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Bernal-Alferes B, Gómez-Mosqueira R, Ortega-Tapia GT, Burgos-Vargas R, García-Latorre E, Domínguez-López ML, Romero-López JP. The role of γδ T cells in the immunopathogenesis of inflammatory diseases: from basic biology to therapeutic targeting. J Leukoc Biol 2023; 114:557-570. [PMID: 37040589 DOI: 10.1093/jleuko/qiad046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The γδ T cells are lymphocytes with an innate-like phenotype that can distribute to different tissues to reside and participate in homeostatic functions such as pathogen defense, tissue modeling, and response to stress. These cells originate during fetal development and migrate to the tissues in a TCR chain-dependent manner. Their unique manner to respond to danger signals facilitates the initiation of cytokine-mediated diseases such as spondyloarthritis and psoriasis, which are immune-mediated diseases with a very strong link with mucosal disturbances, either in the skin or the gut. In spondyloarthritis, γδ T cells are one of the main sources of IL-17 and, therefore, the main drivers of inflammation and probably new bone formation. Remarkably, this population can be the bridge between gut and joint inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Bernal-Alferes
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica 1, Posgrado en Ciencias Quimicobiológicas, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Lázaro Cárdenas, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomás C.P. 11340 Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rafael Gómez-Mosqueira
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica 1, Posgrado en Ciencias Quimicobiológicas, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Lázaro Cárdenas, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomás C.P. 11340 Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Graciela Teresa Ortega-Tapia
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica 1, Posgrado en Ciencias Quimicobiológicas, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Lázaro Cárdenas, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomás C.P. 11340 Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, México
| | - Rubén Burgos-Vargas
- Departamento de Reumatología, Hospital General de México "Dr. Eduardo Liceaga", Dr. Balmis No. 148 Col. Doctores C.P. 06720, Alcaldía Cuauhtémoc Ciudad de México, México
| | - Ethel García-Latorre
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica 1, Posgrado en Ciencias Quimicobiológicas, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Lázaro Cárdenas, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomás C.P. 11340 Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, México
| | - María Lilia Domínguez-López
- Laboratorio de Inmunoquímica 1, Posgrado en Ciencias Quimicobiológicas, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Lázaro Cárdenas, Prolongación de Carpio y Plan de Ayala s/n, Col. Santo Tomás C.P. 11340 Alcaldía Miguel Hidalgo, Ciudad de México, México
| | - José Pablo Romero-López
- Laboratorio de Patogénesis Molecular, Edificio A4, Red MEDICI, Carrera de Médico Cirujano, Facultad de Estudios Superiores Iztacala, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Avenida de los Barrios Número 1, Colonia Los Reyes Ixtacala, C.P. 54090, Tlalnepantla, Estado de México, México
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Lee J, Keam B, Park HR, Park JE, Kim S, Kim M, Kim TM, Kim DW, Heo DS. Monalizumab efficacy correlates with HLA-E surface expression and NK cell activity in head and neck squamous carcinoma cell lines. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:5705-5715. [PMID: 36547689 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-022-04532-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE NKG2A, an inhibitory receptor expressed on NK cells and T cells, leads to immune evasion by binding to HLA-E expressed on cancer cells. Here, we investigated the relationship between HLA-E surface expression on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines and the efficacy of monalizumab, an NKG2A inhibitor, in promoting NK cell activity. METHODS Six HNSCC cell lines were used as target cells. After exposure to IFN- γ, HLA-E surface expression on HNSCC cell lines was measured by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and isolated NK cells were used as effector cells. NK cells were stimulated by treatment with IL-2 and IL-15 for 5 days, and NK cell-induced cytotoxicity was analyzed by CD107a degranulation and 51Cr release assays. RESULTS We confirmed that HLA-E expression was increased by IFN-γ secreted by NK cells and that HLA-E expression was different for each cell line upon exposure to IFN-γ. Cell lines with high HLA-E expression showed stronger inhibition of NK cell cytotoxicity, and efficacy of monalizumab was high. Combination with cetuximab increased the efficacy of monalizumab. In addition, stimulation of isolated NK cells with IL-2 and IL-15 increased the efficacy of monalizumab, even in the HLA-E low groups. CONCLUSION Monalizumab efficacy was correlated with HLA-E surface expression and was enhanced when NK cell activity was increased by cetuximab or cytokines. These results suggest that monalizumab may be potent against HLA-E-positive tumors and that monalizumab efficacy could be improved by promoting NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeongjae Lee
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bhumsuk Keam
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ha-Ram Park
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Eun Park
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soyeon Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Miso Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Min Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Wan Kim
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Integrated Major in Innovative Medical Science, Seoul National University Graduate School, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
| | - Dae Seog Heo
- Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Hospital, 101 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea
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Jiao Y, Yan Z, Yang A. The Roles of Innate Lymphoid Cells in the Gastric Mucosal Immunology and Oncogenesis of Gastric Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076652. [PMID: 37047625 PMCID: PMC10095467 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) are a group of innate immune cells that have garnered considerable attention due to their critical roles in regulating immunity and tissue homeostasis. They are particularly abundant in the gastrointestinal tract, where they have been shown to interact with commensal bacteria, pathogens, and other components of the local microenvironment to influence host immune responses to infection and oncogenesis. Their tissue-residency properties enable gastric ILCs a localized and rapid response to alert and stress, which indicates their key potential in regulating immunosurveillance. In this review, we discuss the current understanding of the role of ILCs in the gastric mucosa, with a focus on their interactions with the gastric microbiota and Helicobacter pylori and their contributions to tissue homeostasis and inflammation. We also highlight recent findings on the involvement of ILCs in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer and the implications of targeting ILCs as a therapeutic approach. Overall, this review provides an overview of the diverse functions of ILCs in gastric mucosa and highlights their potential as targets for future therapies for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Jiao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Zhiyu Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
- 4 + 4 M.D. Program, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Aiming Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Cazzetta V, Depierreux D, Colucci F, Mikulak J, Mavilio D. NKG2A Immune Checkpoint in Vδ2 T Cells: Emerging Application in Cancer Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15. [PMID: 36831606 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune regulation has revolutionized cancer treatment with the introduction of T-cell-targeted immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). This successful immunotherapy has led to a more complete view of cancer that now considers not only the cancer cells to be targeted and destroyed but also the immune environment of the cancer cells. Current challenges associated with the enhancement of ICI effects are increasing the fraction of responding patients through personalized combinations of multiple ICIs and overcoming acquired resistance. This requires a complete overview of the anti-tumor immune response, which depends on a complex interplay between innate and adaptive immune cells with the tumor microenvironment. The NKG2A was revealed to be a key immune checkpoint for both Natural Killer (NK) cells and T cells. Monalizumab, a humanized anti-NKG2A antibody, enhances NK cell activity against various tumor cells and rescues CD8 αβ T cell function in combination with PD-1/PD-L1 blockade. In this review, we discuss the potential for targeting NKG2A expressed on tumor-sensing human γδ T cells, mostly on the specific Vδ2 T cell subset, in order to emphasize its importance and potential in the development of new ICI-based therapeutic approaches.
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Yin X, Cheng Y, Feng Y, Stiles WR, Park SH, Kang H, Choi HS. Phototheranostics for multifunctional treatment of cancer with fluorescence imaging. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 189:114483. [PMID: 35944585 PMCID: PMC9860309 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2022] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Phototheranostics stem from the recent advances in nanomedicines and bioimaging to diagnose and treat human diseases. Since tumors' diversity, heterogeneity, and instability limit the clinical application of traditional diagnostics and therapeutics, phototheranostics, which combine light-induced therapeutic and diagnostic modalities in a single platform, have been widely investigated. Numerous efforts have been made to develop phototheranostics for efficient light-induced antitumor therapeutics with minimal side effects. Herein, we review the fundamentals of phototheranostic nanomedicines with their biomedical applications. Furthermore, the progress of near-infrared fluorescence imaging and cancer treatments, including photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy, along with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and gene therapy, are summarized. This review also discusses the opportunities and challenges associated with the clinical translation of phototheranostics in pan-cancer research. Phototheranostics can pave the way for future research, improve the quality of life, and prolong cancer patients' survival times.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Yin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710004, China,Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Yifan Cheng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliate Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi 710004, China
| | - Wesley R. Stiles
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Seung Hun Park
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Homan Kang
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Corresponding authors at: 149 13th Street, Boston, MA 02129, USA., (H. Kang), (H.S. Choi)
| | - Hak Soo Choi
- Gordon Center for Medical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA,Corresponding authors at: 149 13th Street, Boston, MA 02129, USA., (H. Kang), (H.S. Choi)
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Li Y, Li Y, Xiang B, Tian X, Shi Q, Liu F, Lin T, Wei G, Wu YS. IL-2 Combined with IL-15 Enhanced the Expression of NKG2D Receptor on Patient Autologous NK Cells to Inhibit Wilms’ Tumor via MAPK Signaling Pathway. Journal of Oncology 2022; 2022:1-19. [PMID: 36213822 PMCID: PMC9546681 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4544773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective The dysfunction of immune surveillance, a hot spot in cancer research, could lead to the occurrence and development in multicancers. However, the potential mechanisms of immunity in Wilms' tumor (WT) remain unclear on Wilms' tumor (WT). In this study, we aim to investigate the immune cell in WT and explore the underlying treatment strategy. Method We quantified stromal and immune scores by using ESTIMATE algorithm based on gene expression matrix of WT patients in TCGA and GEO databases. Different expression genes (DEGs) and functional enrichments were analyzed by R studio and DAVID tools. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence staining, ELISA assay, and qRT-PCR were used for detecting the NK cells, cytotoxic cytokines (INF-γ, PRF, and GZMB), and NK cell receptor expression, respectively. WT patient autologous NK cells were stimulated by IL-2 and IL-15, and the cytotoxicity of NK cells against WT cell lines was detected by LDH assay. Western blot experiment was used for measuring the MAPK signaling pathway protein maker in NK cells. Results ESTIMATE indicated that WT tissue had a lower immune score than adjacent kidney tissue. Meanwhile, the low immune score group was associated with poorly outcomes. DEG functional enrichment analysis showed that NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity was significantly different in low and high immune score groups. Although few of proportion of NK cells in WT patients were increased, most of that were significantly lower than normal children. Moreover, the proportion of NK cells and the expression level of INF-γ, PRF, and GZMB in WT tissue were lower than adjacent kidney tissue. Importantly, the NKG2D expression level of NK cells was significantly lower in WT tissue. Furthermore, in vitro, compared with uncultured NK cells, IL-2 and IL-15 could effectively enhance the cytotoxicity of NK cells on killing the WT cell lines. The FACS and WB results showed that the NKG2D and p-PI3K ratio PI3K, MEK1/2, and p-ERK1/2 ratio ERK1/2 were significantly increased in IL-2 and IL15 group compared with uncultured groups. Conclusion The abnormal NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity may cause the occurrence of WT. Costimulation of WT patients autologous NK cells could effectively enhance the antitumor reaction which involved in activation of NKG2D-mediated MAPK signaling pathway.
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Mukherjee AG, Wanjari UR, Namachivayam A, Murali R, Prabakaran DS, Ganesan R, Renu K, Dey A, Vellingiri B, Ramanathan G, Doss C. GP, Gopalakrishnan AV. Role of Immune Cells and Receptors in Cancer Treatment: An Immunotherapeutic Approach. Vaccines (Basel) 2022; 10:vaccines10091493. [PMID: 36146572 PMCID: PMC9502517 DOI: 10.3390/vaccines10091493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy moderates the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Due to its extreme complexity, scientists are working to put together all the puzzle pieces to get a clearer picture of the immune system. Shreds of available evidence show the connection between cancer and the immune system. Immune responses to tumors and lymphoid malignancies are influenced by B cells, γδT cells, NK cells, and dendritic cells (DCs). Cancer immunotherapy, which encompasses adoptive cancer therapy, monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), immune checkpoint therapy, and CART cells, has revolutionized contemporary cancer treatment. This article reviews recent developments in immune cell regulation and cancer immunotherapy. Various options are available to treat many diseases, particularly cancer, due to the progress in various immunotherapies, such as monoclonal antibodies, recombinant proteins, vaccinations (both preventative and curative), cellular immunotherapies, and cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Uddesh Ramesh Wanjari
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arunraj Namachivayam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Reshma Murali
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - D. S. Prabakaran
- Department of Radiation Oncology, College of Medicine, Chungbuk National University, Chungdae-ro 1, Seowon-gu, Cheongju 28644, Korea
- Department of Biotechnology, Ayya Nadar Janaki Ammal College (Autonomous), Srivilliputhur Main Road, Sivakasi 626124, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Raja Ganesan
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Diseases, Hallym University, Chuncheon 24252, Korea
| | - Kaviyarasi Renu
- Centre of Molecular Medicine and Diagnostics (COMManD), Department of Biochemistry, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Saveetha University, Chennai 600077, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abhijit Dey
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Gnanasambandan Ramanathan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - George Priya Doss C.
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
- Correspondence:
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Abstract
In recent studies, NKG2A is revealed to be a key immune checkpoint for both natural killer (NK) cells and CD8+ T cells. It form heterodimer receptors with CD94, and targets the peptide-presenting human leukocyte antigen-E (HLA-E) molecules. Upon crosslinking, NKG2A/CD94 delivers inhibitory signals for NK cells and CD8+ T cells, while blocking NKG2A can effectively unleash functions of these cytotoxic lymphocytes. The interaction between NKG2A and HLA-E contributes to tumor immune escape, and NKG2A-mediated mechanisms are currently being exploited to develop potential antitumor therapeutic strategies. In addition, growing evidence shows that NKG2A also plays important roles in other immune-related diseases including viral infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory diseases, parasite infections and transplant rejection. Therefore, the current work focuses on describing the effect of NKG2A on immune regulation and exploring its potential role in immune-mediated disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Wang
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Huabao Xiong
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaochen Ning, ; Huabao Xiong,
| | - Zhaochen Ning
- Institute of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- Jining Key Laboratory of Immunology, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
- *Correspondence: Zhaochen Ning, ; Huabao Xiong,
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Calvi M, Di Vito C, Frigo A, Trabanelli S, Jandus C, Mavilio D. Development of Human ILCs and Impact of Unconventional Cytotoxic Subsets in the Pathophysiology of Inflammatory Diseases and Cancer. Front Immunol 2022; 13:914266. [PMID: 35720280 PMCID: PMC9204637 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.914266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) were firstly described by different independent laboratories in 2008 as tissue-resident innate lymphocytes mirroring the phenotype and function of T helper cells. ILCs have been subdivided into three distinct subgroups, ILC1, ILC2 and ILC3, according to their cytokine and transcriptional profiles. Subsequently, also Natural Killer (NK) cells, that are considered the innate counterpart of cytotoxic CD8 T cells, were attributed to ILC1 subfamily, while lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells were attributed to ILC3 subgroup. Starting from their discovery, significant advances have been made in our understanding of ILC impact in the maintenance of tissue homeostasis, in the protection against pathogens and in tumor immune-surveillance. However, there is still much to learn about ILC ontogenesis especially in humans. In this regard, NK cell developmental intermediates which have been well studied and characterized prior to the discovery of helper ILCs, have been used to shape a model of ILC ontogenesis. Herein, we will provide an overview of the current knowledge about NK cells and helper ILC ontogenesis in humans. We will also focus on the newly disclosed circulating ILC subsets with killing properties, namely unconventional CD56dim NK cells and cytotoxic helper ILCs, by discussing their possible role in ILC ontogenesis and their contribution in both physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Calvi
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Frigo
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Trabanelli
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Camilla Jandus
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.,Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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Pugh-Toole M, Nicolela AP, Nersesian S, Leung BM, Boudreau JE. Natural Killer Cells: the Missing Link in Effective Treatment for High-Grade Serous Ovarian Carcinoma. Curr Treat Options Oncol 2022. [PMID: 35192139 DOI: 10.1007/s11864-021-00929-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OPINION STATEMENT Ovarian cancer (OC), especially high-grade serous cancer (HGSC), is a highly heterogeneous malignancy with limited options for curative treatment and a high frequency of relapse. Interactions between OC and the immune system may permit immunoediting and immune escape, and current standard of care therapies can influence immune cell infiltration and function within the tumor microenvironment. Natural killer (NK) cells are involved in cancer immunosurveillance and immunoediting and can be activated by therapy, but deliberate approaches to maximize NK cell reactivity for treatment of HGSC are in their infancy. NK cells may be the ideal target for immunotherapy of HGSC. The diverse functions of NK cells, and their established roles in immunosurveillance, make them attractive candidates for more precise and effective HGSC treatment. NK cells' functional capabilities differ because of variation in receptor expression and genetics, with meaningful impacts on their anticancer activity. Studying HGSC:NK cell interactions will define the features that predict the best outcomes for patients with the disease, but the highly diverse nature of HGSC will likely require combination therapies or approaches to simultaneously target multiple, co-existing features of the tumor to avoid tumor escape and relapse. We expect that the ideal therapy will enable NK cell infiltration and activity, reverse immunosuppression within the tumor microenvironment, and enable effector functions against the diverse subpopulations that comprise HGSC.
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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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Cazzetta V, Bruni E, Terzoli S, Carenza C, Franzese S, Piazza R, Marzano P, Donadon M, Torzilli G, Cimino M, Simonelli M, Bello L, Villa A, Tan L, Ravens S, Prinz I, Supino D, Colombo FS, Lugli E, Marcenaro E, Vivier E, Della Bella S, Mikulak J, Mavilio D. NKG2A expression identifies a subset of human Vδ2 T cells exerting the highest antitumor effector functions. Cell Rep 2021; 37:109871. [PMID: 34686325 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Human Vδ2 cells are innate-like γδ T effectors performing potent immune surveillance against tumors. The constitutive expression of NKG2A identifies a subset of Vδ2 T cells licensed with an intrinsic hyper-responsiveness against cancer. Indeed, the transcriptomic profiles of NKG2A+ and NKG2A- cells characterize two distinct "intralineages" of Vδ2 T lymphocytes that appear early during development, keep their phenotypes, and show self-renewal capabilities in adult life. The hyper-responsiveness of NKG2A+ Vδ2 T cells is counterbalanced by the inhibitory signaling delivered by human leukocyte antigen E (HLA-E) expressed on malignant cells as a tumor-escape mechanism. However, either masking or knocking out NKG2A restores the capacity of Vδ2 T cells to exert the highest effector functions even against HLA-E+ tumors. This is highly relevant in the clinic, as the different degrees of engagement of the NKG2A-HLA-E checkpoint in hepatocellular carcinoma, glioblastoma, and non-small cell lung cancer directly impact patients' overall survival. These findings open avenues for developing combined cellular and immunologic anticancer therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Cazzetta
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Bruni
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Terzoli
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Carenza
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sara Franzese
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milan-Bicocca, Monza, Italy
| | - Paolo Marzano
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Donadon
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Cimino
- Department of Hepatobiliary and General Surgery, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Simonelli
- Department of Biomedical Science, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bello
- U.O. Neurochirurgia Oncologica, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milan, Italy; Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Anna Villa
- Division of Regenerative, Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Telethon Institute for Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Institute of Genetic and Biomedical Research, UOS Milan, National Research Council, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Likai Tan
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sarina Ravens
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Immo Prinz
- Institute of Immunology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Domenico Supino
- Department of Biomedical Science of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas University, 20090 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Federico S Colombo
- Humanitas Flow Cytometry Core, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enrico Lugli
- Humanitas Flow Cytometry Core, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Laboratory of Translational Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Eric Vivier
- Aix Marseille University, CNRS, INSERM, CIML, Marseille, France; Research Laboratories, Innate Pharma, Marseille, France; Service d'Immunologie, Hôpital de la Timone, APHM, Marseille-Immunopôle, Marseille, France
| | - Silvia Della Bella
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Laboratory of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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13
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Saputro RD, Rinonce HT, Iramawasita Y, Ridho MR, Pudjohartono MF, Anwar SL, Setiaji K, Aryandono T. Potential prognostic value of PD-L1 and NKG2A expression in Indonesian patients with skin nodular melanoma. BMC Res Notes 2021; 14:206. [PMID: 34049578 PMCID: PMC8161664 DOI: 10.1186/s13104-021-05623-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Biomarker mRNA levels have been suggested to be predictors of patient survival and therapy response in melanoma cases. This study aimed to investigate the correlations between the mRNA expression levels of PD-L1 and NKG2A in melanoma tissue with clinicopathologic characteristics and survival in Indonesian primary nodular melanoma patients. RESULTS Thirty-one tissue samples were obtained; two were excluded from survival analysis due to Breslow depth of less than 4 mm. The median survival of upregulated and normoregulated PD-L1-patients were 15.800 ± 2.345 and 28.945 ± 4.126 months, respectively. However, this difference was not significant statistically (p = 0.086). Upregulated and normoregulated NKG2A patients differed very little in median survival time (25.943 ± 7.415 vs 26.470 ± 3.854 months; p = 0.981). Expression of PD-L1 and NKG2A were strongly correlated (rs: 0.787, p < 0.001). No clinicopathologic associations with PD-L1 and NKG2A mRNA levels were observed. These results suggest that PD-L1 may have potential as a prognostic factor. Although an unlikely prognostic factor, NKG2A may become an adjunct target for therapy. The strong correlation between PD-L1 and NKG2A suggests that anti-PD-1 and anti-NKG2A agents could be effective in patients with PD-L1 upregulation. The mRNA levels of these two genes may help direct choice of immunotherapy and predict patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ridwan Dwi Saputro
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital , Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Hanggoro Tri Rinonce
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital , Sleman , Yogyakarta, Indonesia.
| | - Yayuk Iramawasita
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital , Sleman , Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Muhammad Rasyid Ridho
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital , Sleman , Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Maria Fransiska Pudjohartono
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital , Sleman , Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Sumadi Lukman Anwar
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital , Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Kunto Setiaji
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital , Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
| | - Teguh Aryandono
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing, Universitas Gadjah Mada/Dr. Sardjito Hospital , Sleman, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
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14
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Lina S. Identification of hub lncRNAs in head and neck cancer based on weighted gene co-expression network analysis and experiments. FEBS Open Bio 2021; 11:2060-2073. [PMID: 33660438 PMCID: PMC8406479 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) ranks as the sixth most common cancer among systemic malignant tumors, with 600 000 new cases occurring every year worldwide. Since HNSCC has high heterogeneity and complex pathogenesis, no effective prognostic indicator has yet been identified. Here, we aimed to identify a lncRNA signature associated with the prognosis of HNSCC as a potential new biomarker. LncRNA expression data were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. A polygenic risk score model was constructed by using Lasso-Cox regression analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied to analyze the co-expression modules of lncRNAs associated with the prognosis of HNSCC. The robustness of the signature was validated in testing and external cohorts. Polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the expression levels of identified lncRNAs in cancer and adjacent tissues. We constructed an 8-lncRNA signature (LINC00567, LINC00996, MTOR-AS1, PRKG1-AS1, RAB11B-AS1, RPS6KA2-AS1, SH3BP5-AS1, ZNF451-AS1) that could be used as an independent prognostic factor of HNSCC. The signature showed strong robustness and had stable prediction performance in different cohorts. WGCNA results showed that modules related to risk score mainly participated in biological processes such as blood vessel development, positive regulation of catabolic processes, and regulation of growth. The prognostic risk score model based on lncRNA for HNSCC may help clinicians conduct individualized treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shao Lina
- Department of Endodontics, School and Hospital of Stomatology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.,Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Shenyang, China
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15
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St-Pierre F, Bhatia S, Chandra S. Harnessing Natural Killer Cells in Cancer Immunotherapy: A Review of Mechanisms and Novel Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1988. [PMID: 33924213 PMCID: PMC8074597 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13081988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are lymphocytes that are integral to the body's innate immunity, resulting in a rapid immune response to stressed or infected cells in an antigen-independent manner. The innate immune system plays an important role in the recognition of tumor-derived stress-related factors and is critical to subsequent adaptive immune responses against tumor antigens. The aim of this review is to discuss mechanisms by which tumor cells evade NK cells and to outline strategies that harness NK cells for cancer immunotherapy. We discuss strategies to relieve the exhausted state of NK cells, recent therapies focused on targeting NK-cell-specific activating and inhibitory receptors, the use of cytokines IL-2 and IL-15 to stimulate autologous or allogeneic NK cells, and ongoing trials exploring the use of genetically modified NK cells and chimeric antigen-receptor-modified NK (CAR-NK) cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frederique St-Pierre
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60208, USA;
| | - Shailender Bhatia
- Division of Medical Oncology, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA;
| | - Sunandana Chandra
- Division of Hematology Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60208, USA
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16
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Bu X, Zhong J, Li W, Cai S, Gao Y, Ping B. Immunomodulating functions of human leukocyte antigen-G and its role in graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Ann Hematol 2021; 100:1391-1400. [PMID: 33709198 PMCID: PMC8116272 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-021-04486-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) is a potentially curative therapeutic strategy to treat several hematological malignancies and non-hematological malignancies. However, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a frequent and serious transplant-related complication which dramatically restrains the curative effect of allo-HSCT and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in allogeneic HCT recipients. Effective prevention of GVHD mainly depends on the induction of peripheral immune tolerance. Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) is a non-classical MHC class I molecule with a strong immunosuppressive function, which plays a prominent role in immune tolerance. HLA-G triggers different reactions depending on the activation state of the immune cells and system. It also exerts a long-term immune tolerance mechanism by inducing regulatory cells. In this present review, we demonstrate the immunomodulatory properties of human leukocyte antigen-G and highlight the role of HLA-G as an immune regulator of GVHD. Furthermore, HLA-G could also serve as a good predictor of GVHD and represent a new therapeutic target for GVHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyin Bu
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jinman Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Weiru Li
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Shengchun Cai
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Ya Gao
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
| | - Baohong Ping
- Department of Hematology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China. .,Department of Huiqiao, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, Guangdong Province, China.
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17
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Pesce S, Trabanelli S, Di Vito C, Greppi M, Obino V, Guolo F, Minetto P, Bozzo M, Calvi M, Zaghi E, Candiani S, Lemoli RM, Jandus C, Mavilio D, Marcenaro E. Cancer Immunotherapy by Blocking Immune Checkpoints on Innate Lymphocytes. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123504. [PMID: 33255582 PMCID: PMC7760325 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoints refer to a plethora of inhibitory pathways of the immune system that play a crucial role in maintaining self-tolerance and in tuning the duration and amplitude of physiological immune responses to minimize collateral tissue damages. The breakdown of this delicate balance leads to pathological conditions, including cancer. Indeed, tumor cells can develop multiple mechanisms to escape from immune system defense, including the activation of immune checkpoint pathways. The development of monoclonal antibodies, targeting inhibitory immune checkpoints, has provided an immense breakthrough in cancer therapy. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), initially developed to reverse functional exhaustion in T cells, recently emerged as important actors in natural killer (NK)-cell-based immunotherapy. Moreover, the discovery that also helper innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) express inhibitory immune checkpoints, suggests that these molecules might be targeted on ILCs, to modulate their functions in the tumor microenvironment. Recently, other strategies to achieve immune checkpoint blockade have been developed, including miRNA exploiting systems. Herein, we provide an overview of the current knowledge on inhibitory immune checkpoints on NK cells and ILCs and we discuss how to target these innate lymphocytes by ICI in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
| | - Sara Trabanelli
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.T.); (C.J.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, CH-1066 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; (C.D.V.); (M.C.); (E.Z.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
| | - Fabio Guolo
- Clinic of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.G.); (P.M.); (R.M.L.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Paola Minetto
- Clinic of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.G.); (P.M.); (R.M.L.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Matteo Bozzo
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Michela Calvi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; (C.D.V.); (M.C.); (E.Z.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; (C.D.V.); (M.C.); (E.Z.); (D.M.)
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth, Environment and Life Sciences (DISTAV), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (M.B.); (S.C.)
| | - Roberto Massimo Lemoli
- Clinic of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DIMI), University of Genoa, 16132 Genova, Italy; (F.G.); (P.M.); (R.M.L.)
- IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, 16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Camilla Jandus
- Department of Pathology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, CH-1211 Geneva, Switzerland; (S.T.); (C.J.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne Branch, CH-1066 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; (C.D.V.); (M.C.); (E.Z.); (D.M.)
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (BIOMETRA), University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine (DIMES) and Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research (CEBR), University of Genova, 16132 Genova, Italy; (S.P.); (M.G.); (V.O.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0103357888
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18
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Borst L, van der Burg SH, van Hall T. The NKG2A-HLA-E Axis as a Novel Checkpoint in the Tumor Microenvironment. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:5549-5556. [PMID: 32409305 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-19-2095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The success of checkpoint blockade therapy revolutionized cancer treatment. However, we need to increase the fraction of responding patients and overcome acquired resistance to these therapies. Recently, the inhibitory receptor NKG2A received attention as a new kid on the block of immune checkpoints. This receptor is selectively expressed on cytotoxic lymphocytes, including natural killer cells and CD8 T cells, and NKG2A+ T cells are preferentially residing in tissues, like the tumor microenvironment. Its ligand, histocompatibility leucocyte antigen E (HLA-E), is a conserved nonclassical HLA class I molecule that binds a limited peptide repertoire and its expression is commonly detected in human cancer. NKG2A blockade as a standalone therapy appears poorly effective in mouse tumor models, however, in the presence of activated T cells, for example, induced by PD-1/PD-L1 blockade or cancer vaccines, exerts strongly enhanced efficacy. Clinical trials demonstrated safety of the humanized NKG2A-blocking antibody, monalizumab, and first results of phase II trials demonstrate encouraging durable response rates. Further development of this axis is clearly warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linda Borst
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Sjoerd H van der Burg
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Thorbald van Hall
- Department of Medical Oncology, Oncode Institute, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands.
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19
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Strakhova R, Cadassou O, Cros-Perrial E, Jordheim LP. Regulation of tumor infiltrated innate immune cells by adenosine. Purinergic Signal 2020; 16:289-295. [PMID: 32529478 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-020-09701-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer has the ability to escape the immune system using different molecular actors. Adenosine is known to be involved in mechanisms which control inflammatory reactions and prevent excessive immune response. This purine nucleoside can be translocated from the cell or produced in the extracellular space by 5'-ectonucleotidases. Once bound to its receptors on the surface of immune effector cells, adenosine activates various molecular pathways, which lead to functional inhibition of the cell or its death. Some tumors are infiltrated by the different cells of immune system but are able to use adenosine as an immunosuppressive molecule and thus inhibit immune anticancer response. This mechanism is well described on adaptive cells, but much less on innate cells. This review outlines major effects of adenosine on innate immune cells, its consequences on cancer progression, and possible ways to block the adenosine-dependent immunosuppressive effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Regina Strakhova
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Octavia Cadassou
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Emeline Cros-Perrial
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008, Lyon, France
| | - Lars Petter Jordheim
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, INSERM 1052, CNRS 5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, 69008, Lyon, France.
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20
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Pesce S, Greppi M, Ferretti E, Obino V, Carlomagno S, Rutigliani M, Thoren FB, Sivori S, Castagnola P, Candiani S, Marcenaro E. miRNAs in NK Cell-Based Immune Responses and Cancer Immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:119. [PMID: 32161759 PMCID: PMC7053181 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2019] [Accepted: 02/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of certain forms of tumors has increased progressively in recent years and is expected to continue growing as life expectancy continues to increase. Tumor-infiltrating NK cells may contribute to develop an anti-tumor response. Optimized combinations of different cancer therapies, including NK cell-based approaches for targeting tumor cells, have the potential to open new avenues in cancer immunotherapy. Functional inhibitory receptors on NK cells are needed to prevent their attack on healthy cells. Nevertheless, disruption of inhibitory receptors function on NK cells increases the cytotoxic capacity of NK cells against cancer cells. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that target mRNA and thus regulate the expression of genes involved in the development, maturation, and effector functions of NK cells. Therapeutic strategies that target the regulatory effects of miRNAs have the potential to improve the efficiency of cancer immunotherapy. Interestingly, emerging evidence points out that some miRNAs can, directly and indirectly, control the surface expression of immune checkpoints on NK cells or that of their ligands on tumor cells. This suggests a possible use of miRNAs in the context of anti-tumor therapy. This review provides the current overview of the connections between miRNAs and regulation of NK cell functions and discusses the potential of these miRNAs as innovative biomarkers/targets for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariangela Rutigliani
- Histological and Anatomical Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratory and Service, E.O. Galliera Hospital, Genova, Italy
| | - Fredrik B Thoren
- Tumor Immunology Laboratory (TIMM) Laboratory at Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Infectious Diseases, Institute of Biomedicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | | | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth Science, Environment and Life (DISTAV), University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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21
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Ben-Shmuel A, Biber G, Barda-Saad M. Unleashing Natural Killer Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment-The Next Generation of Immunotherapy? Front Immunol 2020; 11:275. [PMID: 32153582 PMCID: PMC7046808 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of immunotherapy for cancer treatment bears considerable clinical promise. Nevertheless, many patients remain unresponsive, acquire resistance, or suffer dose-limiting toxicities. Immune-editing of tumors assists their escape from the immune system, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) induces immune suppression through multiple mechanisms. Immunotherapy aims to bolster the activity of immune cells against cancer by targeting these suppressive immunomodulatory processes. Natural Killer (NK) cells are a heterogeneous subset of immune cells, which express a diverse array of activating and inhibitory germline-encoded receptors, and are thus capable of directly targeting and killing cancer cells without the need for MHC specificity. Furthermore, they play a critical role in triggering the adaptive immune response. Enhancing the function of NK cells in the context of cancer is therefore a promising avenue for immunotherapy. Different NK-based therapies have been evaluated in clinical trials, and some have demonstrated clinical benefits, especially in the context of hematological malignancies. Solid tumors remain much more difficult to treat, and the time point and means of intervention of current NK-based treatments still require optimization to achieve long term effects. Here, we review recently described mechanisms of cancer evasion from NK cell immune surveillance, and the therapeutic approaches that aim to potentiate NK function. Specific focus is placed on the use of specialized monoclonal antibodies against moieties on the cancer cell, or on both the tumor and the NK cell. In addition, we highlight newly identified mechanisms that inhibit NK cell activity in the TME, and describe how biochemical modifications of the TME can synergize with current treatments and increase susceptibility to NK cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aviad Ben-Shmuel
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Guy Biber
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
| | - Mira Barda-Saad
- Laboratory of Molecular and Applied Immunology, The Mina and Everard Goodman Faculty of Life Sciences, Bar-Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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22
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Locarno CV, Simonelli M, Carenza C, Capucetti A, Stanzani E, Lorenzi E, Persico P, Della Bella S, Passoni L, Mavilio D, Bonecchi R, Locati M, Savino B. Role of myeloid cells in the immunosuppressive microenvironment in gliomas. Immunobiology 2020; 225:151853. [DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2019.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 10/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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23
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Minetto P, Guolo F, Pesce S, Greppi M, Obino V, Ferretti E, Sivori S, Genova C, Lemoli RM, Marcenaro E. Harnessing NK Cells for Cancer Treatment. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2836. [PMID: 31867006 PMCID: PMC6908847 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last years, natural killer (NK) cell-based immunotherapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach for solid tumors and hematological malignancies. NK cells are innate lymphocytes with an array of functional competences, including anti-cancer, anti-viral, and anti-graft-vs.-host disease potential. The intriguing idea of harnessing such potent innate immune system effectors for cancer treatment led to the development of clinical trials based on the adoptive therapy of NK cells or on the use of monoclonal antibodies targeting the main NK cell immune checkpoints. Indeed, checkpoint immunotherapy that targets inhibitory receptors of T cells, reversing their functional blocking, marked a breakthrough in anticancer therapy, opening new approaches for cancer immunotherapy and resulted in extensive research on immune checkpoints. However, the clinical efficacy of T cell-based immunotherapy presents a series of limitations, including the inability of T cells to recognize and kill HLA-Ineg tumor cells. For these reasons, new strategies for cancer immunotherapy are now focusing on NK cells. Blockade with NK cell checkpoint inhibitors that reverse their functional block may overcome the limitations of T cell-based immunotherapy, mainly against HLA-Ineg tumor targets. Here, we discuss recent anti-tumor approaches based on mAb-mediated blocking of immune checkpoints (either restricted to NK cells or shared with T cells), used either as a single agent or in combination with other compounds, that have demonstrated promising clinical responses in both solid tumors and hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Minetto
- Clinic of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genova, Italy
| | - Fabio Guolo
- Clinic of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genova, Italy
| | - Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Valentina Obino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Elisa Ferretti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
| | - Carlo Genova
- Lung Cancer Unit, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genova, Italy
| | - Roberto Massimo Lemoli
- Clinic of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine (DiMI), University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Ospedale Policlinico San Martino IRCCS, Genova, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genova, Italy
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24
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Zaghi E, Calvi M, Di Vito C, Mavilio D. Innate Immune Responses in the Outcome of Haploidentical Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation to Cure Hematologic Malignancies. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2794. [PMID: 31849972 PMCID: PMC6892976 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
In the context of allogeneic transplant platforms, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-haploidentical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (haplo-HSCT) represents one of the latest and most promising curative strategies for patients affected by high-risk hematologic malignancies. Indeed, this platform ensures a suitable stem cell source immediately available for virtually any patents in need. Moreover, the establishment in recipients of a state of immunologic tolerance toward grafted hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) remarkably improves the clinical outcome of this transplant procedure in terms of overall and disease free survival. However, the HLA-mismatch between donors and recipients has not been yet fully exploited in order to optimize the Graft vs. Leukemia effect. Furthermore, the efficacy of haplo-HSCT is currently hampered by several life-threatening side effects including the onset of Graft vs. Host Disease (GvHD) and the occurrence of opportunistic viral infections. In this context, the quality and the kinetic of the immune cell reconstitution (IR) certainly play a major role and several experimental efforts have been greatly endorsed to better understand and accelerate the post-transplant recovery of a fully competent immune system in haplo-HSCT. In particular, the IR of innate immune system is receiving a growing interest, as it recovers much earlier than T and B cells and it is able to rapidly exert protective effects against both tumor relapses, GvHD and the onset of life-threatening opportunistic infections. Herein, we review our current knowledge in regard to the kinetic and clinical impact of Natural Killer (NK), γδ and Innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) IRs in both allogeneic and haplo-HSCT. The present paper also provides an overview of those new therapeutic strategies currently being implemented to boost the alloreactivity of the above-mentioned innate immune effectors in order to ameliorate the prognosis of patients affected by hematologic malignancies and undergone transplant procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Zaghi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Michela Calvi
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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25
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Abolarinwa BA, Ibrahim RB, Huang YH. Conceptual Development of Immunotherapeutic Approaches to Gastrointestinal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E4624. [PMID: 31540435 PMCID: PMC6769557 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20184624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancer is one of the common causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy are the current treatments, but some patients do not derive clinical benefits. Recently, studies from cancer molecular subtyping have revealed that tumor molecular biomarkers may predict the immunotherapeutic response of GI cancer patients. However, the therapeutic response of patients selected by the predictive biomarkers is suboptimal. The tumor immune-microenvironment apparently plays a key role in modulating these molecular-determinant predictive biomarkers. Therefore, an understanding of the development and recent advances in immunotherapeutic pharmacological intervention targeting tumor immune-microenvironments and their potential predictive biomarkers will be helpful to strengthen patient immunotherapeutic efficacy. The current review focuses on an understanding of how the host-microenvironment interactions and the predictive biomarkers can determine the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. The contribution of environmental pathogens and host immunity to GI cancer is summarized. A discussion regarding the clinical evidence of predictive biomarkers for clinical trial therapy design, current immunotherapeutic strategies, and the outcomes to GI cancer patients are highlighted. An understanding of the underlying mechanism can predict the immunotherapeutic efficacy and facilitate the future development of personalized therapeutic strategies targeting GI cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilikis Aderonke Abolarinwa
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Ridwan Babatunde Ibrahim
- Institute of Brain Science, School of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei 11221, Taiwan.
- Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP) in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, National Yang-Ming University and Academia Sinica, Taipei 11529, Taiwan.
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- TMU Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center of Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Ph.D. Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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26
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Pesce S, Belgrano V, Greppi M, Carlomagno S, Squillario M, Barla A, Della Chiesa M, Di Domenico S, Mavilio D, Moretta L, Candiani S, Sivori S, De Cian F, Marcenaro E. Different Features of Tumor-Associated NK Cells in Patients With Low-Grade or High-Grade Peritoneal Carcinomatosis. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1963. [PMID: 31497016 PMCID: PMC6712073 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is a rare disease defined as diffused implantation of neoplastic cells in the peritoneal cavity. This clinical picture occurs during the evolution of peritoneal tumors, and it is the main cause of morbidity and mortality of patients affected by these pathologies, though cytoreductive surgery with heated intra-peritoneal chemotherapy (CRS/HIPEC) is yielding promising results. In the present study, we evaluated whether the tumor microenvironment of low-grade and high-grade PC could affect the phenotypic and functional features and thus the anti-tumor potential of NK cells. We show that while in the peritoneal fluid (PF) of low-grade PC most CD56dim NK cells show a relatively immature phenotype (NKG2A+KIR-CD57-CD16dim), in the PF of high-grade PC NK cells are, in large majority, mature (CD56dimKIR+CD57+CD16bright). Furthermore, in low-grade PC, PF-NK cells are characterized by a sharp down-regulation of some activating receptors, primarily NKp30 and DNAM-1, while, in high-grade PC, PF-NK cells display a higher expression of the PD-1 inhibitory checkpoint. The compromised phenotype observed in low-grade PC patients corresponds to a functional impairment. On the other hand, in the high-grade PC patients PF-NK cells show much more important defects that only partially reflect the compromised phenotype detected. These data suggest that the PC microenvironment may contribute to tumor escape from immune surveillance by inducing different NK cell impaired features leading to altered anti-tumor activity. Notably, after CRS/HIPEC treatment, the altered NK cell phenotype of a patient with a low-grade disease and favorable prognosis was reverted to a normal one. Our present data offer a clue for the development of new immunotherapeutic strategies capable of restoring the NK-mediated anti-tumor responses in association with the CRS/HIPEC treatment to increase the effectiveness of the current therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pesce
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Valerio Belgrano
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University General Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Department of Surgery, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marco Greppi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Carlomagno
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Margherita Squillario
- Department of Informatic Bioengineering, Robotic and System Engineering, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Annalisa Barla
- Department of Informatic Bioengineering, Robotic and System Engineering, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Mariella Della Chiesa
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Stefano Di Domenico
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University General Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Moretta
- Department of Immunology, IRCCS Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Simona Candiani
- Department of Earth Science, Environment and Life, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Simona Sivori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Franco De Cian
- Department of Surgical Sciences and Integrated Diagnostics, IRCCS Policlinico San Martino, University General Hospital, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Emanuela Marcenaro
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy.,Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Research, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
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27
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Abstract
Despite efficient suppression of plasma viremia in people living with HIV (PLWH) on cART, evidence of HIV-induced immunosuppression remains, and normally benign and opportunistic pathogens become major sources of co-morbidities, including virus-induced cancers. In fact, cancer remains a primary cause of death even in virally suppressed PLWH. Natural killer (NK) cells provide rapid early responses to HIV infection, contribute substantially to disease modulation and vaccine protection, and are also major therapeutic targets for cancer immunotherapy. However, much like other lymphocyte populations, recent burgeoning evidence suggests that in chronic conditions like HIV, NK cells can become functionally exhausted with impaired cytotoxic function, altered cytokine production and impaired antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity. Recent work suggests functional anergy is likely due to low-level ongoing virus replication, increased inflammatory cytokines, or increased presence of MHClow target cells. Indeed, HIV-induced loss of NK cell-mediated control of lytic EBV infection has been specifically shown to cause lymphoma and also increases replication of CMV. In this review, we will discuss current understanding of NK cell modulation of HIV disease, reciprocal exhaustion of NK cells, and how this may impact increased cancer incidences and prospects for NK cell-targeted immunotherapies. Finally, we will review the most recent evidence supporting adaptive functions of NK cells and highlight the potential of adaptive NK cells for cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Lucar
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - R Keith Reeves
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States.,Ragon Institute of Massachusetts General Hospital, MIT, and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Stephanie Jost
- Center for Virology and Vaccine Research, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
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28
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Abstract
Natural Killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes playing pivotal roles in host defense and immune-surveillance. The homeostatic modulation of germ-line encoded/non-rearranged activating and inhibitory NK cell receptors (NKRs) determines the capability of these innate lymphocytes to either spare "self" cells or to kill viral-infected, tumor-transformed and heterologous cell targets. However, despite being discovered more than 40 years ago, several aspects of NK cell biology remain unknown or are still being debated. In particular, our knowledge of human NK cell ontogenesis and differentiation is still in its infancy as the majority of our experimental evidence on this topic mainly comes from findings obtained in vitro or with animal models in vivo. Although both the generation and the maintenance of human NK cells are sustained by hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), the precise site(s) of NK cell development are still poorly defined. Indeed, HSCs and hematopoietic precursors are localized in different anatomical compartments that also change their ontogenic commitments before and after birth as well as in aging. Currently, the main site of NK cell generation and maturation in adulthood is considered the bone marrow, where their interactions with stromal cells, cytokines, growth factors, and other soluble molecules support and drive maturation. Different sequential stages of NK cell development have been identified on the basis of the differential expression of specific markers and NKRs as well as on the acquisition of specific effector-functions. All these phenotypic and functional features are key in inducing and regulating homing, activation and tissue-residency of NK cells in different human anatomic sites, where different homeostatic mechanisms ensure a perfect balance between immune tolerance and immune-surveillance. The present review summarizes our current knowledge on human NK cell ontogenesis and on the related pathways orchestrating a proper maturation, functions, and distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Joanna Mikulak
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine (BioMeTra), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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29
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Chen Z, Yang Y, Liu LL, Lundqvist A. Strategies to Augment Natural Killer (NK) Cell Activity against Solid Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11071040. [PMID: 31340613 PMCID: PMC6678934 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system plays a crucial role to prevent local growth and dissemination of cancer. Therapies based on activating the immune system can result in beneficial responses in patients with metastatic disease. Treatment with antibodies targeting the immunological checkpoint axis PD-1 / PD-L1 can result in the induction of anti-tumor T cell activation leading to meaningful long-lasting clinical responses. Still, many patients acquire resistance or develop dose-limiting toxicities to these therapies. Analysis of tumors from patients who progress on anti-PD-1 treatment reveal defective interferon-signaling and antigen presentation, resulting in immune escape from T cell-mediated attack. Natural killer (NK) cells are innate lymphocytes that can kill tumor cells without prior sensitization to antigens and can be activated to kill tumor cells that have an impaired antigen processing and presentation machinery. Thus, NK cells may serve as useful effectors against tumor cells that have become resistant to classical immune checkpoint therapy. Various approaches to activate NK cells are being increasingly explored in clinical trials against cancer. While clinical benefit has been demonstrated in patients with acute myeloid leukemia receiving haploidentical NK cells, responses in patients with solid tumors are so far less encouraging. Several hurdles need to be overcome to provide meaningful clinical responses in patients with solid tumors. Here we review the recent developments to augment NK cell responses against solid tumors with regards to cytokine therapy, adoptive infusion of NK cells, NK cell engagers, and NK cell immune checkpoints.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziqing Chen
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ying Yang
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lisa L Liu
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Andreas Lundqvist
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17164 Stockholm, Sweden.
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30
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Mikulak J, Bruni E, Oriolo F, Di Vito C, Mavilio D. Hepatic Natural Killer Cells: Organ-Specific Sentinels of Liver Immune Homeostasis and Physiopathology. Front Immunol 2019; 10:946. [PMID: 31114585 PMCID: PMC6502999 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is considered a preferential tissue for NK cells residency. In humans, almost 50% of all intrahepatic lymphocytes are NK cells that are strongly imprinted in a liver-specific manner and show a broad spectrum of cellular heterogeneity. Hepatic NK (he-NK) cells play key roles in tuning liver immune response in both physiological and pathological conditions. Therefore, there is a pressing need to comprehensively characterize human he-NK cells to better understand the related mechanisms regulating their effector-functions within the dynamic balance between immune-tolerance and immune-surveillance. This is of particular relevance in the liver that is the only solid organ whose parenchyma is constantly challenged on daily basis by millions of foreign antigens drained from the gut. Therefore, the present review summarizes our current knowledge on he-NK cells in the light of the latest discoveries in the field of NK cell biology and clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Mikulak
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Bruni
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Oriolo
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Clara Di Vito
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Mavilio
- Unit of Clinical and Experimental Immunology, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Milan, Italy.,Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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