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Wang J, Wang Y, Jiang X. Targeting anticancer immunity in melanoma tumour microenvironment: unleashing the potential of adjuvants, drugs, and phytochemicals. J Drug Target 2024:1-21. [PMID: 39041142 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2024.2384071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Melanoma poses a challenge in oncology because of its aggressive nature and limited treatment modalities. The tumour microenvironment (TME) in melanoma contains unique properties such as an immunosuppressive and high-density environment, unusual vasculature, and a high number of stromal and immunosuppressive cells. In recent years, numerous experiments have focused on boosting the immune system to effectively remove malignant cells. Adjuvants, consisting of phytochemicals, toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, and cytokines, have shown encouraging results in triggering antitumor immunity and augmenting the therapeutic effectiveness of anticancer therapy. These adjuvants can stimulate the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs) and infiltration of cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes (CTLs). Furthermore, nanocarriers can help to deliver immunomodulators and antigens directly to the tumour stroma, thereby improving their efficacy against malignant cells. The remodelling of melanoma TME utilising phytochemicals, agonists, and other adjuvants can be combined with current modalities for improving therapy outcomes. This review article explores the potential of adjuvants, drugs, and their nanoformulations in enhancing the anticancer potency of macrophages, CTLs, and natural killer (NK) cells. Additionally, the capacity of these agents to repress the function of immunosuppressive components of melanoma TME, such as immunosuppressive subsets of macrophages, stromal and myeloid cells will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingping Wang
- Emergency Department, Zhejiang Provincial General Hospital of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yaping Wang
- Respiratory and Oncology Department, Zhejiang Provincial General Hospital of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaofang Jiang
- Respiratory and Oncology Department, Zhejiang Provincial General Hospital of the Chinese People's Armed Police Force, Zhejiang, China
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2
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Dodhiawala PB, Cichocki F. Striking a balance: the Goldilocks effect of CD8α expression on NK cells. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e182905. [PMID: 39087476 PMCID: PMC11290960 DOI: 10.1172/jci182905] [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: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
NK cells are cytotoxic innate immune cells involved in antitumor immunity, and they provide a treatment option for patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this issue of the JCI, Cubitt et al. investigated the role of CD8α, a coreceptor present on approximately 40% of human NK cells. IL-15 stimulation of CD8α- NK cells induced CD8α expression via the RUNX3 transcription factor, driving formation of a unique induced CD8α (iCD8α+) population. iCD8α+ NK cells displayed higher proliferation, metabolic activity, and antitumor cytotoxic function compared with preexisting CD8α+ and CD8α- subsets. Therefore, CD8α expression can be used to define a potential dynamic spectrum of NK cell expansion and function. Because these cells exhibit enhanced tumor control, they may be used to improve in NK cell therapies for patients with AML.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- CD8 Antigens/metabolism
- CD8 Antigens/immunology
- CD8 Antigens/genetics
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit/genetics
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit/metabolism
- Core Binding Factor Alpha 3 Subunit/immunology
- Interleukin-15/immunology
- Interleukin-15/metabolism
- Interleukin-15/genetics
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/genetics
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/metabolism
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Sullivan MR, Finocchiaro M, Yang Y, Thomas J, Ali A, Kaplan I, Abdulhamid Y, Bobilev E, Sheffer M, Romee R, Konry T. An innovative single-cell approach for phenotyping and functional genotyping of CAR NK cells. J Immunother Cancer 2024; 12:e008912. [PMID: 38821719 PMCID: PMC11149162 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2024-008912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To accelerate the translation of novel immunotherapeutic treatment approaches, the development of analytic methods to assess their efficacy at early in vitro stages is necessary. Using a droplet-based microfluidic platform, we have established a method for multiparameter quantifiable phenotypic and genomic observations of immunotherapies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) natural killer (NK) cells are of increased interest in the current immunotherapy landscape and thus provide an optimal model for evaluating our novel methodology. METHODS For this approach, NK cells transduced with a CD19 CAR were compared with non-transduced NK cells in their ability to kill a lymphoma cell line. Using our microfluidic platform, we were able to quantify the increase in cytotoxicity and synaptic contact formation of CAR NK cells over non-transduced NK cells. We then optimized our droplet sorter and successfully used it to separate NK cells based on target cell killing to perform transcriptomic analyses. RESULTS Our data revealed expected improvement in cytotoxicity with the CD19 CAR but more importantly, provided unique insights into the factors involved in the cytotoxic mechanisms of CAR NK cells. This demonstrates a novel, improved system for accelerating the pre-clinical screening of future immunotherapy treatments. CONCLUSIONS This study provides a new potential approach for enhanced early screening of immunotherapies to improve their development, with a highly relevant cell model to demonstrate. Additionally, our validation studies provided some potential insights into transcriptomic determinants influencing CAR NK cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Ryan Sullivan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michael Finocchiaro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yichao Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Judene Thomas
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Alaa Ali
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Isabel Kaplan
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Yasmin Abdulhamid
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Eden Bobilev
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Michal Sheffer
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Rizwan Romee
- Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Tania Konry
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Mi J, Zhang H, Jiang X, Yi Y, Cao W, Song C, Yuan C. lncRNA MIAT promotes luminal B breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro. J Appl Genet 2024; 65:309-319. [PMID: 37987972 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-023-00807-2] [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: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a role in the emergence and progression of several human tumors, including luminal B breast cancer (BC). The biological functions and potential mechanisms of lncRNA myocardial infarction-associated transcripts (MIAT) in luminal B BC, on the contrary, are unknown. In this work, we used UALCAN database analysis to find high expression of lncRNA MIAT in luminal BC tissues and also confirmed high levels of lncRNA MIAT expression in luminal B BC tissues and cells. In vitro knockdown of MIAT inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of BT474 cells. In addition, we found that miR-150-5p levels were significantly reduced in luminal B BC specimens and cells, and miR-150-5p levels were significantly increased when MIAT was knocked down. And TIMER database analysis showed that MIAT was positively associated with PDL1. Through bioinformatic tools and in vitro experiments, lncRNA MIAT could function as a competitive endogenous RNA (CeRNA) to further regulate programmed cell death ligand 1 (PDL1) expression by directly sponging miR-150-5p. In conclusion, our data suggest that MIAT, an oncogene, may sponge miR-150-5p to regulate PDL1 expression and affect proliferation, migration, and invasion in luminal B BC in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jintao Mi
- Molecular Immunology, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongsheng Zhang
- Molecular Immunology, College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Jiang
- Department of Breast Surgery, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, 618000, Sichuan, China
| | - Ying Yi
- Department of Breast Surgery, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, 618000, Sichuan, China
| | - Weiwei Cao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, 618000, Sichuan, China
| | - Chunjiao Song
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, 618000, Sichuan, China
| | - Chengliang Yuan
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, People's Hospital of Deyang City, Deyang, 618000, Sichuan, China.
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Zhang Y, Nie Y, Liu X, Wan X, Shi Y, Zhang K, Wu P, He J. Tumor metabolic crosstalk and immunotherapy. Clin Transl Oncol 2024; 26:797-807. [PMID: 37740892 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-023-03304-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/25/2023]
Abstract
Tumor cells must resist the host's immune system while maintaining growth under harsh conditions of acidity and hypoxia, which indicates that tumors are more robust than normal tissue. Immunotherapeutic agents have little effect on solid tumors, mostly because of the tumor density and the difficulty of penetrating deeply into the tissue to achieve the theoretical therapeutic effect. Various therapeutic strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment (TME) have been developed. Immunometabolic disorders play a dominant role in treatment resistance at both the TME and host levels. Understanding immunometabolic factors and their treatment potential may be a way forward for tumor immunotherapy. Here, we summarize the metabolism of substances that affect tumor progression, the crosstalk between the TME and immunosuppression, and some potential tumor-site targets. We also summarize the progress and challenges of tumor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yueli Nie
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xiyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Xitian Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Keyong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Pan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China
| | - Jian He
- State Key Laboratory of Targeting Oncology, National Center for International Research of Biotargeting Theranostics, Guangxi Key Laboratory of Biotargeting Theranostics, Collaborative Innovation Center for Targeting Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy, Guangxi Talent Highland of Bio-targeting Theranostics, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021, Guangxi, China.
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6
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Philippova J, Shevchenko J, Sennikov S. GD2-targeting therapy: a comparative analysis of approaches and promising directions. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1371345. [PMID: 38558810 PMCID: PMC10979305 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1371345] [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: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Disialoganglioside GD2 is a promising target for immunotherapy with expression primarily restricted to neuroectodermal and epithelial tumor cells. Although its role in the maintenance and repair of neural tissue is well-established, its functions during normal organism development remain understudied. Meanwhile, studies have shown that GD2 plays an important role in tumorigenesis. Its functions include proliferation, invasion, motility, and metastasis, and its high expression and ability to transform the tumor microenvironment may be associated with a malignant phenotype. Structurally, GD2 is a glycosphingolipid that is stably expressed on the surface of tumor cells, making it a suitable candidate for targeting by antibodies or chimeric antigen receptors. Based on mouse monoclonal antibodies, chimeric and humanized antibodies and their combinations with cytokines, toxins, drugs, radionuclides, nanoparticles as well as chimeric antigen receptor have been developed. Furthermore, vaccines and photoimmunotherapy are being used to treat GD2-positive tumors, and GD2 aptamers can be used for targeting. In the field of cell therapy, allogeneic immunocompetent cells are also being utilized to enhance GD2 therapy. Efforts are currently being made to optimize the chimeric antigen receptor by modifying its design or by transducing not only αβ T cells, but also γδ T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, and macrophages. In addition, immunotherapy can combine both diagnostic and therapeutic methods, allowing for early detection of disease and minimal residual disease. This review discusses each immunotherapy method and strategy, its advantages and disadvantages, and highlights future directions for GD2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sergey Sennikov
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunology, Federal State Budgetary Scientific Institution Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Novosibirsk, Russia
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7
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Luo R, Wan Y, Liu G, Chen J, Luo X, Li Z, Su D, Lu N, Luo Z. Engineering Self-Assembling Peptide Hydrogel to Enhance the Capacity of Dendritic Cells to Activate In Vivo T-Cell Immunity. Biomacromolecules 2024; 25:1408-1428. [PMID: 38236703 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.3c00511] [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: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
The efficacy of the dendritic cell (DC) has failed to meet expectations thus far, and crucial problems such as the immature state of DCs, low targeting efficiency, insufficient number of dendritic cells, and microenvironment are still the current focus. To address these problems, we developed two self-assembling peptides, RLDI and RQDT, that mimic extracellular matrix (ECM). These peptides can be self-assembled into highly ordered three-dimensional nanofiber scaffold structures, where RLDI can form gelation immediately. In addition, we found that RLDI and RQDT enhance the biological function of DCs, including releasing antigens sustainably, adhering to DCs, promoting the maturation of DCs, and increasing the ability of DC antigen presentation. Moreover, peptide hydrogel-based DC treatment significantly achieved prophylactic and treatment effects on colon cancer. These results have certain implications for the design of new broad-spectrum vaccines in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruyue Luo
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois 60611, United States
| | - Yuan Wan
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
- Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, United States
| | - Guicen Liu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Jialei Chen
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Xinyi Luo
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhaoxu Li
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California 92697, United States
| | - Di Su
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Na Lu
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
| | - Zhongli Luo
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, China
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8
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Shanshan Z, Fanfei D, Xuan S, Huina L, Ye Z, Jiayu L, Shuo Z, Xue P, Yingye P, Chengjun J, Hang P, Li L. Anoikis regulator GLI2 promotes NC cell immunity escape by TGF-β-mediated non-classic hedgehog signaling in colorectal cancer: based on artificial intelligence and big data analysis. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:14733-14748. [PMID: 38159250 PMCID: PMC10781491 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205283] [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: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anoikis is a speed-limited procedure to inhibit tumor metastasis during epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Previous studies have explored anoikis-related genes (ARG) in predicting prognosis and distinguishing tumoral immunity in many types of cancer. However, the role of ARGs in regulating NK cell exhaustion (NKE) and in predicting chemotherapy sensitivity is not clear. Therefore, it is necessary to work on it. METHODS Gene expression profiles and clinical features are collected from TCGA and GEO, and data analysis is performed in R4.2.0. RESULTS The ARGs-based no-supervised learning algorithm identifies three ARG subgroups, amongst which the prognosis is different. WCGNA and Artificial intelligence (AI) are applied to construct an NKE-related drug sensitivity stratification and prognosis identification model in digestive system cancer. Pathways association analysis screens out GLI2 is a key gene in regulating NKE by non-classic Hedgehog signaling (GLI2/TGF-β/IL6). In vitro experiments show that down-regulation of GLI2 enhances the CAPE-mediated cell toxicity and accompanies with down-regulation of PD-L1, tumor-derive IL6, and snial1 whereas the expression of cleaved caspas3, cleaved caspase4, cleaved PARP, and E-cadherin are up-regulated in colorectal cancer. Co-culture experiments show that GLI2- decreased colorectal tumor cells lead to down-regulation of TIM-3 and PD1 in NK cells, which are restored by TGF-bate active protein powder. Besides, the Elisa assay shows that GLI2-decreased colorectal tumor cells lead to up-regulation of IFN-gamma in NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhang Shanshan
- Laboratory Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Fanfei
- Clinical Laboratory of PLA Naval Medical Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Sun Xuan
- Laboratory Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Huina
- Laboratory Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhang Ye
- Medical Imaging Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Jiayu
- Medical Imaging Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhao Shuo
- Laboratory Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pan Xue
- Laboratory Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pu Yingye
- Laboratory Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Chengjun
- Laboratory Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pan Hang
- Laboratory Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Li
- Laboratory Department of Changhai Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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9
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Jia H, Yang H, Xiong H, Luo KQ. NK cell exhaustion in the tumor microenvironment. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1303605. [PMID: 38022646 PMCID: PMC10653587 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1303605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells kill mutant cells through death receptors and cytotoxic granules, playing an essential role in controlling cancer progression. However, in the tumor microenvironment (TME), NK cells frequently exhibit an exhausted status, which impairs their immunosurveillance function and contributes to tumor immune evasion. Emerging studies are ongoing to reveal the properties and mechanisms of NK cell exhaustion in the TME. In this review, we will briefly introduce the maturation, localization, homeostasis, and cytotoxicity of NK cells. We will then summarize the current understanding of the main mechanisms underlying NK cell exhaustion in the TME in four aspects: dysregulation of inhibitory and activating signaling, tumor cell-derived factors, immunosuppressive cells, and metabolism and exhaustion. We will also discuss the therapeutic approaches currently being developed to reverse NK cell exhaustion and enhance NK cell cytotoxicity in the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Jia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Huaxing Xiong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
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10
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Borde S, Matosevic S. Metabolic adaptation of NK cell activity and behavior in tumors: challenges and therapeutic opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2023; 44:832-848. [PMID: 37770314 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2023.08.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
The adaptation of natural killer (NK) cells to conditions in the microenvironment of tumors is deeply affected by their metabolic activity, itself a result of nutrient availability and the metabolism of the cancer cells themselves. Elevated rates of glycolysis and lipid metabolism in cancers not only lead to the accumulation of immunosuppressive byproducts but also contribute to an environment of elevated concentrations of extracellular metabolites. This results in altered NK cell bioenergetics through changes in transcriptional and translational profiles, ultimately affecting their pharmacology and impairing NK cell responses. However, understanding the metabolic processes that drive alterations in immunological signaling on NK cells remains both difficult and vastly underexplored. We discuss the varied and complex drivers of NK cell metabolism in homeostasis and the tumor microenvironment (TME), challenges associated with their targetability, and unexplored therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shambhavi Borde
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Sandro Matosevic
- Department of Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA; Center for Cancer Research, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA.
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11
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Tong Q, Li D, Yin Y, Cheng L, Ouyang S. GBP5 Expression Predicted Prognosis of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors in Small Cell Lung Cancer and Correlated with Tumor Immune Microenvironment. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:4153-4164. [PMID: 37750170 PMCID: PMC10518156 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s401430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The discovery and development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has significantly enhanced the arsenal of immunotherapy treatments available for cancer patients. The identification of biomarkers that are indicative of an individual's sensitivity to treatment with ICIs is useful for screening SCLC patients prior to commencement of any ICIs based immunotherapy. However, the relationship between GBP5 and the prognosis of SCLC immunotherapy is still unclear and requires further study. Methods We downloaded two SCLC datasets, namely the George-SCLC and Jiang-SCLC cohorts. We used the TIDE algorithm to predict the efficacy of immunotherapy for SCLC patients. The QuanTIseq, MCPcounter, and EPIC algorithms are used to calculate the proportions of immune cells in SCLC patients. Additionally, we retrospectively collected 35 SCLC samples from the first affiliated hospital of the Hengyang Medical school. Results Patients in each cohort were devided into two groups with high (GBP5-High) and low (GBP5-Low) expression of GBP5. In both cohorts, the GBP5-High population had a higher proportion of patients that responded well to immunotherapy (responders) (p < 0.05). In addition, both GBP5-High subgroups had significantly increased cytotoxicity, chemokines, antigen presenting, and TNF family related genes. We also determined that GBP5 was related to high-level infiltration of B cells, CD4+T cells, CD8+T cells and NK cells. Conclusion In this study, we found that GBP5 has the potential to be used as a biomarker of ICIs efficacy for SCLC patients. GBP5 is related to the quantity of inflammatory molecules, a high level of immune infiltration, and a highly activated immune response pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Tong
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Deyu Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Provincial Clinical College, Fujian Medical University, Fujian Provincial Hospital, Fuzhou, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yan Yin
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lifang Cheng
- Department of Hematology, Shenzhen Samii Medical Center, Shenzhen, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuming Ouyang
- Gynecology & Obstetrics and Reproductive Medical Center, The First Affiliated Hospital, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang, People’s Republic of China
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12
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Kiaei SZF, Nouralishahi A, Ghasemirad M, Barkhordar M, Ghaffari S, Kheradjoo H, Saleh M, Mohammadzadehsaliani S, Molaeipour Z. Advances in natural killer cell therapies for breast cancer. Immunol Cell Biol 2023; 101:705-726. [PMID: 37282729 DOI: 10.1111/imcb.12658] [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: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cause of cancer death in women. According to the American Cancer Society's yearly cancer statistics, BC constituted almost 15% of all the newly diagnosed cancer cases in 2022 for both sexes. Metastatic disease occurs in 30% of patients with BC. The currently available treatments fail to cure metastatic BC, and the average survival time for patients with metastatic BC is approximately 2 years. Developing a treatment method that terminates cancer stem cells without harming healthy cells is the primary objective of novel therapeutics. Adoptive cell therapy is a branch of cancer immunotherapy that utilizes the immune cells to attack cancer cells. Natural killer (NK) cells are an essential component of innate immunity and are critical in destroying tumor cells without prior stimulation with antigens. With the advent of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), the autologous or allogeneic use of NK/CAR-NK cell therapy has raised new hopes for treating patients with cancer. Here, we describe recent developments in NK and CAR-NK cell immunotherapy, including the biology and function of NK cells, clinical trials, different sources of NK cells and their future perspectives on BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Zahra Fotook Kiaei
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Ghasemirad
- Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Maryam Barkhordar
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center (HORCSCT), Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sasan Ghaffari
- Department of Immunology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Mahshid Saleh
- Wisconsin National Primate Research Center, University of Wisconsin Graduate School, Madison, WI, USA
| | | | - Zahra Molaeipour
- Hematology Oncology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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13
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Guo R, Wang L, Bai S, Kang D, Zhang W, Ding Z, Xing T, Hao M, Liang Y, Jiao B, Zhang G, Ying L, Chen R, Chen X, Zhang W, Wang J, Wan C, Yu C, Wang H, Yang Z. Specific subsets of urothelial bladder carcinoma infiltrating T cells associated with poor prognosis. Sci Rep 2023; 13:12801. [PMID: 37550396 PMCID: PMC10406853 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39208-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Comprehensive investigation of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in cancer is crucial to explore the effective immunotherapies, but the composition of infiltrating T cells in urothelial bladder carcinoma (UBC) remains elusive. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) were performed on total 30,905 T cells derived from peripheral blood, adjacent normal and tumor tissues from two UBC patients. We identified 18 distinct T cell subsets based on molecular profiles and functional properties. Specifically, exhausted T (TEx) cells, exhausted NKT (NKTEx) cells, Ki67+ T cells and B cell-like T (B-T) cells were exclusively enriched in UBC. Additionally, the gene signatures of TEx, NKTEx, Ki67+ T and B-T cells were significantly associated with poor survival in patients with BC and various tumor types. Finally, IKZF3 and TRGC2 are the potential biomarkers of TEx cells. Overall, our study demonstrated an exhausted context of T cells in UBC, which layed a theoretical foundation for the development of effective tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Guo
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Suhang Bai
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Danyue Kang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, 071030, China
| | - Zhenshan Ding
- Department of Urology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Tianying Xing
- Department of Urology, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100053, China
| | - Mingxuan Hao
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Youfeng Liang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Binbin Jiao
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, 071030, China
| | - Guan Zhang
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Baoding, 071030, China
| | - Lu Ying
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Ruolan Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Xiaoyang Chen
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Jiansong Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650101, China
| | - Chuanxing Wan
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China
| | - Haifeng Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Affliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650101, China.
| | - Zhao Yang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Innovation Center of Molecular Diagnostics, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, China.
- College of Life Science and Technology, Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Biological Resources in Tarim Basin of Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, Tarim University, Alar, 843300, Xinjiang, China.
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14
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Trionfini P, Romano E, Varinelli M, Longaretti L, Rizzo P, Giampietro R, Caroli A, Aiello S, Todeschini M, Casiraghi F, Remuzzi G, Benigni A, Tomasoni S. Hypoimmunogenic Human Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Powerful Tool for Liver Regenerative Medicine. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11810. [PMID: 37511568 PMCID: PMC10380710 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) have huge potential as cell therapy for various diseases, given their potential for unlimited self-renewal and capability to differentiate into a wide range of cell types. Although autologous iPSCs represents the ideal source for patient-tailored regenerative medicine, the high costs of the extensive and time-consuming production process and the impracticability for treating acute conditions hinder their use for broad applications. An allogeneic iPSC-based strategy may overcome these issues, but it carries the risk of triggering an immune response. So far, several approaches based on genome-editing techniques to silence human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) or II (HLA-II) expression have been explored to overcome the immune rejection of allogeneic iPSCs. In this study, we employed the CRISPR/Cas9 (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR associated protein 9) system to delete the β2-Microglobulin (B2M) and the Class II Major Histocompatibility Complex Transactivator (CIITA) genes, essential for the correct surface expression of HLA-I and HLA-II proteins. The resulting hypoimmunogenic iPSC line has a normal karyotype, expresses the pluripotency stem cell markers, and is capable of differentiating into the three embryonic germ layers. Furthermore, we showed that it specifically retains the ability to differentiate towards different liver cells, such as endothelial-like cells, hepatocyte-like cells, and hepatic stellate-like cells. Our results indicate that hypoimmunogenic iPSCs could give a new cost-effective and off-the-shelf opportunity for cell therapy in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piera Trionfini
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Elena Romano
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marco Varinelli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Lorena Longaretti
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Paola Rizzo
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Roberta Giampietro
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Annalina Caroli
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Sistiana Aiello
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Marta Todeschini
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Federica Casiraghi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Remuzzi
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ariela Benigni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Susanna Tomasoni
- Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, 24126 Bergamo, Italy
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15
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Donne R, Lujambio A. The liver cancer immune microenvironment: Therapeutic implications for hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2023; 77:1773-1796. [PMID: 35989535 PMCID: PMC9941399 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 150] [Impact Index Per Article: 150.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The liver is the sixth most common site of primary cancer in humans and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for 90% of liver cancers. HCC is a prevalent disease with a progression that is modulated by the immune system. Half of the patients with HCC receive systemic therapies, traditionally sorafenib or lenvatinib, as a first-line therapy. In the last few years, immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have revolutionized cancer therapy and have gained an increased interest in the treatment of HCC. In 2020, the combination of atezolizumab (anti-programmed death-ligand 1) and bevacizumab (anti-vascular endothelial growth factor) improved overall survival over sorafenib, resulting in Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval as a first-line treatment for patients with advanced HCC. Despite these major advances, a better molecular and cellular characterization of the tumor microenvironment is still needed because it has a crucial role in the development and progression of HCC. Inflamed (hot) and noninflamed (cold) HCC tumors and genomic signatures have been associated with response to ICIs. However, there are no additional biomarkers to guide clinical decision-making. Other immune-targeting strategies, such as adoptive T-cell transfer, vaccination, and virotherapy, are currently under development. This review provides an overview on the HCC immune microenvironment, different cellular players, current available immunotherapies, and potential immunotherapy modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romain Donne
- Department of Oncological Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York , USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , Tisch Cancer Institute , New York , New York , USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , The Precision Immunology Institute , New York , New York , USA
| | - Amaia Lujambio
- Department of Oncological Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York , USA
- Liver Cancer Program, Division of Liver Diseases, Department of Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , Tisch Cancer Institute , New York , New York , USA
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , The Precision Immunology Institute , New York , New York , USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences , Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai , New York , New York , USA
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16
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Hojjatipour T, Maali A, Azad M. Natural killer cell epigenetic reprogramming in tumors and potential for cancer immunotherapy. Epigenomics 2023; 15:249-266. [PMID: 37125432 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2022-0454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical members of the innate lymphoid cell population and have a pivotal role in cancer eradication. NK cell maturation, development and function are tightly regulated by epigenetic modifications, which can also be recruited for cancer propagation and immune escape. NK cells have the potential to be activated against tumors through several epigenetic regulators. Given that epigenetic changes are inducible and reversible, focusing on aberrant epigenetic regulations recruited by tumor cells provides a tremendous opportunity for cancer treatment. This review presents a comprehensive picture of NK cell normal epigenetic regulation and cancer-driven epigenetic modifications. From our perspective, a better understanding of epigenetic regulators that can edit and revise NK cells' activity is a promising avenue for NK cell-based therapy in cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Hojjatipour
- Department of Hematology & Blood Transfusion, Students Research Center, School of Allied Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhosein Maali
- Department of Immunology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azad
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
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17
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Yoon DH, Koh Y, Jung M, Kwak JE, Shin EC, Hwang YK, Kim WS. Phase I Study: Safety and Efficacy of an Ex Vivo-Expanded Allogeneic Natural Killer Cell (MG4101) with Rituximab for Relapsed/Refractory B Cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Transplant Cell Ther 2023; 29:253.e1-253.e9. [PMID: 36610490 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtct.2022.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The prognosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) remains poor, with an unmet need for novel therapies. MG4101, an ex vivo-expanded allogeneic natural killer (NK) cell, can enhance rituximab antibody-dependent cytotoxicity in relapsed/refractory (r/r) B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This study assessed the safety and efficacy of MG4101 plus rituximab for patients with r/r NHL. Patients received escalating doses of i.v. MG4101 plus rituximab every 2 weeks. IL-2 was administered s.c. after MG4101 treatment. Fludarabine plus cyclophosphamide was administered i.v. before rituximab treatment in cycles 1, 3, and 5. A 3+3 design was used to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and maximum feasible dose. Assessments were performed over a 6-cycle period, with an extended maintenance period of up to 8 cycles. Nine patients received 3 different doses of MG4101 and rituximab. MTD could not be determined because of the absence of dose-limiting toxicity. Treatment-related adverse events, mostly grade 1 or 2, occurred in 89% of patients. Only 1 patient experienced grade 1 cytokine release syndrome. MG4101 persisted for at least 7 days in 7 patients. Four patients achieved a partial response and 1 patient attained a complete response, for an overall response rate of 55.6%. Two patients showed prolonged responses and low exhaustion marker levels in T cells. For allogeneic NK cell therapy, strategies including the use of the high-affinity hFcγRIIIaV158 variant of the KIR B/x haplotype with lymphodepleting chemotherapy may be promising options for improving clinical efficacy in the antibody combination therapeutic setting as an off-the-shelf product. MG4101 plus rituximab presented a favorable safety profile and overall response rate in patients with r/r NHL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dok Hyun Yoon
- Department of Oncology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youngil Koh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Miyoung Jung
- Cell Therapy Research Center, GC Cell, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Eun Kwak
- Cell Therapy Research Center, GC Cell, Yongin, South Korea
| | - Eui-Cheol Shin
- Graduate School of Medical Science and Engineering, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), Daejeon, South Korea
| | | | - Won Seog Kim
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea.
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18
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Morinaga T, Iwatsuki M, Yamashita K, Yasuda-Yoshihara N, Yamane T, Matsumoto C, Harada K, Eto K, Kurashige J, Ishimoto T, Baba Y, Miyamoto Y, Yoshida N, Baba H. Dynamic Alteration in HLA-E Expression and Soluble HLA-E via Interaction with Natural Killer Cells in Gastric Cancer. Ann Surg Oncol 2023; 30:1240-1252. [PMID: 36149610 DOI: 10.1245/s10434-022-12505-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some reports showed the immune tolerance of soluble human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E), but the role that soluble HLA-E plays in gastric cancer (GC) is unknown. We aimed to clarify the molecular mechanism and clinical significance of soluble HLA-E in GC. METHODS We examined the expression of HLA-E on GC cells and soluble HLA-E under co-culture with natural killer (NK) cells in a time-dependent manner. Changes in NK cell activity were investigated using anti-NK group 2 member A (NKG2A) antibodies in the presence of soluble HLA-E. Expression of soluble HLA-E in the serum of GC patients was determined. RESULTS Whereas HLA-E expression on GC cells peaked with interferon (IFN)-γ secretion by NK cells in a time-dependent manner, soluble HLA-E was upregulated in conditioned medium. Pre-incubation with anti-NKG2A antibodies increased the activation of NKG2A+ NK cells in the presence of soluble HLA-E. Expression of soluble HLA-E in the serum of GC patients correlated with disease progression. CONCLUSIONS HLA-E expression dynamically changes on GC cells and in conditioned medium. Furthermore, soluble HLA-E can contribute to immune escape in GC cell lines, which may have significance in clinical practice. Moreover, soluble HLA-E may be a potential prognostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Morinaga
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Masaaki Iwatsuki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kohei Yamashita
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Noriko Yasuda-Yoshihara
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Taishi Yamane
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Chihiro Matsumoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kazuto Harada
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Kojiro Eto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Junji Kurashige
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Takatsugu Ishimoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yuji Miyamoto
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Naoya Yoshida
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Hideo Baba
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan.
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19
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Maalej KM, Merhi M, Inchakalody VP, Mestiri S, Alam M, Maccalli C, Cherif H, Uddin S, Steinhoff M, Marincola FM, Dermime S. CAR-cell therapy in the era of solid tumor treatment: current challenges and emerging therapeutic advances. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:20. [PMID: 36717905 PMCID: PMC9885707 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01723-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 129.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last decade, Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy has emerged as a promising immunotherapeutic approach to fight cancers. This approach consists of genetically engineered immune cells expressing a surface receptor, called CAR, that specifically targets antigens expressed on the surface of tumor cells. In hematological malignancies like leukemias, myeloma, and non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas, adoptive CAR-T cell therapy has shown efficacy in treating chemotherapy refractory patients. However, the value of this therapy remains inconclusive in the context of solid tumors and is restrained by several obstacles including limited tumor trafficking and infiltration, the presence of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, as well as adverse events associated with such therapy. Recently, CAR-Natural Killer (CAR-NK) and CAR-macrophages (CAR-M) were introduced as a complement/alternative to CAR-T cell therapy for solid tumors. CAR-NK cells could be a favorable substitute for CAR-T cells since they do not require HLA compatibility and have limited toxicity. Additionally, CAR-NK cells might be generated in large scale from several sources which would suggest them as promising off-the-shelf product. CAR-M immunotherapy with its capabilities of phagocytosis, tumor-antigen presentation, and broad tumor infiltration, is currently being investigated. Here, we discuss the emerging role of CAR-T, CAR-NK, and CAR-M cells in solid tumors. We also highlight the advantages and drawbacks of CAR-NK and CAR-M cells compared to CAR-T cells. Finally, we suggest prospective solutions such as potential combination therapies to enhance the efficacy of CAR-cells immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karama Makni Maalej
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Maysaloun Merhi
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Varghese P. Inchakalody
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Sarra Mestiri
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar
| | - Majid Alam
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Dermatology Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar ,grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Cristina Maccalli
- grid.467063.00000 0004 0397 4222Laboratory of Immune and Biological Therapy, Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
| | - Honar Cherif
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Hematology, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Shahab Uddin
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Dermatology Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Martin Steinhoff
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Research Institute, Academic Health System, Dermatology Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar ,grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XDepartment of Dermatology and Venereology, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar ,grid.416973.e0000 0004 0582 4340Department of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar ,grid.412603.20000 0004 0634 1084College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar ,grid.5386.8000000041936877XDepartment of Dermatology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, USA
| | - Francesco M. Marincola
- grid.418227.a0000 0004 0402 1634Global Head of Research, Kite Pharma, Santa Monica, California USA
| | - Said Dermime
- grid.413548.f0000 0004 0571 546XTranslational Cancer Research Facility, National Center for Cancer Care and Research, Translational Research Institute, Hamad Medical Corporation, P.O. Box: 3050, Doha, Qatar ,grid.452146.00000 0004 1789 3191College of Health and Life Sciences (CHLS), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar
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20
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Secchiari F, Nuñez SY, Sierra JM, Ziblat A, Regge MV, Raffo Iraolagoitia XL, Rovegno A, Ameri C, Secin FP, Richards N, Ríos Pita H, Vitagliano G, Rico L, Mieggi M, Frascheri F, Bonanno N, Blas L, Trotta A, Friedrich AD, Fuertes MB, Domaica CI, Zwirner NW. The MICA-NKG2D axis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma bolsters MICA as target in immuno-oncology. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2104991. [PMID: 35936986 PMCID: PMC9354769 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2104991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
NKG2D is a major natural killer (NK) cell-activating receptor that recognizes eight ligands (NKG2DLs), including MICA, and whose engagement triggers NK cell effector functions. As NKG2DLs are upregulated on tumor cells but tumors can subvert the NKG2D-NKG2DL axis, NKG2DLs constitute attractive targets for antibody (Ab)-based immuno-oncology therapies. However, such approaches require a deep characterization of NKG2DLs and NKG2D cell surface expression on primary tumor and immune cells. Here, using a bioinformatic analysis, we observed that MICA is overexpressed in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), and we also detected an association between the NKG2D-MICA axis and a diminished overall survival of RCC patients. Also, by flow cytometry (FC), we observed that MICA was the only NKG2DL over-expressed on clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) tumor cells, including cancer stem cells (CSC) that also coexpressed NKG2D. Moreover, tumor-infiltrating leukocytes (TIL), but not peripheral blood lymphoid cells (PBL) from ccRCC patients, over-expressed MICA, ULBP3 and ULBP4. In addition, NKG2D was downregulated on peripheral blood NK cells (PBNK) from ccRCC patients but upregulated on tumor-infiltrating NK cells (TINK). These TINK exhibited impaired degranulation that negatively correlated with NKG2D expression, diminished IFN-γ production, upregulation of TIM-3, and an impaired glucose intake upon stimulation with cytokines, indicating that they are dysfunctional, display features of exhaustion and an altered metabolic fitness. We conclude that ccRCC patients exhibit a distorted MICA-NKG2D axis, and MICA emerges as the forefront NKG2DL for the development of targeted therapies in ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florencia Secchiari
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Sol Yanel Nuñez
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Jessica Mariel Sierra
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Andrea Ziblat
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - María Victoria Regge
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Ximena Lucía Raffo Iraolagoitia
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Agustín Rovegno
- Servicio de Urología, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno” (CEMIC)
| | - Carlos Ameri
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Pablo Secin
- Servicio de Urología, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno” (CEMIC)
| | - Nicolás Richards
- Servicio de Urología, Centro de Educación Médica e Investigaciones Clínicas “Norberto Quirno” (CEMIC)
| | | | | | - Luis Rico
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mauro Mieggi
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Nicolás Bonanno
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Blas
- Servicio de Urología, Hospital Alemán, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Aldana Trotta
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Adrián David Friedrich
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Mercedes Beatriz Fuertes
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Carolina Inés Domaica
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
| | - Norberto Walter Zwirner
- Laboratorio de Fisiopatología de la Inmunidad Innata, Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental (IBYME-CONICET), Argentina
- Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Química Biológica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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21
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Ghaedrahmati F, Esmaeil N, Abbaspour M. Targeting immune checkpoints: how to use natural killer cells for fighting against solid tumors. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2022; 43:177-213. [PMID: 36585761 PMCID: PMC9926962 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique innate immune cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses. Thus, they might hold great potential for cancer immunotherapy. NK cell adoptive immunotherapy in humans has shown modest efficacy. In particular, it has failed to demonstrate therapeutic efficiency in the treatment of solid tumors, possibly due in part to the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), which reduces NK cell immunotherapy's efficiencies. It is known that immune checkpoints play a prominent role in creating an immunosuppressive TME, leading to NK cell exhaustion and tumor immune escape. Therefore, NK cells must be reversed from their dysfunctional status and increased in their effector roles in order to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Blockade of immune checkpoints can not only rescue NK cells from exhaustion but also augment their robust anti-tumor activity. In this review, we discussed immune checkpoint blockade strategies with a focus on chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-NK cells to redirect NK cells to cancer cells in the treatment of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farhoodeh Ghaedrahmati
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Nafiseh Esmaeil
- Department of ImmunologySchool of MedicineIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran,Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non‐Communicable DiseaseIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
| | - Maryam Abbaspour
- Department of Pharmaceutical BiotechnologyFaculty of PharmacyIsfahan University of Medical SciencesIsfahanIran
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22
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Valenzuela-Vázquez L, Nuñez-Enriquez JC, Sánchez-Herrera J, Medina-Sanson A, Pérez-Saldivar ML, Jiménez-Hernández E, Martiín-Trejo JA, Del Campo-Martínez MDLÁ, Flores-Lujano J, Amador-Sánchez R, Mora-Ríos FG, Peñaloza-González JG, Duarte-Rodríguez DA, Torres-Nava JR, Espinosa-Elizondo RM, Cortés-Herrera B, Flores-Villegas LV, Merino-Pasaye LE, Almeida-Hernández C, Ramírez-Colorado R, Solís-Labastida KA, Medrano-López F, Pérez-Gómez JA, Velázquez-Aviña MM, Martínez-Ríos A, Aguilar-De los Santos A, Santillán-Juárez JD, Gurrola-Silva A, García-Velázquez AJ, Mata-Rocha M, Hernández-Echáurregui GA, Sepúlveda-Robles OA, Rosas-Vargas H, Mancilla-Herrera I, Jimenez-Morales S, Hidalgo-Miranda A, Martinez-Duncker I, Waight JD, Hance KW, Madauss KP, Mejía-Aranguré JM, Cruz-Munoz ME. NK cells with decreased expression of multiple activating receptors is a dominant phenotype in pediatric patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1023510. [PMID: 36419901 PMCID: PMC9677112 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1023510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells have unique attributes to react towards cells undergoing malignant transformation or viral infection. This reactivity is regulated by activating or inhibitory germline encoded receptors. An impaired NK cell function may result from an aberrant expression of such receptors, a condition often seen in patients with hematological cancers. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common pediatric cancer worldwide and NK cells have emerged as crucial targets for developing immunotherapies. However, there are important gaps concerning the phenotype and behavior of NK cells during emergence of ALL. In this study we analyze the phenotype and function of NK cells from peripheral blood in pediatric patients with ALL at diagnosis. Our results showed that NK cells exhibited an altered phenotype highlighted by a significant reduction in the overall expression and percent representation of activating receptors compared to age-matched controls. No significant differences were found for the expression of inhibitory receptors. Moreover, NK cells with a concurrent reduced expression in various activating receptors, was the dominant phenotype among patients. An alteration in the relative frequencies of NK cells expressing NKG2A and CD57 within the mature NK cell pool was also observed. In addition, NK cells from patients displayed a significant reduction in the ability to sustain antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC). Finally, an aberrant expression of activating receptors is associated with the phenomenon of leukemia during childhood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucero Valenzuela-Vázquez
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Juan Carlos Nuñez-Enriquez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jacqueline Sánchez-Herrera
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- Instituto de Investigación en Ciencias Básicas y Aplicadas, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | - Aurora Medina-Sanson
- Servicio de Oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Infantil de México, “Dr. Federico Gómez Sántos”, Secretaria de Salud, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - María Luisa Pérez-Saldivar
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Elva Jiménez-Hernández
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Hospital General “Gaudencio González Garza”, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “La Raza”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jorge Alfonso Martiín-Trejo
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - María de Los Ángeles Del Campo-Martínez
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Hospital General “Gaudencio González Garza”, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “La Raza”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Janet Flores-Lujano
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Raquel Amador-Sánchez
- Hospital General Regional No. 1 “Carlos McGregor Sánchez Navarro”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Félix Gustavo Mora-Ríos
- Departamento de Hematología, Hospital General Regional Ignacio Zaragoza del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - David Aldebarán Duarte-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - José Refugio Torres-Nava
- Servicio de Oncología, Hospital Pediátrico de Moctezuma, Secretaría de Salud de la Ciudad de México (CDMX), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Beatriz Cortés-Herrera
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Hospital General de México, Secretaria de Salud (SS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Luz Victoria Flores-Villegas
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “20 de Noviembre”, Instituto de Seguridad Social al Servicio de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Laura Elizabeth Merino-Pasaye
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “20 de Noviembre”, Instituto de Seguridad Social al Servicio de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Carolina Almeida-Hernández
- Hospital General de Ecatepec “Las Américas”, Instituto de Salud del Estado de México (ISEM), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rosario Ramírez-Colorado
- Hospital Pediátrico La Villa, Secretaría de Salud de la Ciudad de México (SSCDMX), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Karina Anastacia Solís-Labastida
- Servicio de Hematología Pediátrica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco Medrano-López
- Hospital General Regional (HGR) No. 72 “Dr. Vicente Santos Guajardo”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Jessica Arleet Pérez-Gómez
- Hospital General Regional (HGR) No. 72 “Dr. Vicente Santos Guajardo”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Annel Martínez-Ríos
- Departamento de Hematología, Hospital General Regional Ignacio Zaragoza del Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Jessica Denisse Santillán-Juárez
- Servicio de Hemato-oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Regional No. 1° de Octubre, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alma Gurrola-Silva
- Hospital Regional Tipo B de Alta Especialidad Bicentenario de la Independencia, Instituto de Seguridad Social al Servicio de los Trabajadores del Estado, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Jimena García-Velázquez
- Servicio de Hemato-oncología Pediátrica, Hospital Regional No. 1° de Octubre, Instituto de Seguridad y Servicios Sociales de los Trabajadores del Estado (ISSSTE), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Minerva Mata-Rocha
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Epidemiología Clínica, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | - Omar Alejandro Sepúlveda-Robles
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Haydeé Rosas-Vargas
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ismael Mancilla-Herrera
- Departamento de Infectología e Inmunología, Instituto Nacional de Perinatología, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Silvia Jimenez-Morales
- Laboratorio de Genómica del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alfredo Hidalgo-Miranda
- Laboratorio de Genómica del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Ivan Martinez-Duncker
- Centro de Investigación en Dinámica Celular, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
| | | | | | | | - Juan Manuel Mejía-Aranguré
- Unidad de Investigación Médica en Genética Humana, Unidad Médica de Alta Especialidad (UMAE) Hospital de Pediatría, Centro Médico Nacional (CMN) “Siglo XXI”, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social (IMSS), Mexico City, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Genómica del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Medicina Genómica, Mexico City, Mexico
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Juan Manuel Mejía-Aranguré, ; Mario Ernesto Cruz-Munoz,
| | - Mario Ernesto Cruz-Munoz
- Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos, Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico
- *Correspondence: Juan Manuel Mejía-Aranguré, ; Mario Ernesto Cruz-Munoz,
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Murugan D, Murugesan V, Panchapakesan B, Rangasamy L. Nanoparticle Enhancement of Natural Killer (NK) Cell-Based Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14215438. [PMID: 36358857 PMCID: PMC9653801 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14215438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Natural killer cells are a part of the native immune response to cancer. NK cell-based immunotherapies are an emerging strategy to kill tumor cells. This paper reviews the role of NK cells, their mechanism of action for killing tumor cells, and the receptors which could serve as potential targets for signaling. In this review, the role of nanoparticles in NK cell activation and increased cytotoxicity of NK cells against cancer are highlighted. Abstract Natural killer (NK) cells are one of the first lines of defense against infections and malignancies. NK cell-based immunotherapies are emerging as an alternative to T cell-based immunotherapies. Preclinical and clinical studies of NK cell-based immunotherapies have given promising results in the past few decades for hematologic malignancies. Despite these achievements, NK cell-based immunotherapies have limitations, such as limited performance/low therapeutic efficiency in solid tumors, the short lifespan of NK cells, limited specificity of adoptive transfer and genetic modification, NK cell rejection by the patient’s immune system, insignificant infiltration of NK cells into the tumor microenvironment (TME), and the expensive nature of the treatment. Nanotechnology could potentially assist with the activation, proliferation, near-real time imaging, and enhancement of NK cell cytotoxic activity by guiding their function, analyzing their performance in near-real time, and improving immunotherapeutic efficiency. This paper reviews the role of NK cells, their mechanism of action in killing tumor cells, and the receptors which could serve as potential targets for signaling. Specifically, we have reviewed five different areas of nanotechnology that could enhance immunotherapy efficiency: nanoparticle-assisted immunomodulation to enhance NK cell activity, nanoparticles enhancing homing of NK cells, nanoparticle delivery of RNAi to enhance NK cell activity, genetic modulation of NK cells based on nanoparticles, and nanoparticle activation of NKG2D, which is the master regulator of all NK cell responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanashree Murugan
- School of Biosciences & Technology (SBST), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Vasanth Murugesan
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
- School of Advanced Sciences (SAS), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Balaji Panchapakesan
- Small Systems Laboratory, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Worcester, MA 01609, USA
- Correspondence: (B.P.); (L.R.)
| | - Loganathan Rangasamy
- Drug Discovery Unit (DDU), Centre for Biomaterials, Cellular and Molecular Theranostics (CBCMT), Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
- Correspondence: (B.P.); (L.R.)
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24
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Ni Z, Zhang J, Huang C, Xie H, Ge B, Huang Q. Novel insight on predicting prognosis of gastric cancer based on inflammation. Transl Cancer Res 2022; 11:3711-3723. [PMID: 36388039 PMCID: PMC9641120 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-22-1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tumor microenvironment (TME) and inflammation play vital roles in the development and progression of gastric cancer (GC). However, there are no inflammation-related models that can predict the prognosis and immunotherapy response of GC patients. We aimed to establish a prognostic model based on an inflammation-related gene (IRG) signature that can predict poor clinical outcomes in GC. METHODS We searched IRGs in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and identified genes differentially expressed in GC. The model was constructed using univariate Cox and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and validated using Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, principal component analysis (PCA), and t-distribution stochastic neighbor embedding (t-SNE) analysis were performed to evaluate model performance. Independent prognostic factor, immune infiltration, cancer stemness, immunotherapy response analysis and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed for functional evaluation. RESULTS An inflammation-related risk model was established based on 8 genes (F2, LBP, SERPINE1, ADAMTS12, FABP4, PROC, TNFSF18, and CYSLTR1). Risk score significantly correlated with poor outcomes and independently predicted prognosis. It was also associated with immune infiltration and reflected immunotherapy response. CONCLUSIONS We established and validated an inflammation-related prognostic model that predicts immune escape and patient prognosis in GC. Our model is expected to improve clinical outcomes by facilitating clinical decision making and the development of individualized treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhizhan Ni
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiuqiang Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenshen Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huahao Xie
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bujun Ge
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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25
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Huang L, He F, Wu B. Mechanism of effects of nickel or nickel compounds on intestinal mucosal barrier. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 305:135429. [PMID: 35760131 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As an important metal in industry, national defense, and production, nickel widely exists in nature and is also a necessary trace element for human beings and animals. Nickel deficiency will affect the growth and development of animals, the contents of related active substances, enzymes and other essential elements in vivo. However, excessive nickel or longer nickel exposure can induce excessive free radicals (reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen) in the body, which can lead to a variety of cell damage, apoptosis and canceration, and ultimately pose negative effects on the health of the body. Among them, the intestinal tract, as the largest interface between the body and the external environment, greatly increases the contact probability between nickel or nickel compounds and the intestinal mucosal barrier, thus, the intestinal structure and function are also more vulnerable to nickel damage, leading to a series of related diseases such as enteritis. Therefore, this paper briefly analyzed the damage mechanism of nickel or its compounds to the intestinal tract from the perspective of four intestinal mucosal barriers: mechanical barrier, immune barrier, microbial barrier and chemical barrier, we hope to make a certain theoretical contribution to the further research and the prevention and treatment of nickel related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijing Huang
- College of Life Sciences, China West Normal University, Nanchong, PR China
| | - Fang He
- College of Life Sciences, China West Normal University, Nanchong, PR China
| | - Bangyuan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Southwest China Wildlife Resources Conservation, Ministry of Education PR China, Nanchong, PR China; College of Life Sciences, China West Normal University, Nanchong, PR China.
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26
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Talaat IM, Elemam NM, Zaher S, Saber-Ayad M. Checkpoint molecules on infiltrating immune cells in colorectal tumor microenvironment. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:955599. [PMID: 36072957 PMCID: PMC9441912 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.955599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most prevalent cancer types worldwide, with a high mortality rate due to metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) contains multiple interactions between the tumor and the host, thus determining CRC initiation and progression. Various immune cells exist within the TME, such as tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). The immunotherapy approach provides novel opportunities to treat solid tumors, especially toward immune checkpoints. Despite the advances in the immunotherapy of CRC, there are still obstacles to successful treatment. In this review, we highlighted the role of these immune cells in CRC, with a particular emphasis on immune checkpoint molecules involved in CRC pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iman M. Talaat
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Noha M. Elemam
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- *Correspondence: Noha M. Elemam,
| | - Shroque Zaher
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Maha Saber-Ayad
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Sharjah Institute for Medical Research, University of Sharjah, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
- Maha Saber-Ayad,
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Seliger B, Koehl U. Underlying mechanisms of evasion from NK cells as rational for improvement of NK cell-based immunotherapies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:910595. [PMID: 36045670 PMCID: PMC9422402 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.910595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells belong to the family of innate immune cells with the capacity to recognize and kill tumor cells. Different phenotypes and functional properties of NK cells have been described in tumor patients, which could be shaped by the tumor microenvironment. The discovery of HLA class I-specific inhibitory receptors controlling NK cell activity paved the way to the fundamental concept of modulating immune responses that are regulated by an array of inhibitory receptors, and emphasized the importance to explore the potential of NK cells in cancer therapy. Although a whole range of NK cell-based approaches are currently being developed, there are still major challenges that need to be overcome for improved efficacy of these therapies. These include escape of tumor cells from NK cell recognition due to their expression of inhibitory molecules, immune suppressive signals of NK cells, reduced NK cell infiltration of tumors, an immune suppressive micromilieu and limited in vivo persistence of NK cells. Therefore, this review provides an overview about the NK cell biology, alterations of NK cell activities, changes in tumor cells and the tumor microenvironment contributing to immune escape or immune surveillance by NK cells and their underlying molecular mechanisms as well as the current status and novel aspects of NK cell-based therapeutic strategies including their genetic engineering and their combination with conventional treatment options to overcome tumor-mediated evasion strategies and improve therapy efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Seliger
- Institute of Medical Immunology, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg, Halle (Saale), Germany
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- *Correspondence: Barbara Seliger,
| | - Ulrike Koehl
- Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Immunology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
- Institute of Cellular Therapeutics, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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Bai Y, Chen D, Cheng C, Li Z, Chi H, Zhang Y, Zhang X, Tang S, Zhao Q, Ang B, Zhang Y. Immunosuppressive landscape in hepatocellular carcinoma revealed by single-cell sequencing. Front Immunol 2022; 13:950536. [PMID: 35967424 PMCID: PMC9365996 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.950536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), accounting for 75-85% of primary liver cancer cases, is the third leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The purpose of this research was to examine the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in HCC. Methods We investigated the HCC TIME by integrated analysis of single-cell and bulk-tissue sequencing data to reveal the landscape of major immune cell types. Results Regulatory T(Treg) cells were found to be specifically distributed in the TIME of HCC. Several immune checkpoints, including TNFRSF4, TIGIT and CTLA4, were found to be uniquely overexpressed in Treg cells, and the glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway was enriched in Treg cells. We also discovered the presence of two NK-cell subsets with different cytotoxic capacities, one in an activated state with antitumor effects and another with an exhausted status. In addition, memory B cells in HCC were found to exist in a unique state, with high proliferation, low differentiation, and low activity, which was induced by overexpression of PRAP1 and activation of the MIF-CD74 axis. Conclusions We revealed the TIME landscape in HCC, highlighting the heterogeneity of major immune cell types and their potential mechanisms in the formation of an immunosuppressive environment. Hence, blocking the formation of the TIME could be a useful therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Bai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Dapeng Chen
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chuanliang Cheng
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongmin Li
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hao Chi
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuliang Zhang
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shaohai Tang
- Tianjin First Central Hospital Clinic Institute, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Qiang Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Bing Ang
- Oncology Department, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yamin Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Tianjin First Central Hospital, School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
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del Rio ML, Perez-Simon JA, Rodriguez-Barbosa JI. Differential Engraftment of Parental A20 PD-L1 WT and PD-L1 KO Leukemia Cells in Semiallogeneic Recipients in the Context of PD-L1/PD-1 Interaction and NK Cell-Mediated Hybrid Resistance. Front Immunol 2022; 13:887348. [PMID: 35795681 PMCID: PMC9251058 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.887348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The contribution of natural killer (NK) cells to tumor rejection in the context of programmed death-ligand 1/programmed death 1 (PD-L1/PD-1) blockade is a matter of intense debate. To elucidate the role of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells and the functional consequences of engaging PD-1 receptor on cytotoxic cells, PD-L1 expression was genetically inactivated and WT or PD-L1-deficient parental tumor cells were adoptively transferred intravenously into F1 recipients. The engraftment of PD-L1-deficient A20 tumor cells in the spleen and liver of F1 recipients was impaired compared with A20 PD-L1 WT tumor counterparts. To elucidate the mechanism responsible for this differential tumor engraftment and determine the relevance of the role of the PD-L1/PD-1 pathway in the interplay of tumor cells/NK cells, a short-term competitive tumor implantation assay in the peritoneal cavity of semiallogeneic F1 recipients was designed. The results presented herein showed that NK cells killed target tumor cells with similar efficiency regardless of PD-L1 expression, whereas PD-L1 expression on A20 tumor cells conferred significant tumor protection against rejection by CD8 T cells confirming the role of the co-inhibitory receptor PD-1 in the modulation of their cytotoxic activity. In summary, PD-L1 expression on A20 leukemia tumor cells modulates CD8 T-cell-mediated responses to tumor-specific antigens but does not contribute to inhibit NK cell-mediated hybrid resistance, which correlates with the inability to detect PD-1 expression on NK cells neither under steady-state conditions nor under inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Luisa del Rio
- Transplantation Immunobiology and Immunotherapy Section, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
- CIBERONC Consortium, Accion Estrategica en Salud, Spain
| | - Jose-Antonio Perez-Simon
- CIBERONC Consortium, Accion Estrategica en Salud, Spain
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Virgen del Rocio/Institute of Biomedicine [Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS)/Centro Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC)/Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC)], Seville, Spain
| | - Jose-Ignacio Rodriguez-Barbosa
- Transplantation Immunobiology and Immunotherapy Section, Institute of Molecular Biology, University of Leon, Leon, Spain
- CIBERONC Consortium, Accion Estrategica en Salud, Spain
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Chu J, Gao F, Yan M, Zhao S, Yan Z, Shi B, Liu Y. Natural killer cells: a promising immunotherapy for cancer. J Transl Med 2022; 20:240. [PMID: 35606854 PMCID: PMC9125849 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03437-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a promising alternative platform for cellular immunotherapy, natural killer cells (NK) have recently gained attention as an important type of innate immune regulatory cell. NK cells can rapidly kill multiple adjacent cancer cells through non-MHC-restrictive effects. Although tumors may develop multiple resistance mechanisms to endogenous NK cell attack, in vitro activation, expansion, and genetic modification of NK cells can greatly enhance their anti-tumor activity and give them the ability to overcome drug resistance. Some of these approaches have been translated into clinical applications, and clinical trials of NK cell infusion in patients with hematological malignancies and solid tumors have thus far yielded many encouraging clinical results. CAR-T cells have exhibited great success in treating hematological malignancies, but their drawbacks include high manufacturing costs and potentially fatal toxicity, such as cytokine release syndrome. To overcome these issues, CAR-NK cells were generated through genetic engineering and demonstrated significant clinical responses and lower adverse effects compared with CAR-T cell therapy. In this review, we summarize recent advances in NK cell immunotherapy, focusing on NK cell biology and function, the types of NK cell therapy, and clinical trials and future perspectives on NK cell therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junfeng Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Fengcai Gao
- Department of Hematology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, Henan, China
| | - Meimei Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Zheng Yan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China
| | - Bian Shi
- Department of Chinese and Western Medicine, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
| | - Yanyan Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450008, Henan, China.
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Dunai C, Ames E, Ochoa MC, Fernandez-Sendin M, Melero I, Simonetta F, Baker J, Alvarez M. Killers on the loose: Immunotherapeutic strategies to improve NK cell-based therapy for cancer treatment. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2022; 370:65-122. [PMID: 35798507 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2022.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that control tumor progression by not only directly killing cancer cells, but also by regulating other immune cells, helping to orchestrate a coordinated anti-tumor response. However, despite the tremendous potential that this cell type has, the clinical results obtained from diverse NK cell-based immunotherapeutic strategies have been, until recent years, rather modest. The intrinsic regulatory mechanisms that are involved in the control of their activation as well as the multiple mechanisms that tumor cells have developed to escape NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity likely account for the unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. The current approaches to improve long-term NK cell function are centered on modulating different molecules involved in both the activation and inhibition of NK cells, and the latest data seems to advocate for combining strategies that target multiple aspects of NK cell regulation. In this review, we summarize the different strategies (such as engineered NK cells, CAR-NK, NK cell immune engagers) that are currently being used to take advantage of this potent and complex immune cell.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cordelia Dunai
- Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Erik Ames
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maria C Ochoa
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Myriam Fernandez-Sendin
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain
| | - Ignacio Melero
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain; Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Clínica Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Federico Simonetta
- Division of Hematology, Department of Oncology, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland; Translational Research Centre in Onco-Haematology, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Pathology and Immunology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Jeanette Baker
- Blood and Marrow Transplantation, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Maite Alvarez
- Program for Immunology and Immunotherapy, CIMA, Universidad de Navarra, Pamplona, Spain; Navarra Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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Liu K, Cui JJ, Zhan Y, Ouyang QY, Lu QS, Yang DH, Li XP, Yin JY. Reprogramming the tumor microenvironment by genome editing for precision cancer therapy. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:98. [PMID: 35410257 PMCID: PMC8996591 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01561-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is essential for immune escape by tumor cells. It plays essential roles in tumor development and metastasis. The clinical outcomes of tumors are often closely related to individual differences in the patient TME. Therefore, reprogramming TME cells and their intercellular communication is an attractive and promising strategy for cancer therapy. TME cells consist of immune and nonimmune cells. These cells need to be manipulated precisely and safely to improve cancer therapy. Furthermore, it is encouraging that this field has rapidly developed in recent years with the advent and development of gene editing technologies. In this review, we briefly introduce gene editing technologies and systematically summarize their applications in the TME for precision cancer therapy, including the reprogramming of TME cells and their intercellular communication. TME cell reprogramming can regulate cell differentiation, proliferation, and function. Moreover, reprogramming the intercellular communication of TME cells can optimize immune infiltration and the specific recognition of tumor cells by immune cells. Thus, gene editing will pave the way for further breakthroughs in precision cancer therapy.
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Xia Q, Jia J, Hu C, Lu J, Li J, Xu H, Fang J, Feng D, Wang L, Chen Y. Tumor-associated macrophages promote PD-L1 expression in tumor cells by regulating PKM2 nuclear translocation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Oncogene 2022; 41:865-877. [PMID: 34862460 PMCID: PMC8816727 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-02133-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
In many types of cancer, tumor cells prefer to use glycolysis as a major energy acquisition method. Here, we found that the 18fluoro-deoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT)-based markers were positively associated with the expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2), both of which indicate poor prognosis in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). However, the regulatory mechanism of PD-L1 remains elusive. In this study, we confirmed that transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) secreted by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) was a key factor contributing to the expression of PD-L1 in PDAC cells by inducing the nuclear translocation of PKM2. Using co-immunoprecipitation and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays, we demonstrated that the interaction between PKM2 and signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1) was enhanced by TGF-β1 stimulation, which facilitated the transactivation of PD-L1 by the binding of PKM2 and STAT1 to its promoter. In vivo, PKM2 knockdown decreased PD-L1 expression in PDAC cells and inhibited tumor growth partly by promoting natural killer cell activation and function, and the combination of PD-1/PD-L1 blockade with PKM2 knockdown limited tumor growth. In conclusion, PKM2 significantly contributes to TAM-induced PD-L1 overexpression and immunosuppression, providing a novel target for immunotherapies for PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Xia
- Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jing Jia
- Medical Center for Digestive Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 210011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chupeng Hu
- Research Center for Clinical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210018, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinying Lu
- Research Center for Clinical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210018, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiajin Li
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Haiyan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Jianchen Fang
- Department of Pathology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China
| | - Dongju Feng
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liwei Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Department of Oncology, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, 200127, China.
| | - Yun Chen
- Research Center for Clinical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210018, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Immunology, Key Laboratory of Human Functional Genomics of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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Huang Y, Li S, Huang S, Tu J, Chen X, Xiao L, Liu B, Yuan X. Comprehensive and Integrative Analysis of Two Novel SARS-CoV-2 Entry Associated Proteases CTSB and CTSL in Healthy Individuals and Cancer Patients. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:780751. [PMID: 35155389 PMCID: PMC8826559 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.780751] [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: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
More than 200 million people have been infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and 4 million deaths have been reported worldwide to date. Cathepsin B/cathepsin L (CTSB/L) are SARS-CoV-2 entry–associated proteases and facilitate SARS-CoV-2 to infect host cells. However, the expressions of CTSB/L in healthy individuals and cancer patients remain not fully elucidated yet. Here, we comprehensively profiled the expressions and distributions of CTSB/L in human normal tissues, cancer tissues, and cell lines. Moreover, we compared CTSB/L expressions between various cancers and matched normal tissues, and investigated their genetic alteration and prognostic values in pan-cancer. Finally, we also explored the correlation between CTSB/L expressions and immune infiltration. We found that CTSB was highly expressed in most tissues, and CTSL was highly expressed predominantly in the digestive, urinary, and respiratory systems, such as the lungs, liver and gallbladder, and kidney tissues in the translational level. Moreover, cancer patients may be more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection. Our data suggested that CTSB/L are overexpressed in aerodigestive and genitourinary cancers when compared with that in matched normal tissues, and their expressions were closely related to the prognosis of some cancer types. Interestingly, CTSB/L expressions were significantly correlated with immune cell infiltration in manifold cancer tissues and their corresponding normal tissues. In conclusion, our study shows a comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of two important SARS-CoV-2 entry–related proteases, which could provide a potential indication on prevention of SARS-CoV-2 infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Bo Liu
- *Correspondence: Xianglin Yuan, ; Bo Liu,
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Shao L, Yu X, Han Q, Zhang X, Lu N, Zhang C. Enhancing anti-tumor efficacy and immune memory by combining 3p-GPC-3 siRNA treatment with PD-1 blockade in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2010894. [PMID: 36524206 PMCID: PMC9746623 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2021.2010894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is associated with a high mortality rate and presents a major challenge for human health. Activation of multiple oncogenes has been reported to be strongly associated with the progression of HCC. Moreover, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and the host immune system are also implicated in the development of malignant HCC tumors. Glypican-3 (GPC-3), a proteoglycan involved in the regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis, is aberrantly expressed in HCC. We synthesized a short 5'-triphosphate (3p) RNA targeting GPC-3, 3p-GPC-3 siRNA, and found that it effectively inhibited subcutaneous HCC growth by raising type I IFN levels in tumor cells and serum and promoting tumor cell apoptosis. Moreover, 3p-GPC-3 siRNA was able to enhance the activation of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, and natural killer (NK) cells while reducing the proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the TME. Most intriguingly, a blocking anti-PD-1 antibody improved the anti-tumor effect of 3p-GPC-3 siRNA, predominantly by activating the immune response, reversing immune exhaustion, and improving immune memory. Our study suggests that the combination of 3p-GPC-3 siRNA administration and PD-1 blockade may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Shao
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,College of Life Sciences, Ludong University, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Qiuju Han
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xinke Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nan Lu
- Institute of Diagnostics, School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Cai Zhang
- Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China,CONTACT Cai Zhang , Institute of Immunopharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250012Shandong, China
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Khawar MB, Sun H. CAR-NK Cells: From Natural Basis to Design for Kill. Front Immunol 2022; 12:707542. [PMID: 34970253 PMCID: PMC8712563 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.707542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are fusion proteins with an extracellular antigen recognition domain and numerous intracellular signaling domains that have been genetically modified. CAR-engineered T lymphocyte-based therapies have shown great success against blood cancers; however, potential fatal toxicity, such as in cytokine release syndrome, and high costs are some shortcomings that limit the clinical application of CAR-engineered T lymphocytes and remain to overcome. Natural killer (NK) cells are the focal point of current immunological research owing to their receptors that prove to be promising immunotherapeutic candidates for treating cancer. However, to date, manipulation of NK cells to treat malignancies has been moderately successful. Recent progress in the biology of NK cell receptors has greatly transformed our understanding of how NK cells recognize and kill tumor and infected cells. CAR-NK cells may serve as an alternative candidate for retargeting cancer because of their unique recognition mechanisms, powerful cytotoxic effects especially on cancer cells in both CAR-dependent and CAR-independent manners and clinical safety. Moreover, NK cells can serve as an ‘off-the-shelf product’ because NK cells from allogeneic sources can also be used in immunotherapies owing to their reduced risk of alloreactivity. Although ongoing fundamental research is in the beginning stages, this review provides an overview of recent developments implemented to design CAR constructs to stimulate NK activation and manipulate NK receptors for improving the efficiency of immunotherapy against cancer, summarizes the preclinical and clinical advances of CAR-NK cells against both hematological malignancies and solid tumors and confronts current challenges and obstacles of their applications. In addition, this review provides insights into prospective novel approaches that further enhance the efficiency of CAR-NK therapies and highlights potential questions that require to be addressed in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Babar Khawar
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China.,Molecular Medicine and Cancer Therapeutics Lab, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.,Laboratory of Molecular Biology & Genomics, Department of Zoology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Haibo Sun
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Experimental & Translational Non-coding RNA Research Yangzhou, Yangzhou, China
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Anti-PD-1 therapy activates tumoricidic properties of NKT cells and contributes to the overall deceleration of tumor progression in a model of murine mammary carcinoma. VOJNOSANIT PREGL 2022. [DOI: 10.2298/vsp210126039j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aim. Immune checkpoint therapy is a well-established therapeutic approach in the treatment of malignant diseases and is thought to be mostly based on facilitating the adaptive immune response. However, the cells of the innate immune response, such as natural killer T (NKT) cells, might also be important for a successful anti-programmed cell death protein-1 (anti-PD-1) therapy, as they initiate the antitumor immune response. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of anti-PD-1 therapy on the immune response against tumors. Methods. For tumor induction, 4T1 cells synergic to BALB/c back-ground were used, after which mice underwent anti-PD-1 treatment. After the mice were sacrificed, NKT cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and macrophages derived from spleen and primary tumor tissue were analyzed using flow cytometry. Results. Anti-PD-1 therapy enhanced the expression of activating molecules CD69, NKp46, and NKG2D in NKT cells of the tumor and spleen. This therapy activated NKT cells directly and indirectly via DCs. Activated NKT cells acquired tumoricidic properties directly, by secreting perforin, and indirectly by stimulating M1 macrophages polarization. Conclusion. Anti-PD-1 therapy activates changes in DCs and macrophages of primary tumor tissue towards protumoricidic activity. Since anti-PD-1 therapy induces significant changes in NKT cells, DCs, and macrophages, the efficacy of the overall antitumor response is increased and has significantly decelerated tumor growth.
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Kim MJ, Ha SJ. Differential Role of PD-1 Expressed by Various Immune and Tumor Cells in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment: Expression, Function, Therapeutic Efficacy, and Resistance to Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:767466. [PMID: 34901012 PMCID: PMC8662983 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.767466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME), tumor cells interact with various cells and operate various strategies to avoid antitumor immune responses. These immune escape strategies often make the TIME resistant to cancer immunotherapy. Neutralizing immune escape strategies is necessary to overcome resistance to cancer immunotherapy. Immune checkpoint receptors (ICRs) expressed in effector immune cells inhibit their effector function via direct interaction with immune checkpoint ligands (ICLs) expressed in tumor cells. Therefore, blocking ICRs or ICLs has been developed as a promising cancer immunotherapy by reinvigorating the function of effector immune cells. Among the ICRs, programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) has mainly been antagonized to enhance the survival of human patients with cancer by restoring the function of tumor-infiltrating (TI) CD8+ T cells. It has been demonstrated that PD-1 is expressed not only in TI CD8+ T cells, but also in other TI immune cells and even tumor cells. While PD-1 suppresses the function of TI CD8+ T cells, it is controversial whether PD-1 suppresses or amplifies the suppressive function of TI-suppressive immune cells (e.g., regulatory T cells, tumor-associated macrophages, and myeloid cells). There is also controversy regarding the role of tumor-expressing PD-1. Therefore, a precise understanding of the expression pattern and function of PD-1 in each cell subset is important for improving the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we review the differential role of PD-1 expressed by various TI immune cells and tumor cells. We focused on how cell-type-specific ablation or blockade of PD-1 affects tumor growth in a murine tumor model. Furthermore, we will also describe how the blockade of PD-1 acts on TI immune cells in human patients with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myeong Joon Kim
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Brain Korea 21 (BK21) FOUR Program, Yonsei Education & Research Center for Biosystems, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sang-Jun Ha
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Life Science and Biotechnology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea.,Brain Korea 21 (BK21) FOUR Program, Yonsei Education & Research Center for Biosystems, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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Makowska A, Lelabi N, Nothbaum C, Shen L, Busson P, Tran TTB, Eble M, Kontny U. Radiotherapy Combined with PD-1 Inhibition Increases NK Cell Cytotoxicity towards Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Cells. Cells 2021; 10:2458. [PMID: 34572108 PMCID: PMC8470143 DOI: 10.3390/cells10092458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) in endemic regions and younger patients is characterized by a prominent lymphomononuclear infiltration. Radiation is the principal therapeutic modality for patients with NPC. Recent data suggest that the efficacy of radiotherapy in various cancers can be augmented when combined with immune checkpoint blockade. Here, we investigate the effect of radiotherapy on the killing of NPC cells by Natural Killer (NK) cells. METHODS NPC cell lines and a patient-derived xenograft were exposed to NK cells in the context of radiotherapy. Cytotoxicity was measured using the calcein-release assay. The contribution of the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint and signaling pathways to killing were analyzed using specific inhibitors. RESULTS Radiotherapy sensitized NPC cells to NK cell killing and upregulated expression of PD-1 ligand (PD-L1) in NPC cells and PD-1 receptor (PD-1) in NK cells. Blocking of the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint further increased the killing of NPC cells by NK cells in the context of radiotherapy. CONCLUSION Radiation boosts the killing of NPC cells by NK cells. Killing can be further augmented by blockade of the PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint. The combination of radiotherapy with PD-L1/PD-1 checkpoint blockade could therefore increase the efficacy of radiotherapy in NPC tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Makowska
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Nora Lelabi
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Christina Nothbaum
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Lian Shen
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
| | - Pierre Busson
- CNRS UMR 8126, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France; (P.B.); (T.T.B.T.)
| | - Tram Thi Bao Tran
- CNRS UMR 8126, Gustave Roussy, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, 94805 Villejuif, France; (P.B.); (T.T.B.T.)
| | - Michael Eble
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany;
| | - Udo Kontny
- Division of Pediatric Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Medical Faculty, Rhenish-Westphalian Technical University, 52074 Aachen, Germany; (A.M.); (N.L.); (C.N.); (L.S.)
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40
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Abramson HN. Immunotherapy of Multiple Myeloma: Promise and Challenges. Immunotargets Ther 2021; 10:343-371. [PMID: 34527606 PMCID: PMC8437262 DOI: 10.2147/itt.s306103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Whereas the treatment of MM was dependent solely on alkylating agents and corticosteroids during the prior three decades, the landscape of therapeutic measures to treat the disease began to expand enormously early in the current century. The introduction of new classes of small-molecule drugs, such as proteasome blockers (bortezomib and carfilzomib), immunomodulators (lenalidomide and pomalidomide), nuclear export inhibitors (selinexor), and histone deacetylase blockers (panobinostat), as well as the application of autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT), resulted in a seismic shift in how the disease is treated. The picture changed dramatically once again starting with the 2015 FDA approval of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) - the anti-CD38 daratumumab and the anti-SLAMF7 elotuzumab. Daratumumab, in particular, has had a great impact on MM therapy and today is often included in various regimens to treat the disease, both in newly diagnosed cases and in the relapse/refractory setting. Recently, other immunotherapies have been added to the arsenal of drugs available to fight this malignancy. These include isatuximab (also anti-CD38) and, in the past year, the antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) belantamab mafodotin and the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell product idecabtagene vicleucel (ide-cel). While the accumulated benefits of these newer agents have resulted in a doubling of the disease's five-year survival rate to more than 5 years and improved quality of life, the disease remains incurable. Almost without exception patients experience relapse and/or become refractory to the drugs used, making the search for innovative therapies all the more essential. This review covers the current scope of anti-myeloma immunotherapeutic agents, both those in clinical use and on the horizon, including naked mAbs, ADCs, bi- and multi-targeted mAbs, and CAR T-cells. Emphasis is placed on the benefits of each along with the challenges that need to be overcome if MM is to be considered curable in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanley N Abramson
- Wayne State University, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA
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41
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Cox A, Cevik H, Feldman HA, Canaday LM, Lakes N, Waggoner SN. Targeting natural killer cells to enhance vaccine responses. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2021; 42:789-801. [PMID: 34311992 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2021.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vaccination serves as a cornerstone of global health. Successful prevention of infection or disease by vaccines is achieved through elicitation of pathogen-specific antibodies and long-lived memory T cells. However, several microbial threats to human health have proven refractory to past vaccine efforts. These shortcomings have been attributed to either inefficient triggering of memory T and B cell responses or to the unfulfilled need to stimulate non-conventional forms of immunological memory. Natural killer (NK) cells have recently emerged as both key regulators of vaccine-elicited T and B cell responses and as memory cells that contribute to pathogen control. We discuss potential methods to modulate these functions of NK cells to enhance vaccine success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Cox
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Hilal Cevik
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - H Alex Feldman
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Laura M Canaday
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Nora Lakes
- Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Stephen N Waggoner
- Center for Autoimmune Genomics and Etiology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Molecular and Developmental Biology Graduate Program, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Immunology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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Angiogenic Properties of NK Cells in Cancer and Other Angiogenesis-Dependent Diseases. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071621. [PMID: 34209508 PMCID: PMC8303392 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of many serious diseases, including cancer, is closely related to disturbances in the angiogenesis process. Angiogenesis is essential for the progression of tumor growth and metastasis. The tumor microenvironment (TME) has immunosuppressive properties, which contribute to tumor expansion and angiogenesis. Similarly, the uterine microenvironment (UME) exerts a tolerogenic (immunosuppressive) and proangiogenic effect on its cells, promoting implantation and development of the embryo and placenta. In the TME and UME natural killer (NK) cells, which otherwise are capable of killing target cells autonomously, enter a state of reduced cytotoxicity or anergy. Both TME and UME are rich with factors (e.g., TGF-β, glycodelin, hypoxia), which support a conversion of NK cells to the low/non-cytotoxic, proangiogenic CD56brightCD16low phenotype. It is plausible that the phenomenon of acquiring proangiogenic and low cytotoxic features by NK cells is not only limited to cancer but is a common feature of different angiogenesis-dependent diseases (ADDs). In this review, we will discuss the role of NK cells in angiogenesis disturbances associated with cancer and other selected ADDs. Expanding the knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for angiogenesis and its disorders contributes to a better understanding of ADDs and may have therapeutic implications.
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43
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Marofi F, Al-Awad AS, Sulaiman Rahman H, Markov A, Abdelbasset WK, Ivanovna Enina Y, Mahmoodi M, Hassanzadeh A, Yazdanifar M, Stanley Chartrand M, Jarahian M. CAR-NK Cell: A New Paradigm in Tumor Immunotherapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:673276. [PMID: 34178661 PMCID: PMC8223062 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.673276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is greatly multifaceted and immune escape is an imperative attribute of tumors fostering tumor progression and metastasis. Based on reports, the restricted achievement attained by T cell immunotherapy reflects the prominence of emerging other innovative immunotherapeutics, in particular, natural killer (NK) cells-based treatments. Human NK cells act as the foremost innate immune effector cells against tumors and are vastly heterogeneous in the TME. Currently, there exists a rapidly evolving interest in the progress of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered NK cells for tumor immunotherapy. CAR-NK cells superiorities over CAR-T cells in terms of better safety (e.g., absence or minimal cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), engaging various mechanisms for stimulating cytotoxic function, and high feasibility for 'off-the-shelf' manufacturing. These effector cells could be modified to target various antigens, improve proliferation and persistence in vivo, upturn infiltration into tumors, and defeat resistant TME, which in turn, result in a desired anti-tumor response. More importantly, CAR-NK cells represent antigen receptors against tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), thereby redirecting the effector NK cells and supporting tumor-related immunosurveillance. In the current review, we focus on recent progress in the therapeutic competence of CAR-NK cells in solid tumors and offer a concise summary of the present hurdles affecting therapeutic outcomes of CAR-NK cell-based tumor immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faroogh Marofi
- Immunology Research Center (IRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Heshu Sulaiman Rahman
- College of Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Komar University of Science and Technology, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Alexander Markov
- Tyumen State Medical University, Tyumen, Russia
- Tyumen Industrial University, Tyumen, Russia
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Mahnaz Mahmoodi
- Department of Biology, School of Basic Science, Science and Research Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Hassanzadeh
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahboubeh Yazdanifar
- Stem Cell Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, United States
| | | | - Mostafa Jarahian
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit (G401), Heidelberg, Germany
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Jacobs B, Gebel V, Heger L, Grèze V, Schild H, Dudziak D, Ullrich E. Characterization and Manipulation of the Crosstalk Between Dendritic and Natural Killer Cells Within the Tumor Microenvironment. Front Immunol 2021; 12:670540. [PMID: 34054844 PMCID: PMC8160470 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.670540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular therapy has entered the daily clinical life with the approval of CAR T cell therapeutics and dendritic cell (DCs) vaccines in the US and the EU. In addition, numerous other adoptive cellular products, including natural killer (NK) cells, are currently evaluated in early phase I/ II clinical trials for the treatment of cancer patients. Despite these promising accomplishments, various challenges remain to be mastered in order to ensure sustained therapeutic success. These include the identification of strategies by which tumor cells escape the immune system or establish an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). As part of the innate immune system, DCs and NK cells are both present within the TME of various tumor entities. While NK cells are well known for their intrinsic anti-tumor activity by their cytotoxicity capacities and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines, the role of DCs within the TME is a double-edged sword as different DC subsets have been described with either tumor-promoting or -inhibiting characteristics. In this review, we will discuss recent findings on the interaction of DCs and NK cells under physiological conditions and within the TME. One focus is the crosstalk of various DC subsets with NK cells and their impact on the progression or inhibition of tumor growth. In addition, we will provide suggestions to overcome the immunosuppressive outcome of the interaction of DCs and NK cells within the TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Jacobs
- Department of Internal Medicine 5, Haematology and Oncology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Veronika Gebel
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Lukas Heger
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Victoria Grèze
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Hansjörg Schild
- Institute of Immunology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Research Centre for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Diana Dudziak
- Department of Dermatology, Laboratory of Dendritic Cell Biology, University Hospital Erlangen and Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Evelyn Ullrich
- Children's Hospital, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany.,Experimental Immunology, Goethe University Frankfurt , Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
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Xia M, Wang B, Wang Z, Zhang X, Wang X. Epigenetic Regulation of NK Cell-Mediated Antitumor Immunity. Front Immunol 2021; 12:672328. [PMID: 34017344 PMCID: PMC8129532 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.672328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical innate lymphocytes that can directly kill target cells without prior immunization. NK cell activation is controlled by the balance of multiple germline-encoded activating and inhibitory receptors. NK cells are a heterogeneous and plastic population displaying a broad spectrum of functional states (resting, activating, memory, repressed, and exhausted). In this review, we present an overview of the epigenetic regulation of NK cell-mediated antitumor immunity, including DNA methylation, histone modification, transcription factor changes, and microRNA expression. NK cell-based immunotherapy has been recognized as a promising strategy to treat cancer. Since epigenetic alterations are reversible and druggable, these studies will help identify new ways to enhance NK cell-mediated antitumor cytotoxicity by targeting intrinsic epigenetic regulators alone or in combination with other strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaoran Xia
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zihan Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xulong Zhang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory for Cancer Invasion and Metastasis Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Oncology, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Long S, Gu Y, An Y, Lin X, Chen X, Wang X, Liao C, Ouyang W, Wang N, He Z, Zhao X. Reovirus enhances cytotoxicity of natural killer cells against colorectal cancer via TLR3 pathway. J Transl Med 2021; 19:185. [PMID: 33933132 PMCID: PMC8088708 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-021-02853-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cetuximab has been approved for use for first-line treatment of patients with wild-type KRAS metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC). However, treatment with cetuximab has shown limited efficacy as a CRC monotherapy. In addition, natural killer (NK) cell function is known to be severely attenuated in cancer patients. The goal of this study was to develop a new strategy to enhance antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by NK cells, in combination with cetuximab against CRC cells. Methods Ex vivo expanded NK cells were stimulated with reovirus, and reovirus-activated NK cells mediated ADCC assay were performed on CRC cells in combination with cetuximab. The synergistic antitumor effects of reovirus-activated NK cells and cetuximab were tested on DLD-1 tumor-bearing mice. Finally, Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) knockdown in NK cells, along with chemical blockade of TLR3/dsRNA complex, and inhibition of the TLR3 downstream signaling pathway, were performed to explore the mechanisms by which reovirus enhances NK cell cytotoxicity. Results We first confirmed that exposure of NK cells to reovirus enhanced their cytotoxicity in a dose-dependent manner.We then investigated whether reovirus-activated NK cells exposed to cetuximab-bound CRC cells exhibited greater anti-tumor efficacy than either monotherapy. Co-culture of CRC cell lines with reovirus-activated NK cells indicated that NK cytotoxicity was significantly higher in combination with cetuximab, regardless of KRAS mutation status or EGFR expression level. We also found that reovirus activation of NK cells, in conjunction with cetuximab, resulted in significantly stronger anti-tumor efficacy.Finally, TLR3 knockdown, inhibition of TLR3/dsRNA complex or TBK1/IKKε demonstrated that activation of NK cells by reovirus was dependent on TLR3 and its downstream signaling pathway. Conclusions This study demonstrated that combination treatment of reovirus-activated NK cells with cetuximab synergistically enhances their anti-tumor cytotoxicity, suggesting a strong candidate strategy for clinical treatment of CRC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12967-021-02853-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Long
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Yangzhuo Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yuanyuan An
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Xiaojin Lin
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Xiaoqing Chen
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Xianyao Wang
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Chunxiang Liao
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Weiwei Ouyang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University and Guizhou Cancer Hospital, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Nianxue Wang
- Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Guiyang, 550004, China
| | - Zhixu He
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, Guizhou, China
| | - Xing Zhao
- Center for Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering Research/School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, Guizhou, China. .,Key Laboratory of Adult Stem Cell Transformation Research, Guiyang, 550004, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Natural Killer-Dendritic Cell Interactions in Liver Cancer: Implications for Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092184. [PMID: 34062821 PMCID: PMC8124166 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The reciprocal crosstalk between dendritic cells (DCs) and natural killer (NK) cells plays a pivotal role in regulating immune defense against viruses and tumors. The Th-cell polarizing ability, cytokine-producing capacity, chemokine expression, and migration of DCs are regulated by activated NK cells. Conversely, the effector functions including lysis and cytokine production, proliferation, and migration of NK cells are influenced by close interactions with activated DCs. In this review, we explore the impact of DC–NK cell crosstalk and its therapeutic potential in immune control of liver malignances. Abstract Natural killer (NK) and dendritic cells (DCs) are innate immune cells that play a crucial role in anti-tumor immunity. NK cells kill tumor cells through direct cytotoxicity and cytokine secretion. DCs are needed for the activation of adaptive immune responses against tumor cells. Both NK cells and DCs are subdivided in several subsets endowed with specialized effector functions. Crosstalk between NK cells and DCs leads to the reciprocal control of their activation and polarization of immune responses. In this review, we describe the role of NK cells and DCs in liver cancer, focusing on the mechanisms involved in their reciprocal control and activation. In this context, intrahepatic NK cells and DCs present unique immunological features, due to the constant exposure to non-self-circulating antigens. These interactions might play a fundamental role in the pathology of primary liver cancer, namely hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Additionally, the implications of these immune changes are relevant from the perspective of improving the cancer immunotherapy strategies in HCC and ICC patients.
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48
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Dondero A, Morini M, Cangelosi D, Mazzocco K, Serra M, Spaggiari GM, Rotta G, Tondo A, Locatelli F, Castellano A, Scuderi F, Sementa AR, Eva A, Conte M, Garaventa A, Bottino C, Castriconi R. Multiparametric flow cytometry highlights B7-H3 as a novel diagnostic/therapeutic target in GD2neg/low neuroblastoma variants. J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2020-002293. [PMID: 33795387 PMCID: PMC8021887 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-002293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NBs) are rare, aggressive pediatric cancers characterized by resistance to therapy and relapse in more than 30% of cases, despite using an aggressive therapeutic protocol including targeting of GD2. The mechanisms responsible for therapy resistance are unclear and might include the presence of GD2neg/low NB variants and/or the expression of immune checkpoint ligands such as B7-H3. Method Here, we describe a multiparametric flow cytometry (MFC) combining the acquisition of 106 nucleated singlets, Syto16pos CD45neg CD56pos cells, and the analysis of GD2 and B7-H3 surface expression. 41 bone marrow (BM) aspirates from 25 patients with NB, at the onset or relapse, are analyzed, comparing results with cytomorphological analysis (CA) and/or immunohistochemistry (IHC). Spike in experiments assesses the sensitivity of MFC. Kaplan-Meier analysis on 498 primary NBs selects novel prognostic markers possibly integrating the MFC panel. Results No false positive are detected, and MFC shows high sensitivity (0.0005%). Optimized MFC identifies CD45negCD56pos NB cells in 11 out of 12 (91.6%) of BM indicated as infiltrated by CA, 7 of which coexpress high levels of GD2 and B7-H3. MFC detects CD45negCD56posGD2neg/low NB variants expressing high surface levels of B7-H3 in two patients with HR-NB (stage M) diagnosed at 53 and 139 months of age. One of them has a non-MYCN amplified tumor with unusual THpos PHOX2Bneg phenotype, which relapsed 141 months post-diagnosis with BM infiltration and a humerus lesion. All GD2neg/low NB variants are detected in patients at relapse. Kaplan-Meier analysis highlights an interesting dichotomous prognostic value of MML5, ULBPs, PVR, B7-H6, and CD47, ligands involved in NB recognition by the immune system. Conclusions Our study validates a sensitive MFC analysis providing information on GD2 and B7-H3 surface expression and allowing fast, specific and sensitive evaluation of BM tumor burden. With other routinely used diagnostic and prognostic tools, MFC can improve diagnosis, prognosis, orienting novel personalized treatments in patients with GD2low/neg NB, who might benefit from innovative therapies combining B7-H3 targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Dondero
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Davide Cangelosi
- Clinical Bioinformatic, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Katia Mazzocco
- UOC Anatomia Patologica, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Martina Serra
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Annalisa Tondo
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children's University Hospital, Firenze, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | - Aurora Castellano
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bambino Gesu Pediatric Hospital, Roma, Italy
| | | | | | - Alessandra Eva
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Massimo Conte
- UOC Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy .,Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genova, Italy
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Marofi F, Rahman HS, Thangavelu L, Dorofeev A, Bayas-Morejón F, Shirafkan N, Shomali N, Chartrand MS, Jarahian M, Vahedi G, Mohammed RN, Shahrokh S, Akbari M, Khiavi FM. Renaissance of armored immune effector cells, CAR-NK cells, brings the higher hope for successful cancer therapy. Stem Cell Res Ther 2021; 12:200. [PMID: 33752707 PMCID: PMC7983395 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-021-02251-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent decades, a new method of cellular immunotherapy was introduced based on engineering and empowering the immune effector cells. In this type of immunotherapy, the immune effector cells are equipped with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) to specifically target cancer cells. In much of the trials and experiments, CAR-modified T cell immunotherapy has achieved very promising therapeutic results in the treatment of some types of cancers and infectious diseases. However, there are also some considerable drawbacks in the clinical application of CAR-T cells although much effort is in progress to rectify the issues. In some conditions, CAR-T cells initiate over-activated and strong immune responses, therefore, causing unexpected side-effects such as systemic cytokine toxicity (i.e., cytokine release syndrome), neurotoxicity, on-target, off-tumor toxicity, and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). To overcome these limitations in CAR-T cell immunotherapy, NK cells as an alternative source of immune effector cells have been utilized for CAR-engineering. Natural killer cells are key players of the innate immune system that can destroy virus-infected cells, tumor cells, or other aberrant cells with their efficient recognizing capability. Compared to T cells, CAR-transduced NK cells (CAR-NK) have several advantages, such as safety in clinical use, non-MHC-restricted recognition of tumor cells, and renewable and easy cell sources for their preparation. In this review, we will discuss the recent preclinical and clinical studies, different sources of NK cells, transduction methods, possible limitations and challenges, and clinical considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faroogh Marofi
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Heshu Sulaiman Rahman
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Suleimanyah, Sulaymaniyah, Iraq
| | - Lakshmi Thangavelu
- Associate professor, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College and Hospital, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai, India
| | - Aleksey Dorofeev
- Department of Propaedeutics of Dental Diseases, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University,), Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Favian Bayas-Morejón
- Center for Research and Biotechnological Development, Research Department, Bolivar State University, Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, Natural Resources and the Environment, CP 020150 Guaranda, Ecuador
| | - Naghmeh Shirafkan
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Navid Shomali
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Mostafa Jarahian
- German Cancer Research Center, Toxicology and Chemotherapy Unit (G401), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ghasem Vahedi
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Rebar N. Mohammed
- College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Sulaimani, Suleimanyah, Iraq
| | - Somayeh Shahrokh
- Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Shahrekord, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Morteza Akbari
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
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50
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Kim N, Lee DH, Choi WS, Yi E, Kim H, Kim JM, Jin HS, Kim HS. Harnessing NK cells for cancer immunotherapy: immune checkpoint receptors and chimeric antigen receptors. BMB Rep 2021. [PMID: 33298244 PMCID: PMC7851441 DOI: 10.5483/bmbrep.2021.54.1.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells, key antitumor effectors of the innate immune system, are endowed with the unique ability to spontaneously eliminate cells undergoing a neoplastic transformation. Given their broad reactivity against diverse types of cancer and close association with cancer prognosis, NK cells have gained considerable attention as a promising therapeutic target for cancer immunotherapy. NK cell-based therapies have demonstrated favorable clinical efficacies in several hematological malignancies but limited success in solid tumors, thus highlighting the need to develop new therapeutic strategies to restore and optimize antitumor activity while preventing tumor immune escape. The current therapeutic modalities yielding encouraging results in clinical trials include the blockade of immune checkpoint receptors to overcome the immune-evasion mechanism used by tumors and the incorporation of tumor-directed chimeric antigen receptors to enhance NK cell antitumor specificity and activity. These observations, together with recent advances in the understanding of NK cell activation within the tumor microenvironment, will facilitate the optimal design of NK cell-based therapy against a broad range of cancers and, more desirably, refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayoung Kim
- Department of Convergence MedicineAsan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Dong-Hee Lee
- Department of Convergence MedicineAsan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Woo Seon Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center (SCIRC), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Eunbi Yi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center (SCIRC), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - HyoJeong Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center (SCIRC), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Jung Min Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Hyung-Seung Jin
- Department of Convergence MedicineAsan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Asan Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
| | - Hun Sik Kim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Stem Cell Immunomodulation Research Center (SCIRC), Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
- Department of Microbiology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul 05505, Korea
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