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Rodríguez-Bejarano OH, Parra-López C, Patarroyo MA. A review concerning the breast cancer-related tumour microenvironment. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2024; 199:104389. [PMID: 38734280 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2024.104389] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is currently the most common malignant tumour in women and one of the leading causes of their death around the world. New and increasingly personalised diagnostic and therapeutic tools have been introduced over the last few decades, along with significant advances regarding the study and knowledge related to BC. The tumour microenvironment (TME) refers to the tumour cell-associated cellular and molecular environment which can influence conditions affecting tumour development and progression. The TME is composed of immune cells, stromal cells, extracellular matrix (ECM) and signalling molecules secreted by these different cell types. Ever deeper understanding of TME composition changes during tumour development and progression will enable new and more innovative therapeutic strategies to become developed for targeting tumours during specific stages of its evolution. This review summarises the role of BC-related TME components and their influence on tumour progression and the development of resistance to therapy. In addition, an account on the modifications in BC-related TME components associated with therapy is given, and the completed or ongoing clinical trials related to this topic are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oscar Hernán Rodríguez-Bejarano
- Health Sciences Faculty, Universidad de Ciencias Aplicadas y Ambientales (U.D.C.A), Calle 222#55-37, Bogotá 111166, Colombia; Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; PhD Programme in Biotechnology, Faculty of Sciences, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Carlos Parra-López
- Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
| | - Manuel Alfonso Patarroyo
- Molecular Biology and Immunology Department, Fundación Instituto de Inmunología de Colombia (FIDIC), Carrera 50#26-20, Bogotá 111321, Colombia; Microbiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Carrera 45#26-85, Bogotá 111321, Colombia.
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2
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Hartmann JA, Cardoso MR, Talarico MCR, Kenney DJ, Leone MR, Reese DC, Turcinovic J, O'Connell AK, Gertje HP, Marino C, Ojeda PE, De Paula EV, Orsi FA, Velloso LA, Cafiero TR, Connor JH, Ploss A, Hoelzemer A, Carrington M, Barczak AK, Crossland NA, Douam F, Boucau J, Garcia-Beltran WF. Evasion of NKG2D-mediated cytotoxic immunity by sarbecoviruses. Cell 2024; 187:2393-2410.e14. [PMID: 38653235 PMCID: PMC11088510 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.03.026] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 and other sarbecoviruses continue to threaten humanity, highlighting the need to characterize common mechanisms of viral immune evasion for pandemic preparedness. Cytotoxic lymphocytes are vital for antiviral immunity and express NKG2D, an activating receptor conserved among mammals that recognizes infection-induced stress ligands (e.g., MIC-A/B). We found that SARS-CoV-2 evades NKG2D recognition by surface downregulation of MIC-A/B via shedding, observed in human lung tissue and COVID-19 patient serum. Systematic testing of SARS-CoV-2 proteins revealed that ORF6, an accessory protein uniquely conserved among sarbecoviruses, was responsible for MIC-A/B downregulation via shedding. Further investigation demonstrated that natural killer (NK) cells efficiently killed SARS-CoV-2-infected cells and limited viral spread. However, inhibition of MIC-A/B shedding with a monoclonal antibody, 7C6, further enhanced NK-cell activity toward SARS-CoV-2-infected cells. Our findings unveil a strategy employed by SARS-CoV-2 to evade cytotoxic immunity, identify the culprit immunevasin shared among sarbecoviruses, and suggest a potential novel antiviral immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan A Hartmann
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Devin J Kenney
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Madison R Leone
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Dagny C Reese
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jacquelyn Turcinovic
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aoife K O'Connell
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hans P Gertje
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Caitlin Marino
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Pedro E Ojeda
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Erich V De Paula
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Fernanda A Orsi
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Hematology and Hemotherapy Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Licio Augusto Velloso
- School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil; Obesity and Comorbidities Research Center, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Thomas R Cafiero
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - John H Connor
- National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Alexander Ploss
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Angelique Hoelzemer
- First Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; Institute for Infection and Vaccine Development (IIRVD), University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (UKE), Hamburg, Germany; Research Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute for Virology, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mary Carrington
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Basic Science Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA; Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amy K Barczak
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Crossland
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Florian Douam
- Department of Virology, Immunology, and Microbiology, Chobanian and Avedisian Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; National Emerging Infectious Diseases Laboratories, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Julie Boucau
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Wilfredo F Garcia-Beltran
- Ragon Institute of Mass General, MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA; Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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3
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Guijarro-Albaladejo B, Marrero-Cepeda C, Rodríguez-Arbolí E, Sierro-Martínez B, Pérez-Simón JA, García-Guerrero E. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) modified T Cells in acute myeloid leukemia: limitations and expectations. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1376554. [PMID: 38694825 PMCID: PMC11061469 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1376554] [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: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is an aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis despite the advent of novel therapies. Consequently, a major need exists for new therapeutic options, particularly for patients with relapsed/refractory (R/R) AML. In recent years, it has been possible to individualize the treatment of a subgroup of patients, particularly with the emergence of multiple targeted therapies. Nonetheless, a considerable number of patients remain without therapeutic options, and overall prognosis remains poor because of a high rate of disease relapse. In this sense, cellular therapies, especially chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy, have dramatically shifted the therapeutic options for other hematologic malignancies, such as diffuse large B cell lymphoma and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. In contrast, effectively treating AML with CAR-based immunotherapy poses major biological and clinical challenges, most of them derived from the unmet need to identify target antigens with expression restricted to the AML blast without compromising the viability of the normal hematopoietic stem cell counterpart. Although those limitations have hampered CAR-T cell therapy translation to the clinic, there are several clinical trials where target antigens, such as CD123, CLL-1 or CD33 are being used to treat AML patients showing promising results. Moreover, there are continuing efforts to enhance the specificity and efficacy of CAR-T cell therapy in AML. These endeavors encompass the exploration of novel avenues, including the development of dual CAR-T cells and next-generation CAR-T cells, as well as the utilization of gene editing tools to mitigate off-tumor toxicities. In this review, we will summarize the ongoing clinical studies and the early clinical results reported with CAR-T cells in AML, as well as highlight CAR-T cell limitations and the most recent approaches to overcome these barriers. We will also discuss how and when CAR-T cells should be used in the context of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Guijarro-Albaladejo
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - Cristina Marrero-Cepeda
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Hematología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Arbolí
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Hematología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Belén Sierro-Martínez
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
| | - José Antonio Pérez-Simón
- Unidad de Gestión Clínica de Hematología, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Seville, Spain
| | - Estefanía García-Guerrero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, IBiS/Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, Servicio de Hematología, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Seville, Spain
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Seller A, Tegeler CM, Mauermann J, Schreiber T, Hagelstein I, Liebel K, Koch A, Heitmann JS, Greiner SM, Hayn C, Dannehl D, Engler T, Hartkopf AD, Hahn M, Brucker SY, Salih HR, Märklin M. Soluble NKG2DLs Are Elevated in Breast Cancer Patients and Associate with Disease Outcome. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4126. [PMID: 38612935 PMCID: PMC11012452 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25074126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Ligands of the natural killer group 2D (NKG2DL) family are expressed on malignant cells and are usually absent from healthy tissues. Recognition of NKG2DLs such as MICA/B and ULBP1-3 by the activating immunoreceptor NKG2D, expressed by NK and cytotoxic T cells, stimulates anti-tumor immunity in breast cancer. Upregulation of membrane-bound NKG2DLs in breast cancer has been demonstrated by immunohistochemistry. Tumor cells release NKG2DLs via proteolytic cleavage as soluble (s)NKG2DLs, which allows for effective immune escape and is associated with poor prognosis. In this study, we collected serum from 140 breast cancer (BC) and 20 ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) patients at the time of initial diagnosis and 20 healthy volunteers (HVs). Serum levels of sNKG2DLs were quantified through the use of ELISA and correlated with clinical data. The analyzed sNKG2DLs were low to absent in HVs and significantly higher in BC patients. For some of the ligands analyzed, higher sNKG2DLs serum levels were associated with the classification of malignant tumor (TNM) stage and grading. Low sMICA serum levels were associated with significantly longer progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS). In conclusion, we provide the first insights into sNKG2DLs in BC patients and suggest their potential role in tumor immune escape in breast cancer. Furthermore, our observations suggest that serum sMICA levels may serve as a prognostic parameter in the patients analyzed in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Seller
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Christian M. Tegeler
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-Based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas Mauermann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tatjana Schreiber
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ilona Hagelstein
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Kai Liebel
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - André Koch
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Jonas S. Heitmann
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Peptide-Based Immunotherapy, Institute of Immunology, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sarah M. Greiner
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Clara Hayn
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Dominik Dannehl
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Tobias Engler
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Andreas D. Hartkopf
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Hahn
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Sara Y. Brucker
- Department of Women’s Health, University Hospital Tübingen, Calwerstraße 7, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Helmut R. Salih
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Melanie Märklin
- Clinical Collaboration Unit Translational Immunology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Tübingen, Otfried-Müller-Str. 10, 72076 Tübingen, Germany; (A.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC2180) “Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies”, University of Tübingen, Röntgenweg 11, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Lunn-Halbert MC, Laszlo GS, Erraiss S, Orr MT, Jessup HK, Thomas HJ, Chan H, Jahromi MA, Lloyd J, Cheung AF, Chang GP, Dichwalkar T, Fallon D, Grinberg A, Rodríguez-Arbolí E, Lim SYT, Kehret AR, Huo J, Cole FM, Scharffenberger SC, Walter RB. Preclinical Characterization of the Anti-Leukemia Activity of the CD33/CD16a/NKG2D Immune-Modulating TriNKET ® CC-96191. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:877. [PMID: 38473239 PMCID: PMC10931532 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16050877] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Increasing efforts are focusing on natural killer (NK) cell immunotherapies for AML. Here, we characterized CC-96191, a novel CD33/CD16a/NKG2D immune-modulating TriNKET®. CC-96191 simultaneously binds CD33, NKG2D, and CD16a, with NKG2D and CD16a co-engagement increasing the avidity for, and activation of, NK cells. CC-96191 was broadly active against human leukemia cells in a strictly CD33-dependent manner, with maximal efficacy requiring the co-engagement of CD16a and NKG2D. A frequent CD33 single nucleotide polymorphism, R69G, reduced CC-96191 potency but not maximal activity, likely because of reduced CD33 binding. Similarly, the potency, but not the maximal activity, of CC-96191 was reduced by high concentrations of soluble CD33; in contrast, the soluble form of the NKG2D ligand MICA did not impact activity. In the presence of CD33+ AML cells, CC-96191 activated NK cells but not T cells; while maximum anti-AML efficacy was similar, soluble cytokine levels were 10- to >100-fold lower than with a CD33/CD3 bispecific antibody. While CC-96191-mediated cytolysis was not affected by ABC transporter proteins, it was reduced by anti-apoptotic BCL-2 family proteins. Finally, in patient marrow specimens, CC-96191 eliminated AML cells but not normal monocytes, suggesting selectivity of TriNKET-induced cytotoxicity toward neoplastic cells. Together, these findings support the clinical exploration of CC-96191 as in NCT04789655.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret C. Lunn-Halbert
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - George S. Laszlo
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Sarah Erraiss
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Mark T. Orr
- Immuno-Oncology Cellular Therapy Thematic Research Center, Bristol Myers Squibb, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Heidi K. Jessup
- Immuno-Oncology Cellular Therapy Thematic Research Center, Bristol Myers Squibb, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Heather J. Thomas
- Immuno-Oncology Cellular Therapy Thematic Research Center, Bristol Myers Squibb, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Henry Chan
- Bristol Myers Squibb, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Eduardo Rodríguez-Arbolí
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBIS/CSIC/CIBERONC), University of Seville, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Sheryl Y. T. Lim
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Allie R. Kehret
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Jenny Huo
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Frances M. Cole
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Samuel C. Scharffenberger
- Molecular Medicine and Mechanisms of Disease (M3D) Ph.D. Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Roland B. Walter
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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6
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Ulvmoen A, Greiff V, Bechensteen AG, Inngjerdingen M. NKG2A discriminates natural killer cells with a suppressed phenotype in pediatric acute leukemia. J Leukoc Biol 2024; 115:334-343. [PMID: 37738462 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad112] [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: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are important for early tumor immune surveillance. In patients with hematological cancers, NK cells are generally functional deficient and display dysregulations in their receptor repertoires. Acute leukemia is the most common cancer in children, and we here performed a comparative phenotypic profiling of NK cells from B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) patients to identify aberrant NK cell phenotypes. NK cell phenotypes, maturation, and function were analyzed in matched bone marrow and blood NK cells from BCP-ALL patients at diagnosis, during treatment, and at end of treatment and compared with age-matched pediatric control subjects. Expression of several markers were skewed in patients, but with large interindividual variations. Undertaking a multiparameter approach, we found that high expression levels of NKG2A was the single predominant marker distinguishing NK cells in BCP-ALL patients compared with healthy control subjects. Moreover, naïve CD57-NKG2A NK cells dominated in BCP-ALL patients at diagnosis. Further, we found dysregulated expression of the activating receptor DNAM-1 in resident bone marrow CXCR6+ NK cells. CXCR6+ NK cells lacking DNAM-1 expressed NKG2A and had a tendency for lower degranulation activity. In conclusion, high expression of NKG2A dominates NK cell phenotypes from pediatric BCP-ALL patients, indicating that NKG2A could be targeted in therapies for this patient group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aina Ulvmoen
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Victor Greiff
- Department of Immunology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Anne G Bechensteen
- Department of Pediatrics, Oslo University Hospital, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo 0372, Norway
| | - Marit Inngjerdingen
- Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Sognsvannsveien 20, Oslo 0372, Norway
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7
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Poveda-Garavito N, Combita AL. Contribution of the TIME in BCP-ALL: the basis for novel approaches therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1325255. [PMID: 38299154 PMCID: PMC10827891 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1325255] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The bone marrow (BM) niche is a microenvironment where both immune and non-immune cells functionally interact with hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) and more differentiated progenitors, contributing to the regulation of hematopoiesis. It is regulated by various signaling molecules such as cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in its microenvironment. However, despite the strict regulation of BM signals to maintain their steady state, accumulating evidence in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL) indicates that leukemic cells can disrupt the physiological hematopoietic niche in the BM, creating a new leukemia-supportive microenvironment. This environment favors immunological evasion mechanisms and the interaction of these cells with the development and progression of BCP-ALL. With a growing understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) in the development and progression of BCP-ALL, current strategies focused on "re-editing" TIME to promote antitumor immunity have been developed. In this review, we summarize how TIME cells are disrupted by the presence of leukemic cells, evading immunosurveillance mechanisms in the BCP-ALL model. We also explore the crosstalk between TIME and leukemic cells that leads to treatment resistance, along with the most promising immuno-therapy strategies. Understanding and further research into the role of the BM microenvironment in leukemia progression and relapse are crucial for developing more effective treatments and reducing patient mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathaly Poveda-Garavito
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Traslacional en Oncología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Alba Lucía Combita
- Grupo de Investigación en Biología del Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Grupo de Investigación Traslacional en Oncología, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología (INC), Bogotá, Colombia
- Departamento de Microbiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá, Colombia
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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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Pérez-Amill L, Bataller À, Delgado J, Esteve J, Juan M, Klein-González N. Advancing CART therapy for acute myeloid leukemia: recent breakthroughs and strategies for future development. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1260470. [PMID: 38098489 PMCID: PMC10720337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1260470] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T therapies are being developed for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) on the basis of the results obtained for other haematological malignancies and the need of new treatments for relapsed and refractory AML. The biggest challenge of CART therapy for AML is to identify a specific target antigen, since antigens expressed in AML cells are usually shared with healthy haematopoietic stem cells (HSC). The concomitant expression of the target antigen on both tumour and HSC may lead to on-target/off-tumour toxicity. In this review, we guide researchers to design, develop, and translate to the clinic CART therapies for the treatment of AML. Specifically, we describe what issues have to be considered to design these therapies; what in vitro and in vivo assays can be used to prove their efficacy and safety; and what expertise and facilities are needed to treat and manage patients at the hospital.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorena Pérez-Amill
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Gyala Therapeutics S.L, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Àlex Bataller
- Department of Haematology, Institut Clínic de Malalties Hematològiques i Oncològiques (ICHMO), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute, Department of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Delgado
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Haematology, Institut Clínic de Malalties Hematològiques i Oncològiques (ICHMO), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jordi Esteve
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Haematology, Institut Clínic de Malalties Hematològiques i Oncològiques (ICHMO), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manel Juan
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Universidad de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nela Klein-González
- Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer, Barcelona, Spain
- Gyala Therapeutics S.L, Barcelona, Spain
- Department of Immunology, Centre de Diagnòstic Biomèdic (CDB), Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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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: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 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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11
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Lutz S, Klausz K, Albici AM, Ebinger L, Sellmer L, Teipel H, Frenzel A, Langner A, Winterberg D, Krohn S, Hust M, Schirrmann T, Dübel S, Scherließ R, Humpe A, Gramatzki M, Kellner C, Peipp M. Novel NKG2D-directed bispecific antibodies enhance antibody-mediated killing of malignant B cells by NK cells and T cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1227572. [PMID: 37965326 PMCID: PMC10641740 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1227572] [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: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The activating receptor natural killer group 2, member D (NKG2D) represents an attractive target for immunotherapy as it exerts a crucial role in cancer immunosurveillance by regulating the activity of cytotoxic lymphocytes. In this study, a panel of novel NKG2D-specific single-chain fragments variable (scFv) were isolated from naïve human antibody gene libraries and fused to the fragment antigen binding (Fab) of rituximab to obtain [CD20×NKG2D] bibodies with the aim to recruit cytotoxic lymphocytes to lymphoma cells. All bispecific antibodies bound both antigens simultaneously. Two bibody constructs, [CD20×NKG2D#3] and [CD20×NKG2D#32], efficiently activated natural killer (NK) cells in co-cultures with CD20+ lymphoma cells. Both bibodies triggered NK cell-mediated lysis of lymphoma cells and especially enhanced antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) by CD38 or CD19 specific monoclonal antibodies suggesting a synergistic effect between NKG2D and FcγRIIIA signaling pathways in NK cell activation. The [CD20×NKG2D] bibodies were not effective in redirecting CD8+ T cells as single agents, but enhanced cytotoxicity when combined with a bispecific [CD19×CD3] T cell engager, indicating that NKG2D signaling also supports CD3-mediated T cell activation. In conclusion, engagement of NKG2D with bispecific antibodies is attractive to directly activate cytotoxic lymphocytes or to support their activation by monoclonal antibodies or bispecific T cell engagers. As a perspective, co-targeting of two tumor antigens may allow fine-tuning of antibody cancer therapies. Our proposed combinatorial approach is potentially applicable for many existing immunotherapies but further testing in different preclinical models is necessary to explore the full potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian Lutz
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anca-Maria Albici
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lea Ebinger
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Lea Sellmer
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Hannah Teipel
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | | | - Anna Langner
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Dorothee Winterberg
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Steffen Krohn
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Michael Hust
- YUMAB GmbH, Braunschweig, Germany
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Abteilung Biotechnologie, Braunschweig, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Dübel
- Technische Universität Braunschweig, Institut für Biochemie, Biotechnologie und Bioinformatik, Abteilung Biotechnologie, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - Regina Scherließ
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Andreas Humpe
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Gramatzki
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Department of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Hemostaseology, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Peipp
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Medicine II, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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12
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Ibáñez-Navarro M, Fernández A, Escudero A, Esteso G, Campos-Silva C, Navarro-Aguadero MÁ, Leivas A, Caracuel BR, Rodríguez-Antolín C, Ortiz A, Navarro-Zapata A, Mestre-Durán C, Izquierdo M, Balaguer-Pérez M, Ferreras C, Martínez-López J, Valés-Gómez M, Pérez-Martínez A, Fernández L. NKG2D-CAR memory T cells target pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in vitro and in vivo but fail to eliminate leukemia initiating cells. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1187665. [PMID: 37928520 PMCID: PMC10622787 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1187665] [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: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Refractory/relapsed pediatric acute leukemia are still clinically challenging and new therapeutic strategies are needed. Interactions between Natural Killer Group 2D (NKG2D) receptor, expressed in cytotoxic immune cells, and its ligands (NKG2DL), which are upregulated in leukemic blasts, are important for anti-leukemia immunosurveillance. Nevertheless, leukemia cells may develop immunoescape strategies as NKG2DL shedding and/or downregulation. Methods In this report, we analyzed the anti-leukemia activity of NKG2D chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) redirected memory (CD45RA-) T cells in vitro and in a murine model of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL). We also explored in vitro how soluble NKG2DL (sNKG2DL) affected NKG2D-CAR T cells' cytotoxicity and the impact of NKG2D-CAR T cells on Jurkat cells gene expression and in vivo functionality. Results In vitro, we found NKG2D-CAR T cells targeted leukemia cells and showed resistance to the immunosuppressive effects exerted by sNKG2DL. In vivo, NKG2D-CAR T cells controlled T cell leukemia burden and increased survival of the treated mice but failed to cure the animals. After CAR T cell treatment, Jurkat cells upregulated genes related to proliferation, survival and stemness, and in vivo, they exhibited functional properties of leukemia initiating cells. Discussion The data here presented suggest, that, in combination with other therapeutic approaches, NKG2D-CAR T cells could be a novel treatment for pediatric T-ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Ibáñez-Navarro
- Hematological Malignancies-H12O Lab. Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adrián Fernández
- Hematological Malignancies-H12O Lab. Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Escudero
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Gloria Esteso
- Tumor Immune Activation and Evasion Lab. Immunology and Oncology Department, National Biotechnology Center (CNB), Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Campos-Silva
- Tumor Immune Activation and Evasion Lab. Immunology and Oncology Department, National Biotechnology Center (CNB), Madrid, Spain
| | - Miguel Ángel Navarro-Aguadero
- Hematological Malignancies-H12O Lab. Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Leivas
- Hematological Malignancies-H12O Lab. Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Beatriz Ruz Caracuel
- Pediatric Oncology Department, Instituto de Genética Médica y Molecular (INGEMM), Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carlos Rodríguez-Antolín
- Biomarkers and Experimental Therapeutics in Cancer, Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Cancer Epigenetics Laboratory, Genetic Unit, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Ortiz
- Hematological Malignancies-H12O Lab. Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Navarro-Zapata
- Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Mestre-Durán
- Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Manuel Izquierdo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas Sols-Morreale (IIBM), Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (CSIC-UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Balaguer-Pérez
- Hematological Malignancies-H12O Lab. Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Ferreras
- Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Martínez-López
- Hematological Malignancies-H12O Lab. Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Hematology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Valés-Gómez
- Tumor Immune Activation and Evasion Lab. Immunology and Oncology Department, National Biotechnology Center (CNB), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Pérez-Martínez
- Translational Research in Pediatric Oncology, Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, IdiPAZ, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Department, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía Fernández
- Hematological Malignancies-H12O Lab. Clinical Research Department, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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Fisher JG, Doyle ADP, Graham LV, Sonar S, Sale B, Henderson I, Del Rio L, Johnson PWM, Landesman Y, Cragg MS, Forconi F, Walker CJ, Khakoo SI, Blunt MD. XPO1 inhibition sensitises CLL cells to NK cell mediated cytotoxicity and overcomes HLA-E expression. Leukemia 2023; 37:2036-2049. [PMID: 37528310 PMCID: PMC10539165 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01984-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/03/2023]
Abstract
The first-in-class inhibitor of exportin-1 (XPO1) selinexor is currently under clinical investigation in combination with the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib for patients with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Selinexor induces apoptosis of tumour cells through nuclear retention of tumour suppressor proteins and has also recently been described to modulate natural killer (NK) cell and T cell cytotoxicity against lymphoma cells. Here, we demonstrate that XPO1 inhibition enhances NK cell effector function against primary CLL cells via downregulation of HLA-E and upregulation of TRAIL death receptors DR4 and DR5. Furthermore, selinexor potentiates NK cell activation against CLL cells in combination with several approved treatments; acalabrutinib, rituximab and obinutuzumab. We further demonstrate that lymph node associated signals (IL-4 + CD40L) inhibit NK cell activation against CLL cells via upregulation of HLA-E, and that inhibition of XPO1 can overcome this protective effect. These findings allow for the design of more efficacious combination strategies to harness NK cell effector functions against CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack G Fisher
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Amber D P Doyle
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Lara V Graham
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Shreyanshi Sonar
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ben Sale
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Isla Henderson
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Luis Del Rio
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Peter W M Johnson
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Mark S Cragg
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Francesco Forconi
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Haematology Department, Cancer Care Directorate, University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust, Southampton, UK
| | | | - Salim I Khakoo
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Matthew D Blunt
- School of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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14
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Sun L, Jiang G, Ng YY, Xiao L, Du Z, Wang S, Zhu J. T cells with split CARs specific for NKG2D ligands and PD-L1 exhibit improved selectivity towards monocyte-derived cells while effective in eliminating acute myeloid leukaemia in vivo. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:10189-10201. [PMID: 37270461 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04865-1] [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: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The expression of NKG2D ligands and PD-L1 has been detected on acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) cells, as well as normal cells of the myeloid lineage. To target leukemic cells while minimizing collateral damage to normal cells, we constructed a split dual CAR system based on the AND-gate logic. METHODS The NKG2D extracellular domain linked with DAP12 without a co-stimulatory signal was used for the basal activation of T cells, and used together with the PD-L1-specific chimeric costimulatory receptor containing the 4-1BB activating domain for co-stimulatory signal 2 input. This dual CAR displayed cell-type specificity and activity similar as a 2nd generation NKG2D ligand-specific CAR. RESULTS When compared to CD64 and PD-L1-specific 2nd generation CARs, we observed that the split dual CAR offered an improved myeloid cell type selectivity. For example, PD-L1-specific CAR-T cells lysed all tested myeloid cell types that expressed PD-L1, including M0 macrophages (Mø0), LPS-polarized Mø1, IFN-γ polarized Mø1, IL-4 polarized Mø2, monocytes, immature dendritic cells (imDCs), mature DCs, as well as KG-1 AML cells, while the dual CAR-T cells displaying killing activity only towards LPS polarized Mø1, mature DCs and KG-1 cells that expressed both NKG2D ligands and PD-L1. In a mouse liquid tumor model, the dual CAR-T cells were effective in eradicating established KG-1 AML xenografts. CONCLUSION The improved cell type specificity offered by our split dual CAR-T cell system targeting paired antigens would favour the reduction of the on-target off-tumor toxicity towards normal myeloid cells during the treatment of myeloid leukaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Sun
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, People's Republic of China
| | - Guangyi Jiang
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Yang Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore
| | - Lin Xiao
- CNK Cell Therapeutics, #501, No 2 Avenue, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhicheng Du
- CNK Cell Therapeutics, #501, No 2 Avenue, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117543, Singapore.
- CNK Cell Therapeutics, #501, No 2 Avenue, Hangzhou, 310018, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jianqing Zhu
- Department of Gynaecologic Oncology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Institute of Basic Medicine and Cancer (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310022, People's Republic of China.
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15
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Tan G, Spillane KM, Maher J. The Role and Regulation of the NKG2D/NKG2D Ligand System in Cancer. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1079. [PMID: 37626965 PMCID: PMC10452210 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
The family of human NKG2D ligands (NKG2DL) consists of eight stress-induced molecules. Over 80% of human cancers express these ligands on the surface of tumour cells and/or associated stromal elements. In mice, NKG2D deficiency increases susceptibility to some types of cancer, implicating this system in immune surveillance for malignancy. However, NKG2DL can also be shed, released via exosomes and trapped intracellularly, leading to immunosuppressive effects. Moreover, NKG2D can enhance chronic inflammatory processes which themselves can increase cancer risk and progression. Indeed, tumours commonly deploy a range of countermeasures that can neutralise or even corrupt this surveillance system, tipping the balance away from immune control towards tumour progression. Consequently, the prognostic impact of NKG2DL expression in human cancer is variable. In this review, we consider the underlying biology and regulation of the NKG2D/NKG2DL system and its expression and role in a range of cancer types. We also consider the opportunities for pharmacological modulation of NKG2DL expression while cautioning that such interventions need to be carefully calibrated according to the biology of the specific cancer type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge Tan
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK;
| | | | - John Maher
- CAR Mechanics Group, Guy’s Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK;
- Department of Immunology, Eastbourne Hospital, Kings Drive, Eastbourne BN21 2UD, UK
- Leucid Bio Ltd., Guy’s Hospital, Great Maze Pond, London SE1 9RT, UK
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16
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Christodoulou I, Solomou EE. A Panorama of Immune Fighters Armored with CARs in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113054. [PMID: 37297016 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113054] [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: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a devastating disease. Intensive chemotherapy is the mainstay of treatment but results in debilitating toxicities. Moreover, many treated patients will eventually require hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for disease control, which is the only potentially curative but challenging option. Ultimately, a subset of patients will relapse or have refractory disease, posing a huge challenge to further therapeutic decisions. Targeted immunotherapies hold promise for relapsed/refractory (r/r) malignancies by directing the immune system against cancer. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are important components of targeted immunotherapy. Indeed, CAR-T cells have achieved unprecedented success against r/r CD19+ malignancies. However, CAR-T cells have only achieved modest outcomes in clinical studies on r/r AML. Natural killer (NK) cells have innate anti-AML functionality and can be engineered with CARs to improve their antitumor response. CAR-NKs are associated with lower toxicities than CAR-T cells; however, their clinical efficacy against AML has not been extensively investigated. In this review, we cite the results from clinical studies of CAR-T cells in AML and describe their limitations and safety concerns. Moreover, we depict the clinical and preclinical landscape of CAR used in alternative immune cell platforms with a specific focus on CAR-NKs, providing insight into the future optimization of AML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Christodoulou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Rion, Greece
| | - Elena E Solomou
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Patras Medical School, 26500 Rion, Greece
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17
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Ivanova M, Tsvetkova G, Lessichkova S, Gesheva N, Hadjiev E, Shivarov V. Exploration of the role of
NKG2D
ligands
MICA
and
MICB
in
JAK2 V617F
‐positive myeloproliferative neoplasms. HLA 2023. [DOI: 10.1111/tan.15026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Milena Ivanova
- Department of Clinical Immunology University Hospital Alexandrovska, Medical University Sofia Bulgaria
| | - Gergana Tsvetkova
- Department of Clinical Hematology University Hospital Alexandrovska, Medical University Sofia Bulgaria
| | - Spaska Lessichkova
- Department of Clinical Immunology University Hospital Alexandrovska, Medical University Sofia Bulgaria
| | - Nevena Gesheva
- Department of Clinical Immunology University Hospital Alexandrovska, Medical University Sofia Bulgaria
| | - Evgueniy Hadjiev
- Department of Clinical Hematology University Hospital Alexandrovska, Medical University Sofia Bulgaria
| | - Velizar Shivarov
- Department of Experimental Research Medical University Pleven Bulgaria
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18
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Arianfar E, Khandoozi SR, Mohammadi S, Memarian A. Suppression of CD56 bright NK cells in breast cancer patients is associated with the PD-1 and TGF-βRII expression. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:841-851. [PMID: 36414921 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02997-3] [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: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Natural killer (NK) cells, as professional cytotoxic cells, play a key role against cancer in the early and metastatic stages. Their functional defects are highly associated with the initiation or progression of breast cancer (BC). Here, we investigated the phenotypic characterization of NK cells in 26 newly diagnosed BC patients in comparison to 12 healthy counterparts. METHODS Expression of CXCR3 and PD-1, and also NKG2D, and TGF-βRII were studied on CD56dim and CD56bright NK cells from fresh peripheral blood (PB) samples using flow cytometry. The plasma levels of IFN-γ and soluble MIC-A levels were also assessed by ELISA. RESULTS Both CD56dim and CD56bright NK subtypes showed lower CXCR3 and NKG2D expression in BC patients than healthy subjects. Furthermore, patients' CD56bright NK cells significantly showed higher expression levels of TGF-βRII and PD-1. Interestingly, increased concentration of MIC-A level in plasma of BC patients was associated with the higher TGF-βRII and PD-1 expression in all NK cells, while the plasma level of IFN-γ was associated with the lower TGF-βRII expression on CD56bright NK cells in these patients. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated phenotypically suppressed-NK cells, especially in the CD56bright subset of BC patients. It specifies their potential incompetence and outlines decrement of their anti-tumor activity, which could be interrelated with the tumor pathogenesis, TME immunosuppression, and so disease progression. The induction of compensatory mechanisms revives NK cells function and could be used in combination with the conventional treatments as a putative therapeutic approach for targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elaheh Arianfar
- Student Research Committee, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.,Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | | | - Saeed Mohammadi
- Stem Cell Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Ali Memarian
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran. .,Golestan Research Center of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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19
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Schorr C, Perna F. Targets for chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy of acute myeloid leukemia. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1085978. [PMID: 36605213 PMCID: PMC9809466 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1085978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is an aggressive myeloid malignancy associated with high mortality rates (less than 30% 5-year survival). Despite advances in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning leukemogenesis, standard-of-care therapeutic approaches have not changed over the last couple of decades. Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy targeting CD19 has shown remarkable clinical outcomes for patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and is now an FDA-approved therapy. Targeting of myeloid malignancies that are CD19-negative with this promising technology remains challenging largely due to lack of alternate target antigens, complex clonal heterogeneity, and the increased recognition of an immunosuppressive bone marrow. We carefully reviewed a comprehensive list of AML targets currently being used in both proof-of-concept pre-clinical and experimental clinical settings. We analyzed the expression profile of these molecules in leukemic as well normal tissues using reliable protein databases and data reported in the literature and we provide an updated overview of the current clinical trials with CAR T-cells in AML. Our study represents a state-of-art review of the field and serves as a potential guide for selecting known AML-associated targets for adoptive cellular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Schorr
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - Fabiana Perna
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, United States,*Correspondence: Fabiana Perna,
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20
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Maurer S, Zhong X, Prada BD, Mascarenhas J, de Andrade LF. The Latest Breakthroughs in Immunotherapy for Acute Myeloid Leukemia, with a Special Focus on NKG2D Ligands. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:15907. [PMID: 36555547 PMCID: PMC9784434 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415907] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy characterized by clonal expansion of stem and myeloid progenitor cells. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the care for other cancers such as solid tumors and lymphomas, and has the potential to effectively treat AML. There has been substantial progress in the developments of immunotherapeutic approaches for AML over the last several years, including the development of antibodies that further increase the innate immunogenicity of leukemia cells by the inhibition of NKG2D ligand-particularly MICA and MICB-shedding, chimeric proteins such as IL-15 superagonist that expand natural killer (NK) cells, blockers of immunologic checkpoints such as NKG2A, and chemicals that indirectly increase expression of immune stimulatory proteins in leukemia stem cells. Furthermore, cellular therapies have been designed to enable alloreactive immunity by allogeneic NK cells or target leukemia antigens such as mutated NPM1. These immunotherapeutic approaches have demonstrated remarkable efficacies in preclinical studies and have successfully transitioned to early phase clinical trials, to establish safety and initial signal of clinical activity. Here, we briefly discuss some of the most recent and impactful developments in the AML immunotherapy field and provide our perspectives for the future directions of this exciting and new therapeutic opportunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Maurer
- Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Xiaoxuan Zhong
- Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Betsy Deza Prada
- Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - John Mascarenhas
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Lucas Ferrari de Andrade
- Precision Immunology Institute, Department of Oncological Sciences, The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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21
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Yano M, Byrd JC, Muthusamy N. Natural Killer Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: Functional Impairment and Therapeutic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235787. [PMID: 36497266 PMCID: PMC9739887 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy approaches have advanced rapidly in recent years. While the greatest therapeutic advances so far have been achieved with T cell therapies such as immune checkpoint blockade and CAR-T, recent advances in NK cell therapy have highlighted the therapeutic potential of these cells. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the most prevalent form of leukemia in Western countries, is a very immunosuppressive disease but still shows significant potential as a target of immunotherapy, including NK-based therapies. In addition to their antileukemia potential, NK cells are important immune effectors in the response to infections, which represent a major clinical concern for CLL patients. Here, we review the interactions between NK cells and CLL, describing functional changes and mechanisms of CLL-induced NK suppression, interactions with current therapeutic options, and the potential for therapeutic benefit using NK cell therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Yano
- Medical Science Training Program, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - John C. Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Correspondence: (J.C.B.); (N.M.)
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22
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Reale A, Khong T, Spencer A. Extracellular Vesicles and Their Roles in the Tumor Immune Microenvironment. J Clin Med 2022; 11:jcm11236892. [PMID: 36498469 PMCID: PMC9737553 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11236892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells actively incorporate molecules (e.g., proteins, lipids, RNA) into particles named extracellular vesicles (EVs). Several groups have demonstrated that EVs can be transferred to target (recipient) cells, making EVs an important means of intercellular communication. Indeed, EVs are able to modulate the functions of target cells by reprogramming signaling pathways. In a cancer context, EVs promote the formation of a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME) and (pre)metastatic niches. Recent studies have revealed that immune cells, tumor cells and their secretome, including EVs, promote changes in the TME and immunosuppressive functions of immune cells (e.g., natural killer, dendritic cells, T and B cells, monocytes, macrophages) that allow tumor cells to establish and propagate. Despite the growing knowledge on EVs and on their roles in cancer and as modulators of the immune response/escape, the translation into clinical practice remains in its early stages, hence requiring improved translational research in the EVs field. Here, we comprehensively review the current knowledge and most recent research on the roles of EVs in tumor immune evasion and immunosuppression in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies. We also highlight the clinical utility of EV-mediated immunosuppression targeting and EV-engineering. Importantly, we discuss the controversial role of EVs in cancer biology, current limitations and future perspectives to further the EV knowledge into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Reale
- Myeloma Research Group, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University—Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (A.S.)
| | - Tiffany Khong
- Myeloma Research Group, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University—Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Andrew Spencer
- Myeloma Research Group, Australian Centre for Blood Diseases, Central Clinical School, Monash University—Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Malignant Haematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Department of Haematology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Clinical Hematology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Correspondence: (A.R.); (A.S.)
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23
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Role of PARP Inhibitors in Cancer Immunotherapy: Potential Friends to Immune Activating Molecules and Foes to Immune Checkpoints. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225633. [PMID: 36428727 PMCID: PMC9688455 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors (PARPi) induce cytotoxic effects as single agents in tumors characterized by defective repair of DNA double-strand breaks deriving from BRCA1/2 mutations or other abnormalities in genes associated with homologous recombination. Preclinical studies have shown that PARPi-induced DNA damage may affect the tumor immune microenvironment and immune-mediated anti-tumor response through several mechanisms. In particular, increased DNA damage has been shown to induce the activation of type I interferon pathway and up-regulation of PD-L1 expression in cancer cells, which can both enhance sensitivity to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors (ICIs). Despite the recent approval of ICIs for a number of advanced cancer types based on their ability to reinvigorate T-cell-mediated antitumor immune responses, a consistent percentage of treated patients fail to respond, strongly encouraging the identification of combination therapies to overcome resistance. In the present review, we analyzed both established and unexplored mechanisms that may be elicited by PARPi, supporting immune reactivation and their potential synergism with currently used ICIs. This analysis may indicate novel and possibly patient-specific immune features that might represent new pharmacological targets of PARPi, potentially leading to the identification of predictive biomarkers of response to their combination with ICIs.
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24
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Ye Z, Li Y, Tian X, Wei Y, Yu Y, Lai K, Yang K, Qiu Z, Lin J, Zhao M, Lin D, Xu X. Fatty acid metabolism predicts prognosis and NK cell immunosurveillance of acute myeloid leukemia patients. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1018154. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1018154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundCell metabolic reprogramming is a hallmark of tumor prognosis, and fatty acid metabolism (FAM) plays a crucial role in the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the relationship between FAM, TME, and prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients remains elusive.MethodsWe extracted the single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-Seq) and bulk transcriptome data of AML patients from the TCGA and GEO databases and assessed the relationship between FAM, TME, and AML patient prognosis. We also performed functional enrichment (FE) assay to evaluate the significance of FAM in anti-AML immunosurveillance.ResultsOur scRNA-Seq analysis revealed that the leukemic stem cell (LSC)-enriched population exhibited elevated levels of FAM-related genes. Using these FAM-related genes, we developed a prognostic model that accurately estimated AML patient outcome. FE analysis showed that FAM was strongly related to alterations of TME-based immunosurveillance in AML patients. More importantly, we demonstrated that FAM inhibition via pharmaceutical targeting of PLA2G4A, a highly expressed FAM gene in AML patients with poor prognosis, enhanced the NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance in leukemia cells.ConclusionsLeukemic stem cell (LSC)-enriched population exhibited elevated levels of FAM-related genes. We have successfully established the FAM formula that predicts AML patient prognosis and alterations in the TME-based immunosurveillance. We also found that PLA2G4A was a highly expressed FAM gene in AML patients with poor prognoses. Pharmaceutical targeting of PLA2G4A increased the expression of NKG2DL in leukemia cells in vitro and thus enhanced the NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance.
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25
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Valeri A, García-Ortiz A, Castellano E, Córdoba L, Maroto-Martín E, Encinas J, Leivas A, Río P, Martínez-López J. Overcoming tumor resistance mechanisms in CAR-NK cell therapy. Front Immunol 2022; 13:953849. [PMID: 35990652 PMCID: PMC9381932 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.953849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the impressive results of autologous CAR-T cell therapy in refractory B lymphoproliferative diseases, CAR-NK immunotherapy emerges as a safer, faster, and cost-effective approach with no signs of severe toxicities as described for CAR-T cells. Permanently scrutinized for its efficacy, recent promising data in CAR-NK clinical trials point out the achievement of deep, high-quality responses, thus confirming its potential clinical use. Although CAR-NK cell therapy is not significantly affected by the loss or downregulation of its CAR tumor target, as in the case of CAR-T cell, a plethora of common additional tumor intrinsic or extrinsic mechanisms that could also disable NK cell function have been described. Therefore, considering lessons learned from CAR-T cell therapy, the emergence of CAR-NK cell therapy resistance can also be envisioned. In this review we highlight the processes that could be involved in its development, focusing on cytokine addiction and potential fratricide during manufacturing, poor tumor trafficking, exhaustion within the tumor microenvironment (TME), and NK cell short in vivo persistence on account of the limited expansion, replicative senescence, and rejection by patient’s immune system after lymphodepletion recovery. Finally, we outline new actively explored alternatives to overcome these resistance mechanisms, with a special emphasis on CRISPR/Cas9 mediated genetic engineering approaches, a promising platform to optimize CAR-NK cell function to eradicate refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Valeri
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Almudena García-Ortiz
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Eva Castellano
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Córdoba
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Elena Maroto-Martín
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jessica Encinas
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Leivas
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Río
- Division of Hematopoietic Innovative Therapies, Biomedical Innovation Unit, Centro de Investigaciones Energéticas Medioambientales y Tecnológicas (CIEMAT), Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER) and Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (IIS-FJD, UAM), Madrid, Spain
| | - Joaquín Martínez-López
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (H12O-CNIO) Haematological Malignancies Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre, Madrid, Spain
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre-Universidad Complutense, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital 12 de Octubre (imas12), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Joaquín Martínez-López,
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26
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Peipp M, Klausz K, Boje AS, Zeller T, Zielonka S, Kellner C. Immunotherapeutic targeting of activating natural killer cell receptors and their ligands in cancer. Clin Exp Immunol 2022; 209:22-32. [PMID: 35325068 PMCID: PMC9307233 DOI: 10.1093/cei/uxac028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells exert an important role in cancer immune surveillance. Recognition of malignant cells and controlled activation of effector functions are facilitated by the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors, which is a complex interplay that allows NK cells to discriminate malignant cells from healthy tissues. Due to their unique profile of effector functions, the recruitment of NK cells is attractive in cancer treatment and a key function of NK cells in antibody therapy is widely appreciated. In recent years, besides the low-affinity fragment crystallizable receptor for immunoglobulin G (FcγRIIIA), the activating natural killer receptors p30 (NKp30) and p46 (NKp46), as well as natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D), have gained increasing attention as potential targets for bispecific antibody-derivatives to redirect NK cell cytotoxicity against tumors. Beyond modulation of the receptor activity on NK cells, therapeutic targeting of the respective ligands represents an attractive approach. Here, novel therapeutic approaches to unleash NK cells by engagement of activating NK-cell receptors and alternative strategies targeting their tumor-expressed ligands in cancer therapy are summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Peipp
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Katja Klausz
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Ammelie Svea Boje
- Division of Antibody-Based Immunotherapy, Department of Internal Medicine II, Christian Albrechts University and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tobias Zeller
- Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Zielonka
- Protein Engineering and Antibody Technologies, Merck Healthcare KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Christian Kellner
- Correspondence: Christian Kellner, Division of Transfusion Medicine, Cell Therapeutics and Haemostaseology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Fernández A, Pérez-Martínez A, Escudero A, Mirones I, González B, de Paz R, Matamala N, Clares L, Navarro A, Galán V, Martínez-Romera I, Martínez-López J, Leivas A, Valés-Gómez M, Ferreras C, Fernández L. Infusion of haploidentical NKG2D-CAR-T CD45RA- cells in two pediatric patients with advanced relapsed and refractory acute leukemia was safe but achieved no clinical benefits. Leuk Lymphoma 2022; 63:1970-1974. [DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2057490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Fernández
- Hematological Malignancies Lab-H12O Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Antonio Pérez-Martínez
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Translational Research Group in Pediatric Oncology Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
- Pediatric Department, Autonomous University of Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Escudero
- Pediatric Molecular Hemato-Oncology Department, Medical and Molecular Genetics Institute (INGEMM), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Isabel Mirones
- Advanced Therapy Medicinal Products Production Unit, Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Service and Pharmacy Service, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Berta González
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel de Paz
- Hematology and Hemotherapy Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Nerea Matamala
- Pediatric Molecular Hemato-Oncology Department, Medical and Molecular Genetics Institute (INGEMM), La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Clares
- Translational Research Group in Pediatric Oncology Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alfonso Navarro
- Translational Research Group in Pediatric Oncology Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Victor Galán
- Pediatric Hemato-Oncology Department, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Joaquín Martínez-López
- Hematological Malignancies Lab-H12O Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Hematology Department, 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alejandra Leivas
- Hematological Malignancies Lab-H12O Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Hematology Department, 12 de Octubre University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Mar Valés-Gómez
- Tumor Immune Activation and Evasion Group, National Biotechnology Center, Madrid, Spain
| | - Cristina Ferreras
- Translational Research Group in Pediatric Oncology Hematopoietic Transplantation and Cell Therapy, La Paz University Hospital Institute for Health Research-IdiPAZ, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucía Fernández
- Hematological Malignancies Lab-H12O Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
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28
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Rahmani S, Yazdanpanah N, Rezaei N. Natural killer cells and acute myeloid leukemia: promises and challenges. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2022; 71:2849-2867. [PMID: 35639116 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-022-03217-1] [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: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is considered as one of the most malignant conditions of the bone marrow. Over the past few decades, despite substantial progresses in the management of AML, relapse remission remains a major problem. Natural killer cells (NK cells) are known as a unique component of the innate immune system. Due to swift tumor detection, distinct cytotoxic action, and extensive immune interaction, NK cells have been used in various cancer settings for decades. It has been a growing knowledge of therapeutic magnitudes ranging from adoptive NK cell transfer to chimeric antigen receptor NK cells, aiming to achieve better therapeutic responses in patients with AML. In this article, the potentials of NK cells for treatment of AML are highlighted, and challenges for such therapeutic methods are discussed. In addition, the clinical application of NK cells, mainly in patients with AML, is pictured according to the existing evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Rahmani
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloufar Yazdanpanah
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran. .,Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran. .,Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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29
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Allegra A, Casciaro M, Lo Presti E, Musolino C, Gangemi S. Harnessing Unconventional T Cells and Innate Lymphoid Cells to Prevent and Treat Hematological Malignancies: Prospects for New Immunotherapy. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12060754. [PMID: 35740879 PMCID: PMC9221132 DOI: 10.3390/biom12060754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Unconventional T cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) make up a heterogeneous set of cells that characteristically show prompt responses toward specific antigens. Unconventional T cells recognize non-peptide antigens, which are bound and presented by diverse non-polymorphic antigen-presenting molecules and comprise γδ T cells, MR1-restricted mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAITs), and natural killer T cells (NKTs). On the other hand, ILCs lack antigen-specific receptors and act as the innate counterpart to the T lymphocytes found in the adaptive immune response. The alteration of unconventional T cells and ILCs in frequency and functionality is correlated with the onset of several autoimmune diseases, allergy, inflammation, and tumor. However, depending on the physio-pathological framework, unconventional T cells may exhibit either protective or pathogenic activity in a range of neoplastic diseases. Nonetheless, experimental models and clinical studies have displayed that some unconventional T cells are potential therapeutic targets, as well as prognostic and diagnostic markers. In fact, cell-mediated immune response in tumors has become the focus in immunotherapy against neoplastic disease. This review concentrates on the present knowledge concerning the function of unconventional T cell sets in the antitumor immune response in hematological malignancies, such as acute and chronic leukemia, multiple myeloma, and lymphoproliferative disorders. Moreover, we discuss the possibility that modulating the activity of unconventional T cells could be useful in the treatment of hematological neoplasms, in the prevention of specific conditions (such as graft versus host disease), and in the formulation of an effective anticancer vaccine therapy. The exact knowledge of the role of these cells could represent the prerequisite for the creation of a new form of immunotherapy for hematological neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Allegra
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, Division of Hematology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Marco Casciaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-090-221-2013
| | - Elena Lo Presti
- National Research Council (CNR)—Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), 90146 Palermo, Italy;
| | - Caterina Musolino
- Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, Division of Hematology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy; (A.A.); (C.M.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, School and Operative Unit of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy;
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30
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Wiatrowski K, Kim TH, Przespolewski A. Cellular and Molecular Biomarkers Predictive of Response to Immunotherapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia. Front Oncol 2022; 12:826768. [PMID: 35664748 PMCID: PMC9160191 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.826768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy has without question revolutionized the treatment of both hematologic and solid malignancies. Over the last several years novel strategies are being developed to incorporate these groundbreaking therapies into the care of patients with AML. Here we present an overview of the recent developments in immunotherapy for AML with a focus on biomarkers of response. Topics reviewed include antibody drug conjugates, BiTEs, DARTs, checkpoint inhibitors, and cellular therapy as well as the development of biomarkers predictive of response in each class.
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31
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Jones AB, Rocco A, Lamb LS, Friedman GK, Hjelmeland AB. Regulation of NKG2D Stress Ligands and Its Relevance in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2339. [PMID: 35565467 PMCID: PMC9105350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Under cellular distress, multiple facets of normal homeostatic signaling are altered or disrupted. In the context of the immune landscape, external and internal stressors normally promote the expression of natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) ligands that allow for the targeted recognition and killing of cells by NKG2D receptor-bearing effector populations. The presence or absence of NKG2D ligands can heavily influence disease progression and impact the accessibility of immunotherapy options. In cancer, tumor cells are known to have distinct regulatory mechanisms for NKG2D ligands that are directly associated with tumor progression and maintenance. Therefore, understanding the regulation of NKG2D ligands in cancer will allow for targeted therapeutic endeavors aimed at exploiting the stress response pathway. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of regulatory mechanisms controlling the induction and repression of NKG2D ligands in cancer. Additionally, we highlight current therapeutic endeavors targeting NKG2D ligand expression and offer our perspective on considerations to further enhance the field of NKG2D ligand biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber B. Jones
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
| | - Abbey Rocco
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.R.); (G.K.F.)
| | | | - Gregory K. Friedman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.R.); (G.K.F.)
| | - Anita B. Hjelmeland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
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32
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Nagai K, Tawara T, Usui J, Ebihara I, Ishizu T, Kobayashi M, Maeda Y, Kobayashi H, Yamagata K. Levels of Soluble NKG2D Ligands and Cancer History in Patients Starting Hemodialysis. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2022; 2:875207. [PMID: 37674990 PMCID: PMC10479672 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2022.875207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Background Immune dysfunction in hemodialysis patients is partially due to NK cell impairment. Ligands for NK activating receptors such as NKG2D expressed on cancer cells are involved in NK cell dysfunction and can lead to cancer development. Methods A cohort with 370 patients who started hemodialysis (HD) was investigated. Serum levels of soluble NKG2D ligands were measured. Cancer history was defined as any cancer diagnosis at induction and hospitalization and death due to cancer during 2-year follow-up. Results Sixty-two patients with and 308 patients without a cancer history showed mostly comparable biochemical parameters and uremic status at HD induction. Soluble MICB, ULBP-1, and ULBP-2 were detected in sera from most patients starting HD rather than MICA, the most representative NKG2D ligand. Measured NKG2D ligands, except for ULBP-1, were strongly correlated with each other. Correlations between NKG2D ligands and renal function were significant but modest in patients starting HD. Cancer history did not have any impact on levels of soluble NKG2D ligands. Discussion Even though this investigation lacked a control cohort and serial measurement of parameters, expression patterns of NKG2D ligands were comprehensively described, and the significance of cancer in patients starting HD was elucidated for the first time. Elevated levels of soluble NKG2D ligands occurred potentially due to complex mechanisms of oxidative stress, with insufficient metabolism and excretion in a uremic milieu, but they might mask the significance of elevations in serum levels of soluble NKG2DLs in patients with a cancer history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kei Nagai
- Department of Nephrology, Hitachi General Hospital, Hitachi, Japan
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Takashi Tawara
- Department of Nephrology, Mito Kyodo General Hospital, Mito, Japan
| | - Joichi Usui
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Itaru Ebihara
- Department of Nephrology, Mito Saiseikai General Hospital, Mito, Japan
| | - Takashi Ishizu
- Department of Nephrology, Ushiku Aiwa Hospital, Ushiku, Japan
| | - Masaki Kobayashi
- Department of Nephrology, Tokyo Medical University Kasumigaura Hospital, Ami, Japan
| | - Yoshitaka Maeda
- Department of Nephrology, JA Toride Medical Center, Toride, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kobayashi
- Department of Nephrology, Ibaraki Prefectural Central Hospital, Kasama, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Yamagata
- Department of Nephrology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
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33
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Zhang L, Meng Y, Feng X, Han Z. CAR-NK cells for cancer immunotherapy: from bench to bedside. Biomark Res 2022; 10:12. [PMID: 35303962 PMCID: PMC8932134 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00364-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are unique innate immune cells and manifest rapid and potent cytotoxicity for cancer immunotherapy and pathogen removal without the requirement of prior sensitization or recognition of peptide antigens. Distinguish from the T lymphocyte-based cythotherapy with toxic side effects, chimeric antigen receptor-transduced NK (CAR-NK) cells are adequate to simultaneously improve efficacy and control adverse effects including acute cytokine release syndrome (CRS), neurotoxicity and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Moreover, considering the inherent properties of NK cells, the CAR-NK cells are “off-the-shelf” product satisfying the clinical demand for large-scale manufacture for cancer immunotherapy attribute to the cytotoxic effect via both NK cell receptor-dependent and CAR-dependent signaling cascades. In this review, we mainly focus on the latest updates of CAR-NK cell-based tactics, together with the opportunities and challenges for cancer immunotherapies, which represent the paradigm for boosting the immune system to enhance antitumor responses and ultimately eliminate malignancies. Collectively, we summarize and highlight the auspicious improvement in CAR-NK cells and will benefit the large-scale preclinical and clinical investigations in adoptive immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leisheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province & NHC Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Therapy of Gastrointestinal Tumor, Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, 730000, China. .,Center for Cellular Therapies, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University, Ji-nan, 250014, China. .,Key Laboratory of Radiation Technology and Biophysics, Hefei Institute of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 350 Shushanhu Road, Shushan District, Hefei, 230031, Anhui Province, China. .,Institute of Stem Cells, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 301700, China. .,Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd., Shangrao, 334000, China. .,Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnostics and Precision Medicine for Surgical Oncology in Gansu Province, Gansu Provincial Hospital, 204 Donggangxi Road, Chengguan District, Lanzhou City, 730013, Gansu Province, China.
| | - Yuan Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China
| | - Xiaoming Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China.
| | - Zhongchao Han
- Institute of Stem Cells, Health-Biotech (Tianjin) Stem Cell Research Institute Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 301700, China. .,Jiangxi Research Center of Stem Cell Engineering, Jiangxi Health-Biotech Stem Cell Technology Co., Ltd., Shangrao, 334000, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Experimental Hematology & National Clinical Research Center for Blood Disease, Institute of Hematology & Blood Diseases Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin, 300020, China. .,Stem Cell Bank of Guizhou Province, Guizhou Health-Biotech Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Guiyang, 550000, China.
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Li KX, Wu HY, Pan WY, Guo MQ, Qiu DZ, He YJ, Li YH, Yang DH, Huang YX. A novel approach for relapsed/refractory FLT3 mut+ acute myeloid leukaemia: synergistic effect of the combination of bispecific FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells and gilteritinib. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:66. [PMID: 35246156 PMCID: PMC8896098 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01541-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3-internal tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) have limited treatment options and poor prognosis. Therefore, novel treatment modalities are needed. Since high expression of natural killer group 2 member D ligands (NKG2DLs) can be induced by FLT3 inhibitors, we constructed dual-target FLT3 single-chain fragment variable (scFv)/NKG2D-chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, and explored whether FLT3 inhibitors combined with FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells could have synergistic anti-leukaemia effects. METHODS FLT3scFv and NKG2D expression in CAR T cells, FLT3 and NKG2DL expression in AML cells, and the in vitro cytotoxicity of combining CAR T cells with gilteritinib were assessed by flow cytometry. The therapeutic effect was evaluated in a xenograft mouse model established by injection of MOLM-13 cells. Mechanisms underlying the gilteritinib-induced NKG2DL upregulation were investigated using siRNA, ChIP-QPCR and luciferase assays. RESULTS The FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells specifically lysed AML cells both in vitro and in the xenograft mouse model. The efficacy of FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells was improved by gilteritinib-pretreatment. The noncanonical NF-κB2/Rel B signalling pathway was found to mediate gilteritinib-induced NKG2DL upregulation in AML cells. CONCLUSIONS Bispecific FLT3scFv/NKG2D-CAR T cells can effectively eradicate AML cells. The FLT3 inhibitor gilteritinib can synergistically improve this effect by upregulating NF-κB2-dependent NKG2DL expression in AML cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke-Xin Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Hui-Yang Wu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Wan-Ying Pan
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Meng-Qi Guo
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - De-Zhi Qiu
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Yan-Jie He
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Yu-Hua Li
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China
| | - Dong-Hua Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA.
| | - Yu-Xian Huang
- Department of Hematology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, Guangdong, China.
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Oliviero B, Varchetta S, Mele D, Pessino G, Maiello R, Falleni M, Tosi D, Donadon M, Soldani C, Franceschini B, Torzilli G, Piccolo G, Barabino M, Opocher E, Maestri M, Bernuzzi S, Wucherpfennig KW, Mondelli MU, Mantovani S. MICA/B-targeted antibody promotes NK cell-driven tumor immunity in patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. Oncoimmunology 2022; 11:2035919. [PMID: 35223192 PMCID: PMC8865231 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2022.2035919] [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] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex-class I chain related proteins A and B (MICA/B) is upregulated because of cellular stress and MICA/B shedding by cancer cells causes escape from NKG2D recognition favoring the emergence of cancers. Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a relatively rare, though increasingly prevalent, primary liver cancer characterized by a late clinical presentation and a dismal prognosis. We explored the NKG2D-MICA/B axis in NK cells from 41 patients with intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA). The MICA/B-specific 7C6 mAb was used for ex vivo antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC) experiments using circulating, non tumor liver- and tumor-infiltrating NK cells against the HuCCT-1 cell line and patient-derived primary iCCA cells as targets. MICA/B were more expressed in iCCA than in non-tumoral tissue, MICA transcription being higher in moderately-differentiated compared with poorly-differentiated cancer. Serum MICA was elevated in iCCA patients in line with higher expression of ADAM10 and ADAM17 that are responsible for proteolytic release of MICA/B from tumor. Addition of 7C6 significantly boosted peripheral, liver- and tumor-infiltrating-NK cell degranulation and IFNγ production toward MICA/B-expressing established cell lines and autologous iCCA patient target cells. Our data show that anti-MICA/B drives NK cell anti-tumor activity, and provide preclinical evidence in support of 7C6 as a potential immunotherapeutic tool for iCCA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Oliviero
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefania Varchetta
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Dalila Mele
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Greta Pessino
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Roberta Maiello
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Falleni
- Department of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Delfina Tosi
- Department of Pathology, Department of Health Sciences, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Cristiana Soldani
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Barbara Franceschini
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Humanitas University, Rozzano, Italy
| | - Gaetano Piccolo
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, and State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Barabino
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, and State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Opocher
- Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, ASST Santi Paolo e Carlo, and State University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Marcello Maestri
- Division of General Surgery 1, Department of Surgery, Fondazione Irccs Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Bernuzzi
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Service, Department of Diagnostic Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Kai W. Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mario U. Mondelli
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy,Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy,CONTACT Mario U. Mondelli UOC Immunologia Clinica – Malattie Infettive, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Viale Golgi 19, Pavia27100, Italy
| | - Stefania Mantovani
- Division of Clinical Immunology - Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
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36
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Derosiers N, Aguilar W, DeGaramo DA, Posey AD. Sweet Immune Checkpoint Targets to Enhance T Cell Therapy. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 208:278-285. [PMID: 35017217 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite tremendous success against hematological malignancies, the performance of chimeric Ag receptor T cells against solid tumors remains poor. In such settings, the lack of success of this groundbreaking immunotherapy is in part mediated by ligand engagement of immune checkpoint molecules on the surface of T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Although CTLA-4 and programmed death-1 (PD-1) are well-established checkpoints that inhibit T cell activity, the engagement of glycans and glycan-binding proteins are a growing area of interest due to their immunomodulatory effects. This review discusses exemplary strategies to neutralize checkpoint molecules through an in-depth overview of genetic engineering approaches aimed at overcoming the inhibitory programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1)/PD-1 axis in T cell therapies and summarizes current knowledge on glycoimmune interactions that mediate T cell immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nohelly Derosiers
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; and
| | - William Aguilar
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; and
| | - David A DeGaramo
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; and
| | - Avery D Posey
- Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA; and .,Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA
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37
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Alves da Silva PH, Xing S, Kotini AG, Papapetrou EP, Song X, Wucherpfennig KW, Mascarenhas J, Ferrari de Andrade L. MICA/B antibody induces macrophage-mediated immunity against acute myeloid leukemia. Blood 2022; 139:205-216. [PMID: 34359073 PMCID: PMC8777466 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021011619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a clonal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell malignancy characterized by poor clinical outcomes. Major histocompatibility complex class I polypeptide-related sequence A and B (MICA/B) are stress proteins expressed by cancer cells, and antibody-mediated inhibition of MICA/B shedding represents a novel approach to stimulate immunity against cancers. We found that the MICA/B antibody 7C6 potently inhibits the outgrowth of AML in 2 models in immunocompetent mice. Macrophages were essential for therapeutic efficacy, and 7C6 triggered antibody-dependent phagocytosis of AML cells. Furthermore, we found that romidepsin, a selective histone deacetylase inhibitor, increased MICB messenger RNA in AML cells and enabled subsequent stabilization of the translated protein by 7C6. This drug combination substantially increased surface MICA/B expression in a human AML line, pluripotent stem cell-derived AML blasts and leukemia stem cells, as well as primary cells from 3 untreated patients with AML. Human macrophages phagocytosed AML cells following treatment with 7C6 and romidepsin, and the combination therapy lowered leukemia burden in a humanized model of AML. Therefore, inhibition of MICA/B shedding promotes macrophage-driven immunity against AML via Fc receptor signaling and synergizes with an epigenetic regulator. These results provide the rationale for the clinical testing of this innovative immunotherapeutic approach for the treatment of AML.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Histocompatibility Antigens Class I/immunology
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/immunology
- Leukemia, Myeloid, Acute/pathology
- Macrophages/drug effects
- Macrophages/immunology
- Macrophages/pathology
- Male
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Phagocytosis/drug effects
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Andriana G Kotini
- Department of Oncological Sciences
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology
- The Black Family Stem Institute
| | - Eirini P Papapetrou
- Department of Oncological Sciences
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology
- The Black Family Stem Institute
| | - Xiaoyu Song
- Department of Population Health Science and Policy, and
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Kai W Wucherpfennig
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA; and
- Department of Neurology, Brigham & Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - John Mascarenhas
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
| | - Lucas Ferrari de Andrade
- Precision Immunology Institute
- Department of Oncological Sciences
- The Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY
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38
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Mtashar B, Ashoor Z, Shabeeb Z, Matti B. Assessment of soluble natural killer group 2d ligand (MHC Class I A and UL16 Binding Protein 1) in Iraqi patients with acute myeloid leukemia. MUSTANSIRIYA MEDICAL JOURNAL 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/mj.mj_29_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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39
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Du Z, Ng YY, Zha S, Wang S. piggyBac system to co-express NKG2D CAR and IL-15 to augment the in vivo persistence and anti-AML activity of human peripheral blood NK cells. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2021; 23:582-596. [PMID: 34853803 PMCID: PMC8609108 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2021.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Promising progress has been made in adoptive transfer of allogeneic natural killer (NK) cells to treat relapsed or refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML). In this regard, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modification of NK cells is considered as a compelling approach to augment the specificity and cytotoxicity of NK cells against AML. Using a non-viral piggyBac transposon technology and human peripheral blood-derived primary NK cells, we generated CAR-NK cells to target NKG2D ligands and demonstrated their in vitro activity in lysing cancer cells expressing the ligands and in vivo efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth in a xenograft KG-1 AML model. We further generated CAR-NK cells co-expressing transgenes for the NKG2D CAR and interleukin-15 (IL-15). The ectopic expression of IL-15 improved the in vitro and in vivo persistence of NKG2D CAR-NK cells, leading to enhanced in vivo tumor control and significant prolongation of mouse survival in the KG-1 AML model. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the ectopic expression of IL-15 as an important means to improve the antileukemic activity of NKG2D CAR-NK cells. Our study further illustrates the feasibility of using the piggyBac non-viral platform as an efficient and cost-effective way for CAR-NK cell manufacturing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Du
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yu Yang Ng
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shijun Zha
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shu Wang
- Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 117543 Singapore, Singapore
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40
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Bléry M, Mrabet-Kraiem M, Morel A, Lhospice F, Bregeon D, Bonnafous C, Gauthier L, Rossi B, Remark R, Cornen S, Anceriz N, Viaud N, Trichard S, Carpentier S, Joulin-Giet A, Grondin G, Liptakova V, Kim Y, Daniel L, Haffner A, Macagno N, Pouyet L, Perrot I, Paturel C, Morel Y, Steinle A, Romagné F, Narni-Mancinelli E, Vivier E. Targeting MICA/B with cytotoxic therapeutic antibodies leads to tumor control. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2021; 1:107. [PMID: 35967081 PMCID: PMC7613279 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.13314.2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Background: MICA and MICB are tightly regulated stress-induced proteins that trigger the immune system by binding to the activating receptor NKG2D on cytotoxic lymphocytes. MICA and MICB are highly polymorphic molecules with prevalent expression on several types of solid tumors and limited expression in normal/healthy tissues, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Methods: We have generated a series of anti-MICA and MICB cross-reactive antibodies with the unique feature of binding to the most prevalent isoforms of both these molecules. Results: The anti-MICA and MICB antibody MICAB1, a human IgG1 Fc-engineered monoclonal antibody (mAb), displayed potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) of MICA/B-expressing tumor cells in vitro. However, it showed insufficient efficiency against solid tumors in vivo, which prompted the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). Indeed, optimal tumor control was achieved with MICAB1-ADC format in several solid tumor models, including patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and carcinogen-induced tumors in immunocompetent MICAgen transgenic mice. Conclusions: These data indicate that MICA and MICB are promising targets for cytotoxic immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Veronika Liptakova
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Younghoon Kim
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Laurent Daniel
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Haffner
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Macagno
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexander Steinle
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
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41
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Bléry M, Mrabet-Kraiem M, Morel A, Lhospice F, Bregeon D, Bonnafous C, Gauthier L, Rossi B, Remark R, Cornen S, Anceriz N, Viaud N, Trichard S, Carpentier S, Joulin-Giet A, Grondin G, Liptakova V, Kim Y, Daniel L, Haffner A, Macagno N, Pouyet L, Perrot I, Paturel C, Morel Y, Steinle A, Romagné F, Narni-Mancinelli E, Vivier E. Targeting MICA/B with cytotoxic therapeutic antibodies leads to tumor control. OPEN RESEARCH EUROPE 2021; 1:107. [PMID: 35967081 PMCID: PMC7613279 DOI: 10.12688/openreseurope.13314.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Background: MICA and MICB are tightly regulated stress-induced proteins that trigger the immune system by binding to the activating receptor NKG2D on cytotoxic lymphocytes. MICA and MICB are highly polymorphic molecules with prevalent expression on several types of solid tumors and limited expression in normal/healthy tissues, making them attractive targets for therapeutic intervention. Methods: We have generated a series of anti-MICA and MICB cross-reactive antibodies with the unique feature of binding to the most prevalent isoforms of both these molecules. Results: The anti-MICA and MICB antibody MICAB1, a human IgG1 Fc-engineered monoclonal antibody (mAb), displayed potent antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP) of MICA/B-expressing tumor cells in vitro. However, it showed insufficient efficiency against solid tumors in vivo, which prompted the development of antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). Indeed, optimal tumor control was achieved with MICAB1-ADC format in several solid tumor models, including patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and carcinogen-induced tumors in immunocompetent MICAgen transgenic mice. Conclusions: These data indicate that MICA and MICB are promising targets for cytotoxic immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Veronika Liptakova
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Younghoon Kim
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Laurent Daniel
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Aurélie Haffner
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | - Nicolas Macagno
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
| | | | | | | | | | - Alexander Steinle
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Goethe-University Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | | | | | - Eric Vivier
- Innate Pharma, Marseille, France
- Assistance Publique des Hôpitaux de Marseille, Hôpital de la Timone, Marseille, France
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France
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42
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Vanikova S, Koladiya A, Musil J. OMIP-080: 29-Color flow cytometry panel for comprehensive evaluation of NK and T cells reconstitution after hematopoietic stem cells transplantation. Cytometry A 2021; 101:21-26. [PMID: 34693626 PMCID: PMC9298022 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This 29-color panel was developed and optimized for the monitoring of NK cell and T cell reconstitution in peripheral blood of patients after HSCT. We considered major post-HSCT complications during the design, such as relapses, viral infections, and GvHD and identification of lymphocyte populations relevant to their resolution. The panel includes markers for all major NK cell and T cell subsets and analysis of their development and qualitative properties. In the NK cell compartment, we focus mainly on CD57 + NKG2C+ cells and the expression of activating (NKG2D, DNAM-1) and inhibitory receptors (NKG2A, TIGIT). Another priority is the characterization of T cell reconstitution; therefore, we included detection of CD4+ RTEs based on CD45RA, CD62L, CD95, and CD31 as a marker of thymus function. Besides that, we also analyze the emergence and properties of major T cell populations with a particular interest in CD8, Th1, ThCTL, and Treg subsets. Overall, the panel allows for comprehensive analysis of the reconstituting immune system and identification of potential markers of immune cell dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarka Vanikova
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Abhishek Koladiya
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Musil
- Department of Immunomonitoring and Flow Cytometry, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
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43
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Velichinskii RA, Streltsova MA, Kust SA, Sapozhnikov AM, Kovalenko EI. The Biological Role and Therapeutic Potential of NK Cells in Hematological and Solid Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111385. [PMID: 34768814 PMCID: PMC8584101 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 10/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
NK cells are an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy due to their potent antitumor activity. The main advantage of using NK cells as cytotoxic effectors over T cells is a reduced risk of graft versus host disease. At present, several variants of NK-cell-based therapies are undergoing clinical trials and show considerable effectiveness for hematological tumors. In these types of cancers, the immune cells themselves often undergo malignant transformation, which determines the features of the disease. In contrast, the current use of NK cells as therapeutic agents for the treatment of solid tumors is much less promising. Most studies are at the stage of preclinical investigation, but few progress to clinical trials. Low efficiency of NK cell migration and functional activity in the tumor environment are currently considered the major barriers to NK cell anti-tumor therapies. Various therapeutic combinations, genetic engineering methods, alternative sources for obtaining NK cells, and other techniques are aiming at the development of promising NK cell anticancer therapies, regardless of tumorigenesis. In this review, we compare the role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of hematological and solid tumors and discuss current prospects of NK-cell-based therapy for hematological and solid tumors.
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44
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Roma S, Carpen L, Raveane A, Bertolini F. The Dual Role of Innate Lymphoid and Natural Killer Cells in Cancer. from Phenotype to Single-Cell Transcriptomics, Functions and Clinical Uses. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13205042. [PMID: 34680190 PMCID: PMC8533946 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), a family of innate immune cells including natural killers (NKs), play a multitude of roles in first-line cancer control, in escape from immunity and in cancer progression. In this review, we summarize preclinical and clinical data on ILCs and NK cells concerning their phenotype, function and clinical applications in cellular therapy trials. We also describe how single-cell transcriptome sequencing has been used and forecast how it will be used to better understand ILC and NK involvement in cancer control and progression as well as their therapeutic potential. Abstract The role of innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), including natural killer (NK) cells, is pivotal in inflammatory modulation and cancer. Natural killer cell activity and count have been demonstrated to be regulated by the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors together with and as a consequence of different stimuli. The great majority of NK cell populations have an anti-tumor activity due to their cytotoxicity, and for this reason have been used for cellular therapies in cancer patients. On the other hand, the recently classified helper ILCs are fundamentally involved in inflammation and they can be either helpful or harmful in cancer development and progression. Tissue niche seems to play an important role in modulating ILC function and conversion, as observed at the transcriptional level. In the past, these cell populations have been classified by the presence of specific cellular receptor markers; more recently, due to the advent of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), it has been possible to also explore them at the transcriptomic level. In this article we review studies on ILC (and NK cell) classification, function and their involvement in cancer. We also summarize the potential application of NK cells in cancer therapy and give an overview of the most recent studies involving ILCs and NKs at scRNA-seq, focusing on cancer. Finally, we provide a resource for those who wish to start single-cell transcriptomic analysis on the context of these innate lymphoid cell populations.
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45
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Gao Y, Lin H, Guo D, Cheng S, Zhou Y, Zhang L, Yao J, Farooq MA, Ajmal I, Duan Y, He C, Tao L, Wu S, Liu M, Jiang W. Suppression of 4.1R enhances the potency of NKG2D-CAR T cells against pancreatic carcinoma via activating ERK signaling pathway. Oncogenesis 2021; 10:62. [PMID: 34548478 PMCID: PMC8455638 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00353-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic carcinoma (PC) is one of the most common malignancies. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-modified T cells has achieved remarkable efficacy in the treatment of hematological malignancies. However, lack of tumor-specific targets and the existence of inhibitory factors limit the function of CAR T cells when treating solid tumors. 4.1R has been reported to suppress the anti-tumor activity of T cell responses. In this study, we investigated the anti-tumor activity of 4.1R deletion in natural killer group 2D (NKG2D)-CAR T cells against PC. The CAR T cells were obtained by transfecting T cells with lentiviral vector carrying NKG2D-CAR, NC-NKG2D-CAR, or KD2-NKG2D-CAR. In vitro, NKG2D-CAR T cells showed higher cytotoxicity than Mock T cells. However, compared to NKG2D-CAR T cells, furtherly higher cytotoxicity against PC cells in a dose-dependent manner was found in KD2-NKG2D-CAR T cells. In addition, the proliferation rate and cytotoxic activity of KD2-NKG2D-CAR T cells were significantly higher than those of NKG2D-CAR T cells. Besides, the inhibitory receptors PD-1 and TIM-3 were expressed in lower level on KD2-NKG2D-CAR T cells. In vivo, KD2-NKG2D-CAR T cells suppressed tumor growth more effectively in a xenograft model compared to NKG2D-CAR T cells. Mechanistically, 4.1R regulated CAR T cell function via activating ERK signaling pathway. Therefore, the study provides a new idea to enhance the anti-tumor efficiency of CAR T therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaoxin Gao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Haizhen Lin
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Dandan Guo
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Sijia Cheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Zhang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Muhammad Asad Farooq
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Iqra Ajmal
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixin Duan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong He
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Tao
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Shijia Wu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingyao Liu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenzheng Jiang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Regulatory Biology, School of Life Sciences, East China Normal University, 200241, Shanghai, China.
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46
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Zam W, Assaad A. Chimeric antigen receptor T-cells (CARs) in cancer treatment. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 15:532-546. [PMID: 34382510 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210811150255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplantation were the main cancer treatment approaches for several years but due to their limited effectiveness, there was a constant search for new therapeutic approaches. Cancer immunotherapy that utilizes and enhances the normal capacity of the patient's immune system was used to fight against cancer. Genetically engineered T-cells that express chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) showed remarkable anti-tumor activity against hematologic malignancies and is now being investigated in a variety of solid tumors. The use of this therapy in the last few years has been successful, achieving a great success in improving the quality of life and prolonging the survival time of patients with a reduction in remission rates. However, many challenges still need to be resolved in order for this technology to gain widespread adoption. <P> Objective: This review summarizes various experimental approaches towards the use of CAR T-cells in hematologic malignancies and solid tumors. <P> Conclusion: Finally, we address the challenges posed by CAR T-cells and discuss strategies for improving the performance of these T cells in fighting cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wissam Zam
- Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Wadi International University, Homs. Syrian Arab Republic
| | - Amany Assaad
- 2. Department of Analytical and Food Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy,Tartous University, Tartous. Syrian Arab Republic
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Desimio MG, Finocchi A, Di Matteo G, Di Cesare S, Giancotta C, Conti F, Chessa L, Piane M, Montin D, Dellepiane M, Rossi P, Cancrini C, Doria M. Altered NK-cell compartment and dysfunctional NKG2D/NKG2D-ligand axis in patients with ataxia-telangiectasia. Clin Immunol 2021; 230:108802. [PMID: 34298181 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2021.108802] [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: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T) is a multisystem disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the gene encoding A-T mutated (ATM) kinase, a master regulator of the DNA damage response (DDR) pathway. Most A-T patients show cellular and/or humoral immunodeficiency that has been associated with cancer risk and reduced survival, but NK cells have not been thoroughly studied. Here we investigated NK cells of A-T patients with a special focus on the NKG2D receptor that triggers cytotoxicity upon engagement by its ligands (NKG2DLs) commonly induced via the DDR pathway on infected, transformed, and variously stressed cells. Using flow cytometry, we examined the phenotype and function of NK cells in 6 A-T patients as compared with healthy individuals. NKG2D expression was evaluated also by western blotting and RT-qPCR; plasma soluble NKG2DLs (sMICA, sMICB, sULBP1, ULBP2) were measured by ELISA. Results showed that A-T NK cells were skewed towards the CD56neg anergic phenotype and displayed decreased expression of NKG2D and perforin. NKG2D was reduced at the protein but not at the mRNA level and resulted in impaired NKG2D-mediated cytotoxicity in 4/6 A-T patients. Moreover, in A-T plasma we found 24-fold and 2-fold increase of sMICA and sULBP1, respectively, both inversely correlated with NKG2D expression. Overall, NK cells are disturbed in A-T patients showing reduced NKG2D expression, possibly caused by persistent engagement of its ligands, that may contribute to susceptibility to cancer and infections and represent novel targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giovanna Desimio
- Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Finocchi
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Gigliola Di Matteo
- Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Cesare
- Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmela Giancotta
- Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Conti
- Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Maria Piane
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Montin
- Pediatric Immunology and Rheumatology, Regina Margherita Children's Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Marta Dellepiane
- Department of Public Health and Pediatrics, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Rossi
- Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Cancrini
- Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Margherita Doria
- Research Unit of Primary Immunodeficiencies, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Rome, Italy.
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48
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Sportoletti P, De Falco F, Del Papa B, Baldoni S, Guarente V, Marra A, Dorillo E, Rompietti C, Adamo FM, Ruggeri L, Di Ianni M, Rosati E. NK Cells in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Their Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136665. [PMID: 34206399 PMCID: PMC8268440 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Key features of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) are defects in the immune system and the ability of leukemic cells to evade immune defenses and induce immunosuppression, resulting in increased susceptibility to infections and disease progression. Several immune effectors are impaired in CLL, including T and natural killer (NK) cells. The role of T cells in defense against CLL and in CLL progression and immunotherapy has been extensively studied. Less is known about the role of NK cells in this leukemia, and data on NK cell alterations in CLL are contrasting. Besides studies showing that NK cells have intrinsic defects in CLL, there is a large body of evidence indicating that NK cell dysfunctions in CLL mainly depend on the escape mechanisms employed by leukemic cells. In keeping, it has been shown that NK cell functions, including antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), can be retained and/or restored after adequate stimulation. Therefore, due to their preserved ADCC function and the reversibility of CLL-related dysfunctions, NK cells are an attractive source for novel immunotherapeutic strategies in this disease, including chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) therapy. Recently, satisfying clinical responses have been obtained in CLL patients using cord blood-derived CAR-NK cells, opening new possibilities for further exploring NK cells in the immunotherapy of CLL. However, notwithstanding the promising results of this clinical trial, more evidence is needed to fully understand whether and in which CLL cases NK cell-based immunotherapy may represent a valid, alternative/additional therapeutic option for this leukemia. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about phenotypic and functional alterations of NK cells in CLL and the mechanisms by which CLL cells circumvent NK cell-mediated immunosurveillance. Additionally, we discuss the potential relevance of using NK cells in CLL immunotherapy.
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MESH Headings
- Biomarkers
- Cell Communication
- Disease Management
- Disease Susceptibility
- Humans
- Immune System/immunology
- Immune System/metabolism
- Immunotherapy/adverse effects
- Immunotherapy/methods
- Killer Cells, Natural/immunology
- Killer Cells, Natural/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/diagnosis
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/etiology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/therapy
- Ligands
- Protein Binding
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/genetics
- Receptors, Natural Killer Cell/metabolism
- Treatment Outcome
- Tumor Escape/genetics
- Tumor Escape/immunology
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Sportoletti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Filomena De Falco
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Beatrice Del Papa
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Stefano Baldoni
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
| | - Valerio Guarente
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Andrea Marra
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Erica Dorillo
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Chiara Rompietti
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Francesco Maria Adamo
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Loredana Ruggeri
- Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy; (P.S.); (F.D.F.); (B.D.P.); (S.B.); (V.G.); (A.M.); (E.D.); (C.R.); (F.M.A.); (L.R.)
| | - Mauro Di Ianni
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy;
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Ospedale Civile “Santo Spirito”, ASL Pescara, 65124 Pescara, Italy
| | - Emanuela Rosati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Perugia, 06129 Perugia, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Ding H, Buzzard GW, Huang S, Sehorn MG, Marcus RK, Wei Y. MICA-G129R: A bifunctional fusion protein increases PRLR-positive breast cancer cell death in co-culture with natural killer cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252662. [PMID: 34077462 PMCID: PMC8172023 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer cells were reported to up-regulate human prolactin receptor (PRLR) to assist their growth through the utilization of prolactin (PRL) as the growth factor, which makes PRLR a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer. On the other hand, advanced cancer cells tend to down-regulate or shed off stress signal proteins to evade immune surveillance and elimination. In this report, we created a fusion protein consisting of the extracellular domain of MHC class I chain-related protein (MICA), a stress signal protein and ligand of the activating receptor NKG2D of natural killer (NK) cells, and G129R, an antagonistic variant of PRL. We hypothesize that the MICA portion of the fusion protein binds to NKG2D to activate NK cells and the G129R portion binds to PRLR on breast cancer cells, so that the activated NK cells will kill the PRLR-positive breast cancer cells. We demonstrated that the MICA-G129R fusion protein not only binds to human natural killer NK-92 cells and PRLR-positive human breast cancer T-47D cells, but also promotes NK cells to release granzyme B and IFN-γ and enhances the cytotoxicity of NK cells specifically on PRLR-positive cells. The fusion protein, therefore, represents a new approach for the development of breast cancer specific immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Ding
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Garrett W. Buzzard
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Sisi Huang
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Michael G. Sehorn
- Department of Genetics and Biochemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - R. Kenneth Marcus
- Department of Chemistry, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
| | - Yanzhang Wei
- Department of Biological Sciences, Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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50
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Lemasson Q, Akil H, Feuillard J, Vincent-Fabert C. Genetically Engineered Mouse Models Support a Major Role of Immune Checkpoint-Dependent Immunosurveillance Escape in B-Cell Lymphomas. Front Immunol 2021; 12:669964. [PMID: 34113345 PMCID: PMC8186831 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.669964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
These last 20 years, research on immune tumor microenvironment led to identify some critical recurrent mechanisms used in cancer to escape immune response. Through immune checkpoints, which are cell surface molecules involved in the immune system control, it is now established that tumor cells are able to shutdown the immune response. Due to the complexity and heterogeneity of Non Hodgkin B-cell Lymphomas (NHBLs), it is difficult to understand the precise mechanisms of immune escape and to explain the mitigated effect of immune checkpoints blockade for their treatment. Because genetically engineered mouse models are very reliable tools to improve our understanding of molecular mechanisms involved in B-cell transformation and, at the same time, can be useful preclinical models to predict immune response, we reviewed hereafter some of these models that highlight the immune escape mechanisms of NHBLs and open perspectives on future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quentin Lemasson
- UMR CNRS 7276/INSERM U1262 CRIBL, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.,Hematology Laboratory of Dupuytren Hospital University Center (CHU) of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Hussein Akil
- UMR CNRS 7276/INSERM U1262 CRIBL, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.,Hematology Laboratory of Dupuytren Hospital University Center (CHU) of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Jean Feuillard
- UMR CNRS 7276/INSERM U1262 CRIBL, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.,Hematology Laboratory of Dupuytren Hospital University Center (CHU) of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Christelle Vincent-Fabert
- UMR CNRS 7276/INSERM U1262 CRIBL, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.,Hematology Laboratory of Dupuytren Hospital University Center (CHU) of Limoges, Limoges, France
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