1
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Oktelik FB, Yilmaz V, Gelmez MY, Akdeniz N, Pamukcu C, Sutlu T, Kose M, Tuzun E, Deniz G. Decline of humoral immune responses after natural SARS-CoV-2 infection can be efficiently reversed by vaccination. Can J Microbiol 2022; 68:543-550. [PMID: 35852365 DOI: 10.1139/cjm-2022-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Our aim was to analyze severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)-specific antibody level kinetics after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection and determine the efficiency of vaccination on SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels. The study included 50 SARS-CoV-2 infected and 70 uninfected cases. Levels of SARS-CoV-2-specific IgG nucleocapsid protein (IgG-NP), IgG spike protein (IgG-SP), IgM nucleocapsid protein (IgM-NP), and IgA spike protein (IgA-SP) antibodies were evaluated by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in sera obtained at baseline, 1st, 3rd, and 6th month follow-up visits for infected cases and at postvaccination visits for all cases. In symptomatic cases (n = 50), IgG-SP levels were decreased in 6 months compared with baseline, while IgA-SP levels were significantly increased. IgG-NP levels were significantly decreased in symptomatic cases at the 6-month visit. After vaccination, IgG-SP levels were increased in symptomatic cases compared with prevaccination levels. Among subjects vaccinated with CoronaVac (the Sinovac COVID-19 vaccine), infected cases had approximately double the IgG-SP level of uninfected cases. SARS-CoV-2-specific antibody levels were higher at the baseline in symptomatic cases. Nevertheless, all infected cases showed significantly reduced IgG-SP levels at the 6th month. Vaccination effectively increased IgG-SP levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatma Betul Oktelik
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Vuslat Yilmaz
- Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Metin Yusuf Gelmez
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Nilgun Akdeniz
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cevriye Pamukcu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tolga Sutlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Kose
- Department of Internal Medicine, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Erdem Tuzun
- Department of Neuroscience, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gunnur Deniz
- Department of Immunology, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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2
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Mete B, Pekbilir E, Bilge BN, Georgiadou P, Çelik E, Sutlu T, Tabak F, Sahin U. Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 impairs sumoylation. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/6/e202101103. [PMID: 35181598 PMCID: PMC8860096 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202101103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The HIV type 1 dampens host cell sumoylation in vitro and reduces the expression of UBA2 protein, a subunit of the SUMO E1–activating enzyme. In vivo, infection in patients is associated with diminished global leukocyte sumoylation activity. During infection, the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) manipulates host cell mechanisms to its advantage, thereby controlling its replication or latency, and evading immune responses. Sumoylation is an essential post-translational modification that controls vital cellular activities including proliferation, stemness, or anti-viral immunity. SUMO peptides oppose pathogen replication and mediate interferon-dependent anti-viral activities. In turn, several viruses and bacteria attack sumoylation to disarm host immune responses. Here, we show that HIV-1 impairs cellular sumoylation and targets the host SUMO E1–activating enzyme. HIV-1 expression in cultured HEK293 cells or in CD4+ Jurkat T lymphocytes diminishes sumoylation by both SUMO paralogs, SUMO1 and SUMO2/3. HIV-1 causes a sharp and specific decline in UBA2 protein levels, a subunit of the heterodimeric SUMO E1 enzyme, which likely serves to reduce the efficiency of global protein sumoylation. Furthermore, HIV-1–infected individuals display a significant reduction in total leukocyte sumoylation that is uncoupled from HIV-induced cytopenia. Because sumoylation is vital for immune function, T-cell expansion and activity, loss of sumoylation during HIV disease may contribute to immune system deterioration in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bilgül Mete
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Emre Pekbilir
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilge Nur Bilge
- Department of Medical Biology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Panagiota Georgiadou
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Elif Çelik
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tolga Sutlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Fehmi Tabak
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Clinical Microbiology, Istanbul University-Cerrahpasa, Cerrahpasa School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Umut Sahin
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogazici University, Center for Life Sciences and Technologies, Istanbul, Turkey
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3
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Nahi H, Chrobok M, Meinke S, Gran C, Marquardt N, Afram G, Sutlu T, Gilljam M, Stellan B, Wagner AK, Blomberg P, Holmqvist PH, Walther-Jallow L, Mellström K, Liwing J, Gustafsson C, Månsson R, Klimkowska M, Gahrton G, Lund J, Ljungman P, Ljunggren HG, Alici E. Autologous NK cells as consolidation therapy following stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma. Cell Rep Med 2022; 3:100508. [PMID: 35243416 PMCID: PMC8861830 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2022.100508] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Few approaches have been made toward exploring autologous NK cells in settings of cancer immunotherapy. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of infusing multiple doses of ex vivo activated and expanded autologous NK cells in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) post-autologous stem cell transplantation. Infused NK cells were detected in circulation up to 4 weeks after the last infusion. Elevations in plasma granzyme B levels were observed following each consecutive NK cell infusion. Moreover, increased granzyme B levels were detected in bone marrow 4 weeks after the last infusion. All measurable patients had objective, detectable responses after NK cell infusions in terms of reduction in M-component and/or minimal residual disease. The present study demonstrates that autologous NK cell-based immunotherapy is feasible in a setting of MM consolidation therapy. It opens up the possibility for usage of autologous NK cells in clinical settings where patients are not readily eligible for allogeneic NK cell-based immunotherapies. Infusing activated and expanded autologous NK cells in patients with MM is possible Infused NK cells are detected in circulation for up to 4 weeks Elevated granzyme B levels are observed following each consecutive NK cell infusion Objective, detectable responses after NK cell infusions are seen in patients
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Affiliation(s)
- Hareth Nahi
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Michael Chrobok
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Stephan Meinke
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Gran
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Chemistry, Karolinska University Laboratory, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Nicole Marquardt
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Gabriel Afram
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Tolga Sutlu
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Mari Gilljam
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Stellan
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Arnika K Wagner
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Pontus Blomberg
- Vecura, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden.,Vecura, Karolinska Cell Therapy Center, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per-Henrik Holmqvist
- Vecura, Karolinska Cell Therapy Center, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lilian Walther-Jallow
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Karin Mellström
- XNK Therapeutics AB, Hälsovägen 7, Novum, SE-14157 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Johan Liwing
- XNK Therapeutics AB, Hälsovägen 7, Novum, SE-14157 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Gustafsson
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Robert Månsson
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Monika Klimkowska
- Pathology Unit, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology and Cytology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Gösta Gahrton
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Johan Lund
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden.,Department of Hematology, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Per Ljungman
- Department of Cellular Therapy and Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, SE-14186 Huddinge, Sweden.,Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Hans-Gustaf Ljunggren
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14183 Huddinge, Sweden
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4
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Rossi F, Josey B, Sayitoglu EC, Potens R, Sutlu T, Duru AD, Beljanski V. Correction: Characterization of zika virus infection of human fetal cardiac mesenchymal stromal cells. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0246112. [PMID: 33481943 PMCID: PMC7822279 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0246112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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5
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Sayitoglu EC, Chrobok M, Georgoudaki AM, Josey BJ, Hartman M, Vallabhaneni E, Herekar R, Bergeron S, Krueger R, Sutlu T, Alici E, Temple HT, Duru AD. Abstract A55: Natural killer cells genetically modified to overexpress DNAM-1 exert enhanced antitumor responses against CD112/CD155+ sarcomas and other malignancies. Cancer Immunol Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6074.tumimm18-a55] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Sarcomas are a broad category of cancers arising from cells of mesenchymal origin that occur in bone and soft tissues. They affect humans of all ages, and standard treatment options remain ineffective at increasing overall survival. Targeted immunotherapy is a rapidly developing field that offers extremely promising therapeutic prospects for many cancers. However, sarcomas are vastly understudied in this field. Natural killer (NK) cells are immune cells with inherent tumor-killing abilities that are a promising option for cancer immunotherapy. However, tumors can dysregulate the expression of NK cells ligands to escape immune detection, and the details of these escape mechanisms are not well known in sarcomas. Thus, a better understanding of NK cell-sarcoma interactions is necessary for the development of novel immunotherapies. In order to address this, we generated 20 cell lines from primary sarcoma tumors and characterized a group of known cancer-related NK cell receptor ligands. Our results show that all primary sarcoma cell lines express the inhibitory NKp44 ligand, PCNA, as well as CD112 and/or CD155, both of which are ligands for the NK cell activating receptor DNAM-1. However, NK cell cytotoxicity against sarcoma cells is still relatively low. Therefore, we generated a cell-based screening platform in which genetically modified (GM) NK cells that overexpress one activating receptor at a time are tested for degranulation against different sarcoma cell lines (n=12). Our results indicated patient-specific involvement of multiple NK cell receptors. In line with the conserved expression of CD112 and CD155 on sarcoma cells, we observed that DNAM-1+ GM-NK cells display significantly enhanced antitumor responses against all 12 cell lines when compared to wild-type (WT)-NK cells. We further confirmed that this enhanced NK cell response was indeed DNAM-1-dependent by interfering with the CD155/DNAM-1 interaction using blocking antibodies targeting either the receptor or its ligand. Additionally, the response of DNAM-1+ versus WT-NK cells was tested against various cancer cell lines, including those derived from a metastatic prostate carcinoma (LNCaP), primary pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (Capan-2), primary colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2), primary lung alveolar basal epithelial adenocarcinoma (A549), metastatic neuroblastoma (SH-Sy5y), metastatic nerve sheath tumor (SNF02.2), two melanomas (A375 and DM6), and two leukemias (K562 and THP-1). In conclusion, DNAM-1 overexpression elicited a dynamic increase in NK cell degranulation against all cancer cell lines tested, including those that failed to induce a notable response in WT-NK cells, supporting the broad potential applicability of the DNAM-1+ GM-NK cells for the treatment of several malignancies. Furthermore, tumors expressing CD112 and/or CD155 can be targeted by DNAM-1+ GM-NK cells, and our GM NK cell screening platform can be used for rapid screening against not only sarcomas but also several cancers.
Citation Format: Ece C. Sayitoglu, Michael Chrobok, Anna-Maria Georgoudaki, Benjamin J. Josey, Michelle Hartman, Esha Vallabhaneni, Rajeev Herekar, Savannah Bergeron, Robin Krueger, Tolga Sutlu, Evren Alici, Harry T. Temple, Adil D. Duru. Natural killer cells genetically modified to overexpress DNAM-1 exert enhanced antitumor responses against CD112/CD155+ sarcomas and other malignancies [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A55.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adil D. Duru
- 1Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL,
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6
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Parlar A, Sayitoglu EC, Pamukcu C, Georgoudaki AM, Ozkazanc D, Aras M, Josey B, Chrobok M, Branecki S, Zahedimaram P, Ikromzoda L, Alici E, Erman B, Sutlu T, Duru AD. Abstract A21: Engineering antigen-specific natural killer cells against the melanoma-associated antigen tyrosinase via TCR gene transfer. Cancer Immunol Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6074.tumimm18-a21] [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] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) to natural killer (NK) cells has so far been the only practical method for specific targeting of NK cells against surface antigens. In contrast, T-cell receptor (TCR) gene therapy can supply large populations of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) genetically modified to express a TCR that can also target intracellular antigens. However, the mispairing of endogenous and genetically transferred TCR subunits constitutes a bottleneck in the development of safe therapies as it often leads to formation of TCRs with unknown specificity. In order to overcome this obstacle and enable intracellular antigen targeting, we propose the use of NK cells for TCR gene therapy. In this study, we approach the obstacles associated with TCR gene therapy from a unique perspective that results in MHC-I-restricted epitope-specific targeting of tumors cells through expression of a functional TCR complex on NK cells. Our results show that the ectopic expression of CD3δ, CD3γ, and CD3ϵ chains along with TCR α/β gene delivery to NK cells enables the functional expression of a TCR specific to the HLA-A2-restiricted tyrosinase-derived melanoma epitope, Tyr368-379. NK cells expressing a functional TCR exhibit the capacity to degranulate in an antigen-specific manner in response to engagement of the cognate peptide/MHC ligand on target cells. In addition, upon engagement of their TCR, NK cells are fully capable of producing proinflammatory cytokines IFNγ and TNF-α, a signature mark of NK cell activation and immune cell recruitment. Finally, NK-TCR cells exhibit MHC-I-restricted antigen detection and antigen-specific lysis of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Antigen-specific targeting of NK cells via TCR gene delivery stands out as a unique discovery providing a novel tool in the field of adoptive immunotherapy that can also overcome the major hurdle of “mispairing” in TCR gene therapy. Clinical trials using NK cells, including genetically modified NK cells expressing activating receptors or CARs, have clearly demonstrated a significant benefit in patients with various malignancies. The overall safety profile and promising clinical benefits of NK cells combined with the exclusive antigen specificity of the TCR, all together provide a novel approach in the design of efficient antigen-specific adoptive immunotherapy.
Citation Format: Ayhan Parlar, Ece C. Sayitoglu, Cevriye Pamukcu, Anna-Maria Georgoudaki, Didem Ozkazanc, Mertkaya Aras, Benjamin Josey, Michael Chrobok, Suzanne Branecki, Pegah Zahedimaram, Lolai Ikromzoda, Evren Alici, Batu Erman, Tolga Sutlu, Adil D. Duru. Engineering antigen-specific natural killer cells against the melanoma-associated antigen tyrosinase via TCR gene transfer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Tumor Immunology and Immunotherapy; 2018 Nov 27-30; Miami Beach, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Immunol Res 2020;8(4 Suppl):Abstract nr A21.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Adil D. Duru
- 2Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL,
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7
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Sayitoglu EC, Georgoudaki AM, Chrobok M, Ozkazanc D, Josey BJ, Arif M, Kusser K, Hartman M, Chinn TM, Potens R, Pamukcu C, Krueger R, Zhang C, Mardinoglu A, Alici E, Temple HT, Sutlu T, Duru AD. Boosting Natural Killer Cell-Mediated Targeting of Sarcoma Through DNAM-1 and NKG2D. Front Immunol 2020; 11:40. [PMID: 32082316 PMCID: PMC7001093 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [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: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are malignancies of mesenchymal origin that occur in bone and soft tissues. Many are chemo- and radiotherapy resistant, thus conventional treatments fail to increase overall survival. Natural Killer (NK) cells exert anti-tumor activity upon detection of a complex array of tumor ligands, but this has not been thoroughly explored in the context of sarcoma immunotherapy. In this study, we investigated the NK cell receptor/ligand immune profile of primary human sarcoma explants. Analysis of tumors from 32 sarcoma patients identified the proliferative marker PCNA and DNAM-1 ligands CD112 and/or CD155 as commonly expressed antigens that could be efficiently targeted by genetically modified (GM) NK cells. Despite the strong expression of CD112 and CD155 on sarcoma cells, characterization of freshly dissociated sarcomas revealed a general decrease in tumor-infiltrating NK cells compared to the periphery, suggesting a defect in the endogenous NK cell response. We also applied a functional screening approach to identify relevant NK cell receptor/ligand interactions that induce efficient anti-tumor responses using a panel NK-92 cell lines GM to over-express 12 different activating receptors. Using GM NK-92 cells against primary sarcoma explants (n = 12) revealed that DNAM-1 over-expression on NK-92 cells led to efficient degranulation against all tested explants (n = 12). Additionally, NKG2D over-expression showed enhanced responses against 10 out of 12 explants. These results show that DNAM-1+ or NKG2D+ GM NK-92 cells may be an efficient approach in targeting sarcomas. The degranulation capacity of GM NK-92 cell lines was also tested against various established tumor cell lines, including neuroblastoma, Schwannoma, melanoma, myeloma, leukemia, prostate, pancreatic, colon, and lung cancer. Enhanced degranulation of DNAM-1+ or NKG2D+ GM NK-92 cells was observed against the majority of tumor cell lines tested. In conclusion, DNAM-1 or NKG2D over-expression elicited a dynamic increase in NK cell degranulation against all sarcoma explants and cancer cell lines tested, including those that failed to induce a notable response in WT NK-92 cells. These results support the broad therapeutic potential of DNAM-1+ or NKG2D+ GM NK-92 cells and GM human NK cells for the treatment of sarcomas and other malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Canan Sayitoglu
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Anna-Maria Georgoudaki
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Chrobok
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Didem Ozkazanc
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Benjamin J Josey
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Muhammad Arif
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kim Kusser
- Translational Research and Economic Development, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Michelle Hartman
- Translational Research and Economic Development, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Tamara M Chinn
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Renee Potens
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Cevriye Pamukcu
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Robin Krueger
- Translational Research and Economic Development, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Cheng Zhang
- Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adil Mardinoglu
- Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden.,Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Host-Microbiome Interactions, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Harry Thomas Temple
- Department of Surgery, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States
| | - Tolga Sutlu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bogaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Adil Doganay Duru
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, United States.,Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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8
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Yoyen-Ermis D, Tunali G, Tavukcuoglu E, Horzum U, Ozkazanc D, Sutlu T, Buyukasik Y, Esendagli G. Myeloid maturation potentiates STAT3-mediated atypical IFN-γ signaling and upregulation of PD-1 ligands in AML and MDS. Sci Rep 2019; 9:11697. [PMID: 31406210 PMCID: PMC6691003 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-48256-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 01/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Interferon (IFN)-γ is the major mediator of anti-tumor immune responses; nevertheless, cancer cells use intrigue strategies to alter IFN-γ signaling and avoid elimination. Understanding the immune regulatory mechanisms employed by acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) cells upon exposure to IFN-γ is critical for development of immunotherapy and checkpoint blockade therapy approaches. This study aims to explore the influence of myeloid maturation on IFN-γ-induced PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression and on pro-leukemogenic transcription factor STAT3 signaling in AML and MDS. Stimulation of myeloid blasts’ maturation by all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) or 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (vitamin D) increased the CD11b+ fraction that expressed PD-1 ligands in response to IFN-γ. Intriguingly, STAT3 pathway was potently induced by IFN-γ and strengthened upon prolonged exposure. Nonetheless, STAT3-mediated atypical IFN-γ signaling appeared as a negligible factor for PD-L1 and PD-L2 expression. These negative influences of IFN-γ could be alleviated by a small-molecule inhibitor of STAT3, stattic, which also inhibited the upregulation of PD-L1. In conclusion, induction of myeloid maturation enhances the responsiveness of AML and MDS cells to IFN-γ. However, these malignant myeloid cells can exploit both STAT3 pathway and PD-1 ligands to survive IFN-γ-mediated immunity and maintain secondary immune resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Digdem Yoyen-Ermis
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey.,Lokman Hekim University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Biology, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gurcan Tunali
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ece Tavukcuoglu
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Utku Horzum
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Didem Ozkazanc
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Tolga Sutlu
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Yahya Buyukasik
- Department of Hematology, Faculty of Medicine, Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gunes Esendagli
- Department of Basic Oncology, Hacettepe University Cancer Institute, Ankara, Turkey.
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9
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Parlar A, Sayitoglu EC, Ozkazanc D, Georgoudaki AM, Pamukcu C, Aras M, Josey BJ, Chrobok M, Branecki S, Zahedimaram P, Ikromzoda L, Alici E, Erman B, Duru AD, Sutlu T. Engineering antigen-specific NK cell lines against the melanoma-associated antigen tyrosinase via TCR gene transfer. Eur J Immunol 2019; 49:1278-1290. [PMID: 31054264 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201948140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [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: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Introduction of Chimeric Antigen Receptors to NK cells has so far been the main practical method for targeting NK cells to specific surface antigens. In contrast, T cell receptor (TCR) gene delivery can supply large populations of cytotoxic T-lymphocytes (CTL) targeted against intracellular antigens. However, a major barrier in the development of safe CTL-TCR therapies exists, wherein the mispairing of endogenous and genetically transferred TCR subunits leads to formation of TCRs with off-target specificity. To overcome this and enable specific intracellular antigen targeting, we have tested the use of NK cells for TCR gene transfer to human cells. Our results show that ectopic expression of TCR α/β chains, along with CD3 subunits, enables the functional expression of an antigen-specific TCR complex on NK cell lines NK-92 and YTS, demonstrated by using a TCR against the HLA-A2-restricted tyrosinase-derived melanoma epitope, Tyr368-377 . Most importantly, the introduction of a TCR complex to NK cell lines enables MHC-restricted, antigen-specific killing of tumor cells both in vitro and in vivo. Targeting of NK cells via TCR gene delivery stands out as a novel tool in the field of adoptive immunotherapy which can also overcome the major hurdle of "mispairing" in TCR gene therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayhan Parlar
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ece Canan Sayitoglu
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.,Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Didem Ozkazanc
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Anna-Maria Georgoudaki
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.,Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cevriye Pamukcu
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mertkaya Aras
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Benjamin J Josey
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.,Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Michael Chrobok
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Suzanne Branecki
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.,Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA
| | - Pegah Zahedimaram
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Lolai Ikromzoda
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey.,Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Evren Alici
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.,Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.,Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Batu Erman
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Adil D Duru
- NSU Cell Therapy Institute, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.,Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA.,Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tolga Sutlu
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
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10
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Sayitoglu EC, Ozkazanc D, Sarac A, Parlar A, Alici E, Erman B, Duru AD, Sutlu T. Identification and strategic targeting of key anti-viral defense mechanisms in Natural Killer cells. The Journal of Immunology 2018. [DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.200.supp.169.19] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
While genetic modification of lymphocytes proves to be an efficient approach in immunotherapy, commonly used lentiviral vectors are haunted by the activity of intrinsic restriction factors in immune cells. Natural Killer (NK) cells are members of the innate immune system that possess strikingly high resistance to viral infections, presenting a challenge to virus-based gene delivery methods. In this study, high-throughput analytical approaches were used for comprehensive characterization of NK cell anti-viral defense mechanisms resulting in the observed resistance of NK cells to lentiviral infections. Using Genome-scale CRISPR Knock-Out (GeCKO) Libraries and RNA sequencing, we show that the RLR and TLR pathways are major players influencing the dynamics of lentiviral gene delivery in NK-92 cells. More specifically, even though viral vectors can efficiently enter the cells, activation of anti-viral signaling pathways lead to intracellular elimination of the virus. Additionally, viral vector exposure increases MAPK activity in NK cells, specifically p38 and JNK phosphorylation, similar to the observations in HIV infections. To further confirm the involvement of RLR and TLR pathways, we performed targeted knock-out of 20 candidate genes, using CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Most importantly, our results demonstrate that dsRNA-induced signaling through RIG-I and TRIM25 in NK-92 cells is the key pathway restricting lentiviral gene delivery and small molecule inhibitors can help modulate key pathways. Our findings provide important insights for developing genetically modified NK cell-based immunotherapy approaches and also potentiate new targets to combat viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Evren Alici
- 1Nova Southeastern University
- 3Karolinska Institute, Sweden
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11
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Kahraman T, Gucluler G, Simsek I, Yagci FC, Yildirim M, Ozen C, Dinc A, Gursel M, Ikromzoda L, Sutlu T, Gay S, Gursel I. Circulating LL37 targets plasma extracellular vesicles to immune cells and intensifies Behçet's disease severity. J Extracell Vesicles 2017; 6:1284449. [PMID: 28326169 PMCID: PMC5345581 DOI: 10.1080/20013078.2017.1284449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [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: 03/04/2016] [Revised: 11/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/03/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Behçet's disease (BD) activity is characterised by sustained, over-exuberant immune activation, yet the underlying mechanisms leading to active BD state are poorly defined. Herein, we show that the human cathelicidin derived antimicrobial peptide LL37 associates with and directs plasma extracellular vesicles (EV) to immune cells, thereby leading to enhanced immune activation aggravating BD pathology. Notably, disease activity was correlated with elevated levels of circulating LL37 and EV plasma concentration. Stimulation of healthy PBMC with active BD patient EVs induced heightened IL1β, IFNα, IL6 and IP10 secretion compared to healthy and inactive BD EVs. Remarkably, when mixed with LL37, healthy plasma-EVs triggered a robust immune activation replicating the pathology inducing properties of BD EVs. The findings of this study could be of clinical interest in the management of BD, implicating LL37/EV association as one of the major contributors of BD pathogenesis. Abbreviations: BD: Behçet's disease; EV: extracellular vesicle; BB: binding buffer; AnV: annexin V; autologEV: autologous extracellular vesicles; alloEV: allogeneic extracellular vesicles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamer Kahraman
- Science Faculty, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Gozde Gucluler
- Science Faculty, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Ismail Simsek
- Division of Rheumatology, Gulhane School of Medicine , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Fuat Cem Yagci
- Science Faculty, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Muzaffer Yildirim
- Science Faculty, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Can Ozen
- Department of Biotechnology, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Ayhan Dinc
- Division of Rheumatology, Gulhane School of Medicine , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Mayda Gursel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Lolai Ikromzoda
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Tolga Sutlu
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University , Istanbul , Turkey
| | - Stephen Gay
- Department of Rheumatology, University Hospital Zurich , Zurich , Switzerland
| | - Ihsan Gursel
- Science Faculty, Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University , Ankara , Turkey
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12
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Duru AD, Sutlu T, Wallblom A, Uttervall K, Lund J, Stellan B, Gahrton G, Nahi H, Alici E. Deletion of Chromosomal Region 8p21 Confers Resistance to Bortezomib and Is Associated with Upregulated Decoy TRAIL Receptor Expression in Patients with Multiple Myeloma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138248. [PMID: 26378933 PMCID: PMC4574561 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Loss of the chromosomal region 8p21 negatively effects survival in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) that undergo autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT). In this study, we aimed to identify the immunological and molecular consequences of del(8)(p21) with regards to treatment response and bortezomib resistance. In patients receiving bortezomib as a single first line agent without any high-dose therapy, we have observed that patients with del(8)(p21) responded poorly to bortezomib with 50% showing no response while patients without the deletion had a response rate of 90%. In vitro analysis revealed a higher resistance to bortezomib possibly due to an altered gene expression profile caused by del(8)(p21) including genes such as TRAIL-R4, CCDC25, RHOBTB2, PTK2B, SCARA3, MYC, BCL2 and TP53. Furthermore, while bortezomib sensitized MM cells without del(8)(p21) to TRAIL/APO2L mediated apoptosis, in cells with del(8)(p21) bortezomib failed to upregulate the pro-apoptotic death receptors TRAIL-R1 and TRAIL-R2 which are located on the 8p21 region. Also expressing higher levels of the decoy death receptor TRAIL-R4, these cells were largely resistant to TRAIL/APO2L mediated apoptosis. Corroborating the clinical outcome of the patients, our data provides a potential explanation regarding the poor response of MM patients with del(8)(p21) to bortezomib treatment. Furthermore, our clinical analysis suggests that including immunomodulatory agents such as Lenalidomide in the treatment regimen may help to overcome this negative effect, providing an alternative consideration in treatment planning of MM patients with del(8)(p21).
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Doganay Duru
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Diseases of Aging, Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, United States of America
| | - Tolga Sutlu
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center, Sabanci University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Ann Wallblom
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katarina Uttervall
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Haematology Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Lund
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Haematology Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Birgitta Stellan
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gösta Gahrton
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Haematology Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hareth Nahi
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Haematology Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Diseases of Aging, Vaccine and Gene Therapy Institute of Florida, Port St. Lucie, Florida, United States of America
- Haematology Centre, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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13
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Bestas B, Moreno PMD, Blomberg KEM, Mohammad DK, Saleh AF, Sutlu T, Nordin JZ, Guterstam P, Gustafsson MO, Kharazi S, Piątosa B, Roberts TC, Behlke MA, Wood MJA, Gait MJ, Lundin KE, El Andaloussi S, Månsson R, Berglöf A, Wengel J, Smith CIE. Splice-correcting oligonucleotides restore BTK function in X-linked agammaglobulinemia model. J Clin Invest 2014; 124:4067-81. [PMID: 25105368 DOI: 10.1172/jci76175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA) is an inherited immunodeficiency that results from mutations within the gene encoding Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK). Many XLA-associated mutations affect splicing of BTK pre-mRNA and severely impair B cell development. Here, we assessed the potential of antisense, splice-correcting oligonucleotides (SCOs) targeting mutated BTK transcripts for treating XLA. Both the SCO structural design and chemical properties were optimized using 2'-O-methyl, locked nucleic acid, or phosphorodiamidate morpholino backbones. In order to have access to an animal model of XLA, we engineered a transgenic mouse that harbors a BAC with an authentic, mutated, splice-defective human BTK gene. BTK transgenic mice were bred onto a Btk knockout background to avoid interference of the orthologous mouse protein. Using this model, we determined that BTK-specific SCOs are able to correct aberrantly spliced BTK in B lymphocytes, including pro-B cells. Correction of BTK mRNA restored expression of functional protein, as shown both by enhanced lymphocyte survival and reestablished BTK activation upon B cell receptor stimulation. Furthermore, SCO treatment corrected splicing and restored BTK expression in primary cells from patients with XLA. Together, our data demonstrate that SCOs can restore BTK function and that BTK-targeting SCOs have potential as personalized medicine in patients with XLA.
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14
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Sutlu T, Alici E, Gahrton G, Nahi H. In search of the molecular consequences of 8p21 deletion in multiple myeloma: commentary on Gmidéne et al. Med Oncol 2013; 30:569. [PMID: 23568164 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-013-0569-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2013] [Accepted: 03/30/2013] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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15
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Sutlu T, Nyström S, Gilljam M, Stellan B, Applequist SE, Alici E. Inhibition of intracellular antiviral defense mechanisms augments lentiviral transduction of human natural killer cells: implications for gene therapy. Hum Gene Ther 2012; 23:1090-100. [PMID: 22779406 DOI: 10.1089/hum.2012.080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Adoptive immunotherapy with genetically modified natural killer (NK) cells is a promising approach for cancer treatment. Yet, optimization of highly efficient and clinically applicable gene transfer protocols for NK cells still presents a challenge. In this study, we aimed at identifying conditions under which optimum lentiviral gene transfer to NK cells can be achieved. Our results demonstrate that stimulation of NK cells with interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-21 supports efficient transduction using a VSV-G pseudotyped lentiviral vector. Moreover, we have identified that inhibition of innate immune receptor signaling greatly enhances transduction efficiency. We were able to boost the efficiency of lentiviral genetic modification on average 3.8-fold using BX795, an inhibitor of the TBK1/IKKɛ complex acting downstream of RIG-I, MDA-5, and TLR3. We have also observed that the use of BX795 enhances lentiviral transduction efficiency in a number of human and mouse cell lines, indicating a broadly applicable, practical, and safe approach that has the potential of being applicable to various gene therapy protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Sutlu
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
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16
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Jungebluth P, Alici E, Baiguera S, Blomberg P, Bozóky B, Crowley C, Einarsson O, Gudbjartsson T, Le Guyader S, Henriksson G, Hermanson O, Juto JE, Leidner B, Lilja T, Liska J, Luedde T, Lundin V, Moll G, Roderburg C, Strömblad S, Sutlu T, Watz E, Seifalian A, Macchiarini P. Tracheobronchial transplantation with a stem-cell-seeded bioartificial nanocomposite: a proof-of-concept study. Lancet 2011; 378:1997-2004. [PMID: 22119609 DOI: 10.1016/s0140-6736(11)61715-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 289] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tracheal tumours can be surgically resected but most are an inoperable size at the time of diagnosis; therefore, new therapeutic options are needed. We report the clinical transplantation of the tracheobronchial airway with a stem-cell-seeded bioartificial nanocomposite. METHODS A 36-year-old male patient, previously treated with debulking surgery and radiation therapy, presented with recurrent primary cancer of the distal trachea and main bronchi. After complete tumour resection, the airway was replaced with a tailored bioartificial nanocomposite previously seeded with autologous bone-marrow mononuclear cells via a bioreactor for 36 h. Postoperative granulocyte colony-stimulating factor filgrastim (10 μg/kg) and epoetin beta (40,000 UI) were given over 14 days. We undertook flow cytometry, scanning electron microscopy, confocal microscopy epigenetics, multiplex, miRNA, and gene expression analyses. FINDINGS We noted an extracellular matrix-like coating and proliferating cells including a CD105+ subpopulation in the scaffold after the reseeding and bioreactor process. There were no major complications, and the patient was asymptomatic and tumour free 5 months after transplantation. The bioartificial nanocomposite has patent anastomoses, lined with a vascularised neomucosa, and was partly covered by nearly healthy epithelium. Postoperatively, we detected a mobilisation of peripheral cells displaying increased mesenchymal stromal cell phenotype, and upregulation of epoetin receptors, antiapoptotic genes, and miR-34 and miR-449 biomarkers. These findings, together with increased levels of regenerative-associated plasma factors, strongly suggest stem-cell homing and cell-mediated wound repair, extracellular matrix remodelling, and neovascularisation of the graft. INTERPRETATION Tailor-made bioartificial scaffolds can be used to replace complex airway defects. The bioreactor reseeding process and pharmacological-induced site-specific and graft-specific regeneration and tissue protection are key factors for successful clinical outcome. FUNDING European Commission, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, Swedish Research Council, StratRegen, Vinnova Foundation, Radiumhemmet, Clinigene EU Network of Excellence, Swedish Cancer Society, Centre for Biosciences (The Live Cell imaging Unit), and UCL Business.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Jungebluth
- Advanced Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ear, Nose and Throat, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Evren Alici
- Cell and Gene Therapy Centre, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Silvia Baiguera
- Advanced Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pontus Blomberg
- Vecura, Clinical Research Center, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Béla Bozóky
- Division of Pathology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Claire Crowley
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Oskar Einarsson
- Department of Pulmonology, Landspitali University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Tomas Gudbjartsson
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Landspitali University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Sylvie Le Guyader
- Center for Biosciences, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gert Henriksson
- Division of Ear, Nose and Throat, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ola Hermanson
- Linnaeus Center in Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Erik Juto
- Division of Ear, Nose and Throat, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bertil Leidner
- Department for Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Radiology (Huddinge), Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tobias Lilja
- Linnaeus Center in Developmental Biology for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jan Liska
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery and Anesthesiology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tom Luedde
- Department of Medicine 3, University Hospital RWTH Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Vanessa Lundin
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Guido Moll
- Departments of Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Staffan Strömblad
- Center for Biosciences, Department of Biosciences and Nutrition, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tolga Sutlu
- Cell and Gene Therapy Centre, Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Emma Watz
- Departments of Medicine and Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Clinical Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Seifalian
- Centre for Nanotechnology and Regenerative Medicine, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paolo Macchiarini
- Advanced Center for Translational Regenerative Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; European Airway Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Division of Ear, Nose and Throat, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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18
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Barkholt L, Alici E, Conrad R, Sutlu T, Gilljam M, Stellan B, Christensson B, Guven H, Björkström NK, Söderdahl G, Cederlund K, Kimby E, Aschan J, Ringdén O, Ljunggren HG, Dilber MS. Safety analysis of ex vivo-expanded NK and NK-like T cells administered to cancer patients: a phase I clinical study. Immunotherapy 2011; 1:753-64. [PMID: 20636021 DOI: 10.2217/imt.09.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The chimeric state after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation provides a platform for adoptive immunotherapy using donor-derived immune cells. The major risk with donor lymphocyte infusions (DLIs) is the development of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Development of new DLI products with antitumor reactivity and reduced GvHD risk represents a challenging task in cancer immunotherapy. Although natural killer (NK) and NK-like T cells are promising owing to their antitumor activity, their low concentrations in peripheral blood mononuclear cells reduces their utility in DLIs. We have recently developed a system that allows expansion of clinical-grade NK and NK-like T cells in large numbers. In this study, the safety of donor-derived long-term ex vivo-expanded human NK and NK-like T cells given as DLIs was investigated as immunotherapy for cancer in five patients following allogeneic stem cell infusion. Infusion of the cells was safe whether administered alone or with IL-2 subcutaneously. No signs of acute GvHD were observed. One patient with hepatocellular carcinoma showed markedly decreased serum alpha-fetoprotein levels following cell infusions. These findings suggest that the use of ex vivo-expanded NK and NK-like T cells is safe and appears an attractive approach for further clinical evaluation in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisbeth Barkholt
- Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge F79, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Abstract
Chromosomal aberrations are frequently found in multiple myeloma cells and play a major role in patient outcome and management of the disease. The most important chromosomal aberrations associated with poor outcome are del(17p), t(4;14), t(14;16) and t(14;20). Others that may be associated with adverse prognosis include amp(1)(q21), del(1p32), del(13), del(8p21) and hypodiploidy. Many chromosomal aberrations have no or uncertain impact; for example, t(11;14), t(8;14) and hyperdiploidy. Attempts have been made to overcome the negative prognostic impact of chromosomal aberrations using autologous or allogeneic transplantation or new immunomodulatory drugs such as thalidomide, lenalidomide and the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib, but the results are controversial. Data suggest that allogeneic transplantation and treatment with bortezomib or lenalidomide may help to overcome the negative effect of del(13) on prognosis, whereas bortezomib may have some influence on reducing the impact of del(17p), t(4;14) and t(14;16). Chromosome analysis should always be performed at diagnosis of multiple myeloma to improve the prediction of outcome and to aid treatment decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Nahi
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge Hematology Centre, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
In allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, donor-derived T cells are key players for early immune reconstitution and efficient engraftment, as well as the graft-versus-leukemia and graft-versus-infection effects. However, a severe and quite common life-threatening complication is the development of graft-versus-host disease, during which the alloreactive donor T cells attack the host. Controlling graft-versus-host disease while preserving the benefits of graft-versus-leukemia still constitutes a challenge. A promising approach for the control of graft-versus-host disease is suicide gene therapy, which involves the ex vivo genetic modification of donor T cells with a suicide gene that allows for the selective elimination of the cells in vivo if graft-versus-host disease occurs. This article presents an overview of such approaches with special reference to lessons learned from previous clinical experiences, as well as a discussion of critical factors in suicide gene therapy.
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Sutlu T, Stellan B, Gilljam M, Quezada HC, Nahi H, Gahrton G, Alici E. Clinical-grade, large-scale, feeder-free expansion of highly active human natural killer cells for adoptive immunotherapy using an automated bioreactor. Cytotherapy 2010; 12:1044-55. [PMID: 20795758 DOI: 10.3109/14653249.2010.504770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AIMS Natural killer (NK) cell-based adoptive immunotherapy is a promising approach for the treatment of cancer. Ex vivo expansion and activation of NK cells under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions are crucial for facilitating large clinical trials. The goal of this study was to optimize a large-scale, feeder-free, closed system for efficient NK cell expansion. METHODS Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy donors and myeloma patients were cultured for 21 days using flasks, cell culture bags and bioreactors. Final products from different expansions were evaluated comparatively for phenotype and functionality. RESULTS Significant NK cell expansions were obtained in all systems. The bioreactor yielded a final product rich in NK cells (mean 38%) ensuring that a clinically relevant cell dose was reached (mean 9.8 x 10⁹ NK cells). Moreover, we observed that NK cells expanded in the bioreactor displayed significantly higher cytotoxic capacity. It was possible to attribute this partially to a higher expression level of NKp44 compared with NK cells expanded in flasks. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that large amounts of highly active NK cells for adoptive immunotherapy can be produced in a closed, automated, large-scale bioreactor under feeder-free current GMP conditions, facilitating clinical trials for the use of these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tolga Sutlu
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Gahrton C, Nahi H, Jansson M, Wallblom A, Alici E, Sutlu T, Samuelsson J, Gahrton G. Constitutional inv(3) in myelodysplastic syndromes. Leuk Res 2010; 34:1627-9. [PMID: 20542563 DOI: 10.1016/j.leukres.2010.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2010] [Revised: 05/09/2010] [Accepted: 05/17/2010] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The constitutional pericentric inversion on chromosome 3, inv(3), is rarely found in a normal population. The aim of our study was to investigate its possible link to hematologic malignancy. Chromosomes from bone marrow cells in 890 patients with hematologic disorders were analyzed with the Q-banding technique. Thirty-four patients had inv(3) (3.8%). In 241 patients with myelodysplastic syndromes the frequency was 6.2% as opposed to 2.9% in the remaining 649 patients (p=0.02). The increased frequency of inv(3) in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes indicates that inv(3) could be a risk factor for the development of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Gahrton
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Paul E, Sutlu T, Deneberg S, Alici E, Björkstrand B, Jansson M, Lerner R, Wallblom A, Gahrton G, Nahi H. Impact of chromosome 13 deletion and plasma cell load on long-term survival of patients with multiple myeloma undergoing autologous transplantation. Oncol Rep 2009; 22:137-42. [PMID: 19513515 DOI: 10.3892/or_00000416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
High-dose therapy (HDT) followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is the most common treatment for patients under 65 years of age with multiple myeloma (MM). In this study, we present a retrospective analysis of the prognostic impact of different factors in patients who have received this treatment as first line therapy in our centre. Abnormalities in chromosome 13 were identified by fluorescence in situ hybridization at the time of diagnosis. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) from transplantation time in the whole group of 193 patients were 90 and 48 months respectively. The median follow-up was 65 months (range: 6-186 months). The complete remission (CR) rate in patients with and without del(13) was 31 and 40% respectively whereas the median OS in patients with del(13) was 58 months but not reached in patients without del(13) (p=0.006). The PFS was 26 months in patients with del(13) and 84 months in those without del(13) (p=0.001). The transplantation related mortality was 2.5% both in the absence and presence of del(13). Patients who achieved CR following ASCT had longer OS and PFS when compared to those who only achieved partial remission. Thus, this study confirms the role of del(13) as a marker of poor prognosis. Multivariate analysis showed that the existence of del(13) was the only single independent factor effecting survival (p=0.001). In patients without del(13), the prognostic impact was even stronger when combined with the plasma cell load in the bone marrow (p=0.020), whereas the plasma cell load had no effect on survival of patients with del(13). Overall, the absence of del(13) in combination with low plasma cell infiltration at diagnosis predicts the best survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esbjörn Paul
- Hematology Center, Karolinska University Hospital and Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital/Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
As our understanding of the molecular mechanisms governing natural killer (NK) cell activity increases, their potential in cancer immunotherapy is growing increasingly prominent. This review analyses the currently available preclinical and clinical data regarding NK cell-based immunotherapeutic approaches in cancer starting from a historical background and an overview of molecular mechanisms taking part in NK cell responses. The status of NK cells in cancer patients, currently investigated clinical applications such as in vivo modulation of NK cell activity, ex vivo purification/expansion and adoptive transfer as well as future possibilities such as genetic modifications are discussed in detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Sutlu
- Division of Haematology, Department of Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Abstract
Modulation of intracellular signaling pathways or receptor expression in natural killer (NK) cells by genetic manipulation is an attractive possibility in studies of NK cell specificity and function. Moreover, feasible applications of these genetic manipulations in the context of gene and NK cell therapy regimens may be considered. However, efficient gene modification of primary NK cells has been largely hampered by the absence of an efficient gene-transfer protocol.A retrovirus-based easy-to-use transduction protocol that can insert the gene of interest permanently into primary NK cells would be an important tool to advance our studies in NK cell biology and NK cell-mediated therapies. We have recently described a protocol for efficient expansion of NK cells under good manufacturing practice (GMP) conditions from the healthy donors and from patients with hematological malignancies. As the active division of cells is a prerequisite for efficient retroviral insertion, the high rate of expansion in this protocol provides more efficient transduction by retroviral vectors. We hereby present this simple and efficient retroviral vector-based gene-transfer protocol for such ex vivo cultured primary human NK cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evren Alici
- Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
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Sutlu T, Alici E, Jansson M, Wallblom A, Dilber MS, Gahrton G, Nahi H. The prognostic significance of 8p21 deletion in multiple myeloma. Br J Haematol 2009; 144:266-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07454.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
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Alici E, Konstantinidis KV, Sutlu T, Aints A, Gahrton G, Ljunggren HG, Dilber MS. Anti-myeloma activity of endogenous and adoptively transferred activated natural killer cells in experimental multiple myeloma model. Exp Hematol 2007; 35:1839-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2007.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2007] [Revised: 07/31/2007] [Accepted: 08/02/2007] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Bilecen K, Ozturk UH, Duru AD, Sutlu T, Petoukhov MV, Svergun DI, Koch MHJ, Sezerman UO, Cakmak I, Sayers Z. Triticum durum Metallothionein. J Biol Chem 2005; 280:13701-11. [PMID: 15632113 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m412984200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel gene sequence, with two exons and one intron, encoding a metallothionein (MT) has been identified in durum wheat Triticum durum cv. Balcali85 genomic DNA. Multiple alignment analyses on the cDNA and the translated protein sequences showed that T. durum MT (dMT) can be classified as a type 1 MT. dMT has three Cys-X-Cys motifs in each of the N- and C-terminal domains and a 42-residue-long hinge region devoid of cysteines. dMT was overexpressed in Escherichia coli as a fusion protein (GSTdMT), and bacteria expressing the fusion protein showed increased tolerance to cadmium in the growth medium compared with controls. Purified GSTdMT was characterized by SDS- and native-PAGE, size exclusion chromatography, and matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. It was shown that the recombinant protein binds 4 +/- 1 mol of cadmium/mol of protein and has a high tendency to form stable oligomeric structures. The structure of GSTdMT and dMT was investigated by synchrotron x-ray solution scattering and computational methods. X-ray scattering measurements indicated a strong tendency for GSTdMT to form dimers and trimers in solution and yielded structural models that were compatible with a stable dimeric form in which dMT had an extended conformation. Results of homology modeling and ab initio solution scattering approaches produced an elongated dMT structure with a long central hinge region. The predicted model and those obtained from x-ray scattering are in agreement and suggest that dMT may be involved in functions other than metal detoxification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kivanc Bilecen
- Sabanci University, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, 34956, Orhanli, Tuzla, Istanbul, Turkey
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