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Mehanna N, Pradhan A, Kaur R, Kontopoulos T, Rosati B, Carlson D, Cheung NK, Xu H, Bean J, Hsu K, Luduec JBL, Vorkas CK. Loss of circulating CD8α + NK cells during human Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.16.588542. [PMID: 38659858 PMCID: PMC11042275 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.16.588542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells can recognize and kill Mtb -infected cells in vitro, however their role after natural human exposure has not been well-studied. To identify Mtb -responsive NK cell populations, we analyzed the peripheral blood of healthy household contacts of active Tuberculosis (TB) cases and source community donors in an endemic region of Port-au-Prince, Haiti by flow cytometry. We observed higher CD8α expression on NK cells in putative resistors (IGRA-contacts) with a progressive loss of these circulating cells during household-associated latent infection and disease. In vitro assays and CITE-seq analysis of CD8α + NK cells demonstrated enhanced maturity, cytotoxic gene expression, and response to cytokine stimulation relative to CD8α - NK cells. CD8α + NK cells also displayed dynamic surface expression dependent on MHC I in contrast to conventional CD8 + T cells. Together, these results support a specialized role for CD8α + NK cell populations during Mtb infection correlating with disease resistance.
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Hermans L, O’Sullivan TE. No time to die: Epigenetic regulation of natural killer cell survival. Immunol Rev 2024; 323:61-79. [PMID: 38426615 PMCID: PMC11102341 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13314] [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] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
NK cells are short-lived innate lymphocytes that can mediate antigen-independent responses to infection and cancer. However, studies from the past two decades have shown that NK cells can acquire transcriptional and epigenetic modifications during inflammation that result in increased survival and lifespan. These findings blur the lines between the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system, and suggest that the homeostatic mechanisms that govern the persistence of innate immune cells are malleable. Indeed, recent studies have shown that NK cells undergo continuous and strictly regulated adaptations controlling their survival during development, tissue residency, and following inflammation. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the critical factors regulating NK cell survival throughout their lifespan, with a specific emphasis on the epigenetic modifications that regulate the survival of NK cells in various contexts. A precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms that govern NK cell survival will be important to enhance therapies for cancer and infectious diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leen Hermans
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Timothy E. O’Sullivan
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095
- Molecular Biology Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
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Sun W, Xie S, Liu SF, Hu X, Xing D. Evolving Tumor Characteristics and Smart Nanodrugs for Tumor Immunotherapy. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:3919-3942. [PMID: 38708176 PMCID: PMC11070166 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s453265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Typical physiological characteristics of tumors, such as weak acidity, low oxygen content, and upregulation of certain enzymes in the tumor microenvironment (TME), provide survival advantages when exposed to targeted attacks by drugs and responsive nanomedicines. Consequently, cancer treatment has significantly progressed in recent years. However, the evolution and adaptation of tumor characteristics still pose many challenges for current treatment methods. Therefore, efficient and precise cancer treatments require an understanding of the heterogeneity degree of various factors in cancer cells during tumor evolution to exploit the typical TME characteristics and manage the mutation process. The highly heterogeneous tumor and infiltrating stromal cells, immune cells, and extracellular components collectively form a unique TME, which plays a crucial role in tumor malignancy, including proliferation, invasion, metastasis, and immune escape. Therefore, the development of new treatment methods that can adapt to the evolutionary characteristics of tumors has become an intense focus in current cancer treatment research. This paper explores the latest understanding of cancer evolution, focusing on how tumors use new antigens to shape their "new faces"; how immune system cells, such as cytotoxic T cells, regulatory T cells, macrophages, and natural killer cells, help tumors become "invisible", that is, immune escape; whether the diverse cancer-associated fibroblasts provide support and coordination for tumors; and whether it is possible to attack tumors in reverse. This paper discusses the limitations of targeted therapy driven by tumor evolution factors and explores future strategies and the potential of intelligent nanomedicines, including the systematic coordination of tumor evolution factors and adaptive methods, to meet this therapeutic challenge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenshe Sun
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, 250117, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shaowei Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200127, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shi Feng Liu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaokun Hu
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
| | - Dongming Xing
- The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
- Qingdao Cancer Institute, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, People’s Republic of China
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4
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Oyer JL, Croom-Perez TJ, Hasan MF, Rivera-Huertas JA, Gitto SB, Mucha JM, Zhu X, Altomare DA, Igarashi RY, Copik AJ. PM21-particle stimulation augmented with cytokines enhances NK cell expansion and confers memory-like characteristics with enhanced survival. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1383281. [PMID: 38711506 PMCID: PMC11070970 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1383281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
NK cell therapeutics have gained significant attention as a potential cancer treatment. Towards therapeutic use, NK cells need to be activated and expanded to attain high potency and large quantities for an effective dosage. This is typically done by ex vivo stimulation with cytokines to enhance functionality or expansion for 10-14 days to increase both their activity and quantity. Attaining a robust methodology to produce large doses of potent NK cells for an off-the-shelf product is highly desirable. Notably, past reports have shown that stimulating NK cells with IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 endows them with memory-like properties, better anti-tumor activity, and persistence. While this approach produces NK cells with clinically favorable characteristics supported by encouraging early results for the treatment of hematological malignancies, its limited scalability, variability in initial doses, and the necessity for patient-specific production hinder its broader application. In this study, stimulation of NK cells with PM21-particles derived from K562-41BBL-mbIL21 cells was combined with memory-like induction using cytokines IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 to produce NK cells with enhanced anti-tumor function. The use of cytokines combined with PM21-particles (cytokine and particle, CAP) significantly enhanced NK cell expansion, achieving a remarkable 8,200-fold in 14 days. Mechanistically, this significant improvement over expansion with PM21-particles alone was due to the upregulation of receptors for key stimulating ligands (4-1BBL and IL-2), resulting in a synergy that drives substantial NK cell growth, showcasing the potential for more effective therapeutic applications. The therapeutic potential of CAP-NK cells was demonstrated by the enhanced metabolic fitness, persistence, and anti-tumor function both in vitro and in vivo. Finally, CAP-NK cells were amenable to current technologies used in developing therapeutic NK cell products, including CRISPR/Cas9-based techniques to generate a triple-gene knockout or a gene knock-in. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the addition of cytokines enhanced the already effective method of ex vivo generation of therapeutic NK cells with PM21-particles, yielding a superior NK cell product for manufacturing efficiency and potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alicja J. Copik
- Burnett School of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
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Khalifa AM, Nakamura T, Sato Y, Harashima H. Vaccination with a combination of STING agonist-loaded lipid nanoparticles and CpG-ODNs protects against lung metastasis via the induction of CD11b highCD27 low memory-like NK cells. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:36. [PMID: 38553761 PMCID: PMC10981311 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-024-00502-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells are effective in attacking tumor cells that escape T cell attack. Memory NK cells are believed to function as potent effector cells in cancer immunotherapy. However, knowledge of their induction, identification, and potential in vivo is limited. Herein, we report on the induction and identification of memory-like NK cells via the action of a combination of a stimulator of interferon genes (STING) agonist loaded into lipid nanoparticles (STING-LNPs) and cytosine-phosphorothioate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODNs), and the potential of the inducted memory-like NK cells to prevent melanoma lung metastasis. METHODS The antitumor effects of either the STING-LNPs, CpG-ODNs, or the combination therapy were evaluated using a B16-F10 lung metastasis model. The effect of the combined treatment was evaluated by measuring cytokine production. The induction of memory-like NK cells was demonstrated via flow cytometry and confirmed through their preventative effect. RESULTS The combination of STING-LNPs and CpG-ODNs tended to enhance the production of interleukin 12 (IL-12) and IL-18, and exerted a therapeutic effect against B16-F10 lung metastasis. The combination therapy increased the population of CD11bhighCD27low NK cells. Although monotherapies failed to show preventative effects, the combination therapy induced a surprisingly strong preventative effect, which indicates that CD11bhighCD27low cells could be a phenotype of memory-like NK cells. CONCLUSION As far as could be ascertained, this is the first report of the in vivo induction, identification, and confirmation of a phenotype of the memory-like NK cells through a prophylactic effect via the use of an immunotherapeutic drug. Our findings provide novel insights into the in vivo induction of CD11bhighCD27low memory-like NK cells thus paving the way for the development of efficient immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa M Khalifa
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Takashi Nakamura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan.
| | - Yusuke Sato
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Hideyoshi Harashima
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hokkaido University, Kita-12, Nishi-6, Kita-ku, Sapporo, 060-0812, Hokkaido, Japan.
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Zhang L, Sun Y, Xue CE, Wang S, Xu X, Zheng C, Chen C, Kong D. Uncovering the cellular and omics characteristics of natural killer cells in the bone marrow microenvironment of patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:106. [PMID: 38481242 PMCID: PMC10938822 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03300-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a highly heterogeneous hematologic malignancy and the most frequently acute leukemia of stem cell precursors and the myeloid derivatives in adult. Longitudinal studies have indicated the therapeutic landscape and drug resistance for patients with AML are still intractable, which largely attribute to the deficiency of detailed information upon the pathogenesis. METHODS In this study, we compared the cellular phenotype of resident NK cells (rAML-NKs, rHD-NKs) and expanded NK cells (eAML-NKs, eHD-NKs) from bone marrow of AML patients (AML) and healthy donors (HD). Then, we took advantage of the co-culture strategy for the evaluation of the in vitro cytotoxicity of NK cells upon diverse tumor cell lines (e.g., K562, Nalm6, U937). With the aid of RNA-sequencing (RNA-SEQ) and bioinformatics analyses (e.g., GOBP analysis, KEGG analysis, GSEA, volcano plot), we verified the similarities and differences of the omics features between eAML-NKs and eHD-NKs. RESULTS Herein, we verified the sharp decline in the content of total resident NK cells (CD3-CD56+) in rAML-NKs compared to rHD-NKs. Differ from the expanded eHD-NKs, eAML-NKs revealed decline in diverse NK cell subsets (NKG2D+, CD25+, NKp44+, NKp46+) and alterations in cellular vitality but conservations in cytotoxicity. According to transcriptomic analysis, AML-NKs and HD-NKs showed multifaceted distinctions in gene expression profiling and genetic variations. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our data revealed the variations in the cytobiological and transcriptomic features between AML-NKs and HD-NKs in bone marrow environment. Our findings would benefit the further development of novel biomarkers for AML diagnosis and NK cell-based cytotherapy in future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Zhang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, The Fourth People's Hospital of Jinan, The Teaching Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, 50 Shifan Road, Tianqiao District, Jinan, 250031, Shandong, China.
- National Health Commission (NHC) Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
| | - Yunyan Sun
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Chun-E Xue
- Department of Hematology, Langfang City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Langfang, 065000, China
| | - Shuling Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xianghong Xu
- Department of Hematology, Peking University Cancer Hospital Yunnan, Yunnan Cancer Hospital, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, 650118, China
| | - Chengyun Zheng
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China
| | - Cunrong Chen
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
| | - Dexiao Kong
- Department of Hematology, The Second Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, 250033, China.
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7
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Vivier E, Rebuffet L, Narni-Mancinelli E, Cornen S, Igarashi RY, Fantin VR. Natural killer cell therapies. Nature 2024; 626:727-736. [PMID: 38383621 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-023-06945-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes of the innate immune system. A key feature of NK cells is their ability to recognize a wide range of cells in distress, particularly tumour cells and cells infected with viruses. They combine both direct effector functions against their cellular targets and participate in the generation, shaping and maintenance of a multicellular immune response. As our understanding has deepened, several therapeutic strategies focused on NK cells have been conceived and are currently in various stages of development, from preclinical investigations to clinical trials. Here we explore in detail the complexity of NK cell biology in humans and highlight the role of these cells in cancer immunity. We also analyse the harnessing of NK cell immunity through immune checkpoint inhibitors, NK cell engagers, and infusions of preactivated or genetically modified, autologous or allogeneic NK cell products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France.
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France.
- APHM, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France.
- Paris-Saclay Cancer Cluster, Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, France.
| | - Lucas Rebuffet
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Emilie Narni-Mancinelli
- Aix Marseille Université, CNRS, INSERM, Centre d'Immunologie de Marseille-Luminy, Marseille, France
| | - Stéphanie Cornen
- Innate Pharma Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
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8
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Park J, Kim S, Jangid AK, Park HW, Kim K. Networked Cluster Formation via Trigonal Lipid Modules for Augmented Ex Vivo NK Cell Priming. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1556. [PMID: 38338836 PMCID: PMC10855780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031556] [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: 12/24/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Current cytokine-based natural killer (NK) cell priming techniques have exhibited limitations such as the deactivation of biological signaling molecules and subsequent insufficient maturation of the cell population during mass cultivation processes. In this study, we developed an amphiphilic trigonal 1,2-distearoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphorylethanolamine (DSPE) lipid-polyethylene glycol (PEG) material to assemble NK cell clusters via multiple hydrophobic lipid insertions into cellular membranes. Our lipid conjugate-mediated ex vivo NK cell priming sufficiently augmented the structural modulation of clusters, facilitated diffusional signal exchanges, and finally activated NK cell population with the clusters. Without any inhibition in diffusional signal exchanges and intrinsic proliferative efficacy of NK cells, effectively prime NK cell clusters produced increased interferon-gamma, especially in the early culture periods. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that our novel lipid conjugates could serve as a promising alternative for future NK cell mass production.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Kyobum Kim
- Department of Chemical & Biochemical Engineering, Dongguk University, Seoul 22012, Republic of Korea; (J.P.); (S.K.); (A.K.J.); (H.W.P.)
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Di Ianni M, Liberatore C, Santoro N, Ranalli P, Guardalupi F, Corradi G, Villanova I, Di Francesco B, Lattanzio S, Passeri C, Lanuti P, Accorsi P. Cellular Strategies for Separating GvHD from GvL in Haploidentical Transplantation. Cells 2024; 13:134. [PMID: 38247827 PMCID: PMC10814899 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020134] [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: 12/02/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
GvHD still remains, despite the continuous improvement of transplantation platforms, a fearful complication of transplantation from allogeneic donors. Being able to separate GvHD from GvL represents the greatest challenge in the allogeneic transplant setting. This may be possible through continuous improvement of cell therapy techniques. In this review, current cell therapies are taken into consideration, which are based on the use of TCR alpha/beta depletion, CD45RA depletion, T regulatory cell enrichment, NK-cell-based immunotherapies, and suicide gene therapies in order to prevent GvHD and maximally amplify the GvL effect in the setting of haploidentical transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauro Di Ianni
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Carmine Liberatore
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Nicole Santoro
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
| | - Paola Ranalli
- Hematology Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (C.L.); (N.S.); (P.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesco Guardalupi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giulia Corradi
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ida Villanova
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Barbara Di Francesco
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Stefano Lattanzio
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Cecilia Passeri
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
| | - Paola Lanuti
- Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (F.G.); (G.C.); (S.L.); (P.L.)
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Accorsi
- Blood Bank Unit, Pescara Hospital, 65124 Pescara, Italy; (I.V.); (B.D.F.); (C.P.); (P.A.)
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Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi M, Yazdanparast S, Mikanik F, Izadpanah A, Parkhideh S, Shahbaz Ghasabeh A, Roshandel E, Hajifathali A, Gharehbaghian A. Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like NK Cells: Emerging strategy for AML immunotherapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115718. [PMID: 37857247 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115718] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disease developed from the malignant expansion of myeloid precursor cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. The implementation of intensive chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has improved outcomes associated with AML, but relapse, along with suboptimal outcomes, is still a common scenario. In the past few years, exploring new therapeutic strategies to optimize treatment outcomes has occurred rapidly. In this regard, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has attracted clinical interest due to its critical role in immunosurveillance and their capabilities to target AML blasts. NK cells are cytotoxic innate lymphoid cells that mediate anti-viral and anti-tumor responses by producing pro-inflammatory cytokines and directly inducing cytotoxicity. Although NK cells are well known as short-lived innate immune cells with non-specific responses that have limited their clinical applications, the discovery of cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells could overcome these challenges. NK cells pre-activated with the cytokine combination IL-12/15/18 achieved a long-term life span with adaptive immunity characteristics, termed CIML-NK cells. Previous studies documented that using CIML-NK cells in cancer treatment is safe and results in promising outcomes. This review highlights the current application, challenges, and opportunities of CIML-NK cell-based therapy in AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Bakhtiyaridovvombaygi
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Somayeh Yazdanparast
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Mikanik
- Student Research Committee, Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Izadpanah
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sahar Parkhideh
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Shahbaz Ghasabeh
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Elham Roshandel
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Abbas Hajifathali
- Hematopoietic Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Ahmad Gharehbaghian
- Department of Hematology and Blood Bank, School of Allied Medical Science, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran; Pediatric Congenital Hematologic Disorders Research Center, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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11
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de Araujo ACVSC, Mambelli F, Sanches RO, Marinho FV, Oliveira SC. Current Understanding of Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-Mediated Trained Immunity and Its Perspectives for Controlling Intracellular Infections. Pathogens 2023; 12:1386. [PMID: 38133271 PMCID: PMC10745672 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12121386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is an attenuated bacterium derived from virulent Mycobacterium bovis. It is the only licensed vaccine used for preventing severe forms of tuberculosis in children. Besides its specific effects against tuberculosis, BCG administration is also associated with beneficial non-specific effects (NSEs) following heterologous stimuli in humans and mice. The NSEs from BCG could be related to both adaptive and innate immune responses. The latter is also known as trained immunity (TI), a recently described biological feature of innate cells that enables functional improvement based on metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming. Currently, the mechanisms related to BCG-mediated TI are the focus of intense research, but many gaps are still in need of elucidation. This review discusses the present understanding of TI induced by BCG, exploring signaling pathways that are crucial to a trained phenotype in hematopoietic stem cells and monocytes/macrophages lineage. It focuses on BCG-mediated TI mechanisms, including the metabolic-epigenetic axis and the inflammasome pathway in these cells against intracellular pathogens. Moreover, this study explores the TI in different immune cell types, its ability to protect against various intracellular infections, and the integration of trained innate memory with adaptive memory to shape next-generation vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Carolina V. S. C. de Araujo
- Departamento de Genética, Ecologia e Evolução, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil;
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Fábio Mambelli
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil;
| | - Rodrigo O. Sanches
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (R.O.S.); (F.V.M.)
| | - Fábio V. Marinho
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (R.O.S.); (F.V.M.)
| | - Sergio C. Oliveira
- Departamento de Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-900, SP, Brazil;
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Imunologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, MG, Brazil; (R.O.S.); (F.V.M.)
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12
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Ayuso JM, Farooqui M, Virumbrales-Muñoz M, Denecke K, Rehman S, Schmitz R, Guerrero JF, Sanchez-de-Diego C, Campo SA, Maly EM, Forsberg MH, Kerr SC, Striker R, Sherer NM, Harari PM, Capitini CM, Skala MC, Beebe DJ. Microphysiological model reveals the promise of memory-like natural killer cell immunotherapy for HIV ± cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6681. [PMID: 37865647 PMCID: PMC10590421 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41625-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies are exploring the use of cell adoptive therapies to treat hematological malignancies as well as solid tumors. However, there are numerous factors that dampen the immune response, including viruses like human immunodeficiency virus. In this study, we leverage human-derived microphysiological models to reverse-engineer the HIV-immune system interaction and evaluate the potential of memory-like natural killer cells for HIV+ head and neck cancer, one of the most common tumors in patients living with human immunodeficiency virus. Here, we evaluate multiple aspects of the memory-like natural killer cell response in human-derived bioengineered environments, including immune cell extravasation, tumor penetration, tumor killing, T cell dependence, virus suppression, and compatibility with retroviral medication. Overall, these results suggest that memory-like natural killer cells are capable of operating without T cell assistance and could simultaneously destroy head and neck cancer cells as well as reduce viral latency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jose M Ayuso
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA.
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Mehtab Farooqui
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - María Virumbrales-Muñoz
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Cell and Regenerative Biology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Katheryn Denecke
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Shujah Rehman
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Rebecca Schmitz
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jorge F Guerrero
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Cristina Sanchez-de-Diego
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sara Abizanda Campo
- Department of Dermatology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Maly
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthew H Forsberg
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Sheena C Kerr
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Robert Striker
- Department of Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
- Vivent Health, Milwaukee, USA
| | - Nathan M Sherer
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA
- Institute for Molecular Virology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Paul M Harari
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christian M Capitini
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, USA
| | - Melissa C Skala
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Morgridge Institute for Research, 330 N Orchard street, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
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13
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Bjorgen JC, Dick JK, Cromarty R, Hart GT, Rhein J. NK cell subsets and dysfunction during viral infection: a new avenue for therapeutics? Front Immunol 2023; 14:1267774. [PMID: 37928543 PMCID: PMC10620977 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1267774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the setting of viral challenge, natural killer (NK) cells play an important role as an early immune responder against infection. During this response, significant changes in the NK cell population occur, particularly in terms of their frequency, location, and subtype prevalence. In this review, changes in the NK cell repertoire associated with several pathogenic viral infections are summarized, with a particular focus placed on changes that contribute to NK cell dysregulation in these settings. This dysregulation, in turn, can contribute to host pathology either by causing NK cells to be hyperresponsive or hyporesponsive. Hyperresponsive NK cells mediate significant host cell death and contribute to generating a hyperinflammatory environment. Hyporesponsive NK cell populations shift toward exhaustion and often fail to limit viral pathogenesis, possibly enabling viral persistence. Several emerging therapeutic approaches aimed at addressing NK cell dysregulation have arisen in the last three decades in the setting of cancer and may prove to hold promise in treating viral diseases. However, the application of such therapeutics to treat viral infections remains critically underexplored. This review briefly explores several therapeutic approaches, including the administration of TGF-β inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, adoptive NK cell therapies, CAR NK cells, and NK cell engagers among other therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob C. Bjorgen
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Jenna K. Dick
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Ross Cromarty
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Geoffrey T. Hart
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
- Center for Immunology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Joshua Rhein
- Division of Infectious Diseases and International Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, United States
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14
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Carreira-Santos S, López-Sejas N, González-Sánchez M, Sánchez-Hernández E, Pera A, Hassouneh F, Durán E, Solana R, Casado JG, Tarazona R. Enhanced expression of natural cytotoxicity receptors on cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer cells correlates with effector function. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1256404. [PMID: 37908353 PMCID: PMC10613704 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1256404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Natural killer (NK) cells are a key component of the innate immune system, involved in defending the host against virus-infected cells and tumor immunosurveillance. Under in vitro culture conditions, IL-12/15/18 can induce a memory-like phenotype in NK cells. These cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells possess desirable characteristics for immunotherapies, including a longer lifespan and increased cytotoxicity. Methods In this study, NK cells were isolated from peripheral blood of healthy donors and stimulated with IL-12/15/18 to induce a memory-like phenotype or with IL-15 alone as a control. After seven days of culture, multiparametric flow cytometry analysis was performed to evaluate the phenotypic and functional profiles of CIML and control NK cells. Results Our results showed a significantly higher expression of CD25, CD69, NKG2D, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, TACTILE, and Granzyme B in CIML NK cells compared to control NK cells. In contrast, KIR2D expression was significantly lower in CIML NK cells than in control NK cells. Moreover, functional experiments demonstrated that CIML NK cells displayed enhanced degranulation capacity and increased intracellular IFN-γ production against the target cell line K562. Interestingly, the degranulation capacity of CIML NK cells was positively correlated with the expression of the activating receptors NKp46 and NKp30, as well as with the inhibitory receptor TACTILE. Discussion In conclusion, this study provides a deep phenotypic characterization of in vitro-expanded CIML NK cells. Moreover, the correlations found between NK cell receptors and degranulation capacity of CIML NK cells allowed the identification of several biomarkers that could be useful in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sofía Carreira-Santos
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Nelson López-Sejas
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | | | - Eva Sánchez-Hernández
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Alejandra Pera
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Fakhri Hassouneh
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
| | - Esther Durán
- Anatomy and Comparative Pathological Anatomy Unit, Department of Animal Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Rafael Solana
- Immunology and Allergy Group (GC01), Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba (IMIBIC), Córdoba, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universidad de Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Immunology and Allergy Service, Reina Sofia University Hospital, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Javier G. Casado
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica En Red (CIBER) de Enfermedades Cardiovasculares, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- RICORS-TERAV Network, Instituto de Salud Carlos III (ISCIII), Madrid, Spain
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
| | - Raquel Tarazona
- Immunology Unit, Department of Physiology, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
- Institute of Molecular Pathology Biomarkers, Universidad de Extremadura, Cáceres, Spain
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15
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De Barra C, O'Shea D, Hogan AE. NK cells vs. obesity: A tale of dysfunction & redemption. Clin Immunol 2023; 255:109744. [PMID: 37604354 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2023.109744] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are critical in protecting the body against infection and cancer. NK cells can rapidly respond to these threats by directly targeting the infected or transformed cell using their cytotoxic machinery or by initiating and amplifying the immune response via their production of cytokines. Additionally, NK cells are resident across many tissues including adipose, were their role extends from host protection to tissue homeostasis. Adipose resident NK cells can control macrophage polarization via cytokine production, whilst also regulating stressed adipocyte fate using their cytotoxic machinery. Obesity is strongly associated with increased rates of cancer and a heightened susceptibility to severe infections. This is in part due to significant obesity-related immune dysregulation, including defects in both peripheral and adipose tissue NK cells. In this review, we detail the literature to date on NK cells in the setting of obesity - outlining the consequences, mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conor De Barra
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland
| | - Donal O'Shea
- Obesity Immunology Group, Education and Research Centre, St Vincent's University Hospital, University College, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Andrew E Hogan
- Kathleen Lonsdale Institute for Human Health Research, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Co Kildare, Ireland; National Children's Research Centre, Dublin 12, Ireland.
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16
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Sivonen M, Sirviö KA, Wojciechowski S, Kailaanmäki A, Kaipainen S, Bailey A, Villalba M, Kekarainen T. Cytokines impact natural killer cell phenotype and functionality against glioblastoma in vitro. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1227064. [PMID: 37841273 PMCID: PMC10569479 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1227064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Natural killer (NK) cells are a part of the innate immune system and first-line defense against cancer. Since they possess natural mechanisms to recognize and kill tumor cells, NK cells are considered as a potential option for an off-the-shelf allogeneic cell-based immunotherapy. Here, our objective was to identify the optimal cytokine-based, feeder-free, activation and expansion protocol for cytotoxic NK cells against glioblastoma in vitro. Methods NK cells were enriched from human peripheral blood and expanded for 16 days with different activation and cytokine combinations. The expansion conditions were evaluated based on NK cell viability, functionality, expansion rate and purity. The cytotoxicity and degranulation of the expanded NK cells were measured in vitro from co‑cultures with the glioma cell lines U‑87 MG, U‑87 MG EGFR vIII, LN-229, U-118 and DK-MG. The best expansion protocols were selected from ultimately 39 different conditions: three magnetic cell‑selection steps (Depletion of CD3+ cells, enrichment of CD56+ cells, and depletion of CD3+ cells followed by enrichment of CD56+ cells); four activation protocols (continuous, pre-activation, re-activation, and boost); and four cytokine combinations (IL-2/15, IL‑21/15, IL‑27/18/15 and IL-12/18/15). Results The expansion rates varied between 2-50-fold, depending on the donor and the expansion conditions. The best expansion rate and purity were gained with sequential selection (Depletion of CD3+ cells and enrichment of CD56+ cells) from the starting material and pre-activation with IL‑12/18/15 cytokines, which are known to produce cytokine-induced memory-like NK cells. The cytotoxicity of these memory-like NK cells was enhanced with re-activation, diminishing the donor variation. The most cytotoxic NK cells were produced when cells were boosted at the end of the expansion with IL-12/18/15 or IL-21/15. Conclusion According to our findings the ex vivo proliferation capacity and functionality of NK cells is affected by multiple factors, such as the donor, composition of starting material, cytokine combination and the activation protocol. The cytokines modified the NK cells' phenotype and functionality, which was evident in their reactivity against the glioma cell lines. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive comparative study performed to this extent, and these findings could be used for upscaling clinical NK cell manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minna Sivonen
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland
- A.I. Virtanen Institute, Biotechnology and Molecular Medicine Unit, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | | | | | - Satu Kaipainen
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aubrey Bailey
- Kuopio Center for Gene and Cell Therapy, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Martin Villalba
- IRMB, University of Montpellier, INSERM, CNRS, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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17
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Lu L, Yang C, Zhou X, Wu L, Hong X, Li W, Wang X, Yang Y, Cao D, Zhang A, Di W, Deng L. STING signaling promotes NK cell antitumor immunity and maintains a reservoir of TCF-1 + NK cells. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113108. [PMID: 37708030 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic innate lymphocytes that eradicate tumor cells. Inducing durable antitumor immune responses by NK cells represents a major priority of cancer immunotherapy. While cytosolic DNA sensing plays an essential role in initiating antitumor immunity, the role of NK cell-intrinsic STING signaling remains unclear. Here, we find that NK cell-intrinsic STING promotes antitumor responses and maintains a reservoir of TCF-1+ NK cells. In contrast, tumor cell-intrinsic cGAS and mtDNA are required for NK cell antitumor activity, indicating that tumor mtDNA recognition by cGAS partially triggers NK cell-intrinsic STING activation. Moreover, addition of cGAMP enables STING activation and type I interferon production in NK cells, thereby supporting the activation of NK cells in vitro. In humans, STING agonism promotes the expansion of TCF-1+ NK cells. This study provides insight into understanding how STING signaling drives NK cell antitumor immunity and the development of NK cell-based cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Lu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Xingyue Zhou
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xiaochuan Hong
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Wenwen Li
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Yuanqin Yang
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Dongqing Cao
- Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ao Zhang
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Wen Di
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Gynecologic Oncology, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200127, China
| | - Liufu Deng
- Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Drug Target Identification and Delivery, National Key Laboratory of Innovative Immunotherapy, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
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18
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Hatami Z, Hashemi ZS, Eftekhary M, Amiri A, Karpisheh V, Nasrollahi K, Jafari R. Natural killer cell-derived exosomes for cancer immunotherapy: innovative therapeutics art. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:157. [PMID: 37543612 PMCID: PMC10403883 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02996-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cells (CAR-NK) promote off-the-shelf cellular therapy for solid tumors and malignancy.However,, the development of CAR-NK is due to their immune surveillance uncertainty and cytotoxicity challenge was restricted. Natural killer cell-derived exosome (NK-Exo) combine crucial targeted cellular therapies of NK cell therapies with unique non-toxic Exo as a self-origin shuttle against cancer immunotherapy. This review study covers cytokines, adoptive (autologous and allogenic) NK immunotherapy, stimulatory and regulatory functions, and cell-free derivatives from NK cells. The future path of NK-Exo cytotoxicity and anti-tumor activity with considering non-caspase-independent/dependent apoptosis and Fas/FasL pathway in cancer immunotherapy. Finally, the significance and implication of NK-Exo therapeutics through combination therapy and the development of emerging approaches for the purification and delivery NK-Exo to severe immune and tumor cells and tissues were discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Hatami
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sadat Hashemi
- ATMP Department, Breast Cancer Research Center, Motamed Cancer Institute, ACECR, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohamad Eftekhary
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Paramedicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | - Ala Amiri
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Karpisheh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Kaveh Nasrollahi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Jafari
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Cellular and Molecular Medicine Institute, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran.
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19
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Terrén I, Sandá V, Amarilla-Irusta A, Lopez-Pardo A, Sevilla A, Astarloa-Pando G, Amo L, Zenarruzabeitia O, Scorrano L, Borrego F. IL-12/15/18-induced cell death and mitochondrial dynamics of human NK cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1211839. [PMID: 37575238 PMCID: PMC10413107 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1211839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes with potent antitumor functions and, consequently, several NK cell-based strategies have been developed for cancer immunotherapy. A remarkable therapeutic approach is the adoptive transfer of NK cells stimulated with IL-12, IL-15 and IL-18. This cytokine stimulation endows NK cells with properties that resemble immunological memory and, for this reason, they are known as cytokine-induced memory-like (CIML) NK cells. Very promising results have been reported in clinical trials and yet, there are still unknown aspects of CIML NK cells. Here, we have conducted a preliminary study of their mitochondrial dynamics. Our results show that upon IL-12/15/18 stimulation the viability of NK cells decreased and an increment in mitochondrial superoxide levels was observed. In addition, we found that mitochondria appeared slightly elongated and their cristae density decreased following IL-12/15/18 stimulation, possibly in a process mediated by the low levels of optic atrophy type 1 (OPA1) protein. Interestingly, although mitophagy was slightly impaired, an increase in autophagic flux was observed, which might explain the reduced viability and the accumulation of unfit mitochondria. Our findings could be of relevance in order to design new strategies intended to improve the mitochondrial fitness of IL-12/15/18-stimulated NK cells with the aim of improving their therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Terrén
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Víctor Sandá
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | | | - Ainara Lopez-Pardo
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Arrate Sevilla
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Department of Genetics, Physical Anthropology and Animal Physiology, University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
| | | | - Laura Amo
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Olatz Zenarruzabeitia
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
| | - Luca Scorrano
- Department of Biology, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padova, Italy
| | - Francisco Borrego
- Immunopathology Group, Biocruces Bizkaia Health Research Institute, Barakaldo, Spain
- Ikerbasque, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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20
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Foo YY, Tiah A, Aung SW. Harnessing the power of memory-like NK cells to fight cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2023; 212:212-223. [PMID: 36866467 PMCID: PMC10243875 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxad030] [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: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells possess the innate ability to eliminate cancerous cells effectively. Their crucial role in immunosurveillance has been widely recognized and exploited for therapeutic intervention. Despite the fast-acting nature of NK cells, NK adoptive cell transfer lacks favorable response in some patients. Patient NK cells often display diminished phenotype in preventing cancer progression resulting in poor prognosis. Tumor microenvironment plays a significant role in causing the downfall of NK cells in patients. The release of inhibitory factors by tumor microenvironment hinders normal function of NK cells against tumor. To overcome this challenge, therapeutic strategies such as cytokine stimulation and genetic manipulation are being investigated to improve NK tumor-killing capacity. One of the promising approaches includes generation of more competent NK cells via ex vivo cytokines activation and proliferation. Cytokine-induced ML-NK demonstrated phenotypic alterations such as enhanced expression of activating receptors which help elevate their antitumor response. Previous preclinical studies showed enhanced cytotoxicity and IFNγ production in ML-NK cells compared to normal NK cells against malignant cells. Similar effects are shown in clinical studies in which MK-NK demonstrated encouraging results in treating hematological cancer. However, there is still a lack of in-depth studies using ML-NK in treating different types of tumors and cancers. With convincing preliminary response, this cell-based approach could be used to complement other therapeutic modalities to achieve better clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Yan Foo
- Department of Research and Development, CELLAAX Sdn Bhd, Block D & E, No. 3, Jalan Tasik, Mines Wellness City, Seri Kembangan, 43300 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Angelina Tiah
- Department of Research and Development, CELLAAX Sdn Bhd, Block D & E, No. 3, Jalan Tasik, Mines Wellness City, Seri Kembangan, 43300 Selangor, Malaysia
- Beike 23 Century Laboratory, 23 Century International Life Science Centre, Block D & E, No. 3, Jalan Tasik, Mines Wellness City, Seri Kembangan, 43300 Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shuh Wen Aung
- Beike 23 Century Laboratory, 23 Century International Life Science Centre, Block D & E, No. 3, Jalan Tasik, Mines Wellness City, Seri Kembangan, 43300 Selangor, Malaysia
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21
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Lizana-Vasquez GD, Torres-Lugo M, Dixon R, Powderly JD, Warin RF. The application of autologous cancer immunotherapies in the age of memory-NK cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1167666. [PMID: 37205105 PMCID: PMC10185894 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1167666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular immunotherapy has revolutionized the oncology field, yielding improved results against hematological and solid malignancies. NK cells have become an attractive alternative due to their capacity to activate upon recognition of "stress" or "danger" signals independently of Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) engagement, thus making tumor cells a perfect target for NK cell-mediated cancer immunotherapy even as an allogeneic solution. While this allogeneic use is currently favored, the existence of a characterized memory function for NK cells ("memory-like" NK cells) advocates for an autologous approach, that would benefit from the allogeneic setting discoveries, but with added persistence and specificity. Still, both approaches struggle to exert a sustained and high anticancer effect in-vivo due to the immunosuppressive tumor micro-environment and the logistical challenges of cGMP production or clinical deployment. Novel approaches focused on the quality enhancement and the consistent large-scale production of highly activated therapeutic memory-like NK cells have yielded encouraging but still unconclusive results. This review provides an overview of NK biology as it relates to cancer immunotherapy and the challenge presented by solid tumors for therapeutic NKs. After contrasting the autologous and allogeneic NK approaches for solid cancer immunotherapy, this work will present the current scientific focus for the production of highly persistent and cytotoxic memory-like NK cells as well as the current issues with production methods as they apply to stress-sensitive immune cells. In conclusion, autologous NK cells for cancer immunotherapy appears to be a prime alternative for front line therapeutics but to be successful, it will be critical to establish comprehensives infrastructures allowing the production of extremely potent NK cells while constraining costs of production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaby D. Lizana-Vasquez
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - Madeline Torres-Lugo
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Puerto Rico-Mayagüez, Mayagüez, Puerto Rico
| | - R. Brent Dixon
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - John D. Powderly
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
| | - Renaud F. Warin
- Cancer Research Clinic, Carolina BioOncology Institute (CBOI), Huntersville, NC, United States
- Human Applications Lab (HAL) - BioCytics, Huntersville, NC, United States
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22
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Ghazvinian Z, Abdolahi S, Tokhanbigli S, Tarzemani S, Piccin A, Reza Zali M, Verdi J, Baghaei K. Contribution of natural killer cells in innate immunity against colorectal cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1077053. [PMID: 36686835 PMCID: PMC9846259 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1077053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer cells are members of the innate immune system and promote cytotoxic activity against tumor or infected cells independently from MHC recognition. NK cells are modulated by the expression of activator/inhibitory receptors. The ratio of this activator/inhibitory receptors is responsible for the cytotoxic activity of NK cells toward the target cells. Owing to the potent anti-tumor properties of NK cells, they are considered as interesting approach in tumor treatment. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most common cause of death in the world and the incidence is about 2 million new cases per year. Metastatic CRC is accompanied by a poor prognosis with less than three years of overall survival. Chemotherapy and surgery are the most adopted treatments. Besides, targeted therapy and immune checkpoint blockade are novel approach to CRC treatment. In these patients, circulating NK cells are a prognostic marker. The main target of CRC immune cell therapy is to improve the tumor cell's recognition and elimination by immune cells. Adaptive NK cell therapy is the milestone to achieve the purpose. Allogeneic NK cell therapy has been widely investigated within clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the NK related approaches including CAR NK cells, cell-based vaccines, monoclonal antibodies and immunomodulatory drugs against CRC tumoral cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab Ghazvinian
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahrokh Abdolahi
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Tokhanbigli
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shadi Tarzemani
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Piccin
- Northern Ireland Blood Transfusion Service, Belfast, United Kingdom
- Department of Internal Medicine V, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
- Department of Industrial Engineering, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Mohammad Reza Zali
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Javad Verdi
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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23
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He B, Mai Q, Pang Y, Deng S, He Y, Xue R, Xu N, Zhou H, Liu X, Xuan L, Li C, Liu Q. Cytokines induced memory-like NK cells engineered to express CD19 CAR exhibit enhanced responses against B cell malignancies. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1130442. [PMID: 37207215 PMCID: PMC10191231 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1130442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) engineered NK cells have been used for treating patients with relapsed and/or refractory B cell malignancies and show encouraging outcomes and safety profile. However, the poor persistence of NK cells remains a major challenge for CAR NK cell therapy. Memory-like NK cells (MLNK) induced by IL-12, IL-15, and IL-18 have shown enhanced and prolonged responses to tumor re-stimulation, making them an attractive candidate for adoptive cellular immunotherapy. Here, we show efficient and stable gene delivery of CD19 CAR to memory-like NK cells using retroviral vectors with transduction efficiency comparable to those achieved with conventional NK cells. Analysis of surface molecules revealed a distinct phenotypic profile in CAR engineered memory-like NK cells (CAR MLNK), as evidenced by increased expression of CD94 and downregulation of NKp30 as well as KIR2DL1. Compared to conventional CAR NK cells, CAR MLNK cells exhibited significantly increased IFN-γ production and degranulation in response to CD19+ target cells, resulting in enhanced cytotoxic activity against CD19+ leukemia cells and lymphoma cells. Furthermore, memory properties induced by IL-12/-15/-18 improved the in vivo persistence of CAR MLNK cells and significantly suppressed tumor growth in a exnograft mouse model of lymphoma, leading to prolonged survival of CD19+ tumor-bearing mouse. Altogether, our data indicate that CD19 CAR engineered memory-like NK cells exhibited superior persistence and antitumor activity against CD19+ tumors, which might be an attractive approach for treating patient with relapse or refractory B cell malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bailin He
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiusui Mai
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yunyi Pang
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shikai Deng
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi He
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rongtao Xue
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Xu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongsheng Zhou
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoli Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Xuan
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyao Li
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qifa Liu, ; Chengyao Li,
| | - Qifa Liu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Qifa Liu, ; Chengyao Li,
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Liang C, Li S, Yuan J, Song Y, Ren W, Wang W, Shang Y, Tang S, Pang Y. Attenuated Cytokine-Induced Memory-Like Natural Killer Cell Responses to Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Tuberculosis Patients. Infect Drug Resist 2023; 16:2349-2364. [PMID: 37101462 PMCID: PMC10124624 DOI: 10.2147/idr.s407742] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the phenotype, proliferation and functional alterations of cytokine-induced memory-like natural killer (CIML NK) cells from healthy subjects and TB patients, and assessed the efficacy of CIML NK cells in response to H37Rv-infected U937 cells in vitro. Methods Fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from healthy people and tuberculosis patients and activated for 16h using low-dose IL-15, or IL-12, IL-15, IL-18 combination or IL-12, IL-15, IL-18 and MTB H37Rv lysates, respectively, followed by low-dose IL-15 maintenance for another 7 days. Then, the PBMCs were co-cultured with K562 and H37Rv-infected U937, and the purified NK cells were co-cultured with H37Rv infected U937. The phenotype, proliferation and response function of CIML NK cells were assessed using flow cytometry. Finally, colony forming units were enumerated to confirm the survival of intracellular MTB. Results CIML NK phenotypes from TB patients were similar to healthy controls. CIML NK cells undergo higher rates of proliferation after IL-12/15/18 pre-activation. Moreover, the poor expansion potential of CIML NK cells co-stimulated with MTB lysates. CIML NK cells from healthy individuals showed enhanced IFN-γ functional to H37Rv infected U937 cells, along with significantly enhanced killing of H37Rv. However, the CIML NK cells from TB patients show attenuated IFN-γ production and now enhanced the ability of killing intracellular MTB compared to those from healthy donors after co-cultured with H37Rv infected U937. Conclusion CIML NK cells from healthy individuals exist the increased ability of IFN-γ secretion and boosted anti-MTB activity in vitro, which from TB patients show impaired IFN-γ production and no enhanced anti-MTB activity compared to those from healthy donors. Additionally, we observe the poor expansion potential of CIML NK cells co-stimulated with antigens from MTB. These results open up new possibilities for NK cell-based anti-tuberculosis immunotherapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chen Liang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University /Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
- Tuberculosis Clinical Medical Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University /Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shanshan Li
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University /Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinfeng Yuan
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University /Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yanhua Song
- Department of Tuberculosis, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University/Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weicong Ren
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University /Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University /Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yuanyuan Shang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University /Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
| | - Shenjie Tang
- Tuberculosis Clinical Medical Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University /Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence: Shenjie Tang; Yu Pang, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University, No. 97, Machang, Tongzhou District, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China, Tel/Fax +86 010 8950 9367; +86 010 8950 9359, Email ;
| | - Yu Pang
- Department of Bacteriology and Immunology, Beijing Key Laboratory on Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Research, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University /Beijing Tuberculosis and Thoracic Tumor Research Institute, Beijing, 101149, People’s Republic of China
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Bottino C, Della Chiesa M, Sorrentino S, Morini M, Vitale C, Dondero A, Tondo A, Conte M, Garaventa A, Castriconi R. Strategies for Potentiating NK-Mediated Neuroblastoma Surveillance in Autologous or HLA-Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14194548. [PMID: 36230485 PMCID: PMC9559312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14194548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NB) are malignant tumors of childhood that are treated with a very aggressive and life-threatening approach; this includes autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the infusion of a mAb targeting the GD2 tumor-associated antigen. Although the current treatment provided benefits, the 5-year overall survival remains below 50% due to relapses and refractoriness to therapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to ameliorate the standard therapeutic protocol, particularly improving the immune-mediated anti-tumor responses. Our review aims at summarizing and critically discussing novel immunotherapeutic strategies in HR-NB, including NK cell-based therapies and HLA-haploidentical HSCT from patients’ family. Abstract High-risk neuroblastomas (HR-NB) still have an unacceptable 5-year overall survival despite the aggressive therapy. This includes standardized immunotherapy combining autologous hemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and the anti-GD2 mAb. The treatment did not significantly change for more than one decade, apart from the abandonment of IL-2, which demonstrated unacceptable toxicity. Of note, immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic option in cancer and could be optimized by several strategies. These include the HLA-haploidentical αβT/B-depleted HSCT, and the antibody targeting of novel NB-associated antigens such as B7-H3, and PD1. Other approaches could limit the immunoregulatory role of tumor-derived exosomes and potentiate the low antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity of CD16 dim/neg NK cells, abundant in the early phase post-transplant. The latter effect could be obtained using multi-specific tools engaging activating NK receptors and tumor antigens, and possibly holding immunostimulatory cytokines in their construct. Finally, treatments also consider the infusion of novel engineered cytokines with scarce side effects, and cell effectors engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs). Our review aims to discuss several promising strategies that could be successfully exploited to potentiate the NK-mediated surveillance of neuroblastoma, particularly in the HSCT setting. Many of these approaches are safe, feasible, and effective at pre-clinical and clinical levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Bottino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-01056363855
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Martina Morini
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genova, Italy
| | - Chiara Vitale
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alessandra Dondero
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Tondo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology and HSCT, Meyer Children’s University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy
| | - Massimo Conte
- Pediatric Oncology Unit-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Alberto Garaventa
- Pediatric Oncology Unit-IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, 16147 Genoa, Italy
| | - Roberta Castriconi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy
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Della Chiesa M, Setti C, Giordano C, Obino V, Greppi M, Pesce S, Marcenaro E, Rutigliani M, Provinciali N, Paleari L, DeCensi A, Sivori S, Carlomagno S. NK Cell-Based Immunotherapy in Colorectal Cancer. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:1033. [PMID: 35891197 PMCID: PMC9323201 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10071033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Natural Killer (NK) cells are all round players in immunity thanks to their powerful and immediate response against transformed cells and the ability to modulate the subsequent adaptive immune response. The potential of immunotherapies based on NK cell involvement has been initially revealed in the hematological setting but has inspired the design of different immune tools to also be applied against solid tumors, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Indeed, despite cancer prevention screening plans, surgery, and chemotherapy strategies, CRC is one of the most widespread cancers and with the highest mortality rate. Therefore, further efficient and complementary immune-based therapies are in urgent need. In this review, we gathered the most recent advances in NK cell-based immunotherapies aimed at fighting CRC, in particular, the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), immune checkpoint blockade, and adoptive NK cell therapy, including NK cells modified with chimeric antigen receptor (CAR-NK).
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Setti
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Chiara Giordano
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | | | | | - Laura Paleari
- A.Li.Sa., Liguria Region Health Authority, 16121 Genoa, Italy;
| | - Andrea DeCensi
- Medical Oncology, Galliera Hospital, 16128 Genoa, Italy; (N.P.); (A.D.)
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES), University of Genoa, 16132 Genoa, Italy; (C.S.); (C.G.); (V.O.); (M.G.); (S.P.); (E.M.); (S.S.)
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