ T cells, mast cells, and helper T cells. Conclusion The present study developed immune‐related signature that may help predict the prognosis of SCLC patients, which reflects an unappreciated level of heterogeneity of immunophenotype associated with diverse prognosis for specific subsets in this highly lethal cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Xie
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Huili Chu
- Department of Oncology, No. 960 Hospital, The People's Liberation Army of China, Jinan, China
| | - Jian Yi
- YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Hui Yu
- YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Tiantian Gu
- YuceBio Technology Co., Ltd., Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaping Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Xiaolin Liu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Jing Liang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
| | - Jun Wang
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong Key Laboratory of Rheumatic Disease and Translational Medicine, Shandong Lung Cancer Institute, Jinan, China
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22
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Leem G, Cheon S, Lee H, Choi SJ, Jeong S, Kim ES, Jeong HW, Jeong H, Park SH, Kim YS, Shin EC. Abnormality in the NK-cell population is prolonged in severe COVID-19 patients. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2021; 148:996-1006.e18. [PMID: 34339730 PMCID: PMC8324384 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2021.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our understanding of adaptive immune responses in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is rapidly evolving, but information on the innate immune responses by natural killer (NK) cells is still insufficient. OBJECTIVE We aimed to examine the phenotypic and functional status of NK cells and their changes during the course of mild and severe COVID-19. METHODS We performed RNA sequencing and flow cytometric analysis of NK cells from patients with mild and severe COVID-19 at multiple time points in the course of the disease using cryopreserved PBMCs. RESULTS In RNA-sequencing analysis, the NK cells exhibited distinctive features compared with healthy donors, with significant enrichment of proinflammatory cytokine-mediated signaling pathways. Intriguingly, we found that the unconventional CD56dimCD16neg NK-cell population expanded in cryopreserved PBMCs from patients with COVID-19 regardless of disease severity, accompanied by decreased NK-cell cytotoxicity. The NK-cell population was rapidly normalized alongside the disappearance of unconventional CD56dimCD16neg NK cells and the recovery of NK-cell cytotoxicity in patients with mild COVID-19, but this occurred slowly in patients with severe COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS The current longitudinal study provides a deep understanding of the NK-cell biology in COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Galam Leem
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Shinhye Cheon
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hoyoung Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seong Jin Choi
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seongju Jeong
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Eui-Soon Kim
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Hye Won Jeong
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Hyeongseok Jeong
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Su-Hyung Park
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yeon-Sook Kim
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Chungnam National University School of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Daejeon, Korea.
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23
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Marin ND, Krasnick BA, Becker-Hapak M, Conant L, Goedegebuure SP, Berrien-Elliott MM, Robbins KJ, Foltz JA, Foster M, Wong P, Cubitt CC, Tran J, Wetzel CB, Jacobs M, Zhou AY, Russler-Germain D, Marsala L, Schappe T, Fields RC, Fehniger TA. Memory-like Differentiation Enhances NK Cell Responses to Melanoma. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 27:4859-4869. [PMID: 34187852 PMCID: PMC8416927 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-0851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Treatment of advanced melanoma is a clinical challenge. Natural killer (NK) cells are a promising cellular therapy for T cell-refractory cancers, but are frequently deficient or dysfunctional in patients with melanoma. Thus, new strategies are needed to enhance NK-cell antitumor responses. Cytokine-induced memory-like (ML) differentiation overcomes many barriers in the NK-cell therapeutics field, resulting in potent cytotoxicity and enhanced cytokine production against blood cancer targets. However, the preclinical activity of ML NK against solid tumors remains largely undefined. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Phenotypic and functional alterations of blood and advanced melanoma infiltrating NK cells were evaluated using mass cytometry. ML NK cells from healthy donors (HD) and patients with advanced melanoma were evaluated for their ability to produce IFNγ and kill melanoma targets in vitro and in vivo using a xenograft model. RESULTS NK cells in advanced melanoma exhibited a decreased cytotoxic potential compared with blood NK cells. ML NK cells differentiated from HD and patients with advanced melanoma displayed enhanced IFNγ production and cytotoxicity against melanoma targets. This included ML differentiation enhancing melanoma patients' NK-cell responses against autologous targets. The ML NK-cell response against melanoma was partially dependent on the NKG2D- and NKp46-activating receptors. Furthermore, in xenograft NSG mouse models, human ML NK cells demonstrated superior control of melanoma, compared with conventional NK cells. CONCLUSIONS Blood NK cells from allogeneic HD or patients with advanced melanoma can be differentiated into ML NK cells for use as a novel immunotherapeutic treatment for advanced melanoma, which warrants testing in early-phase clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy D. Marin
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Bradley A. Krasnick
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Michelle Becker-Hapak
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Leah Conant
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Simon P. Goedegebuure
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Melissa M. Berrien-Elliott
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Keenan J. Robbins
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer A. Foltz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Mark Foster
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Pamela Wong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Celia C. Cubitt
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Jennifer Tran
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Christopher B. Wetzel
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Miriam Jacobs
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Alice Y. Zhou
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - David Russler-Germain
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Lynne Marsala
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Timothy Schappe
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Ryan C. Fields
- Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri.,Corresponding Authors: Todd A. Fehniger, Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110. Phone: 314-747-1385; E-mail: ; and Ryan C. Fields, Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8109, St. Louis, MO 63110. Phone: 314-286-1694; E-mail:
| | - Todd A. Fehniger
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis, Missouri.,Corresponding Authors: Todd A. Fehniger, Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110. Phone: 314-747-1385; E-mail: ; and Ryan C. Fields, Section of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, 660 S Euclid Ave, Campus Box 8109, St. Louis, MO 63110. Phone: 314-286-1694; E-mail:
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Magee K, Marsh IR, Turek MM, Grudzinski J, Aluicio-Sarduy E, Engle JW, Kurzman ID, Zuleger CL, Oseid EA, Jaskowiak C, Albertini MR, Esbona K, Bednarz B, Sondel PM, Weichert JP, Morris ZS, Hernandez R, Vail DM. Safety and feasibility of an in situ vaccination and immunomodulatory targeted radionuclide combination immuno-radiotherapy approach in a comparative (companion dog) setting. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0255798. [PMID: 34383787 PMCID: PMC8360580 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0255798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale Murine syngeneic tumor models have revealed efficacious systemic antitumor responses following primary tumor in situ vaccination combined with targeted radionuclide therapy to secondary or metastatic tumors. Here we present studies on the safety and feasibility of this approach in a relevant translational companion dog model (n = 17 dogs) with advanced cancer. Methods The three component of the combination immuno-radiotherapy approach were employed either separately or in combination in companion dogs with advanced stage cancer. In situ vaccination was achieved through the administration of hypofractionated external beam radiotherapy and intratumoral hu14.18-IL2 fusion immunocytokine injections to the index tumor. In situ vaccination was subsequently combined with targeted radionuclide therapy using a theranostic pairing of IV 86Y-NM600 (for PET imaging and subject-specific dosimetry) and IV 90Y-NM600 (therapeutic radionuclide) prescribed to deliver an immunomodulatory 2 Gy dose to all metastatic sites in companion dogs with metastatic melanoma or osteosarcoma. In a subset of dogs, immunologic parameters preliminarily assessed. Results The components of the immuno-radiotherapy combination were well tolerated either alone or in combination, resulting in only transient low grade (1 or 2) adverse events with no dose-limiting events observed. In subject-specific dosimetry analyses, we observed 86Y-NM600 tumor:bone marrow absorbed-dose differential uptakes ≥2 in 4 of 5 dogs receiving the combination, which allowed subsequent safe delivery of at least 2 Gy 90Y-NM600 TRT to tumors. NanoString gene expression profiling and immunohistochemistry from pre- and post-treatment biopsy specimens provide evidence of tumor microenvironment immunomodulation by 90Y-NM600 TRT. Conclusions The combination of external beam radiotherapy, intratumoral immunocytokine, and targeted radionuclide immuno-radiotherapy known to have activity against syngeneic melanoma in murine models is feasible and well tolerated in companion dogs with advanced stage, spontaneously arising melanoma or osteosarcoma and has immunomodulatory potential. Further studies evaluating the dose-dependent immunomodulatory effects of this immuno-radiotherapy combination are currently ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Magee
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Ian R. Marsh
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Michelle M. Turek
- Department of Surgical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Joseph Grudzinski
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Eduardo Aluicio-Sarduy
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jonathan W. Engle
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Ilene D. Kurzman
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Cindy L. Zuleger
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Elizabeth A. Oseid
- Office of Environment, Health and Safety, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Christine Jaskowiak
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Mark R. Albertini
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- The Medical Service, William S. Middleton Memorial Veterans Hospital, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Karla Esbona
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Bryan Bednarz
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Paul M. Sondel
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Human Oncology, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Jamey P. Weichert
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Zachary S. Morris
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
| | - Reinier Hernandez
- Department of Medical Physics, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Department of Radiology, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RH); . (DMV)
| | - David M. Vail
- Department of Medical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States of America
- * E-mail: (RH); . (DMV)
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Wang W, Li H, Zhang L, Jiang W, Shen L, Fan G. Clinical applications of monitoring immune status with 90 immune cell subsets in human whole blood by 10-color flow cytometry. Int J Lab Hematol 2021; 43:1132-1144. [PMID: 33870648 DOI: 10.1111/ijlh.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The immune system may involve and predict the different prognosis and therapy consequences. So, it's important to monitor and evaluate the immune status before and after treatments. METHODS Flow cytometry is the best technology to perform immune monitoring, because it can detect immune cells using small amount of sample in a short time. The whole blood is the ideal sample for immune status monitoring, since it includes almost all the immune cells and it's relatively easy to obtain and less invasive than bone marrow or lymph node. RESULTS Here we developed and validated a 10-color panel with only four tubes containing 29 antibodies to monitor 90 immune cell subsets in 2 ml whole blood samples. The major immune cell populations detected by our panel included T cell subsets (CD3+ total T, Th, Tc, Treg, CD8hi , CD8low , αβTCR, γδTCR, naïve, and memory T), T cell activation markers (CD25, CD69, and HLA-DR) and one immune checkpoint PD1, B cell subsets (B1, switched memory, non-switched, naïve B, and CD27- IgD- B cells), neutrophils, basophils, four monocytic cell subsets, dendritic cells (pDCs and mDCs), and four NK cell subsets. These panels of antibodies had been applied to monitor immune status (percentage and absolute number) in total 303 cases with various diseases, such as leukemia (AML, CML, MM, and ALL), lymphoma (B cells and NK/T cells), cancers (colon, lung, prostate, and breast), immune deficiencies, and autoimmune diseases. CONCLUSION We provided proof of feasibility for clinical monitoring immune status and guiding immunotherapy by multicolor flow cytometry testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Wang
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Xinhua hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University of Medicine School, Shanghai, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Lihua Zhang
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Xinhua hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University of Medicine School, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenli Jiang
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Xinhua hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University of Medicine School, Shanghai, China
| | - Lisong Shen
- Department of Clinical laboratory, Xinhua hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University of Medicine School, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Fan
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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26
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Santos PM, Adamik J, Howes TR, Du S, Vujanovic L, Warren S, Gambotto A, Kirkwood JM, Butterfield LH. Impact of checkpoint blockade on cancer vaccine-activated CD8+ T cell responses. J Exp Med 2021; 217:151736. [PMID: 32369107 PMCID: PMC7336310 DOI: 10.1084/jem.20191369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune and molecular profiling of CD8 T cells of patients receiving DC vaccines expressing three full-length melanoma antigens (MAs) was performed. Antigen expression levels in DCs had no significant impact on T cell or clinical responses. Patients who received checkpoint blockade before DC vaccination had higher baseline MA-specific CD8 T cell responses but no evidence for improved functional responses to the vaccine. Patients who showed the best clinical responses had low PD-1 expression on MA-specific T cells before and after DC vaccination; however, blockade of PD-1 during antigen presentation by DC had minimal functional impact on PD-1high MA-specific T cells. Gene and protein expression analyses in lymphocytes and tumor samples identified critical immunoregulatory pathways, including CTLA-4 and PD-1. High immune checkpoint gene expression networks correlated with inferior clinical outcomes. Soluble serum PD-L2 showed suggestive positive association with improved outcome. These findings show that checkpoint molecular pathways are critical for vaccine outcomes and suggest specific sequencing of vaccine combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia M Santos
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Juraj Adamik
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
| | - Timothy R Howes
- Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA
| | - Samuel Du
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | | | - Andrea Gambotto
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John M Kirkwood
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Lisa H Butterfield
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.,Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, San Francisco, CA.,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA.,Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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27
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Cózar B, Greppi M, Carpentier S, Narni-Mancinelli E, Chiossone L, Vivier E. Tumor-Infiltrating Natural Killer Cells. Cancer Discov 2020; 11:34-44. [PMID: 33277307 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-20-0655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 211] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Because of their potent antitumor activity and their proinflammatory role, natural killer (NK) cells are at the forefront of efforts to develop immuno-oncologic treatments. NK cells participate in immune responses to tumors by killing target cells and producing cytokines. However, in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, NK cells become dysfunctional through exposure to inhibitory molecules produced by cancer cells, leading to tumor escape. We provide an overview of what is known about NK tumor infiltration and surveillance and about the mechanisms by which NK cells become dysfunctional. SIGNIFICANCE: The functions of tumor-infiltrating NK cells may be impaired. This review aims to describe the various mechanisms by which tumors alter NK-cell functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Cózar
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Marco Greppi
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Chiossone
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
| | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France. .,Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France.,APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Service d'Immunologie, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
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28
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Maas RJ, Hoogstad-van Evert JS, Van der Meer JM, Mekers V, Rezaeifard S, Korman AJ, de Jonge PK, Cany J, Woestenenk R, Schaap NP, Massuger LF, Jansen JH, Hobo W, Dolstra H. TIGIT blockade enhances functionality of peritoneal NK cells with altered expression of DNAM-1/TIGIT/CD96 checkpoint molecules in ovarian cancer. Oncoimmunology 2020; 9:1843247. [PMID: 33224630 PMCID: PMC7657585 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2020.1843247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Advanced ovarian cancer (OC) patients have a poor 5-year survival of only 28%, emphasizing the medical need for improved therapies. Adjuvant immunotherapy could be an attractive approach since OC is an immunogenic disease and the presence of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes has shown to positively correlate with patient survival. Among these infiltrating lymphocytes are natural killer (NK) cells, key players involved in tumor targeting, initiated by signaling via activating and inhibitory receptors. Here, we investigated the role of the DNAM-1/TIGIT/CD96 axis in the anti-tumor response of NK cells toward OC. Ascites-derived NK cells from advanced OC patients showed lower expression of activating receptor DNAM-1 compared to healthy donor peripheral blood NK cells, while inhibitory receptor TIGIT and CD96 expression was equal or higher, respectively. This shift to a more inhibitory phenotype could also be induced in vitro by co-culturing healthy donor NK cells with OC tumor spheroids, and in vivo on intraperitoneally infused NK cells in SKOV-3 OC bearing NOD/SCID-IL2Rγnull (NSG) mice. Interestingly, TIGIT blockade enhanced degranulation and interferon gamma (IFNγ) production of healthy donor CD56dim NK cells in response to OC tumor cells, especially when DNAM-1/CD155 interactions were in place. Importantly, TIGIT blockade boosted functional responsiveness of CD56dim NK cells of OC patients with a baseline reactivity against SKOV-3 cells. Overall, our data show for the first time that checkpoint molecules TIGIT/DNAM-1/CD96 play an important role in NK cell responsiveness against OC, and provides rationale for incorporating TIGIT interference in NK cell-based immunotherapy in OC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralph Ja Maas
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Janneke S Hoogstad-van Evert
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jolien Mr Van der Meer
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Vera Mekers
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Somayeh Rezaeifard
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Alan J Korman
- Bristol-Myers Squibb, Redwood City, CA, USA.,AK Vir Biotechnology, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Paul Kjd de Jonge
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jeannette Cany
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Rob Woestenenk
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicolaas Pm Schaap
- Department of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center/Radboud Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Leon F Massuger
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Joop H Jansen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Willemijn Hobo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Harry Dolstra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Laboratory of Hematology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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29
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Bracci L, Fragale A, Gabriele L, Moschella F. Towards a Systems Immunology Approach to Unravel Responses to Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:582744. [PMID: 33193392 PMCID: PMC7649803 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.582744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint blockade and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells, holds a great promise against cancer. These treatments have markedly improved survival in solid as well as in hematologic tumors previously considered incurable. However, durable responses occur in a fraction of patients, and existing biomarkers (e.g. PD-L1) have shown limited prediction power. This scenario highlights the need to dissect the complex interplay between immune and tumor cells to identify reliable biomarkers of response to be used for patients’ selection. In this context, systems immunology represents indeed the new frontier to address important clinical challenges in biomarker discovery. Through the integration of multiple layers of data obtained with several high-throughput approaches, systems immunology may give insights on the vast range of inter-individual differences and on the influences of genes and factors that cooperatively shape the individual immune response to a given treatment. In this Mini Review, we give an overview of the current high-throughput methodologies, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and multi-parametric phenotyping suitable for systems immunology as well as on the key steps of data integration and biological interpretation. Additionally, we review recent studies in which multi-omics technologies have been used to characterize mechanisms of response and to identify powerful biomarkers of response to checkpoint inhibitors, CAR-T cell therapy, dendritic cell-based and peptide-based cancer vaccines. We also highlight the need of favoring the collaboration of researchers with complementary expertise and of integrating multi-omics data into biological networks with the final goal of developing accurate markers of therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bracci
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Fragale
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Lucia Gabriele
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Moschella
- Tumor Immunology Unit, Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
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30
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Satooka H, Ishigaki H, Todo K, Terada K, Agata Y, Itoh Y, Ogasawara K, Hirata T. Characterization of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes in a tumour rejection cynomolgus macaque model. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8414. [PMID: 32439888 PMCID: PMC7242367 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65488-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has emerged as a promising and effective treatment for cancer, yet the clinical benefit is still variable, in part due to insufficient accumulation of immune effector cells in the tumour microenvironment. Better understanding of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) from nonhuman primate tumours could provide insights into improving effector cell accumulation in tumour tissues during immunotherapy. Here, we characterize TILs in a cynomolgus macaque tumour model in which the tumours were infiltrated with CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and were eventually rejected. The majority of CD4+ and CD8+ TILs exhibited a CD45RA−CCR7− effector memory phenotype, but unlike circulating T cells, they expressed CD69, a marker for tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells. CD69-expressing CD8+ TILs expressed high levels of the cytotoxic molecule granzyme B and the co-inhibitory receptor PD-1. Consistent with the TRM cell phenotype, CD8+ TILs minimally expressed CX3CR1 but expressed CXCR3 at higher levels than circulating CD8+ T cells. Meanwhile, CXCL9, CXCL10 and CXCL11, chemokine ligands for CXCR3, were expressed at high levels in the tumours, thus attracting CXCR3+CD8+ T cells. These results indicate that tumour-transplanted macaques can be a useful preclinical model for studying and optimizing T cell accumulation in tumours for the development of new immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Satooka
- Department of Fundamental Biosciences, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Hirohito Ishigaki
- Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Kagefumi Todo
- Department of Fundamental Biosciences, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Koji Terada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Yasutoshi Agata
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Yasushi Itoh
- Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Kazumasa Ogasawara
- Department of Pathology, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan
| | - Takako Hirata
- Department of Fundamental Biosciences, Shiga University of Medical Science, Otsu, Japan.
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31
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Sheng L, Chen X, Wang Q, Lyu S, Li P. Interferon-α2b enhances survival and modulates transcriptional profiles and the immune response in melanoma patients treated with dendritic cell vaccines. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 125:109966. [PMID: 32014686 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.109966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma (MM) is the most lethal cutaneous cancer and is associated with 80 % of skin cancer deaths. Recent progress into elucidating the role of the immune system in melanoma development and progression has led to promising treatments for patients with MM, including dendritic cell (DC) vaccination. Interferon-α2b is a commonly used adjuvant for MM that prolongs overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). In the present study, we examined the impact of a DC-based vaccine with subsequent delivery of high-dose systemic interferon-α2b (HDI) on gene expression profiles and the immune response in MM patients. The results indicated that patients who were randomized to receive an HDI boost following DC vaccination had significantly higher OS and PFS rates compared with patients that received DC vaccination alone. Further analysis revealed that intradermal DC immunization did not significantly alter transcriptional profiles, whereas subsequent HDI injections enhanced B cell, T cell and natural killer cell-related gene expression. Analysis of the abundance of tumor-infiltrating immune cells revealed that HDI altered the immune cell profiles. Moreover, we determined that follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and eosinophils were associated with prolonged PFS in MM patients treated with the DC vaccine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuxue Sheng
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatic, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Xiang Chen
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatic, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China
| | - Qh Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatic, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 211166, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing 211166, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Sali Lyu
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatic, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 211166, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Pengping Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatic, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, PR China; Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing 211166, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardiovascular Disease Translational Medicine, Nanjing 211166, China.
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32
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Liu Y, Ma J, Yang Y, Liu L, Zhu G, Wang X, Wang S, Guo W, Yue Q, Zhao T, Li C, Gao T, Shi Q. Impact of Interferon-alpha1b (IFN-α1b) on Antitumor Immune Response: An Interpretation of the Promising Therapeutic Effect of IFN-alpha1b on Melanoma. Med Sci Monit 2020; 26:e922790. [PMID: 32210221 PMCID: PMC7092668 DOI: 10.12659/msm.922790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
<strong>BACKGROUND</strong> Melanoma is among the most aggressive forms of cancer. Our latest retrospective analysis showed that recombinant human interferon-alpha1b (IFN-alpha1b) led to significantly prolonged survival with mild toxicity in patients with stage IV melanoma. Based on this clinical finding, the current study sought to investigate the influence of IFN-alpha1b on the antitumor immunity of melanoma, with interferon-alpha2b (IFN-alpha2b) used as a control. <strong>MATERIAL AND METHODS</strong> Peripheral blood mononuclear cells were stimulated with culture medium alone, or medium supplemented with IFN-alpha1b or IFN-alpha2b. Flow cytometry and lactate dehydrogenase release assays were used to evaluate cytotoxic effects. Flow cytometry and enzyme-linked immunospot assays were used to analyze immunoregulatory effects on natural killer (NK) cells, natural killer T (NKT) cells, CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells, and melanoma cells. Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to measure the effect on proliferation of melanoma cells <i>in vitro</i>. <strong>RESULTS</strong> IFN-alpha1b enhanced the activity of NK cells, NKT cells, and CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells from melanoma patients. Compared with IFN-alpha2b, IFN-alpha1b induced a relatively lower level of programmed cell death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) in melanoma cells without affecting the expression of PD-L1 in CD3⁺CD8⁺ T cells. Additionally, IFN-alpha1b showed a much stronger inhibition of the proliferation of melanoma cells than IFN-alpha2b. <strong>CONCLUSIONS</strong> IFN-alpha1b has an immunostimulatory activity similar to IFN-alpha2b and possesses milder adverse effects on immune checkpoints and stronger inhibitory effects on melanoma cell growth than IFN-alpha2b. Therefore, IFN-alpha1b is a promising drug for the treatment of melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Jingjing Ma
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Yuqi Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Guannan Zhu
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Xiaoxia Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Shiyu Wang
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Weinan Guo
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Qiao Yue
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Tao Zhao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Chunying Li
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Tianwen Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
| | - Qiong Shi
- Department of Dermatology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, China (mainland)
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Pirozyan MR, McGuire HM, Emran AA, Tseng HY, Tiffen JC, Lee JH, Carlino MS, Menzies AM, Long GV, Scolyer RA, Fazekas de St Groth B, Hersey P. Pretreatment Innate Cell Populations and CD4 T Cells in Blood Are Associated With Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Melanoma Patients. Front Immunol 2020; 11:372. [PMID: 32210968 PMCID: PMC7076153 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of changes in T cells, referred to as T cell exhaustion, has been suggested as a cause of primary or acquired resistance to immunotherapy by immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). A limited number of studies, largely performed on tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), has provided evidence in support of this hypothesis, but whether similar changes occur in circulating blood lymphocytes has received little attention. In the present study, a comprehensive analysis of peripheral blood leukocytes from 42 patients taken over the course of treatment with anti-PD-1 was undertaken. The patients included those grouped as responders (who did not progress), primary non-responders (primary resistance) and those with acquired resistance (who initially responded then subsequently progressed). Analysis included surface markers of exhaustion, production of cytokines following in vitro stimulation, and assessment of transcription factor levels associated with T cell exhaustion. There were differences in innate cell populations between responders and non-responders at baseline and maintained throughout therapy. Frequencies of total and classical CD14+CD16- monocytes were higher and the major subset of NK cells (CD16hiCD56+) was significantly smaller in the primary resistance group compared with responders. However, differences in peripheral blood expression of exhaustion markers were not evident between the treatment groups. T cell exhaustion markers were expressed in practically all patients and the major observation was an increase in CD39 on CD4 T cells during treatment. The results confirm the association of Eomes transcription factor with T cell exhaustion but levels of expression and the ratio with T-bet over Eomes did not differ between the patient groups. Thus, peripheral blood expression of T cell exhaustion markers does not distinguish between responders and non-responders to anti-PD-1 therapy. CD4 T cell expression of IFNγ also differed in pre-treatment samples, indicating that predictors of response unrelated to exhaustion may be present in peripheral blood. The association of response with innate cell populations and CD4 T cell responses requires further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi R Pirozyan
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen M McGuire
- Ramaciotti Facility for Human Systems Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Abdullah Al Emran
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hsin-Yi Tseng
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jessamy C Tiffen
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Central Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jenny H Lee
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matteo S Carlino
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead and Blacktown Hospitals, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexander M Menzies
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Georgina V Long
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Richard A Scolyer
- Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, NSW, Australia.,New South Wales Health Pathology, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Barbara Fazekas de St Groth
- Ramaciotti Facility for Human Systems Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Discipline of Pathology, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter Hersey
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology, Centenary Institute, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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34
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Shinko D, McGuire HM, Diakos CI, Pavlakis N, Clarke SJ, Byrne SN, Charles KA. Mass Cytometry Reveals a Sustained Reduction in CD16 + Natural Killer Cells Following Chemotherapy in Colorectal Cancer Patients. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2584. [PMID: 31749810 PMCID: PMC6848231 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 10/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system and inflammation plays a significant role in tumour immune evasion enhancing disease progression and reducing survival in colorectal cancer (CRC). Patients with advanced stages of colorectal cancer will all undergo treatment with cytotoxic chemotherapy which may alter the complexity of immune cell populations. This study used mass cytometry to investigate the circulating immune cell profile of advanced CRC patients following acute and chronic doses of standard cytotoxic chemotherapy and analysed seven major immune cell populations and over 20 subpopulations. Unsupervised clustering analysis of the mass cytometry data revealed a decrease in NK cells following one cycle of cytotoxic chemotherapy. Investigation into the NK sub-population revealed a decline in the CD56dim CD16+ NK cell population following acute and chronic chemotherapy treatment. Further analysis into the frequency of the NK cell sub-populations during the long-term chemotherapy treatment revealed a shift in the sub-populations, with a decrease in the mature, cytotoxic CD56dim CD16+ accompanied by a significant increase in the less mature CD56dim CD16- and CD56bright NK cell populations. Furthermore, analysis of the phosphorylation status of signalling responses in the NK cells found significant differences in pERK, pP38, pSTAT3, and pSTAT5 between the patients and healthy volunteers and remained unchanged throughout the chemotherapy. Results from this study reveals that there is a sustained decrease in the mature CD16+ NK cell sub-population frequency following long-term chemotherapy which may have clinical implications in therapeutic decision making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Shinko
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Helen M McGuire
- Discipline of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Ramaciotti Facility for Human Systems Biology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Connie I Diakos
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Bill Walsh Translational Research Laboratories, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Nick Pavlakis
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Bill Walsh Translational Research Laboratories, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen J Clarke
- Northern Sydney Cancer Centre, Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, NSW, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Clinical School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Bill Walsh Translational Research Laboratories, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, St Leonards, NSW, Australia
| | - Scott N Byrne
- Discipline of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Centre for Immunology and Allergy Research, Westmead, NSW, Australia
| | - Kellie A Charles
- Discipline of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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35
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Hosseini SH, Sharafkandi N, Seyfizadeh N, Hemmatzadeh M, Marofi F, Shomali N, Karimi M, Mohammadi H. Progression or suppression: Two sides of the innate lymphoid cells in cancer. J Cell Biochem 2019; 121:2739-2755. [PMID: 31680296 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.29503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) as key players in innate immunity have been shown to be significantly associated with inflammation, lymphoid neogenesis, tissue remodeling, mucosal immunity and lately have been considered a remarkable nominee for either tumor-promoting or tumor-inhibiting functions. This dual role of ILCs, which is driven by intrinsic and extrinsic factors like plasticity of ILCs and the tumor microenvironment, respectively, has aroused interest in ILCs subsets in past decade. So far, numerous studies in the cancer field have revealed ILCs to be key players in the initiation, progression and inhibition of tumors, therefore providing valuable insights into therapeutic approaches to utilize the immune system against cancer. Herein, the most recent achievements regarding ILCs subsets including new classifications, their transcription factors, markers, cytokine release and mechanisms that led to either progression or inhibition of many tumors have been evaluated. Additionally, the available data regarding ILCs in most prevalent cancers and new therapeutic approaches are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Haleh Hosseini
- Student Research Committee, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Nadia Sharafkandi
- Student Research Committee, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Narges Seyfizadeh
- Department of Medical Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Maryam Hemmatzadeh
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Stem Cell Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Connective Tissue Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Faroogh Marofi
- Department of Immunology, Division of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Karimi
- Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hamed Mohammadi
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
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36
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Sun H, Sun C. The Rise of NK Cell Checkpoints as Promising Therapeutic Targets in Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2354. [PMID: 31681269 PMCID: PMC6812684 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Haoyu Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- 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
- *Correspondence: Haoyu Sun
| | - Cheng Sun
- The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
- 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
- Cheng Sun
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37
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Butterfield LH, Vujanovic L, Santos PM, Maurer DM, Gambotto A, Lohr J, Li C, Waldman J, Chandran U, Lin Y, Lin H, Tawbi HA, Tarhini AA, Kirkwood JM. Multiple antigen-engineered DC vaccines with or without IFNα to promote antitumor immunity in melanoma. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:113. [PMID: 31014399 PMCID: PMC6480917 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0552-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer vaccines are designed to promote systemic antitumor immunity and tumor eradication. Cancer vaccination may be more efficacious in combination with additional interventions that may build on or amplify their effects. Methods Based on our previous clinical and in vitro studies, we designed an antigen-engineered DC vaccine trial to promote a polyclonal CD8+ and CD4+ T cell response against three shared melanoma antigens. The 35 vaccine recipients were then randomized to receive one month of high-dose IFNα or observation. Results The resulting clinical outcomes were 2 partial responses, 8 stable disease and 14 progressive disease among patients with measurable disease using RECIST 1.1, and, of 11 surgically treated patients with no evidence of disease (NED), 4 remain NED at a median follow-up of 3 years. The majority of vaccinated patients showed an increase in vaccine antigen-specific CD8+ and CD4+ T cell responses. The addition of IFNα did not appear to improve immune or clinical responses in this trial. Examination of the DC vaccine profiles showed that IL-12p70 secretion did not correlate with immune or clinical responses. In depth immune biomarker studies support the importance of circulating Treg and MDSC for development of antigen-specific T cell responses, and of circulating CD8+ and CD4+ T cell subsets in clinical responses. Conclusions DC vaccines are a safe and reliable platform for promoting antitumor immunity. This combination with one month of high dose IFNα did not improve outcomes. Immune biomarker analysis in the blood identified several predictive and prognostic biomarkers for further analysis, including MDSC. Trial registration NCT01622933. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40425-019-0552-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa H Butterfield
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA. .,Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA. .,Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA. .,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.
| | - Lazar Vujanovic
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Patricia M Santos
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Deena M Maurer
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Andrea Gambotto
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Joel Lohr
- Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
| | - Chunlei Li
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,Present address: Tsinghua University School of Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jacob Waldman
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Uma Chandran
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yan Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Huang Lin
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Hussein A Tawbi
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,Present address: Department of Melanoma Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ahmad A Tarhini
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,Present address: Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - John M Kirkwood
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA.,UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, 5117 Centre Avenue, Suite 1.27, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA
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