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Ye Z, Cheng P, Huang Q, Hu J, Huang L, Hu G. Immunocytes interact directly with cancer cells in the tumor microenvironment: one coin with two sides and future perspectives. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1388176. [PMID: 38840908 PMCID: PMC11150710 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1388176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is closely linked to the initiation, promotion, and progression of solid tumors. Among its constitutions, immunologic cells emerge as critical players, facilitating immune evasion and tumor progression. Apart from their indirect impact on anti-tumor immunity, immunocytes directly influence neoplastic cells, either bolstering or impeding tumor advancement. However, current therapeutic modalities aimed at alleviating immunosuppression from regulatory cells on effector immune cell populations may not consistently yield satisfactory results in various solid tumors, such as breast carcinoma, colorectal cancer, etc. Therefore, this review outlines and summarizes the direct, dualistic effects of immunocytes such as T cells, innate lymphoid cells, B cells, eosinophils, and tumor-associated macrophages on tumor cells within the tumor microenvironment. The review also delves into the underlying mechanisms involved and presents the outcomes of clinical trials based on these direct effects, aiming to propose innovative and efficacious therapeutic strategies for addressing solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyi Ye
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People’s Hospital; Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Pu Cheng
- Department of Gynecology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
- Department of Oncology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Jingjing Hu
- School of Medicine, Shaoxing University, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liming Huang
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People’s Hospital; Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoming Hu
- Department of General Surgery (Breast and Thyroid Surgery), Shaoxing People’s Hospital, Shaoxing Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Shaoxing, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Ministry of Education, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Verkerk T, Pappot AT, Jorritsma T, King LA, Duurland MC, Spaapen RM, van Ham SM. Isolation and expansion of pure and functional γδ T cells. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1336870. [PMID: 38426099 PMCID: PMC10902048 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1336870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are important components of the immune system due to their ability to elicit a fast and strong response against infected and transformed cells. Because they can specifically and effectively kill target cells in an MHC independent fashion, there is great interest to utilize these cells in anti-tumor therapies where antigen presentation may be hampered. Since only a small fraction of T cells in the blood or tumor tissue are γδ T cells, they require extensive expansion to allow for fundamental, preclinical and ex vivo research. Although expansion protocols can be successful, most are based on depletion of other cell types rather than γδ T cell specific isolation, resulting in unpredictable purity of the isolated fraction. Moreover, the primary focus only lies with expansion of Vδ2+ T cells, while Vδ1+ T cells likewise have anti-tumor potential. Here, we investigated whether γδ T cells directly isolated from blood could be efficiently expanded while maintaining function. γδ T cell subsets were isolated using MACS separation, followed by FACS sorting, yielding >99% pure γδ T cells. Isolated Vδ1+ and Vδ2+ T cells could effectively expand immediately after isolation or upon freeze/thawing and reached expansion ratios between 200 to 2000-fold starting from varying numbers using cytokine supported feeder stimulations. MACS/FACS isolated and PHA stimulated γδ T cells expanded as good as immobilized antibody mediated stimulated cells in PBMCs, but delivered purer cells. After expansion, potential effector functions of γδ T cells were demonstrated by IFN-γ, TNF-α and granzyme B production upon PMA/ionomycin stimulation and effective killing capacity of multiple tumor cell lines was confirmed in killing assays. In conclusion, pure γδ T cells can productively be expanded while maintaining their anti-tumor effector functions against tumor cells. Moreover, γδ T cells could be expanded from low starting numbers suggesting that this protocol may even allow for expansion of cells extracted from tumor biopsies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Verkerk
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Anouk T Pappot
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Tineke Jorritsma
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Lisa A King
- Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Medical Oncology, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mariël C Duurland
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Robbert M Spaapen
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - S Marieke van Ham
- Department of Immunopathology, Sanquin Research, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Landsteiner Laboratory, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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3
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Patra S, Ghosal S, Shand H, Mondal R, Rath A, Kumar Jana S, Ghorai S. Function of gamma delta (γδ) T cell in cancer with special emphasis on cervical cancer. Hum Immunol 2023; 84:110724. [PMID: 37932183 DOI: 10.1016/j.humimm.2023.110724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Cervical cancer is the second-most prevalent gynecologic cancer in India. It is typically detected in women between the ages of 35 and 44. Cervical cancer is mainly associated with the human papillomavirus (HPV). The report shows that 70 % of cervical cancer is caused by HPV 16 and 18. There are few therapeutic options and vaccines available for cervical cancer treatment and γδ T cell therapy is one of them. This therapy can kill various types of cancers, including cervical cancer. The major γδ T cell subset is the Vγ9Vδ2 T cell, mainly distributed in peripheral blood which recognize non-MHC peptide antigens and can eliminate MHC-downregulated cancer. Moreover, γδ T cells can express different types of receptors that bind to the molecules of stressed cells, often produced on cancerous cells but absent from healthy tissue. γδ T cells possess both direct and indirect cytotoxic capabilities against malignancies and show potential antitumoral responses. However, γδ T cells also encourage the progression of cancer. Cancer immunotherapy using γδ T cells will be a potential cancer treatment, as well as cervical cancer. This review focused on the γδ T cell and its function in cancer, with special emphasis on cervical cancer. It also focused on the ligand recognition site of γδ T cells, galectin-mediated therapy and pamidronate-treated therapy for cervical cancer. Instead of the great potential of γδ T cell for the eradication of cervical cancer, no comprehensive in-depth review is available to date, so there is a need to jot down the various roles and modes of action and different applications of γδ T cells for cancer research, which we believe will be a handy tool for the researchers and the readers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumendu Patra
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India
| | - Sayan Ghosal
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India
| | - Harshita Shand
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India
| | - Rittick Mondal
- Department of Sericulture, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India
| | - Ankita Rath
- Department of Biotechnology, SRM Institute of Science & Technology, Kattankulathur, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Saikat Kumar Jana
- Department of Biotechnology, National Institute of Technology, Yupia, Arunachal Pradesh 791112, India
| | - Suvankar Ghorai
- Department of Microbiology, Raiganj University, North Dinajpur, West Bengal 733134, India.
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Yan W, Dunmall LSC, Lemoine NR, Wang Y, Wang Y, Wang P. The capability of heterogeneous γδ T cells in cancer treatment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1285801. [PMID: 38077392 PMCID: PMC10704246 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1285801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells, a specialized subset of T lymphocytes, have garnered significant attention within the realm of cancer immunotherapy. Operating at the nexus between adaptive and innate immunological paradigms, these cells showcase a profound tumor discernment repertoire, hinting at novel immunotherapeutic strategies. Significantly, these cells possess the capability to directly identify and eliminate tumor cells without reliance on HLA-antigen presentation. Furthermore, γδ T cells have the faculty to present tumor antigens to αβ T cells, amplifying their anti-tumoral efficacy.Within the diverse and heterogeneous subpopulations of γδ T cells, distinct immune functionalities emerge, manifesting either anti-tumor or pro-tumor roles within the tumor microenvironment. Grasping and strategically harnessing these heterogeneous γδ T cell cohorts is pivotal to their integration in tumor-specific immunotherapeutic modalities. The aim of this review is to describe the heterogeneity of the γδ T cell lineage and the functional plasticity it generates in the treatment of malignant tumors. This review endeavors to elucidate the intricate heterogeneity inherent to the γδ T cell lineage, the consequential functional dynamics in combating malignancies, the latest advancements from clinical trials, and the evolving landscape of γδ T cell-based oncological interventions, while addressing the challenges impeding the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Yan
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Louisa S. Chard Dunmall
- Centre for Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicholas R. Lemoine
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Centre for Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yaohe Wang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- Centre for Biomarkers & Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yafeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Pengju Wang
- Sino-British Research Centre for Molecular Oncology, National Centre for International Research in Cell and Gene Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
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Kang I, Kim Y, Lee HK. γδ T cells as a potential therapeutic agent for glioblastoma. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1273986. [PMID: 37928546 PMCID: PMC10623054 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1273986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Although γδ T cells comprise a small population of T cells, they perform important roles in protecting against infection and suppressing tumors. With their distinct tissue-localizing properties, combined with their various target recognition mechanisms, γδ T cells have the potential to become an effective solution for tumors that do not respond to current therapeutic procedures. One such tumor, glioblastoma (GBM), is a malignant brain tumor with the highest World Health Organization grade and therefore the worst prognosis. The immune-suppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and immune-evasive glioma stem cells are major factors in GBM immunotherapy failure. Currently, encouraged by the strong anti-tumoral function of γδ T cells revealed at the preclinical and clinical levels, several research groups have shown progression of γδ T cell-based GBM treatment. However, several limitations still exist that block effective GBM treatment using γδ T cells. Therefore, understanding the distinct roles of γδ T cells in anti-tumor immune responses and the suppression mechanism of the GBM TME are critical for successful γδ T cell-mediated GBM therapy. In this review, we summarize the effector functions of γδ T cells in tumor immunity and discuss current advances and limitations of γδ T cell-based GBM immunotherapy. Additionally, we suggest future directions to overcome the limitations of γδ T cell-based GBM immunotherapy to achieve successful treatment of GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Kang
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yumin Kim
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Heung Kyu Lee
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biological Sciences, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
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Zhang T, Wang J, Zhao A, Xia L, Jin H, Xia S, Shi T. The way of interaction between Vγ9Vδ2 T cells and tumor cells. Cytokine 2023; 162:156108. [PMID: 36527892 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2022.156108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapy has been a promising, emerging treatment for various cancers. Gamma delta (γδ) T cells own a T cell receptor composed of γ- and δ- chain and act as crucial players in the anti-tumor immune effect. Currently, Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, the predominate γδ T cell subset in human peripheral blood, has been shown to exert multiple biological functions. In addition, a growing body of evidence notes that Vγ9Vδ2 T cells interact with tumor cells in many ways, such as TCR-mediated nonpeptidic-phosphorylated phosphoantigens (pAgs) recognization, NKG2D/NKG2D ligand (NKG2DL) pathway, Fas-FasL axis and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) as well as exosome. More importantly, clinical studies with Vγ9Vδ2 T cells in cancers have propelled several clinical applications to investigate their safety and efficacy. Herein, this review summarized the underlying ways and mechanisms of interplay cancer cells and Vγ9Vδ2 T cells, which may help us to generate new strategies for tumor immunotherapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Zhang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 178 East Ganjiang Road, Suzhou, China; Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Jiayu Wang
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 178 East Ganjiang Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Anjing Zhao
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 178 East Ganjiang Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Lu Xia
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 178 East Ganjiang Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Haiyan Jin
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 178 East Ganjiang Road, Suzhou, China
| | - Suhua Xia
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 188 Shizi Road, Suzhou, China.
| | - Tongguo Shi
- Jiangsu Institute of Clinical Immunology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 178 East Ganjiang Road, Suzhou, China.
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Padmaraju V, Sankla Y, Malla RR. Role of γδ T Cells in Cancer Progression and Therapy. Crit Rev Oncog 2023; 28:59-70. [PMID: 38050982 DOI: 10.1615/critrevoncog.2023050067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
γδ T cells signify a foundational group of immune cells that infiltrate tumors early on, engaging in combat against cancer cells. The buildup of γδ T cells as cancer advances underscores their significance. Initially, these cells infiltrate and enact cytotoxic effects within the tumor tissue. However, in later stages, the predominant phenotype of γδ T cells undergoes changes in numerous cancers, fostering tumor growth and metastasis. Different mechanisms induced by cancer cell suppress effector action of γδ T cells and even sometimes promote cancer progression. In the early stages, stopping this mechanism clears this challenge and enables γδ T cells to effectively remove cancer cells. Given this context, it becomes imperative to delve into the mechanisms of how γδ T cells function in tumor microenvironment. This review discusses γδ T cells' role across different cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasudevaraju Padmaraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science (GSS), GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530045, India
| | - Yogitha Sankla
- Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, GITAM School of Science (GSS), GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, 530045, India
| | - Rama Rao Malla
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management (GITAM) (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India; Department of Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, School of Science, GITAM (Deemed to be University), Visakhapatnam-530045, Andhra Pradesh, India
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CircRNA-Based Cervical Cancer Prognosis Model, Immunological Validation and Drug Prediction. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:7994-8018. [PMID: 36354693 PMCID: PMC9689098 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29110633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cervical cancer (CC) is a common cancer in female, which is associated with problems like poor prognosis. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a kind of competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) that has an important role in regulating microRNA (miRNA) in many cancers. The regulatory mechanisms of CC immune microenvironment and the transcriptome level remain to be fully explored. METHODS In this study, we constructed the ceRNA network through the interaction data and expression matrix of circRNA, miRNA and mRNA. Meanwhile, based on the gene expression matrix, CIBERSORT algorithm was used to reveal contents of tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs). Then, we screened prognostic markers based on ceRNA network and immune infiltration and constructed two nomograms. In order to find immunological differences between the high- and low-risk CC samples, we examined multiple immune checkpoints and predicted the effect of PD-L1 ICI immunotherapy. In addition, the sensitive therapeutics for high-risk patients were screened, and the potential agents with anti-CC activity were predicted by Connective Map (CMap). RESULTS We mapped a ceRNA network including 5 circRNAs, 17 miRNAs and 129 mRNAs. From the mRNA nodes of the network six genes and two kind of cells were identified as prognostic makers for CC. Among them, there was a significant positive correlation between CD8+ T cells and SNX10 gene. The results of TIDE and single sample GSEA (ssGSEA) showed that T cells CD8 do play a key role in inhibiting tumor progression. Further, our study screened 24 drugs that were more sensitive to high-risk CC patients and several potential therapeutic agents for reference. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified several circRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory axes and six prognostic genes based on the ceRNA network. In addition, through TIIC, survival analysis and a series of immunological analyses, T cells were proved to be good prognostic markers, besides play an important role in the immune process. Finally, we screened 24 potentially more effective drugs and multiple potential drug compounds for high- and low-risk patients.
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Rambow AC, Aschenbach I, Hagelund S, Tawfik D, Gundlach JP, Weiße S, Maass N, Trauzold A. Endogenous TRAIL-R4 critically impacts apoptotic and non-apoptotic TRAIL-induced signaling in cancer cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:942718. [PMID: 36158196 PMCID: PMC9500463 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.942718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of TRAIL to its death domain-containing receptors TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 can induce cell death and/or pro-inflammatory signaling. The importance of TRAIL and TRAIL-R1/R2 in tumor immune surveillance and cancer biology has meanwhile been well documented. In addition, TRAIL has been shown to preferentially kill tumor cells, raising hope for the development of targeted anti-cancer therapies. Apart from death-inducing receptors, TRAIL also binds to TRAIL-R3 and TRAIL-R4. Whereas TRAIL-R3 is lacking an intracellular domain entirely, TRAIL-R4 contains a truncated death domain but still a signaling-competent intracellular part. It is assumed that these receptors have anti-apoptotic, yet still not well understood regulatory functions. To analyze the significance of the endogenous levels of TRAIL-R4 for TRAIL-induced signaling in cancer cells, we stably knocked down this receptor in Colo357 and MDA-MB-231 cells and analyzed the activation of apoptotic and non-apoptotic pathways in response to treatment with TRAIL. We found that TRAIL-R4 affects a plethora of signaling pathways, partly in an opposite way. While knockdown of TRAIL-R4 in Colo357 strongly increased apoptosis and reduced clonogenic survival, it inhibited cell death and improved clonogenic survival of MDA-MB-231 cells after TRAIL treatment. Furthermore, TRAIL-R4 turned out to be an important regulator of the expression of a variety of anti-apoptotic proteins in MDA-MB-231 cells since TRAIL-R4-KD reduced the cellular levels of FLIPs, XIAP and cIAP2 but upregulated the levels of Bcl-xL. By inhibiting Bcl-xL with Navitoclax, we could finally show that this protein mainly accounts for the acquired resistance of MDA-MB-231 TRAIL-R4-KD cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Analyses of non-apoptotic signaling pathways revealed that in both cell lines TRAIL-R4-KD resulted in a constitutively increased activity of AKT and ERK, while it reduced AKT activity after TRAIL treatment. Furthermore, TRAIL-R4-KD potentiated TRAIL-induced activation of ERK and p38 in Colo357, and NF-κB in MDA-MB-231 cells. Importantly, in both cell lines the activity of AKT, ERK, p38 and NF-κB after TRAIL treatment was higher in TRAIL-R4-KD cells than in respective control cells. Thus, our data provide evidence for the important regulatory functions of endogenous TRAIL-R4 in cancer cells and improve our understanding of the very complex human TRAIL/TRAIL-R system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna-Christina Rambow
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Insa Aschenbach
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sofie Hagelund
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Doaa Tawfik
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Paul Gundlach
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of General Surgery, Visceral, Thoracic, Transplantation and Pediatric-Surgery, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sebastian Weiße
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nicolai Maass
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anna Trauzold
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- *Correspondence: Anna Trauzold,
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Svanberg C, Nyström S, Govender M, Bhattacharya P, Che KF, Ellegård R, Shankar EM, Larsson M. HIV-1 induction of tolerogenic dendritic cells is mediated by cellular interaction with suppressive T cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:790276. [PMID: 36032117 PMCID: PMC9399885 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.790276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 infection gives rise to a multi-layered immune impairment in most infected individuals. The chronic presence of HIV-1 during the priming and activation of T cells by dendritic cells (DCs) promotes the expansion of suppressive T cells in a contact-dependent manner. The mechanism behind the T cell side of this HIV-induced impairment is well studied, whereas little is known about the reverse effects exerted on the DCs. Herein we assessed the phenotype and transcriptome profile of mature DCs that have been in contact with suppressive T cells. The HIV exposed DCs from cocultures between DCs and T cells resulted in a more tolerogenic phenotype with increased expression of e.g., PDL1, Gal-9, HVEM, and B7H3, mediated by interaction with T cells. Transcriptomic analysis of the DCs separated from the DC-T cell coculture revealed a type I IFN response profile as well as an activation of pathways involved in T cell exhaustion. Taken together, our data indicate that the prolonged and strong type I IFN signaling in DCs, induced by the presence of HIV during DC-T cell cross talk, could play an important role in the induction of tolerogenic DCs and suppressed immune responses seen in HIV-1 infected individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Svanberg
- Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sofia Nyström
- Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Melissa Govender
- Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Pradyot Bhattacharya
- Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karlhans F. Che
- Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Unit for Lung and Airway Research, Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rada Ellegård
- Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- Division of Clinical Genetics, and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Esaki M. Shankar
- Infection Biology, Department of Life Sciences, Central University of Tamil Nadu, Thiruvarur, India
| | - Marie Larsson
- Molecular Medicine and Virology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Marie Larsson,
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Chan KF, Duarte JDG, Ostrouska S, Behren A. γδ T Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment-Interactions With Other Immune Cells. Front Immunol 2022; 13:894315. [PMID: 35880177 PMCID: PMC9307934 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.894315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
A growing number of studies have shown that γδ T cells play a pivotal role in mediating the clearance of tumors and pathogen-infected cells with their potent cytotoxic, cytolytic, and unique immune-modulating functions. Unlike the more abundant αβ T cells, γδ T cells can recognize a broad range of tumors and infected cells without the requirement of antigen presentation via major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. Our group has recently demonstrated parts of the mechanisms of T-cell receptor (TCR)-dependent activation of Vγ9Vδ2+ T cells by tumors following the presentation of phosphoantigens, intermediates of the mevalonate pathway. This process is mediated through the B7 immunoglobulin family-like butyrophilin 2A1 (BTN2A1) and BTN3A1 complexes. Such recognition results in activation, a robust immunosurveillance process, and elicits rapid γδ T-cell immune responses. These include targeted cell killing, and the ability to produce copious quantities of cytokines and chemokines to exert immune-modulating properties and to interact with other immune cells. This immune cell network includes αβ T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, natural killer cells, and neutrophils, hence heavily influencing the outcome of immune responses. This key role in orchestrating immune cells and their natural tropism for tumor microenvironment makes γδ T cells an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the current understanding of these important interactions and highlight the implications of the crosstalk between γδ T cells and other immune cells in the context of anti-tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kok Fei Chan
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Jessica Da Gama Duarte
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Simone Ostrouska
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
| | - Andreas Behren
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, and School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Heidelberg, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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12
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Nezhad Shamohammadi F, Yazdanifar M, Oraei M, Kazemi MH, Roohi A, Mahya Shariat Razavi S, Rezaei F, Parvizpour F, Karamlou Y, Namdari H. Controversial role of γδ T cells in pancreatic cancer. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108895. [PMID: 35729831 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
γδ T cells are rare lymphocytes with cogent impact on immune responses. These cells are one of the earliest cells to be recruited in the sites of infection or tumors and play a critical role in coordinating innate and adaptive immune responses. The anti-tumor activity of γδ T cells have been numerously reported; nonetheless, there is controversy among published studies regarding their anti-tumor vs pro-tumor effect- especially in pancreatic cancer. A myriad of studies has confirmed that activated γδ T cells can potently lyse a broad variety of solid tumors and leukemia/lymphoma cells and produce an array of cytokines; however, early γδ T cell-based clinical trials did not lead to optimal efficacy, despite acceptable safety. Depending on the local micromilieu, γδ T cells can differentiate into tumor promoting or suppressing cells such as Th1-, Th2-, or Th17-like cells and produce prototypical cytokines such as interferon-γ (IFNγ) and interleukin (IL)-4/-10, IL-9, or IL-17. In an abstruse tumor such as pancreatic cancer- also known as immunologically cold tumor- γδ T cells are more likely to switch to their immunosuppressive phenotype. In this review we will adduce the accumulated knowledge on these two controversial aspects of γδ T cells in cancers- with a focus on solid tumors and pancreatic cancer. In addition, we propose strategies for enhancing the anti-tumor function of γδ T cells in cancers and discuss the potential future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Mona Oraei
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad H Kazemi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Immunology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azam Roohi
- Department of Immunology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Farhad Rezaei
- Department of Virology, School of Public Health, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farzad Parvizpour
- Iranian Tissue Bank and Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yalda Karamlou
- Iranian Tissue Bank and Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Haideh Namdari
- Iranian Tissue Bank and Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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13
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Song Y, Liu Y, Teo HY, Liu H. Targeting Cytokine Signals to Enhance γδT Cell-Based Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:914839. [PMID: 35747139 PMCID: PMC9210953 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.914839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
γδT cells represent a small percentage of T cells in circulation but are found in large numbers in certain organs. They are considered to be innate immune cells that can exert cytotoxic functions on target cells without MHC restriction. Moreover, γδT cells contribute to adaptive immune response via regulating other immune cells. Under the influence of cytokines, γδT cells can be polarized to different subsets in the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we aimed to summarize the current understanding of antigen recognition by γδT cells, and the immune regulation mediated by γδT cells in the tumor microenvironment. More importantly, we depicted the polarization and plasticity of γδT cells in the presence of different cytokines and their combinations, which provided the basis for γδT cell-based cancer immunotherapy targeting cytokine signals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Song
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Program and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yonghao Liu
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Program and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Huey Yee Teo
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Program and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Haiyan Liu
- Immunology Programme, Life Sciences Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Immunology Translational Research Program and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- *Correspondence: Haiyan Liu,
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14
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Gundlach JP, Kerber J, Hendricks A, Bernsmeier A, Halske C, Röder C, Becker T, Röcken C, Braun F, Sebens S, Heits N. Paracrine Interaction of Cholangiocellular Carcinoma with Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Schwann Cells Impact Cell Migration. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11102785. [PMID: 35628911 PMCID: PMC9145811 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11102785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway is enriched in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), treatment with the multityrosine kinase-inhibitor Sorafenib is disappointing. While cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) are known to contribute to treatment resistance in CCA, knowledge is lacking for Schwann cells (SC). We investigated the impact of stromal cells on CCA cells and whether this is affected by Sorafenib. Immunohistochemistry revealed elevated expression of CAF and SC markers significantly correlating with reduced tumor-free survival. In co-culture with CAF, CCA cells mostly migrated, which could be diminished by Sorafenib, while in SC co-cultures, SC predominantly migrated towards CCA cells, unaffected by Sorafenib. Moreover, increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines MCP-1, CXCL-1, IL-6 and IL-8 was determined in CAF mono- and co-cultures, which could be reduced by Sorafenib. Corresponding to migration results, an increased expression of phospho-AKT was measured in CAF co-cultured HuCCT-1 cells, although was unaffected by Sorafenib. Intriguingly, CAF co-cultured TFK-1 cells showed increased activation of STAT3, JNK, ERK and AKT pathways, which was partly reduced by Sorafenib. This study indicates that CAF and SC differentially impact CCA cells and Sorafenib partially reverts these stroma-mediated effects. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the paracrine interplay of CAF and SC with CCA cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan-Paul Gundlach
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.R.); (S.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Jannik Kerber
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Alexander Hendricks
- Department of General, Visceral-, Vascular-, and Transplantation Surgery, Medical University Rostock, Schillingallee 35, 18057 Rostock, Germany;
| | - Alexander Bernsmeier
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
| | - Christine Halske
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U33, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Christian Röder
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Thomas Becker
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
| | - Christoph Röcken
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U33, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.H.); (C.R.)
| | - Felix Braun
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University and University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building U30, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (C.R.); (S.S.)
| | - Nils Heits
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, Arnold-Heller-Str. 3, Building C, 24105 Kiel, Germany; (J.K.); (A.B.); (T.B.); (F.B.); (N.H.)
- Gesundheitszentrum Kiel-Mitte, Prüner Gang 15, 24103 Kiel, Germany
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15
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Schönefeldt S, Wais T, Herling M, Mustjoki S, Bekiaris V, Moriggl R, Neubauer HA. The Diverse Roles of γδ T Cells in Cancer: From Rapid Immunity to Aggressive Lymphoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6212. [PMID: 34944832 PMCID: PMC8699114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are unique players in shaping immune responses, lying at the intersection between innate and adaptive immunity. Unlike conventional αβ T cells, γδ T cells largely populate non-lymphoid peripheral tissues, demonstrating tissue specificity, and they respond to ligands in an MHC-independent manner. γδ T cells display rapid activation and effector functions, with a capacity for cytotoxic anti-tumour responses and production of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-γ or IL-17. Their rapid cytotoxic nature makes them attractive cells for use in anti-cancer immunotherapies. However, upon transformation, γδ T cells can give rise to highly aggressive lymphomas. These rare malignancies often display poor patient survival, and no curative therapies exist. In this review, we discuss the diverse roles of γδ T cells in immune surveillance and response, with a particular focus on cancer immunity. We summarise the intriguing dichotomy between pro- and anti-tumour functions of γδ T cells in solid and haematological cancers, highlighting the key subsets involved. Finally, we discuss potential drivers of γδ T-cell transformation, summarising the main γδ T-cell lymphoma/leukaemia entities, their clinical features, recent advances in mapping their molecular and genomic landscapes, current treatment strategies and potential future targeting options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susann Schönefeldt
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
| | - Tamara Wais
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
| | - Marco Herling
- Department of Hematology, Cellular Therapy and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, 04103 Leipzig, Germany;
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, 00290 Helsinki, Finland;
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Vasileios Bekiaris
- Department of Health Technology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark;
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
| | - Heidi A. Neubauer
- Institute of Animal Breeding and Genetics, University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna, 1210 Vienna, Austria; (S.S.); (T.W.); (R.M.)
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16
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Li Y, Li G, Zhang J, Wu X, Chen X. The Dual Roles of Human γδ T Cells: Anti-Tumor or Tumor-Promoting. Front Immunol 2021; 11:619954. [PMID: 33664732 PMCID: PMC7921733 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.619954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
γδ T cells are the unique T cell subgroup with their T cell receptors composed of γ chain and δ chain. Unlike αβ T cells, γδ T cells are non-MHC-restricted in recognizing tumor antigens, and therefore defined as innate immune cells. Activated γδ T cells can promote the anti-tumor function of adaptive immune cells. They are considered as a bridge between adaptive immunity and innate immunity. However, several other studies have shown that γδ T cells can also promote tumor progression by inhibiting anti-tumor response. Therefore, γδ T cells may have both anti-tumor and tumor-promoting effects. In order to clarify this contradiction, in this review, we summarized the functions of the main subsets of human γδ T cells in how they exhibit their respective anti-tumor or pro-tumor effects in cancer. Then, we reviewed recent γδ T cell-based anti-tumor immunotherapy. Finally, we summarized the existing problems and prospect of this immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Gen Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoli Wu
- School of Life Sciences, Tian Jin University, Tian Jin, China
| | - Xi Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Engineering of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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17
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Do novel treatment strategies enhance T cell-mediated Immunity: Opportunities and challenges in pancreatic cancer immunotherapy. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 90:107199. [PMID: 33246828 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 11/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Although immunotherapy is successful when included as component of treatment strategies for advanced cancers, data are insufficient for evaluating its efficacy for treating patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). PC is remarkably resistant to current immunotherapies because of its strongly immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment comprising immunosuppressive cells such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells, which limit the efficacy of T cell infiltration. Thus, the ability to achieve robust and durable intrinsic T cell efficacy may represent the key for improving patients' outcomes. Recent studies show that the efficacy of immunotherapy for treating PC will be significantly improved when combined with novel treatment strategies. This review summarizes the latest research in this rapidly progressing area and provides an overview of how current therapies enhance T cell-mediated immunotherapies that employ immune checkpoint inhibitors, cytokines, cell receptor modulators, tumor microenvironment regulators, vaccines, and gene-targeted immunotherapies. We highlight novel discoveries, which promise to guide future management of PC, and clinical trials aimed to increase the overall survival rate of patients with PC.
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18
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Wesch D, Kabelitz D, Oberg HH. Tumor resistance mechanisms and their consequences on γδ T cell activation. Immunol Rev 2020; 298:84-98. [PMID: 33048357 DOI: 10.1111/imr.12925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Human γδ T lymphocytes are predominated by two major subsets, defined by the variable domain of the δ chain. Both, Vδ1 and Vδ2 T cells infiltrate in tumors and have been implicated in cancer immunosurveillance. Since the localization and distribution of tumor-infiltrating γδ T cell subsets and their impact on survival of cancer patients are not completely defined, this review summarizes the current knowledge about this issue. Different intrinsic tumor resistance mechanisms and immunosuppressive molecules of immune cells in the tumor microenvironment have been reported to negatively influence functional properties of γδ T cell subsets. Here, we focus on selected tumor resistance mechanisms including overexpression of cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 and indolamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO)-1/2, regulation by tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL)/TRAIL-R4 pathway and the release of galectins. These inhibitory mechanisms play important roles in the cross-talk of γδ T cell subsets and tumor cells, thereby influencing cytotoxicity or proliferation of γδ T cells and limiting a successful γδ T cell-based immunotherapy. Possible future directions of a combined therapy of adoptively transferred γδ T cells together with γδ-targeting bispecific T cell engagers and COX-2 or IDO-1/2 inhibitors or targeting sialoglycan-Siglec pathways will be discussed and considered as attractive therapeutic options to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Wesch
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hans-Heinrich Oberg
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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19
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Ma R, Yuan D, Guo Y, Yan R, Li K. Immune Effects of γδ T Cells in Colorectal Cancer: A Review. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1600. [PMID: 33013819 PMCID: PMC7509400 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells can effectively recognize and kill colorectal cancer (CRC) cells, thereby suppressing tumor progression via multiple mechanisms. They also have abilities to exert a protumor effect via secreting interleukin-17 (IL-17). γδ T cells have been selected as potential immunocytes for antitumor treatment because of their significant cytotoxic activity. Immunotherapy is another potential anti-CRC strategy after an operation, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy. γδ T cell-based immunotherapy for CRC shows fewer side effects and better toleration. This review will outline the immune functions and the mechanisms of γδ T cells in the growth and progression of CRC in recent years, and summarize the immunotherapies based on γδ T cells, thus providing a direction for future γδ T cells in CRC research.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/immunology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Colorectal Neoplasms/etiology
- Colorectal Neoplasms/metabolism
- Colorectal Neoplasms/pathology
- Colorectal Neoplasms/therapy
- Cytokines/metabolism
- Cytotoxicity, Immunologic
- Disease Susceptibility/immunology
- Humans
- Immunotherapy/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/complications
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/etiology
- Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/metabolism
- Intraepithelial Lymphocytes/immunology
- Intraepithelial Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/genetics
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell, gamma-delta/metabolism
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology
- T-Lymphocyte Subsets/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Escape/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Rulan Ma
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Dawei Yuan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Yizhan Guo
- Department of Surgery, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Rong Yan
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| | - Kang Li
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
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20
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Anderson G, Carbone A, Mazzoccoli G. Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Role in Co-Ordinating SARS-CoV-2 Entry and Symptomatology: Linking Cytotoxicity Changes in COVID-19 and Cancers; Modulation by Racial Discrimination Stress. BIOLOGY 2020; 9:E249. [PMID: 32867244 PMCID: PMC7564943 DOI: 10.3390/biology9090249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
There is an under-recognized role of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) in co-ordinating the entry and pathophysiology of the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) that underpins the COVID-19 pandemic. The rise in pro-inflammatory cytokines during the 'cytokine storm' induce indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), leading to an increase in kynurenine that activates the AhR, thereby heightening the initial pro-inflammatory cytokine phase and suppressing the endogenous anti-viral response. Such AhR-driven changes underpin the heightened severity and fatality associated with pre-existent high-risk medical conditions, such as type II diabetes, as well as to how racial discrimination stress contributes to the raised severity/fatality in people from the Black Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. The AhR is pivotal in modulating mitochondrial metabolism and co-ordinating specialized, pro-resolving mediators (SPMs), the melatonergic pathways, acetyl-coenzyme A, and the cyclooxygenase (COX) 2-prostaglandin (PG) E2 pathway that underpin 'exhaustion' in the endogenous anti-viral cells, paralleling similar metabolic suppression in cytolytic immune cells that is evident across all cancers. The pro-inflammatory cytokine induced gut permeability/dysbiosis and suppression of pineal melatonin are aspects of the wider pathophysiological underpinnings regulated by the AhR. This has a number of prophylactic and treatment implications for SARS-CoV-2 infection and cancers and future research directions that better investigate the biological underpinnings of social processes and how these may drive health disparities.
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Affiliation(s)
- George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London SW1V 1PB, UK;
| | - Annalucia Carbone
- Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy;
| | - Gianluigi Mazzoccoli
- Division of Internal Medicine and Chronobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Sciences, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, San Giovanni Rotondo, 71013 Foggia, Italy;
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21
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Gonnermann D, Oberg HH, Lettau M, Peipp M, Bauerschlag D, Sebens S, Kabelitz D, Wesch D. Galectin-3 Released by Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Suppresses γδ T Cell Proliferation but Not Their Cytotoxicity. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1328. [PMID: 32695112 PMCID: PMC7338555 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/26/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterized by an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment with a dense desmoplastic stroma. The expression of β-galactoside-binding protein galectin-3 is regarded as an intrinsic tumor escape mechanism for inhibition of tumor-infiltrating T cell function. In this study, we demonstrated that galectin-3 is expressed by PDAC and by γδ or αβ T cells but is only released in small amounts by either cell population. Interestingly, large amounts of galectin-3 were released during the co-culture of allogeneic in vitro expanded or allogeneic or autologous resting T cells with PDAC cells. By focusing on the co-culture of tumor cells and γδ T cells, we observed that knockdown of galectin-3 in tumor cells identified these cells as the source of secreted galectin-3. Galectin-3 released by tumor cells or addition of physiological concentrations of recombinant galectin-3 did neither further inhibit the impaired γδ T cell cytotoxicity against PDAC cells nor did it induce cell death of in vitro expanded γδ T cells. Initial proliferation of resting peripheral blood and tumor-infiltrating Vδ2-expressing γδ T cells was impaired by galectin-3 in a cell-cell-contact dependent manner. The interaction of galectin-3 with α3β1 integrin expressed by Vδ2 γδ T cells was involved in the inhibition of γδ T cell proliferation. The addition of bispecific antibodies targeting γδ T cells to PDAC cells enhanced their cytotoxic activity independent of the galectin-3 release. These results are of high relevance in the context of an in vivo application of bispecific antibodies which can enhance cytotoxic activity of γδ T cells against tumor cells but probably not their proliferation when galectin-3 is present. In contrast, adoptive transfer of in vitro expanded γδ T cells together with bispecific antibodies will enhance γδ T cell cytotoxicity and overcomes the immunosuppressive function of galectin-3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Gonnermann
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) and Christian-Albrechts University (CAU) of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hans-Heinrich Oberg
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) and Christian-Albrechts University (CAU) of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Marcus Lettau
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) and Christian-Albrechts University (CAU) of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Stem Cell Transplantation and Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, UKSH, CAU Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dirk Bauerschlag
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, UKSH, Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, UKSH, CAU Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dieter Kabelitz
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) and Christian-Albrechts University (CAU) of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Daniela Wesch
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH) and Christian-Albrechts University (CAU) of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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22
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Jonescheit H, Oberg HH, Gonnermann D, Hermes M, Sulaj V, Peters C, Kabelitz D, Wesch D. Influence of Indoleamine-2,3-Dioxygenase and Its Metabolite Kynurenine on γδ T Cell Cytotoxicity against Ductal Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E1140. [PMID: 32384638 PMCID: PMC7290398 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a malignant gastrointestinal disease. The enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxgenase (IDO) is often overexpressed in PDAC and its downstream metabolite kynurenine has been reported to inhibit T cell activation and proliferation. Since γδ T cells are of high interest for T cell-based immunotherapy against PDAC, we studied the impact of IDO and kynurenine on γδ T cell cytotoxicity against PDAC cells. METHODS IDO expression was determined in PDAC cells by flow cytometry and Western blot analysis. PDAC cells were cocultured with γδ T cells in medium or were stimulated with phosphorylated antigens or bispecific antibody in the presence or absence of IDO inhibitors. Additionally, γδ T cells were treated with recombinant kynurenine. Read-out assays included degranulation, cytotoxicity and cytokine measurement as well as cell cycle analysis. RESULTS Since IDO overexpression was variable in PDAC, IDO inhibitors improved γδ T cell cytotoxicity only against some but not all PDAC cells. γδ T cell degranulation and cytotoxicity were significantly decreased after their treatment with recombinant kynurenine. CONCLUSIONS Bispecific antibody drastically enhanced γδ T cell cytotoxicity against all PDAC cells, which can be further enhanced by IDO inhibitors against several PDAC cells, suggesting a striking heterogeneity in PDAC escape mechanisms towards γδ T cell-mediated anti-tumor response.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Daniela Wesch
- Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, D-24105 Kiel, Germany; (H.J.); (H.-H.O.); (D.G.); (M.H.); (V.S.); (C.P.); (D.K.)
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23
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Xu P, Sun Y, Song Y, Jiao J, Shen B, Li W, Jiang C, Li Y, Zhang X, Yu J, Fu L, Guo X. ATM kinase regulates tumor immunoreactions in lymphocyte-predominant breast cancer through modulation of NKG2D ligand and TNF cytokines on tumor cells. Med Mol Morphol 2020; 53:210-220. [PMID: 32067111 DOI: 10.1007/s00795-020-00247-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
To explore impact of Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) kinase on immunoreactions in lymphocyte-predominant breast cancer (LPBC), particularly its role in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC), 194 cases of LPBC were identified with pertinent clinical information retrieved. The expressions of ATM, activated ATM (P-ATM), Fas ligand (FASL), tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-induced ligand (TRAIL), major histocompatibility complex class I chain-related protein A (MICA), CD8, and Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) were assessed by immunohistochemically. We found that ATM expressed on tumor cells was correlated with upregulated expression of P-ATM and MICA (P < 0.05), down-regulated expression of FASL and TRAIL (P < 0.01), and decreased Ki-67 tumor labeling (P < 0.05). However, within the TNBC group, only a negative correlation with FASL expression was found (P = 0.001). ATM and MICA expressions were significantly down -regulated in TNBC (P < 0.01) compared to non-TNBC, while TRAIL was significantly upregulated (P < 0.01). Tregs were increased in TNBC (P < 0.05), with CD8 + TILs decreased (P < 0.01). Ki-67 index was higher in TNBC than in non-TNBC (P < 0.01). ATM may play an important role in immunoreaction of LPBC, probably through upregulation of MICA and down-regulation of FASL and TRAIL. The down-regulated ATM expression in TNBC might be responsible for impaired tumor immunoactivity, rapid tumor growth, and aggressive clinical course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xu
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yuanyuan Sun
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yuanming Song
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Jiao Jiao
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Beibei Shen
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Weidong Li
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Chengying Jiang
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Yaqing Li
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xinmin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ, USA
| | - Jinpu Yu
- Cancer Molecular Diagnostics Core, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Key Laboratory of Cancer Immunology and Biotherapy, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Li Fu
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China
| | - Xiaojing Guo
- Department of Breast Pathology and Lab, Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer of Breast Cancer Prevention and Therapy, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, West Huanhu Road, Tianjin, 300060, China.
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24
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Lee HW, Chung YS, Kim TJ. Heterogeneity of Human γδ T Cells and Their Role in Cancer Immunity. Immune Netw 2020; 20:e5. [PMID: 32158593 PMCID: PMC7049581 DOI: 10.4110/in.2020.20.e5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The γδ T cells are unconventional lymphocytes that function in both innate and adaptive immune responses against various intracellular and infectious stresses. The γδ T cells can be exploited as cancer-killing effector cells since γδ TCRs recognize MHC-like molecules and growth factor receptors that are upregulated in cancer cells, and γδ T cells can differentiate into cytotoxic effector cells. However, γδ T cells may also promote tumor progression by secreting IL-17 or other cytokines. Therefore, it is essential to understand how the differentiation and homeostasis of γδ T cells are regulated and whether distinct γδ T cell subsets have different functions. Human γδ T cells are classified into Vδ2 and non-Vδ2 γδ T cells. The majority of Vδ2 γδ T cells are Vγ9δ2 T cells that recognize pyrophosphorylated isoprenoids generated by the dysregulated mevalonate pathway. In contrast, Vδ1 T cells expand from initially diverse TCR repertoire in patients with infectious diseases and cancers. The ligands of Vδ1 T cells are diverse and include the growth factor receptors such as endothelial protein C receptor. Both Vδ1 and Vδ2 γδ T cells are implicated to have immunotherapeutic potentials for cancers, but the detailed elucidation of the distinct characteristics of 2 populations will be required to enhance the immunotherapeutic potential of γδ T cells. Here, we summarize recent progress regarding cancer immunology of human γδ T cells, including their development, heterogeneity, and plasticity, the putative mechanisms underlying ligand recognition and activation, and their dual effects on tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Won Lee
- Department of Hospital Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul 03722, Korea
| | - Yun Shin Chung
- Department of Immunology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea
| | - Tae Jin Kim
- Department of Immunology, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Suwon 16419, Korea
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